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GDC: the Nintendo booth tour
At last week's GDC, Nintendo's booth commanded a significant percentage of the show floor. As one of the largest booths at the show, Nintendo had plenty of room for the faithful to converge and lust, as a group, over their newest creations. Namely the DS Lite and the Revolution. In the above shot, flanked by two flat panel video screens, was the Revolution. See that glow radiating from below? Yup, that's it. There was a steady stream of curious pilgrims waiting to get a first hand look at it.
Lite vs. Phat: Round Five
If you still needed convincing of the DS Lite's considerable improvements upon the original DS design, Shacknews has now posted their analysis of the Enamel Navy variant. Of course, you won't even bother reading it since you're clearly the most stubborn person in the known universe.As usual, the culprits behind the Lite's criminal allure are present and accounted for here: Brighter screens, more tactile buttons, a better stylus, sleeker trimmings and the ability to gather a wide variety of dirty fingerprints. It's interesting to note that the Enamel Navy unit looks almost pitch black in the photographs, though that may be attributed to weird lighting conditions and/or meteorological phenomena. See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half Lite vs. Phat: Round Four
40 DS Wi-Fi titles now in development [Updated]
Our friends at Famitsu managed to attend a GDC seminar entitled "The Zen of Wi-Fi: A Postmortem of the Wireless Features of Nintendo DS" and, as most journalists are prone to do, quickly converted their experience into an informative article. Unfortunately, being of Japanese origin, said wonderful article had to be put through an internet translation service before we could make any sense of it. Curse our bizarre Western tongues!Regardless, the most interesting bit of news to emerge from the conference is one directly involving the universal language of numbers. According to Takao Ohara, amusingly dubbed as the "Ohara your husband person" of Nintendo by Google's linguistic trolls, there are currently 40 Wi-Fi DS games en route for release. He also made an effort to point out that the forthcoming Winning Eleven (Pro Evolution Soccer for the Europeans and soccer hooligans among us) was one of them, shortly before pulling his shirt over his head and doing an energetic backflip.The Nintendo Wi-Fi service is certainly taking off with gusto--and this from a company that once claimed gamers weren't interested in all those online shenanigans. We all make misteaks mistakes, right?[Thanks Terrell!][Update: Here's a link to the Famitsu article - now translated by actual humans! Thanks CTU Kyoto!]
Super Mario DS Lite bundle pack spotted
According to potentially delusional listings on the EB Games and Gamestop websites, the DS Lite is set to barge into American homes with a startled Mario and Co. in tow. The online retailer seems to think that New Super Mario Bros. (at least we assume it's the New variant) will be forming part of a bundle deal with Nintendo's infinitely desirable DS redesign. Since we predicted this very event last week, we're naturally predisposed to put our worn stamp of approval on this bit of news.However, we find ourselves perturbed by some of the details on the pages that seem...less plausible. As wonderful as it would be to have this DS Lite bundle launch on the first day of May (about two weeks before the included game is meant to come out) for a mere $9.99, something tells us that this won't come to pass. Placeholder data? Maybe. Desirable product? Definitely.[Thanks yoshi!][Update: Some of our sharp readers have figured out these listings and pointed out out that the item in question is actually a Lite variant of a popular accessory pack. Still, our question about whether or not a DS Lite Mario bundle is something you'd want remains. Keep those comments coming!]
How to score a 2nd-shipment DS Lite in Japan: wait & run
Nintendo's dual-screened portable is in high demand over in Japan right now, and this video goes to show what lengths must be taken to obtain the redesigned DS in its Lite form overseas.Granted, it might be as easy (as presented here) as hanging out less than an hour before a Saturday morning store opening, but there's a lot more running involved after the doors open than might be first imagined.360 launch veterans are well aware of how many frigid hours might be required to get a taste of the next generation this fall (sans pre-orders), but how would you deal if the only unit left in stock were pink--if pink's not the way you swing? We eagerly await the day(s) when we can pre-order the next gen and be done with this retail-rushing nonsense.[Thanks, InfectedZero]See also: Official Yamato Damacy page w/a few more video formats you can use DS lite import pricing meets supply and demand Nintendo DS Lite second look [with lots of comparisons to the old DS]
New Castlevania DS game to be revealed soon
If a suggestively worded blurb at the back of this month's Nintendo Power magazine is to be believed, the next issue is set to unveil a brand new Castlevania game for everyone's favorite touchy-feely portable. Under the "World Exclusive" banner, the text reads: As mysterious as a new moon, the follow-up to one of 2005's best DS titles is a whip-smart adventure that you won't want to miss.Perhaps we just haven't been spending enough time outside, but those words instantly conjure up the loving image of an androgynous hero traipsing through a musty, upside-down castle and whipping evil bats to shreds. They also match up with Konami's previous promises that there would be another entry into the series following the spectacular Dawn of Sorrow, this time incorporating Nintendo's Wi-Fi service. Oh yes.Though the mag's mention of a moon might imply a sequel to the GBA's Circle of the Moon, would a port of Symphony of the Night be too much to ask for? If so, how about we suggest some other appropriate titles: Castlevania: Dirge of Despair Castlevania: Polka of Purgatory Castlevania: Elegy of Regret Castlevania: Waltz of Discontentedness Castlevania: Whine of Irritability Castlevania: Ditty of Unhappiness [Thanks Deep.Grave!]
Japanese hardware sales: Lite get!
After a few years of solid playing, we finally managed to collect all the Shines in Super Mario Sunshine. Upon doing so, the Japanese sales chart for the week ranging from 13 March to 19 March was spectacularly displayed on the screen amidst an explosion of flashing pixels and poorly animated Toad sprites. We didn't feel a bunch of numbers was an adequate reward for surviving all those precarious platforms, but we thought we'd share them just the same. The ranking, according to number of units sold, is a follows: DS Lite: 104,452 Final Fantasy XII Machine: 66,670 Phat DS: 32,105 PSP: 31,848 GBA SP: 4,290 GB Micro: 3,087 Gamecube: 1,318 Xbox 360: 1,039 GBA: 131 Xbox: 108 If you're still waiting for your import DS Lite to arrive, take note that there are now an additional 104,452 targets people to blame for that particular situation. Nintendo's redesign is literally flying off shelves and hitting people in the head, as it's just about 4,000 short of selling as many units as everything else combined. Our old friend the Phat is also doing well, eclipsed only by its sexier sibling and a Playstation 2 sales surge brought on by the release of a little game called Final Fantasy XII. Previous Japanese hardware charts: Lite's out (27 Feb - 5 March) Once more, with feeling (20 Feb - 26 Feb) Short-lived shortages (13 Feb - 19 Feb)
Iwata's GDC keynote to shed some light on Lite
After snooping around the ongoing Game Developer's Conference, the guys at DS Advanced have reported that Satoru Iwata's keynote tomorrow is likely to lay out Nintendo's plans for the American DS Lite launch. If their information is to be trusted, Mr. Iwata will be announcing both a firm release date and a price for that most desirable of handheld redesigns. The question of whether or not this turns out to be true should be answered in less than 24 hours from now.Of course, we can't let this one slip by without tossing in some of our own pompous and potentially embarrassing predictions: The original DS will be reduced in price to an attractive $99. The DS Lite will launch in June at the equally attractive price of $149.99. A classy black DS Lite will replace the Arctic Blue model in the US (because that one simply isn't attractive enough). New Super Mario Bros. will be bundled with either the Phat or the Lite in order to attract more buyers. Note: We also predict that our predictions won't be entirely accurate, so subscribe to them with caution.
