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Nintendo drops DS Lite to $100, makes it easier to (Mario) party
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.
Memorex intros Nintendo DS game-changing case, other not-so-game-changing accessories
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-124348%
Select Walmart stores offering $100 credit toward 3DS with old DS trade-in
This Sunday, the 3DS launches in the US and, to celebrate the occasion, US-based megastore Walmart is offering quite the deal for anyone who lives in one of a dozen states. When purchasing the new handheld, consumers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina will have the option of trading in their used DS for a $100 credit towards their 3DS purchase. If they've got two old DS systems laying around, both can be traded in for $200 towards a 3DS, but that's as high as Walmart's willing to go. The trade-in program will start this Sunday with the 3DS launch and continue through April 30. This promotion is in-store only -- sorry, no online orders.
Here's what happens when you put a 3DS cartridge in a DSi
As you likely noticed, 3DS cartridges are just one good filing away from being able to fit in a DSi. To save you the trouble, we took a file to our copy of Madden Football, and we've got a detailed walkthrough of exactly what happened after the break.
3DS Virtual Console getting Game Gear and TurboGraphx-16 games, coming late May
In addition to select, hand-picked Game Boy and Game Boy Color classics, the 3DS's Virtual Console will also play host to titles from two slightly surprising sources: The Sega Game Gear and TurboGraphx-16 handhelds. No specific entries from the two devices were named during Reggie Fils-Aime's presentation at Nintendo's GDC keynote today -- though we've got our fingers crossed for the speedy arrival of Sonic Chaos. Fils-Aime also confirmed the late May arrival of the Virtual Console via a system update, which wiill also introduce a handful of the device's other online features, including: DSiWare (and the ability to transfer DSiWare games from a DSi or DSi XL), the web browser and eShop. It's likely to be the same update that will add Netflix and some 3D video features, too.
Pokemon Black and White DSi bundles sneak in before 3DS release
Even with the 3DS launching in March, Nintendo is offering some incentive to buy a regular DSi instead (or additionally, of course): Pokémon pictures! The company announced limited-edition Pokémon Black and White DSi bundles, coming to North America on March 6. The bundle includes either a black or white DSi with an etched image of the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram and Zekrom, a matching copy of the new game, and an exclusive DSi case. It'll cost $179.99, about $5 less than buying the game and a DSi separately. A small relief, we're sure, to the Pokémon superfans and/or DS collectors who feel compelled to buy both.
Sudoku DSiWare exploit enables homebrew on DSi [update: and it's gone!]
For just 200 DSi Points (that's $2), a whole world of digital sudoku can be yours -- plus DSi homebrew capabilities! The hacking troupe known as "Team Twiizers" has found a hole in EA's Sudoku DSiWare game -- exposed using a false save file -- through which homebrew games and applications can be run on a DSi without a flashcart. Notably, this exploit can not be used to play pirated games or applications, but only enables true homebrew software. Perhaps most exciting for homebrew developers, this breakthrough brings the DSi's hardware upgrades (over the original DS) into play. "In DSi mode, the DSi SD card slot is accessible, the whole 16MB RAM is available, and the CPU is clocked 2x higher than DS-mode," Twiizers notes in on post on HackMii. As of publishing, [see below] the Sudoku game is still available in the North American DSiWare store, but has already been removed in Europe. At the very least, it would be an excuse to throw away that ratty copy of Snakes on a Sudoku, right? Update: Looks like Nintendo has already removed the game from its DSiWare store in North America as well. Sorry homebrewers!
DSi charger is compatible with 3DS, and other minutiae
While we all wait for more news on the 3DS (we'll hear more right around Wednesday), why not catch up on some of the little tidbits you might have missed? Andriasang has rounded up some assorted information on the upcoming system -- for example, the cartridges. In case you haven't seen the 3DS Game Cards on Nintendo's site, this is what they look like: just like DS carts, but white, and with a small protrusion on the side to keep you from trying to use them in a DS. Another fact you may not have been aware of: your DSi and DSi XL AC adapters will work in the 3DS, a nice change from Nintendo's usual habit of changing the shape of the connector. And something we weren't aware of: according to Andriasang, 3DS game cases are thinner than those for DS games, in addition to being backwards.
