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[Retro-bit bringing wireless controllers to retro consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/retro-bit-bringing-wireless-controllers-to-retro-conoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/retro-bit-bringing-wireless-controllers-to-retro-conoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/retro-bit-bringing-wireless-controllers-to-retro-conoles/#commentsRetrobit bringing wireless controllers to retro conoles Remember Retro-Bit, the company behind the nifty handheld NES / SNES, the RetroDuo Portable? Once again, the company is looking to make your outdated gaming habits a little more convenient, this time with a line of wireless controllers for vintage consoles.

There are three controllers in the Hypermode series, one for the Nintendo 64, a hybrid controller the NES and SNES, and finally one for the Sega Genesis. Each uses a 2.4GHz receiver to connect to its respective console, and all three have turbo functionality. The N64 controller also features a slot for a Rumble Pak. Furthermore, the NES / SNES and Genesis controllers can also be used on PC or Mac.

The N64 controller is slated to launch this summer, while the other two are planned for this fall. Each will cost $30. Distributor Innex will be showing the controllers at its booth during E3. We'll do our best to swing by and check them out.

In the meantime, we pose a simple question: Where's our wireless Saturn controller?

Gallery: Retro-bit Hypermode Controllers

Continue reading Retro-bit bringing wireless controllers to retro consoles

JoystiqRetro-bit bringing wireless controllers to retro consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>genesisinnexn64nesnintendo-64peripheralsretro-bitretrobitsnesWed, 15 May 2013 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[This backlit Mega Man 25th anniversary NES has style]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/this-backlit-mega-man-25th-anniversary-nes-has-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/this-backlit-mega-man-25th-anniversary-nes-has-style/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/this-backlit-mega-man-25th-anniversary-nes-has-style/#commentsMega Man 25th anniversary NES is backlit, cool Who could possibly want a statue to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Mega Man when you know that somewhere out there a Blue Bomber-adorned NES exists? Ryan Fitzpatrick (aka Platinumfungi) created this one-of-a-kind blue NES, which features a backlit Mega Man on top of the case with a rather slick paint job.

Fitzpatrick has a bunch of photos of the system on his Facebook page. One issue we have is that it just wouldn't feel right to play any NES game on it that isn't the best Mega Man game ever, Mega Man 2.

JoystiqThis backlit Mega Man 25th anniversary NES has style originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomMega-Manmega-man-25th-anniversarymodsNESnintendoThu, 09 May 2013 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/wii-u-famicom-skin-dresses-your-wiipad-in-red-and-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/wii-u-famicom-skin-dresses-your-wiipad-in-red-and-gold/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/wii-u-famicom-skin-dresses-your-wiipad-in-red-and-gold/#commentsWii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold Datel Japan will start selling the aluminum WiiPad Famicom faceplate pictured above at the end of July for ¥1,980, roughly $20.

If you're looking to play some old NES games while your WiiPad looks the part, Nintendo officially launched the Virtual Console on Wii U at the end of April. The initial launch list is pretty slim, but Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory's beloved SNES RPG, Earthbound, is on the way.

JoystiqWii U Famicom skin dresses your WiiPad in red and gold originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dateldatel-japanfaceplatefamicomgamepadnesnintendoskinwii-uwiipadThu, 09 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/project-unity-is-15-fully-functional-consoles-in-one-giant-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/project-unity-is-15-fully-functional-consoles-in-one-giant-box/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/project-unity-is-15-fully-functional-consoles-in-one-giant-box/#comments
Constructed by evil genius/mad scientist/hardware hacker Bacteria, Project Unity is a single, unified gaming console that can play Sega Master System, Neo Geo MVS, GameCube, Dreamcast, Saturn, Intellivision, Colecovision, Atari 7800, Turbografx 16, PS1/PS2, Mega Drive, NES, Super NES, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo 64 and Amstrad GX4000 games.

Project Unity's most impressive feature, besides the fact that it works, is that it was constructed entirely out of authentic hardware and does not make use of emulators or combo units like the FC Twin. It also manages to use a single power supply, video output and custom-built controller, regardless of the system selected.

Jump to 09:30 in the video above for a demonstration of this behemoth in action, including the repurposed NES cartridges that contain different circuit boards for each controller type, or start from the beginning for some deliciously chaotic wiring shots.

Joystiq'Project Unity' is 15 fully-functional consoles in one giant box originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Amstrad-GX4000Atari-7800BacteriaColecovisioncustomDreamcastGame-Boy-AdvanceGameCubeGenesishackingIntellivisionMega-Drivemoddingneo-geo-MVSNESNintendo-64project-unityPS1PS2Saturnsega-master-systemSega-SaturnSNESSuper-NESTurbografx-16Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RetroN 5 and the uncomfortable tension between old and new]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/retron-5-and-the-uncomfortable-tension-between-old-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/retron-5-and-the-uncomfortable-tension-between-old-and-new/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/retron-5-and-the-uncomfortable-tension-between-old-and-new/#comments RetroN 5 columnThere are at least two schools of thought when it comes to playing retro games. Let's call it two for the sake of argument. On one side, there are people who want all the modern conveniences, both in-game and out: save states, fast-forward and rewind in the games, and wireless controllers, high definition output, and non-finicky hardware to play them with. These are the people who like emulation the most, either through downloading ROMs or official downloadable re-releases of games.

On the other side, there are people who strive for absolute authenticity: real cartridges on real consoles, played on CRT televisions with real controllers. These are the people who, hypothetically speaking, stuff a Twin Famicom in their suitcase while on a business trip to Tokyo.

Somewhere in the middle is this thing.

