Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo: DSi won't immediately replace DS Lite in U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/nintendo-dsi-wont-immediately-replace-ds-lite-in-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/nintendo-dsi-wont-immediately-replace-ds-lite-in-u-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/05/nintendo-dsi-wont-immediately-replace-ds-lite-in-u-s/#commentsFiled under: ,


While there's been a fair amount of excitement and buzz over the recently announced, camera-equipped upgrade to Nintendo's best-selling handheld, it seems that the big N doesn't want American gamers to neglect the DSi's older, lensless sibling. In a recent interview with Game|Life, Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo's VP of sales and marketing (and world-renowned snowboarding expert), explained that the DS Lite has "huge, untapped potential" in the U.S. -- potential that the company hopes to tap before replacing the Lite with the new shutterbugish model.

Dunaway explained Nintendo's hopes to bring America's DS Lite sales to a level the company has come accustomed to in Japan, where one in every two households owns the handheld. While the DSi isn't due out in America until "well into 2009", Nintendo hopes to bolster Lite sales by allowing the two versions to "coexist for some period of time". Hey, as long as the DS Lite doesn't go all Macaulay Culkin in The Good Son, we're cool with it.

JoystiqNintendo: DSi won't immediately replace DS Lite in U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 05 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cammie-dunawayDSdsidslitenintendoSun, 05 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Items of Import: Look Ahead! Dragon Quest V]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/items-of-import-look-ahead-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/items-of-import-look-ahead-dragon-quest-v/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/18/items-of-import-look-ahead-dragon-quest-v/#commentsFiled under: ,



How is Dragon Quest IV holding up for you, dear readers? Did you run out and buy yourselves a copy, and power through the game? Does the whole feel of the title scream "Classic!" or does it reek of archaic sensibilities? Perhaps you were part of the faithful minority in the great debate of RPG fandom, at the beginning of the week. Personally, as a little kid growing up in the halcyon days of the Famicom (and later, Super Famicom) era, the opening track of the Dragon Quest series is more memorable and more emotionally stirring than the Japanese national anthem.

So... You may be knee deep in Dragon Quest IV goodness right now, and enjoying its tale of many heroes and heroines. Once you come to that inevitable conclusion, what have you got to look ahead to? Why, Dragon Quest V, of course. Today in Items of Import, we'll take the opportunity of the recent release of the fourth in the series in the Western markets to see what's to look forward to in the second entry of the Zenithia trilogy.



Continue reading Items of Import: Look Ahead! Dragon Quest V

JoystiqItems of Import: Look Ahead! Dragon Quest V originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon questDragonQuestdsdsliteimportjoystiqfeaturesrpgThu, 18 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Items of Import: Let's RPG - More Words To Learn! part 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/items-of-import-lets-rpg-more-words-to-learn-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/items-of-import-lets-rpg-more-words-to-learn-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/items-of-import-lets-rpg-more-words-to-learn-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

3. Ability

Your regular sword slashes and fire magic just ain't cutting it for this fight. Or maybe you just want to pickpocket some gold from the creature in front of you, all stealth-like. Perhaps that jump attack your dragoon knight has will just turn the tide of the battle.

That there above, readers, isn't a blogger's typical spelling error. In J-RPGs, our English word "ability" is morphed into abiriti, a friendlier pronunciation for Japanese tongues. And as I've mentioned in the past, the script for the word is in katakana, specifically designed for foreign words.

Always with this word, you will find that selecting it will take you to a secondary screen, with even more weird and wonderful Japanese words. All this blogger can tell you is: Good luck! With any imported title, part of the fun is figuring things out by trial and error -- it's not the end of the world if your Level 56 Hero of Awesomeness dies in battle because you don't have a clue what to do. Experiment! Click away on all the crazy Japanese words. You'll get there!

4. Experience

For an RPG fanatic, seeing your characters grow and become stronger is nothing short of satisfying. You remember those times when he was just a wee boy, wielding a short sword at Level 5. Look at him now! A grown man, all chiseled and weary, holding a great big battle axe. I remember when you came home crying -- all you had on was some simple leather attire, and all the kids at school wore shiny mithril. And, uh, that's enough of my dreams of being the good wife in the small and peaceful village of Dresnia.

We all know and love experience points. As gamers, we are always on the lookout for when our heroes will go up a level. We want it in chart form. So to sate your appetite for leveling up in a Japanese language RPG, behold the text image above. As I repeatedly point out (to the annoyance of the readers possibly!), the first script is the more complicated kanji form. You will tend to find fairly equal amounts of both variants. Often, it will be between some other words. In this case, the phrase can more than likely be translated as "Experience points needed for next level."

5. Load

In our last lesson with RPGs, we came across the Japanese for "save." Sometimes, however, your progress in the game is halted by some horrible mistake you made on the way. Lucky for you, you had an alternate save slot of an earlier time in the game. Call it "gamer's premonition," if you will. But where is that all important "load" button!?

Oh, yes, it's right there on the, uh, right. How convenient of this newfangled column! In Japanese, "load" is fairly similarly pronounced like the English, except for the extended ending. We're sure you will find this word useful to recognize in-game, when you simply get stuck on something.

Closing Off



So now you're equipped with a good variety of Japanese words in a typical RPG to recognize and press away. It still takes months of keike--, I mean, experience, to completely enjoy an imported title. A lot of people will, of course, want to understand the epic story being told (Note to self: Get to writing a "common narrative words in a Japanese RPG" column one day!). Oh, and by the by, a little something called Blue Dragon Plus was released today in Japan. It's time for me, and you, to place an order after posting this! Good luck, and keep persevering! Or as they say in the Land of the Rising Sun, ganbatte!


