[monchichi]

i just love the zelda clip for this on ign.com
looks so cool...
reminds me of the n64 days.

[SlashRain]

not sure of the validity of this, but...

Sakurai reveals new Smash Bros. Details

The producer of Super Smash Bros. Brawl spoke to a Tokyo gaming radio show recently and revealed three new characters for the series. Bowser Jr, Ridley (from the Metroid Prime series) and Cell-shaded Link. Unfortunately Ice Climbers, G&W and original child Link won’t be in the game.

The good news is that the number of characters in the game should reach forty and it is expected that another fifteen unannounced characters remain.

http://www.codenamerevolution.com/?p=809


YAY Ridley!!!!! I never used Ice Climbers, so im ok with them gone. There will be some major balancing issues if it reaches 40 characters.

[CK92842]

I'm not exactly sure what cel-shaded Link has to offer that Young Link couldn't. Damn I really need to hop on back Wind Waker, I still haven't finished that game...too much darn sailing. If the news is indeed true then it would only make sense for Ganon from Wind Waker to appear.
Aside from that, I do hope Nintendo finally gives into the demand and has a level and character design similar as to what was shown in Spaceworld 2000.

[1SwtDeception]

Wow nice! Cell shaded to give different texture to the game ?

Bleach for Wii
http://bleach.sega.jp/wii/

Yeap it' official Bleach will be on Wii!


Super Swing Golf Pangya:
Images here:
http://www.jeux-france.com/news16218_super...-en-images.html


Wii patents instant messenging:
(thanks to botticus -- whom I got the info from)

Six years ago, before the GameCube's launch, Nintendo had filed for a patent on a "messaging service for video game systems with buddy list that displays game being played," and on Tuesday they were granted the patent. The details involve a fully-fledged IM system featuring buddy icons, in-game messaging (via text or voice chat), and web-based storage of the user profile (i.e. Nintendo's servers). All the details can be viewed within the patent's claims.

You can see the similarities between Nintendo's patent and Microsoft's Xbox Live service, but there are two things you should take from this patent:

It does not mean Microsoft copied Nintendo. While Nintendo filed this patent before the Xbox was even launched, chances are Microsoft also filed a patent just as long ago, if not longer.

It does not guarantee these services will be included in the Wii. While Nintendo now has patent protection on such services, given the company the option to incorporate all these features into Wii Connect24, that does not guarantee Nintendo's willingness to implement every aspect of the patent into its service, although it is likely we will see a very similar (if not exact) system implemented by the time the Wii launches.
Nintendo, we can now confirm, has the ability to launch a fully-fledged online service on par with Microsoft, providing almost the exact same features (fully-fledged messaging, downloadable content). To what extent will Nintendo beef up the Wii's online component?

http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/08/nintendo...-patent-wii-im/

Wii date ANNOUNCED in Sept
(from CAG that got it from Kotaku from Famitsu)

"Today in Japan, Nintendo gave its Management Policy Briefing in which company President Satoru Iwata stated that the ship date announcement would be this September. More over, he said the Wii and the DS would be synchronized, which Shigeru Miyamoto broke to us at E3. While Iwata acknowledged that the Wii had low specs when compared to the PS3 and the Xbox 360, he noted that the function and the aim was totally different.

"When the size of the hardware increase, the sound of the fan gets annoying and the development costs soar," Iwata said. "Services like Wii Connect 24 cannot be developed. In short, I think the balance is important."

He went on to describe the virtual console and said that games would be downloadable at somewhere between 500 yen and 1,000 yen (approximately between US$4 and $8).

Iwata also announced that the DS will act as a touch screen Wii controller and can download demos from the Wii.

A new Wii title called Pokemon Revolution was unveiled. The game will go on sale sometime this winter. This autumn will also see the release of Pokemon Diamond and Pokemon Pearl for the DS. The games will take advantage of the DS's voice chat functions.

Nintendo plans to move six million consoles globally before April 1st, 2007, and Iwata pointed out that these units will be sold at a loss. Brian Ashcraft"

Nintendo + Apple = yea? NEVER
http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/10/nintendo...ld-your-breath/

Repeat after me: Apple will not buy Nintendo; Nintendo will never be bought. If I'm wrong, I will let the entire Joystiq staff and our top 5 contributors punch me in the gut. There is an article from CNET that came out yesterday (bearing a striking similarity to an O'Reilly blog post from February) that has given Nintendo and Apple fanatics a heart attack, but that article has no basis of a fact and is pure excrement speculation. The article extrapolates from a rumored Apple games division that the company may buy Nintendo. Let's look at their points:

Similar corporate philosophies / design styles: "the DS Lite looks practically looks like [Apple designer] Jonathan Ive built it." So do a countless number of iPod knockoffs, but we don't think Apple will be buying those companies anytime soon. Size aside, even Microsoft's Xbox 360 appears inspired by Apple's sleek design philosophies, but it'd be a cold day in Hell if those two companies ever joined forces.
"Cisco was rumoured to be looking at a purchase of Nintendo earlier in the year:" That would be a good support, except that the Cisco-Nintendo rumor spawned from another CNET article and was merely speculation by the author, with no factual basis (GameSpot denounced this rumor long ago).
Now, let us take a look at why Nintendo would never sell.

