3DS sales comfortably outpacing Vita in Europe and Japan

October 26th, 2012, 01:01 Posted By: wraggster

Information released as part of Nintendo’s recent investors conference suggest that the 3DS is enjoying a comfortable on-going sales advantage over PlayStation Vita.
Weekly sales of the 3DS in Europe are hovering around the 40,000-50,000 mark and are generally tracking ahead of both the console’s 2011 sales trends and those enjoyed by the DS over the last two years.
However, following its debut earlier this year Vita sales appeared to have settled around the 10,000-20,000 units per week mark across the continent.
“Nintendo 3DS had the biggest market share even before the launch of the Nintendo 3DS XL system, but it was far from satisfactory in terms of sales,” Nintendo boss Iwata told investors.
“However, after week 30, which corresponds to the launch of the Nintendo 3DS XL system, sales grew considerably, and the sales boost from this launch was greater than that of the markdown in the previous year’s summer. As a result, Nintendo 3DS led the European video game market in August.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/3ds-s...-japan/0105210

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Nintendo successfully overturns digital software sales slump

October 26th, 2012, 01:00 Posted By: wraggster

Having peaked in the third quarter of 2010, Nintendo’s digital sales are once again on the rise.
Total digital sales for Q3 2010 reached ¥12bn, with sales in the first half of the period reaching just under ¥6bn. First half digital sales in 2011 and 2012 fell to ¥3.5bn and ¥3.25m respectively but have recovered to ¥5bn in the first half of Q3 2013.
Nintendo points out that its most successful digital period coincided with a period in which 56.14m Wii units and 10.17m DSi units were sold. That these digital numbers were beaten in a period when only 22.19m 3DS units were sold is proof of a successful strategy, Nintendo argues.
The growth is credited to sales of DLC and full digital game downloads.
Speaking of full-game downloads, games that are released both physically and digitally are seeing the latter account for between three and ten per cent of their total sales.
The initiative has been more popular in Japan, where such releases are seeing a digital sales rate of 15 per cent and above. There’s success in other territories too – New Super Mario Bros 2 enjoyed its strongest digital sales performance in the US. European and Australian download ratios were described as “relatively small”.
Brain Age: Concentration Training has enjoyed the highest digital sales rates.
“Download sales began with first-party software titles, but download versions of third-party software titles are available now,” boss Iwata told investors. “We hope the number of third-party software titles available, both packaged and download, will gradually increase.
“In addition, download sales of games already released as packaged software has already commenced overseas and will start here in Japan in November.
For Wii U, download versions of packaged software will be available from the launch of the platform.”
Nintendo went on to highlight Animal Crossing 3DS as a potential catalyst of increased digital sales on Nintendo platforms
“This is a game you can enjoy every day over a long period of time, which means that its download version in particular could be suitable,” Iwata added. “We decided to actively advertise it in the mass media for the first time. Please let me show you the TV commercial.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ninte...-slump/0105212

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Wii U to be sold at a loss, Nintendo confirms

October 26th, 2012, 00:51 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo has broken with a company tradition stretching back three decades by admitting that the upcoming Wii U will be sold at a loss at launch.Satoru Iwata revealed the news during an investor briefing following the publication yesterday of the company’s latest financial results, telling those present that Nintendo’s desire to make the system affordable at launch dictated it be sold at a loss.

http://www.edge-online.com/news/wii-...endo-confirms/

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Just Dance 4, Skylanders Giants Wii bundles available in November

October 24th, 2012, 23:44 Posted By: wraggster

If you're buying a Wii this November, what are you doing? But if, for some reason, you do end up buying the last-generation console as the new one arrives, you could do worse than the two new bundles revealed today, which will be in North American stores on Nov. 4.

