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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Smash Bros, 3D Mario, Mario Kart in pre-E3 Nintendo Direct]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/smash-bros-3d-mario-mario-kart-in-pre-e3-nintendo-direct/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/smash-bros-3d-mario-mario-kart-in-pre-e3-nintendo-direct/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/smash-bros-3d-mario-mario-kart-in-pre-e3-nintendo-direct/#comments In lieu of an E3 press conference, Nintendo is going to present a Nintendo Direct before E3, showcasing the "new Smash Bros., 3D Mario game, Mario Kart and other Wii U titles."

The company previously announced that all three games would be playable at E3. This means for those not attending the show, the games may be playable at Nintendo's special Best Buy E3 demo extravaganza (note: fullness of "extravaganza" is TBD).

The most recent Nintendo Direct held last week covered the company's summer plans and Hedgehog snuggles.

JoystiqSmash Bros, 3D Mario, Mario Kart in pre-E3 Nintendo Direct originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-3dmario-kartnintendosuper-smash-broswii-uMon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mario 3D and Mario Kart announced, playable at E3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-mario-3d-and-mario-kart-announced-playable-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-mario-3d-and-mario-kart-announced-playable-at-e3/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/new-mario-3d-and-mario-kart-announced-playable-at-e3/#comments During today's Nintendo Direct, company president Satoru Iwata announced that the team behind 3D Mario is working on a new installment for Wii U. A new Mario Kart is also en route to the platform.

The games will be playable at this year's E3, during which we'll learn whether they'll be in homes by the holidays.

JoystiqNew Mario 3D and Mario Kart announced, playable at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-3dmario-kartnintendonintendo-directnintendo-eadwii-uWed, 23 Jan 2013 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Mole Kart is the iOS Mario Kart rip-off you never wanted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/mole-kart-is-the-ios-mario-kart-rip-off-you-never-wanted/#comments
It's not the first blatant rip-off to appear on the App Store by any stretch, but it might be one of the most obnoxious. Mole Kart is the quintessential Mario Kart clone, copying key gameplay mechanics, power-ups and even track designs from Nintendo's classic rubber-band racer. To top it off, it has fewer memorable characters and, based on the video above, what looks to be some way janky steering.

The game is currently available for $2.99 on the App Store and is compatible with both the iPhone/iPod Touch and iPad, granted they're running iOS 4.1 or later. Also, you'll need a high tolerance for cartoon moles because this game is totally full of them.

JoystiqMole Kart is the iOS Mario Kart rip-off you never wanted originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsiosipadiphonemario-kartmario-kart-7mobilemole-kartnintendorip-offwiiwii-uThu, 12 Jan 2012 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart 7 review: An exercise in fun/frustration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/mario-kart-7-review/#comments Mario Kart 7 is, as its predecessors always have been, an exceedingly hateful game. Three laps' worth of perfect corner negotiation, aggressive drafting and creating enough sparks to manufacture a small sun can be overturned instantly, sometimes in sight of the finish line. Who am I kidding? It is always in sight of the finish line, and it's always Toad, an innocuous-looking bastard who's caused me to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory more times than I could ever hope to count. (Estimated guess, though: A hundred billion.)

Frustrating though they may be, those turnabouts are how the franchise skirts around recurring poxes of the racing genre. Last place racers get far more potent weaponry than the pace cars -- not rubber-banding in the traditional sense, but the result's the same. Mario Kart 7's changes and additions are few in number, but they're rich in the refinement of that concept. More than ever, it's a game about getting screwed over without getting too angry about it, a pair of goals it achieves with panache.

Gallery: Mario Kart 7 (10/6/11)

Continue reading Mario Kart 7 review: An exercise in fun/frustration

JoystiqMario Kart 7 review: An exercise in fun/frustration originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsmario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoretroretro-studiosTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo and West Coast Customs bring Mario Karts to life]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/nintendo-and-west-coast-customs-bring-mario-karts-to-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/nintendo-and-west-coast-customs-bring-mario-karts-to-life/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/nintendo-and-west-coast-customs-bring-mario-karts-to-life/#comments
Normally, Mario's Kart is just a bit of virtual video game magic, confined to a world where turtle shells fly and banana peels litter racetracks. But Nintendo has joined forces with auto shop West Coast Customs to produce two real life Mario Karts, currently on display at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both Mario's main ride, above, and Luigi's Bumble V kart were made, and both are equipped with front-wheel drive, 18-inch wheels in the back, and a propeller add-on for traveling through water.

Unfortunately, that propeller doesn't really work underwater (so says the press release), but the karts really do move. Their construction will be spotlighted in an upcoming episode of West Coast Customs' reality TV show. You can see more shots of the karts over on the company's site (including one of Reggie Fils-Aime himself driving).

Continue reading Nintendo and West Coast Customs bring Mario Karts to life

JoystiqNintendo and West Coast Customs bring Mario Karts to life originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsautocustom-madego-kartsmario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendopromotionreggie-fils-aimewest-coast-customswiiThu, 17 Nov 2011 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart 7's impressive commitment to community]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/mario-kart-7s-impressive-commitment-to-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/mario-kart-7s-impressive-commitment-to-community/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/15/mario-kart-7s-impressive-commitment-to-community/#comments When it comes to Mario Kart, you can always count on two things. The first: an overabundance of "Nintendo Fairness," wherein race-leaders endure firestorms of powerful item attacks, while lagging competitors are showered with said items -- and brandish them with reckless abandon. This inexorably results in an embattled first-place spot, and guarantees even the least-competent players a decent shot at claiming a last-second lead.

The 3D-powered Mario Kart 7 thankfully dials this down a bit from the artificial-fairness excess last seen in Mario Kart Wii, but damn, is it ever annoying. I've learned to live with this, though.

Gallery: Mario Kart 7 (10/6/11)

Continue reading Mario Kart 7's impressive commitment to community

JoystiqMario Kart 7's impressive commitment to community originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariomario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoTue, 15 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Mario Kart bundle drops to $134 on Walmart.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/wii-mario-kart-bundle-drops-to-134-00-on-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/wii-mario-kart-bundle-drops-to-134-00-on-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/wii-mario-kart-bundle-drops-to-134-00-on-walmart-com/#comments If you've just gotta get those blue sparks, but also have to maintain your personal fiscal responsibility during these tough and uncertain economic times, Walmart.com has made your internal struggle between green-backs and green shells a little easier to reconcile by dropping both black and white Wii Mario Kart bundles to $134.00.

Other online storefronts such as Best Buy and Target still have the bundle listed for $149.99, so this appears to be a Walmart-thing, rather than a Nintendo-thing. It will be interesting to see if other retailers follow suit, or if Nintendo will drop the price themselves ahead of the Wii U's launch, which would render Walmart's 15 dollar discount irrelevant. Either way, Walmart certainly seems determined to move some Nintendo merchandise out the door.

[Thanks, Phil!]

JoystiqWii Mario Kart bundle drops to $134 on Walmart.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyblue-sparksbundlemario-kartMario-Kart-Wiinintendoprice-droptargetwalmartwiiwii-bundlewii-uSun, 07 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo's 'goal' for Mario Kart 3D: eight-player online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/nintendos-goal-for-mario-kart-3d-eight-player-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/nintendos-goal-for-mario-kart-3d-eight-player-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/nintendos-goal-for-mario-kart-3d-eight-player-online/#comments Mario Kart 3D has more improvements in store than just hanggliders bolted to the backs of all the cars. It currently features eight-player local wireless racing, and, if everything goes as planned, it'll feature eight-player online as well.

Joystiq asked Mario Kart 3D producer Hideki Konno if the kart racer would feature online play, and he responded "Of course!" Though the current online configuration isn't quite set, "our goal right now is to have the same number of players for both local wireless and multiplayer over wi-fi." The bottleneck at the moment is making sure the game can handle smooth 60FPS frame rate with eight players in both online and offline, 2D and 3D.

JoystiqNintendo's 'goal' for Mario Kart 3D: eight-player online originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011hideki-konnomario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7onlineFri, 10 Jun 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart 3DS preview: By land, by sea, by air]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/mario-kart-3ds-preview-by-land-by-sea-by-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/mario-kart-3ds-preview-by-land-by-sea-by-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/mario-kart-3ds-preview-by-land-by-sea-by-air/#comments The highlight moment of my time with Mario Kart 3DS didn't involve blue sparks, bananas or any sort of weaponized carapace; though, naturally, all of those elements make a reappearance in the colorful racer. The key moment was the first time I hit a rather innocuous-looking ramp and, once airborne, produced a hang glider from my vehicle's undercarriage.

It wasn't a particularly surprising moment -- your car's new utilities were revealed in the trailer showed during Nintendo's E3 press conference -- but it was certainly an interesting one. The new aerial and underwater portions of each track aren't just fresh new obstacles for you to dodge using the series' tried-and-true system of drifting, boosting and item-firing. They represent challenges for you to navigate using entirely new methods of control.

Gallery: Mario Kart 3D (E3 2011)

Continue reading Mario Kart 3DS preview: By land, by sea, by air

JoystiqMario Kart 3DS preview: By land, by sea, by air originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsmario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7mario-kart-dsnintendonintendo-eadretro-studiosFri, 10 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Retro Studios assisting with Mario Kart 3DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/retro-studios-assisting-with-mario-kart-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/retro-studios-assisting-with-mario-kart-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/retro-studios-assisting-with-mario-kart-3ds/#comments During the annual Nintendo developer roundtable, Shigeru Miyamoto casually let it drop that Metroid Prime/Donkey Kong Country Returns developer Retro Studio is helping Nintendo out with the 3DS Mario Kart game -- which, incidentally, runs at 60 frames per second.

According to Miyamoto, Retro is collaborating on tracks, among other things. And then he joked that he wanted to call it "Super Mario Kite" because of the gliding vehicles.

JoystiqRetro Studios assisting with Mario Kart 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3-2011mario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoretro-studiosTue, 07 Jun 2011 21:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart coming to the 3DS this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mario-kart-coming-to-the-3ds-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mario-kart-coming-to-the-3ds-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/mario-kart-coming-to-the-3ds-this-holiday/#comments Nintendo has just announced a 3DS version of Mario's racing series, this time just called Mario Kart. All of the familiar characters are apparently on board, and the game will apparently feature customizable cars (with different types of wheels and other parts), as well as underwater driving sections and even hang gliding attachments on certain parts of the tracks.

Mario Kart is set for a release sometime this holiday season. Stay tuned -- Nintendo says the game will be playable on the E3 show floor this week.

Gallery: Mario Kart 3D (E3 2011)

JoystiqMario Kart coming to the 3DS this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dse3e3-2011mario-kartmario-kart-3dsmario-kart-7nintendoTue, 07 Jun 2011 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: Nintendo to plan first-party game launches around third-party publishers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/iwata-nintendo-to-plan-first-party-game-launches-around-third-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/iwata-nintendo-to-plan-first-party-game-launches-around-third-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/02/iwata-nintendo-to-plan-first-party-game-launches-around-third-p/#comments Nintendo clearly understands the importance of the international economy's fragile supply and demand formula, as evidenced in statements made during a recent investor call. Italian plumbers and pocket monsters are, in the case of Nintendo games, highly sought after properties that are somewhat constrained in supply. The result of this, of course, is high demand for Nintendo's games -- such high demand, in most cases, that third-party game sales on Nintendo's consoles are outstripped by first-party.

Nintendo, however, hopes to appear mindful of stepping on toes. When asked about potential release dates for 3DS versions of Super Mario and Mario Kart, Nintendo head Satoru Iwata noted, "We want the other companies to be successful." He continued, "In order to accomplish this goal, we would like to decide on the dates after we know the release plans of other companies' games so that we are able to consider how we can maximize the sales of our titles without affecting the sales of other companies in the short term."

It's also possible that Iwata is just blowing smoke to avoid answering specific questions about release dates for major franchises, though our mothers always told us not to expect the worst in people.

JoystiqIwata: Nintendo to plan first-party game launches around third-party publishers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfirst-partymario-kartnintendonintendo-of-japansatoru-iwatasuper-mariothird-partywiiMon, 02 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Real-life Mario Kart prankster returns to the track]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/real-life-mario-kart-prankster-returns-to-the-track/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/real-life-mario-kart-prankster-returns-to-the-track/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/12/real-life-mario-kart-prankster-returns-to-the-track/#comments French prankster Rémi Gaillard is back to play some more real-life Mario Kart, and he's just as fearless as ever, throwing bananas and turtle shells at cars while zipping around dressed up like the world's favorite plumber. The sound effects really sell this one -- next time you get pulled over by a cop, try Mario's "wooahhohhohhoohhh" on for size. It fits perfectly. After all, as the quote at the end of the video says, "by doing anything, you can become anybody." Why not Mario?

Plus, you get to see why Mario gets those bananas from crates as he goes by, and not straight from the grocery store. Check the whole video after the break.

Continue reading Real-life Mario Kart prankster returns to the track

JoystiqReal-life Mario Kart prankster returns to the track originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsfrenchfunnymariomario-kartnintendoparodyprankremi-gaillardwiiSat, 12 Feb 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive Mario collection will make your inner 5-year-old jealous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/massive-mario-collection-will-make-your-inner-5-year-old-jealous/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/massive-mario-collection-will-make-your-inner-5-year-old-jealous/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/massive-mario-collection-will-make-your-inner-5-year-old-jealous/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember when you were 5, and you went to McDonald's one day with your parents and they got you the Happy Meal with the windup Luigi toy in it? Remember how ecstatic you were that you had a real version of Mario's bro in a plastic bag along with your cheeseburger and fries, and remember how you went home and played with it all day until it stopped winding and you completely forgot about it until you had to clean out your desk drawer for college?

Well, 11-year-old Oscar Bown has that times a thousand. The kid's collected over 1,000 bits and pieces of Mario-related paraphernalia, and you can see most of them in a video after the break. He's got everything, from Mario Monopoly to Mario band-aids to pretty much every single vehicle toy from Mario Kart. Just saying: Whenever he eventually leaves for college, that desk drawer is going to be pretty full.

Continue reading Massive Mario collection will make your inner 5-year-old jealous

JoystiqMassive Mario collection will make your inner 5-year-old jealous originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectiblescollectiondsmariomario-kartnintendooscar-bownsuper-marioSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiWed, 01 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart symbols appear on bike lanes in Portland, Ore.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/mario-kart-symbols-appear-on-bike-lanes-in-portland-ore/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/mario-kart-symbols-appear-on-bike-lanes-in-portland-ore/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/mario-kart-symbols-appear-on-bike-lanes-in-portland-ore/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Some wily vandal in Portland, Oregon has painted Mario Kart symbols into the pavement there on one of the city's bike lanes. You can see them in action in this video (also embedded after the break). Unfortunately, the bananas, star and speed arrows don't actually confer the same powers they do in the game, but we did smirk to see that all of the bikers do faithfully avoid the banana peel, and hit the rest of the symbols head on.

You can even wring some unintentional hilarity from the dry-as-a-Dry Bones explanation of what each powerup does by the KATU anchor. That's right, Carl Click! You might have read that script just fine, but admit it: You don't know a Red Shell from a Blooper.

Continue reading Mario Kart symbols appear on bike lanes in Portland, Ore.

JoystiqMario Kart symbols appear on bike lanes in Portland, Ore. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banana-peelblooperdry-bonesdsfunnyhumormario-kartMario-Kart-Wiinintendooregonportlandred-shellsymbolswiiTue, 24 Aug 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tomy Mario Kart RC cars use power-ups, blow our minds]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/tomy-mario-kart-rc-cars-use-power-ups-blow-our-minds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/tomy-mario-kart-rc-cars-use-power-ups-blow-our-minds/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/tomy-mario-kart-rc-cars-use-power-ups-blow-our-minds/#comments Well, science, you've really done it this time. We've had to tighten our belts to notches unknown in light of these tough economic times, but we won't be able to resist importing Tomy's Japanese line of Mario Kart remote-controlled cars. Now, this isn't exactly a brand new idea, but Tomy's toys don't just drive around -- they also use power-ups and shoot virtual shells and bananas at one another.

Racers get periodic power-ups, which appear on an LED display on the controller. Each car comes equipped with infrared sensors capable of detecting when they've been hit with a weapon, which causes them to rumble and slow down. Each car will run you 2730 yen (around $30), but your makeshift replica of Bowser's Castle Circuit could cost around $600, depending on how much you invest in the pyrotechnics.

[Thanks, Yogesh]

JoystiqTomy Mario Kart RC cars use power-ups, blow our minds originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSimportjapanmariomario-kartnintendorc-carremote-controlledtomytoyWiiTue, 01 Jun 2010 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[April Fools: Nintendo games coming to iPad June 15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-nintendo-games-coming-to-ipad-june-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-nintendo-games-coming-to-ipad-june-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/01/april-fools-nintendo-games-coming-to-ipad-june-15/#comments Nintendo has recognized how big this App Store thing has become, and, as such, has decided to just play nice and offer its games to iPad users starting June 15. PlaySwitch broke the news earlier today and, as you can see above, the games barely skip a beat in the graphics department from Wii to iPad -- DS games will also be made available.

What? Oh, it's April Fools, so you think this is all a joke? Look, we understand your skepticism, but guys, this can't be a lie. It's too good to not be true, right? RIGHT?!

JoystiqApril Fools: Nintendo games coming to iPad June 15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Appleapple-ipadipadiPodmario-kartNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNew-Super-Mario-Bros-WiiNintendoWiiThu, 01 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Bizarre's new racer is 'Blur']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/rumor-bizarres-new-racer-is-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/rumor-bizarres-new-racer-is-blur/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/rumor-bizarres-new-racer-is-blur/#comments
Don't blink, or you'll miss this latest tidbit concerning Bizarre Creations' potential new racing project. Going by the name Blur, urban racer was reportedly revealed within the pages of French gaming mag Joypad, with the hazy racer adding power-ups, weapons and new collision tech to the developer's long-held love of racing.

While still unconfirmed, Bizarre Creations' next racing project was first teased in late 2008 as "Mario Kart meets Forza," and we've fired a turtle shell in the developer's general direction to find out more.

Source: NeoGAF translation
Source: First Info on Bizarre's Blur

JoystiqRumor: Bizarre's new racer is 'Blur' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 08:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bizarre-creationsblurmario-kartracingrumorWed, 22 Apr 2009 08:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Driven to boredom: Mario Kart, the office supply racer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/driven-to-boredom-mario-kart-the-office-supply-racer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/driven-to-boredom-mario-kart-the-office-supply-racer/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/driven-to-boredom-mario-kart-the-office-supply-racer/#comments
Collector / creator Donald Kennedy sometimes gets taken over by boredom at work. While we tend to click around our favorite websites (all Joystiq related, of course) or update our Twitter status during those boring times, Donald decides to get creative. Example: This Mario Kart homage created from everyday office supplies. Donald also solidifies his Nintendo geek-cred with a beautifully designed Animal Crossing themed Qee, complete with a 2.5" figure of the diabolical Tom Nook. Way to get those creative juices flowing, Donald.

[Via Spritestitch]

JoystiqDriven to boredom: Mario Kart, the office supply racer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boredomcreativityfanmademario-kartFri, 13 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart: Source PC mod uses 'the best parts of each' MK game]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-pc-mod-uses-the-best-parts-of-each-mk-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-pc-mod-uses-the-best-parts-of-each-mk-game/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-pc-mod-uses-the-best-parts-of-each-mk-game/#commentsFiled under: ,


click for Mario Kart: Source gallery

You don't have to tell the crew of people painstakingly piecing together Mario Kart: Source that there's a much easier way to play Mario Kart games on PCs. Sure, they could fire up an emulator and play Mario Kart 64 and it would be just like it was way back when ... but where's the challenge in that? What they could (and did) opt to do was take Half-Life 2's flexible Source Engine to create a Mario Kart mashup; the project manager says, "We're not simply recreating one version of MK, but using the best parts of each." It's a Franken-kart, if you will.

Eager to get a closer look at it? Peep the gallery we quickly threw together, or dig around the project's official site. Want to actually play the thing? Says the project manager: "As far as a public beta is concerned, we will not release anything until we are satisfied ..." Either that, or until Nintendo's army of well-paid lawyers shuts the entire project down.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Gallery: Mario Kart: Source

JoystiqMario Kart: Source PC mod uses 'the best parts of each' MK game originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 21:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mario-KartMario-Kart-SourceSource-EngineThu, 22 Jan 2009 21:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Mario Kart Source: made by fans, for fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-made-by-fans-for-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-made-by-fans-for-fans/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/22/mario-kart-source-made-by-fans-for-fans/#commentsFiled under:


If you're a fan of PC games, then of course you've heard of the Source engine. It powers Half-Life 2, which is the bee's knees. Well, an ambitious bunch has decided to use the Source engine to code a new Mario Kart racing game, Mario Kart Source. The best part about this project is that the team is looking at all of the previous games in the series and is attempting to take just the best bits for their new game. Our verdict? Awesome.

Sadly, Nintendo won't likely be as excited to hear about the project, so we're sure they'll step in at some point or another and intervene.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMario Kart Source: made by fans, for fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Jan 2009 19:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fpshalf-lifehalf-life-2half-life-sourcemariomario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendopcracingvalvevalve-softwareThu, 22 Jan 2009 19:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Cammie Dunaway welcomes new Wii owners]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/cammie-dunaway-welcomes-new-wii-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/cammie-dunaway-welcomes-new-wii-owners/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/20/cammie-dunaway-welcomes-new-wii-owners/#commentsFiled under:

In an open letter posted on Kotaku as part of their series of "Welcome to the Family" letters, Cammie Dunaway gave one of the lengthiest statements we've seen from the recently-hired executive vice president of sales and marketing. The letter is directed at all the new Wii owners who have joined the fold since the holidays, and lays out the attractive features of the Wii in a manner appropriate for a new gamer. Although fundamentally, we're not sure how many expanded audience members are reading gaming blogs.

It's quite interesting to see what Nintendo is pitching to new gamers these days -- downloadable games are given a big push (World of Goo is now enough of a genuine hit to be the face of WiiWare, apparently!), as is Mario Kart Wii. Dunaway classifies the massively popular Mario Kart Wii as a "bridge game" that "really leads in two directions: not just from simple-to-more-involving, but also acting like a link between new gamers and veteran ones."

JoystiqCammie Dunaway welcomes new Wii owners originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jan 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cammie-dunawayexpanded-audiencemario-kartworld-of-gooTue, 20 Jan 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[December NPD: More like DSember]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/npd-dsember/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/npd-dsember/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/16/npd-dsember/#commentsFiled under:


Michael Pachter predicted "around 3 million" Wii consoles sold in the US in December. Right company, right ridiculously high number -- wrong console. According to the NPD, the DS Lite sold a record-breaking 3.04 million units in December, the most any console has sold in any month. The Wii did fine, sure, but the DS outsold all three Sony systems combined. According to Nintendo's press release on the news, the DS "claimed 72% of all portable system sales in 2008." Take that, everybody.

- DS: 3.04m 1.47m (94%)
- Wii: 2.15m 110K (5%)
- Xbox 360: 1.44m 604K (72%)
- PSP: 1.02m 599K (142%)
- PS3: 726K 348K (92%)
- PS2: 410K 204K (99%)

Software, however, didn't see a commensurate rush of sales. In fact, only one DS game made it on the list of top 10 best-selling games for the month, and it's the same one that made it into the Top 10 for the year: Mario Kart DS, which came out in 2005.

Continue reading December NPD: More like DSember

JoystiqDecember NPD: More like DSember originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mario-kartnpdretailFri, 16 Jan 2009 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo dominates 2008 UK game sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/nintendo-dominates-2008-uk-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/nintendo-dominates-2008-uk-game-sales/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/12/nintendo-dominates-2008-uk-game-sales/#commentsFiled under:


Mario Kart Wii was a popular title for the Brits and their neighbors, as sales data shows it to be the best-selling game in the UK under the category of "individual SKU" during 2008, topping a list that is comprised mainly of games available only on Nintendo gaming systems. Considering how many amazing games released over the course of this year, we believe this to be quite the achievement

The Wii is just so darn popular over there. So popular, in fact, that the top 5 best-selling games for the year were all on Nintendo platforms. Coming in at the second spot was Wii Fit, followed by Wii Play, Brain Training on DS, and our favorite game to poke fun at, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games. Full list is past the break.

Continue reading Nintendo dominates 2008 UK game sales

JoystiqNintendo dominates 2008 UK game sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jan 2009 14:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiisalessalesfiguresukMon, 12 Jan 2009 14:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo (mostly) owned Japan in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/nintendo-mostly-owned-japan-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/nintendo-mostly-owned-japan-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/31/nintendo-mostly-owned-japan-in-2008/#commentsFiled under:


While Nintendo couldn't boast the biggest-selling game in Japan in 2008 -- that honor went to Monster Hunter Portable -- but the company dominated ASCII Media Works' list of the top 30 games of the year. In fact, the entire rest of the top ten is split between DS and Wii titles, as does most of the rest of the list. A few PSP, PS3, and PS2 games pepper the top thirty, but they're the sparse, skinny trees in the grand forest of Nintendo. Wii Fit and Mario Kart Wii took the top spots for Nintendo (2 and 3, respectively), while the DS game Rhythm Tengoku Gold snagged the sixth slot, tops for the handheld. Perhaps the best news is that many of the non-Nintendo games have Nintendo versions coming out soon, so next year, the Wii and DS may be even more dominant.

At #30? New Super Mario Bros. Yes, still. For the full list, check after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo (mostly) owned Japan in 2008

JoystiqNintendo (mostly) owned Japan in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Dec 2008 12:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japanmario-kartrhythm-tengokusaleswii-fitWed, 31 Dec 2008 12:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo dominates Amazon in 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/nintendo-dominates-amazon-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/nintendo-dominates-amazon-in-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/nintendo-dominates-amazon-in-2008/#commentsFiled under:

The Nintendo Wii has been a hit since it released over two years ago. For popular retail site Amazon.com, Nintendo's latest console has been a big cash generator for Amazon during its time on the market, especially in 2008, as the site has released its 2008 best-of lists and guess what was the top-selling video game in 2008? You guess it: Wii.

Aside from being the top video game, Wii Fit enjoyed the best reviews through 2008, as well as being the product most wished for by users. Last, but certainly not least, was Mario Kart Wii (with Wii Wheel), which was the item gifted the most by Amazon users throughout this year. In the end, Nintendo ended up being

JoystiqNintendo dominates Amazon in 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-of-2008businessmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiisalessalesfigureswii-fitMon, 29 Dec 2008 18:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/nintendo-sweeps-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/nintendo-sweeps-japanese-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/nintendo-sweeps-japanese-sales-charts/#commentsFiled under: ,


According to the latest Media Create charts, Nintendo platforms completely dominated the market last week in Japan, with all of the top ten games being Wii or DS releases. It may not have been the busiest week in terms of sales -- the best-selling game was the newly-released Taiko no Tatsujin Wii at 106,000 copies -- but that's still a pretty wacky achievement.

Of the ten games on the list, seven were published by Nintendo, and an eighth, Professor Layton and the Final Time Travel, is from a series published by Nintendo outside of Japan. The full top ten, including four Wii games, is after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts

JoystiqNintendo sweeps Japanese sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bandai-namcojapanmario-kartmedia-createtaiko-no-tatsujinwii-fitThu, 18 Dec 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hit the slopes in new Mario Kart tournament]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/hit-the-slopes-in-new-mario-kart-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/hit-the-slopes-in-new-mario-kart-tournament/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/15/hit-the-slopes-in-new-mario-kart-tournament/#commentsFiled under: ,

With the onset of winter, the latest Mario Kart Wii tournament features a thematically appropriate choice of track: the snowy peaks of DK Summit. From today, you can hop online and complete a single lap of the twisty course in the quickest time possible. On your way, you'll also have to pass through a bunch of deviously placed gates, or your time won't register. The closing date for this is December 25, so you've got another ten days to work on beating the whole world at Mario Kart Wii.* You won't be short of challengers.

* Note: Beating the world is not as great as winning Wii Points, primarily because beating the world won't buy you River City Ransom. But it's still to be encouraged.


[Via Nintendo Everything]

A fan of Mario Kart Wii? Us too, especially the tournaments, of which there have been quite a few. To check out previous contests, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Fancy yourself a good karter? Then check out Game Night for some of the community's best competition!

JoystiqHit the slopes in new Mario Kart tournament originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Dec 2008 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dk-summitmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiitournamenttourneyMon, 15 Dec 2008 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[It's-a Mario World: Infuriating Items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/its-a-mario-world-infuriating-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/its-a-mario-world-infuriating-items/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/13/its-a-mario-world-infuriating-items/#commentsFiled under:


Let's make one point very clear from the onset: The Mario Kart series has thoroughly rocked our boxers since 1992. Despite some shortcomings we still have pretty high praise for Wii's latest iteration, and most fanboys agree that there currently exists no better Nintendo Wi-Fi experience. For everything Mario Kart does right, though, there always seems to be a cheaply overpowered item that renders even the most skilled racer indefensible.

So this is us venting. We have seen too many races (and online VR points) slip away on account of nasty item distribution. The series' long-standing method of reserving the best (or at least most destructive) pickups for trailing racers can be especially frustrating to those who would have otherwise earned a legitimate first place rank. Competition, in effect, is deadened by a deliberately equalized playing field. Mario Kart's algorithm for item probability is more at fault than the items themselves, but you know you've cussed out a spiny blue shell before. Now get angry with us in our new rant gallery.
It's-a Mario World is a weekly feature in which the ubiquity of Nintendo's flagship character is celebrated. Check back every Friday to find out what strange and wonderful thing has got us tipping our caps. * * * Links of the week: SMB clone revived! | Mario Tennis comes out swingin'! | Delgrego disses the Party! Get him! | New Mario and Luigi 3 screens!

JoystiqIt's-a Mario World: Infuriating Items originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 02:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angerbananasitemsits-a-mario-worldjoystiqfeaturesmario-brothersmario-kartsuper-mario-brosunfair-projectilesweaponsSat, 13 Dec 2008 02:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Man plays Mario Kart with real motorists in France]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/man-plays-mario-kart-with-real-motorists-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/man-plays-mario-kart-with-real-motorists-in-france/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/05/man-plays-mario-kart-with-real-motorists-in-france/#commentsFiled under: ,


While we'd never suggest doing Mario Kart in real life like this yourself, we have to admit that it's pretty darn hilarious. Even though a minivan or truck could squash young prankster Rémi Gaillard with ease, we commend him for coming up with such a great idea. Oh, and for having the kind of friends that aren't too concerned with his safety so that such a thing could be filmed and put on the internet for all to see.


[Via Game | Life]

JoystiqMan plays Mario Kart with real motorists in France originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 14:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>francefrenchmario-kartmario-kart-wiiFri, 05 Dec 2008 14:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Infections]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/top-5-infections/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/top-5-infections/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/top-5-infections/#commentsFiled under:


After visiting friends and relatives this Thanksgiving, I was left with something special inside. Was it fond memories? Was it a deeper connection with those who I love? Was it several containers of leftovers? Sure, I received a fair share of those, but the most significant thing I received this Thanksgiving was the flu.

I should have known. At least five different folks I saw over the course of the day claimed to be recovering from some form of the dreaded virus. Sure enough, by Friday evening I was sweating and freezing at once, aching all over, and debating on which end to point at the toilet (too much?).

Whenever I get sick, I tend to feel very isolated. While everyone else was out enjoying their four-day weekend, I was tethered to the bed. But it didn't take long for me to realize that I'm certainly not alone. Everyone gets sick sooner or later, and no one is truly immune. In fact, even our video game counterparts have their fair share of sicknesses that affect their goals. And thankfully, just like said counterparts, the infections are usually brief. Here's our Top 5 sicknesses to avoid.



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: Infections originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombermancastlevaniaeggplanteggplant-wizardinfectioninfectionsjoystiqfeatureskid-icarusmariomario-kartmario-kart-wiipoisonsicksickdayssicknessyoshiyoshis-islandMon, 01 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mod turns GameCube controller into a Classic Controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/mod-turns-gamecube-controller-into-a-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/mod-turns-gamecube-controller-into-a-classic-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/mod-turns-gamecube-controller-into-a-classic-controller/#commentsFiled under:


This may not be the most groundbreaking mod around, but it's one that would allow you to play things like Mega Man 9 with your GameCube controller. Created by Marcan42, the above mod uses a special adapter which plugs into the Wiimote just like a Classic Controller, allowing him to trick the system into thinking the GameCube controller is a Classic Controller. Check out the video above to watch the mod being used with Mario Kart Wii.


[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqMod turns GameCube controller into a Classic Controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllercontroller-modgamecubemario-kartmario-kart-wiiFri, 28 Nov 2008 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/report-wii-games-dominate-top-5-us-sellers-in-08-so-far/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Still obsessing over sales statistics, Gamasutra has crafted a report on 2008's five top-selling games in the US -- so far. Though some figures are approximated, there's assurance that "the maximum possible error in each figure should not affect the rankings." All consoles considered, the rankings are as follows:
  1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl (3.5 million, estimated)
  2. Mario Kart (3.4 million)
  3. Grand Theft Auto IV (3.2 million, estimated)
  4. Wii Play (3 million)
  5. Wii Fit (2.8 million)
Be sure to check out the report for further details, several of which are likely to fuel the fanboy fires for, oh, the next fifteen minutes at least. We look forward to entertaining your "Wii games don't sell," "GTA IV is overrated" and "Wii Play is just a controller in disguise" arguments. We do not, however, want anything to do with your "Why isn't Golden Axe: Beast Rider on there?" madness.

JoystiqReport: Wii games dominate top 5 US sellers in '08 (so far) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008Grandt-Theft-Auto-IVGTA-IVjs-twitterMario-KartNPDPS3SalesSSBBSuper-Smash-Bros-BrawlWiiWii-FitWii-PlayXbox-360Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 5: Multiplayer Experiences]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/top-5-multiplayer-experiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/top-5-multiplayer-experiences/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/03/top-5-multiplayer-experiences/#commentsFiled under:


As someone who writes on the Internets, I do a lot of reading as well. As just about any successful author will advise, if I want to be a better writer then I should be reading as much as possible. Thus, I tend to spend a good amount of time scouring the gaming websites and reading commentary from just about anyone. I wouldn't insult anyone by pointing out flaws in their work (as I'm host to many of my own), but it is sufficient to say that there is great diversity in the quality and other general attributes of gaming commentary. One source that I do consistently enjoy comes from GoNintendo's head honcho, known as RawmeatCowboy. Equal parts Nintendo fan and beard enthusiast, RMC has a passion for gaming unmatched by nearly anyone else in the entire industry. Whereas some journalists and commentators may give off an impression of jaded cynicism, this particular blogger is a bundle of video game-loving joy. Though he's not quite the wordsmith of a Jerry Holkins, his joy and optimism transcend any potential criticism. And after all, that should be the reason we play video games: for happiness.

Stepping away from worshipping his shrine, I'll get back on target. In a recent post, RMC discusses offline multiplayer via a get-together involving several friends of his trying out Guitar Hero: World Tour. He states that multiplayer is more enjoyable in person than online, and I find it difficult to disagree. That is not to say that online multiplayer is garbage; quite the opposite is true. Aside from the obvious pragmatics of not always being able to round up a few friends to play a game you enjoy, there's the global aspect behind online gaming. Though I've been battling people online via chess years before any major console had such capabilities, the enormous power of the technology didn't register with me until very recently. As I was connecting to an online race in Mario Kart Wii, the identification of racers on the globe really hit home. Realizing that I was simultaneously connecting with individuals from Japan, China, Germany, and England was strangely beautiful.

Despite the fascinating global implications of such connections, I remain a bit of a luddite in that I don't think there's anything better than having your friends in the same room with you while fighting with or against each other. Here's the Top 5 ways we recommend that you enjoy such opportunities.


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: Multiplayer Experiences originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombermangoldeneyegoldeneye-007guitar-heroguitar-hero-world-tourguitarherojoystiqfeaturesmario-kartmario-kart-64mario-kart-wiimultiplayerrock-bandrock-band-2smash-brossmash-bros-brawlsmash-bros-meleesmashbrossmashbrosbrawlsuper-smash-brossuper-smash-bros-64super-smash-bros-brawlMon, 03 Nov 2008 13:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Mario Kart tournament drops coins all over Maple Treeway]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/latest-mario-kart-tournament-drops-coins-all-over-maple-treeway/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/latest-mario-kart-tournament-drops-coins-all-over-maple-treeway/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/27/latest-mario-kart-tournament-drops-coins-all-over-maple-treeway/#commentsFiled under:

It's that time again, where Nintendo pulls the lever and activates another tournament for Mario Kart Wii. This latest tourney takes place on Maple Treeway, tasking participants with collecting coins scattered throughout the track. Before you can nab the coins, however, they must be liberated from the various piles of leaves that call Maple Treeway their home. It's all about speed here, as you'll need to quickly grab as many coins as you can.

The tournament is open from November 1st to the 10th.


[Via WiiFolder]

JoystiqLatest Mario Kart tournament drops coins all over Maple Treeway originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>maple-treewaymariomario-kartmario-kart-wiitournamenttourneyMon, 27 Oct 2008 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Circuit City does buy one, get one 50% off sale on Wii games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/circuit-city-does-buy-one-get-one-50-off-sale-on-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/circuit-city-does-buy-one-get-one-50-off-sale-on-wii-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/circuit-city-does-buy-one-get-one-50-off-sale-on-wii-games/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you with some extra money burning a hole in your pocket, know that Circuit City has a sale running from now until this upcoming Saturday. When you purchase any Wii game at full price, you can get a second game for 50% off. The sale also works with Wii Play, if you're not among the folks who've already purchased the bundle.

Need some suggestions? Mario Kart Wii is a good choice (and you can play with us at Game Night!), as well as Wario Land: Shake It! (which we're pretty fond of). There's also ... actually, just head on over there. The list of games is fairly long.

[Via GamerDeals]

JoystiqCircuit City does buy one, get one 50% off sale on Wii games originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>circuit-citymariomario-kartmario-kart-wiisalewariowario-landwario-land-shake-itwii-playMon, 13 Oct 2008 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[New Mario Kart tournament keeps it simple]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/new-mario-kart-tournament-keeps-it-simple/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/new-mario-kart-tournament-keeps-it-simple/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/10/new-mario-kart-tournament-keeps-it-simple/#commentsFiled under:

The latest Mario Kart Wii tournament will go back to basics, totally stripping away items in a straightforward race to the finish on Luigi Circuit. Only karts are permitted, and you have to use the Wii Wheel.

This news takes us back to the announcement of the first Mario Kart competition, when yours truly got on his soapbox and wrote a grumpy post complaining about why the inclusion of opponents and items in these Mario Kart Wii tournaments "totally missed the point." At the time, most readers disagreed with our point of view, and so may not be happy with this far more simplistic approach. Personally, we prefer these trials; they just seem fairer. Now all we need to develop is the ability to play Mario Kart Wii well.

This new contest runs from October 15th to October 25th.


[Thanks, Josh!]

A fan of Mario Kart Wii? Us too, especially the tournaments, of which there have been quite a few. To check out previous contests, click here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. Fancy yourself a good karter? Then check out Game Night for some of the community's best competition. You're probably better than Dave, if nothing else.

JoystiqNew Mario Kart tournament keeps it simple originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitionmariomario-kartmario-kart-tournamentmario-kart-wiiracingtournamentFri, 10 Oct 2008 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii systems getting rooms at Marriott hotels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/wii-systems-getting-rooms-at-marriott-hotels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/wii-systems-getting-rooms-at-marriott-hotels/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/01/wii-systems-getting-rooms-at-marriott-hotels/#commentsFiled under:


Nintendo has announced a new deal with Marriott, through which hotel guests will be able to opt for rooms with special Wii systems loaded with 20 games. The program is only available in six locations right now during the pilot test of the program. Currently, guests must pay an extra charge for the Wii, access to which lasts for the duration of the trip.

The preloaded games include Mario Kart Wii, Super Mario Galaxy, Wii Sports, and even Wii Fit, suggesting that the system comes with a Balance Board or is really boring. We're glad to see the tradition of weird hotel Nintendo systems continuing -- we've wanted to steal one of those LodgeNet controllers for years.

JoystiqWii systems getting rooms at Marriott hotels originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hotelmario-kartmarriottsuper-mario-galaxywii-fitwii-sportsWed, 01 Oct 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD dishes out the 5 top-selling Wii games of this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-dishes-out-the-5-top-selling-wii-games-of-this-year/#commentsFiled under:


When we think of what games could possibly be the top 5 for the Wii, it doesn't seem like there's much room for mystery. Those that follow the monthly NPD numbers will likely be able to recite the top 5, in order, off the top of their heads. So, let's get to it!

The top 5 games of 2008 so far according to the NPD are:
  1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl
  2. Mario Kart Wii (with wheel)
  3. Wii Play
  4. Wii Fit (with Balance Board)
  5. Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock (with guitar)
We're amazed at how well GH3 still continues to do on the Wii. Obviously, Wii Play is no surprise, as it's a constant fixture in the top software titles month after month. And we have a feeling that Wii Fit would be higher on the list if only more people could actually find it.

JoystiqNPD dishes out the 5 top-selling Wii games of this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionactivision-blizzardbusinessgh3guitar-heroguitar-hero-3mario-kartmario-kart-wiinintendonpdsalessalesfiguressmash-bros-brawlwii-fitwii-playTue, 23 Sep 2008 15:28:00 EST<![CDATA[NPD reveals Top 5 console games of '08 ... so far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-reveals-top-5-console-games-of-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-reveals-top-5-console-games-of-08-so-far/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/npd-reveals-top-5-console-games-of-08-so-far/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


As we head into the last stretch of the year, which is synonymous with a glut of titles flooding the market, it's worth seeing what the top titles in 2008 were up to this point. Gamasutra, using data from NPD, has posted the Top 5 titles for consoles up until August. Don't expect any surprises: Grand Theft Auto IV is in the top spot for PS3 and Xbox 360, while Super Smash Bros. Brawl is champion on the Wii.

The Wii certainly is the most interesting of the lists, with four out of the five SKUs belonging to games with included with some sort of peripheral (Mario Kart, Wii Fit, Wii Play and Guitar Hero III). Gamasutra also estimates that the software sales of the top five Wii titles combined is about 12 million units, nearly double that of the top five on the other consoles (separately). Of course, the year isn't over yet.

JoystiqNPD reveals Top 5 console games of '08 ... so far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamasutragta-ivGuitar-Hero-IIIMario-KartnpdPS3SSBBWiiWii-FitWii-PlayXbox-360Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST