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Nintendo 3DS more powerful than a Wii, won't use Tegra?
Nintendo's next portable will be as potent as a current-gen home console, if you believe the latest rumors out of IGN and Eurogamer, but it won't have a Tegra chip under the hood. Multiple independent sources now say that NVIDIA's SoC is out of the autostereoscopic picture as the 3D handheld nears completion, and further confirm that the project codename is "CTR" -- which reminds us of a certain Nintendo motherboard. How the handheld has evolved since then is anyone's guess -- we're betting praying it's a good bit smaller -- but we'll find out next week at E3 for sure.
Reports: 3DS more powerful than Wii, doesn't use Nvidia chips
Reports from anonymous sources are starting to paint a rather surprising picture of the mysterious Nintendo 3DS. Both IGN and Eurogamer report that developers have said off-the-record that the handheld won't use the Nvidia Tegra chip, as it was rumored to do. Eurogamer's sources claim that the 3DS hardware is internally known as "CTR," suggesting that the motherboard image submitted to the FCC in May, which noted the "CTR" codename, was indeed related to the 3DS. According to IGN, "Several developers that have experienced 3DS in its current form have reported, off the record, that it has processing capabilities that far exceed the Nintendo Wii and bring the device with abilities that are close to HD consoles such as PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360." We'll find out for ourselves when Nintendo unveils the thing at E3, but this sounds rather uncharacteristic. Nintendo's handhelds have always been designed to use not-quite-cutting-edge technology, to keep costs down and battery life long. We suppose a certain level of processing power is required to generate 3D imagery, especially on two screens, but if these reports are true, the 3DS would represent a totally new strategy for Nintendo. Source: Eurogamer Source: IGN
Suda 51 has 'many ideas' for 3DS
No More Heroes and Killer 7 creator Suda 51 is thinking about what he'd like to do with Nintendo's 3DS -- and, naturally, the designer's first idea manages to be both movie-inspired and kind of insane. Speaking to Official Nintendo Magazine, Suda offered one of his "many ideas" for the 3D handheld: "I hope for the realization of a training remote like Luke Skywalker used for force training in Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope." "I would love to try to develop a game for 3DS if I have a chance," Suda added. Perhaps he'll get his chance after completing the mysterious project he's making for EA with Shinji Mikami. By then, he'll probably have changed his mind about making a DS game about being shot with lasers while blindfolded.
Nintendo trademarks 3DS, 3DSPlay, and 3DSWare in Japan: begin speculating as soon as you're comfortable
It's been a couple months since Nintendo rush-released a statement on its up and coming 3D handheld, and the company's been predictably mum on most of the details. To be honest, we're not even sure what the official name for the thing will be -- although Nintendo 3DS has been the working title (and the one that makes the most sense, if you ask us). Now the kids at Siliconera are reporting a flurry of activity in Japan's trademark database, with Nintendo registering such names as: Nintendo 3DS, N3DS, 3DSPlay (a 3D WiiPlay variant?) and 3DSWare (similar to DSiWare, perhaps). All in all, it seems safe to assume that the device we see at E3 will be dubbed the 3DS, but who knows? This certainly wouldn't be the first time that a trademark has thrown us for a loop.
Nintendo registers several '3DS' trademarks in Japan
Though Iwata recently alluded to the fact that a "formal" moniker for the Nintendo 3DS hardware would soon be announced, a set of trademarks recently filed in Japan seem to hint that the device won't actually undergo a name change. Siliconera reports that Nintendo recently registered Japanese trademarks for "Nintendo 3DS," "N3DS," "3DSPlay" and "3DSWare." There's a lot of room for conjecture in those listings -- for instance, is Nintendo planning on implementing a separate online store specifically for the stereoscopic handheld? More importantly, do they really think they can make the shorthand version of the device's name "N3DS" and not expect us to exclusively refer to it as a "Ned's?" Because, heads up guys, that's exactly what we're going to call it. "It might be a long car ride, Billy," we'll say. "You'd better bring your Ned's."
Rumor: Image of 3DS motherboard submitted to FCC leaked
A recent Federal Communications Commission filing made by Nintendo has been the source of no small amount of speculation over the past few days. The seemingly innocuous entry on the FCC's site was submitted to get the Nintendo DS Wi-Fi card approved for U.S. distribution -- however, the image submitted alongside the filing (which has since been removed) is believed by some to give a few hints about the internal composition of the Nintendo 3DS. Digital Foundry has a great breakdown of the image, which appears to exhibit the motherboard of a DS test kit or development kit. The tech site points out that one of the screens adheres to the 4:3 aspect ratio of current DS models, while one screen appears to be substantially wider. If this is a stripped-down version of the 3DS, this could indicate that only one of its two screens uses 3D display technology. Also worth noting is the "CTR" designation the hardware is given in the FCC listing. As Digital Foundry points out, each model of the DS has had a three-letter codename for internal use: The DSi was called "TWL," the DSi XL was called "UTL," and so on. CTR is a whole new callsign, which may indicate that this is a whole new piece of hardware. We've contacted Nintendo to see if we can get a comment on the filing -- at the very least, we should learn the accuracy of this speculation during Nintendo's E3 press conference on June 15.
Is this a prototype of the Nintendo 3DS?
It looks like Nintendo may have managed to run an early prototype of its upcoming 3D handheld, the 3DS, through the FCC without anyone noticing -- well, for a few weeks, anyway. The filing was made available on April 30 and Wireless Goodness spotted it, posting the image above showing what looks more like an ATX motherboard than a handheld gaming platform. But, what wasn't noticed at the time was the aspect ratio of the top screen (in the middle of the circuitry): it's 16:9, while most every other Nintendo handheld to date has of course been 4:3. That aspect ratio matches the 3.4-inch parallax barrier display from Sharp, the one that just about everyone is expecting will be featured in the device. Connecting the dots, this could be a prototype 3DS in the flesh, dubbed the "CTR." Given that Nintendo called the DSi the "TWL" the XL the "UTL," even the naming scheme fits in. Sadly the FCC images have since been pulled, but we look forward to seeing a rather more petite version of the thing at E3 next month.
Nintendo investor Q&A now available in English
We hit the highlights from Satoru Iwata's investor Q&A yesterday based on a summary of the Japanese version. Nintendo has since posted an official translation of the full Q&A, so now, if you'd like, you can read Iwata's comments on the subjects of the 3DS announcement, piracy, and the future of the Wii -- at length. " As for consumers holding off on purchases now," Iwata said in his 650-word response about the timing of the 3DS announcement, "of course I cannot say that there is no impact whatsoever." Iwata explained that he believes the effect of the 3DS news on DSi XL sales will be less than devastating because people buying 3DS hardware at launch will be early adopters who buy everything immediately, while people buying DS hardware now "tend to react relatively slowly." Probably, then, he expect 3DS sales to continue steadily across many years. Iwata further identified the UK and Japan as the "quickest" markets.
Iwata addresses Wii's future and 3DS at investors briefing
Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata recently spoke to his close circle of super best friends -- hereafter referred to as Nintendo's investors -- about the future of the company's gaming hardware, and how said hardware will translate directly into monies for their wallets. According to Andriasang's translation of the briefing, Iwata shot down the possibility of revealing a successor to Nintendo's home console any time soon, adding, "we believe there's still more we can do with the Wii." Sure there is! You can paint it different colors. On the subject of the Nintendo 3DS, Iwata explained the seemingly random March 23 announcement date was set to give third-party developers a chance to come up with something for the platform in time for E3. He mentioned these developers may incur a bit more development costs on these projects due to the "trial and error" involved in creating 3D games, but wouldn't comment on how these costs might translate over to consumer software prices for the console. He also revealed that "the announcement of the formal name [of the 3DS] will not be too far off," meaning it's time to go place your bets with your friendly neighborhood Video Game Technology Marketing bookie. (As of this writing, even money's on "Nintendo Virtual Boy 2.")
Nintendo 3DS handheld to offer switchable 2D mode, thankfully
It was pretty much implied when "backward compatibility" was listed as a feature of Nintendo's new 3DS handheld back in March. But it's good to hear that 3D gameplay can be easily switched off, direct from Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, when headaches or nausea set in during marathon sessions. This should also ease concerns from parents over any adverse effects that long term exposure to parallax barrier gameplay could have on their children's developing eyes. Besides, a 2D mode is desirable in that we expect it to offer a brighter image (especially when viewing off-center), better text reading experience, and a wider angle of view for sharing the display. Now, we know what you're wondering: what about that new 3.4-inch glasses-less 3D touchscreen display from Sharp, is it 2D switchable? Yup, lending more credibility that we'll see it on the 3DS when the handheld gaming console is fully revealed at E3 next month.
