Nintendo developing 'DSi App strategy'

March 19th, 2009, 18:00 Posted By: wraggster

DS Month: Nintendo may publicly claim that it doesn't consider the likes of Apple's App Store and iPhone, or even the Google G1 phone and Android Marketplace, as competitors - but CasualGaming.biz sister site Develop understands the format holder is very much working on its own 'app strategy'.
Sources which attended the top-secret Nintendo Developer Conference in London this week have told us that Nintendo has a plan in place that will push developers towards producing short-form content for its new DSi handheld.
The device includes access to the DS Shop and DSi Ware, but instead of emphasising game downloads - as has been done with previously with Wii/WiiWare - Nintendo is encouraging developers to think about making shorter 'applications', both of a games and non-game variety for the DSi.

http://www.casualgaming.biz/news/283...i-App-strategy

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‘Pokemon Platinum’ Rotom Code Apparently Is A Big Deal

March 19th, 2009, 17:55 Posted By: wraggster

We are not Pokemon experts here, but we know an important discovery when we spot one. A code for Pokemon Rotom bundled with “Pokemon Platinum” is giant news, yes? Maybe?
***
Tracey John and I strive to understand as many video games that people play as we can. That even includes the sometimes-befuddling “Pokemon” series, which will have a new “Pokemon Platinum” released on Sunday in the United States.
But some time ago, I started dipping into “Pokemon” games and nearly drowning. There are not just so many types of Pokemon, but there are more side-games and sub-games and meta-games than I can comprehend. Stuff about berries and fashion shows and so much else that I’d love to understand if I had the time. Instead, I still can’t remember whether it’s wise or unwise to pit an electric Pokemon against a fire Pokemon. It’s like trying to remember not just that “rock” beats “scissors” but where “potato” and “screwdriver” fit into that.
Today Tracey and I opened our early copes of “Pokemon Platinum” and found the pamphlets shown above, our eyes being caught by the “Pokemon News Flash” alert. Inside the pamphlet is yet another daunting, detailed element of Pokemon lore: in this case detailed instructions about how to transform the Pokemon called Rotom. As if it’s a big deal, the pamphlet indicates: “Rotom changes form in Pokemon Platinum Version!”
Ah, but to make this important transformation occurs, “Platinum” players need to got their DS online, answer some opinion questions (Nintendo helpfully provides the answers) and then do other stuff. And/or you can go to PokemonPlatinum.com/Rotom, which isn’t live yet, and punch in one of five codes. My pamphlet, which seemed designed to turn Rotom into a lawnmower, included the code 7W6O3M5. Tracey’s pamphlet involves turning Rotom into a dishwasher and offers a different code. The pamphlet exhorts players to “talk to your friends to find all 5!”
It’s all overwhelming in its density and oddness, but consistent with the core “Pokemon” design, which seems to have always involved getting one player with the game to somehow engage at least one other player with the game.
Is “Pokemon,” like “Madden,” a series dependent on players who have developed the skills and knowledge to play it from previous editions of the game? Or is it just a cheerful, sweet thing offering us a dazzling number of ways to engage it? We’re intimidated. We cannot lie.

http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2009/...is-a-big-deal/

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Nintendo profits to fall, claims Deutsche Bank analyst

March 19th, 2009, 17:50 Posted By: wraggster

A Deutsche Bank analyst, Satoru Kikuchi, has assigned a sell rating to Nintendo's stock, claiming the company has hit its peak and faces a downwards trend.

While he expects Nintendo to report profits this month in excess of guidance, he predicts a decline in profits of 18 per cent the following year, and a further 19 per cent in 2011 "as sales slow".

Kikuchi argued that the videogame giant's profits were likely to "peak and decline after growing on the success of the Wii and the DS," adding that earnings could "return to past levels if the company fails to come up with new blockbuster platforms."

According to Barrons, Kikuchi also argues that Nintendo needs to bring in new long-selling titles to replace the current roster as it grows stale.

The analyst highlighted Japanese sales for both the Wii and DS, which he says have "declined substantially", and although sales in Europe and the US remain "brisk" he warns of an "early fall if content remains unchanged."

Kikuchi's target on the stock is JPY 20,000 yen, (USD 204), compared to Nintendo's currently traded price of JPY 28,620 (USD 292), down 4.18 per cent from the opening value of JPY 29,880 (USD 305) per share.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...e-bank-analyst

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Nintendo profits to fall, claims Deutsche Bank analyst

March 19th, 2009, 17:50 Posted By: wraggster

A Deutsche Bank analyst, Satoru Kikuchi, has assigned a sell rating to Nintendo's stock, claiming the company has hit its peak and faces a downwards trend.

While he expects Nintendo to report profits this month in excess of guidance, he predicts a decline in profits of 18 per cent the following year, and a further 19 per cent in 2011 "as sales slow".

Kikuchi argued that the videogame giant's profits were likely to "peak and decline after growing on the success of the Wii and the DS," adding that earnings could "return to past levels if the company fails to come up with new blockbuster platforms."

According to Barrons, Kikuchi also argues that Nintendo needs to bring in new long-selling titles to replace the current roster as it grows stale.

The analyst highlighted Japanese sales for both the Wii and DS, which he says have "declined substantially", and although sales in Europe and the US remain "brisk" he warns of an "early fall if content remains unchanged."

Kikuchi's target on the stock is JPY 20,000 yen, (USD 204), compared to Nintendo's currently traded price of JPY 28,620 (USD 292), down 4.18 per cent from the opening value of JPY 29,880 (USD 305) per share.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...e-bank-analyst

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11 new Rock Band tracks for Wii

March 18th, 2009, 22:27 Posted By: Shrygue

via Computer and Video Games


11 new tracks have been beamed into Rock Band 2 Music Store and are ready to download now.

All tracks are original master recordings. They'll cost you 200 Wii Points each and the set list looks like this:

• Average White Band "Pick Up the Pieces"
• Earth Wind & Fire "Shining Star"
• James Brown "Get Up (I Feel Like Being a) Sex Machine - Pt 1"
• Against Me! "Thrash Unreal"
• The New Pornographers "All the Things That Go to Make Heaven and Earth"
• The New Pornographers "Use It"
• Papa Roach "Last Resort"
• Papa Roach "Lifeline"
• The Who "My Generation (live)"
• The Who "Summertime Blues (live)"
• The Who "Young Man Blues (live)"

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Brix DS v2.0

March 18th, 2009, 22:11 Posted By: wraggster

Boive has posted an entry into the Neoflash Coding Contest:

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22. Search Eye DS

March 18th, 2009, 22:01 Posted By: wraggster

Kukulcan has updated his entry into the Neoflash Coding Contest:

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Wee Basic 0.6 Released

March 18th, 2009, 21:46 Posted By: wraggster

marovada has posted an entry into the Neoflash Coding Contest:

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Space Camp Announced for Wii and DS

March 18th, 2009, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster

Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has announced the June release of Space Camp for Wii and Nintendo DS. Packed with accessible space age mini-games and multiplayer options, it's not rocket science to launch an unforgettable gameplay session!

In Space Camp, you begin as an aspiring astronaut in training. After rocketing yourself to the moon, you must engage in a series of futuristic, furiously fun missions in order to return home to Earth. With the help of your own robot, you will perform activities like scientific experimentation, controlling spacecraft and even defending the moon from invaders.

"What could be more fun than playing as an astronaut in a videogame?" said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "This scenario offers a new perspective on using Wii and DS controls to craft a truly fresh, family friendly gameplay experience."

In addition to the robust single player mode, there are several multiplayer options available on the Wii. Cooperative Mode allows one player to control the main character while a second can interact with environment. For crews of more than two, Party Mode offers the opportunity for up to four players to take part in raucous competitive mini-game tournaments set on both the Earth and lunar locales.

"We are excited to be partnered with Activision on this project," said Larry Capps, CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. "Thousands dream of going to space and this game gives you that chance to virtually explore and have fun with your friends and family."

For more information visit www.activision.com

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Space Camp Announced for Wii and DS

March 18th, 2009, 21:09 Posted By: wraggster

Activision Publishing, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has announced the June release of Space Camp for Wii and Nintendo DS. Packed with accessible space age mini-games and multiplayer options, it's not rocket science to launch an unforgettable gameplay session!

In Space Camp, you begin as an aspiring astronaut in training. After rocketing yourself to the moon, you must engage in a series of futuristic, furiously fun missions in order to return home to Earth. With the help of your own robot, you will perform activities like scientific experimentation, controlling spacecraft and even defending the moon from invaders.

"What could be more fun than playing as an astronaut in a videogame?" said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. "This scenario offers a new perspective on using Wii and DS controls to craft a truly fresh, family friendly gameplay experience."

In addition to the robust single player mode, there are several multiplayer options available on the Wii. Cooperative Mode allows one player to control the main character while a second can interact with environment. For crews of more than two, Party Mode offers the opportunity for up to four players to take part in raucous competitive mini-game tournaments set on both the Earth and lunar locales.

"We are excited to be partnered with Activision on this project," said Larry Capps, CEO of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center. "Thousands dream of going to space and this game gives you that chance to virtually explore and have fun with your friends and family."

For more information visit www.activision.com

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Cubiic v0.1a

March 18th, 2009, 17:37 Posted By: wraggster

Koopa has released a new Rubiks Cube game for the Nintendo Wii:

Download and Give Feedback Via Comments

thanks pdroms/nintendomax for news

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Moonshell v2.00 beta 8.1

March 18th, 2009, 17:31 Posted By: wraggster

Infantile Paralysiser have released a new version of the shell/media player/ does most things app for the Nintendo DS.

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Increase The Impact Of Your Wii Fit Workout With The Riiser

March 18th, 2009, 17:25 Posted By: wraggster

New from Consolesource

Available now at ConsoleSource.com for only $24.95 the Riiser is a stand that you put under your Wii Fit balance board. It brings the top of the wii fit up to a full 4 inch height (10.2 centimeters), which is the standard height for step aerobics. When you are performing step exercises on the Wii Fit minigames, you will get a much better workout.

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The Three Musketeers: One for All Coming to WiiWare

March 18th, 2009, 16:58 Posted By: wraggster

Legendo Entertainment today announced that The Three Musketeers, its much-loved sword-swinging platform adventure inspired by Alexandre Dumas' classic novel and up until now only available on the PC, is in development for Wii and planned for release on WiiWare this spring.

The Three Musketeers: One for All! has been revamped for Wii to provide players with more fun and interaction as they launch sword attacks and control the game's hero with the Wii Remote and Nunchuk.

"The enhanced version will enable millions of Wii console owners to become Musketeers in their living rooms and experience all the fun of the original PC game while using the innovative Wii controllers to fence enemies," said Bjorn Larsson, CEO & Executive Producer of Legendo Entertainment.

Players will control famed musketeer Porthos during a daring adventure to save his kidnapped comrades Aramis, Athos and the young D'Artagnan from the clutches of the sinister Count Xavier and his evil lieutenant, the hook-handed Count Orsini. Packed with frenetic combat, heroic leaps and fun puzzles, and featuring three different endings, this is one adventure no aspiring hero will want to miss!

The Three Musketeers: One for All! supports widescreen and 480p and is planned for publication in North America by Legendo Entertainment this spring. A European/PAL release is intended for release shortly thereafter.

Key Features:



Take control of famed member of The Three Musketeers, Porthos and save your comrades in this riveting platforming action romp suited to heroes of all ages!

Immerse yourself in a swashbuckling platform adventure, duel countless enemies, solve fun puzzles, and avoid fiendish traps.

Wii Remote and Nunchuk controls allow you to interact directly with the game. Swing the Wii Remote to launch blistering sword attacks on your foes, run and leap over rooftops and discover hidden collectables.

Explore a multitude of breathtaking levels teeming with challenging bosses and distinctive environments that include lush forests, dark dungeons, towering castles, a haunted Abbey, the historical town of Normandy, and more!


The Three Musketeers: One for All! has been rated E for Everyone (Cartoon Violence) by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB).

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Ands-PDF - PDF Viewer for DS v1.4

March 18th, 2009, 00:57 Posted By: wraggster

Albinofrenchy has posted a new release of his pdf viewer for the DS:

Sorry for the delay to v1.4; but to make up for it, I've included a lot of new features!

Binary (Note: You must put the fonts folder at the root level of your slot-1 device)
Source

Changelog from 1.3 to 1.4:

Features:

New viewing mode. This is the 'reader' mode. More on that later.
D-pad now pans the screen. I got alot of requests for this one!

File browser is now filtered; will only show PDF files. Note that it will show folders that don't have PDF files in them.

You can now adjust the backlit brightness by holding down Select + Up/Down arrows.

You can now cancel out of the file browser with 'B', or by clicking the file browser button again.
Rendering is getting progressively faster.

Mini-help screen and info screen on startup.
Added splash screen. If you find this annoying, remove the splash files in the FONTS folder, and it will bypass this step.

Fonts are external now. This gives us alot more memory to play with at the expense of higher load times on certain PDF's. (Note: I took out the dingbats font. If anyone as a PDF that has dingbats, I will hand out that file too... It is much larger though).

Bug Fixes:

You can no longer scroll off the bottom of the file browser.
Some memory issues resolved that led to instability.
The zoom-tool used to mess up if you clicked it more than once. Doesn't anymore.
Tons of other stuff I'm sure...
Reader Mode

There is a new icon on the tool bar that looks like a paper with a lower case 'r' on it. This button brings you to the reader mode.

The reader mode serves two purposes. First, it lets you quickly navigate through pages. Second, it lets you read the text of a PDF in a format appropriate for the NDS.

I'm really excited about this new feature, however it isn't as far along as I would hope. The long and short of it is that the way PDF files store their text is difficult to read since every PDF generator seems to do it a bit differently; and there are a number of different font formats as well. This effectively means that it won't work for all PDF's, and won't do what you expect it to do for many more. I considered not releasing until I had everything working, but figured people would want new features even if some of them were faulty.

Some PDF's will render fine in the text view. Some will render with no spaces. Others will not render at all (I haven't run into alot of those, but, unfortunately, I suspect that non-latin encodings suffer much more greatly from this.) I haven't completely nailed down the auto-formating, but I'm close. You'll probably notice some puncutation is goofed up; thats another thing I'm working on. Its a work in progress.

If you have a document that doesn't look right in the reader mode that you don't mind sharing, please please contact me either here or elsewhere. I probably won't be able to respond to everyone, but I will look at it, and will try to figure out how to make it work right. Thank you!

To the right is a typical screen shot of the reader mode. On the bottom screen are different page layouts. On the top screen is the text pulled from the page. You can scroll the text via the D-Pad up and down keys, and change pages by the right and left keys. Touching pages will also give them focus. The numbers are, intuitively enough, the page numbers for that page.

Controls
General:

Start opens a new file ('B' will cancel this operation.)
Select + Up/Down adjusts the screen brightness to the desired level
B button toggles view mode between normal document view mode and reader view mode.
Normal Viewer Mode:

D-Pad pans the document
X toggles between book mode and normal mode
Right Shoulder/A moves forward a page.
Left Shoulder/Y moves back a page.
Reader Mode:

Right/Left arrow moves page forward/backward
Up/Down arrow moves page text up or down.
Installation Notes

Unlike the previous versions, this one has font artifacts you need to keep on the flashdrive for some PDF's to load correctly. You must put the FONTS folder on your card at the root level. To do this you can simply unzip the contents of the binary zip file on to your slot-1 device. This will put the FONTS folder and the nds file on the device. You can move the nds file wherever you want, but you cannot move the fonts folder. I hope to make this configurable in the future, but we aren't there yet.

As always, please post any comments, questions, bug reports, etc etc

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PES Pro Evolution Soccer 2009

March 18th, 2009, 00:45 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released today



PES 2009 is the latest installment of the award-winning Pro Evolution Soccer Series, which is known by millions of fans for its superior gameplay and incredible realism. For PES 2009, Konami is already planning a raft of extensive new additions that will further bridge the gap between PES and the real thing. The new game has undergone a stunning graphical update to ensure its players look and move even more like their real-life counterparts. Similarly, all-new options allow users to tailor the game to their own tastes, while new moves, innovative new control elements and key online elements will further the realism of the new game.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-38xa.html

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Suikoden Tierkreis

March 18th, 2009, 00:42 Posted By: wraggster

Newly released today



features
Suikoden: Tierkreis is the first handheld Suikoden game and exclusive to the Nintendo DS
Suikoden: Tierkreis returns with its established gameplay system but also offers an all-new online element that offers an a rich online community experience using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection
Featuring a new storyline and new variety of characters, Suikoden: Tierkreis will expand the bounds of the handheld RPG experience in a game that will take you to many cities and across parallel worlds
Suikoden: Tierkreis features many cinematic events that will drive the grand storyline of the 108 Stars of Destiny as they battle to thwart the forces of evil

description
Suikoden: Tierkreis is the latest iteration of the popular RPG franchise that was introduced more than 12 years ago. Suikoden: Tierkreis follows the story of the 108 Stars of Destiny, a group of magical warriors, as they challenge the almighty One King, who intends to create chaos in the universe. As the player gathers the members of the 108 Stars of Destiny, the forces for good will stand up against evil in a battle that spans the near infinite parallel worlds of the Million World universe.

http://www.play-asia.com/SOap-23-83-...j-70-34j7.html

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Space Invaders Remix Sneaks Out, Europe Nabs Another Code R In June

March 18th, 2009, 00:36 Posted By: wraggster

Don’t rush to import Space Invaders Extreme 2! Chances are it’s coming out overseas under the name Space Invaders Remix… soon. Nintendo of Europe sent out a massive release schedule dating Space Invaders Remix for PAL regions on June 5th.

While Square Enix occasionally publishes localized games in Europe first (remember the World Ends With You?) international releases are generally clumped close together. Also, Square Enix’s Taito published games are cheap compared to Japan. Space Invaders Extreme went for the low price of $19.99. I can’t see Square Enix charging 3,990 yen ($40) for the same game over here.

Europe’s list also has timelines for key Wii games like Punch-Out!! scheduled for release there in May. Nintendo of America gives Punch-Out!! a more specific release date, May 18. Missing on our release schedule, but exists on Europe’s is Another Code R (temporary name) which comes out there in June. Let’s hope Nintendo of America is saving the announcement for a later date. After all we’re getting Excitebots in April and it’s absent on Europe’s list.

http://www.siliconera.com/2009/03/16...ode-r-in-june/

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In Akihabara, R4 Retailers Take To The Streets

March 18th, 2009, 00:34 Posted By: wraggster

Nintendo has been fighting the R4 piracy device and fighting it hard. There's a court injunction against the Chinese R4 makers for "violation under Japan's laws". Yahoo! Auctions is prohibiting the device's sale.

Earlier this month, retailers in Tokyo's geek mecca Akihabara were still carrying the device. However, stores are apparently trying to liquidate their inventory before it becomes illegal to sell R4 devices in Japan.

When it does, expect more scenes like this — guys in back allies, open car trunks, etc. And that cash register on a cardboard box? Classy.

http://kotaku.com/5171236/in-akihaba...to-the-streets

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GTA: Chinatown Wars to sell 2m in US

March 17th, 2009, 22:01 Posted By: Shrygue

via Games Industry


Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars could sell two million units in the US alone this year, according to analysts Cowen and Company.

The game is likely to appeal to hardcore gamers who already own Nintendo's handheld, and should get off to a flying start on release thanks to the first round of positive reviews.

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