They makes a profit. Nintendo has been profitable practically every year since it moved into the video game industry over two decades ago. The Nintendo DS continues to sell at a phenomenal rate, and Nintendo has yet another hit on its hands with the New Super Mario Bros.
They have a potential mega-seller on their hands. Every poll Joystiq has put up has placed the Nintendo Wii in the running for a comeback, and the mainstream audience has been given some positive news about it by way of outlets such as the New York Times. As Next Generation wrote, Nintendo is making some really smart moves in terms of marketing its new console.

Nintendo does not want to sell. The last time a rumor like this surfaced was when Bill Gates commented on how he'd love to purchase Nintendo. At that point, the possibility of such a merger was laughed at by most analysts and Nintendo officials. And that was in 2004, before the DS took off and before the hype for the Wii.
Keiretsu: A business system in Japan that, as the CNET article accurately notes, "makes conventional takeovers exceptionally hard." Being that it would be Apple's only chance of holding hands with Mario, that is not good news.
Even the article mentions the chances are low, so why write it? This has blatant sensationalism written all over it, with little research to back up its claims -- a fanciful dream that has given false hope to many in the community. Don't be fooled, Joystiq readers: Nintendo is going be around, standing on its own two feet, for quite some time.

[CK92842]

I knew that Apple buyout wasn't gonna happen, it makes no sense whatsoever. Also glad to hear downloadable content will be available through the Nintendo Wii for the DS. I just hope the next bit of news we'll hear are some launch titles for the Wii, I know for a fact Smash Bros Brawl won't make it. At the moment, I'll be getting one for Zelda Twilight Princess WS version. The added gameplay should keep me busy until a Nintendo gem is released.

[aznfishyfart]

this is awsome....im definately gonna buy this xP

[milk tea!]

I've looked only at a few Wii game trailers and I'm already ready to buy it ^____^ I'm SOO glad Wii is focused on games more than anything else

Hmm but should I buy Zelda for GC or wait for Wii? Since it's backwards compatable, I can still play with Zelda GC copy...but will it have Wii functions? Yes right?

[CK92842]

The GC version will be playable on the Wii but no Wii features. Plus the Wii version of Zelda is in widescreen whereas the GC version is not. I already have $300 saved up, the system is said to be around $200 & 2 games should hold me.

[shoko86]

I dunno if I can/should post these here or not but its nintendo. Its not new, more old school.

Its pretty lame but its kinda cool.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZvVHwQZre54...search=Nintendo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qb1yDja8h4Y...search=Nintendo

and last but not least... so lame but so funny.. and yet so wrong. XD
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeJ99R4ttQM...search=Nintendo


Anywho, back on to the new stuff. I seriously cannot wait for the new Zelda game. Im really hyped up about it. There is also Mario Galaxy that i am really looking forward to. I love most of the mario games. Plus i CANNOT WAIT to play FPS on the Wii... it will be an experiance to remember for sure!

Uh oh Snake is going to break Link's neck!

Yes, yes he will.

[Eri]

Definitely looking forward to this.

Nintendo has already said time and time again, that they're sticking with games (even though the Panasonic GC was made, but what the hay with that, right?)

Looking forward to Zelda, not too sure about Mario Galaxy, to me it looks rtaher awkward to play. Super Smash Bros: brawl, I've seen , looks HAWT.

[theonecalledy2ckt]

because i figure the rest of you kids would enjoy it if you don't read vg cats.

[1SwtDeception]

Aren't we overdue for an update..

Nintendo's Wii may get early launch
http://money.cnn.com/2006/07/05/commentary...aming/index.htm
(thanks dberuvides)

Nintendo's Wii may get early launch
Industry observers expect company's new video game machine to launch before the PlayStation 3 - perhaps by a month or more.
Game Over is a weekly column by Chris Morris
July 5 2006: 11:32 AM EDT


NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- Nintendo has stated numerous times that its next generation video game machine will be less expensive than the competition. Now it appears that it might be on store shelves considerably earlier than many were expecting as well.

