WiiConnect24
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Elebits looking elementary
Siliconera has posted new details about Elebits' level-trading WiiConnect24 functionality.Custom levels are built using a point system. Points are charged for each item used to populate a level (examples: public trash can, 2 points; blue elebit, 3 points; toy tank, 28 points). No level can exceed 1,000 points.Once completed, the level can be 'overnighted' to registered friends, along with choice screen shots. It's as of yet unclear if friends can further edit your creations, which appear to be limited by pre-made environments (e.g., bedroom, yard, street, etc.). If level building is this restricted, then one has to question this feature's longevity. Here's to hoping Konami is dedicated to implementing some bigger possibilities for WiiConnect24.
Elebits to be first game to utilize the WiiConnect24 service
Looks like the rumor was true! This WiiConnect 24 service we've heard so much about is getting its first compatible game in Elebits, Konami's find-em-all environmental hunting game thing releasing next month. We all knew what the game was about, but now we have a whole new facet of the experience for our mouths to collectively water over (that's a lotta drool!). Barring any interference from rich, crotchety old Dukes, the game's WiiConnect24 features will include: Create and trade custom maps to friends online Support for taking screenshots and sending them to friends Not much, we know, but a promising precedent set that should pave the way for other developers to crack the shell wide open and allow us to savor the tasty nut within. We can't wait to trade our places with all of you upon the game's release![Thanks Matt!]
Wii launch corrupted by fatal error '110213'
Nintendo has begun replacing Wii units corrupted by fatal error 110213. An unknown percentage of users have been struck with the malfunction after attempting to download the WiiConnect24 update. Affected units will not be able to connect to Nintendo's online services and must be replaced.Luckily, offline modes still function, giving you an opportunity to back up your Zelda progress onto SD before shipping the unit off to Nintendo's scrap yard. You do have an SD card, right?[Via Engadget]
Joystiq Video: The Wii network is live!
Nothing like cutting it close! Thursday morning, just hours before campers came in from the cold to collect their PS3s, Sony launched their highly anticipated PlayStation Network in North America. Similarly, just hours before the Wii goes on sale at midnight launches around the country (like official events in New York City and Los Angeles), the console's online component has exhibited the first signs of life. Sure, there's no multiplayer yet (no games support it), but we did enable the WiiConnect24 service, which has been dormant until now, before heading over to the Wii Shop to get our retro gaming on. A video of the Wii's connection and update process is embedded after the break.
Wii news and how the DS was affected
Nintendo's US press event recently concluded and while all of your Wii information needs have probably been satisfied, nothing else was discussed about Wii-DS connectivity. We know that Iwata already said that the WiiConnect24 service could be used to download content to the DS, whether it be a demo or something else, and also that the DS could also be used as a controller through the Wii's menu interface, but this was not demonstrated at the event or further discussed there.So what does this mean? Probably nothing. We should still see Nintendo's handheld play a large role in the Wii's interactivity and extra content. We should still see the DS downloading demos from the WiiConnect24 service. We should still see the DS being used as a controller to navigate menus in the Wii's interface. Just because Nintendo didn't show any of the features you'll be able to access on the Wii through the DS doesn't mean they aren't coming. We should be seeing and hearing more on the two consoles interacting as the launch date for the Wii draws near.
Wii for November under $250, and it "won't have hidden fees or costs"
There you have it folks, if there was even a shred of doubt that Nintendo might pursue the Xbox Live option of levying charges on (at least certain aspects of) online gameplay, the records been set straight by the Regginator after having spoken with USA Today. Reggie Fils-Aime let it be known that the Wii would not pursue subscription services for Wii Connect24 or online gameplay, answering that Nintendo views "online gaming as essentially an enhanced way to enjoy the gaming experience and drive more sales of hardware and software," and that Nintendo "will offer online-enabled games that the consumers will not have to pay a subscription fee for. They'll be able to enjoy that right out of the box. ... It won't have hidden fees or costs." Ok, sounds good to us, but that wasn't all. USA Today also semi-officially confirmed some details: November launch for under $250. It's semi-confirmed because they didn't exactly list a source, but hey, if USA Today sits down with Reggie we'd like to think any details they publish are as good as gold.[Via slashdot]
UK gamers banned from WiiConnect24 use?
While a story that didn't make much of a splash when it belly-flopped onto the internets, we are compelled to offer up our opinions on the latest conflict with the UK and the Wii. Basically, since the WiiConnect24 function of the Nintendo Wii would need the system to be on, in standby mode, 24/7, a new law where the British Government is pushing to have standby features taken out of electronic equipment during production could mean that the service would be altered, or even unavailable, for all UK consoles. The cause certainly is excellent. We here at The Fanboy are behind the good fight against the waste of resources. Our offices don't even have air conditioning, and all of our equipment is hooked up to an exercise bike that must be ridden all day, every day. We do our part, world, so we understand. Surely though, they wouldn't entirely cut the feature on UK consoles, instead just adjusting it so that UK residents could only download while the system is on. Would they even do that?[Via Codename Revolution]
Katsuya Eguchi talks Animal Crossing
In a rather lengthy interview, Eguchi spills the beans on some other unannounced features for the upcoming Wii installment in the Animal Crossing franchise. While he reiterated what Iwata said in regards to the WiiConnect24 service allowing players to visit someone's town while they weren't even playing, he also went on to say that players could even be so bold as to send messages via cell phone and/or PC, which would be delivered to the recipient's town immediately. Also, it looks like the Friend Codes system will remain intact for the Wii's Animal Crossing, although it looks as if codes will not be transferable from the DS, leaving gamers with the task of acquiring a new code.[Via Eurogamer; Thanks Nushio!]
Nintendo granted messaging patent -- Wii IM?
Six years ago, before the GameCube's launch, Nintendo had filed for a patent on a "messaging service for video game systems with buddy list that displays game being played," and on Tuesday they were granted the patent. The details involve a fully-fledged IM system featuring buddy icons, in-game messaging (via text or voice chat), and web-based storage of the user profile (i.e. Nintendo's servers). All the details can be viewed within the patent's claims.You can see the similarities between Nintendo's patent and Microsoft's Xbox Live service, but there are two things you should take from this patent: It does not mean Microsoft copied Nintendo. While Nintendo filed this patent before the Xbox was even launched, chances are Microsoft also filed a patent just as long ago, if not longer. It does not guarantee these services will be included in the Wii. While Nintendo now has patent protection on such services, given the company the option to incorporate all these features into Wii Connect24, that does not guarantee Nintendo's willingness to implement every aspect of the patent into its service, although it is likely we will see a very similar (if not exact) system implemented by the time the Wii launches. Nintendo, we can now confirm, has the ability to launch a fully-fledged online service on par with Microsoft, providing almost the exact same features (fully-fledged messaging, downloadable content). To what extent will Nintendo beef up the Wii's online component?[Thanks, Ianc02]
Iwata confirms Wii-DS functionality
In an interview that was conducted with Japanese newspaper Nikkei Business Publications, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata focused mainly on the Wii, however he also confirmed that the Wii will be able to interact with the DS in the form of downloadable demos through the WiiConnect 24 service."Let's say your Wii is connected to the Internet in a mode that allows activation on a 24-hour basis. This would allow Nintendo to send monthly promotional demos for the DS, during the night, to the Wii consoles in each household. Users would wake up each morning, find the LED lamp on their Wii flashing, and know that Nintendo has sent them something. They would then be able to download the promotional demo from their Wii's to their Nintendo DS's."Awww, don't they look so happy playing together?[Via Codename Revolution]