<< BACK COMMENT

Items of Import is a fortnightly column dedicated to titles only out in Japan. With in-depth impressions of games long before localization and knowledgeable language how-tos, it attempts to bridge the gap between the import savvy and import fearing. Come on, now! You, too, can make that giant leap! Yokoso!


JoystiqItems of Import: Let's RPG - More Words To Learn! part 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsliteimportjapanjoystiqfeaturesrpgThu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Items of Import: Let's RPG - More Words To Learn!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/items-of-import-lets-rpg-more-words-to-learn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/items-of-import-lets-rpg-more-words-to-learn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/04/items-of-import-lets-rpg-more-words-to-learn/#commentsFiled under: , ,



So you've mastered a variety of words to get your import RPG on. You've managed to attack some nefarious evil-doers; cast some magic to heal your party; perhaps you've even worn some new equipment. On top of all that, you were able to save your precious progress!

"Hey, I can do this! Easy peasy Japanesey!" I hear you say. Oh, young grasshopper -- you have much to learn. To be precise, you've another five new words to master. By nature, RPGs are undoubtedly the most text-heavy of all game genres. With its epic narrative detailing a world and its characters, and a menu screen chock full of words describing important stats and what-have-you, there are rarely moments in an RPG one does not look at text.

The challenge of an imported RPG of course comes from the fact that these thousands, if not millions, of words are in Japanese. BUT! Yes, there's a "but." For us as gamers, overcoming challenge is in our blood! And oftentimes, we are used to RPGs in English, so that even in Japanese, we sort of "get it," you know? Nevertheless, knowing what's what for sure always helps, and Items of Import is here for you once again to expand your Japanese RPG vocabulary.

Continue reading Items of Import: Let's RPG - More Words To Learn!

JoystiqItems of Import: Let's RPG - More Words To Learn! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsliteimportjapanjoystiqfeaturesrpgThu, 04 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Items of Import: Rhythm Tengoku Gold part 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/items-of-import-rhythm-tengoku-gold-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/items-of-import-rhythm-tengoku-gold-part-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/items-of-import-rhythm-tengoku-gold-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , ,



The final gameplay keyword is the one you see above. Possibly the most important mechanic in the game, flicking the stylus across the touchscreen is used so often in most minigames that it must be mentioned here. As I've written in the Japanese, you'll often find different versions of the "flick" verb, depending on the circumstance at hand. Put simply, "hajiku" is "to flick" literally; and "hajiite" is more like a request to flick -- like, "Please flick the stylus" -- and you will often come across this in the genial tutorial.



Here's a handy graphic detailing the three techniques. Number 1 shows "touch," 2 shows "let go" and 3 shows "flick." As can be seen from the flicking image, it's like writing a tick mark quickly. The note for number 3 states: "Flick with a good sense of force. If the flicking distance is short, or there's no momentum, it will not work."

A quick explanation of the other modes present in the game is in order! Apart from the 50-odd minigame challenges, there are two areas where more rhythmic fun can be had. First up is the Medal Corner. Each time you gain a "High Level Medal" in a minigame -- by being a Rhythm God, of course -- you are awarded a medal which can then be used to buy little extras: "endless games" where the goal is to get a high score (or die trying) in simple one-notion minigames; "rhythm toys," and so on.

The second mode is the Coffee House. This is where you can talk to the barista to gain tips, as well as listen to music and read books you've unlocked through accomplishing perfects. This is meant more to be a time to relax and while away the minutes, just as a nice cafe would. Explore these modes at your own leisure, and you'll surely come across hidden gems.

Closing Off

Containing only a handful of Japanese words to learn and navigate, and being one of the most inventive rhythm games on the DS, Rhythm Tengoku Gold is a title any keen importer should consider to be on top of his or her list. Don't let those unusual scribbles scare you away -- dare I say it, but you might as well use this little humble column once in awhile to help you on your way!


<< BACK COMMENT

Items of Import is a weekly column dedicated to titles only out in Japan. With in-depth impressions of games long before localization and knowledgeable language how-tos, it attempts to bridge the gap between the import savvy and import fearing. Come on, now! You, too, can make that giant leap! Yokoso!

JoystiqItems of Import: Rhythm Tengoku Gold part 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitejapanjapanesejoystiqfeaturesnintendorhythmrhythm-tengokuThu, 07 Aug 2008 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Items of Import: Rhythm Tengoku Gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/items-of-import-rhythm-tengoku-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/items-of-import-rhythm-tengoku-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/07/items-of-import-rhythm-tengoku-gold/#commentsFiled under: , ,



No one should have to burden themselves with waiting for Rhythm Tengoku Gold to arrive Stateside. Aside from the fact that Nintendo of America still hasn't announced a specific release schedule for the game (we're looking at you also, Jam With The Band), any title with rhythm as the main focus of the gameplay lends itself perfectly for importing.

Of course, any game you import from Japan has its fair share of unreadable text. From roleplaying games to intense puzzlers, the fear exists that the Japanese language will overwhelm you and make you feel like you wasted precious dollars on an unplayable game. Fear not! For Items of Import is here for you once again -- to guide you through trouble, and to encourage you to start importing.

Rhythm Tengoku Gold was just released last week in Japan. With its catchy Tsunku-produced tunes and zany visuals, the game could be your perfect import choice of the month. Show it to all your FPS-loving gamer friends; show them what those crazy Japanese call games these days. With merely a handful of Japanese to conquer compared to those icky RPGs, you'll be enjoying Rhythm Tengoku in no time. And who's going to help you through it all? Why, look what we have here? -- another edition of Items of Import to share, educate, and encourage you to take that step!


