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Analyst suspects Wii manufacturing costs are down 45%
This obviously isn't the sort of thing that Nintendo is going to come out and confirm itself, but analyst Koya Tabata of Credit Suisse has apparently determined, or at least guessed, that Nintendo has managed to drastically reduce the manufacturing costs of the Wii since its launch. Specifically, Tabata says that manufacturing costs are down a full 45%, which would of course also mean that Nintendo's margins on the console have increased proportionally, and that the chances for a price cut are now better than ever, especially in light of the newly cheapened PS2. According to Tabata, however, any price cut would likely first arise in emerging markets, with a drop 'round these parts anything but a sure thing.[Via Joystiq]
PlayStation 3 overtakes Wii in Japan, now about twice in a blue moon
With all the doom and gloom stories we've seen about PlayStation 3 getting beat by Nintendo Wii, it's refreshing to have some good news for a change. For the first time in 16 months, Sony's console managed to best its motion-controlled competitor, 146,948 to 99,335 this past March in Japan, according to gaming research group / Famitsu publisher Enterbrain. The sales are undoubtedly helped by PS3 heavy-hitters Yakuza 3 and Resident Evil 5 debuting last month, and at this point we don't expect the trend to continue, but for now Sony, enjoy your victory and bask in the knowledge that you're still totally kicking Xbox 360's rear in your home country.
Wii MotionPlus can be oversensitive to your needs, say EA devs
The jury's still out on whether or not Nintendo follows our logic and is gonna release the Wii MotionPlus attachment before June 18th, the day Electronic Arts debuts the first compatible game Grand Slam Tennis. Regardless, the developers of that game want you to know that they had to actually to tone down the touted 1:1 responsiveness to make the game playable. We can't say that we blame them -- after all, the air resistance of a Wii remote is slightly different than that of a full tennis racket -- but we'd love to have the option to crank up that sensitivity and see just how unstable it really is. So when do we a chance to find out for ourselves, eh Nintendo?[Via Joystiq]
Homebrew Wii USB Loader gets demoed on video
Nintendo just rolled out its own pretty significant update for the Wii, so it only seems fitting that the homebrew community has now done the same, with the always prolific Waninkoko coming through with a new USB Loader that'll let you play your "legal game backup collection" from any old USB mass storage device. While it's apparently not ready for public consumption just yet, the video after the break does do a decent job of demonstrating that it does, in fact, work as promised. Of course, there's always the slight chance that this is an early April Fool's joke, but Waninkoko does have a proven track record, and it seems that most of the folks on the homebrew forums have little reason to be skeptical.[Via TehSkeen.com]
Wii shortage finally nearing its end, says GameStop exec
We never, ever thought it'd take this long, but we've finally received a sign that the Wii supply and demand might be nearing some equilibrium, almost two and a half years later. According to GameStop SVP Bob McKenzie, the retailer now has a couple weeks' worth of supply, which seems to be fairly unprecedented given the numerous shortage stories we've heard over the console's 852-day lifespan. That's not to say the console's popularity is waning -- it's still topping US sales charts, and according to NPD, pushed over 750,000 units last month. So now that one shortage might be nearing its end, how about Nintendo find a way to keep Wii Fit in stock?[Via Joystiq]Read - McKenzie on Wii supplyRead - February NPD figures
Nintendo gets Fenner Investments patent lawsuit dismissed, goes back to printing money
With DS sales continuing their astronomical climb and people still snagging Wii consoles off of shelves faster than you can say: "Your princess is in another castle," Nintendo's doing pretty well for itself in these difficult economic times. It's doing even better today on news that the lawsuit filed against it two years ago by Fenner Investments has been dismissed. The suit alleged that Nintendo inappropriately infringed on a 1998 patent relating to the monitoring of the position of analog joysticks in the Wii and GameCube. Since the company has been using analog sticks at least since 1996's N64, we didn't think this one would go far, and we don't think the proceedings against MS or Sony regarding the same patent will go any further. So, big N can now go back to focusing on other lawsuits and dreaming up new ways to take our hard earned cash.
Riiflex Wiimote weights add extra mass, extra momentum
If you thought your flying Wiimotes weren't harmful enough stock, perhaps you'd like to add a little more inertia into the mix? Additional danger is probably not the idea behind Riiflex, snap-on weights for your controller that will come in 2- and 5-pound increments, but we think that will probably be the net result in many cases. After all, if a flimsy plastic Wiimote can pierce a television or mortally wound a small dog, what kind of damage could a 5-pound version inflict? We look forward to seeing pictures of the aftermath if and when these ever ship.
