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Roundup: Wii and DS game release dates for 2010
Today's Nintendo Media Summit played host to a whirlwind dating game with quite a few players. If all the excitement got your heart thumping but left your head spinning, then you'll be relieved to find our list of matches -- each game paired with its release date (or release window ... or release season) -- posted just after the break. You're welcome!
Nintendo's oversized DSi XL heading to the US on March 28th for $190 (update: video)
Nintendo just announced that its new DSi XL (known and sold as the DSi LL in Japan) will be hitting North America on March 28th, and will retail for $190. In exchange for a couple mm of extra thickness and a significantly larger footprint the XL pairs two 4.2-inch LCDs for a jumbo-sized look at your well worn, oft-rehashed DS catalog. The unit will retail in Burgundy and Bronze flavors at launch, preloaded with two DSiWare Brain Age games, Photo Clock, Flipnote Studio and the DSi Browser. Unconvinced? Check out the teardown of the LL edition right here while you wait your turn to consume this American style. Feeling left out in Europe? Don't, because you guys are getting the XL on March 5th. PR is after the break. Update: Nintendo put out a feel-good promo video, we threw that below the break as well. You can follow Joystiq's ongoing coverage of the Nintendo Media Summit here.
DSi XL releasing March 28 for $190 in North America
[Business Wire] At its Media Summit today, Nintendo just announced the North American release date for its new, enormous DSi, the DSi XL: March 28. On that day, you'll be able to walk into a store and pick up a DS that makes your hands (and Cammie Dunaway's head) look super tiny for $189.99; a $20 premium over the regular-sized DSi. Hopefully, we'll hear about some new DS games to play on the vast expanses of DSi XL screen space today as the Nintendo Media Summit continues. Update: The system will be available in Burgundy and Bronze at launch, and will be preloaded with both DSiWare Brain Age games, Photo Clock, the DSi Browser, and Flipnote Studio.
Arika's DSiWare shmup rated by the OFLC, renamed 'Metal Torrent'
With its Nintendo-published Endless Ocean: Blue World hitting Wii next week, you may be wondering "What's going on with Arika?" Well, you might not be, but hey -- we're going to fill you in anyway. So, the Japanese developer has just had its 500-point DSiWare "bullet hell" shooter, Aa Mujou Setsuna, rated by Australia's OFLC under the name Metal Torrent (not to be confused with an illegal Iron Maiden album download). Which means the vertically-scrolling shmup is getting an English localization. Which, hopefully, means we'll be seeing it in the States before too long, too. Hey, those of us with nerves of steel and pinpoint piloting skills can dream, right? [Via Siliconera]
EA Sports Wii/DSi accessory bundles announced
Because your EA Sports games need that extra oomph, EA has signed a deal with Sakar International to produce a lineup of attachments for your Wiimote and -- wait, DSi? Sure enough, the press release mentions "realistic-looking EA Sports golf clubs, tennis rackets and baseball bats for the Wii and Nintendo DSi as well as fitness gear for use with EA Sports Active" as part of a deal EA announced last month. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 and 11 on Wii will get a series of golf club attachments for kids on up to adults -- extendable up to 24 or 36 inches depending on the set you acquire -- and Sekar will also offer baseball and racquet accessories for other Wii games like Grand Slam Tennis. As for the DSi, the press release mentions five-in-one carrying kits themed around football, baseball, basketball and soccer -- each kit will include a game case, skin, stylus, and clip-on earphones or headphones. Then there's the EA Sports Active stuff, which comes in two flavors: Starter Kit and Gym Kit. The first will retail for $19.99 and comes with a Wii Balance Board bag, yoga mat, fitness cord, armband and legbands, while the Gym Kit will set you back a bit more at $39.99 and includes a gym bag, yoga mat with a fitness cord and wrist and ankle weights. While we can't really comment on these proposed attachments without at least seeing them first, we just hope EA reads the internet every now and then. Some attachments are great, while others are just a painful memory you wish you could forget.
Game developers on iPhone outnumber DS and PSP two-to-one
Game Developer Research has published its 2009/10 survey of video game developers, and the results are pretty impressive for the still relatively fledgling iPhone platform: The number of developers who are working on mobile games increased by 12 percent, and there are actually twice as many developers working on iPhone games as are working on the Nintendo DS and Sony's PSP handheld consoles. That's a pretty amazing number, though it's not quite a surprise when you consider it. First of all, Nintendo DS and PSP publishing takes a much larger investment than Apple's $100 developer fee and an SDK download. Second, while the DS and the PSP are certainly selling a lot of games, they're not actually releasing nearly as many as the hundreds of thousands of apps on the App Store. Finally, new DS and PSP games sell for $30 or $40, while new App Store games sell much closer to 99 cents. So the fact that there are lots more people moving to the much more open and accessible platform isn't really that surprising.
Big is the new small: Apple iPad vs. DSi XL
Today, a major hardware company with wide appeal outside the usual hardcore gaming space announced a new device, which is basically exactly like a popular existing device but bigger. Sound familiar? It reminded us of the day in late October when Nintendo announced a new version of the DSi, called the DSi LL (DSi XL outside of Japan). Like the iPad, it's a version of a current device (in this case, the Nintendo DSi) that is distinguished by its size. So how does Apple's inflated iPod Touch stack up against Nintendo's luxury sedan of a DSi? We've compared the two in several totally crucial vectors, based mostly on the changes from the previous model.
Hey Griffin, Pikachu-colored Pichu downloadable at GameStop
There are all kinds of different reasons for choosing to write one story over another. For instance, I'm telling you about a Pokémon-centric GameStop promotion solely to irritate Joystiq co-worker and co-brother Griffin McElroy with my ignorance. It's a pretty big sacrifice for a major gaming website with millions of readers, but Griffin loves Pokémon more than you love most members of your immediate family, so it's absolutely worth it. So, apparently, if you take Pokémon Platinum, Pokémon Diamond or Pokémon Pearl (are there really that many?) into GameStop between January 30 and February 14, you can get a Pikachu-colored Pichu. That Pichu will also give you access to the mythical, spiky-eared Pichu in Pokémon Heart Gold and Pokémon Soul Silver (There are more of them? And they're called that?!). So make sure to say "Hi" to Griffin and his girlfriend there. Oh, and by the way: That thing to the right is a Pichu. I don't know how to break it to you, Griffin, but he is Pikachu-colored and has spiky ears.
Wallace & Gromit creators use Flipnote Studio to create Spirit Tracks animations
You likely know Aardman Animations as the creators of the hilarious cheese-loving man and surprisingly capable K-9 duo, Wallace & Gromit. To celebrate last month's release of The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks in Europe, Nintendo tapped the studio to create a trio of custom animations paying homage to the game in Nintendo's free animation app for the DSi, Flipnote Studio. Now we get to see their labor bear fruit and, oh my, these came out looking sharp, as the video above this text can attest. However, the real feather in this (Minish?) cap is the odd video past the break showing Link's game-long companion, Zelda. For us, the uneasy feeling we get witnessing Link's lack of concern seeing Zelda in poltergeist form is only exceeded by Zelda's apparent glee, despite being a creepy specter. That just weirds us out!
Dave Smith's Mopho keyboard prototype wows analog fanboys at NAMM (video)
Dave Smith's name is as revered in the synth business as those of Tom Oberheim and "Handsome Ron" Casio. Having had his hands in everything from the Prophet 5 synth to developing the MIDI specification to his own company (Dave Smith Instruments), the man has given electronic musicians plenty to be thankful for. The boutique's latest, the Mopho Keyboard (seen here in prototype form at NAMM 2010) takes the existing Mopho synth module -- a pretty sweet deal with its sub-octave generators, audio input (you know, for modulating stuff), and feedback options -- and adds a thirty-two key keyboard and a whole mess of controls. Like original, this new Mopho has a 100 percent analog signal path, ships with a sound bank editor for both Windows and Mac, and it sounds pretty, pretty bad ass. Look for it in the near future for around $800. Video after the break.
Bash SpongeBob's boat in SpongeBob's Boating Bash
THQ describes the latest SpongeBob SquarePants game, SpongeBob's Boating Bash, as its "first demolition derby style party game," which makes it perfect for when you want to throw a demolition derby style party without all the cleanup. Boating Bash puts SpongeBob and his friends behind the wheel of customizable "boat mobiles," as they attempt to knock parts off each other's vehicles to earn points and advance through the game. The ultimate goal of the thousands of violent collisions? A driver's license, of course! Boating Bash will be out on Wii and DS this spring.
New DSi bundle, Q1 games dated in Europe
Much as it did for North America, Nintendo just tossed out a huge list of release dates for Europe in Q1. And right at the top of the list is a new DSi hardware bundle, to be released on February 12. If you don't feel like holding out one more month for the out-sized DSi XL, you can get a pink DSi with a copy of Nintendo Presents Style Boutique. In other hardware news, the company announced that it will continue offering the previously limited-edition black Wii bundle, which includes both Wii Sportses, a Wiimote, a Nunchuk, and a MotionPlus. As for the games, there's a lot coming up on Wii and DS in the next few months, including both Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Ace Attorney Investigations from Capcom, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Phantasy Star Zero, Excitebike World Rally and more. Source (PDF link)
Nintendo promoting Wii and DSi downloads in UK
Nintendo of Europe is planning an unprecedented move to promote its downloadable games: It's going to tell people they exist. The company kicked off a three-week ad campaign in the UK this week, intended to increase awareness of the kinds of things that can be done with an internet-connected Wii or DSi. The initiative will be supplemented by leaflets in retail shops, and signage advertising the availability of Nintendo Points, and it'll all link back to Nintendo's UK site, which features more videos of the Wii and DSi's downloadables. According to MCV, a Wii-focused ad will highlight the BBC iPlayer, Band Hero DLC, and ... Bonsai Barber. Three different ads will focus on Facebook, the DSiWare Brain Ages, and Dictionary 6 in 1 with Camera Function, the latter two of which coincidentally will come preloaded on the DSi XL.
Nintendo DSi XL coming to Europe March 5, US eventually
The last we heard, Nintendo's super-sized DSi XL (or DSi LL if you're Japanese) would be hitting the Colonies sometime in the first quarter of 2010. As of now we have no information contrary to that, but we do have news specifying when the European nobility will get theirs: March 5. That means UK gamers have less than two months to determine whether they are eligible for an upgrade from the slender DSi, and if you're not sure how to check, just measure the depth and breadth your pockets. If you have room in there for the new version, with its stereo 4.2-inch screens, you'd better make with that pre-order: Nintendo Japan sold more than 100,000 of the things in just two days.
Download Beyonce's clothes in Style Savvy!
Nintendo may not have liked it enough to put a ring on it, but the company appreciated Beyoncé enough to continue its relationship with her. Players of Style Savvy will soon be able to download five outfits from the Deréon line, created by the actress/singer/dancer/best-video-of-all-time maker and her mother, designer Tina Knowles. "Style Savvy is all about creativity and fashion, both of which are really important to me," says Beyoncé. "I love that I get to become a stylist and take over my own boutique, and it's so much fun to see some of my Deréon designs added to the mix." You thought it was all about the money, didn't you? You stupid idiot.
NintendoWare Weekly: Phoenix Wright, Chronos Twins DX
It seems the past few weeks of excitement, chock full of NintendoWare releases, have come to an end. Other than the launch of Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney on WiiWare, this week's offerings don't exactly fill our hearts with unfettered joy. That being said, if you're into variations of puzzle games, boy is it your week! Hit the break for the full release list. %Gallery-78467%
Pokewalker mini-game to ship with new versions of Pokemon, Pikachu unavailable for comment
Nintendo's DSi portable gaming device not portable enough? Looking for a discrete way to keep up with your Pokeyman during mass or in your seventh grade English class? Nintendo has just the device for you: New editions of Pokemon will include the Pokewalker, a Tamagotchi-like device that you can transfer your Pocket Monsters to wirelessly. By "walking," one can catch wild Pokemon, search for hidden items, and even find new routes within the new HeartGold and SoulSilver versions of the game. Due to hit the scene March 14 for a price yet to be announced. PR after the break. Update: To be clear, yes, this thing contains a pedometer -- meaning that you can earn experience points by walking around the neighborhood. Finally a reason to leave the apartment!
Dark Void Zero not DSiware exclusive; blasting onto iPhone and PC 'soon'
Capcom's aggressive digital distribution strategy has led to major releases on everything from WiiWare to Xbox Live Arcade to PlayStation Network to Windows to iPhone, but there's been one notable absence: DSiware. Nintendo's underpromoted service hasn't had the support of a major release, so its easy to understand why Capcom targeted the platform with Dark Void Zero, the "8-bit" tie-in game due for release later this month. But while Capcom has found great success on the console platforms – including its 8-bit Mega Man 9 – they don't have any plans to release Zero there. However, they do have plans for some other platforms. "We are actually going to be releasing on iPhone and PC, can't say exactly when but I'll say 'soon,'" a Capcom producer told Joystiq. "Xbox Live, PSN, I don't know yet. I would love to do it on those consoles." And there you have it: If you want to try and play a "very hard" game (her words) on your iPhone, with no physical buttons, you're welcome to do that "soon." We'll stick to the DSiware and PC releases, we think.
DSi motion control demoed by Engine Software
Netherlands-based handheld gaming studio Engine Software has developed a cool new piece of tech for the DSi: motion sensitivity. To show off this breakthrough, the company has developed a brief demo video of TILT, a kind of Marble Blast Ultra clone where the player guides a ball around the gameworld by tilting the DSi. It's not the first we've heard of this kinda tech, and it won't be the last. Engine Software isn't stopping with just this tech demo, however. The company is currently working on a full DSiWare game that will incorporate this new technology; though it likely won't be a full version of TILT, but rather an entirely new game. Head past the break to check out a brief video showcasing the tech.
Memorex unveils line of Wii, Wii Fit, DSi gaming accessories at CES
Click to enlarge We're not sure what the tagline will be – "Is it first-party? Or is it Memorex?" – but the storied consumer electronics company best known for its blank cassette tapes (remember those?) has been busy branching out, and a new series of video games accessories targeting Nintendo's various products is its latest endeavor. The company has taken the opportunity at CES to unveil a Wii racing wheel, a Wii wireless sensor bar, some sleeves for everything from your Wiimote to your Wii Fit balance board, a charging kit for your Wiimotes, a rechargeable battery pack for Wii Fit, and some DSi goodies as well. Like most of these offerings, there isn't much you'll find exciting here. Check out the full specs in the press release after the break, or, if you're a visual learner, flip through the gallery for some eye candy. %Gallery-81617%