Continue reading Items of Import: Rhythm Tengoku Gold

JoystiqItems of Import: Rhythm Tengoku Gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Aug 2008 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitejapanjapanesejoystiqfeaturesnintendorhythmrhythm-tengokuThu, 07 Aug 2008 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Items of Import: Let's Enroleplaying Games!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/items-of-import-lets-enroleplaying-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/items-of-import-lets-enroleplaying-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/24/items-of-import-lets-enroleplaying-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,



After a lot of deliberation, Joe Player finally decided to try importing a game from Japan. It was nerve-wracking, clicking through to an online retailer and perusing the list of unusual titles. With fingers poised above the keyboard, he hesitated -- would his credit card information be safe? Should he choose express post? How long would delivery take?

He was worried -- did he make the right choice? Was his Japanese sufficient to play the game? He'd learned hiragana in classes, and picked up some ninja phrases from fansubbed episodes of Naruto. Would it be enough? He would soon find out.

Welcome to the inaugural edition of Items of Import, a new weekly feature that will make you feel a little less worried about your import choices. Sometimes playing a game in Japanese can seem like a daunting task. But make no mistake: Items of Import is here to nurture you, guide you, and teach you the ways of Japanese games. Keep checking this space for your dose of import impressions and language lessons.


COMMENT NEXT >>

JoystiqItems of Import: Let's Enroleplaying Games! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jul 2008 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds litedsliteimportimportsjapanjapanesejoystiqfeaturesrpgThu, 24 Jul 2008 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Fan-made DS Lite redesign is impressive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/fan-made-ds-lite-redesign-is-impressive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/fan-made-ds-lite-redesign-is-impressive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/21/fan-made-ds-lite-redesign-is-impressive/#commentsFiled under: ,


Either someone created the coolest DS Lite redesign ever, or they're just a little too into Transformers. We love the screen that flips up and we're especially fond of the first process of the unit opening itself up. Regardless of what caused its creation, this fan-made unit is pretty slick and something we'd easily plunk down the dough for.

Actually, now that we think about it, how much would Nintendo even charge for something like this?

[Thanks, shak!]

JoystiqFan-made DS Lite redesign is impressive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>compactdsliteredesignFri, 21 Dec 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo enjoys its biggest sales week ever in U.S., breaks record]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-enjoys-its-biggest-sales-week-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-enjoys-its-biggest-sales-week-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/28/nintendo-enjoys-its-biggest-sales-week-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It seems that Black Friday was very, very, very good to Nintendo, as both the DS Lite and the Wii performed quite impressively in the U.S. over the holiday week.

Nintendo has announced that it sold 653,000 DS Lites over the week of November 18-24, setting a new record for the portable, for Nintendo, and for the entire industry. The number of units moved is record-breaking, exceeding the industry's previous record, also held by Nintendo with the Game Boy Advance's sales during Thanksgiving 2005.

The Wii also performed quite admirably, selling 350,000 units, a number topped only by the console's launch week. No word on how these sales figures compare to Sony or Microsoft's, but it's not like it's a competition or anything, right?

Update: Specified sales figures as pertaining to the U.S., and clarified the record as industry-wide.

Read -- Nintendo Sales Go Through the Roof During Thanksgiving Week [GameDaily]
Read -- Nintendo Has Its Biggest Week Of Sales... Ever [Game|Life]

JoystiqNintendo enjoys its biggest sales week ever in U.S., breaks record originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblackfridaydsds-litedsliteit-prints-moneynintendosalesthanksgivingwiiWed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play Famicom games on your DS Lite with 'Familator']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/play-famicom-games-on-your-ds-lite-with-familator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/play-famicom-games-on-your-ds-lite-with-familator/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/26/play-famicom-games-on-your-ds-lite-with-familator/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hideous name, and less-than-hideous hardware. CYBER Gadget's "Familator Lite" plugs into a DS Lite's GBA slot, allowing users to insert their Famicom cartridges and re-live their favorite Nintendo classics in portable form.

Would rather re-live the classics on television? The device allows for TV out. Would rather play with the original Famicom controllers? Well... the device doesn't do that, actually. But it does that other stuff!

The Familator Lite is due out in Japan in December, but no price has been set. Sadly, the device's form factor means it's only compatible with the DS Lite, and not its phatter older brother.

[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqPlay Famicom games on your DS Lite with 'Familator' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds-litedslitefamicomfamilatorMon, 26 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Another Nintendo DS redesign 'already done' says analyst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/another-nintendo-ds-redesign-coming-says-analyst/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/another-nintendo-ds-redesign-coming-says-analyst/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/another-nintendo-ds-redesign-coming-says-analyst/#commentsFiled under:


As we all know, in the video game industry, one day you're in -- and the next you're out. Now Pacific Crest Securities analyst Evan Wilson reports that their contacts say the Nintendo DS is out. He says their contacts say there is a new DS redesign that is "already done"; it's thinner, has no GBA port, has "on-board" storage, and larger screens. He also says that they don't expect the new design to be revealed until sales start falling off on the handheld that is dominating the globe.

We'd ask Nintendo directly about this, but last time they denied the DS Lite and then announced it soon after. There could very well be a new DS on the way, but what will it look like?

JoystiqAnother Nintendo DS redesign 'already done' says analyst originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 09:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystdsDSLiteEvan-WilsonredesignThu, 15 Nov 2007 09:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Two new DS Lite models, both branded & bundled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/two-new-ds-lite-models-both-branded-and-bundled/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/two-new-ds-lite-models-both-branded-and-bundled/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/30/two-new-ds-lite-models-both-branded-and-bundled/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Nintendo's making a final push to indoctrinate the rest of the world's pet-deprived tweens and twenty-something geeks, according to a new Sears ad. Come "Black Friday," two more DS Lite models will hit retail ($150 ea.), each branded and bundled with a corresponding game.