Left 4 Dead PC Wiimote hack for the gamer who has it all, hates zombies
Sometimes inspiration hits when you're shooting zombies -- and often times, that inspiration is in the form of new, better ways to shoot zombies. Since this sort of thing (shooting zombies) is one of our passions here, we were pretty psyched when we ran across this video. Summoning all of his worldly resources -- including GlovePIE, PPJoy, and about a gazillion lines of code -- this guy is able to rock Left 4 Dead PC in split-screen mode with two Wiimotes. He's even added shake controls for reloading and spinning 180 degrees. The only catch? As it stands, the only way to power the sensor bar is by turning on the Wii -- a condition that should be remedied shortly. Hit the read link for instructions and code, and be sure to check out the video after the break. [Via Nowhere Else]
YouTube launches "10 foot" TV experience just for Wii & PS3 users
Sure, there's already TVs and devices out there ready to bring the YouTube experience directly to your living room, but today they've launched a page just for browser-enabled living room devices (the PlayStation 3 and Wii) to browse on a TV screen. Point your console to www.youtube.com/tv for the new page, those limited by their PC's can check out the video embedded after the break for a demo. It seems like it would be easy to throw a bone to Windows Media Center Extender devices and HTPC owners by opening things up a bit, but the Official YouTube Blog indicates this beta is intended to encourage more manufacturers to include unrestricted browser support (Xbox 360, please pick up the white courtesy phone.) Take a look and tell us what you think.Read - Official YouTube blogRead - PlayStation Blog
Video distribution coming to Japan Wiis early 2009, overseas later
Starting early next year, Nintendo will be joining the ranks of its fellow console makers in offering a video distribution service through the Wii. According to Nikkei business daily, The House of Mario will team up with Dentsu, Inc. to offer cartoons and other programs created specifically for the service, and since they're using the phrase "new revenue stream," we doubt it's gonna be offered gratis. Videophiles shouldn't expect much magic, either, given the console's 512MB memory limit and 480p max resolution. The service will launch first in Japan and head overseas later. Hey Nintendo, if you really want to emulate your competition, how about an online social network that doesn't require long strings of integers?
Nintendo faces class-action lawsuit, hotter-than-ever sales for Wii
Nintendo's fended off class-action lawsuits over "defective" Wiimote straps in the past, and if you remember, they also replaced about 3.2 million of the straps (a/k/a "all of them") around the same time too -- way back in December of 2006. Well, the same lawyer's back for round two with a new, nearly identical suit, but this one also alleges that Nintendo knew that the defect existed and was negligent in their failure to report the problem to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Nintendo's probably not stoked about the news -- but we've got a feeling that the company's record-breaking sales will balm the wounds a little. According to NPD data just released, the company sold 2 million Wiis and 1.56 million DS units in November, an all-time hardware sales record for a month other than December. Yeah, who cares about a few busted up TVs and black eyes in the face of those numbers?[Via Gamecyte]Read - Nintendo Slapped with Strap Lawsuit Once AgainRead - Wii and Nintendo DS Set Historic New US Sales Records
SwiitBoard: the sweeter way to get fit on the Wii
The Wii Fit's slab of a peripheral is called a Balance Board for good reason: it's fine if a little yoga and pilates action is all you need to keep in shape, but, sturdy as it is, jumping up and down is liable to form cracks before toned thighs. If you need some high impact aerobics to be rid of that spare tire you'll have to go custom, like the SwiitBoard from a cardio-loving Wii aficionado called frits. It's just a durable wooden plank propped up by foam blocks on either end and a Wiimote zip tied to the front. The magic happens in the software, converting the up/down impacts of jogging in place into forward motion, with left or right roll turning the avatar in the simple game he worked out (video below). It's perhaps a bit crude, but would you rather have a board that looks good or a bod that looks good? Yeah, we'd pick gadget aesthetics too. If you want your own, frits will sell you the software for €10 -- money that will fund another of his projects: a site that fights global warming via pictures of scantily clad, eco-minded ladies.[Via Hack A Day]
Walmart brags about its "tens of thousands" of Wiis for sale online
Walmart's reassuringly boasting that they've got plenty of the oft-out-of-stock Wiis on hand for your online holiday shopping needs today. There are a host of different Nintendo-related deals to go with it, too. The Wii itself is available for $249.24, there's a "Value Bundle" which includes the console, a game, an accessories pack and an extra set of controllers for $329 (or $20 off), and they have some games on sale, as well. What's next? Walmart mouthing off about the "millions of iPhones" they have available?Update: Well, that didn't last very long! As some commenters have helpfully pointed out, it appears that those "tens of thousands" of Wiis have been reduced to "zero" -- they're already sold out. [Via Game Daily]
Tiny Wiimote "projector" is not nearly as impressive as it sounds on paper
This image is not necessarily one we are thrilled about having projected upon our walls, but we are pretty fond of anything in miniature. This 2.25-inch Wiimote is actually a semi-ingenious mini-projector which projects an image (yes, only one) from Super Mario Kart when its button is pressed. When you order you'll get a random choice of one of the six possible images, each less exciting and more pointless than the next. They're available from ThinkGeek now for $6, which is maybe worth the roughly one minute of amusement you (or your cat) will get out of the thing.[Via Wired]
Sam's Club Black Friday Wii deal too good to be true?
