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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 0 comments

Please explain the current structure of the development divisions and the direction you, Mr. Iwata, are taking in order to establish an ideal one. You once told us that the two hardware development divisions had been consolidated. I have heard that other software development companies mainly adopt a studio, project or division-style development structure. Please explain Nintendo’s current structure, and how you, Mr. Iwata, are planning to change it.

Currently Nintendo has four development divisions and one of them is for hardware development. Years ago, there were two different hardware divisions – one for handheld devices and one for home consoles, with few personnel interactions. In fact, we had to use completely different technologies for handheld and home console development at that time. Technologies that were suitable for handheld devices or home consoles had nearly nothing in common, so it was reasonable to divide hardware development into two divisions. However, with recent technological advances, technologies for both systems are becoming more similar. Also, just because they are home consoles does not mean today that they can consume as much electricity as they possibly can. In fact, we have already been proactively working to reduce the consumption of electricity since the Wii era. Furthermore, the Wii U GamePad has a large screen, a battery pack, control inputs and wireless modules inside, so in technological terms, it required very similar know-how to that required for developing a handheld device. Based on such experiences, we had been working toward consolidating the two divisions for a while and started the process two years ago. Of course, it takes time for two divisions to completely assimilate, and we now are confident that it has progressed very well. Senior Managing Director, Mr. Takeda, is in charge of the hardware development division.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, New Nintendo 3DS, News | 2 Comments

I would like to know a little more about amiibo. Even by taking into consideration the difference in the Wii U hardware installed bases in Japan, Europe and the United States, when I calculate how many amiibo figures have been sold against the number of compatible software titles sold in the same region, I still cannot tell why the amiibo attach rate shows such regional disparity. Also, with Nintendo 3DS compatibility, how do you think the potential of amiibo will grow? I would appreciate it if you could touch on profitability too.

Firstly, you are correct in saying that the sales of amiibo and its attach rate to the compatible software, or how many amiibo figures each consumer has purchased, differ by region.

When it comes to the figure and video game entertainment category, there are two existing franchises: Activision released “Skylanders” four years ago, and Disney released “Disney Infinity” two years ago. In contrast to these two franchises, in which each figure is compatible with one software title, amiibo is compatible with multiple software titles. While under development, it was internally referred to as “NFP (Nintendo Figurine Platform).” In other words, we were spreading the message inside the company that amiibo would be a “platform.” What we are offering with one amiibo figure is the ability to experience a range of entertainment with a variety of software. However, before we actually launched amiibo, the number of consumers who were aware of the overall concept of this product category, namely, toy figures are lined up on a store shelf in the video game section and when you buy and use it with a game, something very fun would happen, differed greatly in Japan from the rest of the world. This product category is called “Toys to Life” in the overseas markets, and it has established a large market in the United States. Although the size of the market in Europe is smaller than the U.S., there is still a certain level of awareness. On the other hand, while “Toys to Life” products had been introduced also in the Japanese market, they were yet to show results in this country. In addition, when it comes to popular toy figures in Japan, they are generally a bit smaller in size and cost a bit less than amiibo. In fact, when we first explained amiibo to Japanese distributors, they advised us that amiibo would be a little too big in size and cost slightly too much for a toy figure in Japan. However, because we were aware of size of the global market for this product category, we decided that this size and price point was most appropriate for the global market. Now that we have witnessed solid results for amiibo in the U.S., Australia and Europe, we believe we made the right decision. So, to answer to your question, we acknowledge the large awareness gap for “Toys to Life” products and their uses in Japan and the overseas markets, and we feel that some time is needed to close this gap.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News | 0 comments

This week’s issue of Famitsu has revealed a new River City Ransom game from Arc System Works. The company is developing “Downtown Nekketsu Jidaigeki”, according to the magazine.

Here’s what we know thus far:

– Out on May 28
– Takes place several years after the NES game Downtown Special: Kunio-kun no Jidaigeki da yo Zenin Shugo
– Up to four characters can be in a party
– These include Kunimasa (Kunio / Alex in River City Ransom), Tsurumatsu (Kaoru Sonokawa / Harry in River City Ransom), and two henchman
– Can now wield a sword thanks to the game’s new “Katana Action” element
– The sword is powerful but uses energy each time you swing it
– If you use up all your energy and your stamina is depleted, you won’t be able to restore it
– Story Mode, Mission Mode, and Battle Royale Mode
– Up to 4 players can play together in Battle Royale mode

