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Wii humbly request you not screw this up
The chaps over at Gaming Nexus sat down to mull over exactly what are Nintendo's 5 biggest hurdles in achieving their goal of success for their new console. The guys don't pull any punches, easily citing Nintendo's past advertising blunders along with their bad treatment of third-party developers. The 5 points of contention are: Innovation Virtual Console service Third-party support Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection Marketing Now, if you ask us, the only two areas where we would have any doubt about the system are the third-party support and Wi-Fi Connection. We all know that the Wii has some good third-party support for its launch, but what concerns us more is maintaining that connection and having a steady flow of third-party titles available for the system throughout its life cycle.As for Wi-Fi, we're hesitant to believe that adopting the friend codes system from DS titles for the console will be such a smooth transition. Also, add in the fact that Nintendo has barely revealed anything about the service to us at all and you can appreciate our concern. [Via Joystiq]
Final Fantasy III Wi-Fi details [Update 1]
Those who have played Final Fantasy IX will vaguely remember a system called "MogNet", in which the player took up the role of carrier between moogles worldwide. There was also something about a purple moogle who used too much hair gel, or something. Whatever. Anyway, the "MogNet" system will be making a comeback in the updated DS version of Final Fantasy III. In addition to performing said tasks to unlock various side-quests in the single-player game, players will have the ability to send messages via Nintendo Wi-Fi to other players of the game. Don't instant messages seem a little easier, though? If Square-Enix doesn't implement some sort of in-game incentive, it may be a fairly unused feature. More details are still forthcoming, says Square-Enix, so keep holding your breath for a party vs. party battle system over Wi-Fi. Oh, how we long.[Thanks, GamingBurrito!][LOL. GamingBurrito. Awesome.][Update 1: Minor grammar issues corrected.]
Wii pages pop up all over Nintendo's website
A pair of pages have recently been spotted over at Nintendo's web site. The Wi-Fi page has a dead link to a Virtual Console section, but aside from that there isn't anything in the way of new information that may be gained from checking them out other than confirmation that Wii titles will also be utilizing friend codes. Although should each console have one single code or each game have its own code like with the DS, is yet to be determined. On the games page, some of the links to each individual title's pages work, such as Warioware: Smooth Moves, however others such as the link to Fire Emblem's page show nothing more than an error.
Starfox Command looks to shake it up
With the news of 30 stages to traverse in the upcoming Starfox Command, the added news that the game will feature full support for the DS rumble pack, which a few of you might've been able to acquire on the cheap, is like a sweetest cherry on top of our sundae. Also, the game will see the return of mainstay characters in the franchise actually getting into their respective cockpits and taking to the skies alongside Fox across the various game areas. Multiplayer, both locally and through Wi-Fi, also looks to be a very good place to spend some time. August 28 cannot come soon enough...[Via Gamespot]
Hunters Hax
While the DS homebrew and hacking community doesn't quite hold a candle to the PSP's, there are still many a soul who live to exploit Nintendo's wonderful hardware. While many have managed to perform "good" by enabling things such as emulators and voice chat, there are those who would do malicious evil. This is one of those cases. A hacker named Legacy has released an application that grants players in Metroid Prime: Hunters access to several cheats, including infinite energy, infinite ammo, and levitation. Worst of all, these capabilities are also accessible in official Wi-Fi matches; before long, you may see a few of these cheats yourself. Tsk tsk, Legacy. Got rocked a few times too many?
Another DS Opera browser preview
After his graduation from the Academy of One-upmanship, .ed began to look all over the web for an opportunity to utilize his new degree in the field. It wasn't very long until he came across the first DS Opera Hands On review. With the stage properly set, and the stars aligned accordingly, .ed went ahead and attempted to one-up Jon. Containing a massive collection of pictures, as well as in-depth look at everything the browser offers, from clicking links to fonts, .ed's in-depth look at the browser on the DS has given us a very good scoop on what to expect from the final product. Money well spent on that degree there...
IEEE source: draft 802.11n timeline slipping yet again
More bad news for MIMO fans (if there is such a thing): Glenn Fleishman over at Wi-Fi Net News is reporting that an IEEE member has informed him of a delay in the timetable for expected approval of the final draft of the 802.11n Wi-Fi standard, from sometime this summer to late fall or even early winter. Fleishman's source claims that Task Group N received around 12,000 comments on the proposed draft -- compared to the 2,000-some that most drafts generate -- which is yet another bad sign following the group's earlier failure to garner even a simple majority in favor of the current proposal, much less the 75% supermajority needed for passage. With draft approval seemingly several months off at the least, it could be a year or even a year and a half before a final 802.11n standard is ratified, meaning that those folks who are already snatching up pre-N gear will have to wait even longer to find out if their hardware ends up being compatible.[Via Ars Technica]
Sony clears up some PS3 confusion
Sony has officially commented on earlier rumors (that we did our best to debunk earlier) regarding the lack of upgradability in the "core" $500 version of the system. The rumor stated that the lower model would be unable to use wireless controllers (suggesting the console would ship with wired controllers) and that the 20GB hard drive would be unable to be upgraded. A Sony spokesperson told GamesIndustry.biz, "Both configurations will support Bluetooth PS3 controllers." As for the second rumor, Phil Harrison told GI.biz earlier, "You can put in any drive that you like - it is a computer, after all."What about the other disparities between the two systems? Sony says both a Wi-Fi adapter and a card reader will be available for the system leaving HDMI output as the "only non-upgradeable feature of the 20GB configuration."[Via Engadget]
Cheaper PS3 loses HDMI, slots, Wi-Fi, 40GB
As you can see above, there are a few things different between the two PS3 SKUs planned. (Hint: the obvious alterations concern high-def output and wireless connectivity -- though Bluetooth controllers should work just fine with both, with or without any chrome case highlighting.)So what's HDMI, built-in multimedia card-reader slots, wireless internet connectivity, and an extra 40 gigabytes' hard disk space worth to you? $100? Now that Sony's gone with the 2-SKU approach with its next-gen hardware (a la the Xbox 360's premium and "Core" systems), we can expect some tough consumer choices after six months -- with console shortages possibly for another six months after that -- as $100 separates the base $499 and premium $599 versions of Sony's "Clear Black" hope.HDMI is important to those who want to take full advantage of Blu-ray high def and have the new screens to use it; MemoryStick, SD, and CompactFlash slots would be nice for the PS3 memory-card users and those will run multimedia on the system; Wi-Fi's the only way to avoid stringing ethernet cables for online access; and 360 owners might appreciate the full 60GB available to potential buyers of the premium PS3 model. Neither model comes with a second HDMI port; thankfully, one should hopefully be all most users need. The details are laid out in a feature-comparison table at the end of Sony's official PS3 hardware press release, available in both Adobe Reader and Microsoft Word formats. Determine what's most important to your PS3 ambitions there.[Image pieced together from the PlayStation.com forums; thanks, Guru]
The $500 Playstation 3 is missing something...like HDMI, WiFi and Memory card reader.
If the only difference between the models is a 40GB hard drive, thats one thing, but did Sony "tard pack" the cheaper version of the PS3? That's what it appears according to this spec sheet directly from Sony. According to the pdf, all of those are exclusive to the version of the PS3 that will cost $600 when they are released this fall. This is a very odd strategy from Sony, while we still have doubts about Microsoft's ability to support HDCP with their HD DVD add on, it is odd that Sony would split their market of potential Blu-ray customers. Analog outputs would still give you 1080i high definition, but no all-digital twin-1080p HDCP protected loving like we have been dreaming about since the last E3. Stripping WiFi cancels much of the PSP functionality shown, and what is backwards compatibility if you can't transfer saves on a memory stick?Say it ain't so Sony, say it ain't so. Check out Joystiq for more E3 coverage, including the first official pics.
Nokia handsets to get iPass WiFi connectivity client
Owners of WiFi-enabled, Series 80- and S60-powered Nokia handsets will soon have "one-click" access to over 50,000 hotspots worldwide thanks to a new software client being developed in conjunction with trusted connectivity services provider iPass. Already available for Windows, Macintosh, and Windows Mobile devices, the iPassConnect client gives people an easy way to connect to any hotspot across some 28 different networks, including T-Mobile, Wayport, and The Cloud, offering both a consistent user experience and simplified billing. The first models to receive the iPass treatment will be the 9300i and 9500 Communicators, which should see the new software sometime this summer, followed by a version for E-series devices by the end of the year.[Via PC World]
Wi-Fi Project Leader interview
During a sit-down back at GDC, DS Wi-Fi Service Project Leader Takao Ohara spoke on all things Wi-Fi, and even tap-danced around some questions regarding the approach towards the Revolution's online service when compared to the success the DS has received. Takao also states that Nintendo hasn't finalized anything about the online service yet.With the simplistic ease of the Friend Code system on the DS, can we honestly expect this same system, or even a variation of it, to appear in the Virtual Console of the Revolution?
Over 500 download kiosks being placed in UK
Though our own efforts at finding the DS download kiosks that were supposedly hitting US retailers this month have thus far been rather abysmal, those living in the UK or Ireland will soon have a much easier time when attempting to do the same. Nintendo has declared that over 600 new Wi-Fi hotspots will be installed in GAME, Gamestation, HMV, Toys R US and Smyths Toys shops, along with a smattering of smaller retailers. Over 500 download stations will also be installed, with initial demos including Meteos and Polarium. Demos of Brain Age and Trauma Center: Under the Knife, some Animal Crossing goodies and a Metroid Prime Hunters video will follow shortly in April and May. Let us know when you spot one! [Via CVG]
Nintendo marketing gets all edgy and subliminal
It would seem that there's a lot more to one of Nintendo's latest UK adverts than meets the eye. Once you get over the snazzy visuals and dramatic trailer choir (on loan from Steven Spielberg), you may spot the secret subliminal marketing going on in the background. Is that the word "Revolution" sneakily scrolling by in the background, or is it yet another case of our overactive and Skittle-enhanced imaginations getting the best of us? Most people (including the guys at Go Nintendo) seem to think it's the former, with the Revolution's appearance signalling its forthcoming reliance on the same online network that powers the DS. This hardly comes as a surprise, but it's arguably one the first real Revolution commercials, especially considering that the clip never specifically mentions the DS--only global, wireless, multiplayer gaming. If Nintendo decides to keep the service free, it could pose a significant challenge to Microsoft's Xbox Live offering and Sony's unified PS3 network whatever it is they're doing. [Thanks Eric!]
WPA-2 support left out
The manual for Microsoft's Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adaptor clearly states, "Your wireless networking adaptor support WPA-2, WPA, and WEP security." Unfortunately, the device does not support WPA-2 and that got rSYN plenty steamed. After tracking down the Xbox connectivity project manager, gamertag Delta4, he was told, "We are aware that WPA2 is not supported by the Xbox360 Wireless adapter and that is by design." rSyn updated his page today writing, "Three more polite messages from Delta4. WPA2 was removed late in development. Apparently it shouldn't be in any documentation or any websites." For a $100 wireless adaptor I hope they update the software to support the feature. While it might not be the most widespread protocol, it does offer increased security. For the users that have a home network that relies on WPA-2, the option to revert down would be plenty frustrating. Other options include an wireless bridge that supports WPA-2 or a good old-fashioned LAN cable.Read on for a screenshot from the manual (PDF link). [Thanks, rSYN]
Wait, you CAN reliably stream HDTV over 802.11g?
That's what Ruckus Wireless would have you believe anyway. Kevin already told us that his experience with b/g streaming was inconsistent at best, who are we to believe? The proof will be shown at CES however, where they will be showing a PC streaming high definition content to several devices equipped with their routers and wireless adapters, including a laptop, Xbox 360, set-top box and PDA. According to their CEO Selina Lo they are applying "internet techniques" to wireless and can route around obstructions and interference in real-time. Uh....sure, I'll believe it when I see it.While Kevin's cats won't be in attendance, he will and I'm told is more than willing to cough a hairball onto one of the antennas to make sure it is a fair test.