The phones at Engadget HQ have been ringing off the hook with reports that the incredible Sam's Club Black Friday Wii deal spied the other day was, in fact, not all that it seemed. Apparently, due to a Photoshop disaster or related incident, someone swapped out the actual deal price ($425) for an amazingly low $224. We'd say this was a closed case, save for the fact that the page carrying the updated "correct" information is now down, and all we have left is a paltry Google cache link. If anyone out there in magical, mystical Internetville knows more, feel free to drop us a line.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Wiimote trackball mod probably won't improve your Golden Tee score
The folks at Acid Mods refuse to leave their Wiimotes alone. We thought the rapid fire switch was useful (if bloodthirsty) enough, but the trackball has a certain retro charm that all too often gets lost in these days of high body counts. This time they've modded in a trackball, which functions as D-pad and A button -- placing them both under your thumb at the same time -- for easier game play and convenient web browsing. Installation requires some soldering and sanding, and of course you'll have to crack the controller open (pretty typical for a mod of this type). An order page and instructions for adding the trackball to other various controllers (including PSP, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 and PS3) should be available in the not too distant future -- in the meantime, we've provided a dynamic action video of the trackball after the break.[Thanks, Mark]
Wiimote RapidFire mod makes it easier to act on your pixel-based bloodlust
Call it Nintendo Darwinism: the evolution of the Wiimote over time due to survival pressures (or the simple desire to kick increasing amounts of undead ass). As a further example of the phenomenon, AcidMods' Wii RapidFire kit adds full-auto functionality to either your A or B button, courtesy of a solitary chip and some pretty straightforward soldering. To sweeten the deal, they've added an on / off switch, and the old A button lights up to let you know when you're in business. For some enticing photos and ordering info hit that read link, and be sure to check out some red hot video of the device in action after the break.[Thanks, Mark]
EA plans a Wii Fit-slaying exercise game?
The Wii Fit might have some competition brewing, if Men's Fitness magazine is a publication worthy of the public's trust, that is. The details are vague, to say the very least but, here's what we "know": Dave Kushner, executive producer at EA Sports, told the magazine that the company is planning an 'unnamed fitness game' with a 'new peripheral' which will connect the Wiimote to the player's body, enabling all sorts of newfangled measurements, movements, and exercises barely dreamed of before. Sounds totally awesome, right? Well, if and when it materializes, we'll be sure to rush to the store, buy one, then sadly rue its unused, guilt-inducing existence every day thereafter.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Top 5: Gaming in Japan
Musicians have Vienna. Catholics have the Vatican. And gamers have Japan. While many significant contributions to the world of gaming have come from outside the Land of the Rising Sun, Japan is the unassailable fountainhead of modern video gaming. It's the birth and workplace of gaming giants such as Hideo Kojima, Shinji Mikami, Yuji Naka, and probably others. To say that Japan is a place that hardcore gamers need to check out is an understatement at best. Recently, I took a week to visit my brother who teaches English at a Japanese university near Nagoya. Hundreds of thousands of words could be used to describe the wonderful food, the beautiful temples, and the unique culture of the country. But being a life-long gamer, I paid special attention to the distinct connection between the country and the gaming scene we all know and love. For the Top 5, I usually come up with a topic, then list the top five items for that topic in order. For this edition, it was truly difficult to narrow it down to only five. With that in mind, here's my best attempt at listing the Top 5 gaming elements of my time in Japan. 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; } The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, check out What Are You Playing?, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.
Rock Band 2 Xbox 360 bundle delayed until October 19, according to sources
Buh. So, this is getting confusing. According to sources over at ShackNews, the Rock Band 2 Special Edition bundle that was originally set to launch on September 14 exclusively on Xbox 360 will hit stores on October 19. For you fanboys keeping score, that's the same date that the game will hit for other consoles. It's still not clear if the game and instruments will still show up on retail shelves on September 14, but if you were looking to get your groove on in September, you may want to chill.[Via Crunchgear]