A $129.99 bundle replaces the Wii Sports pack-ins with Just Dance 4. For $20 more, there's the blue Wii with a copy of Skylanders Giants, the Portal of Power peripheral, two figures and an exclusive Giant Skylander. Oh ... no. Someone's going to spend $150 on that Wii bundle just for the exclusive figure. That's going to happen.

http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/ju...le-in-novembe/

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Librica puts 3DS app 'Bookstore Anywhere' on hold

October 24th, 2012, 23:38 Posted By: wraggster

It was expected that Japanese developers Librica would release the Bookstore Anywhere app for the 3DS this month, but unfortunately it has been delayed for improvements.
The free app known as Bookstore Anywhere will allow users to read manga and Japanese manga magazines on their Nintendo 3DS. The service is expected to grow to novels and other magazines in the future.Siliconera reports that the Japanese firm Librica, has announced that the service has been delayed to work on necessary improvements. The app was expected to launch this month, but the company has said a firm release date will be announced "sometime in the future."
At this stage the Bookstore Anywhere app will be for Japan only. A Western release, or a service similar coming to the West remains unknown.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...where-on-hold/

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Nintendo expects 5.5m global Wii U sales by April

October 24th, 2012, 22:37 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo has drastically cut its full year profit forecast from £157 million to £47 million ahead of a crucial six months of trading.
The company expects to sell 5.5 million units of its new Wii U console in the year ending March 31 - as forecast by CVG in July - as well as 5 million Wii units.Meanwhile, the company lowered its 3DS sales expectation by one million units, down to 17.5 million for the financial year.
3DS sales have not met the internal projections at Nintendo, the company showed today.
In April it had expected to bring in 230 billion yen (£1.8 billion) from all business but fell short by a tenth of that goal (about £230 million).
Nintendo's bottom line for the six months ending in September was £62 million below expectations, with the group explaining: "Sales of the Nintendo 3DS hardware and software were weaker in overseas markets than expected".
The Kyoto headquartered firm also cited yen appreciation as a major problem.
Overall the company lost £220 million during the six months - a significant hit but nevertheless half of what it lost in the same period last year.
As of September 30, worldwide 3DS sales stand at 22.2 million units. The original DS has surpassed 152 million, with the Wii closing in on its 100 millionth sale.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ales-by-april/

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Nintendo looks to spark Wii sales with Just Dance, Skylanders bundles

October 24th, 2012, 22:14 Posted By: wraggster

Only a little over a week after announcing a Wii price drop to $129, Nintendo of America has decided to try to entice consumers with new Wii bundles in advance of the Wii U launch. Ubisoft and Activision have partnered with Nintendo to sell bundles including Just Dance 4 and Skylanders Giants, respectively.
Starting November 4, consumers can choose from one bundle including Just Dance 4, a white Wii console with matching Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, offered for $129.99, or a bundle including Skylanders Giants, a blue Wii console with matching Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, one Portal of Power, two Skylanders characters and one exclusive Giant Skylander, all for $149.99 - while supplies last.
"These bundles give consumers a way to enjoy some of the hottest new games for this generation's most popular console at an attractive price," said Steve Singer, Nintendo of America's vice president of Licensing. "Together with our third-party publishing partners, we're delivering maximum value for families who want to get the most for their home entertainment dollar."
Both Just Dance and Skylanders have proven to be very popular franchises and appear to be a good fit for the Wii demographic. The Just Dance franchise has sold more than 13 million on the Wii console alone, which makes it the top third-party Wii franchise of all time.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...anders-bundles

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Nintendo downsizes forecasts by 70% after weaker than expected 3DS sales

October 24th, 2012, 22:11 Posted By: wraggster

The 3DS is failing to perform as expected in territories outside of Japan, Nintendo has conceded.
The handheld’s struggles played a big part in Nintendo’s decision to downsize its profit forecasts by 70 per cent.
Net sales for the six months ending September were down 6.8 per cent at ¥200,994m. That follows a 40 per cent decline in the same period in 2011. An operating loss of ¥27,996m was reported, though that is an improvement on the ¥70,272m loss reported the year before.
5.06m 3DS consoles were sold in the period
Sales of DS titles Pokemon Black/White 2 hit an impressive 4.26m units – a third of all DS software sales – although sales of the DS hardware itself failed to reach a million units for the first time.
Wii hardware sales for the period reached 1.32m.
Lifetime 3DS hardware sales stand at 22m units. Wii sales are slowly creeping toward 100m unit milestone, currently standing at 97.2m.
Hopes now turn to the Wii U, which launches in key territories next month.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ninte...-sales/0105126

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Pokemon to be a major player for Nintendo this Christmas

October 24th, 2012, 22:06 Posted By: wraggster

Pokémon is playing a huge part in Nintendo’s Christmas campaign for 3DS XL.
And it has already boosted the platform this week with latest game Pokémon Black/White 2 charting highly.
But that is just one of five Pokémon games promoted this Christmas which will attract both parents and kids.
“Pokémon is still a huge franchise for us and goes from strength to strength,” Nintendo UK marketing boss Shelly Pearce told MCV. “We have a mix of core and side-titles supported through peak season.”
Pokémon Typing Adventure is one of those. It comes with its own Bluetooth keyboard to encourage kids to learn typing skills. A targeted campaign with kids via print and TV, plus curriculum teaching with schools, is helping raise awareness of the new typing game.
Said Pearce: “This is ideal at Christmas where parents are looking for games that are fun but also educational.”
But Black/White 2 are the centrepiece games. TV ads, an online campaign and promo partnerships are designed to maintain post-launch momentum from last weekend.
A tie-in download game Pokémon Dream Radar launched last week, too. It lets players capture Pokémon and transfer them over to the Black/White 2 retail game.
Across the campaigns, Nintendo is pointing back to its 3DS XL handheld to drive hardware uptake.
Said Pearce: “We are regularly referring back to the new 3DS in the campaign. The important thing for this game is that it looks fantastic on the bigger 3DS XL screen, it’s a great selling point.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/pokem...istmas/0105136

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Nintendo says Foxconn violated its CSR guidelines

October 24th, 2012, 21:55 Posted By: wraggster

Underage child workers likely were involved in the production of the Wii U, Nintendo has confessed.
The findings come as a result of Nintendo’s own investigation into Foxconn practices that it instigated after claims of child labouremerged last week.
“Nintendo was concerned to learn that underage individuals had been working at a Foxconn facility in China where components for some Nintendo products are produced,” Nintendo of America's senior director of corporate communications Charlie Scibetta toldKotaku.
“Nintendo investigated the incident and determined that this was a violation of the Nintendo Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Procurement Guidelines that all Nintendo production partners are required to follow, based on relevant laws, international standards and guidelines."
"As one of many companies that work with Foxconn to enhance CSR along the whole supply chain, we take this issue very seriously. As part of our ongoing procurement process, Nintendo staff will continue to carry out on-site inspections of our production partners in order to understand the actual on-site conditions and to promote socially responsible procurement."
Nintendo also pressed home that Foxconn has accepted full responsibility for the incident.
"Foxconn has taken full responsibility for this incident and has moved quickly to ensure that all affected individuals no longer work at Foxconn,” Scibetta added.
“In fact, Foxconn's own policies prohibit the employment of underage individuals and the company has pledged to Nintendo via direct communications to improve its process of enforcing this policy to avoid any similar issues in the future."
What the statement doesn’t address, however, is the seeming complacency with which Nintendo and countless other partners (including Apple, Samsung, Sony and Microsoft amongst many, many others) regard the increasingly scandalous conditions under which all Foxconn employees must work – underage or otherwise.

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/ninte...elines/0105141

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Nintendo reports $350m loss as finances improve

October 24th, 2012, 21:24 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo has posted a net loss of $350million for the six months ending September 30th in its latest financial results.
Whilst a staggering number, the loss is actually down significantly for the same period last year, in which the console giant reported a loss of $880m.

Net sales of software and hardware were down to $2.5 billion from $2.7 billion in 2011.
Net income and sales also failed to meet expected forecasts set on April 26th earlier this year, with the company’s net loss expected to be cut down to $250 million, a target missed by $100m.
The 3DS sold 5.06m units worldwide by the end of September, whilst Wii hardware sales reached 1.32m for the same period. Lifetime 3DS hardware sales now stand at 22m, with Wii sales at an impressive 97.2m.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...nances-improve

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A man called Triforce is already queuing for the Wii U

October 23rd, 2012, 22:13 Posted By: wraggster

Pre-ordering online is not sufficient, then?
There are two main facts to consider here. The first is that there’s a man whose actual name, according to Kotaku, is Isaiah-Triforce Johnson. We presume this gentleman changed his name himself and was not given it by his parents.
Though that is not confirmed.
The second fact to consider is that Isaiah-Triforce Johnson is already queuing outside Manhattan’s Nintendo World Store for his Wii U. Just under a month ahead of its launch in the region on November 18^th.
Johnson has apparently “made a name for himself as the first person to buy just about every piece of Nintendo hardware in recent history”.
Our favourite thing about him is that in the picture above he’s wearing a Nintendo Power Glove.
We have a further question – does ITJ know that Nintendo employees, their family members, key partners and select press will actually get their hands on the machine before him without queuing outside for a month?
Still, good luck to him. We hope the weather in New York is better than what we’re getting in the UK. A workman told us this morning that there’s a chance of snow later this week.
http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/a-man...-wii-u/0105040

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Moshi Monsters eyeing other console formats

October 23rd, 2012, 22:11 Posted By: wraggster

Mind Candy is thinking about bringing Moshi Monsters to more gaming formats in the future, following the success of Moshling Zoo on Nintendo DS.
The next Moshi DS game, Moshlings Theme Park, arrives on Friday, October 26th.
Mind Candy's senior marketing manager Andrew Matjaszek told Licensing.biz: "The Nintendo DS is an extremely popular console across our core demographic of fans. Due to the age of our fans (six to 12 years old), we felt that the DS was the perfect platform for us to launch our first Moshi Monsters title.
"As far as mass-market appeal is concerned, other handhelds are still in their infancy. We felt it better to target a console that our fans play and enjoy on a regular basis.
"We've loved taking Moshi on to the Nintendo DS and don't see any reason why we wouldn't look to expand the Moshi Universe even further in the near future. Stay tuned."

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/moshi...ormats/0105045

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Assassin's Creed III Wii U "exactly the same" as other versions

October 23rd, 2012, 22:04 Posted By: wraggster

When the Wii U version of Assassin's Creed III arrives in stores next month, there won't be much to distinguish it from its Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC counterparts. As the game's creative director Alex Hutchinson told GamesIndustry International at a launch party last week, that's a good thing.
"I'm super excited whenever we demo the Wii U," Hutchinson said. "It is exactly the same game that's on the other platforms. And I know that sounds ridiculous, but it's been a long time since I've shipped a game on more than three platforms where you could say it's all the same. It's not like some radically diminished version, so that's exciting."
The Wii U version of the game will use the system's Game Pad to display the in-game map, or allow players to quickly equip different weapons. While Hutchinson didn't mention the Game Pad specifically, he did speak positively about working with the new Nintendo hardware itself.
"It's always a challenge with new hardware, but it's also exciting," Hutchinson said. "I love the smell of new plastic, that day you get home with your new piece of kit. And it's been a long time since we've had a new piece of kit."
Assassin's Creed III debuts on the PS3, Xbox 360, and PC October 30. The Wii U version is expected on shelves at the console's launch November 18.
http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...other-versions

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Origin compulsory for online EA Wii U games

October 23rd, 2012, 18:41 Posted By: wraggster

Digital distribution platform Origin will be mandatory for Wii U users hoping to play EA-published games online, according to an updatedprivacy policy document.
As unearthed by GameSpot, Nintendo account information will be provided to the publishing giant for users to establish an Origin account.

Information to be transferred to EA includes e-mail addresses, Nintendo Network ID, friend list, country, language, date of birth and Mii information.
The new policy states however that personal details obtained does not include credit card or other financial account information.
Similar polices are also in place for PS3 and Xbox Live users.

http://www.develop-online.net/news/4...EA-Wii-U-games

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Nintendo unveils first Wii U advert in UK, features flurry of 'spings'

October 23rd, 2012, 01:00 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo unveiled the UK's first Wii U commercial last night. The ad aired during a Homeland break on Channel 4, and YouTube user Neil Wheatley uploaded it shortly after.The minute-long commercial is narrated by TV and radio presenter Adam Buxton, he of The Adam and Joe Show fame. On top of featuring Buxton's squeaky flurry of 'spings', the ad focuses on five of the new "ways to play" with Wii U. It also closes with a rapid-fire selection of upcoming Wii U games, although curiously Mass Effect 3 shows up twice within a matter of seconds. It's not like the Wii U is clutching at straws for launch games, is it?Wii U launches in the UK and Europe on November 30.http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/ni...lurry-of-spin/

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Black Ops 2: Zavvi lists Wii, 3DS versions

October 23rd, 2012, 00:56 Posted By: wraggster

Online retailer Zavvi is carrying listings for Wii and 3DS versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 2.
The listings offer November 13 release dates. Neither version has been officially announced by Activision but we've contacted the publisher to check if they're legitimate.Activision has confirmed a Black Ops 2 release date of November 13, 2012 on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC, with a Wii U edition to follow when the console launches at the end of next month.
Last week the company also announced a Call of Duty Black Ops: Declassified release dateof November 13 on Vita.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...-3ds-versions/

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EU Nintendo downloads: New Professor Layton arrives

October 23rd, 2012, 00:54 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo of Europe has released the latest list of new digital content for Wii, 3DS and Wii, which is this week headlined with the release of Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask.
Let's Golf! 3D is also on sale this week for €1.99/£1.79, down from the usual price of €6 / £5.40.Here's the full update list:
3DS eShop (Software)
- Heavy Fire: Special Operations 3D (Teyon)- €4.99 (£4.49 UK Only)
- Professor Layton and the Miracle Mask (Nintendo)- €44.99 (£39.99 UK Only)
- MIGHTY BOMB JACK (TECMO KOEI GAMES) - €4.99 (£4.49 UK Only)
3DS eShop (Video)
- Breakthru Films: Fat Hamster, Little Postman, Magical Dance, Papa's Boy, Scarecrow, Spirits of the Piano, Transformation - €0.99 each (£0.89 UK Only)

http://www.computerandvideogames.com...ayton-arrives/

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Nintendo patent suit dropped

October 23rd, 2012, 00:42 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo has chalked up another victory in court, as the console maker today announced that Impulse Technology Ltd. has dropped its patent infringement lawsuit against the company. Impulse claimed that the Wii and its Balance Board infringed on one of its patents for an interactive exercise system.
Nintendo said that a judge's ruling earlier this month undermined Impulse's position and led it to drop the case. Nintendo and Impulse disagreed on how the specific wording of the patent should be interpreted, so the judge stepped in to provide his own interpretation.
"We are very pleased with the court's ruling, which forced Impulse to walk away from this lawsuit," Nintendo of America deputy general counsel Richard Medway said. "Nintendo vigorously defends patent lawsuits when we firmly believe that we have not infringed another party's patent. We will continue our tradition of developing unique and innovative products while respecting the intellectual property rights of others."
Nintendo has made a habit of successfully defending the Wii from patent infringement allegations. It had lawsuits in 2009 and 2012 dismissed by judges, andwon another suit in 2010 on appeal.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...t-suit-dropped

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Koch Media offers indie support for Wii U launch

October 22nd, 2012, 23:11 Posted By: wraggster

Nindie.com has promised independent retailers they will get their ‘fair share’ of Wii U stock as the console’s launch approaches.
Koch Media’s Nintendo supply portal says that Wii U can be delivered direct to consumers on behalf of the retailers. The cost to stores will be the normal trade price plus a £2 handling charge.
“This is particularly useful for the new release of Wii U where a day of launch delivery is imperative,” said Koch Media’s MD Craig McNicol.
“Thus take the money at the till, enter the order on Nindie.com with the consumer’s delivery address, and Koch will deliver with a delivery note with the retailer’s details on.
“Our Nindie.com scheme has strove for six years since its inception to deal with the independent marketplace on a transparent basis with allocations. A lot has changed in the marketplace in that time but for sure one thing that hasn’t is that there is never enough stock of highly demanded lines to satisfy everyone’s wishes.”

http://www.mcvuk.com/news/read/koch-...launch/0104968

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