There's the metallic pink Pound Puppies Nintendogs case, complete with (bloody?) paw print and game -- which reminds us, our lil' pixelated Shih Tzu hasn't been fed in about two years ... Anyways, moving on: there's also the gold-sprayed Zelda unit, (spotted a few weeks ago and) bundled with Phantom Hourglass, featuring the Triforce logo for those of us not quite ready for the more-permanent expression of our faith.

[Via DS Fanboy]

JoystiqTwo new DS Lite models, both branded & bundled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSds-liteDSLItenintendogsphantom-hourglassPhantomHourglasstriforcezeldaTue, 30 Oct 2007 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Bundled no longer: Onyx and Crimson DS set free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/bundled-no-longer-oynx-and-crimson-ds-set-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/bundled-no-longer-oynx-and-crimson-ds-set-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/bundled-no-longer-oynx-and-crimson-ds-set-free/#commentsFiled under:


Oh, the woes of being a bundled system, joined at the hip with a potentially uninspired game that forces you from the forefront -- the limelight you deserved -- to mere obscurity. However, fear not, Onyx and Crimson DS, your Ashlee Simpson moment ends now.

Nintendo announced today that the red and black monstrosity, originally released in August, shall no longer be tethered to the Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day bundle. Now available in stores for the MSRP of $129.99, expect to see Nintendo haters call this glut, and Nintendo fans call it bold. Either way, at least it can't jig.

JoystiqBundled no longer: Onyx and Crimson DS set free originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsDSDSLiteNintendoTue, 02 Oct 2007 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe getting new silver DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/europe-getting-new-silver-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/europe-getting-new-silver-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/europe-getting-new-silver-ds/#commentsFiled under:


Who says there's no karma in the video game industry? On the very same day that Europeans learned that the United States would be getting the demo for FIFA 08 before they would, they learn that they'll be getting a new color of DS, silver, on Oct. 12. See, doesn't that more than make up for it?

Here in America, we don't have that fancy color, so we're pretty jealous of you. But you may remember that in Japan, they not only have silver, they have "Metallic Rose." ... Come to think of it, they also have the FIFA 08 demo. Maybe you've been angry with the wrong country all along.

JoystiqEurope getting new silver DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 11:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdslitedssilvereuropeThu, 13 Sep 2007 11:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Paste Donkey Kong on photo, win a DS lite and DK Jungle Climber]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/paste-donkey-kong-on-photo-win-a-ds-lite-and-dk-jungle-climber/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/paste-donkey-kong-on-photo-win-a-ds-lite-and-dk-jungle-climber/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/13/paste-donkey-kong-on-photo-win-a-ds-lite-and-dk-jungle-climber/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Do people exist somewhere that don't own this system? If the Japanese sales charts are to be believed, then there have been enough Nintendo DS systems sold so that every man, woman, child, and dog on the planet could have one of these. And a spare.

However, if you are DS-less and have a hankering to get onboard with the action, and you have some rudimentary photochopping skills, then try your hand at the Nintendo DS/DK contest at SmugMug. All you have to do is paste the little guy climbing to the top of pretty much anything, and then submit it. Keep in mind though, images must be under 12 mb in size (good gawd).

It's a pretty easy contest to enter, and the swag is well worth the time, so why not whip something up and get in? We made one in just a few seconds (hint, it's the image for this post) so you should trump our skillz easily and submit it to them.

Check out the rules on their site. Also, the comment on the first (and only) entry that's up so far is ... priceless. Ahh, the internets.

JoystiqPaste Donkey Kong on photo, win a DS lite and DK Jungle Climber originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestDKDonkey KongDonkeyKongDSDS LiteDsLiteJungle ClimberJungleClimberNintendo DSNintendoDsThu, 13 Sep 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[US gamers get Really Cool Color Spotting Training [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/us-gamers-get-really-cool-color-spotting-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/us-gamers-get-really-cool-color-spotting-training/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/24/us-gamers-get-really-cool-color-spotting-training/#commentsFiled under:


If you're in the US, and you've ever thought of listening to Alisha and upgrading to a Lite, next month would be a good time to do it. A listing for the black/red DS Lite with an included copy of Brain Age 2 has shown up on Gamestop for $149.99, which is unfortunately not a price break at all. It also doesn't come with a carrying case like the Canadian bundle does.

We're confident enough in the awesomeness of the Brain Age 2 edition DS Lite that we can recommend it even against future color schemes. We always wanted the Boktai GBA SP, and now here it is as a DS! It may even fit in the Boktai coffin case.

[Update: The listing appears to have been removed! The same thing happened last time with Futureshop. You're just going to have to trust us. We totally saw it. It's totally real.]

JoystiqUS gamers get Really Cool Color Spotting Training [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainage2bundledslitehardwareTue, 24 Jul 2007 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Two-tone DS Lite, Brain Age 2 bundle coming August 20 [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/two-tone-ds-lite-appears-then-vanishes-from-canadian-retailer-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/two-tone-ds-lite-appears-then-vanishes-from-canadian-retailer-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/23/two-tone-ds-lite-appears-then-vanishes-from-canadian-retailer-w/#commentsFiled under: ,

Last week, forum members at RedFlagDeals stumbled upon a listing on Canadian retailer Future Shop for a two-toned, Crimson and Black Nintendo DS Lite bundled with a matching carrying case and Brain Age 2. The entire set was priced at $159.99 Canadian dollars (approx. US $153). It was to ship on August 20 alongside the brain trainer's release date.

