Nintendo's Spring 2010 Media Summit Roundup

NINTENDO REVEALS HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE LINEUP FOR THE FIRST HALF OF 2010

Nintendo Announces Launch Dates for Nintendo DSi XL,Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 24, 2010 – Nintendo of America issued a surge of new information today about what consumers can expect from the company in the coming months. Let's get right to it:

• The new Nintendo DSi XL™ hand-held system launches March 28 at a suggested retail price of $189.99. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL are 93 percent larger than those of the Nintendo DS™ Lite model, providing a more vivid and engaging play experience. The screens of the Nintendo DSi XL also feature a wider viewing angle, letting friends and family members join the fun. The new system launches in both Burgundy and Bronze colors, and comes loaded with pre-installed premium software Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock, as well as two free applications: the Nintendo DSi Browser and Flipnote Studio™. Nintendo DSi XL will also come with a larger pen-like stylus that allows for a more comfortable grip and enhanced ease of use when playing games that use the Nintendo DS touch screen. America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking and WarioWare™: D.I.Y. will also launch for the Nintendo DS family of products on March 28, providing consumers with new content that can be enjoyed on any Nintendo DS system. Games like these demonstrate the enhanced experience available with the Nintendo DSi XL.
  
  
• Super Mario Galaxy™ 2, the sequel to the smash-hit galaxy-hopping original game, launches May 23 for the Wii™ console. The game includes the amazing gravity-defying, physics-based exploration from the first game, but is loaded with entirely new galaxies and features to challenge and delight players. On some stages, Mario™ can pair up with his dinosaur buddy Yoshi™ and use his tongue to grab items and spit them back at enemies. Players can also have fun with new items such as a drill that lets our hero tunnel through solid rock.
  
  
• Metroid™: Other M, the incredible new Metroid game developed for Wii through a collaboration by Nintendo and the world-renowned Team Ninja, launches June 27. The game looks at the classic franchise from a new perspective: While much of the game is reminiscent of 2-D side-scrollers, players can switch the perspective into 3-D at any time as they explore the twisting passages of a derelict space station and delve deep into a cinematic, never-before-told story of bounty hunter Samus Aran's past. This new approach uses a new control scheme in which players use the Wii Remote™ controller held sideways to battle enemies and navigate the expansive, gorgeous environments in classic Metroid fashion, then aim at the screen with the Wii Remote pointer to blast foes in first-person and hunt the world for clues and hidden passages.
  
  
• In a unique partnership with Square-Enix, Nintendo of America will publish Dragon Quest IX: Sentinels of the Starry Skies in the Americas when the game arrives in summer 2010. Dragon Quest IX has sold more than 4.15 million copies in the Japanese market. Nintendo and Square-Enix will now work together to bring this title to the Nintendo DS consumer base in the Americas.
  
  
• Capcom's Monster Hunter® Tri, an epic action game for Wii, launches in the United States on April 20. The game lets players customize their character, armor and weapons in order to protect a town from majestic monsters as that town rebuilds following a devastating earthquake. Online play will be available for all players with broadband Internet access at no additional cost. Online text chat is fully functional and online voice chat is enabled using the Wii Speak™ microphone, which is sold separately. At a suggested retail price of $59.99, limited quantities of Monster Hunter Tri will include the new Black Classic Controller Pro™, while both Black and White versions of the controller will be available separately at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also be available without a controller at a suggested retail price of $49.99.
  
  
• Sin and Punishment: Star Successor, the breakthrough shooter game for Wii from legendary developer Treasure, will launch across North America on June 7. The game features nonstop action with two playable characters and international online leaderboards to track high scores. Using the Wii Remote pointer functionality, the game offers unprecedented precision in the shooter genre.
  
  
• FlingSmash™ for Wii will test players' Wii Remote skills as they bounce a ball-like hero through countless side-scrolling stages, combining the precision of racket sports with the unpredictable fun of pinball. Playable only with the Wii MotionPlus™ accessory, the game will launch this summer.
  
  
• Picross 3D is poised to become a puzzle game phenomenon when it launches for the Nintendo DS family of products on May 3. In Picross 3D, players start with a cube and smash away smaller blocks to reveal an object, shape or symbol. Delivering more than 350 unique puzzles and more made available for download on a regular basis after launch via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required), the game takes the mind-bending fun of Picross into the next dimension.
  
  
• 100 Classic Books transforms the Nintendo DS family of products into a library of timeless literature when it launches on June 14 at a suggested retail price of $19.99, highlighted by 100 works from authors such as William Shakespeare, Jules Verne, Jane Austen, Mark Twain and more. Readers can adjust the size of text, place bookmarks and even download new content via the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet connection required).
  
  
• Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands™ from Ubisoft will launch May 18 on both the Wii and Nintendo DS platforms. Boasting amazing graphics with fantastic action and puzzle-solving game play, the Wii version will be the first in franchise history to feature a two-player cooperative experience. As an added bonus, the Wii version of the game will exclusively include the 1992 Super NES™ version of the original Prince of Persia game.
  
  
• Disney Guilty Party is the official title of the highly anticipated first collaboration between Disney Interactive Studios and its recently acquired studio, Wideload Games. The fun and hilarious mystery party game is set for release in the second half of 2010, exclusively for Wii.
  
  
• Majesco's Nintendo DSi exclusive Ghostwire: Link to the Paranormal uses incredible augmented reality technology through the Nintendo DSi Camera. Launching this October, the game lets players become a ghost hunter as they interact with the paranormal.

Nintendo also announced a variety of games available to download directly to the Wii console from the Wii Shop Channel via the WiiWare™ service, and directly to the Nintendo DS via the DSi Shop and DSiWare™ services. For WiiWare:

• Launching on March 1, Capcom's Mega Man™ 10 builds upon the huge impact of Mega Man 9, a completely new adventure rendered in classic 8-bit style. This new game looks and sounds as awesomely retro as its predecessor.
  
