“I can’t imagine Super Mario Galaxy 2 or Metroid Other M as system-sellers, any more than I would expect Halo Reach or SOCOM to be. The hardcore Wii audience already has a Wii console, so these game launches aren’t likely to be catalysts. This far into the cycle, the only thing that really gets consoles moving is price cuts, and Nintendo was reluctant to cut price last year. In fact, the company waited until late September to cut price, even though year-over-year U.S. sales from April on were down 47%. Over the first two months of this year, Wii sales in the U.S. are down 39%, but some of that could be due to inexplicable supply shortages (one would think that Nintendo could manage the supply chain better 3 1/2 years after launch), so I’ll give them the benefit of the doubt. However, we saw declines in sales of Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board and Wii Play, suggesting that demand for the Wii and its products is on the decline. So as far as I can see, unless Nintendo decides to cut price, there is not much of a catalyst coming. I don’t see the Wii Vitality Sensor driving sales, but I suppose I could be wrong. I often am…” ~Michael Pachter
Part of me definitely agrees with him, but on the other hand, I don’t think Wii/DS sales are on the decline. Judging from the past, Nintendo has a pretty good grip on how the economics of video games work, and I can’t really see why they’d lose sight of that all of the sudden.
Hong Kong, March 23, 2010 – Renchi.com ( http://www.renchi.com) – a leading import video games, consoles, game gears and movies retailer, continue to be the premier supplier for DSi / DSi XL gaming accessories.
Renchi.com believes gaming accessories should not be boring. With the popularity of DSi and the new DSi XL, there are plenty of chances to pimp up the consoles and make them more personal. Renchi.com has over 200 DSi accessories and close to 50 DSi XL cases and pouches, many imported from Japan’s premium gaming brands such as Hori, Takara Tomy, Keys Factory, etc.
I sure hope this isn’t what Nintendo means by “3D” in their new system…
“It is unfortunate for the Nintendo DSi XL, new hardware announcements certainly impacts consumers’ willingness to purchase old hardware that may be ‘obsolete’ in less than a year. But I am sure people plan on not buying the Nintendo DSi XL just as much now as they did yesterday. Gamers have been patiently waiting for an announcement on what will succeed the Nintendo DS. Three years ago I remember seeing people bust out their Nintendo DS at the airport, on trains, waiting in-line. Now recently, I’ve noticed more and more are turning to the iPhone to quench their entertainment thirst. Also, the DS is plagued with piracy, something that Nintendo can barely control. Their only true power-move to stop piracy is to simply start all over again with new hardware. I don’t think its success will come into question. Release a new Mario title, promise us a new Link game is on the way, and dazzle us with Donkey Kong in 3D, and gamers will line-up around the block to buy one.”
Right now, I don’t know why anyone would pick up a DSi XL if they are aware of the 3DS. The 3DS will be capable of playing DS and DSi titles, so why not wait a few months? We’re only about a year – if not less – away from a new handheld release.
This information comes from Ken Toyoda, chief spokesman at Nintendo….
“We wanted to give the gaming industry a head’s up about what to expect from Nintendo at E3. We’ll invite people to play with the new device then.”
The 3DS being playable at E3 is a good sign that the device will launch sooner rather than later. This also answers some of the questions regarding why Nintendo decided to announce the handheld today rather than at their conference in June. Now the question is, what type of software will be on display at E3?
Hand-Held, Interactive Cooking Guide Features 300 Recipes Created and Tested by America’s Test Kitchen
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– The kitchen tends to be a social hub of the household. It’s a favorite place to gather, relax, laugh and socialize, whether you’re cooking or eating. Starting March 28, a new software release from Nintendo will make it simple for families and friends to create a fun, festive vibe in their kitchens any time they want. America’s Test Kitchen: Let’s Get Cooking for the Nintendo DS™ family of portable game systems not only offers a wealth of delicious, easy-to-follow recipes but also encourages cooks of any age or experience level to share in the social fun of preparing a meal together.
America’s Test Kitchen is widely recognized as a trusted brand for recipes that everyday cooks can easily master and enjoy. Cooking experts take care of the trial-and-error of cooking for you. With America’s Test Kitchen: Let’s Get Cooking, expert and novice chefs alike can select from 300 rigorously tested recipes – covering appetizers, desserts and everything in-between – and prepare them using interactive step-by-step instructions. Users can browse the recipes in several ways, including by ingredients, difficulty or cooking time. A wide range of age-appropriate kitchen tasks means everyone in the household can get in on the action.
Update: Yomiuri Shimbun notes: “it is believed that the system will use a Sharp 3D LCD panel.” Meanwhile, Mainichi Shimbun says that Nintendo has briefed developers on the system and as expected, software will be made available for launch.
This information comes from Nikkei, which is generally a very reliable source of information. Just to be sure, though, I’m marking these details as speculation…
– Analog Stick
– vibration pack
– tilt sensor under decision
– wireless connection speed up
– battery life up
– smaller than 4″ screen