Continue reading RetroN 5 and the uncomfortable tension between old and new

JoystiqRetroN 5 and the uncomfortable tension between old and new originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-boygenesisnesretron-5snesThu, 04 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dad re-tiles Donkey Kong for his daughter, has Pauline save Mario]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/dad-re-tiles-donkey-kong-for-his-daughter-has-pauline-save-mari/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/dad-re-tiles-donkey-kong-for-his-daughter-has-pauline-save-mari/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/dad-re-tiles-donkey-kong-for-his-daughter-has-pauline-save-mari/#comments

To a 3-year-old, it's a logical enough assumption: We can play as a girl, Princess Peach, in Super Mario Bros. 2, so we should be able to play as Pauline in Donkey Kong. Most seasoned players know this isn't the case, since Donkey Kong features a static game of boy-saves-girl - until now.

"My 3-year-old daughter and I play a lot of old games," writes Other Ocean Interactive creative director Mike Mika on Facebook, as picked up by Reddit. "Her favorite is Donkey Kong. Two days ago, she asked me if she could play as the girl and save Mario. She's played as Peach in Super Mario Bros. 2 and naturally just assumed she could do the same in Donkey Kong. I told her we couldn't in that particular Mario game; she seemed really bummed out by that."

To put a smile on his daughter's face, Mika hacked the 2010 NES Donkey Kong ROM, using Tile Layer Pro, and swapped out Mario with Pauline. He shows off the end product in the above Donkey Kong: Pauline Edition video, though we don't need visual confirmation that this is the most adorable story we'll write today.

JoystiqDad re-tiles Donkey Kong for his daughter, has Pauline save Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adorableawwdaddaughterDonkey-Kongdonkey-kong-pauline-editionkidsNESpcSun, 10 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Bros. 3 bounds onto Japan's 3DS Virtual Console Jan. 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/super-mario-bros-3-bounds-onto-japans-3ds-virtual-console-jan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/super-mario-bros-3-bounds-onto-japans-3ds-virtual-console-jan/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/super-mario-bros-3-bounds-onto-japans-3ds-virtual-console-jan/#comments
Super Mario Bros. 3 will be available for ¥500 on Japan's 3DS Virtual Console next Tuesday, January 1, Nintendo has announced. No announcement has been made regarding whether the port will ever see the light of day on North American and/or European shores, but the fact that it exists at all is a good sign.

New Years is a big deal in Japan, so it's not surprising that Nintendo would digitally re-release one of the most beloved games in its back catalogue to celebrate. As cool of a gesture as that is, though, we feel it lacks the flair and panache displayed by the game's original unveiling, as seen above.

JoystiqSuper Mario Bros. 3 bounds onto Japan's 3DS Virtual Console Jan. 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsNESnintendoSuper-Mario-Bros-3the-wizardvirtual-consoleSat, 29 Dec 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tecmo Super Bowl 2013 gives classic game up-to-date NFL rosters]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/tecmo-super-bowl-2013-gives-classic-game-up-to-date-nfl-rosters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/tecmo-super-bowl-2013-gives-classic-game-up-to-date-nfl-rosters/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/06/tecmo-super-bowl-2013-gives-classic-game-up-to-date-nfl-rosters/#comments Tecmo Bowl 2013 is Tecmo Bowl plus Updated NFL rostersLast year, a group of crazily dedicated fans modded the iconic Tecmo Super Bowl to update it with current and correct NFL listings. One year on, they've done it again with (the unofficial) Tecmo Super Bowl 2013, featuring NFL teams and players fully up-to-date as of September 2. It's like one of those roster updates for Madden NFL 13, except for a 21-year-old NES classic.

It's surely an insane and time-draining undertaking to update Tecmo Super Bowl like this, let alone do it for two years running. If that inspires you to join in with the retro-current football fun, all you need is an emulator and the ROM file, and both can be found at TecmoBowl.org. Oh, and not a single measly dime because it's free.

JoystiqTecmo Super Bowl 2013 gives classic game up-to-date NFL rosters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmodNESpcsuper-tecmo-bowlTecmotecmo-bowlThu, 06 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The NES before it was the NES (and the knitting machine that almost was)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/the-nes-before-it-was-the-nes-and-the-knitting-machine-that-alm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/the-nes-before-it-was-the-nes-and-the-knitting-machine-that-alm/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/30/the-nes-before-it-was-the-nes-and-the-knitting-machine-that-alm/#comments Howard Lincoln's amazing facebook page and its many treasuresBefore the Famicom became the Nintendo Entertainment system, Nintendo of America had plans to launch it as the "Advanced Video System," a totally different looking device with weird, weird peripherals. And before Howard Phillips was the bow-tied foil to Nester in Nintendo Power comics, he was a real Nintendo executive trying to sell the "AVS" to retailers.

"Gamemaster Howard" posted a vintage brochure on Facebook, full of hypothetical, prototyped AVS designs that never made it to market. Some of this stuff is on display in the Nintendo World Store, but now you can see it as Nintendo wanted it to be seen back in early 1985, complete with pompous ad copy and absurd peripherals - and the weird wireless controller with the square D-pad. "Glad we punted on both the design (not as comfortable or as precise as the D-pad) and the IR (inconsistent performance) for the NES controllers (best controller ever designed?)," Phillips noted in a Facebook comment.

Phillips also posted an ad for an unreleased NES peripheral from 1987 - a knitting machine that interfaced with the system for its designs. "Mr. A (Arakawa) [Nintendo of America president at the time] asked me with just 30 minutes notice to give Toys R Us Chairman Charles Lazarus a live demo," Phillips said. "Likely one of my least genuinely enthusiastic demos." See that gloriously Nintendo-centric ad after the break.

