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New Nintendo eShop releases: It's raining nintendogs + cats
Among all the big games Nintendo chucks at the Q4 window is the weekly eShop cluster grenade, ready to spread just about everything across your Wii U and 3DS. This week there's plenty of stuff to pick and mix, from platform-puzzler The Swapper where you can create clones of yourself and swap (ah!) between them, to the GBA Super Mario Advance remake of Super Mario Bros. 2 which also features a Mario Bros. remake. Or you could garden-gander at Shigeru Miyamoto's Pikmin Short Movies animations on 3DS and Wii U, and then try out the new Pikmin 3 demo. If you'd prefer something spikier and scarf-ier, there are Sonic Boom demos for both 3DS and Wii U ahead of next week's retail releases. Keeping the animal theme but travelling back in time, out of nowhere there are eShop versions of the three-year-old nintendogs + cats 3DS games, complete with a free theme when you buy one of them. A bit out of the blue, yes. On the other hand... d'awwww. It's one of those weeks where it might be easier to digest a full list of new releases, so it's handy you'll find one of those below the break. Bargain hunters, we refer you to Nintendo's press release for a list of this week's sales and permanent price reductions.
NintendoWare Weekly: Nintendogs + Cats demo, 2 Fast 4 Gnomz
If we were to design a Nintendogs + Cats demo, it would go something like this: you walk into a virtual pet store to meet a new puppy, wearing an adorable bow. The proprietor lets the pup out of its cage to play with you, and the dog can't hide its excitement to run and play with all the toys in the room. It barks happily and licks the screen to simulate licking your face.Its barks sound just enough like your name, but just different enough, that you question what you heard.Then, after you choose to exit the demo, the virtual puppy goes back into its cage, whimpering. The last thing you see before you close the 3DS lid is your puppy's paw up against the screen. Occasionally you'll receive a note via SpotPass telling you that the little scamp still looks out the window whenever a car the same model as yours drives by.We didn't design the real demo.
Nintendo's new spokesman is cute, famous, a dog
Nintendo's newest spokesman may not be as funny as Sony's Kevin Butler, but darn it if he isn't more adorable. Nintendo has hired Uggie, the Jack Russell pictured above, to promote Nintendogs + Cats for 3DS. The gig should be simple after Uggie's previous role in The Artist, 2011's silent, black-and-white film from Michel Hazanavicius.Nintendo may not know what it's getting into with this dog. The kind of personality it takes to star in a silent period piece about tap dancing won't be the easiest to work with on a managerial level, and Uggie and his owner, Omar Von Muller, will probably require trailers stuffed with Milkbones and bitches. Probably.
Two new Nintendogs 3DS bundles roll over
Nintendo announced two more 3DS bundles for the holidays this morning. The pink 3DS pound puppy edition will include either nintendogs + cats: French Bulldog and New Friends or Toy Poodle and New Friends for $169.99, which is regularly the standalone price of the 3DS hardware. This holiday has been a handheld bundle-palooza for the hurting House of Mario. This latest attempt to get the DS family in the hands of as many consumers as possible before the Vita shows up follows the Super Mario Land 3D Land and Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3DS bundles for $200. There is also the non-3D blue and pink Nintendo DSi XL bundles with Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem for $170.%Gallery-140384%
Nintendogs + Cats is Nintendo's first 3DS million seller
As it does after every earnings report, Nintendo sent out a "supplementary" release featuring all of the first-party games that sold a million copies or more in the last fiscal year. One 3DS game made the cut: Nintendogs + Cats, which sold 460,000 units in Japan and 1.25 million in the West. The odds were kind of stacked in favor of this game -- it was released in three different versions, it was the only first-party game at launch, and puppies are cute. On Wii, Mario Sports Mix made it into the million-seller category, with a worldwide 1.54 million copies. And Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition proved the viability (unfortunately) of selling an SNES game in a $30 box, by shifting 2.24 million units. On DS, Pokémon Black and White are up to a combined 11.51 million units, which, in our professional estimation, is an uncomfortably large number.
