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[Iwata throws around the idea of paid Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/iwata-throws-around-the-idea-of-paid-super-mario-3d-land-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/iwata-throws-around-the-idea-of-paid-super-mario-3d-land-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/iwata-throws-around-the-idea-of-paid-super-mario-3d-land-mario/#comments
Nintendo head honcho Satoru Iwata hinted at the possibility of paid DLC for two of its 3DS titles, Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7, at a recent investor meeting. Speaking in terms of hardware and software lifespans, Iwata suggested (hypothetically) Nintendo could benefit from the addition of paid DLC to both Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7:

"What if we could provide add-on content through the network?" Iwata asked, positing a solution to the problem of players growing tired of the games they've purchased. "As I referred to before, for example, this is the idea of supplying new stages to Super Mario users who want to play the game more but have completed the game and lost interest in the existing stages.

"This will not only give us new profits but will lengthen the life of a product, in that it will never be out of fashion and can keep attracting public attention as long as many people play it." DLC functionality was added to the 3DS with the last firmware update, and will first be used in a retail title in Japan with Theatrhythm: Final Fantasy.

JoystiqIwata throws around the idea of paid Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDLCiwatamario-kart-7nintendopaid-dlcsuper-mario-3dsuper-mario-3d-landsuper-mario-land-3dTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: 3DS sales prove there's still room for dedicated gaming handhelds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/nintendo-3ds-sales-prove-theres-still-room-for-dedicated-gamin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/nintendo-3ds-sales-prove-theres-still-room-for-dedicated-gamin/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/nintendo-3ds-sales-prove-theres-still-room-for-dedicated-gamin/#comments Nintendo President Satoru Iwata believes the company has proven there's still a market for dedicated gaming handheld hardware like the 3DS. In a briefing -- which covered a lot of ground -- Iwata revealed the pictured chart above, comparing internal Nintendo weekly sales data of the Wii, DS and 3DS. The executive said the initial sales pace of the 3DS was "unsatisfactory," but the device gained momentum after the price cut and the launch of popular games like Super Mario 3D Land, Mario Kart 7 (and Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G in Japan).

"Last summer, when the sales pace of the Nintendo 3DS was slow, there were extreme remarks saying, 'With the penetration of smartphones, will there still be a market for handheld hardware?,' which was almost equal to 'Handheld hardware is not necessary anymore,'" Iwata said. "I believe we proved that such opinions are incorrect."

In the end, however, Nintendo did not reach its internal sales goal for the device, despite the 3DS gaining momentum and ending the year with a respectable 15 million unit sales. Iwata says the company could not cover the lack of units sold pre-price drop, which is one of the reasons for its negatively revised financial forecasts.

JoystiqNintendo: 3DS sales prove there's still room for dedicated gaming handhelds originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsandroidFinancialsiosipadiphoneIwatamobilenintendoQ3salesSatoru-IwataFri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: 3DS is Nintendo 'priority,' even at the sake of short-term profitability]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/iwata-3ds-is-nintendo-priority-even-at-the-sake-of-short-ter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/iwata-3ds-is-nintendo-priority-even-at-the-sake-of-short-ter/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/iwata-3ds-is-nintendo-priority-even-at-the-sake-of-short-ter/#comments In a recent Q&A following a semi-annual investor's meeting, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata laid out the company's plans for its slow-starting handheld, the 3DS. "We came to the conclusion that we needed to make that bold investment," Iwata explained, "instead of focusing just on this term's profitability, so that we would be able to make the Nintendo 3DS an important foundation for Nintendo for years to come." He added that the company expects the system's profitability to improve dramatically during the fiscal year ending March 2013.

Iwata mentioned that, falling in line with this strategy, unspecified 3DS games were delayed from the holiday release window to prevent being overlooked due to overcrowding. The only major first-party 3DS titles scheduled for the rest of the year are Super Mario 3D Land (November 13) and Mario Kart 7 (December 4).

He also discussed the company's plans to expand the eShop with an "add-on" marketplace for individual games, and the ability to access the store using PCs and Smartphones. You can read more about this initiative in our post from last week, though it lacks Iwata's almost comically tardy discovery of social networking platforms. He's kind of like your grandpa who just discovered Facebook, likes everything you post, and leaves embarrassing comments on all your pictures in all-caps.

JoystiqIwata: 3DS is Nintendo 'priority,' even at the sake of short-term profitability originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dseshopiwatanintendoprofitabilitySatoru-Iwatasocial-networkingTue, 01 Nov 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo targeting women with new pink 3DS in Japan on October 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/nintendo-targeting-women-with-new-pink-3ds-in-japan-on-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/nintendo-targeting-women-with-new-pink-3ds-in-japan-on-october-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/12/nintendo-targeting-women-with-new-pink-3ds-in-japan-on-october-2/#comments You're a dude, totally comfortable with your masculinity -- well, don't even think about buying this new 3DS, because it's not for you. Unless you live in Japan, in which case we can't really stop you from buying one.

Because Nintendo's 3DS user base is mostly male, the company is hoping this new pink model will generate some interest among the fairer sex, along with some new games content such as a sequel to Tomodachi Collection and another Girls Mode title (known here in the States as Style Savvy). Iwata announced that the "Misty Pink" 3DS will launch in Japan on October 20.

JoystiqNintendo targeting women with new pink 3DS in Japan on October 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsiwatajapanmisty-pink-3dsnintendotgs-2011Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata apologizes to early Nintendo 3DS adopters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/iwata-apologizes-to-early-nintendo-3ds-adopters/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/iwata-apologizes-to-early-nintendo-3ds-adopters/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/iwata-apologizes-to-early-nintendo-3ds-adopters/#comments If the angrier half of the comments on our post about the Nintendo 3DS' massive, uncharacteristically early price drop was any indication, those who bought the handheld at its original $250 price point are miffed. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata understands these frustrations, which he addressed in an apologetic statement yesterday, as translated by Giant Bomb.

"If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad (user) base," Iwata explained, "it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system."

Iwata added, "Those customers who purchased the 3DS at the very beginning are extremely important to us." He further said, "We know that there is nothing we can do to completely make up for the feeling that you are being punished for buying the system early." Perhaps Iwata is right on this account, though twenty free games is certainly a step in the right direction. Almost as good as thirty free games!

JoystiqIwata apologizes to early Nintendo 3DS adopters originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdseshopiwatanintendoprice-cutSatoru-IwataWed, 03 Aug 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS to have access to over 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots by late May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/3ds-to-have-access-to-over-10-000-atandt-wi-fi-hotspots/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/3ds-to-have-access-to-over-10-000-atandt-wi-fi-hotspots/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/3ds-to-have-access-to-over-10-000-atandt-wi-fi-hotspots/#comments http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2011/03/gamwifihotspots530.jpg There's no doubt that watching 3D movie trailers on your 3DS is going to make you look like some sort of future spaceman. But what good is it if you can only show off on your own Wi-Fi network?

Nintendo has heard your pleas, and will allow 3DS users free access to over 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots by late May, Reggie Fils-Amie announced today during the company's GDC keynote.

Why yes, Starbucks patron, that is a 3D trailer for Must Love Dogs. Thanks so much for noticing.

Joystiq3DS to have access to over 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi hotspots by late May originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 13:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsattdsgdc-2011hotspotiwatanintendonintendo-gdc-2011-keynotewifiWed, 02 Mar 2011 13:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Don't chalk up poor software sales to piracy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/iwata-dont-chalk-up-poor-software-sales-to-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/iwata-dont-chalk-up-poor-software-sales-to-piracy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/09/iwata-dont-chalk-up-poor-software-sales-to-piracy/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During a recent investor's call, Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata made a fairly surprising observation regarding the piracy that's run somewhat rampant on its two gaming platforms. "I do not think we should attribute bad software sales solely to piracy," Iwata explained. "Even with piracy, as long as we can create products which can attract attention from many consumers and which can greatly entertain them, that software can make it to the number one position of the hit software sales chart."

Iwata later added, "it is true there is always the influence of piracy, but it is important for us to increase the number of our consumers who are willing to shell out their money to purchase our products." As far as we've seen, Nintendo doesn't have much of a problem accomplishing that lofty goal.

JoystiqIwata: Don't chalk up poor software sales to piracy originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiwatanintendopiracysatoru-iwatawiiSat, 09 Oct 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo CEO Iwata doesn't earn as much as you'd think]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/nintendo-ceo-iwata-doesnt-earn-as-much-as-youd-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/nintendo-ceo-iwata-doesnt-earn-as-much-as-youd-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/nintendo-ceo-iwata-doesnt-earn-as-much-as-youd-think/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We never thought we'd say this about a CEO (it just feels wrong), but Nintendo's Satoru Iwata totally deserves a raise. The CEO's base salary last year was a measly ¥68 million (about $770K), with the executive taking home ¥187 ($2.1 million) after a performance bonus. Nintendo, as a company last year, made roughly $2.45 billion in profit! Nintendo guru Shigeru Miyamoto, along with a group of five other board members, apparently earned just ¥100 million ($1.13 million) total. These guys have to be making more money from stocks or something.

Andriasang reports the salary revelations are thanks to a new Japanese law requiring companies to reveal any board members' earnings over ¥100 million ($1.13 million). For comparison, Square Enix's Yoichi Wada collected ¥240 million ($2.7 million), while Sony's Sir Howard Stringer, heading a company that admittedly extends way beyond games, pulled in a cool ¥816.5 million ($9.2 million). As for some CEO salaries from around the world, according to Forbes (via GI.biz), Activision Blizzard's Bobby Kotick is guesstimated to have made $3.15 million in 2009 and EA's John Riccitiello allegedly took home $9.85 million.

JoystiqNintendo CEO Iwata doesn't earn as much as you'd think originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessdsiwatanintendosalarySatoru-Iwatashigeru-miyamotowiiTue, 29 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo investor Q&A now available in English]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/nintendo-investor-qanda-now-available-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/nintendo-investor-qanda-now-available-in-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/12/nintendo-investor-qanda-now-available-in-english/#commentsWe hit the highlights from Satoru Iwata's investor Q&A yesterday based on a summary of the Japanese version. Nintendo has since posted an official translation of the full Q&A, so now, if you'd like, you can read Iwata's comments on the subjects of the 3DS announcement, piracy, and the future of the Wii -- at length.

" As for consumers holding off on purchases now," Iwata said in his 650-word response about the timing of the 3DS announcement, "of course I cannot say that there is no impact whatsoever." Iwata explained that he believes the effect of the 3DS news on DSi XL sales will be less than devastating because people buying 3DS hardware at launch will be early adopters who buy everything immediately, while people buying DS hardware now "tend to react relatively slowly." Probably, then, he expect 3DS sales to continue steadily across many years. Iwata further identified the UK and Japan as the "quickest" markets.

JoystiqNintendo investor Q&A now available in English originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsDSeuropeiwatajapanNintendosatoru-iwataWiiWed, 12 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata addresses Wii's future and 3DS at investors briefing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/iwata-addresses-wiis-future-and-3ds-at-investors-briefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/iwata-addresses-wiis-future-and-3ds-at-investors-briefing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/iwata-addresses-wiis-future-and-3ds-at-investors-briefing/#comments Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata recently spoke to his close circle of super best friends -- hereafter referred to as Nintendo's investors -- about the future of the company's gaming hardware, and how said hardware will translate directly into monies for their wallets. According to Andriasang's translation of the briefing, Iwata shot down the possibility of revealing a successor to Nintendo's home console any time soon, adding, "we believe there's still more we can do with the Wii." Sure there is! You can paint it different colors.

On the subject of the Nintendo 3DS, Iwata explained the seemingly random March 23 announcement date was set to give third-party developers a chance to come up with something for the platform in time for E3. He mentioned these developers may incur a bit more development costs on these projects due to the "trial and error" involved in creating 3D games, but wouldn't comment on how these costs might translate over to consumer software prices for the console.

He also revealed that "the announcement of the formal name [of the 3DS] will not be too far off," meaning it's time to go place your bets with your friendly neighborhood Video Game Technology Marketing bookie. (As of this writing, even money's on "Nintendo Virtual Boy 2.")

JoystiqIwata addresses Wii's future and 3DS at investors briefing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbriefingDSinvestors-briefingiwataNintendonintendo-3dssatoru-iwataWiiTue, 11 May 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[WarioWare DIY was in planning since the DS was called 'Iris']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/warioware-diy-was-in-planning-since-the-ds-was-called-iris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/warioware-diy-was-in-planning-since-the-ds-was-called-iris/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/01/warioware-diy-was-in-planning-since-the-ds-was-called-iris/#commentsIn an Iwata Asks interview about the upcoming WarioWare DIY, Nintendo president and expert interviewer Satoru Iwata revealed a previously unknown codename for the system that would become the Nintendo DS: Iris. "Iris was the codename of a next-generation device we were exploring to succeed the Game Boy Advance-in other words, before development of the Nintendo DS," Iwata explained. "Eventually, it became a two-screen device with the codename Nitro, which went out into the world as the Nintendo DS. So, broadly speaking, Iris was the foundation for the Nintendo DS."

And surprisingly, Software Planning Development's Gorou Abe had been thinking about a WarioWare microgame creator since the DS was called Iris. WarioWare DIY has been a long time coming. Elsewhere in the (fascinating) interview, it's revealed that some of the included microgames were made by debuggers during the QA process, who made microgames as part of testing.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqWarioWare DIY was in planning since the DS was called 'Iris' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSirisiwataiwata-asksmicrogamesNintendosatoru-iwatawariowarewarioware-diyMon, 01 Mar 2010 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Wii successor needs 'something new' beyond HD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/iwata-wii-successor-needs-something-new-beyond-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/iwata-wii-successor-needs-something-new-beyond-hd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/iwata-wii-successor-needs-something-new-beyond-hd/#commentsIn Nintendo's recent quarterly investor Q&A, president Satoru Iwata discussed the possibility of an HD-followup to the Wii. "If asked if making the Wii compatible with high definition -- just making it compatible with high resolution -- will get players throughout the world to buy it," he said (as translated by Andriasang), "I would of course say, 'Do you think it would sell with just that? It needs something new.'" Note that his statement isn't a denial of an HD Nintendo system at all.

Iwata also addressed the contested statements he allegedly gave to the Asahi Shimbun about a DS successor. The newspaper reported that he said it would have motion-sensing and "highly detailed" graphics, a claim that Iwata later said was "misinterpreted." Iwata helped clarify the situation further in the investor Q&A, suggesting that the reporter led him to that statement.

According to Iwata, the reporter asked, "The next DS will need to have high resolution graphics and include a motion sensor, wouldn't you say?" to which he responded, "Those are naturally considered requirements. However, do you believe it will sell with just this?" All together now: It needs something new!

JoystiqIwata: Wii successor needs 'something new' beyond HD originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asahi-shimbunDSds2iwataNintendosatoru-iwataWiiwii-hdTue, 02 Feb 2010 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo planning to offer WiiWare demos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/nintendo-planning-to-offer-wiiware-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/nintendo-planning-to-offer-wiiware-demos/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/nintendo-planning-to-offer-wiiware-demos/#commentsDuring the recent investor Q&A session, Satoru Iwata announced plans to begin rolling out demos for a small selection of WiiWare games this month. He didn't say which region or regions would receive this service, so let's assume it's just Japan.

The pilot program is intended to bring more attention to the Wii Shop Channel, which, Iwata said, is currently only used by people who already know what they want. He expressed some doubt as to the effectiveness of demos as a promotional tool, but the (test) market will decide that!

There was no word on whether Nintendo would also try the controversial "advertising" method of promotion, wherein a company tells its customers about its games.

JoystiqNintendo planning to offer WiiWare demos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosiwatajapanNintendoWiiwiiwareTue, 03 Nov 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: DSi XL is a spectator system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/iwata-dsi-xl-is-a-spectator-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/iwata-dsi-xl-is-a-spectator-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/iwata-dsi-xl-is-a-spectator-system/#comments
The DSi LL (or XL) isn't just for the poorly sighted or hugely handed. In his financial results briefing, Satoru Iwata revealed another purpose for the jumbo system: playing with crowds. "Nintendo DSi LL features not only bigger monitor screens," Iwata said, "but an improved view angle on the screens to make it the first portable system that can be enjoyed with people surrounding the gamer."

He envisions the DSi XL as allowing for a "new play style where those who are surrounding the game player can also join in one way or the other to the game play." Tomodachi Collection, one of the best-selling DS games of the quarter in Japan, is named specifically as a game that already benefits from having friends nearby. "Because communications and interactions with other family members and your friends are one of the key elements of the game, the fun aspect is intensified when other people can watch how you play in comparison with when you are playing by yourself."

As a bonus, your friends can help you hold the system up.

JoystiqIwata: DSi XL is a spectator system originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsidsi-xlearningsiwataNintendonintendo-dsiFri, 30 Oct 2009 17:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Wii's 2009 lineup allowed the 'mood' to 'cool']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/iwata-wiis-2009-lineup-allowed-the-mood-to-cool/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/iwata-wiis-2009-lineup-allowed-the-mood-to-cool/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/iwata-wiis-2009-lineup-allowed-the-mood-to-cool/#commentsAt a press conference about Nintendo's earnings, president Satoru Iwata blamed a weak first-party Wii lineup in part for the decline in Wii sales, and for the corresponding decline in profits. "Wii is stalled," he said. "We didn't release good software continually, and let the good mood cool."

Siliconera gathered up Nintendo's Wii lineup to illustrate Iwata's point. The first half of 2009, the period described by Nintendo's earnings report, was largely anchored by New Play Control GameCube ports. The second half of the year saw major sellers like Wii Fit Plus accompanied by somewhat niche titles like Endless Ocean 2 and Sin and Punishment 2 -- not that we're complaining about those games! But with New Super Mario Bros.and continued sales of Wii Fit Plus and Wii Sports Resort, it should look better than the first half.

It's likely that not even Nintendo wanted to get in the way of Monster Hunter 3, which did turn out to be a big success -- and one that helped Nintendo achieve the level of hardware sales it did, thanks to a bundle. However, with that out in August, it didn't factor into the first-half results.

JoystiqIwata: Wii's 2009 lineup allowed the 'mood' to 'cool' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsiwatajapanmonster-hunter-3new-play-controlNintendosalesWiiFri, 30 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario used in original Punch-Out without Miyamoto's permission]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/mario-used-in-original-punch-out-without-miyamotos-permission/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/mario-used-in-original-punch-out-without-miyamotos-permission/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/mario-used-in-original-punch-out-without-miyamotos-permission/#comments
For fans of the NES' flagship pugilism sim Punch-Out!!!, the latest edition of Iwata Asks is chock-full of tidbits about the game that you probably didn't know. For instance, Nintendo Entertainment and Analysis Division's Makoto Wada reveals a long-hidden secret that makes fights against Bald Bull go much easier. Also, Glass Joe? He's got osteoporosis. Yeah, you should feel bad. Poor guy.

However, the most entertaining unearthed secret is the fact that Shigeru Miyamoto never signed off on the use of Mario as the game's mustachioed referree. In Miyamoto's own words, "we didn't have an approval system when using Mario images back then and it went right past my check." The interview transcript adds that he laughed after saying this, but we imagine at least one stink-eye was shot across the table.

[Via GameSetWatch]

JoystiqMario used in original Punch-Out without Miyamoto's permission originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bald-bulliwataiwata-asksmakoto-wadamarionedpunch-outsecretshigeru-miyamotosuper-marioSun, 09 Aug 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata continues to deny Wii price drop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/iwata-continues-to-deny-wii-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/iwata-continues-to-deny-wii-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/iwata-continues-to-deny-wii-price-drop/#commentsFollowing its quarterly financial report, Nintendo released an investor Q&A with president Satoru Iwata. It has yet to be released in English, but Andriasang translated a few key excerpts. Most notably, Iwata's continued denial of any plans for a Wii price drop. "At present, we're not thinking of doing anything with the price," he said. Not that he'd announce it beforehand. Iwata didn't mention it, but we suspect the black Wii will reinvigorate sales in Japan, even at the original price.

Iwata also admitted that last holiday's Wii lineup, specifically Wii Music and Animal Crossing: City Folk, didn't have the long-term sales Nintendo expects from its big titles. He has high hopes for this year's big three games: Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In fact, he expects all three of these to break ten million sold by March 2010, the end of Nintendo's fiscal year.

JoystiqIwata continues to deny Wii price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatanew-super-mario-bros-wiinintendoprice-cutprice-dropsatoru-iwatawiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortTue, 04 Aug 2009 09:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Nintendo passed on camera technology]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/iwata-nintendo-passed-on-camera-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/iwata-nintendo-passed-on-camera-technology/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/10/iwata-nintendo-passed-on-camera-technology/#commentsFor all the talk about Microsoft's Project Natal, one man isn't impressed -- in fact, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told the Financial Times that he's quite literally seen it before. Or, at least, he's seen motion-sensing cameras before.

Iwata told FT that Nintendo had previously experimented with camera-based motion sensing, but found better results with the accelerometers that became the basis of the Wii Remote. "Until they say when they're releasing it, how much it costs and what software it comes with," Iwata said, "we won't know whether that is the route we should have taken. However . . . I think they couldn't choose to release exactly the same thing."

Of course, it must be noted that pretty much everyone has seen motion-sensing cameras in games before, because Sony sold a lot of them starting in 2003. The idea isn't new, and thus it's not at all surprising that Nintendo has tried it. It's even less surprising that Iwata is psyching out Microsoft by downplaying the technology.

[Via Seattle PI]

JoystiqIwata: Nintendo passed on camera technology originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameraiwataNintendoproject-natalWiiWed, 10 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sold enough DS systems in Japan for one-fifth of the population]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/nintendo-sold-enough-ds-systems-in-japan-for-one-fifth-of-the-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/nintendo-sold-enough-ds-systems-in-japan-for-one-fifth-of-the-po/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/11/nintendo-sold-enough-ds-systems-in-japan-for-one-fifth-of-the-po/#commentsNintendo's strategy for the DSi has evolved from "one DS per household" to "one DS per person." This slide from Satoru Iwata's fiscal year 2008 financial results briefing demonstrates just how frighteningly close Nintendo has come to that goal in Japan.

According to the chart, 26.1million DS systems have been purchased in Japan, or 20.5% of the population of the country. That means that if each DS belonged to one person, one fifth of Japan would own a DS. Of course, each DS doesn't belong to one person -- people who bought DS Phats re-bought Lites and then DSis; and no doubt many people bought second systems for a new color scheme or a limited-edition, or to replace a broken system. Regardless, the DS has undeniably made its mark on Japanese society.

The US and Europe, on the other hand, have almost reached ten percent market penetration each. Just ten percent? That's merely outstanding -- what a disappointment for Nintendo.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNintendo sold enough DS systems in Japan for one-fifth of the population originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsiiwatajapanNintendonintendo-dsisalesMon, 11 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Wii Sports Resort out in Japan this June, overseas in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/iwata-wii-sports-resort-out-in-japan-this-june-overseas-in-jul/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/iwata-wii-sports-resort-out-in-japan-this-june-overseas-in-jul/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/iwata-wii-sports-resort-out-in-japan-this-june-overseas-in-jul/#commentsSatoru Iwata has announced both Japanese and Western release windows for Wii Sports Resort, and thus we can assume for the required MotionPlus peripheral as well. The sequel to the Wii launch title will be out in Japan this June, with an "overseas" release the following month, according to Reuters' account of statements made at a lunch meeting. No pricing was announced. The July release is completely in line with the rumored European date called "rumor and speculation" by NoE.

The Nintendo president named Wii Sports Resort as a measure to combat the Japanese Wii market's current slowdown (a situation he described as "the most unhealthy situation since its launch in Japan.") He denied that Nintendo would cut Wii prices in order to increase sales, saying, "If our products are not much different from competitors', price cuts would generate significant fresh demand. But video games are just not that kind of product."

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort

JoystiqIwata: Wii Sports Resort out in Japan this June, overseas in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualiwataminigamesmotionplusNintendoWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortThu, 09 Apr 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata Asks, Rhythm Heaven team charms]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/iwata-asks-rhythm-heaven-team-charms/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/iwata-asks-rhythm-heaven-team-charms/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/30/iwata-asks-rhythm-heaven-team-charms/#commentsNintendo's latest Iwata Asks interview puts the surprisingly small Rhythm Heaven team in the universally awkward position of being interviewed by their employer. The five-person team turns out to be every bit as quirky as the game.

Project lead Kazuyoshi Osawa, for example, said he "agonized" over the DS control scheme for about six months. Apparently, he wasn't exaggerating -- other team members noticed. "Yeah, he was in grueling agony for quite some time," said Kou Takeuchi. Osawa said that Masami Yone helps him cheer up by sending him pictures of kittens (an unauthorized use of company e-mail for which the two were semi-jokingly admonished by Iwata).

Oh, and there's also a lot of discussion of the Game Boy Advance, arcade, and DS games and their development, including details of producer Tsunku's involvement. But the adorable interaction between the team is the real draw here.

Gallery: Rhythm Heaven

JoystiqIwata Asks, Rhythm Heaven team charms originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwataiwata-asksrhythmrhythm-heavenMon, 30 Mar 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq live from Nintendo's GDC 2009 keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/joystiq-live-from-nintendos-gdc-2009-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/joystiq-live-from-nintendos-gdc-2009-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/joystiq-live-from-nintendos-gdc-2009-keynote/#comments
Relive every key moment, from bottom to top, just after the break!

Continue reading Joystiq live from Nintendo's GDC 2009 keynote

JoystiqJoystiq live from Nintendo's GDC 2009 keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 13:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgdcgdc-2009iwatakeynoteliveblogNintendoWiiwiiwareWed, 25 Mar 2009 13:16:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Nintendo updates Wii Shop Channel with 'SD Card Menu' [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-nintendo-updates-wii-shop-channel-with-sd-card-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-nintendo-updates-wii-shop-channel-with-sd-card-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/25/gdc09-nintendo-updates-wii-shop-channel-with-sd-card-channel/#comments

Click to check out our video walkthrough!

At his GDC 2009 keynote, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata will announce, Apple-style, that a Wii Shop Channel update will be available to all. We ran over to the Wii and began the agonizing update process to discover -- an "SD Card Menu" ...? Yes, it would seem that the vaunted "storage solution" has arrived.

"Welcome to the SD Card Menu! Here, you can launch channels saved on SD Cards by temporarily utilizing the Wii System Memory." CONFIRMED. That's right, launch from SD.

If your system memory is full, you still have to delete stuff, but there's now a streamlined, automated process to do that from this new SD Card Menu. It will even choose stuff for you, if you want.

Update: The new Wii system update also adds support for SDHC cards up to 32 GB -- that's alotta Virtual Console games folks!

JoystiqGDC09: Nintendo updates Wii Shop Channel with 'SD Card Menu' [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-2009iwatanintendosd-cardsd-card-menusdhcWiiwii-channelwii-menuwii-system-menu-4.0Wed, 25 Mar 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Sora hiring for non-Smash Bros. game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/project-sora-hiring-for-non-smash-bros-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/project-sora-hiring-for-non-smash-bros-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/project-sora-hiring-for-non-smash-bros-game/#commentsLast month, Nintendo announced the formation of Project Sora, a new studio created from the combination of Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai's Sora Ltd. and a pile of Nintendo's money. This week, the new company took out a full-page ad in Famitsu seeking new employees.

The ad reiterates that Sora is working on "something that Nintendo can't create by themselves." Nintendo president Satoru Iwata also has quotes in the ad, which provide one small detail: "I am asking for something special here, something that isn't Smash Bros.," Iwata says. While it's entirely possible Sora or another studio is also working on another Smash Bros. title, the mysterious game that the developer is focusing on right now is something else. We don't even know which system it will involve!

JoystiqProject Sora hiring for non-Smash Bros. game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatamasahiro-sakurainintendoproject-sorasmash-bros-brawlsoraWed, 18 Mar 2009 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DS sells 100 million units worldwide [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/ds-sells-100-million-units-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/ds-sells-100-million-units-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/11/ds-sells-100-million-units-worldwide/#commentsAs of the end of last year, the Nintendo DS had sold 96.22 million units around the world. Since it continues to sell, it should be no surprise, then, that the handheld has now achieved the ginormous 100 million milestone. According to a press release sent out today by Nintendo, the 100 millionth DS system was sold on March 6. Did you buy a DS on March 6? You could have a piece of history! And you'll never know.

The worldwide DSi launch next month should only speed the rate of sales for the handheld. That number is only going to get crazier. It seems likely to pass the PlayStation's 102 million this year, on the way to overtaking the Game Boy/Color's 118 million!

Update: after the break, a graph of worldwide DS sales, sent along with Nintendo of America's press release about the milestone.

Continue reading DS sells 100 million units worldwide [update]

JoystiqDS sells 100 million units worldwide [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Mar 2009 12:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSiwataNintendosalesWed, 11 Mar 2009 12:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: DSi not competing with cell phones, iPod]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/iwata-dsi-not-competing-with-cell-phones-ipod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/iwata-dsi-not-competing-with-cell-phones-ipod/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/01/iwata-dsi-not-competing-with-cell-phones-ipod/#commentsFiled under:


Though the DSi's inclusion of music playback functionality and a digital camera may make it seem like Nintendo is attempting to compete with other multimedia devices (particularly ones whose brand names begin with a lowercase 'i'), this really isn't the case. At least, that's the sentiment of Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, who recently talked up the re-redesigned handheld in the latest installment of "Iwata Asks."

Reaffirming a similar statement made around the announcement of the DSi, Iwata said Nintendo "doesn't have any intention of directly competing with existing products" such as cell phones or iPods, adding that the media has a tendency to make up inter-corporate rivalries that don't really exist (Panasonic vs. Atari! More at 11!). Sounds like Nintendo, the undeniable big fish in the small pond of handheld gaming, is hesitant to enter the vast, lucrative ocean of multimedia gadgetry.

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqIwata: DSi not competing with cell phones, iPod originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 01 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSdsiipodiwataNintendoSun, 01 Mar 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo: Wii Music needs to 'clear the hurdle']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nintendo-wii-music-needs-to-clear-the-hurdle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nintendo-wii-music-needs-to-clear-the-hurdle/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/07/nintendo-wii-music-needs-to-clear-the-hurdle/#comments
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has no problem admitting Wii Music didn't live up to the company's expectations, but he doesn't want you to consider it a failure, either. During a recent Q&A session, he spoke about the company's hopes regarding Wii Music, as well as the difficulty Nintendo has had with consumer reception.

"There are people who highly appreciate it and those who do not appreciate it at all," Iwata said, adding that perceptions can be changed. It's all about word of mouth to him, as he said, "A cycle is born where people who have hands-on experience can immediately understand its appeal, easily explain the positive experience they had to those around them, who then spread that information to the others." That works, unless you're a blog who pretty unanimously hated it and told everyone how you felt.

With Wii Music, the company was never able to achieve this "positive cycle," and Iwata says Nintendo now needs to "reevaluate" why it hasn't been able to "clear that hurdle." Nintendo, here's a protip from us: Emphasize that it has a dog suit and beatboxing. You might sell a few extra copies if you push that.

JoystiqNintendo: Wii Music needs to 'clear the hurdle' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatamusicnintendorhythmsatoru-iwataWiiwii-musicSat, 07 Feb 2009 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: new Western Touch Generations games, Wii SD update still on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/iwata-new-western-touch-generations-games-wii-sd-update-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/iwata-new-western-touch-generations-games-wii-sd-update-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/05/iwata-new-western-touch-generations-games-wii-sd-update-still/#commentsFiled under:

Following last week's Nintendo financial report, the company has just posted a translation of the investor Q&A session with president Satoru Iwata. Iwata had plenty to say -- there is a very high ratio of A to Q.

Talking about the downward revision of sales forecasts, Iwata classified the Japanese market as "?the least robust market in the world today with regard to home console systems," due in part to an "an overall lifestyle shift where many forms of entertainment are enjoyed while on the go or during spare time."

Moving on to the worldwide market, Iwata expressed an interest in developing new products to appeal more to Western interests. He revealed that Nintendo is "working on U.S. and Europe-originated Touch Generations products, which may have a smaller demand in Japan than overseas." "One or two" of these new games will be out this year. He also revealed that the hit Wagamama Fashion Girls Mode would be released internationally.

Iwata confirmed that the DSi will not sell for the same price as the DS Lite in America and Europe, citing "current foreign currency exchange rates." He did not identify specific prices.

The SD storage update, which allows downloaded content to be saved directly to SD, is still on the way in the spring, but Iwata did not date it. He said that the program Nintendo announced for Japan, offering 500 Wii Points to customers who help friends take their Wiis online, would start concurrently with this update.

JoystiqIwata: new Western Touch Generations games, Wii SD update still on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>financial-reportgirls-modeiwatatouch-generationsThu, 05 Feb 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Total DS install base could reach 152.2 million units]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/iwata-ds-total-install-base-could-reach-152-2-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/iwata-ds-total-install-base-could-reach-152-2-million-units/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/31/iwata-ds-total-install-base-could-reach-152-2-million-units/#commentsFiled under: ,


If the standard laws of the five-year console cycle apply to Nintendo's money-printing handheld, then said laws would dictate that the lifespan of the Nintendo DS (in its many, many forms) is nearing its end. The system's current install base of 84.1 million across the U.S., Japan and Europe is hardly anything to scoff at, and would certainly earn the device some form of lifetime achievement award at its retirement gala -- but according to Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata, the DS will break the standard five-year cycle, and further expand its install base in the years to come.

Iwata claims that should interest in the DS expand in the U.S. and Europe as it did in Japan (where nearly one in every five people currently tote the handheld), the system's install base will nearly double -- his estimate for the handheld's final tally is a nice, round 152.2 million units. That's ... a pretty specific number. We're not usually one for conspiracy theories, but we're wondering if that estimate isn't, you know, time machine-assisted.

JoystiqIwata: Total DS install base could reach 152.2 million units originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSinstall-baseiwataNintendoSat, 31 Jan 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Satoru Iwata to deliver GDC 2009 keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/satoru-iwata-to-deliver-gdc-2009-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/satoru-iwata-to-deliver-gdc-2009-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/27/satoru-iwata-to-deliver-gdc-2009-keynote/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata will be putting his oratorical skills to the test, delivering a keynote entitled "Discovering New Development Opportunities" at this year's Game Developers Conference. There are no other details provided, and trying to discern any surprise announcements based on that speech title is pretty much a fruitless endeavor.

Iwata last gave a GDC keynote in 2006, when he showed Brain Age and Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass. Company man Miyamoto gave the 2007 speech and revealed ... the Everybody Votes Channel. As for last year, the House of Mario's presence was limited to a handful of sessions. Get your bingo cards ready, Iwata's keynote is set for Monday, March 25 at 9 a.m. PST (that's noon, Joystiq Standard Time).

JoystiqSatoru Iwata to deliver GDC 2009 keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2009iwatanintendosatoru-iwataWiiTue, 27 Jan 2009 13:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata still sees vast market for current DS hardware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/iwata-still-sees-vast-market-for-current-ds-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/iwata-still-sees-vast-market-for-current-ds-hardware/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/09/iwata-still-sees-vast-market-for-current-ds-hardware/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has dispelled rumblings that the global games market has become over saturated with the DS Lite, hence the roll-out of the DSi. In an interview with Japanese paper Daily Yumiuri, Iwata pointed out that, for example, only 18% of people in Japan own a DS.

"Some say the market for the DS is saturated, but I disagree. In Japan, a country with a population of 127 million, we've sold 23 million DS units," he told the paper. "The United States is inhabited by over 300 million people, and there are more than 490 million people in the European Union. Sales of the product could grow further in foreign countries considering their populations." That's a big blue ocean.

So then, DS won't die until every last man, woman, and child on Earth owns one. Or something like that. Oh, and a DSi. Iwata's dream is of a world where "each family member will have his or her own DSi with their favorite software installed." That's a big dream.

[Via Edge Online]

JoystiqIwata still sees vast market for current DS hardware originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Jan 2009 16:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsiiwatanintendosatoru-iwataFri, 09 Jan 2009 16:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii serious business during Thanksgiving week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/wii-serious-business-during-thanksgiving-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/wii-serious-business-during-thanksgiving-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/08/wii-serious-business-during-thanksgiving-week/#commentsFiled under:

Behold what the Wii can do when it's actually available to shoppers. During last year's Thanksgiving holiday week, the console shifted 350,000 units in the U.S., even though shortages were pretty major at the time. With more Wiis in stores this year, that number jumped to 800,000. In a single freakin' week. To put that in perspective, Nintendo sold 803,000 Wiis in the whole of October. Italics. Yikes.

Satoru Iwata broke the happy news in an interview with Reuters, adding that "When the economy is strong, people tend to buy three things from the top of their wishlist. But when things are bad, people often buy only the first thing on their list. Fortunately for us a lot of shoppers put our products at the top of their list." That's a pretty sizeable "nyah!" to the competition.

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqWii serious business during Thanksgiving week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Dec 2008 18:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridaybusinessiwatamoneysalessalesfiguresthanksgivingMon, 08 Dec 2008 18:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Say What?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/top-5-say-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/top-5-say-what/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/top-5-say-what/#commentsFiled under:


Ahh, the quote. Whether used to end an essay or defame a political opponent, the quote is a very versatile tool. Particularly in the era of blogging, every word that escapes a well-known figure's mouth has the potential to be immediately flung back at them. It's quite scary to look back on conversations I've had and consider the possibility of quotes of mine being used to define my character as a whole.

In fact, judgement of character based on a quote can even usurp the validity of the quote itself. Conventional wisdom asserts that singer Lauryn Hill once made a statement to the effect of "I'd rather have my children starve than have a white person buy my album." While this is simply not true, the false statement has been cited by those who would define Hill as a racist. Even Eminem supported the fallacy in a song whose title I won't mention.

Being over a century old, Nintendo is bound to have a few interesting quotes attributed to them. Coupled with a philosophy that is undoubtedly unique and perhaps offbeat, the Big N is not lacking in the department of ear-catching statements. Two weeks ago, I made a Top 5 in which I tried to downplay any tension between Nintendo and its fans. This week, I'm providing cheap ammunition. Enjoy.


The Top 5 is a weekly feature that provides us with a forum to share our opinions on various aspects of the video game culture, and provides you with a forum to tell us how wrong we are. To further voice your opinions, submit a vote in the Wii Fanboy Poll, and take part in the daily discussions of Wii Warm Up.

JoystiqTop 5: Say What? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>donkey-kongdonkey-kong-countryiwatajoystiqfeaturesnintendoquotequotesreggiereggie-fils-aimesatoru-iwatatop-5yamauchiMon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata asks Development Folk about Animal Crossing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/iwata-asks-development-folk-about-animal-crossing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/iwata-asks-development-folk-about-animal-crossing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/iwata-asks-development-folk-about-animal-crossing/#commentsFiled under:


"Iwata Asks" articles are almost as old as the Wii itself, coinciding as they do with any notable first-party release, and the latest round of questioning stars four of the Animal Crossing: City Folk team: Aya Kyougoku (who forgot to wear her regulation beige Nintendo jacket for this), Ryuji Kobayashi, Isao Moro and Kou Nogami (not pictured here).

Most of the discussion focuses on fairly obscure minutiae. So Nogami discusses how WiiConnect24 allows for the exchange of village data without you knowing it, which means people can visit a friend's village while their Wii is off, as can NPCs from other villages, who may then spread rumors from their hometown. The team estimates the game's appeal becomes "two or three times" as great when played online, a statement we look forward to testing.

We're also told that City Folk will let players create "trails" on the landscape. Apparently, the ground in your village consists of a top layer of grass which slowly wears thin the more you walk on it. A little grass grows back at the end of each day, but if you walk over a certain area enough (say, from your house to Tom Nook's), a trail will begin to form. Kobayashi says that it takes about a fortnight before a faint path becomes visible, and Moro adds that a clear trail will have appeared after two months, but that grass grows back more speedily if surrounded by grass and trees. Nifty!

[Via andriasang.com]

JoystiqIwata asks Development Folk about Animal Crossing originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkiwataiwata-askssatoru-iwataFri, 14 Nov 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No kidding: Iwata doesn't like price drops]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/no-kidding-iwata-doesnt-like-price-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/no-kidding-iwata-doesnt-like-price-drops/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/04/no-kidding-iwata-doesnt-like-price-drops/#commentsFiled under:

It's one of the game industry's strangest quirks: as any console ages, it becomes both more worthy (as it gains a wider library of games) and cheaper. But not the Wii, by the sounds of it. In case you still didn't know after two years of Nintendo hardware holding its price, Nintendo overlord Satoru Iwata doesn't like price drops. Cutting prices, argues Iwata, is the same as telling potential customers to wait and save some cash, something he "always thought was a mistake."

It's nothing to do with money, though, oh no. It's about treating consumers equally and fairly. Further on in the interview, Iwata explains that early adopters shouldn't feel like they've bought something at a loss. There's definitely a PS3 joke to be cracked here, but we ain't going there.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqNo kidding: Iwata doesn't like price drops originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Nov 2008 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessiwataprice-dropsatoru-iwataTue, 04 Nov 2008 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[New Art Style, WarioWare on DSiWare shop starting December, plus first look at Made in Ore]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/new-art-style-warioware-on-dsiware-shop-starting-december-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/new-art-style-warioware-on-dsiware-shop-starting-december-plus/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/31/new-art-style-warioware-on-dsiware-shop-starting-december-plus/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nintendo buried some awesome news in the slides for their financial briefing today. With just one day until the Japanese launch of the DSi, we finally get a brief look at some upcoming downloadable DSiWare software.

Nintendo plans to release six Art Style puzzle games on the service, for 500 points each. Of the four games shown in screens, all are brand new. One features a flat surface being folded into cubes, one looks like sort of a flat Rubik's Cube, one features a little guy walking around and specifying where to drop cubes, and one features three columns of colored blocks that the player shifts around.

A brand new WarioWare will be available from the shop at launch for 500 Points. Utsusu! Made in Wario (Take a Picture! Made in Wario, basically) uses the camera to involve your pictures (and your live motions!) in microgames.

In addition to Utsutsu!, minigames from previous WarioWare titles, like Paper Plane, will be available as separate downloads from the DSi Shop for 200 Points each. Also on the way: a Japanese train line map and guide software.

It's not a DSiWare game, but Iwata also showed off a bit of Made in Ore, (at about 44 minutes), which is a full-on WarioWare microgame creation utility! You can draw sprites, create music, and even design the logic of the in-game elements, saving your microgames to virtual Famicom cartridges. There will even be a WiiWare game, Asobu! Made in Ore (Play! Made in Me), that allows you to upload your games to the Wii and play them with friends! Allow us to be absolutely clear: this is the greatest event in human history.

To see the DSiWare stuff, scroll to the "DSiWare" slide (using the second button) and start the video (third button) to look at the footage for yourself, or head to Vooks for a series of screen captures!

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqNew Art Style, WarioWare on DSiWare shop starting December, plus first look at Made in Ore originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-styledsidsiwaredswareiwatamade-in-orenintendo-dsiwariowareFri, 31 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata and staff discuss Nintendo DSi development, rumors of SDHC support abound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/iwata-and-staff-discuss-nintendo-dsi-development-rumors-of-sdhc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/iwata-and-staff-discuss-nintendo-dsi-development-rumors-of-sdhc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/iwata-and-staff-discuss-nintendo-dsi-development-rumors-of-sdhc/#commentsFiled under: ,


The latest entry in the "Iwata Asks" series has returned with an up-close look at the Nintendo DSi. For this exercise, Iwata carefully prepared a pot of green tea (possibly), sat down with three chaps from Nintendo's technology division (definitely), Yui Ehara, Kentaro Santa, and Masato Kawabara, and then talked some DSi.

As usual, all sorts of interesting nuggets get dropped. Apparently, a new DS was discussed in late-2006 (just a few months after the DS Lite launched!), the chipset was basically completed by February 2007, and for quite some time the DSi was going to have one rotating camera, and two cartridge slots. As it happens, Iwata was concerned that a rotating device would break easily, and believed the extra cartridge slot made the DSi too big, so both got the chop.

There was also some brief discussion of the DSi supporting SD cards. Supposedly, it was Shigeru Miyamoto himself who requested this feature, promising that he'd find a way to utilize it. In related news, a DSi spec sheet has appeared at NeoGAF with the SDHC logo on it, suggesting the new handheld supports the extended SD format. The DSi may only be two days away, but there's clearly plenty we're still not aware of!

Source: Iwata asks!
Source: Spec sheet hints!


[Via Tiny Cartridge]

JoystiqIwata and staff discuss Nintendo DSi development, rumors of SDHC support abound originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsiiwataiwata-asksmiyamotonintendo-dsisdsdhcshigeru-miyamotoThu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: What's 'very affordable' for you?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/wii-warm-up-whats-very-affordable-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/wii-warm-up-whats-very-affordable-for-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/wii-warm-up-whats-very-affordable-for-you/#commentsFiled under:


Iwata's interview yesterday definitely sparked some debate within our little community here, but it would seem a lot of you didn't exactly chime in with your own thoughts on 'very affordable.' So, what price point would you like to see Wii MotionPlus set at? Is $20 a sweet spot? Would you mind paying as much as $30? Weigh in!

JoystiqWii Warm Up: What's 'very affordable' for you? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesaccessoryiwatamotionplussatoru-iwatawii-motionpluswii-remotewiimoteTue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MotionPlus to be 'very affordable,' Wii add-ons curtailed for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/motionplus-to-be-very-affordable-wii-add-ons-curtailed-for-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/motionplus-to-be-very-affordable-wii-add-ons-curtailed-for-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/motionplus-to-be-very-affordable-wii-add-ons-curtailed-for-no/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Wii has long been heralded as the cheapest console out there, but that claim soon weakens if you want to own every add-on that is available for the platform. Nintendo seems to recognize that Wii ownership is getting increasingly pricey, and now company bossman Satoru Iwata has said: no more add-ons!

Okay, so he didn't quite make that promise. But Iwata has told the Wall Street Journal that "most of the ideas for accessories that we had initially come up with are out now." If you can hear sighing, that'll be our wallets, though don't get comfy right away: Iwata has warned that Nintendo might think up more, presumably once the company's bank balance has dipped below the danger level of one trillion-gazillion* dollars.

Iwata also confirmed that Nintendo would try and make the Wii MotionPlus "very affordable," an attainable goal considering that the add-on is apparently cheap to make. There will also be games that can only be played with a MotionPlus plugged in -- beginning, we'd assume, with Wii Sports Resort.

* Possibly not a real number.


[Via Edge; thanks, supa_s!]

JoystiqMotionPlus to be 'very affordable,' Wii add-ons curtailed for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatasatoru-iwatawii-motionpluswii-speakwii-sports-resortMon, 04 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Nintendo may slow down the new peripheral parade]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/iwata-nintendo-may-slow-down-the-new-peripheral-parade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/iwata-nintendo-may-slow-down-the-new-peripheral-parade/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/iwata-nintendo-may-slow-down-the-new-peripheral-parade/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo president Satoru Iwata recently had a little chit-chat with the Wall Street Journal, letting it know that his company's plethora of purchasable peripherals polluting shelves could possibly slow down. The WSJ points out that Nintendo recently unveiled the Wii Motion Plus and Wii Speak to go with its other pieces of plastic, ready to fill a landfill near you, like Wii Fit, Wii Zapper and the Wii Wheel. Iwata states that the accessories the company originally had planned for the Wii are all out now, but that doesn't mean it's going to stop ... it just currently doesn't have plans to release many more.

Iwata also covers some other items briefly, saying that the company plans to offer the Wii Motion Plus "for as little as possible." Considering it'll be necessary for games like Wii Sports Resort and the absurd amount of money the company is currently making, that seems like a reasonable thing to do.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqIwata: Nintendo may slow down the new peripheral parade originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatanintendoperipheralsWiiMon, 04 Aug 2008 12:15:00 EST