Continue reading The NES before it was the NES (and the knitting machine that almost was)

JoystiqThe NES before it was the NES (and the knitting machine that almost was) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Aug 2012 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced-video-systemfacebookhoward-phillipsnesnintendo-entertainment-systemnintendo-knitting-machinenow-youre-knitting-with-powerThu, 30 Aug 2012 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Today's Google Doodle takes to the Track and Field]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/todays-google-doodle-takes-to-the-track-and-field/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/todays-google-doodle-takes-to-the-track-and-field/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/todays-google-doodle-takes-to-the-track-and-field/#comments Today's Google Doodle takes to the Track and FieldWe can totally push buttons faster than you, and today's Google Doodle proves that. It's basically a web-based take on NES favorite Track & Field, paying homage to the currently-in-progress 30th Olympiad in London, and we scored a gnarly 15.4 seconds. Can you run down a virtual track and leap hurdles faster than our convention-grizzled blogger hands? Go ahead and try us, punk!

Spoilers: You probably can.

JoystiqToday's Google Doodle takes to the Track and Field originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>googlegoogle-doodlenesolympicsolympics-2012track-and-fieldTue, 07 Aug 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your own prototype copy of The Legend of Zelda for just $150K]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/get-your-own-prototype-copy-of-the-legend-of-zelda-for-just-150/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/get-your-own-prototype-copy-of-the-legend-of-zelda-for-just-150/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/30/get-your-own-prototype-copy-of-the-legend-of-zelda-for-just-150/#comments Do you want the most expensive NES collectible imaginable? Forget that Stadium Events business, and check out this $150,000 auction for a US prototype of The Legend of Zelda. eBay seller tjcurtin1 has a Nintendo of America prototype, dated "2-23-87," up for auction, with a sealed copy of the retail release thrown in for good measure.

"This is a complete version to my knowledge," the seller says, "and as far as I know does not differ from the released version." That means it lacks the differences found in the Famicom Disk System prototype that was released freely online, and is thus valuable solely as a collectible. Keep that in mind while applying for loans.

JoystiqGet your own prototype copy of The Legend of Zelda for just $150K originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebaynesprototypethe-legend-of-zeldazeldaMon, 30 Jul 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Google Maps comes to ... the NES?! [April Fools!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/google-maps-comes-to-the-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/google-maps-comes-to-the-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/31/google-maps-comes-to-the-nes/#comments
In a move that is as surprising as it is whimsically delightful, Google has decided to bring its globally renowned and often essential Google Maps service to one of the best-selling home computing solutions of all time: The Nintendo Entertainment System.

As demonstrated in the video above, using Google Maps on your NES/Famicom is just as easy as using it on your desktop, smartphone or tablet. Simply insert the cartridge into the system, remove it, blow into it, reinsert it back into the system, attach a phone line and you're ready to go. Google's cloud of servers compensate for the NES's lack of processing prowess, allowing for a quick, seamless experience.

While Google Maps for NES has yet to begin shipping, a demo version is available at the web-based Google Maps portal -- just click on the Quest button on the top right to begin your adventure.

Update: Rather than play along with these gags as they happen, we've decided instead to tag each April Fools' Day prank as such in the headline, in order to avoid as many dashed hopes as possible. For what its worth, we want this to be real as much as you do.

JoystiqGoogle Maps comes to ... the NES?! [April Fools!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>april-fools-12april-fools-2012april-fools-dayfamicomGoogleGoogle-MapsGoogle-Maps-NESits-already-april-1-in-JapanNESnintendonintendo-entertainment-systemSat, 31 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NintendoWare Weekly: Metal Gear Solid 3D demo, Strider]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/nintendoware-weekly-metal-gear-solid-3d-demo-strider/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/nintendoware-weekly-metal-gear-solid-3d-demo-strider/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/nintendoware-weekly-metal-gear-solid-3d-demo-strider/#comments The Metal Gear Solid 3D demo arrives today, accompanied by relatively big news on the Virtual Console! The first NES Ambassador game for 3DS is now available for purchase by non-Ambassadors! Super Mario Bros. is on the eShop now for five bucks. And if you already have it through the Ambassador Program, you can get a free update to add multiplayer and save states!

There's also news for the Wii's Virtual Console: the Genesis version of Strider can be purchased today. We hadn't heard about a Genesis VC game in a while, so we looked into it. As far as we can tell, this is the first Genesis game on Wii in North America since Sonic & Knuckles, on February 15, 2010. It's been two years and a day since the last Genesis VC release.

In fact, this appears to be the first Wii Virtual Console release of any kind since The Ignition Factor six months ago. Enjoy it! This doesn't happen very often.

Continue reading NintendoWare Weekly: Metal Gear Solid 3D demo, Strider

JoystiqNintendoWare Weekly: Metal Gear Solid 3D demo, Strider originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsdsiwareeshopispot-japanmetal-gear-solid-3-snake-eater-3dmetal-gear-solid-3d-snake-eaternesnintendonintendoware-weeklystridersuper-mario-brosvirtual-consolewiiThu, 16 Feb 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) pulled from Virtual Console]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-nes-pulled-from-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-nes-pulled-from-virtual-console/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/14/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtles-nes-pulled-from-virtual-console/#comments You waited too long. It was only a couple bucks, but you thought, "I have time. It'll always be there. I'll get to it eventually." But now you can't download Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the Virtual Console and your world is destroyed.