3DS launch games: The best of the rest
With limited time, 3DS systems and eyes capable of processing 3D, we couldn't deliver full reviews for the full 3DS launch lineup. However, we've got the next best thing, a ton of impressions on some of our favorite releases we couldn't get enough quality time with for a full critique. Between the cheat sheet after the break and our bevy of full reviews, you should have all that you need to be a 3DSpecialist at your local electronics retailer. Happy hunting! ... And, umm, sorry about saying "3DSpecialist." It was a long weekend.
Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most
The North American launch details for Nintendo 3DS have been finalized. In addition to Face Raiders and AR Games, both pre-installed on the hardware, the system will launch with three first-party games: Pilotwings Resort, Steel Diver, and nintendogs + cats. Each first-party game has a suggested retail price of $39.99. Thirteen third-party games will be available on March 27th, including Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Rayman 3D. Nintendo promises that thirty games will be available for the platform by E3 expo. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and a new Mario Kart game will all be available before year's end. You'll find the complete launch lineup listed after the break.
Nintendogs + Cats trailer is adorable, even in two dimensions
We don't care that we can't see the artificial depth of Nintendogs + Cats in the trailer posted below: All we know is that we can't stop uncontrollably petting our computer screens. Added bonus: The video focuses on Shiba Ibu and Friends, which we've established is the only version you should play.
Nintendogs + Cats 3DS breeds revealed, tears Joystiq staff apart
Civil war has broken out among three distinct factions of the Joystiq staff, each swearing allegiance to one of the three different versions of Nintendogs + Cats that are due out alongside the 3DS on March 27. The rifts were formed after Nintendo updated the games' official Japanese site, revealing the different breeds contained within each cartridge -- little did they know that by doing so, they'd be forging hostilities between a group of online writers and, more notably, best friends. Look, we hate to make you choose sides, but we need to know where you stand. Check out the breeds below, and sound off in the comments. Unless, of course, you don't choose to join the glorious army of Shiba Inu and Friends. If that's the case, you can keep your stupid opinions to yourself.
Reggie articulates what's compelling about Nintendo's 3DS launch games
Just as Super Mario 64 DS ushered in the era of the original DS system, it seemed fitting that a 3D-enhanced version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time -- the cherry on top of last June's "E3DS" scoop -- would be the linchpin of the 3DS hardware launch this March. Except, it's not going to happen. Footnoted in a vague announcement that more than thirty 3DS games would be released between the system's launch and E3 2011 (in early June) was the equally ill-defined update that Zelda: OoT 3D was still "in the works," along with other triple-A Nintendo iterations for the new handheld, including Mario Kart, Paper Mario, Animal Crossing and Star Fox -- not to mention the ballyhooed Kid Icarus comeback, Uprising, which did impress at last week's preview event. "Mario, Zelda, all of those titles are coming," Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime told MTV Multiplayer. "From our perspective, we like to launch titles when they're ready. And so they'll be ready. They'll be ready soon -- just not in that initial time period of late March to early June." In other words: "after E3." That leaves Nintendo with a somewhat dubious 3DS launch "window" lineup (we still don't know exact release dates) of first-party titles -- three to be exact: Nintendogs + cats, Pilotwings Resort and Steel Diver. You could make a case for those first two serving strong supporting roles in the hardware launch; and Reggie, off the top of his head, said that the Nintendogs and Pilotwings franchises have combined to sell "tens of millions of copies," despite neither being a particularly prolific sequel bearer. Steel Diver, on the other hand, is an unknown (it began as a tech demo for the original DS) and stars ... a rather drab submarine. Astutely sensing our apathy for the game, Reggie explained that "from a compelling standpoint, we think it's awfully compelling." If you're not buying it ... you could just buy Street Fighter IV again.
