I've pretty much been waiting for this announcement to unleash the DSi updates that Khadgar and I have in store for everyone. So without further delay, here's another DSi update:
It's been a gaming generation since the Nintendo DS was first previewed at E3. The device has gone through one promotional display prototype and two major public revisions; the first shortly before launching and later the DS Lite, which at the time was like a dream come true from both a consumer and developer perspective. The more svelt 'Lite' was far more attractive, smaller, brighter, and took the DS out from the game drawer (where it was sitting on the PSP) and put it into purses and pockets. Excellent software at the time of revision helped propel the 'Lite' to the top of everyone's list for years - but nothing REALLY changed.
The DSi, after some careful thought can be considered the first true '1.5' update to a console - you know how people always joke about how:
[weakest next gen system] = [last gen system] x 1.5
It's not the 'DS 2,' but it practically is - I'm calling it the 'DS 1.9.' Continue reading as I explain why this means a shift in the industry from a developer standpoint.
N+ moderators Khadgar and myself were lucky enough to receive two Nintendo DSi's with the Opera web browser preinstalled a few weeks back, and we've been putting them through some rigorous testing (literally - I dropped mine twice, and I never drop anything, so it must have been for science).
Over the next few weeks, we'll be posting daily on the DSi. We're going to cover EVERYTHING because it seems like no other blog did. Exclusive to N+ will be our unique coverage of the new DS Browser - because our DSi's (even though they are Japanese language versions) were sent to the sexy folks in Norway where they downloaded it for us from DSware before shipping to N+. This new version has obvious updates like no need for additional RAM, it becomes a 'channel' on the DSi home screen, and since it's software based there is potential for updates, like the Wii browser has seen (and will get again).
What we'll need from you is comments and feedback on what you want to see, so we get you the most interesting info. DSi compared to DS lite, in every way. New DS browser compared to Old DS browser, in every way. DSi compared to G.I. Joes, in every way. New DSi Browser compared to Opera Mini, iPhone, iPod touch, GBA, GameBoy Player, a cat named Skoo, etc., in every way.
So give us some work to do in the comments, tell us what you want to see, while we compile our data from the past weeks and we'll give you guys and girls something to read daily on the upcoming European and North American Nintendo DSi.
Also, follow @NPlus on twitter for kicky fast notifications of new posts or subscribe to our new N+ RSS Feed so we can get some stats to work with to better serve the community.
Two new incentives to go shopping on Black Friday this year (day after Thanksgiving in the US). Nintendo is releasing limited edition bundles pairing some top selling games with some special DS Lite designs. The first bundle, show to the right and known as the Mario Red DS Bundle, couples a copy of New Super Mario Bros. with a red DS Lite that features the red Mario logo on the front. The second, shown on the left and known as the Ice Blue DS Bundle, comes with Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes A Day, a custom carrying case, and a special Ice Blue colored DS Lite. Both units sell for $149.99. The official press release is below.
NEW NINTENDO DS BUNDLES PUT A COLORFUL SPIN ON 'BLACK FRIDAY'
Limited-Edition Hardware Comes with Top-Selling Games
REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 25 – The day after Thanksgiving might be known to holiday shoppers as "Black Friday," but this year Nintendo is rewarding eager consumers with two brilliant splashes of color. On Nov. 28, Nintendo will release a duo of limited-edition Nintendo DS™ bundles, each pairing a Nintendo DS game title with a hand-held system in a bold new color. The Mario™ Red Nintendo DS bundle includes a red system emblazoned with a familiar M for Mario, and a copy of New Super Mario Bros.™ The Ice Blue Nintendo DS comes with a custom carrying case and the popular Brain Age™: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day. Each bundle sells at an MSRP of $149.99.
Expected to rank high on holiday wish lists among first-time gamers and veteran players alike, the Mario Red and Ice Blue systems are the latest additions to Nintendo's rich palette of distinctive Nintendo DS colors. As people across the nation make their way to malls and retailers for pre-holiday sales and events, shoppers are encouraged to act fast if they want to get their hands on these limited-edition bundles.
"Nintendo DS is both the most affordable and the most popular video game system in this generation," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "These limited-edition bundles make great gifts for first-time Nintendo DS players and collectors alike."
The Mario Red and Ice Blue DS bundles won't be the only stocking stuffers this season. Nintendo also aims to brighten the season for core and new gamers with its growing selection of Nintendo DS games. Pokémon™ Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Kirby Super Star™ Ultra are already in demand among casual gamers and younger players. The new Personal Trainer™: Cooking helps people become masterful chefs. And Mystery Case Files™: MillionHeir™ keeps friends and families enthralled with a series of unique seek-and-solve puzzles.
Silver that is. Official press release by Nintendo says that on September 7, the US citizens will be able to purchase the Silver DS Lite from retail stores. This is getting dangerously tempting for me to buy yet another, DS. I own two already! What is wrong with me?!
Anyway for those of you who don't have one yet, SOMEHOW broke it (btw, Jayvee's was left out in the rain, started, screens shot out electricity - then the next day started up just fine), or are like myself and just can't stop with only two screens, just hold out a little bit longer so you can get the new fantabulon silver edition, perfect companion for the Pokemon Platinum geeks out there!
Animal Crossing Wii, as a matter of fact is STILL freaking me out with anticipation. A lot of you, mostly kids, were pissed about what Nintendo showed at E3 on this game. This series is one of the best to keep to its original nature, and not wander too far off, because then it becomes something different entirely, and different is sometimes good, but not always. The sweet stuff that vanished from the DS version is back, like holidays, and animals doing other things than walking when outside are back. The new voice chat thing which is sweet, and a couple new newsifiers, like how the city area will show people you have registered as Wii friends when they are online, downloadable content that DOESN'T cost real money, screenshots from game to Wiiboard or Email, USB keyboard functionality for writing letters, Mii masks, and the new juicy-tasty part about the DS/Wii connectivity:
You can move the characters from Wild World into the Wii game (not sure about items/bells/clothes) You can also move your travel data to the DS (Hmmm... what does this mean?)
Sounds good right? Right!? Awesome! The one downside is that the new microphone will NOT be packaged with the game, it will launch on the same day for $30.USD though. $30!? Still though, I am so busy thinking of my new town name I forget to tie my shoes sometimes "Robotown? Rockwater? Robert Downey Jr.Ville?" - the possibilities! - via aeropause
Yes, it WAS only available in Japan. But now it's coming to the US, and its going to be packed with goodies. Looks like it comes with a carrying pouch and a DVD episode of Pokemon Mystery Dungeon.
Is it a pre-order only? Who knows, but it doesn't hurt to go ahead and do the do right? Especially if you are going to be getting it anyway. As always, this bad boy is a limited edition, so in later years you can either be a nerdy god, or an ebay champion. Have fun!
In the USA the only way we can get a Metallic Rose colored DS is to buy one with a paw-print on it in the Nintendog Bundle, or to import one. But soon, soon like JUNE soon, Nintendo will begin shipping the color without the dogs, or their paw-prints all over it! Hopefully this means that at some point they bring the Platinum color DS to the states, but *sigh* if they do that I would have to own TWO ds lites at once... I really like my black one, but the silver is pretty killer too. Man Nintendo sells a billion DS' because I buy half a billion by myelf anyway, it's an addiction I tell you! Read more... for pictures
So the news is out, Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise ... is not only real, it's finished. Apparently there is no release date, but a risky quote from Rare pretty much sums it up:
And Viva Piñata DS is complete. We are just waiting for our army of university interns, illegal immigrants and small children from the local schools to assemble the hand-made cartridges that we'll be selling at all good flea markets this Sunday.
On February 10th in North America it's official...
NINTENDO NEWS: NINTENDO DS GETS A FASHION-FORWARD NEW COLOR SCHEME: COBALT/BLACK
The best-selling video game system in the world is adding a cool new color scheme to its wardrobe on Feb. 10. Like a black T-shirt with a splash of color, the new Cobalt/Black version of the portable Nintendo DS™ grabs your attention. It looks good whether it's toted in your school backpack, pulled from your purse or riding with you on a family trip.
Cobalt/Black marks the seventh color in the Nintendo DS Lite palette. It joins Polar White, Coral Pink, Onyx, Crimson/Black and the limited-edition Gold and Metallic Rose. Now there's a Nintendo DS color to complement any outfit.
Nintendo DS just finished 2007 as the best-selling video game system in the United States, with more than 8.5 million sold last year alone. Since it launched in November 2004, Nintendo DS has sold more than 17.6 million in the United States. Its smart looks, innovative touch screen and voice recognition features, and remarkable software have reinvented the way people think about video games while attracting girls, women, baby boomers and seniors to the world of video games in record numbers.
The new Cobalt/Black version will be available starting Feb. 10 wherever video game systems are sold. For more information about Nintendo DS, please visit www.nintendo.com/ds.
- Nintendo Press Room
"Read More" for a very HQ image of what looks like tasty candy, Mmmmmm....
Advanced Wars started out on the Gameboy advance, was sort of spun-off as Battalion Wars on Gamecube, made it's way to the DS as a huge hit with Advance Wars: Dual Strike, sort of spun-off again on the Wii as Battalion Wars ii (BWii), and is now comming back to the DS with a much darker tale, and darker artwork and music to match. There is also a new vehicle in the game that looks super neat for a strategy game: The motorcycle with sidecar. I am very pumped about this game, and the release dates sort of snuck up on us into THIS MONTH:
US: January 21, 2008 Europe: January 25, 2008 Australia: January 25, 2008 Japan: NA 2008
To REALLY get yourself excited check out one of the neatest official game websites to grace the net, it rivals the official Animal Crossing: Wild World website... seriously check it out for videos and screenshots of in-game
Black Friday: This day comes around once a year and is always the day after Thanksgiving. It's the biggest shopping holiday of the year, and parking lots are crammed! Basically it marks the start of holiday shopping because this is the day every store in the US decide to throw on super special sales that only happen for the 3 days or less (friday saturday sunday).
What I want to tell all of you fanboys out there is that the deals roll right into Gamestops, Walmarts, Targets, Circuit Cities, Bust Buys, Toys'R'Us's and all of our other favorite stores that carry Nintendo games! Here I have collected some of those couple-day-only deals! When looking at prices, the GREEN prices are the cheapest for that deal!
Last time we told you how to catch Electivire, this time around we got another event Pokemon that anyone who owns Pokemon Diamond OR Pearl AND Pokemon Battle Revolution can obtain. It's a level 50 Magmorter holding Charcoal!
Boot up Pokemon Battle Revoution and get into the Menu screen and select Profile
Select Self Introduction
Enter code (with hyphens and everything): B416-X4HT-VTWF then select Confirm
In the Profile screen select OK
It will then tell you about a gift!
Go to Shop Menu and select Mystery Gift
You should get a Silver Poketopia Battle Pass that you can customise yourself! it wont cost any Poketopia Coupons either.
Turn the DS with Diamond OR Pearl in it on
A Gift Screen should pop up
Select Mystery Gift. (you NEED to have a pokedex for this part to work)
Select: Recieve... Via Wireless... Yes
During the transfer you will get a Wonder Card telling you where to find him
Make sure your team has One Open Slot (Have only 5 Pokemon)
Talk to the delivery-man with the Green Hat at any Pokemart to recieve Magmorter!
Magmorter: Lv 50 with Psychic, Flamethrower, Hyperbeam, Solarbeam
SAVE!
Can anyone from any region outside North America confirm if this works? N+ Magmorter comes in a regular Pokeball
The DS is getting the most awesome port ever! sure, sure, you say you hate ports, but really we all love them... as long as they get the controls right. Anyway Mortal Kombat 3 (the arcade edition) is due out in the US on November 12, 2007 and in Europe sometime in November 2007. The game supports WiFi and Local 2 player modes in both Mortal Kombat 3 and the included Puzzle Kombat game! reports also say that in both games you can switch the top screen and bottom screen displays.
Gosh it feels like it was just yesterday when we caught Manaphy... that was yesterday wasn't it? Anyway, this time around we got a new event Pokemon that anyone who owns Pokemon Diamond OR Pearl AND Pokemon Battle Revolution can obtain. It's a level 50 Electivire holding a Magnet!
Boot up Pokemon Battle Revoution and get into the Menu screen and select Profile
Select Self Introduction
Enter code (with hyphens and everything): BA16-X4SH-E2AT then select Confirm
In the Profile screen select OK
It will then tell you about a gift!
Go to Shop Menu and select Mystery Gift
You should get a Silver Poketopia Battle Pass that you can customise yourself! it wont cost any Poketopia Coupons either.
Turn the DS with Diamond OR Pearl in it on
A Gift Screen should pop up
Select Mystery Gift. (you NEED to have a pokedex for this part to work)
Select: Recieve... Via Wireless... Yes
During the transfer you will get a Wonder Card telling you where to find him
Make sure your team has One Open Slot (Have only 5 Pokemon)
Talk to the delivery-man with the Green Hat at any Pokemart to recieve Electivire!
N+Pokemon.com says that next month they will have a new code for "something hot" Can anyone from any region outside the U.S. confirm if this works? N+ Electivire comes in a regular Pokeball
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I've pretty much been waiting for this announcement to unleash the DSi updates that Khadgar and I have in store for everyone. So without further delay, here's another DSi update:
... is not only real, it's finished. Apparently there is no release date, but a risky quote from Rare pretty much sums it up:
(53%)
WIDGETIZE