Nintendo 3DS good for only 3 to 8 hours of play time per charge
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.
iPhone developer Firemint buys Infinite Interactive, makers of Puzzle Quest
Wow. Color me surprised on this one -- I've been joking around lately about iPhone company acquisitions and buyouts, but here are two companies that never occurred to me. Firemint, creators of the popular Flight Control and Real Racing 2 games on iOS, has outright purchased Infinite Interactive, the company behind a bevy of console and handheld console titles, including the very popular (and personal favorite of mine) Puzzle Quest series. Game designer Steve Fawkner founded Infinite Interactive and first met Firemint's Rob Murray in 2003, and according to the press release, he even got Murray's feedback on the first Puzzle Quest title. Fawkner will go to work for Firemint, presumably making his own games as well as helping to adapt Firemint's popular games for other platforms. What a deal. All we have so far is the official press release (both companies are based in Australia, so this news arrived on their time), but we'll look at contacting Firemint later on this week to ask about the reasoning and timing behind the deal. Infinite Interactive isn't a huge company, but the fact that Firemint straight up acquired them is just as impressive as the possibilities for these two more and more experienced developers to be working together. This could have interesting consequences for Firemint's games both on and off of the iOS platform.
NintendoWare Weekly: Chick Chick Boom, Around the World
The Flashy-looking Chick Chick Boom headlines this week's WiiWare releases, as a pair of Neo Geo titles comes to Virtual Console. On DSiWare, there's a virtual slots game and the sequel to DodoGo! (the exclamation being part of the game title). Check out the full breakdown of digital Wii and DSi releases for the week after the break. %Gallery-104897%
Holiday Buyer's Guide: Nintendo Points for WiiWare, DSiWare & Virtual Console
Chances are, someone you know has or will receive a Wii or DSi this holiday season -- many people you know, if the November sales are any indication. Or perhaps you know someone who has owned one of these systems for a while but hasn't messed around with its downloadable games yet. In either case, 2010 has been a great year to introduce someone to WiiWare or DSiWare, with lots of interesting games and apps released just this year. Somehow, Virtual Console's been decent too, despite the fact that releases have slowed down to a trickle. To begin, click one of the links below to jump to a category or simply head on past the break to peruse the guide form top to bottom. Wii: Retro-esque Gamer | Authentic Retro Gamer Art Aficionado | The Independent | Person Who Would Enjoy Muscle March DSi: All DSi Band | Busy Gamer | The Eccentric | Longterm Portable Gamer
Nintendo rolls out orange and green DSi bundles especially for Black Friday stampedes
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.
Nintendo announces orange, green DSi bundles for Black Friday
In honor of this week's consumerist holiday, colloquially known as Black Friday, Nintendo is unleashing two new colors stateside. The pumpkin orange and mint jello green DSis include a copy of Mario Party DS at a suggested retail price of $150 (and retailers seem to be taking the hint). It may be $30 more, but we still like the Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary DSi bundle more, which comes with Mario Kart DS. 'Cause, Mario Party DS? Yikes. %Gallery-107992%
Sears Black Friday ad reveals Green and Red DSi hardware, new PSP and PS3 holiday bundles
Okay, guys. It's time to get yourself into a mental place where you can accept the fact that Black Friday is just around the corner. You there? You ready? Okay -- the entire Sears catalog for the holiest of shopping days has apparently leaked onto the web, revealing a whole mess of gaming offers, including: Black Friday Deals Hub Best Buy GameStop Sears Target Walmart Limited edition Red and Green DSi bundles for $150, which include Mario Party DS 160GB PS3 bundle for $300, which includes Uncharted 2 and a Blu-ray of (the new) Karate Kid PSP 3000 bundle for $130, which includes LittleBigPlanet and a UMD of (the new) Karate Kid 4GB Xbox 360 bundle for $200, which includes Halo: Reach $10 off the standard black Wii bundle Discounts on games like Medal of Honor, Fable III and Halo: Reach, all of which will be available for $40 We've contacted Sears to get a comment on the catalog's authenticity. [Update: It's legit!] Check out the relevant gaming offers posted after the jump! (Side note: A full-on ping-pong table for $260? Don't mind if we do.)
ESRB: Dragon's Lair 2 coming to DSi
You know that Dragon's Lair omnibus you've been working on? The one that details every single version of all the Dragon's Lair games? We're sure you thought it was finally finished and ready to send off to the publisher, but it looks like it's time for another addendum: According to the ESRB, Dragon's Lair 2: Time Warp is headed to DSi. The first Dragon's Lair was brought to DSiWare by Digital Leisure last year, so it's likely the same will be the case for Dirk's second adventure. We know -- now you have to sit through months of approvals, edits and, of course, the costly resetting of the printing press, but you want the omnibus to be accurate, right? [Image source: The Armchair Empire]
Nintendo painted red in first-half fiscal year results
We'll be the first to admit it's nigh impossible to grasp the nuances of just what in the world is going on with the global economy, but things are clearly up you-know-whose creek without a paddle when Nintendo reports a ... loss?! Sure, earnings were seriously down for Nintendo during the same six-month period last year (April–September), but even then, as other companies suffered tremendous hits, Nintendo enjoyed ¥69.5 billion in profit (which was roughly $766 million by the rate of exchange a year ago). The problem is that the yen has appreciated wildly against the dollar since that time -- what was $766 million a year ago, would be more like $850 million today. In and of itself, that kind of appreciation might look spectacular, except 81.4 percent of Nintendo's sales have been overseas during the current fiscal year. When the yen is this strong, earnings on Japanese exports (sold with importers' currencies) are dashed on their way back to Japan (where they are converted back to yen). According to Nintendo's first-half report (April–Sept. 2010), "foreign currencies generated exchange losses totaling 62.1 billion yen," and, in turn, the company suffered net losses of ¥2 billion (about $24.6 million) for the period. Keep in mind, this loss comes after selling 4.07 million copies of Pokémon Black and White since September 18 (in Japan alone); 5.1 million units of Super Mario Galaxy 2; and a million-plus Wii Party games. Worldwide, DS software sales totaled 54.84 million units, while Wii games accounted for 65.21 million units sold in the first-half of the fiscal year. As for hardware, the various DS models combined to move 6.69 million units (including 2.26 million DSi and 3.21 million DSi XLs), as Wii racked up another 4.97 million units sold during the period. And did you hear? The new red Wii and DSi XL are going to be released next month to celebrate ... uh, the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., of course!
Nintendo patent application describes a grocery list app, takes the DS shopping
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.
Amazon offering wonderful Pikachu DSi charge stand this December
This Pikachu DSi charge stand looks absolutely delighted to be sending electricity to a DSi. We feel the same way about bringing you the news that you'll be able to buy one of these for yourself in December. An Amazon listing shows that the charger, which was released in Japan this September, will be available in America through the online retailer on December 23. It's designed to work with both the DSi and DSi XL, and will sell on Amazon for $40. Sure, that sounds like a lot, but does your current DSi charger make you smile?
Pokemon Black and White get limited edition DSis in Japan
If you've got a bizarre hang-up about playing video games on consoles that don't have Pokémon branded upon their hulls, you'll be pleased to learn that you'll soon be able to add the DSi to your list of allowed devices. On November 20, Japanese store shelves will be stocked with limited edition Pokémon Black and White DSis, each of which come with a copy of the appropriately hued monster-catching title. Each handheld prominently features Black and White's main Legendaries, Reshiram and Zekrom -- a premium for which shoppers will have to pay 19,800 yen (a tad more than the DSi's standard 15,000 yen price point). Is it worth the extra cash? We're not sure, but as far as special edition Pokémon-branded handhelds go, this one's kind of ... classy? Yeah, classy.