Source

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, News, Wii U | 1 Comment

This week’s UK software sales are as follows:

Individual formats

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News, Wii U eShop | 0 comments

This week’s European Nintendo Downloads are as follows:

Wii U Download

SDK Paint – €4.49 / £3.99 / CHF 5.99

Wii U Virtual Console

Pac-Attack – €7.99 / £5.49 / CHF 11.20
Cybernator – €7.99 / £5.49 / CHF 11.20

Wii U DLC

Hyrule Warriors Boss Pack – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20

3DS Retail

Hello Kitty & Sanrio Friends 3D Racing – €39.99 / £29.99 / CHF 51.90

3DS Download

Titan Attacks – €9.99 / £7.99 / CHF 12.00
Mes Comptines – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00
Zombie Incident – €1.99 / £1.99 / CHF 2.99
Best of Arcade Games – Tetraminos – €9.99 / £8.99 / CHF 14.00

3DS Themes

These three #Kirby themes for your #3DS Home menu float into the Theme Shop on Friday! pic.twitter.com/5KUQZxOK9Y

— Nintendo of Europe (@NintendoEurope) February 23, 2015

Craft Paper Kirby – €1.99 / £1.79 / CHF 2.80
Kirby Sweet – €1.99 / £1.79 / CHF 2.80
Smiling Kirby – €1.99 / £1.79 / CHF 2.80

eShop Sales

Rock Zombie – €3.99 / £3.59 / CHF 5.60 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €6.99 / £6.29 / CHF 9.80
Mystery Case Files Ravenhearst – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Hidden Expedition® Titanic – €3.99 / £3.59 / CHF 5.60 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Mystery Case Files Dire Grove – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
4 Elements – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €12.00 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Jewel Quest 4 Heritage – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Jewel Quest The Sapphire Dragon – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Jewel Quest Mysteries 3 – The Seventh Gate – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Luxor – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Mystery Case Files Return to Ravenhearst – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Secret Mysteries in London – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Azada – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €11.99 / £10.79 / CHF 16.80
Beyblade Evolution – €7.99 / £7.99 / CHF 11.00 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €19.99 / £19.99 / CHF 28.00
Bit.Trip Saga – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €19.99 / £17.99 / CHF 28.00
Girl’s Fashion Shoot – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €19.99 / £19.99 / CHF 28.00
Hakuoki: Memories of the Shinsengumi – €11.99 / £11.99 / CHF 15.50 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €29.99 / £29.99 / CHF 38.90
Virtue’s Last Reward – €9.99 / £7.99 / CHF 12.50 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €24.99 / £19.99 / CHF 31.90
Super Black Bass 3D – €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €19.99 / £17.99 / CHF 28.00
Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Towns – €9.99 / £8.99 / CHF 14.00 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €19.99 / £17.99 / CHF 28.00
Hometown Story – €14.99 / £14.99 / CHF 19.45 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €29.99 / £29.99 / CHF 38.90
Brutus & Futée – €1.99 / £1.79 / CHF 2.49 until 26.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €6.99 / £6.29 / CHF 9.80
2 Fast 4 Gnomz – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 until 19.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €4.99 / £4.49 / CHF 7.00
Monster Combine TD – €2.65 / £2.13 / CHF 3.75 until 12.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €3.99 / £3.19 / CHF 5.60
Aqua Moto Racing 3 – €3.99 / £3.59 / CHF 5.59 until 05.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €7.99 / £7.19 / CHF 11.19
3D Game Collection – €4.99 / £3.69 / CHF 4.99 until 12.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €6.99 / £4.99 / CHF 6.99
Funfair Party Games – €4.99 / £3.69 / CHF 4.99 until 12.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €6.99 / £4.99 / CHF 6.99
Gardenscapes – €5.99 / £4.49 / CHF 5.99 until 12.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €7.99 / £5.99 / CHF 7.99
Jewel Match 3 – €4.99 / £3.99 / CHF 4.99 until 12.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €6.99 / £4.99 / CHF 6.99
Safari Quest – €4.99 / £3.99 / CHF 4.99 until 12.03.2015, 23:59 UTC. Regular price €6.99 / £4.99 / CHF 6.99

Permanent Price Drop

VAN HELSING SNIPER ZX100 – €2.99 / £2.69 / CHF 4.20 -was €6.66 / £6.66 / CHF 9.20

Source: Nintendo PR

More: Europe, Nintendo Download, top, Virtual Console

Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in General Nintendo, News | 26 Comments

Nintendo’s Koichi Hayashida wants to see Captain Toad “featured in a variety of games”. It also seems as though Hayashida would be interested in having the character end up in Mario Kart. That information comes from the latest issue of GamesMaster, which contains a short interview with the Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker producer.