Unfortunately, the listing has since gone missing. We really dig the new colors and the deal. Here's hoping it comes back up close to Brain Age 2's launch, either on Future Shop or another retailer site.

Update: Though it hasn't returned to Future Shop yet, Gamestop has a listing for the bundle, priced at $149.99, with no image available and no mention of a bonus carrying case.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqTwo-tone DS Lite, Brain Age 2 bundle coming August 20 [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainagebrainage2canadaDSdslitefutureshopnintendoMon, 23 Jul 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Bundle Appropriateness Age]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/22/ds-daily-bundle-appropriateness-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/22/ds-daily-bundle-appropriateness-age/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/22/ds-daily-bundle-appropriateness-age/#commentsFiled under:


There's no denying it (though we're sure there will be plenty of denying it happening in the comments)-- the two-tone DS Lite found in the Brain Age 2 bundle is hot. We're not personally looking to upgrade, but for the sake of others, we seriously hope it ends up in the US and not just Canada.

However, is this the best choice of color scheme for Brain Age 2? It doesn't really fit with the white/black/grey color scheme of the game, or with the blue boxart. We also aren't sure if black and red electronics appeal to Brain Age 2's target demographic.

What would your ideal Brain Age Special Edition DS Lite look like? It can be designed for the target market, or for attractiveness, or hilarity, your call. The only rule is that you should be able to justify it as a Brain Age-related product. And, really, you don't even have to do that.

JoystiqDS Daily: Bundle Appropriateness Age originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainage2bundledsliteSun, 22 Jul 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY Nintendo DS Lite rumble pak]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/diy-nintendo-ds-lite-rumble-pak/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/diy-nintendo-ds-lite-rumble-pak/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/21/diy-nintendo-ds-lite-rumble-pak/#commentsFiled under: ,


Got an old Pokemon Pinball cart laying around? Then you, friend, have a one-way ticket to frugal gaming fun ... with rumble! Xyzzy has just posted a tutorial on Instructables on how to build a rumble pak that fits smoothly into your DS lite GBA slot. Yes, Nintendo released a smaller version of the pak for the Lite, but you'd have to spend money and be like a normal consumer if you did that. With Xyzzy's plans, you can make a mess, destroy a game cart, and probably injure yourself too!

[Via Infendo]

JoystiqDIY Nintendo DS Lite rumble pak originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydsdslitehacksrumbleSat, 21 Jul 2007 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ten reasons to upgrade to a Lite]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/ten-reasons-to-upgrade-to-a-lite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/ten-reasons-to-upgrade-to-a-lite/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/19/ten-reasons-to-upgrade-to-a-lite/#commentsFiled under:



Are you still waffling over whether or not you should hug your big ol' original DS goodbye and pick up a DS Lite? We know some of you are still clinging to the old ways, but never fear -- we're here to help! This week, we're going to look at ten reasons to make the switch ... and ten reasons to stick with what you've got. Oh, we never said we'd make the decision easy.

Of course, the minute we convince you, Nintendo's apt to completely redesign the hardware all over again! But don't worry -- you'll be armed with a list of reasons to wait on anything new ... at least, until we decide to start convincing you to upgrade again. It's the circle of Nintenfandom; you know you're used to it by now.

Continue reading Ten reasons to upgrade to a Lite

JoystiqTen reasons to upgrade to a Lite originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10reasonsbatterybrightnesscasedesignDSLitesizeupgradeweightThu, 19 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop holding Pokemon tournament this Saturday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/gamestop-holding-pokemon-tournament-this-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/gamestop-holding-pokemon-tournament-this-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/18/gamestop-holding-pokemon-tournament-this-saturday/#commentsFiled under:


Reader capnwang wrote in to tell us of a Pokemon tournament going on at select GameStop stores. Taking place this Saturday, July 21st, the tournament demands you bring your DS and team of Pokemon in-store for the chance to win a copy of Pokemon Battle Revolution. In calling our local GameStop, they aren't having a tournament there, but acknowledged that other stores are doing it.

Plan on running down there this weekend to rock your Pokemon?

JoystiqGameStop holding Pokemon tournament this Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitegamestoplitenintendonintendodsnintendodslitepokemonWed, 18 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Set sail for new Phantom Hourglass footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/set-sail-for-new-phantom-hourglass-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/set-sail-for-new-phantom-hourglass-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/17/set-sail-for-new-phantom-hourglass-footage/#commentsFiled under:


There isn't much to these latest clips from The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, which makes our job of presenting them that much more difficult. Still, what little we do get to see has us intrigued, as Link hauls around some pieces of the triforce and chats with his annoying little fairy cohort. If you're as excited as we are for the game (we're going to assume you're more excited), then you want to see any and all things related to Phantom Hourglass, so head on over and watch the videos.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqSet sail for new Phantom Hourglass footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitelitenintendonintendodsnintendodslitephantomhourglasszeldaTue, 17 Jul 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[SNK vs Capcom: Card Fighters replacement in full swing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/snk-vs-capcom-card-fighters-replacement-in-full-swing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/snk-vs-capcom-card-fighters-replacement-in-full-swing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/16/snk-vs-capcom-card-fighters-replacement-in-full-swing/#commentsFiled under:


We can honestly say we haven't purchased this game because of all the controversy surrounding it, however now that news hits that those affected by the broken carts are receiving the promised replacements, we're feeling a bit more confident. And, even though SNK Playmore took longer than we would've initially thought to help those in need, we think if there are any more problems from here on out, we'd be covered.