While Nintendo has not made any formal announcements about the launch date for the Wii, most of the industry has expected the machine to hit retail at approximately the same time as Sony's PlayStation 3 (which is set for November 17). Now, industry observers - and insiders - say they expect the system to be available in October, with late September a dark horse candidate.


Want more video game news and commentary? Click Mario Morris.
http://money.cnn.com/commentary/game_over/

Indeed, the company appears to be already manufacturing final retail units of the Wii, according to a June 21st analyst's note from P.J. McNealy of American Technology Research. That would give it a significant head start over Sony (Charts), which has yet to begin final manufacturing of the PlayStation 3. Microsoft's first Xbox 360 did not roll off the assembly line last year until 69 days before the on sale date of Nov. 22. (That late start in production is the root cause behind last holiday's shortages.)

"October is a reasonable timeframe," wrote McNealy.

Nintendo has downplayed any suggested dates. Other industry insiders, who asked not to be named, though, said they, too, are expecting a September or October launch for the Wii.

Early manufacturing will certainly help Nintendo do a better job of meeting consumer demand. New console launches traditionally sell out fast. Because of manufacturing problems, Microsoft (Charts) was not able to come anywhere close to meeting worldwide demand. Widespread shortages of the PlayStation 3 are also expected. Nintendo, like Sony, has given guidance that it expects to ship 6 million units by March 2007.

A pre-November launch wouldn't be an unusual move for the company. In fact, it was only with the GameCube that the company opted for a November release for a home system. The NES, which established the company as a force in the gaming space, was released in the U.S. on Oct. 18, 1985. The Nintendo 64 dropped on Sept. 29, 1996.

Pricing for the Wii remains a question mark, but the most likely price points are $199 or $249. That would put it considerably below the PS3, which will sell two versions for $499 and $599. Microsoft is not expected to cut the prices of the two versions of the Xbox 360, which currently cost $299 and $399.

That price would also be closer to the sweet spot for mainstream consumers, which the company has said is its primary target this generation. The Wii breaks many of the video game industry's traditional rules for a "next generation" console. Graphics on games that have been shown to media are not dramatically better than those found on GameCube games - and the system will not support high definition video, unlike its competitors who are using the move to HDTVs as a major part of their system. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has also vowed to keep game prices lower than the $60 price tag for many Xbox 360 games (a price that's expected to be mirrored for many PS3 titles).

The most unusual aspect of the Wii, however, is its controller, which resembles a television remote-control. Instead of worrying about which button or which thumbstick corresponds to which action, Wii players will simply move their hands and wrists. That movement is then translated into onscreen movements. The remote also features two prominent buttons where the player's thumb and forefinger will rest.

Nintendo also has yet to announce the full list of games that will launch alongside the Wii, though it has confirmed "The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess" and "Metroid Prime 3: Corruption" - the latest installments in two of the company's premier franchises - will be available on day one. A new Mario game - "Super Mario Galaxy" - is deep in development, but will most likely come out after the Wii has launched.

SPECULATIONS yes yes.. rumors yes yes..

Of course it's September for us to know when it will release T____T
http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/06/nintend...s-in-september/

[SlashRain]

this is probably old, and not sure if this is 100% true


Wii Controller Details

http://www.qj.net/Wii-Controller-Details-L...pg/49/aid/58835

* Uses 2 AA batteries
* 30 hour battery life if pointer function is being used
* 60 hour battery life if only accelerometer is being used
* Communicates with Wii via 2.4 GHz Bluetooth signal
* Contains 6KB non-volatile memory (purpose unknown - maybe stores custom settings?)
* SYNCHRO button on Wii does the same thing as 1 and 2 buttons the WiiMote
* Each controller is given a wireless ID number
* A, B, 1, 2, -, +, Home, Power, C, and Z button are all digital (not analog)
* Sensor Bar is placed below or above TV
* Sensor Bar is 20 cm in diameter
* Sensor Bar has a sensor on each end which interacts with WiiMote
* LEDs on WiiMote used to indicate battery life as well as which controller slot it corresponds to
* 4 LEDs flashing on startup means 75% - 100% battery life
* 3 LEDs flashing on startup means 50% - 75% battery life
* 2 LEDs flashing on startup means 25% - 50% battery life
* 1 LED flashing on startup means 0% - 25% battery life
* Halogen lamps, Fluorescent lights, light from plastic or mirrors can affect the WiiMote's capabilities
* To combat this, WiiMote needs to first register the coordinates of the two sensors on the sensor bar

[1SwtDeception]

Updated a bit =]

*RUMOR* Dragon Quest IX a Wii exclusive? *UPDATE*
http://gonintendo.com/?p=3686

Reader JasonMCG sent me an email with a juicy little rumor. The buzz going around is that in the newest issue of EGM to hit magazine stands, a staff writer by the name of Quarterman states that Dragon Quest IX will be a Wii exclusive. That is it, that is all the info I have received right now. Looks like we will all have to do some hunting for this issue! Does anyone have a subscription to EGM, and if you do, can you confirm this? Keep in mind, this information could be posted in the Rumors section of EGM as well, we just aren’t sure right now.

*UPDATE* The rumors are true! Well what I should say is that the above info is indeed in EGM, but it is posted in the rumors section. Below are all the Nintendo rumors from the issue. Huge thanks to NSider for the heads up.

-Nintendo will release an earthbound compilation for the DS, complete with touch screen functionality
- Square Enix is working on a MMO Mana game for the Wii
- If Dragon Quest DS (Joker) and Dragon Quest Wii sell well, DQ9 will go on the Wii

^___________^!!!!!!!!!!!

[shoko86]

I just can't stop looking at the cover for Twilight Princess at my local Game Stop. <___<;;; I wish the disc was inside of it... ;___;

[SlashRain]

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post/20060725-7349.html

Nintendo slyly hints at Wii release date
7/25/2006 4:36:37 PM, by Jeremy Reimer

Press releases are the bread and butter of journalists, providing unfiltered statements from companies announcing their latest product plans or acquisitions. However, the language of press releases leaves much to be desired. Typically, they are long-winded, full of ridiculous superlatives about the company, and engage in meaningless marketing babble.

Given this reality, it was a delightful surprise to read Nintendo's latest press release concerning their fall gaming lineup. Instead of the usual dry language, Nintendo decided to have a little fun. The news item is ostensibly about the company's upcoming game releases, including Final Fantasy V Advance for the Game Boy Advance. The dual-screened DS is set to receive a whole slew of new titles in the coming months:

Oct. 9: Clubhouse Games
Oct. 16: Nintendogs (Dalmatian)
Oct. 23: Magical Starsign
Oct. 30: Pokemon Ranger
Oct. 30: Children of Mana
Nov. 6: Elite Beat Agents
Nov. 13: Yoshi's Island 2
Dec. 4: Custom Robo Arena
Dec. 4: Kirby Squeak Squad

Where the fun comes in is the statement that the press release is not about the launch date of the Nintendo Wii, but "perhaps the secret to the launch information for Wii is somehow encoded in the text of this news item." The release does go on to talk a bit about the Wii and how the much-anticipated Zelda: Twilight Princess will be available for both the GameCube and Wii (the latter an enhanced version), but just when it is about to reveal the release date it ends with a cheeky "oh look, we're out of space."

With the Internet being what it is, it did not take long for gaming enthusiasts to crack the code. Gaming Target was one of the first to figure it out, noticing that at least one new game was being released every Monday in the fourth quarter except for October 2, November 20, and November 27.

November 27 is after Black Friday, the traditional hottest shopping day of the year, so it can be discounted. November 20 is after the launch of the PlayStation 3, which seems unlikely given Nintendo's desire to get a jump on its old rival. This leaves October 2 as the most likely launch date for both the Nintendo Wii and the new Zelda.

Personally, I'll have my credit card ready.

wow...

[Malice_Kaiser]

Has this been posted before?

Wii vs. PS3

All I can say is wow.

In other news, if you check out nibris.net, they've got more information on the upcoming game Sadness. I for one am excited about it. I'm happy that Nintendo is finally getting an original horror game with a lot going for it. In a nutshell, they've stated that it'll be set pre-WWI in a Slavic country. It'll be in black and white as a tribute to early movies of that time. And it won't be your average action-y shoot-up-everything-in-sight horror game. It'll be more psychological, to create a mood to scare throughout the entire game, and much more aimed towards adult players.

The study of fear and the borders of human imagination... A trip to the darkest corners of consciousness, in all of us... A trip to the hell of subconcious and not necessarily to return...

Apparently they've recieved quite considerable offers for filming rights to Sadness. Though they haven't said if they've sold the rights, it's known that there won't a movie before two years after the game's release date (which I also don't know.)

It's also been stated that Sadness is the final title for this game.

[epark1281]

i'm so done with sony...

[cmank]

SCREW PLAYSTATION 3 IM GETTTIN WII. its so original

[shoko86]

OMG... Its so small.. and so pruuudy! @___@