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Online shopping comes to Wii in Japan November 1
Nintendo's Wii no Ma Channel currently provides videos to Wii users in Japan. During an investors presentation, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata introduced plans to add an online shopping component to the service. On November 1, three department store companies and Nintendo will launch the new Wii no Ma Shopping portal, which will carry goods from those department stores in addition to exclusive items like stickers and stamps with Mii images on them. "In addition to exclusive commodities only available at Wii-no-Ma," Iwata said, "there will always be more than 10,000 items to choose from, including foods, daily commodities, fashion items and furniture." Iwata has high hopes for the shopping service: "Wii is a game console which can be enjoyed by any member of a family regardless of age, gender and gaming experiences, and by deploying services that are unique to Wii with such characteristics, we are trying to make it even more useful for facilitating communication between people," he said. "If we can maintain the high active-use ratio of Wii through that process, people will keep using Wii as a game console. Overall, we are also hopeful that we will be able to increase the social acceptance of video games, which is one of our long-term goals." Don't expect to buy stuff through your Wii: the Wii no Ma Channel remains unavailable outside of Japan.
Nintendo 3DS automatic Mii creation and editing demonstrated on video
Here it is, Nintendo's new Mii Studio software bundled on every new Nintendo 3DS. The software uses any of the 3DS' cameras to snap a photo and automatically create the Mii. It'll blow your mind then let you edit the pieces back together. See what we mean after the break.
Nintendo reveals more 3DS hardware details, OS features
Nintendo didn't just drop a Japanese release date and price for the 3DS tonight -- in a document (PDF) released following this evening's press conference, the company detailed more of the hardware's features, including unexpected pack-ins. ¥25,000 ($299) will net you -- among other things -- a charging cradle, 2GB SD card, telescoping metal stylus and six "paper cards" that can be used for playing the system's built-in augmented reality games. (The 3DS' outward-facing 3D camera will detect and replace them in the "scene" with different 3D objects.) 3DS will also perform some neat new tricks. It has backlit face buttons -- one of which is the Home button. When pressed, it will bring up an in-game menu enabling users to browse the web, turn Wi-Fi on/off and modify other settings without exiting. Finally, there's a breakdown of the built-in software, which includes "Nintendo 3DS cameras," "Nintendo 3DS sound," Mii Studio," "Chance Encounter Mii Plaza," "AR Games" and "Book" (an ebook reader, perhaps?). Mii Studio is unique in that it allows players to snap photos of themselves to use as a basis for their Mii. More details as they hit.%Gallery-103582%
Nintendo 3DS ships in Japan February 26, US and Europe in March, auto-generates Mii from camera (update: video!)
Enough with the rumored prices and launch dates for the 3DS already, let's get official. Nintendo just announced a February 26 ship date in Japan for ¥25,000 (about $298). It'll then land in the US and Europe in March for an undisclosed amount. Launch colors are aqua blue or cosmo black. At a press event in Japan, Nintendo demonstrated the ability to take your picture using the 3DS' front-facing camera and then automatically converting the image into a Mii -- you can edit it too using Mii Studio on the 3DS. You can even merge two photos into a single image if you choose. Images can then be exported as QR codes in wireless "tag mode" or as a file to the bundled 2GB SD card. Ninty also announced a special edition Super Mario DSi LL (no hardware changes) set to launch for ¥18,000 in Japan on October 28th. It also confirmed that a Wii Remote Plus is in development (it'll be announced at a date some time in the future) and a partnership with Fuji TV that will trial 3D video streaming to Nintendo's new handheld. Finally, a virtual console-style store was show serving up downloadable Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games to the 3DS. Update: Nintendo just launched its 3DS microsite in Japan with a bit more product detail including new feature overview and software lineup videos found after the break. There you'll see a built-in pedometer with activity graph and what looks like background multitasking (or at least a state save) letting you launch other apps and then return to a game at the exact same point you left it. Nintendo also demonstrates the Mii Plaza app that lets you collect and view Miis from 3DS owners you pass throughout the day (even when the 3DS is sleeping); Augmented Reality gaming with six AR cards included in the box; a long-press home button for in-game access to web browsing, WiFi toggle, and more; a Book app; and note writing / diary software.%Gallery-103589%
Tired, thirsty man murders Mii with PlayStation Move controller
You can't find Sony's name anywhere on this bit of video; it's a "viral" from Wolfbreeder, an LA ad firm that Sony can no-doubt distance itself from if it gets in trouble. But we won't tattle: the video above, which has been described for you succinctly in the headline above, the video which you've no doubt already watched and forwarded to that one friend of yours who still plays Wii regularly, is frankly badass. [Thanks, Bilbo]
Miyamoto on Miis migrating to 3DS, evolving network play on the handheld
Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime may be committed to improving the online experience on the Big N's platforms, but legendary designer and Guy Who Makes Things Happen™ at the company, Shigeru Miyamoto, doesn't seem inclined to exactly reinvent network play with 3DS. "We look at [online] more in terms of what can we do to provide that Nintendo flavor or magic to that community or connection experience," he told IGN Australia in an E3 interview the site just now found behind its virtual sofa cushions. "One of the ways that we're looking at doing that, is the idea of really strengthening the tag mode functionality," he explained, referring to an "always on" data-sharing feature most famously employed by Dragon Quest IX on DS. "We think that there will be some unique ideas that come out of that, and that it will have a very unique Nintendo flavor to it." So, not voice chat or friend code-free multiplayer then? Speaking of exchanging things with other 3DS owners: what of Miis? Already transferable from Wii to current DS titles such as Tomodachi Collection and Personal Trainer: Walking, Miyamoto commented that the pint-sized avatars moving to-and-fro between future platforms is "something that we're definitely giving consideration to," and that there's a desire to "continue to try to allow people to use their Miis on different Nintendo systems going forward." We can certainly get down with the idea of 3D Miis -- or, as we call them, "3Miis."
Nintendo's Miyamoto says Miis could make the jump to the 3DS
Nintendo already dropped a hint that Miis could be heading to the 3DS by including some Mii-like characters in the Pilotwings demo at E3 last month, and Shigeru Miyamoto himself has now offered some further confirmation that Nintendo is at least looking at the possibility. Speaking with IGN this week, he says that it is "something that we're definitely giving consideration to," and that Nintendo wants to "continue to try to allow people to use their Miis on different Nintendo systems going forward." While that's not quite a complete confirmation, it definitely sounds like your Mii could be with you for a long time to come.
WiiWare game can turn your TV into an aquarium
Andriasang.com has pointed out a new Japanese WiiWare title that turns your television into a glorified aquarium. Fortunately, it's more than just a screensaver (it had better be for 800 Wii Points) and includes a number of different features. Entitled Aqua Living: The Fish You Can Watch On your TV (no, really), the game allows players to create an aquarium using different themes, layouts and fish. Once the aquarium is set up, players can change the viewing angle or have the camera follow a certain fish. Players can also dive into the aquarium as their Miis, allowing them to directly feed the fish and explore the tank. The game also includes a fish guide, which includes information on each species. Of course, all we want to know is if there are any fish with human faces in there. Follow this link to see the game in motion.
Ulala and BD Joe get behind the wheel in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
It seems like the cast of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing will never cease to expand. Not only has Sega tapped almost all of its memorable characters (including Shenmue's Ryo), but its roster is also starting to encompass games outside of the Sega realm, including Banjo-Kazooie, Avatars and Miis. Today, the Sega blog reveals Space Channel 5's Ulala and Crazy Taxi's BD Joe. Check 'em both out in the new trailer above.
Add Mii to Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
You might not be able to play as Banjo and Kazooie in the Wii version of Sonic and Sega All-Stars Racing, but you will be able to play as ... The Notorious B.I.G.! No, Sega hasn't added a selection of deceased rappers to the game's playable cast (no matter how many times we ask) -- the publisher has merely announced Mii support. Much like the racing Avatars in the Xbox 360 version, the Wii version of Sega All-Stars Racing allows your Miis to compete against Sonic, Knuckles, Ryo Hazuki, and the rest of the assembled Sega crew. Hey, this is one way to get Segata Sanshiro back in the game -- where he belongs.
Play as your Mii, or a professional skater, or a professional skater's Mii in Tony Hawk Ride
Remember when we thought every Wii game was going to let you play as your Mii? And then remember when that didn't happen and the inclusion of Miis into every third-party game was a Big Deal? This news about Tony Hawk Ride makes us nostalgic for both of those times.Developer Buzz Monkey and Activision have received the mysteriously elusive permission from Nintendo to include Mii support, allowing users not only to play as their own Miis, but as included Mii likenesses of the pro skaters featured in the game. So if the in-game Tony Hawk avatar doesn't have a big enough head for you, there's a built-in solution.In addition to the extra Mii features, Tony Hawk Ride on the Wii will include two exclusive levels. Usually, motion controls are enough of an exclusive feature for a game's Wii version, but this time, of course, that isn't the case, and it looks like Activision has found interesting ways to compensate. Enjoy some footage from the Wii game after the break.While both Guitar Hero World Tour and 5 included Mii modes, Xbox Avatar support was new for the latest GH game. We've contacted Activision to determine whether Avatars will find their way into Ride as well.
Guitar Hero 5 also supports Miis
Wii owners: don't feel left out by the Xbox Guitar Hero 5's support of Avatars! You'll also be able to make your big-eyed simulacra windmill their (nonexistent) arms like lil' Pete Townshends (even as lil' Pete Townshends, now that we think about it). An Activision rep confirmed to Eurogamer that Mii support would be present in GH5.Of course, the exact same "Mii Freestyle" mode was already present in the Wii version of Guitar Hero World Tour, so its inclusion in Guitar Hero 5 is less groundbreaking than the Avatar support -- if only because that particular ground has already been broken in the Wii games. Unfortunately for Quincys about to rock, there are "no plans to have Home Avatars for the PS3 version."
This Mii is a criminal
The sketch artist at the Kanagawa, Japan police department must've been on vaca last week -- local authorities there decided to use this shady-looking Mii to try and catch a man suspected of a hit and run. Crude, yet effective -- although something tells us a man with no arms who can still swing a tennis racket might just stand out on his own. [Via Danny Choo; thanks Penny]Update: The local police are apparently saying they're not responsible for the... uh, "mug shot," so, you know, mad props to the good samaritan out there doing their part to bring this case to a close.
Revolutionary: It Ain't Mii
As the New Year approaches and some of you are making your resolutions, it's a natural time to reflect on who you are and who you would like to be. Two years ago when I brought home my Wii and was sculpting a likeness of myself in Mii form, I was doing just that sort of reflecting. Recently, Sony opened up their new Playstation Home service to public beta and Microsoft unrolled the New Xbox Experience. With these additions, it has become possible to create an effigy of ourselves across each platform, so I'd like to give you my impressions of my own three representations. I can tell you right now, a couple of these ain't pretty.
Pedometer-equipped walking game steps into Europe with a terrible new name
While Nintendo of America has settled on Personal Trainer: (Activity) for DS training games, and Japan takes a more freeform approach (the only constant is really, really long names), Nintendo of Europe's approach for training game titles (with the odd exception of Maths Training) is now (Title): (Question about title activity?) -- as in Cooking Guide: Can't decide what to eat? and Dr Kawashima's Brain Training: How old is your brain?The latest training game to use this naming convention is Walk with me! Do you know your walking routine?, which we know as Personal Trainer: Walking, the walking trainer that brings Miis to the DS for the first time, and also includes two wireless pedometer accessories. That accessory is known as the Activity Meter for the PAL release. Data collected by the device can be sent to Nintendo via Wi-Fi for use on leaderboards and a total worldwide step count of all users. The press release says that the data is transferred to your DS via infrared signal, but we're a bit skeptical since the DS doesn't have an IR port.Nintendo of Europe will launch Walk with me! on February 20. You can see English screens in an obtrusive Flash interface at Nintendo's Walk with me page.%Gallery-33410%[Thanks, RICANJO!]
Wii Warm Up: Mii or Meh
Mii making was great fun in the early days of the Wii. Somehow, I found myself engrossed in the process of creating big-headed caricatures of me, my family, celebrities, and such. My interest was renewed for a while with the addition of the Check Mii Out Channel. But I got over my Mii mania, mostly. I have a stable of go-to Miis for use in games that support them, and that's it. I rarely look at the parade or the Check Mii Out Channel anymore. I'm glad I have the Miis I have, but I don't really feel like putting time into Mii creation for fun anymore. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, as the point is to make avatars, and I've done that and now I have avatars.What about you? Have you continued honing your Mii-making craft? Have you become an artisan working in the medium of fake cartoon heads?
Activision announces new sports game for Wii
Titled Big League Sports, Activision's new game is taking inspiration from the many other minigame compilations available on the console. Due for release in North America this holiday season, the new game emphasizes "a singular focus on putting players in the most thrilling situations while competing in their favorite sports." The "favorite sports" it speaks of? Tennis, basketball, football (American style), soccer, lacrosse and hockey, with each sport featuring its own "hit the shot and the buzzer" moment, although we're not sure exactly what that means (some kind of tension mechanic?).The final version of the game will feature 22 events across six different sports and various game modes, including single game, marathon, and tournament. There's also going to be a character creation mode which, you guessed it, means there is a strong chance the game will have Mii support. Look for Big League Sports this holiday season.
Echoes of Time (and Miis)
If you were just itching to see someone else's Mii in a DS screenshot of Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time, then you've come to the right place. Along with some other excellent new shots, we have that very thing in the gallery below. Like the way the game looks? Your lucky day rolls on, because we heard a little rumor that there may be some wallpapers available on the official site by the end of the week.The DS/Wii release Echoes of Time is slated for January in Japan, and, unofficially, some time that isn't soon enough for the rest of the world.%Gallery-33397%
Animal Crossing: City Folk in Creepy Mii Masks
We spent our limited Animal Crossing: City Folk time at E3 messing with the new Mii masks, reducing an effigy of a normally jovial executive to a blubbering mess. Should you want to follow our example, it's quite easy to do! And just a little bit off-putting, as this video of the new salon shows. You just go to the salon, choose the Mii you'd like the mask to resemble, and then ... a giant machine, buzzing and arcing with electricity, clamps down over you and reshapes your head! If you think about it like that, it's a bit weird that the Mii mask blinks and displays emotions. But, then again, you have to earn each emotional display by watching stand-up comedy, so maybe we're already in Weird City. %Gallery-27704%
A brief history of Club Nintendo Awesomeness
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo/A_look_back_at_Club_Nintendo_s_greatest_gifts'; By now, you've no doubt heard: Nintendo is rolling out Club Nintendo in the U.S. by the end of 2008. Wahey! Yeah, we know that Japan (generally speaking) gets the most excellent items when compared to elsewhere, but listen here, bub: it's free stuff. We're not about to complain, and nor should you (if you want to feel sorry for somebody, Australia's Club Nintendo scheme has gone AWOL, and check out South Africa's piss-poor Stars Catalogue).Anyway, as these are happy times for North Americans, we thought we'd reflect on some of the bestest Club Nintendo gifts and trinkets from both Japan and Europe to date -- some of which could end up in the U.S.! Hit the gray button to start DS Fanboy's whirlwind Club Nintendo Tour of Wonders! NEXT >> #ninbutton { border-style: solid; border-color: #000; border-width: 2px; background-color: #BBB; color: #000; text-decoration: none; width: 100px; text-align: center; padding: 2px 2px 2px 2px; margin: 2px 2px 2px 2px; } .buttontext { color: #000; text-decoration: none; font: bold 14pt Helvetica; } #ninbutton:hover { text-decoration: none; color: #BBB; background-color: #000; }