Iwata: 3D functionality of Nintendo 3DS can be turned off
Afraid that the jump-off-the-screen 3D effects promised by Nintendo's next handheld (code-named the 3DS) will become tiresome and overly gimmicky? Addressing concerns that there may be possible health consequences with 3D gaming, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata assured Forbes that the 3D function can be turned off easily, allowing players to enjoy games in a more traditional 2D manner. While little else is known about the device, it seems like a smart move to ensure Nintendo's next system is attractive to as wide of an audience as possible. Of course, we may change our minds after its E3 debut -- perhaps the 3D effect will be so captivating that we'll be unable to think of gaming in any other way. [Via GoNintendo]
Reggie: five million Wiis sold this year; almost a million have 'participated' in Netflix
Nintendo's had quite the start this year, president Reggie Fils-Aime revealed during a recent CNBC interview (that you can watch after the break). Both the Wii and DS are performing exceedingly well in 2010, Fils-Aime reported -- a level of success we're certain Nintendo isn't familiar with. "In the last four months, consumers have bought over five million Wii consoles," Fils-Aime boasted. He was quick to jab competitors Sony and MIcrosoft as well, stating "that amount is equal to the entire amount that our competitors have sold over the previous 12 months." Fils-Aime also offered a neat statistic on Wii Netflix usage. Since launching on the console in March, "almost a million" have participated in the service. He added that "we're getting great consumer compliments." Fils-Aime said that the DS has been selling extremely well and that "we think that through April that we'll have the best four month time period to kick off a new calendar year that we've ever had with the device." We'd comment but, really, doesn't this happen every year? Update: We were contacted by Charlie Scibetta, senior director of corporate communications for Nintendo of America, who offered this clarification on Reggie's reported sales figures: "The sales figures referenced in the CNBC interview were not for the first four months of calendar year 2010, but rather the last four months of current publicly reported NPD data which runs December of 2009 through March of 2010." Well now, we're glad that's all cleared up! [Via Edge]
Nintendo 3DS may launch in October, say 'UK industry sources'
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.
Mega64 shows off the Nintendo 3DS's revolutionary tech
We're not quite sure what we like best about the new video from comedy goldmine Mega64 after the break: the proposed lifelike tech behind the upcoming Nintendo 3DS (we've got our fingers crossed!) or that Korn is currently recording a new song for Haze 2. It's probably the Haze 2 thing. Regardless, it's a great spoof on an upcoming gaming handheld we know virtually nothing about, which kinda makes the handheld the easiest thing to make fun of right now. Besides Haze, of course. [Via Destructoid]
Reggie Fils-Aime: Nintendo 3DS is Nintendo's next 'platform'
It may sound like the obvious statement to make, but for how much Nintendo has enjoyed marginally improving its handheld over the last few years, it's a big deal. According to an interview with Businessweek, Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime has stated that the upcoming 3DS will indeed be Nintendo's next platform -- not simply another revision of its already existing DS tech. "The Nintendo 3DS for us is our next handheld platform," Fils-Aime assures. Even though Nintendo's business is "fundamentally about software, not hardware," the new tech will be "a means to an end" -- the final goal being "a great consumer experience." Reggie wouldn't offer anything else on the proposed new handheld, other than mentioning Nintendo's plans of debuting it at E3. We'll be there. [Via MCV]
Hitachi 3.1-inch 3D IPS display is another Nintendo 3DS contender
Step aside Sharp, Hitachi has a parallax barrier 3D display all its own that likewise doesn't require special glasses to view. While not as bright (400nits vs. 500nits) or big as Sharp's 3.4-incher, Hitachi's contribution brings a 3.1-inch IPS panel to mobile 3D devices pushing the same 480 x 854 pixels and 1,000:1 reported contrast. While the image above won't make much sense outside of Japan, here's the gist: a series of vertical slits in the IPS LCD directs light to the right and left eyes to give the 3D effect -- no special glasses required. Remember, both Hitachi and Sharp have a long, and sometimes dubious, relationship with Nintendo so don't be surprised to see either (or both) announced as partners when Ninty unveils its 3DS handheld console at E3 in June.