Honestly, it was a weird goal to have, but we didn't want to say anything. In each and every region, it seems the turtles have retreated from the Virtual Console. Nintendo World Report reports Konami cited an "expired license," the same issue that claimed TMNT Turtles in Time Re-Shelled.

There's no word on whether the turtles will return to the surface any time soon, so we've contacted Konami for more.

JoystiqTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES) pulled from Virtual Console originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nesnintendoteenage-mutant-ninja-turtlestmntvirtual-consolewiiTue, 14 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget goes hands-on with the RetroDuo Portable NES/SNES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-retroduo-portable-nes-snes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-retroduo-portable-nes-snes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-retroduo-portable-nes-snes/#comments We don't know if you guys realize this or not, but CES is a big show. Like, really big. So big, in fact, that our crack team of ground forces couldn't possibly see all that there is to see, no matter how efficient and devilishly handsome they may be.

Thankfully, our sister site Engadget was also at the show, and they got to spend some hands-on time with the RetroDuo Portable, an NES/SNES combo device from classic console fabricator Retro-Bit. Functionally, the device serves the same purpose as the SupaBoy released by Hyperkin late last year, albeit with a few catches. Hit the source link for Engadget's full write up, and ask yourself a very important question: Which is more valuable, $90, or memories?

JoystiqEngadget goes hands-on with the RetroDuo Portable NES/SNES originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2012engadgetNESretro-bitretrobitRetroDuoRetroDuo-PortableSNESSupaBoySun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One of the hardest NES games ever translated to English]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/one-of-the-hardest-nes-games-ever-translated-to-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/one-of-the-hardest-nes-games-ever-translated-to-english/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/29/one-of-the-hardest-nes-games-ever-translated-to-english/#comments If you're a stone-cold psychopath whose masochistic gaming tendencies push you away from ... well, normal-people games and into the cold embrace of impossible games, then the unavailability of an English port for Takeshi's Challenge has probably been a sore point for you. We probably shouldn't encourage your self-destruction, but you should know that a few kind souls have translated the bizarre NES title for your localized enjoyment.

The localization comes from ROM modder KingMike (via Tiny Cartridge). Before looking into acquiring the game, though, we'd suggest you also find an English language strategy guide to help you, because this game was made by the Devil.

JoystiqOne of the hardest NES games ever translated to English originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Dec 2011 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emulatorjapanlocalizationnespcromtakeshis-challengetranslationThu, 29 Dec 2011 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom's DuckTales, now with lyrics]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/capcoms-ducktales-now-with-lyrics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/capcoms-ducktales-now-with-lyrics/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/11/capcoms-ducktales-now-with-lyrics/#comments
Once again, Brentalfloss is here to hijack your nostalgia, injecting lyrics into the memorable tunes of Capcom's 8-bit classic, DuckTales. No, it's not the Moon (that one's already been done). Instead, we join Scrooge on his fateful trip ... to the Amazon.

JoystiqCapcom's DuckTales, now with lyrics originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brentalflossducktaleshumornesSun, 11 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[There's another, more familiar Kid Icarus coming to 3DS [update: Free in Europe!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/theres-another-more-familiar-kid-icarus-coming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/theres-another-more-familiar-kid-icarus-coming-to-3ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/theres-another-more-familiar-kid-icarus-coming-to-3ds/#comments Kid Icarus ... IN 3D What's that? You say you want Kid Icarus but you don't want any of that newfangled 3D? Well, according to Australia's Classification Board, your wish has been granted sort of. The site has posted a rating for the original Kid Icarus as a 3D Classic for the 3DS.

There's no telling how much of a 3D makeover Pit will receive - or when it will be released, for that matter - but at least those yearning for the (super difficult) classic will have a chance to run from Death once again.

Update: Nintendo has officially revealed that Kid Icarus will be offered as a free download in Europe for registering two qualifying 3DS titles with Club Nintendo. Details here.

JoystiqThere's another, more familiar Kid Icarus coming to 3DS [update: Free in Europe!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-classics3dsaustralian-classification-boardkid-icarusnesnintendoFri, 02 Dec 2011 12:05:00 EST<![CDATA[iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/iam8bits-american-icons-gallery-features-portraits-of-toys-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/iam8bits-american-icons-gallery-features-portraits-of-toys-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/19/iam8bits-american-icons-gallery-features-portraits-of-toys-and/#comments

Jason Brockert is traditionally a landscape painter, but one day he noticed a Star Wars Stormtrooper figurine sitting on his shelf, and decided to try painting it. "The first one came out terrible," he says. "A week later, I was like I'll try again. The second one, I was like oh, that's kind of cool. And it was a lot of fun, too. I had more fun doing that then I'd had in six months."

He finished the Stormtrooper painting a little while after that, and then decided to do more figures, and then old game consoles and cartridges, collecting them on eBay and then painting them in his elaborate, almost idealistic way. "Those were the two things I loved as a kid," says Brockert, "and the things I wanted to recollect, that my mother had thrown away I don't know how long ago."

Brockert's work is currently on display in a show called "American Icons" at the iam8bit gallery in Los Angeles' Echo Park. All of his works and prints are available for purchase, and the Exhibition (most of which you can see below) runs through December 18.

