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[Adorable Valentine's Day card templates from PaperRockScisorz]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/adorable-valentines-day-card-templates-from-paperrockscisorz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/adorable-valentines-day-card-templates-from-paperrockscisorz/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/adorable-valentines-day-card-templates-from-paperrockscisorz/#comments Despite previous indications to the contrary, the Joystiq Qrew is actually pretty keen on Valentine's Day. We're all hopeless romantics, but you don't need to be as in love with being in love as we are to recognize how precious, touching and clever these gaming themed Valentine's Day card templates are.

Made by Etsy user PaperRockScisorz and available at her shop, these print-your-own card templates feature Pokemon, Dr. Mario, Sonic, Zelda and Portal motifs with cutesy sayings and pixel hearts at $2.75 a pop. It's an easy and inexpensive way to show your significant other that you care, assuming you're lucky enough to share your life with a person that loves games as much as you do. If you're not that lucky, well, maybe get them a gift card or something. Single people are advised to dress up like a member of their preferred gender and have a romantic candle-lit dinner with themselves in a mirror. Ain't love grand?

JoystiqAdorable Valentine's Day card templates from PaperRockScisorz originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dr-marioduck-huntetsymariopaperrockscisorzpokemonportalsonictemplatevalentines-dayzeldaSat, 28 Jan 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft 1.8's bow mechanics quickly utilized for Duck Hunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/minecraft-1-8s-bow-mechanics-quickly-utilized-for-duck-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/minecraft-1-8s-bow-mechanics-quickly-utilized-for-duck-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/11/minecraft-1-8s-bow-mechanics-quickly-utilized-for-duck-hunt/#comments
For Minecraft players, a new update is almost as good as Christmas morning. See, updates mean new tools and/or creatures, which function as imagination-crack for the industrious and crafty crafters that call Minecraft home. The update has barely been available for 48 hours, yet its new mechanics are already being used to create inventive and entertaining constructions.

Sethbling's Duck Hunt replica may not feature actual ducks, but it does manage to capture the innocence and nostalgia of our 8-bit youths, all the way down to that damn dog's mocking, condescending laughter. Keep laughing, pooch! We'll see how funny it is when the Endermen come in the night and "collect" you while you're sleeping.

JoystiqMinecraft 1.8's bow mechanics quickly utilized for Duck Hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-updateduck-huntendermenMinecraftmobilemojangpcYouTubeSun, 11 Sep 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-life Duck Hunt video documents dangers of improper Zapper use]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/real-life-duck-hunt-video-documents-dangers-of-improper-zapper-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/real-life-duck-hunt-video-documents-dangers-of-improper-zapper-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/real-life-duck-hunt-video-documents-dangers-of-improper-zapper-u/#comments Remember when you were a kid and used to play cops and robbers? Sometimes you'd smuggle a Zapper out of your house, just to add that extra layer of believability to the whole thing. According to The Warp Zone, the Zapper is much deadlier than you believed!

Continue reading Real-life Duck Hunt video documents dangers of improper Zapper use

JoystiqReal-life Duck Hunt video documents dangers of improper Zapper use originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsduck-huntnintendonintendo-zapperthe-warp-zonewiizapperWed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LEGO art pays homage to some of gaming's best]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/lego-art-pays-homage-to-some-of-gamings-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/lego-art-pays-homage-to-some-of-gamings-best/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/lego-art-pays-homage-to-some-of-gamings-best/#comments You don't know flickr user Encaja en Camon, but rest assured that the account in question has some pretty awesome and simple LEGO adaptations of famous games and their characters. Above, you can check out Sonic's blocky noggin, while just past the break we've included a couple of our other favorites.

Continue reading LEGO art pays homage to some of gaming's best

JoystiqLEGO art pays homage to some of gaming's best originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artarts-and-craftscraftsculturedsduck-huntlegolego-artmariomicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonicsonic-the-hedgehogsonysuper-mario-brosSuper-Mario-Bros-NESwiixboxFri, 03 Dec 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brooklyn theater putting on plays inspired by video games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/brooklyn-theater-putting-on-plays-inspired-by-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/brooklyn-theater-putting-on-plays-inspired-by-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/brooklyn-theater-putting-on-plays-inspired-by-video-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Just because we're video game fans here at Joystiq doesn't mean we don't appreciate the more classical forms of art -- as long as they're related to video games, that is. Like this series of shows at the Brick Theater in Brooklyn, NY, for example. It's a whole month of some quality live drama, all driven and influenced by video games.

There's Grand Theft Ovid, which tells some of the Roman poet's tales using everyone's favorite carjack simulator (along with a few other popular games). Modal Kombat features a set of guitar controllers that are used to play non-music games. The best, though, might be the Theater of the Arcade, which takes old games like Duck Hunt and Donkey Kong and presents them, re-imagined, as short theatrical vignettes. O Mario, Mario, wherefore art thou?

The shows are going on at the Brick through the rest of July. Performances are just $15, plus there's also a Rock Band Karaoke night and a few other game-related events sprinkled throughout the run. If your significant other is complaining that you're spending too many nights in front of the TV and not enough out enjoying the arts, this seems like a perfect compromise.

[Thanks, Edward!]

JoystiqBrooklyn theater putting on plays inspired by video games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artbrick-theaterbrooklyndonkey-kongduck-huntgrand-theft-ovidliteraryliteraturemodal-kombattheatertheater-of-the-arcadevideo-gamesWed, 14 Jul 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duck Hunt's workplace violates most HR guidelines]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/duck-hunts-workplace-violates-most-hr-guidelines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/duck-hunts-workplace-violates-most-hr-guidelines/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/29/duck-hunts-workplace-violates-most-hr-guidelines/#comments
On first blush, the workplace behind the scenes of the "increasingly frustrating action" game Duck Hunt doesn't seem so bad -- the boss is smart and organized, the space is very modern and clear of cubicle clutter, and all the worker ducks get free drugs and junk food! We have to pay for our meatball subs and cocaine here at Joystiq.

But then you start to realize, thanks to this hard-hitting expose from the folks at College Humor, that the pressure can get to you after a while, especially when the players you're meant to be entertaining start bending the rules. Watch the full short (which is NSFW thanks to language) after the break.

[via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Duck Hunt's workplace violates most HR guidelines

JoystiqDuck Hunt's workplace violates most HR guidelines originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 May 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>college-humordrugsduck-huntfunnygame-geniehumornesNintendoWiiSat, 29 May 2010 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: No Euro Wii price cut, new bundle to include both Wii Sports games, MotionPlus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/rumor-no-euro-wii-price-cut-new-bundle-to-include-both-wii-spo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/rumor-no-euro-wii-price-cut-new-bundle-to-include-both-wii-spo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/rumor-no-euro-wii-price-cut-new-bundle-to-include-both-wii-spo/#commentsJust like we saw earlier this year with the PlayStation 3 Slim, the rumor mill is churning at breakneck pace -- though this time around a possible Nintendo Wii price cut rather than a slimmer console. Aside from multiple retailer listings and today's alleged internal Best Buy memo, MCV reports that a "retail source" told it the UK won't be receiving the same price cut that North America and Japan are expected to receive. Instead, the current model will be given the bundle treatment.

GamesIndustry.biz spotted the new bundle on ShopTo.net -- it has since been removed, though an image and a shell of the page still exist -- which includes both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort as well as a MotionPlus attachment, for the same £199.99 ($326.76) the system is priced at now. If it is true, at least UK Wii buyers will be getting a bit more for their pounds. It's not quite the Duck Hunt/Super Mario Bros. with a Zapper combo of yore, but it'll have to do.

Source -- No Wii price cut for UK [GamesIndustry.biz]
Source -- New UK Wii bundle leaked [MCV]

JoystiqRumor: No Euro Wii price cut, new bundle to include both Wii Sports games, MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleduck-huntgamesindustry.bizmcvmotionplusNintendoprice-cutrumorsuper-mario-brosukWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortzapperWed, 23 Sep 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Contra vs. Duck Hunt takes fowl play to a whole new level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/contra-vs-duck-hunt-takes-fowl-play-to-a-whole-new-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/contra-vs-duck-hunt-takes-fowl-play-to-a-whole-new-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/15/contra-vs-duck-hunt-takes-fowl-play-to-a-whole-new-level/#comments
When Contra 4 came out, we had the distinct displeasure of realizing not enough things in life had Contra in it. Thankfully, through the magic of internet technology, we can now check one thing off that list: Duck Hunt. YouTube user daneboe managed to combine the shoot-em-all gameplay of Contra with the duck genocide that is Duck Hunt, creating an entirely new experience. We do think that snickering dog should've gotten a taste of Bill Rizer's brand of justice, but hey, something's gotta be left for the sequel, right?

Head past the break to check out the video.

[Via Infendo]

Continue reading Contra vs. Duck Hunt takes fowl play to a whole new level

JoystiqContra vs. Duck Hunt takes fowl play to a whole new level originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contracontra-vs-duck-huntduck-huntkonaminesnintendosnesTue, 15 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo busts a cap in iPhone Duck Hunt]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/nintendo-busts-a-cap-in-iphone-duck-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/nintendo-busts-a-cap-in-iphone-duck-hunt/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/nintendo-busts-a-cap-in-iphone-duck-hunt/#comments
Nintendo's lawyers have finally done what countless children of the '80s only dreamed of: silenced the maniacal, mocking laughter of the Duck Hunt dog. ... Or at least they've quieted the canine on iPhones, having a clone of the classic removed from the App Store after only a month of availability.

Let this serve as a reminder to all who might try a similar stunt ... there's only room for one company in this industry to coast on the past successes of Nintendo.

JoystiqNintendo busts a cap in iPhone Duck Hunt originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSduck-huntiphonelawsuitnesNintendoWiiWed, 04 Feb 2009 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Forming a dynamic duo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/wii-warm-up-forming-a-dynamic-duo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/wii-warm-up-forming-a-dynamic-duo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/wii-warm-up-forming-a-dynamic-duo/#commentsFiled under:

We were just wondering to ourselves this morning about the team-up title Sonic & Mario at the Olympics and how such a combination of mascots has been a huge financial success. It caused us to wonder what other kind of team-up could be not only a commercial success, but also a game we actually want to play.

And, like responsible bloggers, we decided that we couldn't think of anything good and instead would pass the buck onto you. So, what do you all think? Can you come up with some titles? How about a Duck Hunt clone where Mega Man and Samus compete to see who can shoot the most clay Metroids? Or, what about having Dante from Devil May Cry in a No More Heroes sequel?

Of course, that last one is just a selfish suggestion from us.

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Forming a dynamic duo originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomdanteduck-huntmariomarioandsonicmega-manmetroidno-more-heroessamussonicTue, 03 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duck Hunt lamp will inspire thousands to hunt for cheap Zappers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/duck-hunt-lamp-will-inspire-thousands-to-hunt-for-cheap-zappers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/duck-hunt-lamp-will-inspire-thousands-to-hunt-for-cheap-zappers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/04/duck-hunt-lamp-will-inspire-thousands-to-hunt-for-cheap-zappers/#commentsFiled under:


One reason that the NES Zapper, even in orange, is superior to the Wii Zapper: it makes an attractive lamp. Craftster user fluffypants happened upon one of the clangy gun controllers and, somehow, saw the potential for a lamp. A real Duck Hunt cartridge would have been too small to function as a sturdy base, so she made an imitation NES cartridge from cardboard and affixed it to the Zapper lamp.

As if turning controllers into furniture didn't impress us enough, fluffypants turned a store-bought shade into a faithful 3D Duck Hunt scene with layers of cut foam. In fact, the shade is so awesomely Duck Hunt that the actual lamp seems a bit like overkill.

JoystiqDuck Hunt lamp will inspire thousands to hunt for cheap Zappers originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 04 May 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craftsduck-huntlampneszapperSun, 04 May 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[So who is the greatest gaming canine ever?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/so-who-is-the-greatest-gaming-canine-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/so-who-is-the-greatest-gaming-canine-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/so-who-is-the-greatest-gaming-canine-ever/#commentsFiled under:

The results to one of the most interesting questions we've heard in quite awhile has come in and gaming's greatest canine is apparently Parappa from the Parappa the Rapper games. While we'll cross the divide that separates Nintendo and Sony handheld fanboys and admit that the Parappa games are great, we're a tad bit upset.

As you may recall from our original post on this topic of discussion, we were heavily in favor of K.K. Slider. We also considered the dog from Duck Hunt. But, Parappa? Eh, we don't agree. What about you all?

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqSo who is the greatest gaming canine ever? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalcrossingcaninedogduck-huntk-k-sliderkksliderparappaMon, 10 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Duck Hunt tattoo showcases love for dogs, shooting, mockery]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/duck-hunt-tattoo-showcases-love-for-dogs-shooting-mockery/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/duck-hunt-tattoo-showcases-love-for-dogs-shooting-mockery/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/duck-hunt-tattoo-showcases-love-for-dogs-shooting-mockery/#commentsFiled under:


Man. There's a lot we could say about this Duck Hunt tribute tattoo. We could say it's just awesome; after all, it's pretty well done, artistically, and we approve of the subject, as far as video game ink goes. But the placement is somewhat questionable. If you're the owner, you have to wonder just what sort of message this sends. Is it an "aim here" sort of deal? Is that really what you want to convey with your body art, considering? We all want to shoot that damned dog. And if you're, uh, in an intimate situation with the owner of this patch of skin, that's got to be pretty demeaning. That dog haunted gamers around the world with his laughter.

Yep, we can't help but wonder if this isn't going to be something the "lucky" tattooed individual is going to regret one day. Let's hope it's not a permanent inking and just happens to be drawn on.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqDuck Hunt tattoo showcases love for dogs, shooting, mockery originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bad-decisionsdogduck-hunttattooFri, 07 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo dominates list of most annoying game characters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/nintendo-dominates-list-of-most-annoying-game-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/nintendo-dominates-list-of-most-annoying-game-characters/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/nintendo-dominates-list-of-most-annoying-game-characters/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo might well have created some of the most enduring characters of all time, but it's more than capable of concocting annoying ones. At least, that's the message we drew from Cracked.com's list of video game characters that inspire rage -- of the fifteen personalities listed, around half appear in Nintendo games.

While we wouldn't normally post about such lists, there's very little room for complaining about many of these choices. Time and again, Slippy's utter ineptitude has seen us launching spittle-flecked rants at our screens, Waluigi possesses a voice akin to nails on a blackboard (though this blogger will admit to finding him useful in Mario Kart DS), and Tingle is annoying for reasons that should need no explaining whatsoever.

The only unfair inclusions we can see? The Dog from Duck Hunt, and Animal Crossing: Wild World's Mr. Resetti, whose bluster we actually find entertaining. Not that we're cheats.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqNintendo dominates list of most annoying game characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossingbaby-marioduck-huntgoldeneyelylat-warsresident-evilslippystar-foxstar-fox-64tinglewaluigiyoshis-islandzeldaTue, 19 Feb 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[We totally believe you, New Duck Hunt video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/we-totally-believe-you-new-duck-hunt-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/we-totally-believe-you-new-duck-hunt-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/we-totally-believe-you-new-duck-hunt-video/#commentsFiled under:


Yeah, we know, most of you guys are going to be skeptical of this video, which appears to depict a "New Duck Hunt" game for the Wii that imitates the original completely in every way except for 3D graphics. You think that the story given along with the video (that a Hudson employee's kid found an unlabeled disc in his father's desk that turned out to be a near-final New Duck Hunt) is dubious at best.

You cynics think that this is some kind of hoax, right? A simple 3D animation played on the TV while a guy waggles randomly? Open your hearts, people! You've all been on the Internet too long if you can't believe a mysterious, suspicious video of an unannounced, yet complete, game.

[Via Game|Life]

JoystiqWe totally believe you, New Duck Hunt video originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duck-huntlolTue, 15 Jan 2008 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Hudson working on New Duck Hunt for Wii?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/rumor-hudson-working-on-new-duck-hunt-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/rumor-hudson-working-on-new-duck-hunt-for-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/rumor-hudson-working-on-new-duck-hunt-for-wii/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Could Hudson Soft be working on an update to the classic Duck Hunt for Nintendo Wii? That all depends on how much faith you put into shaky cam footage, and loosely-woven stories of dad's carelessness with company property.

The story goes that the boy's father works at Hudson Soft, and that the father left an unmarked disc on his desk, which the son soon discovered was an early build of New Duck Hunt for the Wii. The footage up on GameTrailers shows what looks like a 2.5D version of the original game, complete with NES sound effects, the original music, and that damn dog.

We have a hard time believing this to be true, especially since the video's off-camera star could have basically guaranteed his father's termination the moment he uploaded this to the internets. Check out the blurry, shaky, job-threatening footage after the break.

Update: Apparently the video's not DestinRL's, but rather one he found somewhere else on the internet. News updated accordingly.

[Thanks, Peter; via Product Reviews Net]

Continue reading Rumor: Hudson working on New Duck Hunt for Wii?

JoystiqRumor: Hudson working on New Duck Hunt for Wii? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duck-huntduckhunthudsonhudson-softnew-duck-huntrumorsWiiwiiwareTue, 15 Jan 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The ESRB Ate My VC games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/the-esrb-ate-my-vc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/the-esrb-ate-my-vc-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/27/the-esrb-ate-my-vc-games/#commentsFiled under: ,


Three games that were assumed to be headed for the Virtual Console have disappeared from the ESRB's ratings list. Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 2: The Arcade Game, and Duck Hunt are no longer listed for the Wii on the rating organization's website.

The most obvious interpretation is that these games are no longer planned for release on the Wii. But why would the ESRB remove the ratings? Even if Nintendo (or Konami) decided that they were definitely not going to release the game, ever, the content rating would still be valid. And we find it very hard to believe that Duck Hunt, a game that is pretty much synonymous with Nintendo nostalgia, has been permanently banished from the VC.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqThe ESRB Ate My VC games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2007 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duck-hunttmntzombies-ate-my-neighborszombiesatemyneighborsThu, 27 Sep 2007 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jersey parents fret over Wii's 'gun-like' Zapper]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/new-jersey-parents-fret-over-wiis-gun-like-zapper/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/new-jersey-parents-fret-over-wiis-gun-like-zapper/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/14/new-jersey-parents-fret-over-wiis-gun-like-zapper/#commentsFiled under: ,


New Jersey's The Star-Ledger ran a poll on its "Parental Guidance" blog earlier this week, asking its readers to comment on Nintendo's Wii Zapper, a peripheral meant to house the Wii remote and nunchuck in a vaguely rifle-like shape. Describing it as a "gun-like remote" and a "wand in the shape of a weapon" certainly didn't help matters, as the poll was duly inundated by parents wary of their children becoming vicious, gun-toting mini-gangsters.

One reader inadvertently praised Nintendo's clumsy plastic shell design by failing to discern a difference between it (see above image) and a real weapon. "Great, this is what we need. Children with guns learning how to aim and shoot. Then we can sit back and wonder what is happening to our country with kids killing kids......what's next?" A fair question to ask, especially when you're a powerless parent forced to sit back and wonder "what is happening" in a world where video games poison our armed children. Not that the Zapper can teach anybody to operate a gun on the outset -- it's really more of crossbow training tool.

Another parent was a little more introspective and wondered, "What kind of message are we sending as parents when we buy these things for our kids?" Aside from highlighting mommy's inability to say "No, you can't have that," past experience with the Zapper would reveal the message to be a compelling argument for hunting ducks and, failing that, any stupid-looking dogs in the neighborhood. Kids shoot the darndest things.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

JoystiqNew Jersey parents fret over Wii's 'gun-like' Zapper originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Duck-HuntLinks-Crossbow-TrainingWiiWii-ZapperWiiZapperZapperFri, 14 Sep 2007 19:10:00 EST