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Revealed: New Wii Shop 'gift' feature
Currently, the Wii barely has chance to make itself comfortable on shop shelves, such is its popularity with consumers. But that's not quite enough for Satoru Iwata and co. -- they want to rule the online roost as well. Problem is, quite a lot of people aren't terribly fussed about checking the weather or catching up on the news on their Wii, and let's not kid ourselves here: as far as online gaming goes, right now the Wii just can't measure up to some of the competition.Something needs to be done then, something to get more people surfing this series of tubes using Nintendo's waggle box. Enter the firm's latest brainwave, a new Wii Shop feature which allows users to buy gifts for one another, such as a Virtual Console game. The lucky recipient will then receive notice of their present, and can start downloading it instantly from the Wii Shop."We think this will be a breakthrough in encouraging customers to spread news of fun games [other than by?] word of mouth," Iwata said of the new feature, which has no release date yet. "We also hope to spur more users to connect their Wiis to the Internet."Is this the move that gets more people online on their Wiis? Do you envisage yourself using it? Share your thoughts, and we shall listen intently.
Nintendo Wii Virtual Console gift giving service
In another portion of the 'absolutely no Wii price cut' story we covered earlier this morning, Nintendo's prez unveiled a feature that allows people to "send each other games over the internet using the Wii's shopping channel." The explanation by AP is a little too quick and dirty for our taste, so we've contacted Nintendo's PR for a cleaner explanation. The piece says that users will be able to select a game to send as a gift to another user and when the recipient accepts, "the Wii automatically launches the shopping channel and begins the download."Like we said, we're looking to get more details on this potentially great service. We just need to know things like: Does this mean grandma needs to comprehend the multi-digit friend codes? Does the person need to be a friend first? Isn't it easier just to give a Wii Points gift card? We hope to update you soon with the answers.
Wii wins the Amazon Wedding registry war
As a newlywed myself -- I traded power rings with my wife just last week -- I'm kicking myself over having not set up one of these Amazon wedding registries, filling our wish list to the topmost edges of the brim with niche games and controller geegaws. I could be playing Bust-A-Move Bash! right now, were it not for my shortsightedness.Other couples with similar misplaced priorities, however, made sure to include Nintendo's much-hyped console on their lists, as Amazon charted the Wii as the number one most-registered-for item by engaged pairs. Pyrex's 10-piece tupperware set, long-criticized for its flimsy implementation of motion controls and lack of AAA titles, was a distant second.Sony's 60GB Playstation 3 came in at a respectful 44th place, while the 20GB Xbox 360 managed to sneak in as the 96th most-registered-for product. As for Wii accessories, the remote (15), nunchuk (26), and Nyko's charging station (76) all made an appearance on the top 100 list. OXO's locking tongs -- which aren't technically a remote peripheral, but could be used as one anyway -- sit at the 35 marker.[Via Digg]
AT&T gifts iPhone, Apple contemplates 3rd party software access
Your latest "anything iPhone related happens" post is here, this time with the news that AT&T has given away an iPhone to a member of the public, coupled with a recent statement that Apple is wrestling with the decision of whether to allow 3rd parties to develop iPhone apps. It's rather odd that the first iPhone to make it into the hands of a mere mortal didn't cost its new owner a single cent, but in a video taken at the commencement ceremony at West Texas A&M University, the CEO of AT&T Stan Sigman gave away an iPhone to one Dr. O'Brien. (At least, that's what the very crackly movie of the speech shot on a Treo appears to indicate.) The statement about the 3rd party iPhone software comes from a similarly authoritative voice -- Steve Jobs -- and through a clearer medium -- a phone-in of a recent Apple shareholders meeting. Jobs said that the company "is wrestling with" the decision to allow external developers to create their own software for the iPhone. Our wish is for Apple to open up the iPhone, or at least compromise and allow developers to create their own widgets. In the phone industry, standing still (which is effectively what Apple would be doing with a closed iPhone) is not an option: or, maybe it is. Hmm, we seem to have missed the smackdown.Read -- AT&T's Stan Sigman gifts iPhoneRead -- 3rd party iPhone apps?