Sharp details new 3D screens for mobile devices
Adding more depth to the already eye-popping rumor that the Nintendo 3DS will use Sharp's parallax barrier LCD screen, Sharp today detailed its latest 3D, no-glasses-required screen for mobile devices. Engadget spotted the announcement this morning -- one that advertises the 3D touchscreen as "ideal for mobile devices such as digital cameras, mobile phones, and smartphones" -- rightly pointing out that the screen falls near-perfectly in step with Nintendo's recently revealed 3DS handheld. The announcement also confirms that the screen can switch between 2D and 3D modes, and that the non-touchscreen iteration of it will go into production in "the first half of fiscal 2010 [beginning April 1]." Presumably we could see the touchscreen version going into full production soon afterward, and a new Nintendo handheld on retail shelves by this holiday. We've contacted Nintendo to see if Sharp will be lending its screens to the 3DS, but we wouldn't go holding our breath for an official response any time before E3. [Via Engadget]
Nintendo 3DS to feature 3.4-inch Sharp parallax barrier display?
There aren't many mass production options on the market when it comes to glasses-less 3D displays for Nintendo's forthcoming 3DS handheld gaming console. And according to early leaks from Japan, the special Nintendo 3DS display is supposedly built by Hitachi and Sharp using a parallax barrier system. So guess where this new 3.4-inch, 480 x 854 pixel display is likely headed? While Sharp doesn't say for sure, it's a good bet that this parallax barrier 3D LCD will be fronting the user interface on the 3DS. Unlike the 3D displays you'll find in modern 3D HDTVs requiring the viewer to wear active or passive glasses, Sharp's display uses a parallax barrier system to create a sense of depth by using a series of vertical slits in an ordinary LCD to direct light to the right and left eyes. The panel offers a 500nit brightness, 1,000:1 contrast, and is available with or without a touchscreen. A non-touchscreen version of the display goes into mass production before June but there's no specific mention of the touchscreen timeline (but we imagine it won't be far behind). In other words, we could have a Nintendo 3DS on the market before the holidays. Just saying. Guess we'll find out for sure at E3 in June. Update: Akihabara News went eyes-on with the display and came away impressed with the colors and brightness. "Sharp have succeeded to do what Sony and Panasonic did without the need for 3D Glasses," the publication praised. Well, that sounds hopeful.
Was Nintendo pressured into revealing the 3DS early?
Hey, remember when Nintendo unveiled a 3D Nintendo DS, the 3DS, completely out of the blue? And you know how they announced it just a week before we Americans finally got our hands on the DSi XL -- effectively making it seem obsolete before it even hit retail? It seemed like curiously unfortunate timing, but according to M2 Senior Analyst Billy Pigeon, there was something more sinister behind the surprise unveil: the Japanese media. "Apparently, the Japanese press was all over it and talked with suppliers there and Nintendo just wanted to get out ahead by breaking the news to prevent a leak." That they did, but they also subverted the US launch of the oversized DSi in the process. It's a gaming system few really thought they needed in the first place, and now with confirmation of something better coming soon it looks even less appealing.
Analyst: Nintendo pressured by Japanese media into early 3DS reveal
M2 Research analyst Billy Pidgeon claims that the Japanese press were "all over" the upcoming 3DS before Nintendo revealed it, forcing an announcement out of the company's headquarters in Japan. In a recent CNBC report, Pidgeon alleges that the media in Japan had "talked with suppliers there and Nintendo just wanted to get out ahead by breaking the news to prevent a leak." This comes in response to the oddly-timed reveal of Nintendo's next handheld device, less than a week before the fourth iteration of its Nintendo DS was set to land on retail shelves. "Does it clash with the DSi XL? Yes it does," Pidgeon says. He goes on to claim that (even though stock prices for Nintendo jumped following the 3DS announcement), "the corporate parent in Japan may not be acting in the best interest of Nintendo of America." Alright, so, while we're not convinced that those looking to buy a brand new handheld from Nintendo are necessarily the same crowd snatching up a DSi XL, it's also probably not in Nintendo of America's best interests to have console announcements thrust upon it suddenly by the Japanese parent corp. Either way -- if it is true -- good on you Japanese press! [Via Gamasutra]
