Wii Speak
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Nintendo Wii and DS internet multiplayer services will shut down worldwide May 20th
Nintendo Japan is putting internet-connected services for some of its older consoles out to pasture, although it's unknown if these plans could impact the US (Update: They will).The Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that served original Wii and DS units is scheduled to turn off internet multiplayer gaming and many other (but not all) services May 20th, while the free Video app that launched for the 3DS in 2011 will be unplugged at the end of March. Services that will keep working on the DS after May include the DSi Shop, DS Browser, and DSi Browser, while the Wii keeps Netflix, Hulu, Wii Shop Channel, Internet Channel, Pay & Play and YouTube. Newer Nintendo Network games that arrived around the 3DS and local multiplayer will also keep on chugging. If you have a long-distance score to settle in Mario Kart DS or Wii Speak conversation pending, we'd suggest trading friend codes (remember those?) now, while you still can. Update: Nintendo America has confirmed, the Wi-Fi Connection service shutdown May 20th is worldwide.
Nintendo pulling the plug on the Wii Speak, gently
Oh, noble Wii Speak, you promised to make taunting newbs and chiding teammates so much more of a social affair. Now you're being relegated to the cemetery of console accessories that simply never caught on. Nintendo has confirmed Wii Speak is only available now at "limited retail locations" ahead of an apparent discontinuation, and that while "additional shipments can be made if consumer demand increases," that doesn't sound particularly likely to us. If you'd like to pay your respects, visiting hours will be all weekend ahead of the final ceremony taking place on Monday between the Power Glove and Zapper plots.
Nintendo phasing out Wii Speak peripheral from retailers
We're finding it hard to accept the fact that future generations of Wii gamers won't be able to experience the raw thrill of one roomful of people chatting it up with another roomful of people during an Animal Crossing: City Folk session. Sadly, that's the hard, hard truth one must extract from Nintendo's recently announced decision to phase out the Wii Speak peripheral, which is now only available "at limited retail locations." Nintendo refused to hammer the final nail into the poor, puck-shaped microphone's coffin, however, telling GameSpot that "additional shipments can be made if consumer demand increases." In that case, we suppose our grandchildren can still have conversations with strangers' living rooms -- but they'll have to organize some kind of movement in order to do so.
Mix Superstar: WiiWare's first music creation utility
The DS has a couple of music creation apps, including two Korg titles and the DSiWare app Rytmik. Now, you'll be able to assemble the dance track of your dreams on Wii, thanks to Digital Leisure. The publisher is releasing Mix Superstar on WiiWare sometime this year. Mix Superstar contains over 1,000 royalty-free samples that you can assemble into your own tracks, with the addition of vocals from a USB mic or Wii Speak. Songs can be downloaded or sent to friends via WiiConnect24. New loops can be purchased as DLC. Check out a trailer for the musical toy after the break. [Via GoNintendo]
Sega releases first screens and details of The Conduit 2
Following its unveiling in Nintendo Power magazine, The Conduit 2, High Voltage's second pass at a Wii FPS, has been officially announced by publisher Sega. Due this fall, The Conduit 2 expands the venue for the serie's action from Washington, D.C. to a variety of locations across the world. The game also adds "all-new" online and couch co-op modes, including Team Invasion Mode, a 4-player split-screen mode that can be played online or off. The 12-player online competitive play now benefits from "larger and more intricate indoor and outdoor battlefields," and retains the Wii Speak functionality that so few games employ. Turn your All-Seeing Eye toward Sega Europe's blog to see the first screenshots.
Monster Hunter Tri supports Wii Speak, bundled with accessory in Europe
Back in November, Capcom told Joystiq it was "hoping" to add voice chat support to Monster Hunter Tri using the neglected Wii Speak accessory. Today's announcement of the European release of the game confirms that players will be able to coordinate with their hunting parties by yelling at their TVs. Not only will the Western releases of Monster Hunter Tri support the Wii Speak accessory, but it will be offered as part of a bundle in the European version. In addition to the standalone game and a Classic Controller Pro bundle, you'll be able to buy a pack containing Monster Hunter Tri, a black Classic Controller Pro, and a Wii Speak mic. [Via Siliconera]
Capcom schools Monster Hunter Tri rookies, unsure about Wii Speak for US
[Capcom-Unity] Capcom held a university-themed event Tuesday evening in San Francisco to introduce newcomers to the Monster Hunter universe in the runup to next spring's North American release of Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii. We'd already played the game at previous events, so we knew what to expect: Monster Hunter, looking nice (especially the large monsters) but not as nice as it could have on the PS3. After spending some time with the three-level, English-localized trade show demo on-hand -- including a go using the very nice Classic Controller Pro, which is included in Japan's black system/game bundle -- we asked Capcom staff about two unsettled questions concerning the game's US release. The first was the matter of paying to play Monster Hunter Tri online, as the game eschews Nintendo's servers for Capcom-operated ones and is fee-based in Japan. We didn't receive a decisive answer, being told only that the publisher is "hoping" the game will be free to play in the US. We got a similar response when we wondered if Wii Speak support was 100% set for the domestic release -- Capcom's "hoping" to get it in, but couldn't promise anything. The event did provide taste of what trying to coordinate a successful online monster hunt would be like without Wii Speak -- we found it nearly impossible to hear our fellow players (or the game) over the music being piped through the venue's formidable sound system. %Gallery-34117%
The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy'
It's been a while since we've seen anything out of High Voltage's little-shooter-that-could, The Conduit -- a problem that was expediently rectified on last night's episode of GameTrailers TV. In addition to the revelation that the game won't support Wii MotionPlus but will allow users to chat via Wii Speak, the latest trailer for the shooter, titled "Conspiracy," was aired.In addition to showing a sizable chunk of gameplay, the trailer (which we've posted after the jump) gives further hints regarding the game's plot. Here's what we've pieced together: There's a conspiracy (Aliens? Illuminati? Grassy Knoll?), which appears to be causing protagonist Michael Ford to have a very bad day. Don your tinfoil hat, crank up the Alex Jones, and check out the trailer after the break.
Wii Speak Channel not so limited; 'replacement' downloads possible
Despite telling MTV earlier this month that the Wii Speak Channel – bundled with the Wii Speak peripheral in the form of a "Download Ticket" – would not be made available through any other means, it appears the Big N has reconsidered that stance, clarifying its new, more flexible policy with GameSpot."Any consumer who may have misplaced their Wii Download Ticket number for the Wii Speak Channel or require a new number following a Wii exchange may contact their local Nintendo Customer Services department, where they can request a replacement Wii Download Ticket number."We're sympathetic with the industry's desire to use things like one-off downloadable content to encourage new game sales, but applying that logic to a hardware peripheral always struck us as particularly short-sighted.But now, with that concern out of the way, we're writing directly to you future thrift store shoppers: Put down that ironic t-shirt and those theme-park shot glasses and reconsider the old Wii Speak in the corner. Just remember to holophone the Customer Service department and ask them to telepathically beam you a new code and you'll be speakerphoning in no time.
Wii Speak Channel only available to new Wii Speak-ers
Nintendo's latest Wii peripheral, which boldly thrusts the console into the newfangled "voice over IP" era, comes with a minor catch. A redeemable "Wii Download Ticket Number," included with the Wii Speak microphone, grants access to the Wii Speak Channel. Unfortunately, the code only works once, locking secondhand purchases out of the dedicated chat-to-your-friends channel. According to MTV Multiplayer, the channel will not be available through any other means, and Nintendo will not replace lost or stolen codes.If you were keen on conversing with your Wii pals outside of supported games (i.e. Animal Crossing: City Folk), you'll either have to buy new as of Nov. 16th, or invest in one of those telephone things. On the bright side, telephone numbers are even easier to remember than friend codes.[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]
Nintendo drops more Wii Speak details
We've been anxiously anticipating Nintendo's next big peripheral since it was unveiled at their mind-blowing E3 2008 showcase -- a groundbreaking, futuristic device that actually allows you to speak with your online gaming cohorts. However, we've had a lot of questions concerning the price and release date of the cutting edge technology known as Wii Speak (and its companion software, the Wii Speak Channel) -- questions that were recently answered in a press release from the money-printing company.You can get your hands on Nintendo's talkin' puck on Nov. 16, either bundled with Animal Crossing: City Folk for $69.99, or by its lonesome for $29.99. The accessory comes with a coupon which allows you to download the Wii Speak Channel for free (we're unclear whether City Folk includes said coupon), which will be available for download sometime in December -- and yes, you can only chat with those whose unwieldy friend codes you've already acquired. Sure, it's a minor inconvenience -- but considering the social gaming revolution this peripheral will initiate, it's a hoop we're certain you'll be willing to jump through.
The Conduit finds publishing partner in Sega
After spending months in the public eye without a publisher – including two very public presentations with Nintendo, and one embarassing gaffe that appeared to put the game under the Nintendo banner – High Voltage Software's The Conduit has finally found a happy home at Sega (as rumored). Of course, Sega's got another high-profile "core" game for the Wii in MadWorld so today's announcement represents a strategic addition; what Sega of America prez Simon Jeffrey calls its "belief in the Wii's gaming potential beyond the casual market." With an estimated Spring 2009 release date, there's not much we don't already know about The Conduit; however, the press release does confirm support for the Wii Speak peripheral in online multiplayer games as well as Wii MotionPlus support for "optimal control." Or maybe there is more. Jeffrey says High Voltage "has only scratched the surface of the game in terms of what they have shown so far." Our guess: smell-o-vision. %Gallery-33787%
Nintendo unveils Wii Speak channel for four-way voice chats
Remember that Wii Speak microphone that Nintendo announced at E3 for Animal Crossing socialization, and then everyone promptly forgot about? Well, shuffled in with its other announcements yesterday, Nintendo announced the Wii Speak channel, that will allow for up to four people to voice chat directly without all that pesky fishing and digging and tea sipping and cute getting in the way. Unfortunately, literally nothing else is known about the feature -- we're curious if we can use that USB mic we got for karaoke, and we're sure you have burning questions of your own, but Nintendo's clearly going to debut this feature and the related hardware in its own sweet time.[Via Joystiq]
Nintendo announces Wii Speak Channel
As one of the last two announcements for their fall media summit, Nintendo has announced the Wii Speak Channel for use with the Wii microphone (pictured, from E3 2008). According to Cammy Dunaway, up to four people can chat together, and the microphones will come with a coupon to download the channel. Of course, this leads to a plethora of other questions, such as: release date, price (if not buying with the microphone), can a USB mic be substituted, what else can we do with the channel besides speak? We're not holding our breath waiting for answers anytime soon.
Amazon opens WiiSpeak preorders
WiiSpeak isn't the kind of thing we can imagine selling in Wii Fit quantities, but it's getting hard to tell nowadays. Maybe the microphone add-on and Animal Crossing: City Folk will be overshadowed by the other big first-party release of November, and supplies will be plentiful, but why take the risk? You can now preorder your own WiiSpeak at Amazon, and rest assured that you'll be able to bitch behind Nook's back with your Wii Friends from day one. Hang around now, and you may be confined to the keyboard.[Update: Removed potentially confusing comment]%Gallery-27704%[Via Punch Jump]
Wii Warm Up: Who's getting WiiSpeak?
With the buzz around a $69.99 Animal Crossing bundle that will include the peripheral, we were just wondering how many of you are actually looking to pick up the device? Can't wait to chat with your friends while fishing or digging holes? Could care less about WiiSpeak? Or are you planning on getting it for The Conduit?
Deceptively new scans of Animal Crossing
The problem with showing new images of Animal Crossing: City Folk is that, unless the screens happen to feature the new city environment, what you see ends up looking pretty much exactly like the original Crossing. Only subtle clues point to the newness, such as the lack of hats, the different clock, and, oh yeah, two player characters onscreen together. It's still very important, and it's still really exciting, it just -- happens to look a lot like Animal Crossing!We wouldn't want it any other way. We're ready to start it all again -- picking fruit, paying off Tom Nook, meeting new neighbors, filling our catalog, pulling weeds, the whole thing. This time, we'll be able to enjoy the game over some friendly conversation!
Latest Nintendo Power dishes out new Animal Crossing details, including DS-to-Wii functionality
For many, Animal Crossing: City Folk looks a lot like the original GameCube game, both from a presentation standpoint and included features. Sure, Animal Crossing: City Folk has some new stuff, but none of it is really that innovative or indicative of the franchise going into any kind of new direction. It's basically the equivalent to treading water. But, it turns out that popular opinion may not be justified, as some new details regarding the game can be found in the upcoming issue of Nintendo Power.First of all, those of you who spent time with Animal Crossing: Wild World on the DS, you can transfer your avatar over to the new game. Another cool DS-to-Wii feature will allow you to "take your travel data and download it to your DS." We've no idea what that will entail exactly, but it sounds promising.As for the Wii game, the holiday-themed events will be returning. Jingle the Reindeer will be back for Toy Day and a new character, Zipper T. Bunny, will make an appearance for Bunny Day. Sound promising!%Gallery-27704%
MotionPlus to be 'very affordable,' Wii add-ons curtailed for now
The Wii has long been heralded as the cheapest console out there, but that claim soon weakens if you want to own every add-on that is available for the platform. Nintendo seems to recognize that Wii ownership is getting increasingly pricey, and now company bossman Satoru Iwata has said: no more add-ons!Okay, so he didn't quite make that promise. But Iwata has told the Wall Street Journal that "most of the ideas for accessories that we had initially come up with are out now." If you can hear sighing, that'll be our wallets, though don't get comfy right away: Iwata has warned that Nintendo might think up more, presumably once the company's bank balance has dipped below the danger level of one trillion-gazillion* dollars.Iwata also confirmed that Nintendo would try and make the Wii MotionPlus "very affordable," an attainable goal considering that the add-on is apparently cheap to make. There will also be games that can only be played with a MotionPlus plugged in -- beginning, we'd assume, with Wii Sports Resort.* Possibly not a real number.%Gallery-27709%[Via Edge; thanks, supa_s!]
E308: Wii Fanboy's E3 Endgame Evaluation
In the second year of the newly revamped show, Nintendo released a few much-desired games, as well as a pair of incredible peripherals, and yet, there seemed to be something missing. Much of the show's excitement came from third parties (on my Nintendo Wii?), and some found Nintendo's announcements disappointing. Whatever your reaction, we're sure we can all agree on one thing: there was a ton of news and a flood of media. Luckily, you can revisit it all right here (even the week's most outrageous story, which wasn't even from E3).We've listed a few of the show's highlights below, but for the full index of all our 2008 E3 coverage, hit the break. We still have a few items rolling in, and we'll be updating the index as that happens. Check back with us over the next few days by clicking the E3 sidebar graphic. A new Pikmin sprouts! Animal Crossing: City Folk confirmed The Conduit will use WiiSpeak Wii Sports Resort announced (and Wii MotionPlus!) Mega Man 9 feels more like a 10 Wii Fanboy bats-on with Mario Super Sluggers Animal Crossing to support keyboards, save fruit-picking time Wii Fanboy hands-on with Wii Sports Resort