  
• Launching on March 8, Max & the Magic Marker from Press Play turns the Wii Remote into an orange magic marker that's literally magic. Players draw lines and objects to help Max reach objects and his ultimate goal.
  
  
• The long-awaited indie cult classic Cave Story comes to WiiWare with new game play, artwork and music enhancements on March 22. It's classic gaming reborn for 2010.
  
  
• Launching on March 29, WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase is a standalone product exclusive to the WiiWare service and available only from the Wii Shop Channel. The game contains more than 70 new microgames and features interoperability with the WarioWare: D.I.Y. game for the Nintendo DS family of products. Players that own both games can transfer content between the two via a local wireless connection, and can even play user-created microgames on their television using WarioWare: D.I.Y. Showcase.
  
  
• As the techno music pulses, Nintendo's Art Style™: light trax™ puts players in charge of a white beam of light as it engages in a surreal race against other beams across a dark track. Players must keep away from obstacles, use items and look for power boosts if they want to finish first. Art Style: light trax launches this spring.
  
  
• Swim and spin through the primordial ooze in Nintendo's Art Style: Rotozoa™ as you absorb tiny organisms that match the colors of your tentacles. As you absorb more organisms, your tentacles grow. The challenge increases as additional tentacles are gained, but power-ups can help you survive and thrive. Art Style: Rotozoa launches this spring.
  
  
• Launching this spring, Rage of the Gladiator from Ghostfire Games is an intense fighting game that asks players to perfect their well-timed moves against an array of opponents. The game is compatible with the Wii MotionPlus accessory.
  
  
• Launching this spring, And Yet It Moves from Broken Rules requires players to rotate the world to help their line-drawn protagonist progress. Walls become floors and floors become ceilings in this surreal twist on the platformer genre.
  
  
• Launching this summer, Independent Games Festival Seumas McNally Grand Prize Finalist Super Meat Boy from Team Meat sets a cube of meat off on an adventure to save Princess Bandage. This off-the-wall game is not for the faint of heart.

For Nintendo DSiWare:

• Nintendo's Photo Dojo™ is poised to be the cult hit of 2010 when it launches this spring. The game first asks players to pose for 13 pictures and input 10 sound effects. Once that's done, the player becomes the main character in a hilarious side-scrolling fighting game. Create up to eight characters and do battle alone or against a friend on a single Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system.
  
  
• Launching this spring, Nintendo's Metal Torrent™ delivers a frantic barrage of gunfire that fills the screen. Players try to convert opponents' bullets into cubes that, when collected, increase their score and fill an energy meter that powers special weapons. Online Leaderboards record scores and movies of top games.
  
  
• Launching this spring, X-Scape™ from Nintendo immerses players in an exploratory adventure involving more than 20 planets. Players will pilot their tank through 3-D tunnels, fire at enemies and even battle ancient weapons that resemble giant robots.

"Nintendo finished 2009 with a bang, and we're continuing our momentum into 2010," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "With Nintendo DSi XL, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Metroid: Other M coming in the first six months of the year, we're making sure all our fans have great game content to enjoy year-round."

DSi XL Coming to Japan this year, NA & Europe 2010

In Japan, Nintendo announced that another model of the DSi was being released there. The system is much bigger than the DSi, having 4 inch screens, and the size of the system has also gotten bigger, thus losing it's portability. Satoru Iwata says that this was made to combat the barrier that old people have against the DS with it's small screens.

Monster Finder - First Retail DSi Game for Japan

The first retail DSi game has been revealed for Japan, a game called Monster Finder. It is implied that you will be using the DSi Camera to capture monsters. The game is due out in Japan by Winter 2009. You can check out the teaser site here.

Nintendo announces Wii Fit Plus & New DSi Colors

Wii Fit Plus will be released on October 4th as a bundle with a Wii Balance Board for $99.99 and the standalone software for $19.99.

On September 13th, the White and Pink versions of the Nintendo DSi will be released in North America.

This holiday season, Nintendo is going to release the Black Wii Remote, Motion Plus, and the Nunchuck in the US.

New DSi Colors for North America on Sep. 13

Well, according to a NeoGAF thread, a person who works for Play N Trade received an email at his store about two new DSi colors being released on September 13th. The colors that they are planning to release are the White and Pink variations. Whether the Pink one is the same as the hot pink DSi released in Japan on March 20th of this year, is not yet known.

I honestly don't consider such information as a rumor. Just the other day I said in the GoNintendo IRC that Nintendo will release the White & Pink DSi's next...I guess to help pull in the female demographic even more, even though most don't like Pink anyway. Honestly if I remember correctly, I believe Nintendo released the Black & Pink DS Lite's back in September 2006/2007...which is where I'm getting this trend from.

The Pink DSi released in Japan on March 20, 2009.

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver Trailers

Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver announced for Spring 2010

Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version to Hit United States and Europe in Spring 2010

In Tribute to Legions of Pokémon Fans Worldwide, Announcement Kicked Off Pokémon World Championships

SAN DIEGO - Aug. 14, 2009 - The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo of America Inc. revealed today that Pokémon™ HeartGold Version and Pokémon™ SoulSilver Version for the Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™ systems will be released in spring 2010 in the United States and Europe. These newest entries for the best-selling video game franchise were announced amid the biggest Pokémon video game event of the year and in front of the top Pokémon video game and trading card game players in the world at the 2009 Pokémon World Championships.

Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version return players to the scenic Johto region first introduced in the beloved original Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver games nearly a decade ago. The richly detailed adventure of Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver is now enhanced for the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems with updated graphics and sound, as well as new touch-screen features and a host of surprises. Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version bring dozens of Pokémon characters back into the limelight for a new Pokémon generation - and longtime fans - to catch, train and battle.

"Announcing these much-anticipated game launches at The Pokémon World Championships allows us to give the news directly to the legions of fans who represent the true heart and soul of Pokémon," said J.C. Smith, The Pokémon Company International's director of marketing, who made the announcement on stage to kick off the 2009 Pokémon World Championships. "We want to thank these loyal fans by revealing the details to them first."

The launch of Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version follows the incredible launch of Pokémon Platinum Version, which has sold more than 5.66 million copies worldwide to date.

Pokémon is one of the top children's franchises in history. The Pokémon video game series has sold more than 193 million units worldwide since its inception 13 years ago. Additionally, Pokémon is the No. 1 collectible trading card game of all time and has shown no sign of slowing down. It boasts 374 percent sales growth in the United States alone since 2005, and is sold in more than 30 countries across the globe. Other extensions of the property include 12 seasons of the animated television series, which in 2009 will be broadcast in as many as 153 countries in more than 25 languages. Pokémon films and DVDs continue to reach fans in amazing numbers, ranking at the top of the box office in Japan.

For more information about Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version, visit www.Pokemon.com.

Wow, they usually never announce a Pokémon game this early in the year. Last time Pokémon Diamond & Pearl weren't announced until December 2006...I am really excited for HeartGold & SoulSilver. They already have English Logos for the games :)

Flipnote Studio now available in North America

Hatena is proud to announce the launch of Flipnote Hatena – a web service for posting and sharing Flipnotes - for the United States and Canada. This service is used in conjunction with Flipnote Studio, available for download from the Nintendo DSi Shop starting today.

Flipnote Studio is a free, downloadable Nintendo DSiWare application available to any Nintendo DSi user with access to a wireless broadband internet connection. By connecting to the internet and accessing Flipnote Hatena through Flipnote Studio, you can post your own Flipnotes, view Flipnotes posted by other users, add ☆ to your favorites and more.

Posted Flipnotes can also be viewed on the Flipnote Hatena website, provided by Hatena Co., Ltd. Log in to this website with a Hatena ID to have even more fun with Flipnotes with features such as posting comments and sorting Flipnotes by channel.

Pokémon Platinum - WiFi Mystery Gift Member Card

Pokemon.com has announced beginning of August 3rd, you will be able to download the Member Card to your Pokémon Platinum game cartridge via the WiFi Mystery Gift option. The item you download will allow you access to New Moon Island, which you can get to by talking to the sailor in Canalave City. There, you can battle a Level 50 Darkrai and capture it, so be sure to save before you battle it.

Go here to read everything in detail.

Pokémon HeartGold/SoulSilver special trailer

Wow doesn't this game just look so awesome. Can't wait for them to hit the US in Spring 2010!!!

Nintendo releasing Black Wii & Red DSi in Japan

Remember the original Wii was Black? I wonder what made Nintendo change their mind back then, and then change it again now. Slow Wii sales in Japan


Red DSi was expected at anytime. They should've made it special edition with Mario on it...

The Red DSi will come out on July 11th in Japan, followed by the Black Wii on August 1st.

Other Wii accessories:
Wii Remote w/ Wii Jacket
Nunchuk
Classic Controller PRO

NINTENDO INTRODUCES NEW SOCIAL ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCES AT E3 EXPO

Nintendo Unveils New Mario and Metroid Games and Pulse-Sensing Device; Integrates Photos with Facebook

LOS ANGELES, June 2, 2009 – For decades, Nintendo has endeavored to provide the most creative and immersive experiences in the world of video games and to lead the industry in new directions. At its media briefing in advance of the E3 Expo, the video game industry's premier trade show, Nintendo announced products for social entertainment that stretch far beyond the current notion of what a video game can be, all while continuing to provide avid gaming fans with the challenges and thrills they desire.

"Nintendo continues to challenge how both new and longtime players perceive – and play – video games," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "From modern updates of our most iconic franchises to the introduction of inventive devices, we are continuing to add entirely new dimensions to the video game experience."

A summary of Nintendo's major announcements:

Wii™

• Wii MotionPlus™: Nintendo's Wii MotionPlus accessory offers motion-controlled precision when combined with specially designed games. When connected to the Wii Remote™ controller, it delivers on Nintendo's promise to provide even more immersive physical reality in its games. The device senses subtle motion and can locate where and how players hold the Wii Remote controller in 3-D space. It pushes active gaming to new levels of immersion and a new standard of control. Wii MotionPlus will complement a host of third-party games launching in the next few weeks.

• Wii Sports Resort™: Nintendo showcased the versatility of the Wii MotionPlus accessory in demos of some of the activities included in Wii Sports Resort, an immersive, expansive active-play game. Wii Sports Resort includes a dozen fun resort-themed activities that maintain the wide-ranging appeal that attracted millions to the original Wii Sports. Wii Sports Resort is easy to pick up and play, but comes coupled with deeper levels of play that are sure to challenge even the most experienced gamers with precise controls. The Wii MotionPlus accessory will help players come much closer to the physical reality of engaging in the actual sports. The Wii MotionPlus accessory launches June 8 at a suggested retail price of $19.99, and comes bundled with Wii Sports Resort on July 26 at a suggested retail price of $49.99.