Nintendogs + Cats preview: pet-y differences
You have five minutes with Nintendogs + cats on the 3DS. What do you do? Ohmigod, you totally pet them and rub their bellies and scratch their heads and make them super happy! Unfortunately, there wasn't much else to do in the extremely restricted demo offered by Nintendo. In my short time with it, I was able to notice just two things: the graphics really are a generational leap over the DS and cats are so much harder to please than their canine counterparts. Calling your Nintendog is rather simple, and the "gameplay" offered in the 3DS version is not too different from its predecessor. You can use the stylus to pet it and you can even use swipe gestures to have it roll over. Rub enough in the right places and stars will come out of the dog's eyes, indicating its rather happy disposition. You can then use a variety of toys and accessories with your pet. I quickly gave him a cowboy hat. Because how could you not? Unfortunately, the cat was a bit more finicky, requiring more attention and effort when calling. You can tap the cat icon on the touch screen to call her over, but she seemed totally okay with not responding. Even after a vigorous head scratching, she never seemed too enthralled by my presence. I'll win you over yet, cat!%Gallery-95716%
Watch the 3DS games trailer (in 2D)
Great news! This extended teaser of 3DS games arriving in the launch window -- and beyond -- only features 2D gameplay. So, it's totally appropriate for children 6 and under. That's right -- you don't even have to ask mommy or daddy for permission first!
3DS 'launch window' to include more than 30 games leading up to E3
Did you hear? It's got a built-in pedometer! The 3DS measures your steps as you walk -- right there in your pocket! Even better: You can pull the thing out whenever and snap all kinds of pics -- the thing's got three cameras! And get this: It also pipes out music, browses the internet and even plays games. True, you've already got a pile of old DS games (and now defunct DS devices) that you could be playing on your new pedometer, but more than 30 three-DEE titles are expected to be released during the 3DS "launch window" (which begins March 27 and promptly closes on June 7 with the start of E3). We've listed 24 of the apparent launch-window releases after the break (though Nintendo's being coy about exact dates), including Nintendo's own Nintendogs + cats and Pilotwings Resort, plus a hearty helping of third-party support; with notable newcomers, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor Overclocked (previously unannounced outside of Japan) and Crush 3D, a possible port of the 2007 PSP platforming puzzler from Sega. Don't look at the date ambiguity in dismay -- see it as an opportunity! Beginning in late March, you can walk to and from GameStop in anticipation of a new batch of games each Tuesday for ten whole weeks, and the 3DS will count your steps -- each and every one of them! And just imagine how many Street Passes you're going to rack up?
Nintendogs + Cats offers augmented reality support
3D augmented reality is one of the coolest features we've seen on the 3DS so far, so we're particularly enthralled by its addition to the upcoming Nintendogs + Cats. By using the AR Cards included with the 3DS system, you'll be able to beam your virtual pet into the real world: in your hand, on your desk, or wherever you place the card. With the 3D effect turned on, the simulation of pet ownership must be that much more convincing. If you're unclear how augmented reality works, you should check out this video of the PSP version of EyePet. Like Nintendogs, EyePet uses augmented reality to add a virtual pet to your surroundings -- sans 3D, of course.
Nintendo considering future 3D video recording 'update' for 3DS
In the latest excerpt from Nintendo's "Iwata Asks" interview about the 3DS, Shigeru Miyamoto excitedly revealed that "Iwata-san also wants to include 3D video in the future!" Iwata tempered that exclamation by saying, "I think it will be fun if we're able to include video recording capabilities with future updates." Clearly, that's no guarantee that such a feature will be added to the handheld's 3D camera functionality, but if Iwata thinks it would be fun, then don't be surprised if you find yourself shooting low-res 3D video with your 3DS at some point in the future! Later in the interview, Hideki Konno joined the group and discussed the StreetPass feature in Nintendogs + Cats. "When you're using StreetPass and exchange data with someone, in walk mode, that person's Mii is walking whatever puppy he or she has chosen," Konno explained. "Then your Miis and puppies talk and exchange gifts." The feature is designed to imitate the random meetings of people walking their dogs on the street ... without having to actually meet random people walking their dogs on the street.
Nintendo planning more consistent 3DS release schedule, eyeing developing countries
Unlike Nintendo DS and Wii before it, the forthcoming 3DS will be getting a more regular release schedule of games, says Nintendo. Company head Satoru Iwata told Nikkei News as much in an interview yesterday (via Andriasang), specifically stating, "It's important that you be able to supply software with no pause ... With the DS and Wii, following the titles that were released at launch, the momentum dropped when there was a gap in software releases." Iwata further added, "We're making plans so that this type of thing won't happen." Unfortunately, it's not clear whether Mr. Iwata is speaking to first-party or third-party game releases. An impressive list of 3DS titles in development was revealed at last year's E3, though only a handful of titles -- and just one from Nintendo themselves, Nintendogs + Cats -- appeared on the recently announced Japanese launch list. And the company's going to need plenty of copies of those games, as Nintendo intends on bringing the new handheld console to developing countries in addition to its current territories (North America, Europe, and Japan) at some point in the future. No specific timeframe is given, but Nintendo's CEO sees the rapidly rising economies of developing countries as very important to the future of the game industry. Here's looking at you, Singapore!
3DS Japanese launch lineup announced, along with BlazBlue for later in 2011
As expected, Nintendo revealed the Japanese launch lineup for the 3DS at Nintendo World 2011, and -- as expected -- it's about 10 games. Eight, to be specific. The games that will be available on the Japanese launch date of February 26 include: Winning Eleven 3DSoccer (5,800 yen/$70) Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition (4,800 yen/$58) Samurai Warriors Chronicle (6,090 yen/$73) Tobidasu! Puzzle Bobble 3D (4,980 yen/$60) Nintendogs + Cats (Toy Poodle & New Friends, French Bulldog & New Friends, Shiba & New Friends, 4,800 yen each) Ridge Racer 3D (6,090 yen/$73) Combat of Giants: Dinosaurs 3D (5,040 yen/$61) Professor Layton and the Mask of Miracle (5,980 yen/$72)In addition, Nintendo's list of 2011 games reveals some new titles, including BlazBlue Continuum Shift 2, ports of Tales of the Abyss and Raving Rabbids Travel in Time, and a third game in the DS's Tank Beat series.[Update: Famitsu posted pictures from the stage, showing box arts and prices for many of these games. We've updated the list with prices; check Famitsu for box arts. Keep in mind that Japanese game prices are usually higher than American prices; DS games typically retail for about 4,800 yen/$58.]
Interview: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3
Nintendo recently unveiled its 3DS handheld, and Super Mario Bros. creator Shigeru Miyamoto is hard at work on the next evolution of virtual pets, Nintendogs + Cats, for the system. While the core mechanics remain the same, players will interact with their pets in full 3-D. We had a chance to sit with Miyamoto to see what he thinks of 3-D gaming and more. Joystiq: We knew the 3DS was coming. It was announced a while ago, but we didn't expect so many games to be available. How long have you been working on the technology? Shigeru Miyamoto: Nintendo's been researching 3-D games for over 20 years. The first time we started looking at 3D with an LCD screen was during the GameCube days. We've continued to experiment with it since then, particularly implementing it into the 3DS. That's something we've been working on for the past three years. With games, what's the ratio of Nintendo first party to third party? It seems like some of them are remakes, such as Star Fox. How many are new and updated experiences? When we first launched Nintendo DS, the touch screen became a new innovative face for gaming, and we spent a lot of time creating things that were probably different from the standard games that you've seen, games that are more like books or Brain Training type games. But with Nintendo 3DS, and specifically with the ability to create 3-D visuals, we're finding that, in addition to creating new game ideas, the 3-D visuals really do a lot for past experiences. It'll be a blend. We'll see remakes that take advantage of the 3-D, but we'll also work on new ideas as well.
'Nintendogs plus Cats' in development for Nintendo 3DS
During its Nintendo E3 2010 media briefing, Satouru Iwata revealed that legendary game designer Shigeru Miyamoto is working on a true sequel to the hit DS title, Nintendogs. The new experience -- exclusive to the upcoming Nintendo 3DS -- will also feature a new kind of household friend, cats! No date for Nintendogs + Cats was revealed, but we're currently on our way to get injections to stave off our terrible allergies to the furry felines.
