Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News, Wii U | 0 comments

Going forward, third-parties will be able to take advantage of micro-transactions on 3DS (and eventually Wii U).

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said that the company will “ensure a relative level of flexibility for the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U software compatible with the Nintendo Network as long as the developer has built a trusting relationship with consumers, except for the cases that consumers will be too disadvantaged.”

His full response can be read below.

“As a hardware manufacturer, or platform holder, it would be better to present third-party developers with as much freedom as possible. Some say that the guidelines and regulations we previously established are too strict and behind the times, and others say that Nintendo should not put too many restrictions on the features of software targeting the consumers who are familiar with micro-transactions. Therefore, we plan to ensure a relative level of flexibility for the Nintendo 3DS and the Wii U software compatible with the Nintendo Network as long as the developer has built a trusting relationship with consumers, except for the cases that consumers will be too disadvantaged.

“On the other hand, the reason I refer to Nintendo as a software developer is that we have a belief that our games should be a trusted brand for a very wide variety of consumers, including children and casual users who are not so familiar with the trends of video games. Therefore, we would like to have regulations with a certain degree of strictness so that consumers will get a sense of reassurance from our games. I am not saying that Nintendo is better than third-party developers. Each developer has its own customer base, and we should be more careful with this point for Nintendo consumers.”

Shinji Hatano, Senior Managing Director, General Manager of Marketing Division, also weighed in on micro-transactions:

“Third-party developers worldwide have recently been interested in micro-transactions and many of them are considering doing some business in this field. My team has exchanged information with domestic developers about what they would like to do. Each developer has its own desire, but basically, not only Nintendo but these developers share the same idea and have no objection that we need to establish the reliable system for the consumers on which they can feel safe and comfortable when they select the software. We will start organizing the various requests from developers and working with them to create new and interesting software. Please wait for some time for announcements from each developer.”

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Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 0 comments

During Nintendo’s latest financial briefing, the company announced that the 3DS is currently able to download packaged software. The company will incorporate similar functionality for Wii U as well.

When Iwata was quizzed about the company’s plans during a Q&A session, Iwata said “We have prepared the structure because we anticipate that it will increase in importance in the future”.

Nintendo is mulling over their approach for the digital distribution of packaged software, as they need to balance pricing and consider retailers.

Iwata said:

“What I told you today is that we already have the necessary infrastructure to digitally distribute the software on a scale as large as the packaged software. We can start it as soon as we decide to do so. We have prepared the structure because we anticipate that it will increase in importance in the future, and I wanted you to know as a part of my presentation today that the company is not denying the future possibility of doing such activities. As for the actual digital distribution method, we need to consider what kind of cooperation we can make with wholesalers and retailers, but we think that there must be various solutions other than just positioning digital distribution as an enemy to them. Upon close consultation with them, we would like to determine the details of our digital distribution. We therefore have nothing to tell you about the differences in prices or release dates. Some argue that a downloadable version to be sold at the same price as the MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price) of a packaged version is not competitive because packaged software is often sold at a lower price than the MSRP. Downloadable versions that are too cheap will create a different problem, while no one will want to buy games online at a price that is too expensive. As the spread of speculation caused by our remarks on undetermined things might have a negative effect on our business, we would like to hold back from making more comments until when we can actually start such digital distribution. Please let me tell you one thing again: there must be a solution other than positioning digital distribution as an enemy to wholesalers and retailers. When we find one, we think that the solution will provide an interesting future in which both of us can benefit.”

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Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 0 comments

Wii U’s NFC functionality was one of the biggest revelations from Nintendo’s latest financial briefing. President Satoru Iwata didn’t share many details about how they’ll be take advantage of it in the future, though he did elaborate a bit during the company’s Q&A session.

Iwata hinted at a system in which consumers use e-money to make payments. This would be faster than using a credit card or a Nintendo Prepaid Card.

In terms of charging consumers for their network services, Nintendo may “build a solid system in which consumers will make payments at their will and with a minimal amount of effort.”

“…I mentioned the NFC (Near Field Communication) function for the Wii U (in my presentation today). In Japan FeliCa-based e-money is used the most, but the NFC standard compatible with FeliCa has been very popular. If we can provide a system in which consumers can use such e-money, they will far more easily be able to make payments than by entering credit card numbers or purchasing the Nintendo Prepaid Cards at stores. ‘SpotPass,’ in which consumers unconsciously get connected online, is enjoyable, but a system in which they unconsciously make payments online is unacceptable, we believe. Therefore, one answer to your question could be to build a solid system in which consumers will make payments at their will and with a minimal amount of effort.”

For Iwata’s complete remarks, see the second Q/A here in which he speaks about the Nintendo Direct presentations, Swapnote, and more.

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii, Wii U | 0 comments

01/01. [Wii] Dragon Quest X: Rise of the Five Tribes Online (Square Enix) – 827 votes
02/02. [PS3] Dragon’s Dogma (Capcom) – 607 votes
03/04. [PS3] One Piece: Kaizoku Musou (Namco Bandai) – 543 votes
04/03. [PSV] Persona 4: The Golden (Atlus) – 493 votes
05/05. [3DS] Monster Hunter 4 (Capcom) – 489 votes
06/06. [PSP] Fotokano (Konami) – 378 votes
07/13. [PSP] Shining Blade (Konami) – 297 votes
08/10. [PS3] Binary Domain (Sega) – 289 votes
09/09. [3DS] Animal Crossing 3DS (Nintendo) – 282 votes
10/12. [PS3] Asura’s Wrath (Capcom) – 254 votes
11/11. [3DS] New Love Plus (Konami) – 247 votes
12/08. [PS3] Final Fantasy Versus XIII (Square Enix) – 217 votes
13/18. [PS3] 2nd Super Robot Wars OG (Namco Bandai) – 204 votes
14/14. [3DS] Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (Square Enix) – 200 votes
15/15. [PS3] The Last Remnant (Square Enix) – 196 votes
16/21. [PSP] God Eater 2 (Namco Bandai) – 178 votes
17/25. [PS3] The Last Guardian (SCEJ) – 168 votes
18/29. [PSP] Yakuza: Black Panter 2 (Sega) – 164 votes
19/28. [3DS] Dragon Quest Monsters: Terry’s Wonderland 3D (Square Enix) – 161 votes
20/19. [3DS] Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy (Square Enix) – 158 votes
21/NA. [3DS] Hatsune Miku & Future Stars Project Mirai (Sega) – 154 votes
22/24. [3DS] Fantasy Life (Level-5) – 151 votes
23/NA. [3DS] Fire Emblem: Kakusei (Nintendo) – 145 votes
24/27. [PSP] Tales of the Heroes: Twin Brave (Namco Bandai) – 127 votes
25/16. [PS3] Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance (Konami) – 126 votes
26/17. [PS3] Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (Capcom) – 122 votes
27/NA. [3DS] Kid Icarus: Uprising (Nintendo) – 119 votes
28/NA. [PSV] Ragnarok Odyssey (GungHo Online Entertainment) – 110 votes
29/22. [PS3] Persona 4: The Ultimate in Mayonaka Arena (Atlus) – 106 votes
30/NA. [PS3] Soulcalibur V (Namco Bandai) – 94 votes

Source

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, DS, News, Wii U | 0 comments

3rd FEBRUARY 2011

Soul Calibur V (XBOX360/PS3)

10TH FEB 2012

Victorious: Time to Shine (KINECT)
Victorious: Hollywood Arts Debut (NDS)
Pac Man Party (3DS)

17th FEBRUARY

Tekken 3D Prime Edition (3DS)

22nd FEBRUARY

Shinobido 2: Tales of the Ninja (VITA)
Ridge Racer (VITA)
Touch My Katamari (VITA)

2nd MARCH 2012

Ridge Racer Unbounded (XBOX360/PS3/PC)

16TH MARCH

Saint Seiya Santuary Battle (PS3)
Ben 10 Galactic Racing (3DS/VITA)

23ND MARCH

Armored Core V (PS3/360)

30TH MARCH

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm Generations (PS3/360)

SUMMER 2012

Tales of Graces F (PS3)

2012

Tekken Tag Tournament 2 (TBC)

TBC

Inversion (PS3/XBOX360/PC)
Tekken X Streetfighter (TBC)
Tekken (WORKING TITLE FOR WiiU)
Ni No Kuni: Wrath of the White Witch (PS3)

Source

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Videos, Wii U | 0 comments

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Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 0 comments

It’s possible that most of you haven’t heard of Near Field Communication before. It’s included in devices such as smartphones and even the PlayStation Vita. The feature will also be added to the Wii U.

Iwata provided an elaborate description of NFC during Nintendo’s financial briefing, and also gave vague hints as to what will be possible with the technology.

“Already by now, the Wii U is known for its new controller with a screen, among other features. For this controller, please be advised that we have decided to install a NFC function.

“As many of you know, NFC is the acronym for Near Field Communication, which is a set of standards to establish radio communication in close proximity. The NFC I’m referring to here is the noncontact NFC standard that is compatible with FeliCa and MIFARE, and is expected to be widely used around the world in the near future.

“By installing this functionality, it will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC and to expand the new play format in the video game world. Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments.”

Sounds sort of like Skylanders: Spyro’s Adventure, doesn’t it?

Source

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 0 comments

Satoru Iwata gave a quick update about the Wii U’s presence at this year’s E3 and launch timeframe during Nintendo’s financial briefing. He once again said the company will “showcase the final format and discuss the details” about Wii U at the big expo in June. Furthermore, Iwata noted that the console will launch around the world “in time for the year-end sales season.”

“We are planning to showcase the final format and discuss the details at E3 2012, which will be held in Los Angeles in the United States in June this year.

“Also, soon after the E3 show, we would like to organize an opportunity in Tokyo where we can showcase the same to the Japanese wholesalers and financial analysts who cannot attend the E3 show.

“As for the launch timing, we have so far stated that it shall be sometime between the E3 show and the end of this calendar year, and…

“Today, I’d like to confirm that we will launch the Wii U in Japan, the U.S., Europe and Australia in time for the year-end sales season.

“For the launch of new hardware, it is, of course, regarded as a sort of requisite not to miss the critical year-end sales season. The company is aiming to firmly complete the development of the entire system and prepare sufficient software so that the Wii U will be at its best at the time of the launch. Needless to say, we have learned a bitter lesson from the launch of the Nintendo 3DS.”

Source

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 0 comments

Although Satoru Iwata was the main speaker at Nintendo’s financial results briefing today, Shigeru Miyamoto took some time to comment about his non-retirement and the Wii U.

Miyamoto stressed that the company’s upcoming console won’t just be about improved visuals. However, he did seem to say that there will be some titles in which visuals will be important – including Zelda.

We don’t have the official comment from Miyamoto, though an David Gibson was kind enough to provide a translation.

You can find more details from Nintendo’s investors meeting here.

Posted on 12 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 0 comments

Nintendo Network isn’t just a simple rewording of the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection after all. There’s a little bit more to it than that.

President Satoru Iwata finally detailed the Nintendo Network at a financial results briefing today. It encompasses DLC, the account system for Wii U, and more. Iwata even said that the company is considering distributing packaged software through digital means and first-party DLC.

A full rundown of the Nintendo Network can be found below.

– Nintendo Network is the new network platform which will be used for Wii U and 3DS
– “aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers.”
– Competitions and communication among users included
– Sales of digital content will also be covered within the Nintendo Network
– Nintendo will be pushing to make software work with the Nintendo Network
– Tobidasu Pricla Kiradeco Revolution is the first Japanese game in which users can purchase DLC
– “We will make available the downloadable add-on content for this Nintendo first-party digital download title in the near future.”
– DLC once again confirmed for Theatrhythm Final Fantasy
– “Nintendo, as a software maker, does not plan to deploy businesses where our consumers cannot know in advance which item will appear as the result of their payment and they have to repeat the payments and, before they know it, they end up spending a huge amount of money in order to obtain the items they originally wanted to purchase.”
– Nintendo considering the future possibility of distributing packaged software digitally
– The concept above was built into the 3DS and the necessary infrastructure is in place for this
– Same infrastructure will be built into Wii U
– “The decision must be made by taking into consideration such factors as the relationship with the wholesalers and retailers, and the best way to be embraced by consumers, as well as the environment surrounding the market and consumers, such as the required memory capacity on consumers’ SD memory cards.”
– Personal account system for Wii U will be compatible with the Nintendo Network
– It’ll make things easy for hardware that is used by multiple family members

Source