Did any of you send in for a replacement cartridge? Receive it yet?

JoystiqSNK vs Capcom: Card Fighters replacement in full swing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdsdslitelitenintendonintendodsnintendslitesnkMon, 16 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gloss Silver and Metallic Pink DS Lites now available for import]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/gloss-silver-and-metallic-pink-ds-lites-now-available-for-import/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/gloss-silver-and-metallic-pink-ds-lites-now-available-for-import/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/gloss-silver-and-metallic-pink-ds-lites-now-available-for-import/#commentsFiled under:

The new DS Lites have been released in Japan and have shown up on import shopping sites. That's right, for only $179 + shipping, you can have a DS Lite in one of the two new Japan-exclusive colors! You have your choice of Like the Regular DS Phat Color but on a Lite, or Like the Pink One but Shinier.

Sure, you pay a premium, but it may be worth it to have a DS that looks somewhat different from other DS's in the immediate area. Depends on how you feel about the new colors! What do you think-- Gloss Silver or Gross Silver? Metallic Pink or Me-tacky Pink?

JoystiqGloss Silver and Metallic Pink DS Lites now available for import originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colords liteDsLiteglossgloss silverGlossSilverimportsmetallicmetallic pinkMetallicPinkpinkplay asiaPlayAsiasilverFri, 13 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney wants you to get social on the DS with their Dgamer service]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/disney-wants-you-to-get-social-on-the-ds-with-their-dgamer-servi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/disney-wants-you-to-get-social-on-the-ds-with-their-dgamer-servi/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/disney-wants-you-to-get-social-on-the-ds-with-their-dgamer-servi/#commentsFiled under: ,


Joystiq has all of the deets on a new social network launching for the DS from Disney Interactive called Dgamer. The service is to launch with the upcoming Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian and will be included in all Disney titles from there on out. The service, which will allow users to create custom avatars, chat wirelessly and track their friends' progress in Dgamer titles, will also allow users to log in to their account at Disney.com, for further accessibility. The overall package resembles a fairly popular online networking service on another console, wouldn't you say?

The rub lies in the fact that before you can add friends to the network, you still have to exchange friend codes. As if we could get around that ...

JoystiqDisney wants you to get social on the DS with their Dgamer service originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dgamerdisneydsdslitelitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteFri, 13 Jul 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WRUP: Post-E3 playing plans edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/wrup-post-e3-playing-plans-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/wrup-post-e3-playing-plans-edition/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/wrup-post-e3-playing-plans-edition/#commentsFiled under:

With E3 coming to a close, you've no doubt many things to think about this weekend. Upcoming games and future enjoyment of them is probably on your mind right now, as it is ours. That doesn't mean your, or our, responsibility to enjoy some nice gaming over the weekend can be overlooked, though!

So, we ask: what are you playing? What will you be rocking in your DS this weekend? We've got some Puzzle Quest to play ourselves, having only given the game a few minutes of our time on its initial purchase.

JoystiqWRUP: Post-E3 playing plans edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitee3e307litenintendonintendodsnintenodslitewrupFri, 13 Jul 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy presents: Game Night 7/12/07 aftermath]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night-7-12-07-aftermath/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night-7-12-07-aftermath/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/13/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night-7-12-07-aftermath/#commentsFiled under:


Last night's Game Night session was less of a Game Night and more of a "sit in chat for awhile before playing a handful of matches" night. It was sad to see, as we were all excited and ready to play Planet Puzzle League. We guess you guys just don't enjoy the game, or a majority of you weren't able to secure it yet, full of intentions of doing so. Regardless of the why, we're going to make sure next week is a good night chock full of gaming by only including our top "classic" games into the poll.

Cast your vote below!

What should be our theme game for 7/19/07?
Mario Kart DS
Tetris DS
Clubhouse Games
Animal Crossing: Wild World

JoystiqDS Fanboy presents: Game Night 7/12/07 aftermath originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitegamenightlitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteFri, 13 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: DK Jungle Climber screens and trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/e307-dk-jungle-climber-screens-and-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/e307-dk-jungle-climber-screens-and-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/e307-dk-jungle-climber-screens-and-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


As if E3 hasn't already brought us enough joy, we've got some nice pieces of concept art and screens for DK Jungle Climber. The game looks to be shaping up nicely and the included trailer only adds to the truckloads of awesome content we've all received so far. Check out the fresh screens and concept art in our gallery below, and be sure to head past the break for the trailer.

DK Jungle Climber is currently slated for release on September 10th.

Continue reading E307: DK Jungle Climber screens and trailer

JoystiqE307: DK Jungle Climber screens and trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dkdonkeykongdsdslitee3e307jungleclimberlitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteskjungleclimberThu, 12 Jul 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Fanboy presents: Game Night 7/12/07]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night-7-12-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night-7-12-07/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/ds-fanboy-presents-game-night-7-12-07/#commentsFiled under:


With all of the craziness that comes with E3, we still need to remember the important things in life. Important things like our wonderful Game Night gaming sessions. Last week, we didn't put up a poll to select tonight's game, so we're just going to call it ourselves. Our theme game will be ...

Continue reading DS Fanboy presents: Game Night 7/12/07

JoystiqDS Fanboy presents: Game Night 7/12/07 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitegamenightlitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteThu, 12 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: Chibi Robo Park Patrol trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-chibi-robo-park-patrol-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-chibi-robo-park-patrol-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-chibi-robo-park-patrol-trailer/#commentsFiled under:


Like most of the other E3 trailers you've set your eyes upon today, this one for Chibi Robo Park Patrol ischock full of the kinds of things you like. Gameplay segments including exploration and combat, along with some flower watering segments and bicycle riding. All in all, the game is shaping up to be the usual type of Nintendo game on the DS: an excellent experience.