All Mom wants for Mother's Day is a DS Lite
Chris Kohler's coverage of random stuff he sees while walking around in Japan continues with a note about Nintendo's latest DS advertising campaign. The sign says "Soon, it will be Mother's Day" next to a picture of a DS Lite playing Brain Age. We can't help but think that if this campaign works, it'll lead to a lot of disappointed moms this Sunday. We're not saying moms don't want DS's (some may not, but most people do!) The problem is that it's still pretty much impossible to get a DS in Japan, with the apparent exception of whatever store this was. Why would Nintendo even advertise the DS?
Intel, Skype partner for free international SkypeOut calls on Mother's Day
Haven't picked mom up a special Sansa C250 just yet? Weren't even planning on it? Well now you can stop fretting about where the coinage will come from to buy her a gift, as Intel and Skype have teamed up to offer the Gift of Gab come May 13th. The two firms will be charging the low, low price of nada for unlimited SkypeOut calls to landlines or mobile numbers that originate in the US or Canada for Mother's Day, giving us boys and girls here in the top sections of North America a full 24 hours to concoct and deliver an appropriate speech to that overseas-based mom. Of course, this offering could ensure that the "busiest calling day of the year" remains the champ in 2007, but regardless of what everyone else is doing, make sure you pencil in a phone call of your own a couple Sundays from now -- there's just no excuse left.
Death Jr. and the preorder stylus of doom
Of all the preorder stylus bonuses we've seen, Death Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom's is easily the best. Konami has been encouraging gamers to reserve its 3D platformer with promises of a miniaturized scythe that doubles as a stylus. The preorder perk also comes with a plastic holder that clips the oversized pen to you DS Lite. Though it makes for a great novelty item to enjoy with your game, the scythe also serves as a grim reminder that death is always close. Try as we might to avoid it, our end is always waiting, ready to steal our life's work -- or waste in some cases -- like a thief in the night. It doesn't seem like much of a bonus when you think about it like that, does it?Death Jr. and the Science Fair of Doom won't appear on store shelves until May 22nd, but some online shops are already sending the preorder styli out. Head past the post break for CAG forumer Asgardian's photos of the Death Jr. stylus he received early. [Via CAG]
Letterman snags free DS and Brain Age
Nintendo occasionally feels fit to send certain ailing minds a free Nintendo DS Lite and a copy of Brain Age, to shake off the rust. This time, however, they sent a perfectly functioning and quite hilarious mind the very same gift, commemorating the sixtieth birthday of none other than David Letterman. From what we know, he isn't much of a gamer, but perhaps Nintendo'll hit the marketing jackpot and make an addict of the man.The jury is out ... and will most likely forever be out ... on whether Brain Age actually works or not, but hey, as long as we think it's working, good enough. Take a close-up look at the letter after the break (they even sent his mom one!).
Brain tumor victim makes-a-wish for PS3
The St. Albans Messenger has a heartwarming story about a recovering brain tumor patient that got a pretty sweet deal courtesy of the Make-A-Wish foundation. Eighteen-year-old Ryan Kubas came home from a limousine trip to Wendy's (his favorite restaurant) to find a widescreen LCD TV, a new sound system, and a PlayStation 3 that had been donated by an anonymous IBM employee. To be completely accurate, Ryan didn't get the PS3 until just after he got home, and was reportedly "a little disappointed" to find just the sound system and TV upon arriving. When Make-A-Wish volunteers brought the system from their car, though, they produced "a chorus of cheers from everyone inside the house." Kubas' initial review of the PS3 reveals that it is "very realistic, much better than the PlayStation 2," and also "awesome." Related: Valve lets fan tour studio, play Portal
1 in 8 blokes would swap their lady for a "must-have" gadget?