Lite vs. Phat: Round Four
This week, Eurogamer joins in on the rather one-sided battle that is the original DS versus the swanky DS Lite. Their conclusions are strikingly similar to the ones shared by most sane people, in that Nintendo's revision boasts a more compact design, sleeker looks, a better stylus and much brighter screens."We never really complained about the old DS screen, but put next to its younger sibling it draws howls of derision. Really, howls - we're not showing it to girls any more, they hurt our ears."If you find yourself swelling with hatred and jealousy after reading the rest of the excellent article and realizing that your import Lite has yet to find its way to you (join the ever-growing club), at least find some solace in the fact that, unlike Eurogamer, you didn't opt for the Arctic Blue Lite. We're joking. Don't kill us, Blue fans. Seriously though, it's the worst one.(Yes, still joking.)See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half
New Super Mario Bros. to feature 80 levels
Which is a bit ridiculous, really. Sometimes "ridiculous" works, however, and we can't see any problem with using that term when it comes to a portly plumber crushing sentient mushrooms, blasting fireballs from his palms and disappearing down mysterious pipes. Jeux France now reports (via the latest issue of Nintendo Power) that Mario's forthcoming return to the world of platforming (after a brief hiatus in the land of sports) will feature no less than 80 levels, as well as a return of all the mini-games from Super Mario 64 DS. Given how long it took us to get over that Pair-a-Gone addiction last time, this could potentially be viewed as bad news. Follow the link for some scans of the magazine, more screenshots of New Super Mario Bros. and an ugly reminder that the accursed month of April still stands between us and the game's early May release date. [Via Joystiq]
New DS Training games: Write a recipe on a postcard
Gamebrink brings word that Famitsu has updated their website with some information on three new Training games slated for the Japanese DS. In a continual effort to enhance the human race, Nintendo is now aiming their hugely popular and diverse educational series at the realms of writing, cooking and traveling.The first title allows you to improve your skills at writing Japanese characters which, if our Google translation is to be believed, leads to "elegant prose". We're particularly interested in this one because, quite frankly, our Japanese writing skills are anemic at best. Following that, there's an exciting cooking program that teaches you how to construct gourmet dishes via an entire virtual cookbook. With its inclusion of voice recognition, you can even have it turn the page when your hands are too busy strangling an uncooperative piece of dough. All our past efforts in the kitchen have ended in disaster, so we'll definitely be importing this one as well.Finally, we have an interactive travel guide of sorts that should give you a helping hand when you're trying to find the nearest tourist attraction in China, South Korea, Germany, USA, or Thailand. With each one of our overseas excursions resulting in disgraceful international incidents, we'd best buy this one as soon as it releases. Really, we'd be so much better off once Nintendo releases Everything Training. [Thanks mandarin!]
Japanese hardware sales: Lite's out
When we awoke from our dreamy slumber this morning, the Japanese sales chart for the week ranging from 27 February to 5 March was gently resting on the adjacent pillow, wrapped in a satin cloth and smelling of lavender. We immediately unwrapped the overtly feminine package and were pleased to find a brand new entrant into the wacky world of sales charts. The ranking, according to number of units sold, is a follows: DS Lite: 68,438 Phat DS: 49,118 PSP: 43,110 PS2: 25,778 GBA SP: 5,493 GB Micro: 3,213 Gamecube: 1,489 Xbox 360: 1,240 Xbox: 101 GBA: 98 The DS Lite makes a rather impressive debut this week, especially considering that it was only available for 3 out of the 7 days this chart accounts for. In other words, the DS Lite sold more units in the space of 3 days than any other of the consoles could manage in a week. Perhaps they simply weren't trying hard enough.Previous Japanese hardware charts: Once more, with feeling (20 Feb - 26 Feb) Short-lived shortages (13 Feb - 19 Feb) A surprise ending! (30 Jan - 5 Feb) [Thanks for the reminder, DownloadingData! Thanks for the image, Jason!].
Metroid Prime Hunters commercial all dark and edgy
So, I have this great idea for a Metroid Prime Hunters commercial. Since it would have to appeal to those hip kids of today, the content would have to be dark, gritty and just generally disagreeable. A post-apocalyptic future is obviously the way to go, perhaps with some neon lights and masked strangers thrown in for good measure. With the setting established, we next turn to the other increasingly popular thing amongst teenagers today: Death! Let's have bodies just fall from the sky, complete with a slick narrator saying something like "More ways to die" or something cool like that. Following that, we could have some game footage, but that's not really important. Great pitch, huh?Oh? It's already been done?[Original IGN video here. Thanks dwarpdesign!]
Don't look at these new Super Mario screenshots
As tempting as it may be, you must restrain yourself from following this link to brand new, uh, New Super Mario Bros. screenshots. And don't even think about checking out these cool character renders at the British Gaming Blog. Trust us, you'll be better off living a life without the constant pining and relentless desire to flatten Goombas on your DS. After viewing this gallery of fireball-flinging, block-bashing, shell-skipping goodness, it's quite likely that your thoughts will simply become dominated by Nintendo's portly plumber. Following that, you'll simply start swelling into a throbbing ball of anger as you realize that the game is only due for release in May. Do you know who's keeping you from enjoying New Super Mario Bros.? It's April. If you were to go on a violent spree of calendar defacing, know that we'd fully back you up. Curse you, April! Curse you! [Thanks Jah75157 and JonathanEx!]
Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half
With some questions still lingering after his conclusive DS to DS Lite comparison video, Cabel has uploaded another informative video of Nintendo's smart redesign, this time examining how it handles monstrous GBA carts, how its thickness compares to other handheld devices and, of course, the insane brightness levels. He also hands down some pointers with regards to holding the DS Lite. Apparently, coddling it like a baby isn't the way to go about it. [Thanks Bbasya!]See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three
Enamel Navy and Ice Blue Lites on display
You are online importer Lik-Sang and you've just had to tell your loyal customers that not only may they have to wait until April before they receive their DS Lites, but that they're going to have to pay an extra $30 in order to get them. Naturally, the best strategy you could think to employ would be to post glorious and tantalizing photographs of the product in question on your website and in doing so, incite violent riots and angry rantings on internet message boards.The full gallery of pictures can be found lurking behind the "Read" link. Try not to lose your cool, especially when you realize that Ice Blue is a bit crap.[Thanks xfiles.fan!]
Metal Saga DS scans frighten and confuse
Jeux France have once again used their wily ways to get a hold of some Famitsu scans, this time covering the recently announced RPG, Metal Saga DS. We've seen bits and piece of the wacky PS2 version currently being localized by Atlus, but nothing could have prepared us for the images depicted in these scans.We're not sure how it all works, but it does seem like you get to control a rather wise-looking dog, possibly in a strategic, turn-based battle against either a giant crocodile, a mad scientist or an elephant-shaped tank. We also spotted a cactus wielding a rocket launcher, a zombie and at least one menacing chicken. Needless to say, we're hoping Atlus also decides to translate this intriguing title.[Thanks mandarin!]
Lite vs. Phat: Round Three
One of the main conclusions reached by this excellent video review is that using the DS Lite at its brightest setting may, in fact, kill you. But what a way to go. Recorded by a guy named Cabel, it effectively demonstrates the astonishing differences between the two systems, making note of the Phat's "swoopy kind of X-wing shape", "goofy McZany hinge" and a rather alarming cat sticker versus the "Apple-inspired transparent plastic" of the DS Lite. It also shows just how much better the latter system's screen is to the point where we expected the Phat to simply snap shut and emit some sort of weeping sound. Furthermore, Nintendo sorted out one of our pet peeves--the puny stylus. As Cabel nervously points out, the new stylus is bigger and thicker and, by the looks of it, should be much more comfortable to wield. Yay![Via VideoGamesBlogger] See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two
Metroid Prime Hunters punishes chumps
Oh disconnectors, how we loathe thee and thy cowardly response to defeat. According to an interesting interview hype piece at the official Nintendo site, Metroid Prime: Hunters will be keeping track of those who disconnect from a Wi-Fi game in an effort to avoid tarnishing their online records. Mario Kart DS was another game that fell victim to this "strategy", a fact that has encouraged Nintendo to implement and liberally dish out "chump points"."We track a stat that the game calls Connection Percentage, but that I've been calling the Chump Meter. It keeps track of anyone who boots off. So, if I'm beating some kid and he tries to disconnect to avoid the loss, he'll be punished for that. When he turns the game back on, the game will know what happened and it will then hand out some Chump Points."The game will also be able to distinguish between intentional disconnections and the forgivable ones caused by your router unexpectedly exploding. This is certainly excellent news that will soothe many a temper, especially considering that Metroid Prime: Hunters is likely to be one of the most aggressively competitive games on Nintendo's Wi-Fi service thus far. [Thanks Nmaster!]
Nintendo Wi-Fi hits one million users
And they're all playing Mario Kart DS. Shortly after a dramatic website countdown hit six digits, Nintendo has officially announced that their Wi-Fi service has managed to ensnare over 1 million hapless users. According to Reggie Fils-Aime, all those users represent more than 27 million game sessions. That's certainly an impressive number, but we expect it to grow even further once Metroid Prime: Hunters finds its way into the hands of eager online gamers. The total number of hours that will be lost to Nintendo's Wi-Fi nexus in the next few months is nigh incalculable. Are you one of those 1,000,000 online players?[Via British Gaming Blog. Thanks JonathanEx!]