• Wii Fit™ Plus: Wii Fit™ attracted millions of new players to the world of video games, and now Wii Fit Plus offers a range of new features and enhancements, along with exercises and balance games designed to keep workouts fun. Players will find an additional dimension to the Wii Fit experience as they easily set their own customized daily workout routines or choose 20-, 30- or 40-minute workouts based on how much time they have available. Users will also be able to choose from specialized workout routines that help players strive toward specific objectives, like toning tummies, tightening arms or even reducing stress. Workouts combine the original Wii Fit activities and selections from 15 new balance games and six new strength training and yoga activities. Wii Fit Plus will come packed with the Wii Balance Board™ accessory, and also will be sold separately as software for people who already have a Wii Balance Board at home. Both will be available in fall 2009.

• New Super Mario Bros. Wii™: Developers at Nintendo have dreamed of creating a simultaneous multiplayer Super Mario Bros. game for decades. The Wii console finally makes that dream come true for everyone this holiday season. Now players can navigate the side-scrolling worlds alone as before or invite up to three others to join them at the same time on the same level at any point in the game for competitive and cooperative multiplayer fun in New Super Mario Bros. Wii. With the multiplayer mode, the newest installment of the most popular video game franchise is designed to bring yet another type of family entertainment into living rooms and engage groups of friends in fast-paced Super Mario Bros. fun.

• Super Mario Galaxy™ 2: This upcoming adventure for the Wii console marks the first time a second 3-D Mario game has arrived in the same console generation. In the game, Mario rides his trusty dinosaur companion, Yoshi™, to new stars and the fantastic worlds found there. This 3-D platforming adventure provides longtime video game fans with a fresh round of out-of-this-world challenges in the style introduced in the critically acclaimed original. The game is planned for 2010.

• Metroid™: Other M: Nintendo showcased a trailer for a new installment in its acclaimed Metroid franchise for the Wii console. Metroid: Other M marks an unprecedented collaboration with world-renowned developers Team Ninja, and provides fans with high-energy, action-packed game play as it delves deeper into the back story of famed deep-space bounty hunter Samus Aran. This game is scheduled for release in 2010.

• Wii Vitality Sensor: Nintendo's newest groundbreaking product, the Wii Vitality Sensor, expands the appeal of video games. It will initially sense the user's pulse and a number of other signals being transmitted by their bodies, and will then provide information to the users about the body's inner world.

Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo DSi™

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong™: Minis March Again!: This game marks the third installment of this franchise and, more importantly, the first Nintendo DSiWare™ game to let players design levels from the ground up. Mario will need to dodge obstacles to confront his longtime nemesis Donkey Kong™, but this time the players will have full control over where to set traps, enemies and a host of power-ups in the construction zone. Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Minis March Again! will be available in the Nintendo DSi Shop beginning Monday, June 8, for 800 Nintendo DSi Points™.

• Integrating Photos with Facebook: For its Nintendo DSi™ system, Nintendo announced the ability for users to upload pictures taken with the system's built-in camera and interactive lenses directly to Facebook. Using Facebook Connect, the integration will be available this summer with a Nintendo DSi system update, making it even easier for people to personalize and share their photos with friends and family on Facebook.

• Mario & Luigi™: Bowser's Inside Story: Nintendo revealed Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, a new chapter to the popular role-playing franchise that places players into the belly of the beast – literally. Players will get to enjoy trademark hilarious dialogue in the fall of 2009 as they juggle two concurrent storylines. Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story is playable on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems.

• Golden Sun™ DS: After going dark six years ago, 2010 will see a new dawn. Golden Sun DS updates the popular portable Golden Sun role-playing series with an impressive graphical style. This installment follows the story of the previous heroes' descendants and immerses players into the magic of its adventure by pushing the boundaries of intuitive touch-screen controls. Golden Sun DS is playable on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems.

• WarioWare D.I.Y.™: This game, which puts the concept of user-generated content on center stage, allows players to design their own micro-games from scratch. Every element, such as the characters, the environment, the actions and even the purpose of the micro-game itself, is controlled entirely by the player. Players will then be able to share their completed micro-games with other WarioWare D.I.Y. owners. The latest game in the WarioWare™ series is playable on the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems.

Nintendo-published games available to play on the show floor:

Wii:
• New Super Mario Bros. Wii™
• Wii Fit™ Plus
• Wii Sports Resort™
• Sin and Punishment™ 2
• Endless Ocean™ 2
• Line Attack Heroes™
• Span Smasher™

WiiWare:
• PictureBook Games™: Pop-Up Pursuit
• You, Me & the Cubes™
• Final Fantasy IV: The After Years
• BIT.TRIP.CORE
• Icarian: Kindred Spirits
• Sword & Soldiers
• Military Madness: Nectaris
• Cave Story

Nintendo DS:
• The Legendary Starfy™
• The Legend of Zelda™: Spirit Tracks
• Fossil Fighters™
• Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box™
• Mario & Luigi™: Bowser's Inside Story
• Pokémon™ Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky
• Style Savvy™
• Glory of Heracles™
• Golden Sun™ DS
• Picross 3D™

Nintendo DSiWare:
• Mario vs. Donkey Kong™: Minis March Again!
• Flipnote Studio™
• Animal Crossing™ Clock
• Animal Crossing™ Calculator
• Photo Clock
• Mario™ Clock
• Mario™ Calculator
• Six in One Translator (working title)
• Crash-Course Domo™
• White-Water Domo™
• Hard-Hat Domo™
• Rock-n-Roll Domo™
• Pro-Putt Domo™

The Legendary Starfy Trailer

DSi Impressions

Camera
Wow, the cameras are actually really fun. I myself thought it would just be some silly gimmick, but it's pretty neat and easy to use. There are so many different lenses you can use to do things to your pictures like change the emotion, color, doodle, distort/stretch, etc. It's pretty neat, and you can share photos with your friends. If you take alot of photos, your DSi will display a different one everytime you start up the system.

