Nintendo will be flexible with their micro-transactions regulations
Posted on 13 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.”
Iwata on the digital distribution of packaged software, balancing price
Posted on 13 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.”
Miyamoto on the importance and potential of network functions
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News | 0 comments
Nintendo has added the translated version of the latest financial briefing Q&A, and it’s filled with all sorts of interesting information.
Shigeru Miyamoto was first asked about what makes network functions an interesting avenue to explore. He responded by by noting that “Nintendo has been making its best efforts to raise the Internet-connection ratio for years”, once again made note of the 3DS’ 60% connection rate, and noted how “there are some who like the excitement of being together with a lot of people online.”
His full response can be found below.
“A big question from the beginning. Speaking as a developer, giving no comment is the typical answer. But let me try to tell you something. Nintendo has been making its best efforts to raise the Internet-connection ratio for years. In addition to our efforts, network connections have rapidly become widespread, like cell phones which are always connected to the network. The connection ratio for the Nintendo 3DS (as Mr. Iwata explained in his presentation today) has reached approximately 60%, and we feel that the network environment has improved significantly. We also put importance on safety and reliability of the network because many people use it. We have concentrated on developing packaged software, but there are some who like the excitement of being together with a lot of people online. Electronic mail and chat are typical examples. Although you might not know it well, ‘Flipnote’ has become a hidden hit among our products. Millions of children who do not communicate on the Internet use this software. We are taking on various challenges including how to operate the system of note exchanges by children freely in a safe manner. In short, we trust the great potential of the network, but we are still in pursuit of originality through trial and error.”
The Amazing Spider-Man screenshot
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Screenshots, Wii | 0 comments
Famitsu’s most-wanted games – issue 1208
Posted on 13 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
Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance Reality Shift footage
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, Videos | 0 comments
UK software sales (Week ending 1/28)
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, DS, News, Wii | 0 comments
Individual formats
–		1	 	 	RESIDENT EVIL: REVELATIONS	3DS	CAPCOM	CAPCOM
 1		2	 	 	JUST DANCE 3	WII	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 6		3	 	 	CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3	XB360	ACTIVISION	ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
 3		4	 	 	THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM	XB360	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
 4		5	 	 	FIFA 12	XB360	EA SPORTS	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 2		6	 	 	ZUMBA FITNESS 2	WII	505 GAMES	505 GAMES
 5		7	 	 	ZUMBA FITNESS	WII	505 GAMES	505 GAMES
 9		8	 	 	BATTLEFIELD 3	XB360	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 8		9	 	 	FIFA 12	PS3	EA SPORTS	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 11		10	 	 	CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3	PS3	ACTIVISION	ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
 7		11	 	 	SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD	XB360	THQ	THQ
 10		12	 	 	MARIO KART 7	3DS	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 13		13	 	 	SUPER MARIO 3D LAND	3DS	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 15		14	 	 	FOOTBALL MANAGER 2012	PC	SEGA	SEGA
 25		15	 	 	YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED 2012	XB360	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 12		16	 	 	THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM	PS3	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
 32		17	 	 	ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS	XB360	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 22		18	 	 	KINECT SPORTS: SEASON TWO	XB360	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 16		19	 	 	BATTLEFIELD 3	PS3	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 –		20	 	 	THE SIMS 3: MASTER SUITE STUFF	PC	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 33		21	 	 	ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS	PS3	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 23		22	 	 	MOSHI MONSTERS: MOSHLING ZOO	DS	MIND CANDY	MIND CANDY
 21		23	 	 	RAGE	XB360	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
 20		24	 	 	SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD	PS3	THQ	THQ
 14		25	 	 	WII FIT PLUS	WII	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 18		26	 	 	FORZA MOTORSPORT 4	XB360	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 17		27	 	 	MARIO & SONIC LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES	WII	SEGA	SEGA
 24		28	 	 	MARIO KART WII	WII	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 31		29	 	 	UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION	PS3	SONY COMPUTER ENT.	SONY COMPUTER ENT.
 29		30	 	 	ABBA: YOU CAN DANCE	WII	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 26		31	 	 	HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY	XB360	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 35		32	 	 	JUST DANCE 2	WII	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 30		33	 	 	STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC	PC	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 36		34	 	 	GRAN TURISMO 5	PS3	PLATINUM	SONY COMPUTER ENT.
 –		35	 	 	SONIC GENERATIONS	PS3	SEGA	SEGA
 19		36	 	 	KINECT SPORTS	XB360	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 27		37	 	 	RAYMAN ORIGINS	XB360	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 –		38	 	 	DIRT 3	PS3	CODEMASTERS	CODEMASTERS
 –		39	 	 	DEAD ISLAND	XB360	DEEP SILVER	KOCH MEDIA
 38		40	 	 	RAGE	PS3	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
All formats
1		1	 	 	FIFA 12	EA CANADA	EA SPORTS	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 4		2	 	 	CALL OF DUTY: MODERN WARFARE 3	INFINITY WARD/SLEDGEHAMMER	ACTIVISION	ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
 2		3	 	 	THE ELDER SCROLLS V: SKYRIM	BETHESDA	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
 3		4	 	 	JUST DANCE 3	UBISOFT (FRANCE)	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 5		5	 	 	BATTLEFIELD 3	DIGITAL ILLUSIONS	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 –		6	 	 	RESIDENT EVIL: REVELATIONS	CAPCOM	CAPCOM	CAPCOM
 6		7	 	 	ZUMBA FITNESS	PIPEWORKS	505 GAMES	505 GAMES
 7		8	 	 	SAINTS ROW: THE THIRD	VOLITION	THQ	THQ
 12		9	 	 	ASSASSIN’S CREED: REVELATIONS	UBISOFT (MONTREAL)	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 8		10	 	 	ZUMBA FITNESS 2	ZOË MODE	505 GAMES	505 GAMES
 10		11	 	 	RAGE	ID SOFTWARE	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS	BETHESDA SOFTWORKS
 9		12	 	 	RAYMAN ORIGINS	UBISOFT (FRANCE)	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 11		13	 	 	MARIO KART 7	RETRO STUDIOS / NINTENDO	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 16		14	 	 	FOOTBALL MANAGER 2012	SPORTS INTERACTIVE	SEGA	SEGA
 24		15	 	 	SONIC GENERATIONS	SONIC TEAM	SEGA	SEGA
 13		16	 	 	SUPER MARIO 3D LAND	NINTENDO	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 29		17	 	 	YOUR SHAPE: FITNESS EVOLVED 2012	UBISOFT (MONTREAL)	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 25		18	 	 	KINECT SPORTS: SEASON TWO	BIGPARK	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 20		19	 	 	CARS 2	AVALANCHE SOFTWARE	DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS	DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
 18		20	 	 	WWE ’12	YUKE’S	THQ	THQ
 22		21	 	 	LEGO PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN	TRAVELLER’S TALES	DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS	DISNEY INTERACTIVE STUDIOS
 19		22	 	 	SKYLANDERS: SPYRO’S ADVENTURE	TOYS FOR BOB	SKYLANDERS	ACTIVISION BLIZZARD
 –		23	 	 	THE SIMS 3: MASTER SUITE STUFF	THE SIMS STUDIO	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 26		24	 	 	MOSHI MONSTERS: MOSHLING ZOO	BLACK LANTERN	MIND CANDY	MIND CANDY
 14		25	 	 	NEED FOR SPEED: THE RUN	EA BLACK BOX	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 27		26	 	 	DEAD ISLAND	TECHLAND	DEEP SILVER	KOCH MEDIA
 15		27	 	 	WII FIT PLUS	NINTENDO	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 21		28	 	 	FORZA MOTORSPORT 4	TURN 10 STUDIOS	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 17		29	 	 	MARIO & SONIC LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC GAMES	SEGA	SEGA	SEGA
 31		30	 	 	LEGO HARRY POTTER: YEARS 5-7	TRAVELLER’S TALES	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
 32		31	 	 	BATMAN: ARKHAM CITY	ROCKSTEADY STUDIOS	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE	WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE
 28		32	 	 	MARIO KART WII	NINTENDO	NINTENDO	NINTENDO
 39		33	 	 	UNCHARTED 3: DRAKE’S DECEPTION	NAUGHTY DOG	SONY COMPUTER ENT.	SONY COMPUTER ENT.
 34		34	 	 	SKATE 3	EA BLACK BOX	EA SPORTS	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 –		35	 	 	DIRT 3	CODEMASTERS	CODEMASTERS	CODEMASTERS
 36		36	 	 	ABBA: YOU CAN DANCE	UBISOFT (FRANCE)	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 30		37	 	 	HALO: COMBAT EVOLVED ANNIVERSARY	343 INDUSTRIES	MICROSOFT	MICROSOFT
 38		38	 	 	THE SIMS 3	THE SIMS STUDIO	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
 –		39	 	 	JUST DANCE 2	UBISOFT (FRANCE)	UBISOFT	UBISOFT
 37		40	 	 	STAR WARS: THE OLD REPUBLIC	BIOWARE	EA GAMES	ELECTRONIC ARTS
Award winning 3D animation Magic Piano coming to Nintendo Video (Europe)
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 0 comments
Exclusive Magic Piano, Kirby TV and Star Wars content available for free in 3D, on your Nintendo 3DS™
30th January 2012 – Nintendo 3DS owners will soon be able to view free 3D content from the award winning film and animation production studio, BreakThru Films, when the first in a variety of clips from their upcoming animation, the enchanting Magic Piano, becomes available for free via Nintendo Video™ from 2nd February. Kirby and Star Wars fans will also be happy to know that they can watch, via Nintendo Video, a specially designed two part 3D Kirby TV episode and also a Star Wars: Episode 1 – The Phantom Menace 3D trailer both available from 2nd February.
The Magic Piano tells the story of Anna, a girl whose father has to leave their native Poland and look for work in London. Anna misses her father terribly and sets out to find him, closely followed by her annoying cousin Chip Chip. While trying to hide from her cousin in a garbage pile, the kids find a broken piano that magically transforms into a flying machine and they are whisked off on an adventure across Europe.
Nintendo Download (2/2, Europe)
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, DS, News, Wii | 0 comments
3DS Download
3D Classics: Kid Icarus Uprising – £5.40
DSiWare
Castle Conqueror Against – £1.80/200 points
 Pinball Pulse: The Ancients Beckon – £4.50/500 points
WiiWare
TNT Racers – 1000 points
Source: Nintendo PR
Pink Nintendo 3DS System to Make Sweethearts Swoon Starting Feb. 10
Posted on 13 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 0 comments
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo of America has a perfectly pink new option for consumers looking to win over their loved ones this Valentine’s Day. Starting Feb. 10, a Pearl Pink edition of the Nintendo 3DS™ hand-held system – previously available only as part of a limited-edition bundle – will be available as a stand-alone item at retailers nationwide, offered at a suggested retail price of $169.99.
In addition to free Wi-Fi access at thousands of locations across the nation, fun augmented-reality features and the ability to enjoy games and videos in 3D without the need for special glasses, Nintendo 3DS has a host of built-in social features that can keep users connected to their special someone throughout the year, plus a great lineup of games (sold separately) that lovebirds can enjoy together:
