– First firmware update in May: eShop, Internet browser, DSiWare transfers
– Software sales, video, demo downloads on the eShop
– The “shopping channels” for Wii/DSi were based off browser tech, suffered from slow screen switches and control latency as a result
– With the eShop, Nintendo wanted to make a service in which players would visit even if they weren’t interested in something specific (a “place that’s fun to window shop”)
– VC, DSiWare, 3DS-specific games, and 3D classics available on the eShop
– Download a free video player from the eShop
– Need the player to watch free 3D videos from Fuji TV and Nippon TV that will be distributed daily via SpotPass
– DSiWare transfers use the eShop
– Nintendo wanted the transfer ability available day one, but couldn’t do so since it uses the shop
– Transfer 3DS games from one system to another in the future
– These transfers will be limited
– The 3DS transfer feature will be available in a future update
– Automatic uploads and automatic software downloads through SpotPass to be made available in future firmware updates
Tower of Pandora
– Japanese title is Pandora no Tou: Kimi no Moto e Kaeru Made
– Subtitle: Until I Return To Your Side in English
– Game almost finished with development
– Details will be gradually released shortly
Rhythm Heaven Wii
– Play by yourself
– Can also be played with others
– Releasing this year
Kirby Wii
– Iwata apologized for the long wait
– HAL has been working away on the game
– Releasing this year
– Nintendo localizing Just Dance and GoldenEye 007 in Japan
Zelda
– Skyward Sword is in the final phases of development
– Releasing this year still
– Ocarina of Time 3D will be released first
Pokemon
– Pokemon Typing DS releasing in April (Japan)
– Comes with a bluetooth keyboard
– Can communicate with the keyboard due to a built-in bluetooth reader in the cartridge
– Nintendo is progressing with a variety of Pokemon developments for Wii and 3DS
This information comes from Satoru Iwata, who was asked about Sony’s newly announced NGP…
“They’re trying to appeal to customers from a different direction than us. The customers will decide which is correct. Nintendo is not the kind of company that thinks about how we oppose other company’s product.”
Iwata also talked about the 3DS. Pre-orders in Japan are off to a good start, though Iwata is more interested in seeing continued sales rather than a “rocket start.” It was also revealed that a 3DS firmware update will be made available at the end of May to enhance wireless functionality and allow DSiWare transfers.
Lastly, regarding the possibility of putting original titles on non-Nintendo hardware, Iwata said “So long as I am CEO, it definitely will not happen.”
Tower of Pandora is the second random announcement Nintendo made earlier today. Unfortunately, not much (well, basically nothing I should say) information was shared about the title. The only thing we really know at the moment is that it is set to be released in the first half of 2011 in Japan. More information is expected to arrive in the near future, and you can check out the game’s official site here
Remember how Xenoblade and The Last Story were randomly announced last year? Well, Nintendo’s basically done the same thing again today. This new Kirby title was one of the new games announced at Nintendo’s investor briefing a short while ago. It actually looks quite similar to the GameCube Kirby title which was quietly cancelled!
Thanks to Chauncey for the tip!