Inteface
The interface is totally setup like the Wii. Well each area has its own window like Game Card, DS Sound, DS Camera, Settings, as well as Pictochat and DSiWare games get their own window. You can reorganize how you want them positioned, but it is a sideways scrolling bar you use. When you download a game/application it shows up as a gift on your interface, and you tap it to open it. Sadly as of yet you cannot gift games/points to your friends. (And probably won't be able to since there is no friends list on DS)

Pictochat is still the old version, I think there is a newer version that has rainbow font. I never really used this feature back then, so probably won't be doing it this time either.

DSi Shop
I downloaded Wario Ware: Snapped and Art Style: Aquia with the free 1000 points I got when I connected to the shop. I also linked it to my Club Nintendo account and got another 160 coins added in.

Wario Ware: Snapped is like a tech demo (I already knew this before hand) because there isn't a score involved. You play it using the camera. At the end of the mini-game set it shows video of you playing the game, which is pretty funny sometimes based on some of the facial expressions.

I haven't played Art Style: Aquia yet but will after I'm finished writing this story up. It looked cool from what I could see and it cost 500 points as well.

The DSi Shop is pretty easy to use, but much slower than the Wii Shop Channel. I think that may be because this is launch day and everyone is on downloading their games and stuff.

DS Sound
I played in the DS Sound application and made my voice sound like a chipmunk. It was kinda funny, but I didn't really play around with it too much.

As of right now I have yet to play any of my DS games on it, but I will soon.

So that's pretty much all I have to say about it right now, maybe more impressions in the next couple of days if I feel like it.

I definitely recommend you go get your own DSi system!

I got Nintendo DSi!!!

Well, just got home with my new Nintendo DSi system. It is currently charging, and the power brick is like the same size as the original DS's. I wish it was smaller >_>; The DSi fits in my Lite case so that's good. I also picked up Rhythm Heaven (which came out in Japan and was an instant hit last year called Rhythm Tengoku Gold) Anyway, here's a picture (click it to make it bigger):

New Nintendo DSi ushers in era of Personalization and Sharing

Two Cameras, Interactive Audio and Nintendo DSiWare Provide Creative, Customized Experiences

REDMOND, Wash., April 2, 2009 – On April 5, Nintendo launches Nintendo DSi™, the third iteration of the best-selling portable video game system and the latest evolution in hand-held gaming. Nintendo DSi gives new and veteran gamers the ability to customize, personalize and share their experiences with friends and family. Two built-in, interactive cameras let people snap and modify photos, while recorded sounds can be played and manipulated in interesting and imaginative ways. Also on April 5, Nintendo will launch the Nintendo DSi Shop, a new online storefront where users can redeem Nintendo DSi Points to download an ever-growing variety of inventive games and applications. Nintendo DSi will be available in the United States in Blue or Black at an MSRP of $169.99.

"The concept of entertainment is clearly expanding to enable self-expression and creation in ways never before possible," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Nintendo DSi is loaded with software to help people do exactly that. It's not just about the cameras or audio playback, but what people can do with these features that makes Nintendo DSi such an enjoyable game system."

Beyond the creative user experience, these features also give developers the tools to create new games and applications not previously possible. In the same way that WiiWare™ has given developers big and small a way to deliver their most original games directly to Wii™ users, Nintendo DSiWare™ provides access to the latest and most inventive hand-held games from a variety of studios and genres. Here are the Nintendo DSiWare titles that will be available when the Nintendo DSi Shop launches:

• WarioWare™: Snapped! – Using the built-in Nintendo DSi camera, this outrageous title puts players right at the center of fast-paced mini-games, challenging them to race the clock and get a peek at Wario's photo album.
• Bird & Beans™ – Using an elastic tongue, players must scramble to collect falling beans. The harder a bean is to catch, the more points it's worth.
• Brain Age™ Express: Math – In this math-focused edition of the popular Brain Age series, players can enjoy a mix of new and familiar training exercises. A new Themes mode also lets Nintendo DSi users experiment with images and voice recordings in fun, unusual ways.
• Master of Illusion™ Express: Funny Face – This game uses your Nintendo DSi as a prop in a card trick. Draw a face on the touch screen and astound your audience as the face tells them which playing card they picked.
• Art Style™: AQUIA™ – The newest addition to the eye-popping Art Style series, this mesmerizing underwater puzzle game challenges players to help a scuba diver reach the ocean floor by matching a series of colored blocks.

In addition to a diverse, constantly expanding lineup of DSiWare game titles, visitors to the Nintendo DSi Shop can also download the free Nintendo DSi Browser to enjoy portable access to the Internet. Powered by Opera, this simple-to-use application makes use of the Nintendo DSi system's dual-screen display to provide fast, intuitive Web browsing.

As an incentive to get people connected and enjoying the online content, consumers who buy a Nintendo DSi system and connect it to the Nintendo DSi Shop by Oct. 5, 2009, will automatically receive 1,000 Nintendo DSi Points. (Visit dsioffer.nintendo.com for more details.) Software in the Nintendo DSi Shop will be available at four price points: free, 200 points, 500 points and 800+ points. Users can purchase additional Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop or via a Nintendo Points Card sold at retail locations. Nintendo DSi Points will be available in increments of 2,000 at an MSRP of $19.99.

Nintendo DSi allows users to create and share unique moments using a number of distinctive features. Two cameras – one pointing at the user when the system is open, one facing away – let people take photos and manipulate them with 10 built-in "lenses" including Distortion, Graffiti and Mischief. The cameras inspire creativity by letting users personalize their photos and trade them wirelessly with friends and family. The Nintendo DSi Sound application lets people put their own spin on their music with the ability to play and manipulate AAC sound files accessed from an SD card. These sonic tweaks are not saved or stored – they're meant for having fun on-the-fly, changing the pitch or playback speed of a clip with a simple touch of the stylus.