Gallery: American Icons at iam8bit

Continue reading iam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles

Joystiqiam8bit's American Icons gallery features portraits of toys and old consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-iconsartataricolecovisionexhibitiongalleryiam8bitjason-brockertnesSat, 19 Nov 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[HAL's NES Ghostbusters II game almost came to North America]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/hals-nes-ghostbusters-ii-game-almost-came-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/hals-nes-ghostbusters-ii-game-almost-came-to-north-america/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/29/hals-nes-ghostbusters-ii-game-almost-came-to-north-america/#comments The Ghostbusters II game we got in America, developed by Kemco and published by Activision, was poop. Meanwhile, Japan and Europe got a completely different Ghostbusters II game called New Ghostbusters II by talented developer HAL Laboratory -- creators of Kirby and Lolo, and employer of future Nintendo president Satoru Iwata. It was much less poop-like.

New Ghostbusters II never came out in North America, likely because Activision had already secured the rights for a game based on the movie. Nintendo Player discovered (and dumped) a prototype of an unreleased US version of HAL's Ghostbusters II game, and documented the minimal differences between that version and the ones released elsewhere.

Apparently, HAL did have plans to release this at some point! And then, for some reason, potentially because of interference from Activision or Vigo the Carpathian, it instead became the footnote it is now.

JoystiqHAL's NES Ghostbusters II game almost came to North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 29 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ghostbusters-2hal-laboratorynesnew-ghostbusters-2satoru-iwataSat, 29 Oct 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NES-cartridge art from 72 Pins makes retro games new, new games retro]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/nes-cartridge-art-from-72-pins-makes-retro-games-new-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/nes-cartridge-art-from-72-pins-makes-retro-games-new-new-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/01/nes-cartridge-art-from-72-pins-makes-retro-games-new-new-games/#comments 72 Pins has recreated modern classics by designing custom NES cartridges to feature hit games of the post-8-bit world, as seen above. These time-warped squares of nostalgia are awesome art installments -- not actual remade games -- although the cart's original game is intact. Think of it as buying a piece of art and getting a used game thrown in for free.

Available redesigned cartridges include God of War, Dead Space, Halo, BioShock, Shadow of the Colossus and others, with Super Meat Boy, Castle Crashers and PaRappa the Rapper coming soon. All cartridges run $20, but follow 72 Pins on Twitter for some sweet deals, such as today's, which is a code for 50 percent off an Okami cartridge.

Suggested uses for NES-cartridge art include wallpapering, bookshelf-filling, 3D-sculpture building, framing and wall-hanging, or sprawling carelessly across your table at the local coffee shop to complete that old-school hipster vibe your thick-rimmed glasses, plaid button-up and copy of the Communist Manifesto have been trying to attain for months.

JoystiqNES-cartridge art from 72 Pins makes retro games new, new games retro originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>72-PinsartcartridgeNESnintendoRetroSat, 01 Oct 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Quest X has usage fees, requires Internet connection; does not require an NES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dragon-quest-x-has-usage-fees-requires-internet-connection-doe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dragon-quest-x-has-usage-fees-requires-internet-connection-doe/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dragon-quest-x-has-usage-fees-requires-internet-connection-doe/#comments Yesterday, Square Enix provided early indication that there would be a periodic fee for online play of Dragon Quest X. A FAQ on Square Enix's website confirms it. As translated by Google, "Yes, if you connect to online play will be required to pay the additional fee." The FAQ also noted that players will be required to connect to the Internet to play after the first few hours of the game.

In much less true news, parody site the Kyoko Shimbun (a site whose name literally translates to "fictitious newspaper") reports that Square Enix is also making a Famicom/NES version of Dragon Quest X, and even provided mock screenshots. This version, according to the fabricated story, is aimed at those who played Dragon Quest games on Famicom and have a nostalgic desire to experience the same thing again.

JoystiqDragon Quest X has usage fees, requires Internet connection; does not require an NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dragon-quest-xnesnintendoparodysquare-enixwiiwii-uTue, 06 Sep 2011 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: the 3DS Ambassador game download process is ... complicated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/psa-the-3ds-ambassador-game-download-process-is-complicated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/psa-the-3ds-ambassador-game-download-process-is-complicated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/30/psa-the-3ds-ambassador-game-download-process-is-complicated/#comments Keep in mind that we're talking about the process by which you receive 20 free games (and thus temper your rage), but you're kind of not going to believe the process through which qualified 3DS owners will acquire the "Ambassador Program" games starting September 1.

Nintendo posted a how-to on its support page, and ... a lot of people are going to need it. In order to get your free games, you'll have to open up the eShop (cool so far), then ... go into the "Settings/Other" menu there, scroll to "Your Downloads," and then click to "redownload" each game, even though you're actually downloading them for the first time.

Sounds kind of crazy, but our guess is that Nintendo has opted to add the games to everyone's accounts as already having been purchased, rather than generate codes for specific games. We're not even sure it's possible to distribute a download code for a 3DS game.

But it gets crazier! In order to keep up with news related to the program, Nintendo will offer the "Ambassador Certificate" for download -- which is actually a video. You'll be able to tap icons during the video for updates about when games will be available. Alternatively, read Joystiq!

JoystiqPSA: the 3DS Ambassador game download process is ... complicated originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Aug 2011 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsambassador-programdseshopnesnintendopointlessly-complicated-processesTue, 30 Aug 2011 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS NES games will include multiplayer following an update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/3ds-nes-games-will-include-multiplayer-following-an-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/3ds-nes-games-will-include-multiplayer-following-an-update/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/29/3ds-nes-games-will-include-multiplayer-following-an-update/#comments Those freebie NES games you get from the 3DS "Ambassador Program" on September 1 will be bare-bones at first, but a future update will bring some extras. Nintendo told IGN that after the paid versions of those ten games show up on the eShop "later in the year," the free versions will be updated at no cost.

The upgrades will include "additional features such as multiplayer simultaneous play," which is kind of a big claim, since not even the Game Boy Virtual Console games sold now have multiplayer functionality. Nintendo didn't detail any other changes, except to say that 3D isn't one of them. The games won't be remade as 3D Classics.

The list of NES games announced includes Super Mario Bros., Donkey Kong Jr., Balloon Fight, Ice Climber, and The Legend of Zelda. These and five more unknown games will be included in the Ambassador Program. Ten Game Boy Advance games will follow later in 2011.

Joystiq3DS NES games will include multiplayer following an update originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-ambassadordseshopmultiplayernesnintendovirtual-consoleFri, 29 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Urban Champion is the 3DS's latest 3D 'Classic']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/urban-champion-is-the-3dss-latest-3d-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/urban-champion-is-the-3dss-latest-3d-classic/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/urban-champion-is-the-3dss-latest-3d-classic/#comments Well, the 3DS had a good run. Of all the NES games to spend time and money remaking in 3D, Nintendo has chosen its worst first-party game as the third 3D Classics release. That's right, Urban Champion follows Excitebike and Xevious in the 3D Classics line, coming to the eShop in Japan July 13, for ¥600 ($7.40).

The 3D perspective change effect actually looks really cool, and there's local wireless multiplayer -- two new aspects that temporarily distract from the crumminess of Nintendo's 1984 fighter.

The same day, an unaltered retro game will also come to 3DS in Japan via Virtual Console: Adventure Island 2.

JoystiqUrban Champion is the 3DS's latest 3D 'Classic' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-classics3dsadventure-island-2arikadsnesnintendourban-championvirtual-consoleWed, 06 Jul 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Chip Maestro turns your NES into a MIDI synthesizer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/chip-maestro-turns-your-nes-into-a-midi-synthesizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/chip-maestro-turns-your-nes-into-a-midi-synthesizer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/11/chip-maestro-turns-your-nes-into-a-midi-synthesizer/#comments Are you hoping to one day start your own Starscream, Anamanaguchi or other totally radical chiptunes band? Your musical outfit could have a worse origin than this: As part of a Kickstarter fundraising campaign, you can donate $50 to grab a "Chip Maestro" -- an NES cartridge that turns your old-school gaming console into a decidedly new-school MIDI synthesizer.

If you've got a MIDI-compatible keyboard (or even a MIDI converter for your PC), you can start recreating the 8-bit melodies of your youth -- or the poppy, energetic melodies of tomorrow. Check out the device's Kickstarter page for a video demonstration of its capabilities!

[Thanks, Tom!]

JoystiqChip Maestro turns your NES into a MIDI synthesizer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bitchip-maestrochiptunesmidimusicnesWed, 11 May 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Meat Boy gets turned into an NES (or vice versa)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/super-meat-boy-gets-turned-into-an-nes-or-vice-versa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/super-meat-boy-gets-turned-into-an-nes-or-vice-versa/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/06/super-meat-boy-gets-turned-into-an-nes-or-vice-versa/#comments Indie game developer (and apparent Team Meat super-fan) Benjamin Braden recently Tweeted a pair of images of a simple, stylish Super Meat Boy-themed NES clone. Check out the image below to see the before and after, and watch that unassuming cartridge slot transform into a horrified meat-mouth.

Continue reading Super Meat Boy gets turned into an NES (or vice versa)

JoystiqSuper Meat Boy gets turned into an NES (or vice versa) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>benjamin-bradenmodnessuper-meat-boyteam-meatWed, 06 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hack connects NES controller to iPad using robo-fingers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/hack-connects-nes-controller-to-ipad-using-robo-fingers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/hack-connects-nes-controller-to-ipad-using-robo-fingers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/hack-connects-nes-controller-to-ipad-using-robo-fingers/#comments The solution found after the break for using an NES controller with Reckless Racing on the iPad is more mechanical than anything -- it attaches the boxy gamepad to a series of robotic fingers that interact with the iPad's capacitive touchscreen. But that doesn't make it any less awesome.

Continue reading Hack connects NES controller to iPad using robo-fingers

JoystiqHack connects NES controller to iPad using robo-fingers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 06:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinocontrollerhackipadmobilemodnesreckless-racingrobotscreenWed, 16 Mar 2011 06:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Utter madman beats Ninja Gaiden NES using DDR pad]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/utter-madman-beats-ninja-gaiden-nes-using-ddr-pad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/utter-madman-beats-ninja-gaiden-nes-using-ddr-pad/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/utter-madman-beats-ninja-gaiden-nes-using-ddr-pad/#comments Known deft-footed retro game enthusiast Nick Hagman is an expert at conquering classic titles using an unorthodox peripheral: A Dance Dance Revolution pad. However, his latest conquest is by far his life's greatest achievement: the ever-difficult NES gem Ninja Gaiden; as seen in this video.

Continue reading Utter madman beats Ninja Gaiden NES using DDR pad

JoystiqUtter madman beats Ninja Gaiden NES using DDR pad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-padddrnesnick-hagmanninja-gaidennintendowiiThu, 03 Mar 2011 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Legend of Zelda turns 25 today, celebrate in your own special way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/the-legend-of-zelda-turns-25-today-celebrate-in-your-own-specia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/the-legend-of-zelda-turns-25-today-celebrate-in-your-own-specia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/21/the-legend-of-zelda-turns-25-today-celebrate-in-your-own-specia/#comments We're wishing a happy 25th birthday today to one of gaming's seminal works: The Legend of Zelda. On February 21, 1986, Nintendo released the game in Japan, and since then we've all hunted down keys, slashed monsters with Master Swords, and bought bombs from random old men. The series has spanned more than 15 games, countless comics and spin-offs, and even -- excuuuse me princess -- a TV series.

You've got a few options for celebration: Maybe make a Triforce cake to eat, browse through this gallery of Zelda oddities or this video retrospective series, or watch the TV shows, all available on Hulu. Us? We'll be watching old Zelda commercials on YouTube. In the wise words of the rapping nerd, "It's The Legend of Zelda, and it's really rad."

JoystiqThe Legend of Zelda turns 25 today, celebrate in your own special way originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>25th-anniversarydsjapanlegend-of-zeldanesnintendothe-legend-of-zeldawiiMon, 21 Feb 2011 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Great Gatsby 'NES' game borne back ceaselessly onto the internet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/great-gatsby-nes-game-borne-back-ceaselessly-onto-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/great-gatsby-nes-game-borne-back-ceaselessly-onto-the-internet/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/great-gatsby-nes-game-borne-back-ceaselessly-onto-the-internet/#comments We're not about to suggest that you play the new "NES version" of The Great Gatsby instead of actually reading the book. Reading Fitzgerald's classic is simply part of the American curriculum. If we had to do it, so do you.

Still, everyone needs a break from reading, and you might as well spend yours playing this delightful throwback game created by Charlie Hoey and Pete Smith. Be sure to check out the "vintage" magazine ad and instruction booklet images while you're at it.

Be warned: This Flash game probably won't prepare you for your English teacher's test (but there's always the CliffsNotes for that); we don't remember Nick tossing his fedora at evil crabs in the book, for example. That said, the game would probably make for a much more interesting class discussion.

JoystiqGreat Gatsby 'NES' game borne back ceaselessly onto the internet originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cultureflash-gamenespcthe-great-gatsbyTue, 15 Feb 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA['The Nintendo Project': Deep thoughts inspired by NES games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/the-nintendo-project-deep-thoughts-inspired-by-nes-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/the-nintendo-project-deep-thoughts-inspired-by-nes-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/26/the-nintendo-project-deep-thoughts-inspired-by-nes-games/#commentsPhillip Sandifer's "The Nintendo Project" is billed as an "8-bit psychochronography," but it can just as easily be understood as "extremely random essays tangentially connected to NES games." Well, maybe "understood" is too strong a word. Basically, it's Chrontendo, but ... not.

Sandifer is playing through the licensed NES games in alphabetical order, 10-Yard Fight to Zombie Nation, and writing an essay for each that manages to be both stream-of-consciousness and in-depth -- but doesn't really manage to be about the actual game. The Defender of the Crown article is about tarot (what will the Taboo: The Sixth Sense post be about, then?), and the most recent article is a long riff on Doctor Who, Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Mario, inspired by Dr. Chaos. It beats having to actually talk about Dr. Chaos, we suppose.

Joystiq'The Nintendo Project': Deep thoughts inspired by NES games originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jan 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nesphillip-sandiferretrothe-nintendo-projectWed, 26 Jan 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square's unreleased Aliens game for Famicom Disk System uncovered]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/squares-unreleased-aliens-game-for-famicom-disk-system-uncovere/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/squares-unreleased-aliens-game-for-famicom-disk-system-uncovere/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/15/squares-unreleased-aliens-game-for-famicom-disk-system-uncovere/#comments Man, what is it about the Aliens franchise that makes its video game adaptations so easily cancelable? Long, long before Obsidian's Aliens RPG ended up on the cutting room floor, Square had its own unreleased entry into the franchise: A 1987 side-scrolling action game for the Famicom Disk System (the disk-loading NES attachment which never quite made it stateside).

A ROM for the canned title recently appeared online; you can check out some footage from an emulated version of the game over at 1UP. It actually doesn't look too terrible -- though back in 1987, we really only had room in our hearts for one unstoppable, alien-obliterating heroine, and that room was totally already spoken for.

JoystiqSquare's unreleased Aliens game for Famicom Disk System uncovered originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienscanceledfamicomfamicom-disk-systemnessquareSquare-EnixSat, 15 Jan 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged Legend of Zelda prototype released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/alleged-legend-of-zelda-prototype-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/alleged-legend-of-zelda-prototype-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/alleged-legend-of-zelda-prototype-released/#comments Lost Levels, a website dedicated to pulling unreleased video games out of the void of obscurity, recently obtained a pretty epic find: An alleged prototype build of the original, Famicom version of The Legend of Zelda. What's different about this early build? Well, apparently, while the retail version of Zelda was responsible for crushing the spirits of many a lesser gamer, this prototype build was designed to be played by sweet, little babies.

The difficulty of the early version of the game appears to be fairly reduced, as the prototype features a much more liberal rate of rupee distribution and an easier palette of enemies compared to the retail release, as evidenced by the screenshot comparison above (prototype on the left). If you've got the right emulator, you can download and play the prototype right now -- or, if you're not in the dungeon-diving mood, you can check more details about the Zelda prototype on The Cutting Room Floor wiki.

JoystiqAlleged Legend of Zelda prototype released originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>emulatorfamicomnesnintendoprototypesthe-legend-of-zeldazeldazelda-no-densetsuTue, 28 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Zelda and Peach are a bit more outgoing in this new music video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/zelda-and-peach-are-a-bit-more-outgoing-in-this-new-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/zelda-and-peach-are-a-bit-more-outgoing-in-this-new-music-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/27/zelda-and-peach-are-a-bit-more-outgoing-in-this-new-music-video/#comments While we find the promiscuous portrayal of Princess Peach and Zelda in this music video for "8-bit Ho" unfaithful to the real-life heroines, we're still compelled to give props: Patrick Donahue's rap is a catchy reflection on having your Heart Container broken.