Alright, so we're taking this survey episode of propaganda quite lightly, but apparently an alarming amount of guys would give up their "must-have" woman for that "must-have" gizmo. Reportedly, a UK survey conducted by GfK NOP on behalf of mobile price search agent (read: spam bot) 60207 found that nearly one out of every eight men surveyed would willingly ditch their girlfriend -- but not their 'fro -- for a hot gadget, which was classified as a svelte HDTV, iPod, or some other desirable inorganic object. While the 16 to 24-year olds were quickest to swap a person for a gadget (17-percent), only 2-percent of the happily married 55 to 65-year old crowd was willing to throw away their silver anniversary for something found at Circuit City. Also of note was the female reaction, as nearly six-percent of ladies admitted that they would kick their man to the curb for a lovely piece of electronic kit, but considering just how much the dames have fallen for gizmos of late, this isn't all that shocking. So while holding onto your SO might not be all that difficult a fortnight into February, don't be alarmed if things get testy around June.[Via TechDigest]
Esquire offers up rumbling, flashing handbag for mobiles
We know, it's a little late for Christmas, but you can bet your bottom dollar that lucky lady of yours is already thinking long and hard about that lovely holiday in February. For the dame who already owns that iPod purse and laptop-toting satchel comes Esquire's latest rumbling handbag made to alert the carrier (and her posse) whenever a phone call comes in. Apparently, the bag sports a built-in battery pack (powered by AAA cells), a vibration function "three times as powerful" as those found within your mobile, flashy LEDs galore, and a few compartments for less important things like wallets and timeless family photos. Notably, the designer does a decent job from keeping this technologically-inclined purse from taking a dive in the fashion department, but as with most luxury bags we've seen these days, expect to pay a hefty premium for those style points whenever this thing lands.
New dance craze: Origami Benjamin Shuffle
When you've chugged back a gallon of 'nog in an effort to soothe your spirits over the size of your holiday bonus, consider the gifts that employees of BIG Images got this year. The entire staff of the large-format printing provider got iPod Shuffle units... neatly wrapped in two $100 bills.Nothing says "We appreciate your contribution to the success of our business" more than wrapping paper made from legal tender. For companies that aren't feeling as flush as BIG Images, may I suggest giving out Zunes on a bed of pennies?[via Gizmodo]
DealMac last-minute holiday ship guide
What's the most important question when you're doing your holiday e-shopping? OK, the most important after "Where can I buy a Wii for less than $740?" and "Does this iPod Shuffle make me look fat?" Yes, it's "What is the absolute last minute I can order online and still get my gifts in time?"The fine folks at DealMac/DealNews feel your pain, man. They've posted a guide to holiday shipping deadlines that will help you prioritize your purchasing plans. This could be your chance to get your sweetie the millionth Zune! Of course, for instant gratification, there's nothing like the kind of presents you can download.P.S. Amazon's Prime shipping guide is also online.
Video Sandwich: December 10, 2006
Slow news day? Yeah. Even our Joystiq sister site hasn't really updated today! Well, hopefully these two videos can entertain you while you wait for that Loco Roco demo that's supposed to come out tomorrow. The first video is submitted by Daylon Schindler. Cheap PSP knockoff + Christmas = hilarity. Hopefully, we'll have a follow-up after Christmas to write about!Secondly, you'll see Sony's latest ad in Asia, trying to promote all things Sony. I think the message is: buy Sony products, don't get turned into a Borg. (Oh, and in passing, I'll make note that my PS3 is officially broken. Damn. I guess I have to send it back in.)
Top ten gift ideas for the Wii owner ... or not?
Oh boy -- it's that time of the year again when everyone and their brother gets on the recommended gift bandwagon (tip: ours will, of course, be way better), whether they know what they're on about or not. This latest list of recommend gifts for Wii owners was shaping up nicely until we got to the number one item. Then it became more of a top ten gifts for the apparently broke and trapped under a rock Nintendo fan. Why? Any list that declares Twilight Princess as the ultimate gift for people who already own the system is immediately suspect -- because those of us who love all things Zelda already rushed out and scored a copy. Some even grabbed multiples. Just, y'know, in case. And for the five who didn't, we're sorry, and we hope that support group is working out for you. It gets better with time.It's not all bad. The SD card that comes in at number three makes a solid gift, and we're big fans of most of the recommended games. But when it comes to buying gifts for those who already own a Wii, don't go for the obvious -- go for the unusual. [Thanks, Mike!]