Nintendo DSi features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Nintendo DSi, visit www.NintendoDSi.com.

Nintendo announces Wii Storage solution, DSi News, and a new Zelda for DS

NINTENDO PRESIDENT ANNOUNCES WII STORAGE SOLUTION, NEW ZELDA GAME AND 50 MILLION GLOBAL WII SHIPMENT

Keynote Details Nintendo DSi News on Eve of Launch

SAN FRANCISCO, March 25, 2009 – Nintendo President Satoru Iwata today revealed surprises for consumers and an expanded palette of video game development opportunities for the industry during his keynote address at the Game Developers Conference. Iwata announced a new storage solution for Nintendo's Wii™ home console and showed video highlights of a new Nintendo DS™ game from The Legend of Zelda™ franchise.

Video game developers now have expanded opportunities given that worldwide shipments for the Wii system surpassed 50 million units and worldwide shipments for the Nintendo DS franchise are at more than 100 million units. Iwata said, "It is in the power of game developers to invent things that gamers have never seen – or even imagined – before."

Nintendo also noted several key initiatives that are on the way for consumers, some of which are available at the Nintendo GDC booth.

Nintendo DSi

• The new portable Nintendo DSi system goes on sale in the United States on April 5. For the first six months after launch, consumers who buy the system and connect to the Nintendo DSi Shop will automatically receive 1,000 Nintendo DSi Points, which can be redeemed for downloadable Nintendo DSiWare™ games and applications through the Nintendo DSi Shop. In order to receive the free Nintendo DSi Points, consumers must access the Nintendo DSi Shop by Oct. 5, 2009, and the Nintendo DSi Points can be redeemed at any time after that (wireless broadband access required).

• Similar to how the WiiWare™ service works in the Wii Shop Channel, the Nintendo DSi Shop will feature a variety of downloadable Nintendo DSiWare™ games and applications. These games and applications will be available at four different price categories: free, 200 points, 500 points, and 800+ points. Consumers can purchase Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop with a credit card or by purchasing a Nintendo Points Card™ at retail locations for redemption in the Nintendo DSi Shop. All points from one Nintendo Points Card will need to be redeemed at the Nintendo DSi Shop. Nintendo Points Card will start to become available at select retail locations beginning Apr. 5.

• Iwata gave conference attendees a glimpse into some of the upcoming Nintendo DSiWare games and applications such as Moving Memo (name not final) and WarioWare™: Snapped!. Moving Memo (name not final) lets users create animated digital flipbooks of their own design, while WarioWare™: Snapped! uses Nintendo DSi Camera functionality for a fresh gaming experience.

• On the show floor, conference attendees are able to experience some of the Nintendo DSiWare games and applications that will be available soon. Bird & Beans™ and Art Style™: Aquia™ are fun mini games that will be perfect to play on-the-go.

Nintendo DS & Nintendo DSi Software

• The new The Legend of Zelda™: Spirit Tracks game that Iwata announced will utilize the intuitive touch control of Phantom Hourglass in an all new adventure that will please longtime Zelda™ fans while keeping the game accessible to all DS owners. The concept behind this Zelda game includes utilizing a steam locomotive to travel around the world, switching Phantom and Link to explore the dungeons, and solving puzzles using new items.

Wii

• As the library of downloadable WiiWare and Virtual Console™ games continues to grow, Wii owners have asked Nintendo to provide easy, expanded storage space. Starting today, Wii owners will be able to save downloaded WiiWare, Virtual Console video games, and Channels directly to High Capacity SD cards, in addition to SD memory cards. To play games that have been saved to SD cards, consumers will be able to select and launch them from an SD Menu icon on the Wii Menu. (Note that when launching games or channels from an SD card, an equivalent amount of internal Wii memory is required. To clear space from the internal memory, users can transfer games or channels from the Wii Menu to the SD card). This feature is included in the latest version of the Wii System Menu Update, which owners will receive immediately after performing a system update today.

• Gamers will be glad to have that additional storage space, as the Virtual Console will expand to include the arcade versions of classic third-party games like STARFORCE by Tecmo Ltd., and Mappy, Gaplus and Tower of Druaga by Namco Bandai Games Inc. starting today.

• Upcoming games Punch-Out!!™ and Excitebots™: Trick Racing are available to play at Nintendo's booth. Excitebots: Trick Racing, a new and refreshing take on the classic Excitebike™ series from the arcade and NES™ days, is slated to launch on April 20, while a new game in the classic Punch-Out!! series will be on store shelves on May 18.

WiiWare

• To highlight new development opportunities for independent developers, Iwata unveiled a game for the WiiWare downloadable game service called Rock N' Roll Climber™, which uses the Wii Balance Board™ accessory to help users simulate the experience of rock climbing. The game is being developed by Vitei.

Nintendo GDC 2009

New Zelda game for DS announced. It's Wind Waker style. "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks"
You can watch the video on Nintendo Channel (Source: Nintendo)

Wii Firmware update 4.0 allows playing of VC, WiiWare games from SD card. Also allows the use of higher capacity SD cards, as well as SDHC cards. Virtual Console Arcade console added that allows you to download & play classic arcade games on the Wii (4-6 games put up on the Wii Shop Channel right now) (Source: Nintendo)

Level 5 is bringing the other Professor Layton games to the western world. They are currently working on the 2nd game. (Source: GoNintendo)

Nintendo will be giving away 1000 Nintendo Points to each owned of a DSi system, when they connect to the DSiWare store before October 5th, 2009. (Source: GoNintendo)

3 DSiWare games & possibly 1 app at launch: Wario Ware Snapped, Code 10, Pyoro, and the app Moving Memo Pad (but possibly later as it was in Japanese (Source: Kotaku)

Nintendo planning DSi cards that will enable the use of the features of the DSi such as the camera. (Source: Kotaku)

I knew something good was going to come out of this conference. Who would've thought another Zelda game for the DS would be announced? Phantom Hourglass was announced at the Game Developer's Conference in 2007. I am so happy now, thank you Nintendo for giving me a storage solution!