Check out the trailer past the break.

Continue reading E307: Chibi Robo Park Patrol trailer

JoystiqE307: Chibi Robo Park Patrol trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chibirobochibiroboparkpatroldsdslitee3e307litenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteWed, 11 Jul 2007 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[E307: FFXII: Revenant Wings screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-ffxii-revenant-wings-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-ffxii-revenant-wings-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/e307-ffxii-revenant-wings-screens/#commentsFiled under:


We love Final Fantasy and we're sure you do too. And, like us, we're sure you are of the mind that Revenant Wings is shaping up to be better than we could've ever hoped for. So, supplement your lust and dark desire for this game with some more screenshots in the gallery below, fresh from E3.

JoystiqE307: FFXII: Revenant Wings screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 17:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitee3e307finalfantasyfinalfantasyrevlitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliterevenantwingsWed, 11 Jul 2007 17:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Golden Sun DS images snapped [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/golden-sun-ds-shown-at-small-nintendo-gathering/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/golden-sun-ds-shown-at-small-nintendo-gathering/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/golden-sun-ds-shown-at-small-nintendo-gathering/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to a tipster gobo_4227, the following images are from an unannounced Nintendo DS debut of the GBA's RPG series, Golden Sun. The legitimacy of the images is obviously in doubt, but it does realize some of our far-fetched dreams. Make it happen, developers!

Gallery: Golden Sun DS

JoystiqRumor: Golden Sun DS images snapped [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 15:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotdsdslitee3e307gbagoldensunnintendorpgWed, 11 Jul 2007 15:47:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Lite case has that 50's feel with modern functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/ds-lite-case-has-that-50s-feel-with-modern-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/ds-lite-case-has-that-50s-feel-with-modern-functionality/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/ds-lite-case-has-that-50s-feel-with-modern-functionality/#commentsFiled under: ,


Doesn't this look like one of those big purses from back in the 50's? Maybe a purse someone might sell Avon out of? It reminds us of the crazy town in Edward Scissorhands for some reason. But, upon opening it up, we're shown that it isn't all looks with this case. There are compartments for cartridges, the unit itself, as well as any accessories on would need.

JoystiqDS Lite case has that 50's feel with modern functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casedsdslitelitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteWed, 11 Jul 2007 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Our keynote reactions: Let us tell you them [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/our-keynote-reactions-let-us-tell-you-them/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/our-keynote-reactions-let-us-tell-you-them/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/our-keynote-reactions-let-us-tell-you-them/#commentsFiled under:


Eric Caoili: Unlike last year's E3 press conference -- in which titles like Yoshi's Island 2, Star Fox Command, and Elite Beat Agents were debuted -- there wasn't much new software shown for the DS at today's event that'd make us throw our arms up in celebration.

Seeing The Hylia's Mike "TSA" Damiani take the stage to demonstrate The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass brought a smile to our faces, but there wasn't anything demonstrated that we haven't already seen in previews or import impressions. Though casual titles made an appearance, the only items that perked our brows were Vision Training's US localization and hints of Cooking Navi receiving the same treatment. Disappointment-ton? That's what it looks to be, so far.

JC Fletcher: The best part of the DS coverage, I thought, was when Iwata started talking about Cooking Navi. But it turns out not to have been an announcement; he just really likes Cooking Navi.

The whole DS presentation was like that: underwhelming. Reggie mentioned Brain Age 2 for a fraction of the time he should have spent talking about it. Nintendo really undersells that here. Even when he said that it outsold Brain Age in Japan, that's not telling the story. It outsold most things in Japan. It was enormous, and it was just a footnote over here. Baffling.

Meanwhile, an unproven nongame is the focus of Nintendo's Wii presentation and massive hype. Not really presenting a unified front, are they?

David Hinkle: Things didn't go so well for Nintendo during the keynote and especially for DS fans. They focused heavily on the Wii, which sucks for us because we wanted to see more. Phantom Hourglass? There are plenty of videos of that game already, seeing as how it was already released in Japan.

Aside from that, no new colors for us. No software outside of a small mention of Brain Age 2. And Vision Training coming to the U.S. was good news, but what about Cooking Navi? Overall, I concur with my colleagues. I was underwhelmed.

Alisha Karabinus: Sorry, guys, better late than never. While you were all sweating out and waiting for DS announcements that didn't come, I was suffering at the dentist. So even if you're underwhelmed by the keynote, I promise you had a better time than I did!

As a serious DS devotee, I am disappointed at the lack of DS news. Brain Age 2, Phantom Hourglass ... these are great, and I will buy them both and hug them and squeeze them and all, but where's the new stuff? Just because the DS outsells everything but food doesn't mean we only want to hear about the Wii. That tide can turn. Throw us a bone here, guys! Where are our colors? Where are our new games? Where's my Cooking Navi? As a cooking enthusiast, I have lusted over that forever and it only gets namedropped? Lame. But hey, it's a Nintendo keynote, so frankly, I can't say I expected anything else. Reggie and co. are great to watch when they're doing their thing, but the information is often a little thin. Maybe we'll see some cool DS announcements over the rest of the show. Maybe.

[Update: Added statements from Latey McTardypants (Alisha).]

JoystiqOur keynote reactions: Let us tell you them [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitee3e307litenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteWed, 11 Jul 2007 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Enamel Navy no more?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rumor-enamel-navy-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rumor-enamel-navy-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/rumor-enamel-navy-no-more/#commentsFiled under: ,

The morning's whisperings, hushed under raucous E3 speculation, indicate that the Enamel Navy DS Lite's days could be numbered. Supposedly, Nintendo will be halting all production of the Japan-and-China-only version of the handheld by the end of the month.

We don't favor its termination, but considering Nintendo's recent introduction of two new tints to the DS Lite line, Metallic Rose and Gloss Silver, trimming the number of available colors might be in the company's best interest. Expect to see import and auction prices for this endangered edition shoot up to the heavens.

Farewell, Enamel Navy! We hardly knew ye.

JoystiqRumor: Enamel Navy no more? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLiteenamelenamel navyEnamelNavynavynintendonintendo dsNintendoDsrumorrumorsWed, 11 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Everyone on the Internet should buy Spelling Challenges]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/everyone-on-the-internet-should-buy-spelling-challenges/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/everyone-on-the-internet-should-buy-spelling-challenges/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/11/everyone-on-the-internet-should-buy-spelling-challenges/#commentsFiled under:


Well, this is a start to solving the Internet's problems. Next up: Learning the Difference Between "Your" and "You're" Challenges!

We've received some screenshots of Crave's Spelling Challenges and More!, the spelling-based game show game with over 25,000 words to spell. We can see a sort of Jumble-style anagram game called "Mish Mash" and a "Bomb Blast" game that gives players a limited time to pick out a correctly spelled word from a group of horrible mistakes.

The game uses a very simplistic, clean presentation that we find appealing. Not every educational game needs a charismatic floating head.

Gallery: Spelling Challenges



[Via press release]

JoystiqEveryone on the Internet should buy Spelling Challenges originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cravedsds liteDsLitejumblenintendospellingspelling challengesSpellingChallengestrainingWed, 11 Jul 2007 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/mario-and-sonic-at-the-olympic-games-screens/#commentsFiled under:

Everyone's eager to see what Sonic and Mario's first collaboration will look like, right? Well, here it is! The DS version, anyway. Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games looks pretty okay! We don't really know what else to say about it. It's in 3D, and includes, at the very least, long jump, archery, hammer throw, and some kind of track event.

Sonic and Tails are participating in the manner of the ancient Olympians-- nude. We don't know if they've covered themselves in olive oil as the Greeks did, and we hope we never find out. We hope nobody ever finds out.

JoystiqMario & Sonic at the Olympic Games screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsds liteDsLitegameslitemariomario and sonicMarioAndSonicnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsolympicolympic gamesOlympicGamesolympicssegasonicTue, 10 Jul 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll results: Do you play with friends in person?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/poll-results-do-you-play-with-friends-in-person/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/poll-results-do-you-play-with-friends-in-person/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/poll-results-do-you-play-with-friends-in-person/#commentsFiled under:


While our original poll topic title might have placed a few dirty thoughts into your head, we assure you we never meant to do so. What surprises us, though, is the fact that many of you apparently seem to enjoy playing your DS in the actual physical company of your friends. Why does that surprise us? We don't have any friends.

We could probably make some if our cruel overlords let us out of our cages every now and then, though.

JoystiqPoll results: Do you play with friends in person? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitelitenintendonintendodsnintendodslitepollTue, 10 Jul 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[It's a Wonderful World of fresh screens and concept art]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/its-a-wonderful-world-of-fresh-screens-and-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/its-a-wonderful-world-of-fresh-screens-and-concept-art/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/its-a-wonderful-world-of-fresh-screens-and-concept-art/#commentsFiled under:


When we finally are able to pry loose the cartridge for It's a Wonderful World from its plastic case, we imagine the world will be wonderful. Birds will sing, the skies will part and the sun will shine down onto us exclusively. We'll laugh as we walk down the street and a band will trail behind us, just a few steps, playing that famous song. It will surely be a great day.

But, until then, guess we'll just have to settle for a few screens and some concept art.

JoystiqIt's a Wonderful World of fresh screens and concept art originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsliteenixitsawonderfulworldlitenintendonintendodsnintendodslitesquaresquenixTue, 10 Jul 2007 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kururin Doughnuts randomly appears on Gametrailers with English subtitle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/kururin-doughnuts-randomly-appears-on-gametrailers-with-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/kururin-doughnuts-randomly-appears-on-gametrailers-with-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/10/kururin-doughnuts-randomly-appears-on-gametrailers-with-english/#commentsFiled under: ,

Is Kururin Doughnuts getting localized? You probably don't remember this as the donut-starring platformer with bonus dessert recipes that we highlighted back in March. It was released in Japan last week, and now some gameplay footage has appeared on Gametrailers.

The mere existence of the video on Gametrailers isn't conclusive proof of anything, since undeniably Japanese clips of Stock Trader Shun, Let's Try Fortune Telling DS, and our favorite, Doki Doki Majo Shinpan, were uploaded on the same day. But what piqued our interest was the subtitle given to the game: Enchanted Pastry. It's not just a translation of the Japanese subtitle, Okashi na Recipe (Recipe for Sweets)-- so where did Gametrailers get it? Either they made it up or there's a US trailer involved. Or something else. Enjoy some video after the break!

[Via Game|Life]

Continue reading Kururin Doughnuts randomly appears on Gametrailers with English subtitle

JoystiqKururin Doughnuts randomly appears on Gametrailers with English subtitle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dessertdonutdonutsdsds liteDsLiteglobal aglobal a entertainmentGlobalAGlobalAEntertainmentkururinkururin donutsKururinDonutslitenintendoreciperecipesTue, 10 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST