“… Probably the other thing that we are desperate to realise is the core [online] business structure. Do we need to demand customers pay monthly fees to enjoy online activities? Or give an online subscription that is free of charge, but then offer something extra for people that pay, so that they get some extra value? With these core business strategies I think we are less active than we should be. To be honest, I think it’s rather unfair whenever I hear such comments – that Nintendo isn’t proactive when it comes to its online strategy. The fact of the matter is that we always want all Wii consoles to be connected online, all the time, so Nintendo has never been less than proactive in that kind of endeavour. It is true, though, that Nintendo hasn’t been very proactive in developing such online activities as an MMOG. But when it comes to our endeavours that try to take advantage of internet technology, where we can provide our customers with more fun and entertainment, then I think we can say we have been very, very proactive and well-received. And that attitude won’t be changed at all in the future.” – Shigeru Miyamoto
It’s fantastic that Nintendo doesn’t ask consumers to pay in order to play games online. However, I believe many enthusiasts would argue that the company really needs to modernize the way they handle Wi-Fi connectivity. I doubt Nintendo will ever remove friend codes, but perhaps something can be done to make online gaming on the Wii more engaging and robust.
The latest issue of the Official Nintendo Magazine reached subscribers in the UK today, which contained a 10-page Super Mario Galaxy 2 review. Although a perfect score was not awarded like EDGE, the magazine gave the game a 97%, a very high score. ONM ultimately acknowledged that the title “lacks the original’s impact”, but praised Galaxy 2’s music, power-ups, and graphics. The magazine additionally stated that it is “a whole new heap of genius.” It looks as though Super Mario Galaxy 2 is shaping up to be just as enjoyable as its predecessor, if not more so.
Thanks to joclo and Thomas N for the tip!
This information comes from Nintendo’s recent investor briefing…
– Party game collection
– Teiban Party mode: 1-4 players, standard games such as Bingo, Roulette, Mii-jam, Overseas Trip Game, Sugoruku (dice)
– Pair Party: 2-4 players, Compatibility Check, Balance Ship, Mii Awase (Mii Alignment) games
– Living Party mode: 2+ players, will have “new play types made possible by the Wiimote.”
– Mii Channel creations will be used for characters
– Over 160 Miis created
– First party game since 2007 (Mario Party 8 )
Thanks to Rucker and Thomas N for the tip!
PSP – 59,315
PS3 – 32,874
Wii – 30,757
DSi LL – 25,569
DSi – 15,628
Xbox 360 – 4,943
DS Lite – 4,068
PSP go – 1,890
PS2 – 1,577
For comparison’s sake, here are the numbers from last week.
PSP – 28,758
PS3 – 25,629
Wii – 23,691
DSi LL – 16,676
DSi – 10,640
DS Lite – 2,789
Xbox 360 – 2,214
PSP go – 1,544
PS2 – 1,490
This information comes from Nintendo’s Supplementary Information about Earnings Release…
For the most part, I’d say there are no big surprises here. Zelda Wii is listed as TBA rather than 2010…Even though Nintendo is looking to release the game this year, it looks like we won’t hear anything official until E3. And for the umpteenth time, Kirby pops up on a launch schedule. When the heck will Nintendo actually acknowledge Kirby for Wii?
Pre-order Now To Get A Limited Edition Harvest Moon Plush Horse!
Burlingame, Calif., May 6, 2010 – Natsume, a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, announced today that Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar will be released for the Nintendo DST this July. The game will retail at an MSRP of $29.99 and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB.
“Harvest Moon: Grand Bazaar is another great entry in the Harvest Moon series. It has a fun story and a great new cast of colorful characters,” said Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “It’s loaded with exciting new features like the ability to run your own shop and a multiplayer mode in which you can invite other friends to your farm!”