PSP Fanboy holiday gift guide
It's Black Friday... You know what that means. The holiday shopping season has begun! Because all the other major gaming sites are doing it, we decided to make a holiday gift guide as well! These are the games that I think will make any good PSP owner happy.$50 or belowGrand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories - Quite possibly the biggest portable adventure yet. GTA fans and fans of 80s pop culture will dig this game.$40 or belowDaxter - The great graphics and lack of load times makes this platformer a great technical showcase.Gitaroo-Man Lives! - My favorite PSP game of the year. Get it for the music lover.Loco Roco - Sony proves that there are games for kids on its system. This one is it.SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2 - The online tactical shooter returns. Online junkies will love this game.Syphon Filter: Dark Mirror - Although not an FPS, the game's controls and extensive multiplayer modes is perfect for shooter lovers.Tekken: Dark Resurrection - It's the only fighting game you'll want to give to a PSP owner.$30 or belowLumines II - With nearly a hundred different musical skins to unlock, this easy-to-learn puzzle game is perfect for anyone, especially if they missed the original game.$20 or belowGrand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories - For less than $20, the original LCS sports a ton of gameplay at an insanely affordable price.Mega Man: Powered Up - This 2D platformer features great graphics, classic gameplay, and a level editor that lets you share creations. At under $20, it's a steal.Wipeout Pure - This launch game still sports some of the system's best graphics. With tons of free downloadable content, this is a great value.
Wii Sports gift available in Animal Crossing
And the Wii-related gifts in Animal Crossing: Wild World just keep rolling in! This time it's a set of bowling pins to commemorate Wii Sports. We're just glad it wasn't, say, a replica of Mitch, the Mii who keeps popping up in our one-player Wii Sports games, complete with stringy hair and creepy mustache. [Thanks, Roddie!]
Your Week in Nintendo - 11/6/06 - 11/12/06
Welcome to a new feature at DS Fanboy -- where we recap the stories you don't want to miss. Top stories are chosen based on relevance and reader support. For the week beginning Monday, November 6th and ending Sunday, November 12th, Your Week in Nintendo brings you: 5) Elite Beat Agents arrivesAt last, the Elite Beat Agents are here to set things right. It's been one of the year's most anticipated titles, and now we can barely take time away from playing it ... unless, of course, we're talking about it. 4) Two great tastes Just in time for the Wii launch, Nintendo drops a gift from Twilight Princess into Animal Crossing: Wild World, though it won't be revealed until the 17th. 3) The debate rages onThis time, it's not the fanboys arguing about the merits of the DS and the PSP -- it's Sony's Dave Karraker comparing the media hub that is the PSP to Nintendo's handheld gaming system. Who knew being about the games could be so wrong?2) Things are looking good on the DSNew footage from Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker had fans stumped -- it looks so good, some mistook it for a Wii title! It's good to be reminded that it's not all about stylus-based fun with the DS. Nintendo's innovate handheld is powerful, too. 1) Apple v. Nintendo -- fight! Our favorite handheld dukes it out with the MacBook Pro for the title of Time magazine's Gadget of the Year.
Zelda goodies in Animal Crossing
Much to the surprise of, well, just about every person we come in contact with on a regular basis, we still play Animal Crossing: Wild World. Perhaps we aren't alone though, because word on the street is that Nintendo is issuing out another free goody to celebrate the launch of some game called Zelda on the Wii. We're going to be keeping a close watch on this situation due to our continued support for the game and love of all things free.For those who would like to join us, the time to log into Wi-Fi Connect is during the week of November 17th through the 24th. Upon connecting, players will receive the rare gift enclosed in a letter, which will be patiently awaiting them in their mailbox outside of the house. It's totally legit information, originating from the 210th volume of Nintendo Power magazine.[Thanks to all that sent this in!]
Sega Toys' unveils Movie Carrier camcorder for kids
If you're tired of shuffling through the myriad of grown-up camcorders out there, or just want to get your up-and-coming kid schooled correctly in the realm of technology, Sega Toys' has your device. The 68 x 85 x 40-millimeter handheld Movie Carrier has all the markings of a clichéd holiday gift, but the one difference here is that this bad boy actually records full-motion video. Sporting a CMOS sensor, 4x zoom, 1.5-inch flipout monitor, SD slot, TV outputs, and a kid-friendly pink / blue enclosure, Sega's toyish camcorder records 320 x 240 resolution video and even still pictures in the form of AVI / JPEG onto the included 32MB SD card. While the image quality here is likely to be just marginally above pitiful, you're sure to acquire a few priceless (albeit pixelated) home videos letting this loose in the hands of a youngster, and hey, giving your favorite child the means to catch that oh-so-mischievous one red-handed will only run you ¥13,440 ($114). [Via The Raw Feed]
