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Japanese hardware sales: Lite still on top
A mysterious envelope arrived at my door this morning. It was mysterious in the sense that, unlike all my other mail, a mechanical ticking sound couldn't be heard coming from its manilla innards. I carefully opened it, expecting a mysterious white powder to scatter onto my hands, but instead, I was rewarded with a neatly printed copy of the Japanese hardware sales charts for the week ranging from 3 April to 9 April. The ranking, according to number of units sold, is a follows: DS Lite: 154,731 Phat DS: 49,825 PSP: 30,565 PS2: 28,896 GBA SP: 5,211 Game Boy Micro: 3,103 Xbox 360: 1,940 Gamecube: 1,224 GBA: 110 Xbox: 46 The Lite continues to be unstoppable, stomping on all those other devices that might stand in its way. At this point, the only chance the other platforms have at toppling Nintendo's beautiful behemoth is if they combine into a giant, all-purpose machine, complete with two touch screens, cutting-edge 3D graphics, nine analogue sticks, a microphone and interchangeable faceplates. It would also have to play Nintendogs.Previous Japanese hardware charts: The Lite fantastic (27 March - 2 April) Lite on its feet (20 March - 26 March) Lite get! (13 March - 19 March)
And then there was Lite
Like many of you, I was forced to endure a torturous waiting period before I could even consider touching and otherwise inappropriately fondling a Nintendo DS Lite. After wrestling the package away from a disgruntled postal worker and slashing him it to ribbons with a few well placed knife strokes, I was finally able to grasp that which had eluded me for so long. A DS Lite--Enamel Awesome. I mean Navy. Of course, I can't just tinker with this wonderful device and keep all my findings and thoughts to myself. That would be rude. Instead, I'll spend this weekend putting the system through its paces, informing you of its inherent dangers and in doing so, undoubtedly take so many comparison shots that you will become violently ill upon seeing them. If you have questions about any aspect of the DS Lite, post a comment and let me know which parts of the system I should be putting under a magnifying glass or sticking a screwdriver into. I'll try and answer to the best of my limited and frequently embarrassing ability.No, you can't have it.
DS Lite shortage subsiding
After all the incessant waiting, unrewarded anticipation and violent Japanese rioting, it seems that Nintendo's recent boost in DS Lite shipments is finally filtering through to the rest of the world. Two of the more popular online import sites, Play-Asia and Lik-Sang, are reporting that their Lite stock levels are now entering more comfortable levels, free of enormous waiting periods and fluctuating prices.That is, if you're getting an Enamel Navy or an Ice Blue unit. The Crystal White Lite, which Lik-Sang has amusingly dubbed the Crystal Cocaine model, is still proving quite tricky to track down. If you're not keen on sticking with your original choice, might we recommend the deluxe Destitute Cardboard DS Lite? [Thanks CJN!]
Brave Story told on DS
4 Color Rebellion got a hold of some Famitsu scans from a brand new Bandai game called Brave Story. Based on an upcoming Gonzo Digimation film (the guys that did Last Exile, if I'm not mistaken), it revolves around a young boy forced to wield a sword and embark on a perilous, family-saving journey, one fraught with ghosts, magic and terrifying sliding tile puzzles. The game happens to be an old-fashioned point-and-click (or is that tap?) adventure game, resulting in my desire to see this game translated for a US release grow quite rapidly. The game boasts quite an appealing art style and, judging by the icons in the HUD, some pretty typical adventure gameplay mechanics.The DS is an ideal platform for the genre, and after the stellar Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney (and to a far lesser degree, Trace Memory), I'm convinced that adventure gaming will continue to find new avenues to explore, a situation far removed from the repeated (and incorrect) claims that the genre is "dead". It's not dead--it has merely changed and moved beyond its traditional PC platform. I don't think anyone ever expected adventure games to eventually include wacky manga-inspired titles on a portable platform.
Lite vs. Phat: Round Five
If you still needed convincing of the DS Lite's considerable improvements upon the original DS design, Shacknews has now posted their analysis of the Enamel Navy variant. Of course, you won't even bother reading it since you're clearly the most stubborn person in the known universe.As usual, the culprits behind the Lite's criminal allure are present and accounted for here: Brighter screens, more tactile buttons, a better stylus, sleeker trimmings and the ability to gather a wide variety of dirty fingerprints. It's interesting to note that the Enamel Navy unit looks almost pitch black in the photographs, though that may be attributed to weird lighting conditions and/or meteorological phenomena. See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half Lite vs. Phat: Round Four
New Castlevania DS game to be revealed soon
If a suggestively worded blurb at the back of this month's Nintendo Power magazine is to be believed, the next issue is set to unveil a brand new Castlevania game for everyone's favorite touchy-feely portable. Under the "World Exclusive" banner, the text reads: As mysterious as a new moon, the follow-up to one of 2005's best DS titles is a whip-smart adventure that you won't want to miss.Perhaps we just haven't been spending enough time outside, but those words instantly conjure up the loving image of an androgynous hero traipsing through a musty, upside-down castle and whipping evil bats to shreds. They also match up with Konami's previous promises that there would be another entry into the series following the spectacular Dawn of Sorrow, this time incorporating Nintendo's Wi-Fi service. Oh yes.Though the mag's mention of a moon might imply a sequel to the GBA's Circle of the Moon, would a port of Symphony of the Night be too much to ask for? If so, how about we suggest some other appropriate titles: Castlevania: Dirge of Despair Castlevania: Polka of Purgatory Castlevania: Elegy of Regret Castlevania: Waltz of Discontentedness Castlevania: Whine of Irritability Castlevania: Ditty of Unhappiness [Thanks Deep.Grave!]
New Mario Bros DS footage from GDC
1UP managed to bag some quality time with Mario Bros DS and made sure to record the action for our viewing pleasure. The action revolves around a Wifi-based versus mode, where two players compete for stars and coins as either Mario or Luigi. The gameplay is identical to any previous Mario platformer, but it looks particularly polished on the DS lite's vibrant screens. The game gets a little heated at one point (and some f-bombs are dropped) so if you're gonna watch this at work or with kids, mute the volume.
Iwata's GDC keynote to shed some light on Lite
After snooping around the ongoing Game Developer's Conference, the guys at DS Advanced have reported that Satoru Iwata's keynote tomorrow is likely to lay out Nintendo's plans for the American DS Lite launch. If their information is to be trusted, Mr. Iwata will be announcing both a firm release date and a price for that most desirable of handheld redesigns. The question of whether or not this turns out to be true should be answered in less than 24 hours from now.Of course, we can't let this one slip by without tossing in some of our own pompous and potentially embarrassing predictions: The original DS will be reduced in price to an attractive $99. The DS Lite will launch in June at the equally attractive price of $149.99. A classy black DS Lite will replace the Arctic Blue model in the US (because that one simply isn't attractive enough). New Super Mario Bros. will be bundled with either the Phat or the Lite in order to attract more buyers. Note: We also predict that our predictions won't be entirely accurate, so subscribe to them with caution.
Lite vs. Phat: Round Four
This week, Eurogamer joins in on the rather one-sided battle that is the original DS versus the swanky DS Lite. Their conclusions are strikingly similar to the ones shared by most sane people, in that Nintendo's revision boasts a more compact design, sleeker looks, a better stylus and much brighter screens."We never really complained about the old DS screen, but put next to its younger sibling it draws howls of derision. Really, howls - we're not showing it to girls any more, they hurt our ears."If you find yourself swelling with hatred and jealousy after reading the rest of the excellent article and realizing that your import Lite has yet to find its way to you (join the ever-growing club), at least find some solace in the fact that, unlike Eurogamer, you didn't opt for the Arctic Blue Lite. We're joking. Don't kill us, Blue fans. Seriously though, it's the worst one.(Yes, still joking.)See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half
Metroid Prime Hunters commercial all dark and edgy
So, I have this great idea for a Metroid Prime Hunters commercial. Since it would have to appeal to those hip kids of today, the content would have to be dark, gritty and just generally disagreeable. A post-apocalyptic future is obviously the way to go, perhaps with some neon lights and masked strangers thrown in for good measure. With the setting established, we next turn to the other increasingly popular thing amongst teenagers today: Death! Let's have bodies just fall from the sky, complete with a slick narrator saying something like "More ways to die" or something cool like that. Following that, we could have some game footage, but that's not really important. Great pitch, huh?Oh? It's already been done?[Original IGN video here. Thanks dwarpdesign!]
Lite vs. Phat: Round Three and a Half
With some questions still lingering after his conclusive DS to DS Lite comparison video, Cabel has uploaded another informative video of Nintendo's smart redesign, this time examining how it handles monstrous GBA carts, how its thickness compares to other handheld devices and, of course, the insane brightness levels. He also hands down some pointers with regards to holding the DS Lite. Apparently, coddling it like a baby isn't the way to go about it. [Thanks Bbasya!]See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two Lite vs. Phat: Round Three
Enamel Navy and Ice Blue Lites on display
You are online importer Lik-Sang and you've just had to tell your loyal customers that not only may they have to wait until April before they receive their DS Lites, but that they're going to have to pay an extra $30 in order to get them. Naturally, the best strategy you could think to employ would be to post glorious and tantalizing photographs of the product in question on your website and in doing so, incite violent riots and angry rantings on internet message boards.The full gallery of pictures can be found lurking behind the "Read" link. Try not to lose your cool, especially when you realize that Ice Blue is a bit crap.[Thanks xfiles.fan!]
Metal Saga DS scans frighten and confuse
Jeux France have once again used their wily ways to get a hold of some Famitsu scans, this time covering the recently announced RPG, Metal Saga DS. We've seen bits and piece of the wacky PS2 version currently being localized by Atlus, but nothing could have prepared us for the images depicted in these scans.We're not sure how it all works, but it does seem like you get to control a rather wise-looking dog, possibly in a strategic, turn-based battle against either a giant crocodile, a mad scientist or an elephant-shaped tank. We also spotted a cactus wielding a rocket launcher, a zombie and at least one menacing chicken. Needless to say, we're hoping Atlus also decides to translate this intriguing title.[Thanks mandarin!]
Lite vs. Phat: Round Three
One of the main conclusions reached by this excellent video review is that using the DS Lite at its brightest setting may, in fact, kill you. But what a way to go. Recorded by a guy named Cabel, it effectively demonstrates the astonishing differences between the two systems, making note of the Phat's "swoopy kind of X-wing shape", "goofy McZany hinge" and a rather alarming cat sticker versus the "Apple-inspired transparent plastic" of the DS Lite. It also shows just how much better the latter system's screen is to the point where we expected the Phat to simply snap shut and emit some sort of weeping sound. Furthermore, Nintendo sorted out one of our pet peeves--the puny stylus. As Cabel nervously points out, the new stylus is bigger and thicker and, by the looks of it, should be much more comfortable to wield. Yay![Via VideoGamesBlogger] See also: Lite vs. Phat: Round One Lite vs. Phat: Round Two
Metroid Prime Hunters punishes chumps
Oh disconnectors, how we loathe thee and thy cowardly response to defeat. According to an interesting interview hype piece at the official Nintendo site, Metroid Prime: Hunters will be keeping track of those who disconnect from a Wi-Fi game in an effort to avoid tarnishing their online records. Mario Kart DS was another game that fell victim to this "strategy", a fact that has encouraged Nintendo to implement and liberally dish out "chump points"."We track a stat that the game calls Connection Percentage, but that I've been calling the Chump Meter. It keeps track of anyone who boots off. So, if I'm beating some kid and he tries to disconnect to avoid the loss, he'll be punished for that. When he turns the game back on, the game will know what happened and it will then hand out some Chump Points."The game will also be able to distinguish between intentional disconnections and the forgivable ones caused by your router unexpectedly exploding. This is certainly excellent news that will soothe many a temper, especially considering that Metroid Prime: Hunters is likely to be one of the most aggressively competitive games on Nintendo's Wi-Fi service thus far. [Thanks Nmaster!]
Nintendo Wi-Fi hits one million users
And they're all playing Mario Kart DS. Shortly after a dramatic website countdown hit six digits, Nintendo has officially announced that their Wi-Fi service has managed to ensnare over 1 million hapless users. According to Reggie Fils-Aime, all those users represent more than 27 million game sessions. That's certainly an impressive number, but we expect it to grow even further once Metroid Prime: Hunters finds its way into the hands of eager online gamers. The total number of hours that will be lost to Nintendo's Wi-Fi nexus in the next few months is nigh incalculable. Are you one of those 1,000,000 online players?[Via British Gaming Blog. Thanks JonathanEx!]
PC now calls DS its master
We previously uncovered a nifty little homebrew program called PointyRemote that allowed the user to wirelessly view and control a PC desktop from the distant comfort of their Nintendo DS. Though we don't recall anyone balking at the concept at the time, we now present this Flickr image of the DS lording over the common beige box and barking out instructions in a Wi-Fi dialect. The DS never ceases to amaze us with its versatility (just like the nail clipper). [Thanks Joey!]
A Lite bargain at $360
Ouch. A reader sent us this picture of a rather heavily priced DS Lite that he came across in the region of Akihabara. That price converts to about $360, or worse yet, a hefty 10,025 Russian Rubles. Looks like the people who weren't willing to stand in line for a Lite are going to be looking at their precious piggybanks with malice in their eyes and a hammer in the hand.[Photo credit: Albert Siegel]
Blogger shares a riveting DS Lite adventure
Much like the rest of the Japanese population, avid blogger Mavis got up this morning with only a single purpose in mind: Get a DS Lite. Now. After arriving in front of the chosen store at the unholy hour of 6:30am, he was faced with the unfortunate reality of about 200 people already standing in line. Naturally, he immediately killed them all and robbed their worthless corpses of precious pre-order tickets.No, that's wrong. That's what we would have done. Instead, this man calmly stood in line and documented his journey for all to see. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology, you can check out his personal blog and see, step-by-step and snap-by-snap just how exactly he got his hands on that highly desirable DS Lite. (Ending spoilerz!)[Thanks blankoboy!]
Metroid Prime Hunters: Screenshot extravaganza
The chaps over at the British Gaming Blog have posted a glut of Metroid Prime Hunters images for your personal and potentially depraved enjoyment. By "glut", of course, mean 42. If we had said "plethora" or "volley", we would have obviously meant considerably less than 42. However, had we said "cornucopia"...well, you'd be even happier than you are now.As you gaze at these lovely screens (some old, some new), be sure to constantly remind yourself that the game's release is but a scant few weeks away. [Thanks, JonathanEx!]
