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Engadget Podcast 256 - 09.16.2011
This week, the Engadget Podcasters get caught up in the Windows racket--and who can blame them? It was Build week, and while a lot of other things happened too, it's not every day, or week, or even year that we get a reveal of something this massive in the computing universe. The games, the cars, the and chips take a backseat while we step back and admire the cross-platform spectacle of Number 8. Host: Brian Heater Guest: Darren Murph, Richard Lawler Producer: Trent Wolbe Music: Stairway to Heaven 03:45 - Poll: Did you download Windows 8? 09:00 - Windows 8 can run on an Atom CPU, 1GB of RAM 13:45 - Windows 8 details: new features, UI enhancements and everything in between 18:45 - Windows 8 for tablets hands-on preview (video) 30:43 - Microsoft shows Windows 8 on existing Ultrabooks, acts like it's never seen a thin laptop before 38:18 - Nintendo 3DS extended slide pad add-on, first hands-on 46:39 - Listener questions Hear the podcast Subscribe to the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune Marketplace Download the podcast LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) Contact the podcast Send your questions to @tim_stevens. Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005) E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot com Twitter: @bheater, @rjcc, @darrenmurph
Nintendo 3DS extended slide pad add-on, first hands-on
Nintendo may be AWOL on the TGS show floor (as usual), but that's not stopping Capcom from strutting the big-N's hardware in its stead -- we dropped by its booth for a gameplay-free handling of the 3DS extended slide pad add-on. The control-extending cradle is every bit as bulky as it looks, killing any hope we had of cramming the rig into our pocket. The trade-off? It's much more comfortable to hold than the naked 3DS, giving our meaty hands a smooth, contoured surface to grip. The new right-hand circle pad feels just as solid as the handheld's dedicated pad, and didn't significantly obstruct our access to the 3DS' face buttons. All in all, the cradle is a comfortable, if awkwardly large extension to the 3DS that doesn't seem to compromise the handheld's existing input. Hit up the gallery below to size up the plump peripheral for yourself. %Gallery-133843%
Nintendo 3DS slide pad add-on is official, ships December 10th in Japan
Nintendo didn't say so on stage during the pre-Tokyo Game Show 3DS press conference tonight, but it really is shipping that odd-looking circle pad add-on. The "extended slide pad" is up on the gaming company's Japanese home page right now, with a shipping date of December 10th and a price of ¥1500 ($19.50). There's also a list of supported games available, including Monster Hunter Tri G, BioHazard Revelations, Snake Eater 3D and more. It's powered by a single AAA battery, which our country cousins at Joystiq note probably indicates you won't be getting any extra playtime added to your 3DS by slapping this "boat" on the bottom. Check the source link below for the official info -- we'll keep our eyes peeled in Tokyo for North American release info and of course, the color matched Misty Pink edition you're already looking for.
Nintendo 3DS to add 3D video capture, upgraded eShop and more
Satoru Iwata came on stage at Nintendo's pre-Tokyo Game Show shindig and announced the 3DS will be getting a few upgrades soon. No word on any hardware changes -- yet -- but owners can expect 3D video capture as well as upgrades to the Street Pass Mii Plaza and eShop. The press conference is still ongoing, so check back for more details as they're announced or watch the live video stream (in Japanese) embedded after the break. Update: And it's all over! Nothing else new to speak of on the hardware front, and we didn't catch any more news about those software changes either. We're just getting our TGS team on the ground in Japan now, so expect more news in the days to come.
Nintendo launching 'Misty Pink' 3DS handheld on October 20th
You heard right -- The Big N's own Satoru Iwata just announced that a "Misty Pink" Nintendo 3DS console would be shipping (at least in Japan) on October 20th. Funnily enough, that was just after showing a chart proving that right around half of all DS gamers are ladies. (But Iwata -- what if the dudes dig pink, too?) At any rate, no specific price was mentioned, giving us some level of certainty that no premium will be attached. %Gallery-133313% %Gallery-133315%
Nintendo on price reduction: no glasses required to see 3DS sales boost
The Big N has today confirmed our suspicions: people buy more things when they're cheaper, and in turn, the laws of economics are still sound. The longer version is after the break.
Engadget Podcast 255 - 09.09.2011
As a lover of all things nostalgic and good, you'll certainly appreciate the dulcet tones of Peter Rojas, Engadget founder, major proponent of All Things Good With Tech, and the original voice of the Engadget Podcast, on this edition of the Engadget Podcast. There's a lot of thought work to be done on the week's news, fraught with patent kerfuffles, Android editions, and listener questions, and we do believe we've done the heavy lifting -- with Peter's help. Come join us.Host: Tim Stevens, Brian HeaterGuest: Peter RojasProducer: Trent WolbeMusic: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out01:30 - Droid Bionic review10:00 - Droid Bionic arrives at Verizon tomorrow, we go hands-on today (video)20:00 - Motorola Droid Bionic finally available on Verizon, angels sing in chorus41:08 - Is this Nintendo's 3DS joystick add-on?47:35 - Shareholder calls for RIM to sell itself or its patents, in critical open letter51:25 - HTC sues Apple with help from formerly Google-owned patents55:25 - Eric Schmidt: Ice Cream Sandwich coming in October or November57:51 - Listener questionsHear the podcastSubscribe to the podcast[iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC).[RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically.[RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator.[Zune] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in the Zune MarketplaceDownload the podcastLISTEN (MP3)LISTEN (AAC)Contact the podcastSend your questions to @tim_stevens.Leave us a voicemail: (423) 438-3005 (GADGET-3005)E-mail us: podcast at engadget dot comTwitter: @tim_stevens, @bheater, @peterrojas
Is this Nintendo's 3DS joystick add-on?
Reports from the Japanese end of the internet are claiming that Famitsu magazine has the scoop on that Nintendo 3DS analog add-on we heard about last month. A page from the magazine (above) shows a rather meaty cradle hugging the sides of the stereoscopic clamshell, reportedly adding an R2 button in addition to a starboard circle pad. The plump peripheral may have been designed specifically for Monster Hunter Tri G, an unannounced (and unconfirmed) game that was leaked in the same issue. Famitsu made no mention of the reported hardware refresh that accompanied the last analog add-on rumor -- and price, release date, and official confirmation from Nintendo are still AWOL, of course. Update: Kotaku seems to have an official confirmation from Nintendo: "We can confirm that Nintendo plans to release the Circle Pad attachment, but Nintendo's regional subsidiaries will make further announcements about its availability at a later date."
Nintendo's 3DS Ambassador Program line-up revealed, games available September 1st
Early 3DS adopters, your smorgasbord of throwback make-goods is now only a day away. Nintendo recently announced via its Twitter account the full line-up of ten Famicom / NES virtual console games headed for the company's Ambassador Program. Owners of the 3D handheld in Japan and North America can look forward to re-acquainting themselves with such 8-bit classics like Metroid, Super Mario Bros., Ice Climber, The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II : The Adventure of Link, Balloon Fight, Donkey Kong Jr., NES Open Tournament Golf, Wrecking Crew and Yoshi. Those golden games of yore will be available to download from the eShop tomorrow, but gamers looking for the GBA goods will have to wait until later this year. Update: Turns out the games are available to download now.
Rumor: Nintendo working on 3DS redesign, $10 joystick add-on
By most accounts, the 3DS hasn't quite been the runaway success that Nintendo was banking on. The company attempted to address the lukewarm response with a significant price drop and an accompanying public apology. Now it seems that even more drastic measures may be in the works. French site 01net, which has hit past gaming rumors squarely on the head, is reporting that Nintendo is working on a $10 analog joystick add-on that will snap onto the portable console. That revelation poses all kinds of questions, like how the system will be able to close with the controller in place and whether 3DS users will really take to such a thing. Even more interesting is the rumor that the company is working on a redesigned system for 2012, which, among other things, will pull some of the focus away from the 3D functionality that was so central to Nintendo's pitch when the device first launched. According to the rumor, that distancing from the 3D functionality may also be reflected in the name of the new model.
Nintendo 3DS Ambassador Program: now you can find out if you made the cut
Remember the Nintendo "Ambassador Program" for 3DS owners with the price drop blues? Early adopters were offered 20 free games if they signed in to the Nintendo eShop before August 11th, but the software didn't confirm if they'd successfully joined or not. Now they can check for themselves by heading to Nintendo's support page via our easy-to-click source link, enter their 11 digit serial number and see if they're due some freebies courtesy of delicious corporate guilt.
PSA: 'Nintendo 3DS Ambassador' (free games) program ends at midnight Eastern
Listen, it doesn't matter to us (or Nintendo) if you paid $250 for the 3DS or grabbed it this week for $170, following some early price cuts. What we care about (Nintendo, not so much) is that you get those free games you're entitled to as part of Nintendo's early 3DS adoption apology. Those who own a 3DS must connect to the Nintendo eShop before 11:59PM EST tonight to be enrolled in the "Nintendo 3DS Ambassador" program. You'll obtain 10 free NES Virtual Console games on September 1 (including The Legend of Zelda, Balloon Fight and Ice Climber) and 10 more Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games (Yoshi's Island, Metroid Fusion and Mario vs. Donkey Kong) by year's end. So, just make sure you log in before midnight tonight. Procrastination will not be rewarded.
Walmart, Target jump the gun on Nintendo 3DS price drops
Can't wait for August 12th for Nintendo's 3DS price drop to take effect? Good news, neither could two giant retailers, apparently. Walmart reportedly got the ball rolling yesterday, cutting the asking price down from $250 to $170 in-store, and Target quickly followed suit -- the price is still listed as $250 on both sites for the moment. Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata acknowledged late last month that the drops, officially scheduled for August 12th, were due to concerns from retailers and game designers. As Joystiq points out, those who buy the console before the switchover is official will likely be able to take advantage of the price drop and Nintendo's offer of free games for early adopters. Score.
Nintendo to release Flame Red 3DS console next month, sunglasses not included
Better dust off your finest pair of shades, because this Flame Red Nintendo 3DS is on its way to the States. The console, which launched earlier this summer in Japan as the Red Flare, will hit stores next month (alongside the new Star Fox 64 3D game), joining a 3DS lineup that already features Cosmo Black and Aqua Blue. The company will also be releasing two new games this winter -- Super Mario 3D Land in November and Mario Kart 7 in December -- in the hopes of rectifying its disappointing Q2 earnings report with a strong holiday campaign. Only time will tell whether or not it has any effect on Nintendo's bottom line, but if you're interested in adding a touch of Santa-like cheer to your yuletide gaming season, you can grab a Flame Red console on September 9th, for $170. Find more information in the full PR, after the break.
Nintendo opens 5,000 free WiFi hotspots across the pond, connects your 3DS to The Cloud
Still fuming over that 3DS price drop despite the Big N's conciliatory make-goods? If you happen to be a resident gamer in the UK, tack some 5,000 free WiFi hotspots onto the company's apology. According to a report from International Business Times, the service, backed by BSkyB-controlled The Cloud, goes live today, bringing users access to all the console's usual online features and should come in handy when in-game DLC becomes available later this year. No doubt the move from Nintendo's British outfit is intended to add a little purchase incentive to the DS' underwhelming successor, as well as boosting the gaming giant's own declining earnings. No matter, with twenty free games and gratis WiFi -- it's looking good to be an early adopter.
PSA: Nintendo 3DS available at Walmart for $170 today (get your 20 free games!)
As rumored by Cheap Ass Gamer, Walmart has indeed kicked off the massive price cut on the Nintendo 3DS a few days before the competition, bringing the price of the handheld to a cool, crisp $170. Not only is this good for the obscenely impatient among you, but it also means that early purchasers will be able to get the lower price and the 20 free downloadable games which were meant to be reserved for the console's earlier adopters. Most of the Walmart locations we called to check on the cut confirmed the lower price, though some seemed to have not gotten the memo quite yet. Make sure you call ahead to your location before you make the drive to avoid wasting all your precious time and even-more-precious gasoline. [Thanks, Rippe!]
Nintendo CEO responds to 3DS price drop backlash
Post-purchase price drops are one of a number of curses that plague early adopters. Generally, however, such shifts take time, so Nintendo caught us all a bit by surprised when it announced that it will be cutting the cost of the 3DS from $249 to $169 in mid-August. The gaming giant was quick to mend fences, offering 20 free virtual console games to those who got burned by the discount. Nintendo's CEO Satoru Iwata followed up the announcement with a more formal apology to consumers, noting that they may well feel "betrayed" and "punished" for their early adoption. Iwata added that early buyers are still "important" to the company, and that the decision to drop the price was due to concerns on the part of retailers and designers that Nintendo hasn't released a worthy followup to the ultra-popular DS.
Nintendo 3DS Panda dev model hits Canadian eBay, reminds US how little the dollar is worth
Have $1,929 Canadian dollars to spare? You can swap those loonies for 2,000 all-American greenbacks, or the current bid on a Nintendo 3DS Panda development model, rounding out its final 24 hours on eBay's Canadian auction site. This "like new" device won't be playing retail 3DS or DS cartridges, but it will grant you access to a variety of development functions. The $2,000 current bid is more than a hair higher than the dev hardware's unconfirmed original price of $324, but if you're desperate to rank among the few gamers that rock 3DS dev hardware, logic probably won't reign supreme when it comes time to hit that bid now button. [Thanks, Julien]
Nintendo 3DS titles to get in-game purchasing later this year
Nintendo needs to milk more out of its revenue-generating units -- er, that's us -- in order to reassure anxious investors. Hence Satoru Iwata's mention at a financial Q&A of plans to allow in-game premium DLC on 3DS titles by the end of this year. He said he was wary that the Nintendo brand could be damaged by low-quality DLC, but was nevertheless keen to offer 3DS customers a way to purchase extra levels or features that extend the life of a game. It's about time Nintendo spruced up its online offerings, but we'd rather spend our arcade money on this.
3DS NES Ambassador Program games will add multiplayer, other features
Nintendo really wants to make it up to those of you who already shelled out $250 for the 3DS, in light of the looming $80 price drop. You probably already knew that you'd be getting a pile of free NES games on September 1st, but you can also expect them to be updated and improved going forward. These aren't going to be half-hearted ports that get pushed out to early adopters, riddled with bugs, and forgotten. Sometime later this year, they'll be offered as payed versions through the eShop with features like multiplayer simultaneous play. The best part? Those eligible for the Ambassador Program will get free upgrades to retail version. One feature we can tell you wont be added though, is 3D -- the classic titles like Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros. will remain blissfully two-dimensional.
