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Nintendo boasts 'record-setting' 16 million 3DS game sales in 2013
Nintendo's handheld business is booming right now, and the company has the stats to prove it. In its annual overview released today, the company says it sold a record-breaking 16 million 3DS games in 2013, which translates to a 45 percent increase over last year. US consumers played a big part in Nintendo's bumper year, accounting for 11.5 million of Nintendo's 35 million 2DS and 3DS lifetime sales. Despite its precarious financial situation and a recent ruling requiring it to share some of its 3DS sales revenue, Nintendo reckons it has plenty more left in the tank: "We're not slowing down in 2014," says Scott Moffitt, Nintendo's EVP of Sales, "the best days of Nintendo 3DS are still to come."
Nintendo put limits on 3DS StreetPass sharing so it can add features later
StreetPass data swaps are handy for 3DS owners who want to expand their games with other players' content, but they limit the number of new people you can accept at any one time. Ever wonder why that is? As it turns out, Nintendo has been futureproofing the service all along. The company's Kouichi Kawamoto tells Kotaku that the 10-player connection cap in StreetPass Mii Plaza leaves headroom for larger data exchanges. While Kawamoto isn't saying what additional info gamers could send to each other, he notes that Nintendo will only lift the cap if it decides that there's nothing more to add. There aren't any current plans to raise that ceiling, he says. The news will no doubt frustrate players tired of clearing their StreetPass queues, but it does hint at an eventual reward for their patience.
Sonic the Hedgehog 2 hits Android and iOS with long-lost Palace Zone stage
If you're looking to party like it's 1993, you can now do it on your Android or iOS hand-held device, thanks to a new Sonic the Hedgehog 2 reissue from Sega. On top of the 11 levels and seven special zones from the classic game, the portable version includes the Palace Zone, a rarely seen beta stage that was cut from the original game. There's also a widescreen mode for easier portable gameplay, a "boss attack mode" and the ability to play as Knuckles along with Sonic and Tails. It's now on Google Play at $2.99 (like the original version) and should hit iOS later today. So, if you'd like to revisit your childhood, but at 60 fps this time, hit the source.
Nintendo's first 2DS bundles include Pokemon, arrive December 6th for $150
Nintendo is fond of including games with its handhelds, and it's keeping up that habit by launching its first 2DS bundles. As of December 6th, Target will carry a red 2DS with Pokemon X pre-installed for $150; stop by Toys R Us the same day and you'll get a blue 2DS with Pokemon Y for the same price. While neither bundle is particularly special, they'll both save a cool $20 (and a few minutes of effort) over buying the separate hardware and software. We'd say that's a good deal for both gift-shopping parents and frugal Pokemon players.
YouTube finally arrives on Nintendo 3DS with ironic lack of 3D playback support
If you're looking to head straight from Super Mario 3D Land to the land of cats and hate, you'll no longer have to switch devices, as YouTube is now available on the Nintendo 3DS. You can grab the app from the 3DS eShop in North American and Europe just as Nintendo promised, where it'll join the likes of Netflix and Hulu, which itself launched just last month. Videos appear on the top screen and can be controlled by the triggers and buttons, while suggested videos, stats and search options are displayed below. The one feature that you'd think would be a no-brainer is conspicuously lacking, however: support for 3D videos.
PlayStation 4 and PS Vita bundle now available in the UK, but it's no bargain
Remember that rumored PlayStation 4 and PS Vita bundle that was due to reach the UK in time for the holidays? It's now official -- if not the discount that some were hoping for. Sony UK head Fergal Gara tells Eurogamer that some stores are carrying the device combo starting today, but it will cost only slightly less than the £500 ($816) you'd pay to get the systems one at a time. Appropriately, a few shops will offer a "soft bundle" that involves regular PS4 and Vita boxes. The kit doesn't make much financial sense, then, but Gara describes this as a philosophical move that highlights the PS4's Remote Play feature. To us, the real problem will be supply; when the PS4 is flying off shelves, there may not be many bundles to sell in the first place.
Daily Roundup: PlayStation 4 facts, coding in the education system, PlayJam GameStick review and more!
You might say the day is never really done in consumer technology news. Your workday, however, hopefully draws to a close at some point. This is the Daily Roundup on Engadget, a quick peek back at the top headlines for the past 24 hours -- all handpicked by the editors here at the site. Click on through the break, and enjoy.
Nintendo keeps things PG on the 3DS, kills off Swapnote's internet messaging
It's no secret that the 3DS' Swapnote app makes it easy to exchange salacious images, but that's apparently news to Nintendo. The company has shut down internet-based SpotPass messaging in Swapnote after discovering that online forum goers were using the feature to trade in "offensive material." The move will keep children safe and provide a friendly environment for everyone, Nintendo says. We're surprised that it took so long for the gaming giant to shut down a Swapnote feature that was risky by its very nature, but the closure is at least coming in time to reassure legions of gift-giving parents.
PSA: Nintendo 2DS now available to budget-minded gamers
Many gamers are focused on the PS4 and Xbox One launches, but we'd be remiss if we didn't mention a third that just took place: the Nintendo 2DS is now available in Australia, Europe and North America. US-based shoppers can buy black/blue and black/red models for $129. As a refresher, the system is aimed at both frugal buyers and newcomers who may not miss the 3DS' hinged design and namesake 3D visual effects; it still handles 3DS and DS games. The 2DS isn't likely to please veteran players, but it may satisfy parents who want a cheap way to introduce their kids to handheld gaming.
Atari founder Nolan Bushnell is betting on iOS, Android to win mobile gaming battle against Nintendo
Nintendo is in a strange place right now. With its home console sales waning, the company has been leaning on the success of the 3DS handheld in order to keep it in the black. But as iOS and Android devices gain power and prominence, Atari founder Nolan Bushnell is betting on the big N to lose the war. Speaking with the BBC, the 70-year-old Bushnell explains that dedicated handheld gaming systems just don't seem to make much sense any longer. "I don't think handheld game-only devices make sense anymore, not when you have an iPod or an Android microtablet. When it comes to the console market, I think the market is truncating," he explains. Of course, this is also the same man who went (jokingly) digging in the desert for discarded copies of the abysmal Atari 2600 version of E.T, so maybe we should take his opinion with a small grain of salt. I've written at length about the risk mobile platforms like iOS pose to gaming as a whole, and while I don't believe console or PC gamers have much to worry about, it's fairly clear at this point that portable systems like the 3DS are going to have to step up their game in order to remain relevant. Still, the battle isn't an easy win for iOS either, and the lack of physical control input is a definite hurdle that will need to be overcome before a victor can truly be declared.
Nintendo announces 2DS handheld gaming system, $129 on October 12 (video)
Well, this is certainly a surprise. While the other big names in gaming are rolling out their new home consoles, Nintendo's bringing a new handheld to the table. Called the 2DS, it looks like a 3DS laid flat without the hinge, and as you might surmise from the name, no three dimensional graphics. IGN reports that the 2DS will come in red and blue (with the front either being black or white, depending upon region) and will cost $129 when it arrives on October 12. For your money you get a handheld that packs dual screens, two cameras round the back, a single speaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack, plus a 4GB SD card. The new handheld is considered to be a part of the 3DS family, and as such, it can play all 3DS and regular Nintendo DS games, and also provides access to 3DS apps like the Nintendo eShop. Nintendo is positioning the 2DS as a far more affordable option than the $169 3DS, which should make it the more palatable choice for parents with small children. Strong move, Nintendo, get 'em hooked while they're young.
Refurbished 3DS XL handhelds available from Nintendo starting at $169
If you've been waiting for a price drop before upgrading to a 3DS XL, Nintendo has the next best thing for you: a refurbished trio of its up-sized 3D handhelds. They typically run $200 new, but you can get a redone unit for $170, or $180 with a 16GB SD memory card, in red, black or blue direct from the manufacturer. If you don't mind dropping the XL, a reworked aqua blue or midnight purple 3DS has lowered from April's price of $130 to $120, or $50 off compared to new. In all cases, Nintendo refurbs come with a one-year warranty and -- aside from the possibility of some "minor cosmetic blemishes" -- the Japanese manufacturer assures us that its quality standards are "VERY high". (Their caps, not ours.)
Nintendo gobbles up $4 million in a month with new 3DS StreetPass games (video)
Apparently a lot of people have followed the white rabbit hawking Nintendo's new 3DS StreetPass games, because the four new titles have moved like gangbusters. Nintendo sold $4 million worth of Mii Force, Flower Town, Warrior's Way and Monster Manor in a month (at $5 each or $15 for all four) to players champing at the bit for more games using the interactive feature. To the uninitiated, you can pick up StreetPasses just by crossing paths with another 3DS player or even someone who's recently been in the same place through proxy passes. That lets you play games with their Miis (avatars), but until recently there were only a couple of preloaded titles that use the functionality. There must have been some pent-up demand, though, considering the sales numbers -- after all, the 3DS has been Nintendo's bread and butter lately. As a reminder about how it all works, check the video after the break.
Shield from Nvidia review
If necessity is the mother of invention, then the Nvidia Shield is a parentless enigma. The Shield is an interesting marriage of analog and touch-based tech, a $300 device with a clamshell design housing a "retinal" display – a 720p multi-touch OLED – all on top of a hefty dual-analog control setup beneath it. It's an impressive piece of technology, one that can stream PC games, play Android games and output anything to a TV via mini-HDMI. The Shield accomplishes a great number of tasks but, outside of PC game streaming, it doesn't fill a need that isn't already being fulfilled elsewhere by cheaper devices.%Gallery-188227%
Nintendo brings not-so-stealthy black 3DS XL to North America on August 11th
Looking for a (slightly) less conspicuous take on the 3DS XL? If you live in the US or Canada, you'll get it when the all-black version of Nintendo's giant handheld reaches those countries on August 11th. Don't expect any bonuses with the subtler color, though. The darker-hued 3DS XL costs the same $200 as before, and it's virtually identical to the Japanese version that launched last fall. It's shipping at the same time as Mario & Luigi: Dream Team, however, which makes it a decent consolation prize for gamers who can't get a Luigi edition 3DS LL to call their own.
Nvidia Shield shipping on July 31 to hands near you
Nvidia's Android-powered handheld gaming system Shield will ship July 31, Nvidia announced. The system was originally expected to launch June 27, but shipment was pushed back to July due to a mechanical issue found during the console's QA process. Our hands-on time with the Shield found some similarities to the Xbox 360 controller, with a little more bulk than a PlayStation Vita, thanks in no small part to its 5-inch, multi-touch, 720p display. %Gallery-188227%
3DS update brings new Streetpass games, soft-selling rabbit
Ever dance with a rabbit who shilled new StreetPass diversions in the bright sunlight? No? Well, the latest 3DS update will fix that. Within the system's StreetPass Plaza dwells a white lagomorph with a penchant for salesmanship. After the anthropomorphic bunny describes each title and shows it off in the cutest and most Nintendo way possible, you can buy the quartet of new releases -- Mii Force, Flower Town, Warrior's Way and Monster Manor -- individually or as a discounted bundle. Each is $5 a pop, or with the package deal you can get all four for $15. The patch also brings another Puzzle Swap picture, Mii accessories purchasable with tickets earned from playing the new StreetPass games and new unlockable Mii hats. Nintendo says you can change your Mii's facial expression when StreetPassing with another user, too. Sure, Japanese and European owners got this a few weeks ago, but that shouldn't spoil the fun if you're in the US.
Japan gets a pair of exclusive Pokemon X and Y 3DS XLs, world seethes with envy
Nintendo has a history of releasing snazzy special edition hardware outside of the U.S. and two Japan-only Pokemon X & Y 3DS XLs have now been added to it. The blue passive-3D dual-screen handheld features a pair of new legendary pocket monsters -- Xerneas and Yveltal, if you're curious -- and is out October 12th. The second of the duo is going to be more elusive than a Mew. To snatch a metallic gold 3DS XL (also with Xerneas, plus a slew of others), being in Japan to coincide with X & Y's release isn't enough: fighting off the rest of the trainers at Pokemon Center retailers October 12th is on the bill, too. May the best Pokemaster -- with 22,800 yen ($227) -- win! You didn't think The Big N was gonna make it easy to catch 'em all, did you?
Garmin Monterra handheld GPS runs Android, ships in Q3 for $650
This technically isn't Garmin's first foray into Android territory, but it could prove to be one of the most successful. The navigation company's just introduced Monterra, a dedicated handheld GPS running a TBA version of Android. Basic specs are in line with what you'd expect from a mid-range smartphone, including a 4-inch touchscreen, an 8-megapixel camera with flash and geotag support, 1080p video capture, 6GB of internal storage and microSD expansion. Naturally, the display is optimized for outdoor use -- it's transflective, so you only need to use the LED backlight in low light, letting you conserve power during daytime river treks and sunlit hikes. The device is ruggedized, with an IPX7 waterproof rating, and can run on either a rechargeable battery pack (included) or AA batteries. It includes WiFi, ANT+, Bluetooth 3.0, NFC, a built-in FM radio with NOAA weather and SAME alerts, dual-band GPS and GLONASS receiver, a 3-axis compass with accelerometer and gyro, a UV sensor for monitoring the sun's intensity and a barometric altimeter, which can report altitude and predict weather based on pressure shifts. There's also a handful of preinstalled apps designed to take advantage of this plethora of connectivity, including Europe PeakFinder, or you can download favorites from Google Play -- anything from farming aids to efficiency trackers can utilize many of Monterra's bundled sensors. The device is expected to ship in Q3, and should run you about $650 in the US or £600 in the UK.
Nintendo sees Mario and Zelda giving Wii U a big boost, 3DS continuing to grow
There's no question that Nintendo is hurting these days, mostly owing to the lackluster reception for the Wii U. The company's Scott Moffitt is upbeat, however: he tells CNET that the Wii U should enjoy a 3DS-like sales renaissance this holiday now that games in bigger franchises, like Mario and Zelda, are on the way. Of course, the 3DS also had the advantage of a dramatic price drop -- but never you mind that. As for the handheld's own performance this year? Moffitt claims that the 3DS is the only dedicated console whose sales are still growing, and he expects the system to have its best holiday yet. His positions on the 3DS and Wii U strike us as optimistic when Nintendo is up against two major console launches and the ever-present threat of smartphone gaming, but the gaming giant has defied the odds more than once in its history.