NINTENDO'S VIDEO GAME LINEUP DEMONSTRATES GAMING DIVERSITY

New Games Announced for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 26, 2009 – While everyone is still buzzing about the upcoming April 5 launch of the Nintendo DSi™ system, video game fans will have plenty of great games and experiences to keep them busy. Nintendo has an extensive, diverse library of about 120 games on the way for both the Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ systems. Upcoming Nintendo-published video games for Wii include:

Excitebots™: Trick Racing has elements that make it one of the more unique racing games on the market. It launches April 20 and lets everyone in the family use the Wii Wheel™ accessory in unique and changing environments, play fun minigames and perform crazy tricks in a game that builds on the Excitebike™ and Excite Truck™ franchises.

Donkey Kong® Jungle Beat™, originally made for the Nintendo GameCube™ system, launches May 4 with newly added motion controls. It's the latest in Nintendo's New Play Control! series of games.

Punch-Out!!™ launches May 18 and brings back all of the fun of the beloved, classic NES® game that thrilled players in the early 1990s. Boxers battle as iconic hero Little Mac as they fight their way through a cast of new and familiar boxing opponents on their quest to win the coveted WVBA (World Video Boxing Association) Championship Belt.

Nintendo's downloadable WiiWare service continues to be a showcase for new games, new concepts and new ideas. A selection of upcoming titles includes:

• BIT.TRIP BEAT, developed by Gaijin Games and published by Aksys Games: BIT.TRIP BEAT is what you get when you mix classic video gaming with modern gaming sensibilities. What may seem like a simple "paddle" game turns into a psychedelic trip down memory lane which has you hitting "beats" in rhythm to Chiptune style music. While the game can be difficult, if you crank up the tunes and get in the zone, you'll have a great time. Performing perfectly isn't required to experience all the game's content, but the extra challenge will keep score-hunters coming back in search of each level's elusive "PERFECT" score.

• Eduardo the Samurai Toaster, developed and published by Semnat Studios LLC: Fight your way through 13 diverse locations on your own or with up to three friends in this frenetic and stylish side-scrolling action game. Play as Eduardo and his fellow toaster buddies as you fire an assortment of pastries at all kinds of dastardly food products. Hop onto laser-mounted scooters and fly across the screen in rocket packs, and learn to cooperate with your teammates or simply annoy each other in an awesomely fun way by throwing each other around the screen. The choice is up to you.

• Night Game, developed and published by Nicalis: Exclusively for WiiWare, Night Game (working title) is part action game and part puzzler. It invites players into a beautifully atmospheric world, where they must use real physics to maneuver a mysterious, glowing sphere through vastly different locales. Night Game pushes the boundaries of design with its unique art style, and professionally produced music score. This title is a 2009 Independent Games Festival Seumas McNally Award nominee and from the same developers responsible for Cave Story on Wii.

• Swords & Soldiers, developed and published by Ronimo Games: Swords & Soldiers is a side-scrolling real-time strategy game, in which three distinct factions battle for the powers of the gods. The goal is to destroy the enemies' castle on the other end of the level, while protecting your own. This can be done by training powerful units or casting devastating spells. The game will feature a single-player campaign and a competitive split-screen multiplayer mode as well as several other game modes.

Great titles are also on the way for the portable Nintendo DS system. Some Nintendo-published video games for Nintendo DS include:

Rhythm Heaven™ is an infectious video game that has been a huge hit in Japan. Players tap and slide the stylus on the touch screen in time to the beat. This fun, stylized game launches April 5.

A new entry in the Personal Trainer series is Personal Trainer™: Walking, which launches May 25. Personal Trainer: Walking tracks users' progress and makes going for a walk a little more fun. It comes with two pedometers that users can wirelessly connect to their Nintendo DS system when they return home.

In The Legendary Starfy™ game, which launches June 8, players dive into a spectacular undersea adventure with Starfy, the legendary hero of Pufftop. Players swoop into enemies like a shooting star, glide over bottomless chasms and transform into powerful creatures to help a mysterious, bunny-eared visitor find his lost memory.

In recent weeks, multiple third-party publishers have announced plans to boost their support of Nintendo systems. Between now and June, Nintendo fans will enjoy games like: The Conduit™, a first-person shooter from Sega that pits players against a terrifying group of alien invaders intent on taking over a futuristic Washington, D.C.; EA SPORTS Active™, a Wii exclusive from Electronic Arts that offers players fun, easy-to-learn exercises and activities that users can do with family and friends; and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 10, the newest iteration of the popular golf game from Electronic Arts that lets players hit the links to prove their driving and putting prowess.

Below is a partial list of upcoming games for Wii and Nintendo DS. Note that game titles and launch dates are subject to change.

Wii

2K Sports
Major League Baseball® 2K9 - March 3
Don King Boxing - March 31

Activision
X-Men Origins: Wolverine - May
Ice Age 3 - June 30
Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen - June

Aksys Games
Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus - May 12

Atari
Ready 2 Rumble Revolution - March 17
Backyard Baseball 10 - March 31

Capcom Entertainment Inc.
MotoGP™ - Spring

Codemasters Inc
Overlord Dark Legend - Summer

Conspiracy Games
Real Heroes: Firefighter - April

Deep Silver, Inc.
Professor Heinz Wolff's Gravity - April
Fritz Chess - May

Disney Interactive Studios
Hannah Montana The Movie - April

Electronic Arts
TRIVIAL PURSUIT™ - March
MySims™ Party - March
EA SPORTS Active™ - May 19
Tiger Woods PGA TOUR® 10 - June
BOOM BLOX™ Bash Party - Spring
MySims™ Racing - Summer
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ - Summer
G.I. JOE™ The Rise of Cobra - Summer
EA SPORTS Tennis (working title) - Summer

Hudson Entertainment
Help Wanted - Summer

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
DanceDanceRevolution® Disney Grooves - April 2
Yu-Gi-Oh! ™ 5D's Wheelie Breakers - May 19

LucasArts
Indiana Jones® and the Staff of Kings™ - Late Spring

NAMCO BANDAI Games America Inc
Klonoa® - Q2

Nintendo
New Play Control! Pikmin™ - March 9
New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis™ - March 9
Excitebots: Trick Racing - April 20
New Play Control! Donkey Kong Jungle Beat - May 4
Punch-Out!! - May 18

SEGA of America
Virtua Tennis™ 2009 - May
The Conduit™ - June
Let's Tap™ - June

Southpeak Interactive
Roogoo Twisted Towers™ - April 7
Pirates vs Ninjas Dodgeball™ - April 21

Zoo Games, Inc.
M&M's Beach Party - March 10
Puzzle Kingdoms - March 31
Garfield Gets Real - April 7
Pennzoil's Build-N-Race: "Speed Demons" - April 14
Jelly Belly Ballistic Beans - April 21
Smiley World Island Challenge - April 28
Garfield's Pet Force - June 9

Nintendo DS

2K Sports
MLB® 2K9 Fantasy All-Stars - March 3
Don King Boxing - March 31

Activision
X-Men Origins: Wolverine - May
Ice Age 3 - June 30
Transformers™: Revenge of the Fallen - June

Activision/RedOctane
Guitar Hero® On Tour: Modern Hits - June

Aksys Games
Jake Hunter Detective Chronicles: Memories of the Past - May 26
Rockin' Pretty - June 23

Aspyr Media, Inc.
Treasure World™ - June

Atari
Backyard Baseball '10 - March 31
My Horse and Me Riding For Gold - March 31

Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
TrackMania® DS - March 17
Tokyo Beat Down™ - March 31
The Dark Spire™ - April 14
Dokapon Journey™ - April 14
Steal Princess™ - April 21
101 in 1 Explosive Megamix - April 21
Super Robot Taisen® OG Saga:Endless Frontier™ - April 28
Knights in the Nightmare™ - June 2
Shin Megami Tensei®: Devil Survivor™ - June 23

Capcom
Mega Man Starforce 3 Black Ace - June
Mega Man Starforce 3 Red Joker - June

Codemasters Inc
Overlord Minions - Summer

Deep Silver, Inc.
Pet Vet: Down Under - March
Professor Heinz Wolff's Gravity - April
Elite Forces: Unit 77 - April
DJ Star - May
Fritz Chess - May
The Humans - May
Horoscope DS - May

Disney Interactive Studios
Hannah Montana The Movie - April

DreamCatcher
Dreamer: Shop Owner - April 21
Dreamer: Babysitter - April 21
Dreamer: Teacher - April 21
Prank'd - May 19

Electronic Arts
Zubo™ - March 10
Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure™ - March 17
MySims™ Party - March
SCRABBLE™ - March
LITTLEST PET SHOP Spring™ - March
MySims™ Racing - Summer
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince™ - Summer

Hudson Entertainment
Miami Law - Summer

KOEI
Monster Racers™ - June

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc.
Magician's Quest: Mysterious Times™ - May 5
Yu-Gi-Oh!™ 5D's Stardust Accelerators World Championship 2009 - May 19

LucasArts
Indiana Jones® and the Staff of Kings™ - Late Spring

Majesco Entertainment
Puffins: Island Adventure - April 14
Powerbike - April 28
Drama Queens - May
Marker Man Adventures - May
Hot 'n' Cold - May
Dawn of Heroes - June

MumboJumbo
Crazy Chicken Star Karts - March 31
Crazy Chicken Atlantis Quest - April 28
Crazy Chicken The Pharaoh's Treasure - June 2
7 Wonders II - June 30

Nintendo
Rhythm Heaven - April 5
Personal Trainer: Walking - May 25
The Legendary Starfy - June 8

PopCap Games, Inc.
Peggle™ Dual Shot - March 3

Rockstar Games
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars - March 17

Southpeak Interactive
Roogoo Attack™ - April 7

THQ
Desktop Tower Defense - April 29

Ubisoft
Imagine® Makeup Artist - May 5
Imagine® Music Fest - May 5
Imagine® Boutique Owner - May 26
My Healthy Cooking Coach - June 2
Petz® Fashion: Dogz and Catz - June 9
Jake Power Soccer Club - June 16

Valcon Games
History Channel: Great Empires: Rome - March 17

Zoo Games, Inc.
Yamaha Supercross - March 10
Hands On!: Tangrams - March 24
Puzzle Kingdoms - March 31
Garfield Gets Real - April 7
Jelly Belly Ballistic Beans - April 21
Smiley World Island Challenge - April 28
Garfield's Pet Force - June 9

Three New DSi Colors for Japan

Well, just as I predicted/expected, three new colors of DSi will be released in Japan before the rest of the world even gets the system.

Pink, Metallic Blue, and Lime Green are the new colors that will be released on March 20th.


Come on Nintendo of America, why couldn't you have given me that blue? I mean I like the light blue DSi too but I always wanted a dark blue system. But I want DSi at launch, so light blue it is!