Continue reading Zelda and Peach are a bit more outgoing in this new music video

JoystiqZelda and Peach are a bit more outgoing in this new music video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit-hodsmarionesnintendopatrick-donahueprincess-peachwiizeldaMon, 27 Dec 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/guitar-made-out-of-an-nes-sounds-like-its-made-out-of-an-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/guitar-made-out-of-an-nes-sounds-like-its-made-out-of-an-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/09/guitar-made-out-of-an-nes-sounds-like-its-made-out-of-an-nes/#comments What to get for the Nintendo fan in your life who already has everything? How about this guitar made out of a Nintendo Entertainment System? GetLoFi.com hacked a working electric guitar together from the body of an NES, and as you can tell from the YouTube video after the break, it sounds ... ok?

So it's not great, but then again it's basically a box made out of plastic. The guitar is being sold for $150 on GetLoFi's web shop, and because it's custom made (the neck is a reused oak guitar neck), they've only got one for sale, but they seem game to make more if the demand is there. The NES itself has been hollowed out for all the other electronics, so if you want to play your favorite NES games while strumming their tunes, you'll need your own console for that.

Continue reading Guitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES

JoystiqGuitar made out of an NES sounds like it's made out of an NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customgetlofiguitarhackmusicNESnintendo-entertainment-systemThu, 09 Dec 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Bros. tricks explained with animated GIFs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/super-mario-bros-tricks-explained-with-animated-gifs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/super-mario-bros-tricks-explained-with-animated-gifs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/08/super-mario-bros-tricks-explained-with-animated-gifs/#comments With the launch of the 25th Anniversary edition of Super Mario All-Stars for Wii drawing near (this Sunday!), you may be seriously tempted to buy all those classic Mario games again for, like -- what? The fourth time? Think again! Not only is the "Limited Edition" Wii game a veritable ROM dump of the SNES All-Stars (which features graphically and musically enhanced versions of the NES games, by 16-bit standards), it's also missing a lot of the great "glitches" from the original games.

TASVideos has assembled a comprehensive guide to the elite tricks and tactics from the original Super Mario Bros. games -- with pictures! Animated pictures. It serves as a stark reminder to us purists why there's really no substitute for the originals, even when said substitute comes in a nifty box.

JoystiqSuper Mario Bros. tricks explained with animated GIFs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatsglitchesguidenesnintendostrategysuper-mario-brossuper-mario-bros-2super-mario-bros-3tipstrickswiiWed, 08 Dec 2010 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NES cartridge router: Now you're broadcasting Wi-Fi with power]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/nes-cartridge-router-now-youre-broadcasting-wi-fi-with-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/nes-cartridge-router-now-youre-broadcasting-wi-fi-with-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/nes-cartridge-router-now-youre-broadcasting-wi-fi-with-power/#commentsRight now (check the exact time on your NES cartridge clock), you could be using hard drives, CD cases, soap, and even NES systems shaped like NES cartridges. Now, thanks to Unconventional Hacker, you can even camouflage a wireless router among your pile of extra Super Mario Bros./Duck Hunt cartridges. You do have a pile of extra SMB/Duck Hunt cartridges, we're sure.

The site offers a step-by-step guide to cramming a wireless router inside a NES cartridge, and even adding a snazzy custom label. Next up: an Instructable for how to deal with your insatiable urge to make things look like NES carts!

JoystiqNES cartridge router: Now you're broadcasting Wi-Fi with power originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksmodsnesnes-cartridgenintendorouterwiiFri, 05 Nov 2010 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario used to pack a beam gun]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/super-mario-used-to-pack-a-beam-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/super-mario-used-to-pack-a-beam-gun/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/super-mario-used-to-pack-a-beam-gun/#comments OK, so our jealousy of Japan and Europe and their Super Mario Bros. collectors editions has become utterly crushing. N-Styles provides the proverbial camel-back-breaking straw with some original design docs included in the package's history book.

Not only are they so totally gorgeous that we want to lay them out on a bed and go full Indecent Proposal, but Andriasang's translation shows they're full of interesting tidbits like the fact that Mario was originally supposed to have a beam gun.

Boy, fireballs seem pretty tame now that we know how close we got to ... Mario Chief? Master Plumber? ... Sorry, give us a second, we'll come up with something.

JoystiqSuper Mario used to pack a beam gun originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nesnintendoretroshigeru-miyamotosuper-mario-all-starssuper-mario-brossuper-mario-collection-special-packwiiMon, 25 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq remembers the NES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/joystiq-remembers-the-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/joystiq-remembers-the-nes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/joystiq-remembers-the-nes/#commentsToday marks the 25th anniversary of the North American launch of the Nintendo Entertainment System. Or, at least, the 25th anniversary of the system's launch in Nintendo's test market of New York City. Most of us didn't actually see the thing until 1986, with the system merely an exciting rumor before that.

It's as good a date as any for the Joystiq staff to reminisce about the system that introduced us all to Link, Samus, Simon Belmont and Mega Man, not to mention Lolo, Kid Niki, 3D WorldRunner, Bayou Billy, Black Mage, Master Higgins, the M.C. Kids, and the cashier at Merv's Burger Joint (smiles are free!). Join us after the break, and play with the power of memory.

[Image: Front page of first known U.S. print ad for the NES; source: NY Mag; via 1UP]

Continue reading Joystiq remembers the NES

JoystiqJoystiq remembers the NES originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nesnes-25th-anniversaryretroMon, 18 Oct 2010 17:58:00 EST