When asked what he foresees in the future for Captain Toad, Hayashida said:

At this stage we don’t know. I personally want to see him featured in a variety of games. I’ve even ‘secretly’ emailed the director of Mario Kart to see if he’d consider including Captain Toad, but I haven’t heard back from him yet!

Director Shinya Hiratake also answered the same question. His thoughts are as follows:

Through the development of this game I’ve grown even fonder of Captain Toad. he can’t jump, and struggles to defeat his opponents, but it’s precisely that he is not a powerful character that he can show us his unique take on all these situations. as a developer of his game, and one of his fans, I look forward to seeing where he goes next.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS eShop, News | 4 Comments

Big John Games has been hard at work on Cube Creator 3D. However, you may recall that the studio casually also announced Lionel Trains 3D for the eShop last August. We hadn’t received any actual details about the title… until now.

Big John Games was kind enough to share first information about the game, which is now called “Lionel City Builder 3D: Rise of the Rails”. Screenshots and concept art are posted below.

According to Big John Games’ Ken Patterson, the team initially thought about adjusting the engine used by Coaster Creator 3D for this game since its sandbox “is really strong.” However, they soon became interested in adding some stories and playable missions. The sandbox remains, but Lionel City Builder 3D will offer these new elements as well.

Lionel City Builder 3D is set fifty years in the future. Due to the breakdown of transportation between communities, they are now isolated and in decay. With no way way to transport goods, commerce slows to a crawl and cities and communities’ economies are in ruin. You’ll play as “Vin”, who is a worker at a smelting yard. Vin decides to reestablish trains as transportation and sets out to connect communities in hopes of saving the day.

Going back to the sandbox mode, Lionel City Builder 3D will provide hundreds of objects to build and unique environments. Players can assemble a train and take it through user-created landscapes. And speaking of user-creation, it’s possible to share worlds with other players through QR codes.

There are a couple of months left remaining in Lionel City Builder 3D’s development. Once done, we should see it on the 3DS eShop.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in 3DS, General Nintendo, News, Wii | 7 Comments

Surprise, surprise! Another interview with Eiji Aonuma has appeared. The latest one comes from Game Informer, who spoke with the Zelda producer.

There are actually quite a few interesting questions and answers. Aonuma was asked if Majora’s Mask is all a dream, teased a special event in the 3DS version for finding all of the bottles (plus there’s an extra one in this version), and shared a development nugget about Twilight Princess’ development.

Head past the break for some interview excerpts. The full talk can be found here.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in News, Wii U | 1 Comment

GameSpot has a new interview up with the developers behind Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. Supervisor Kazuhiro Yoshikawa, art director Teruhiko Suzuki, director Kazushige Masuda, and HAL Laboratory’s Shinya Kumazaki participated in the discussion.

Read on below for some comments from the various developers. You can also find GameSpot’s full feature here.

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Posted on 9 years ago by Brian(@NE_Brian) in Site updates | 16 Comments

I do not sleep much. That’s probably why I’m tired all of the time! Much of my day is dedicated to ensuring that we’re totally up-to-date with news. But during those few hours when I hit the hay, there are a couple of folks to fill in for me. Jon joined us about a year ago and has typically posted a bunch of news Monday through Friday for a few hours. Kira fills in a bit later in the early morning. That’s how things have been on the site for awhile, but the situation is changing starting next week.

Due to the way Jon’s personal schedule has worked out, he’s unable to carry on with posting news from this point on. He’ll still be with us contributing features and other content, and we’re going to go over some possibilities in the near future. In terms of news though, which is the most important aspect of the site, I’m happy to say that we’ve found someone to take over Jon’s role – and you may have seen some of his work already.

Join me in welcoming LyonHart, everyone! LyonHart – or Dennis – actually started earlier this week, as he’s been tag-teaming the night shift with Jon while Kira has been on vacation over the past few days. Kira will be back next week, and that’s when LyonHeart is taking over Jon’s shift permanently. Kira is remaining on board with her regular shift.

I’m extremely grateful for Jon and Kira’s efforts over the past several months. Both of them have been instrumental in keeping the news cycle going all day long on Nintendo Everything! LyonHart is now up to the task of handling news, and I’m very confident in his abilities. Say hello if you have a moment. I’m sure he’ll appreciate it!

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