Joystiq

Miyamoto's DS patent offers upgraded tourist hunting techniques

Jessica Conditt — Sun, 06 May 2012 15:30:00 EST

The DS Lite could see society's next great advancement in GPS technology, at least in tourist-heavy areas such as museums and haunted-home expeditions, a patent from Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto suggests.

The patent describes a system where an overhead grid of infrared "positional information transmitters" reads a user's DS to light up floor patterns and potential walkways. The user can then pick which route he'd like to take, reading tourist facts along the way.

Nintendo has already infiltrated the museum scene with the 3DS giving guided tours in the Louvre, and it's doing a pretty great job, from what we hear. There's no guarantee that a patent will translate to an actual product, but the thousands of infrared beams hovering over the Mona Lisa fulfills a few of our own spy fantasies, so we'll hope this one works out in some way.

Miyamoto's DS patent offers upgraded tourist hunting techniques originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto equates Vita's bumpy start with that of the 3DS

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 EST

Nintendo head of production Shigeru Miyamoto is a swell guy. How do we know? When baited with a chance to badmouth Sony's Vita, he chose diplomacy - even comparing its launch to the rocky launch of Nintendo's 3DS - over the usual corporate chest-pouding we're used to reading. "When we launched the 3DS hardware, we didn't have Super Mario 3D Land, we didn't have Mario Kart 7, we didn't have Kid Icarus: Uprising," Miyamoto told Edge in a recent interview. "We were striving to have all of these ready for the launch, but we weren't able to deliver them at that time," he admitted.

And though Nintendo "were kind of hoping that people would, nevertheless, buy into the product," it was quickly clear that wouldn't be the case. The resultant price drop and subsequent release of the aforementioned titles helped the 3DS build steam, and Miyamoto sees the same scenario playing out for Sony. "It's obviously a very hi-spec machine, and you can do lots of things with it. But I don't really see the combination of software and hardware that really makes a very strong product," he added.

Sony's PlayStation Vita retails for a minimum of $250 currently - the same price the 3DS debuted at - and has at least two notable first-party releases on the horizon for North America: Sound Shapes and Gravity Rush. Sony's latest Vita numbers put the system at over 2 million sold worldwide as of late Feburary this year.

[Image credit: Edge]

Miyamoto equates Vita's bumpy start with that of the 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto promises Pikmin reveal at E3 2012

David Hinkle — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST

In addition to a new Mario, Nintendo is bringing at least one more Nintendo game to E3. Shigeru Miyamoto has been discussing a new Pikmin game for some time, and we may finally get a first glimpse of it during this year's annual Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles.

In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Miyamoto confirmed that Nintendo is finally ready to unveil the next entry in the series. A Nintendo representative offered additional comments to Game Informer, stating that Miyamoto thinks "anyone who has played Pikmin games in the past will enjoy playing."

Miyamoto promises Pikmin reveal at E3 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo showing Wii U Mario game at E3

JC Fletcher — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST

In an article about the Louvre's 3DS integration, Spanish newspaper El Mundo said that Miyamoto revealed plans to show a new Super Mario game for Wii U at E3. However, without a direct quote, it seemed likely that he had been talking about the Wii U and the (confirmed) 3DS Super Mario game, and the two had become conflated. The other, less likely option, is that Miyamoto had let slip the existence of an unannounced game, which is out of character for anyone at Nintendo.

However, that's exactly what happened. Eurogamer received confirmation from Nintendo. "In a recent interview, Mr. Miyamoto confirmed that a new Super Mario Bros. game for the Wii U system will be shown at this year's E3 Expo," the Nintendo representative told the site. "We'll have more to announce about our plans for the E3 Expo at a later date."

During the last E3, Nintendo showed a Wii U game (above) based on New Super Mario Bros. Wii. It's possible that demo may have evolved into this new game, or it could be something totally different. All we know at this point is that it's a "Super Mario Bros. game."

Nintendo showing Wii U Mario game at E3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto interested in revisiting A Link to the Past

David Hinkle — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST

If you had the power to do anything with The Legend of Zelda franchise, what would you do? Remake Oracle of Ages/Seasons? Nintendo legend Shigeru Miyamoto wouldn't mind coming back to A Link to the Past.

Miyamoto said he'd be "interested in creating something new maybe based on, or starting from, A Link To The Past" in an interview with Edge. "I think it's important to bring some really new software." It shouldn't come as a surprise, since he's already said he wants to see a remake on 3DS, but there's a big hurdle in his way. With his work on an original game ongoing the impending Wii U launch, time must be a very precious commodity at Nintendo nowadays.

"To be very honest and open, it really depends on the directors that have time at the moment as well," he said. "Some directors, I can give them the title and I know they will do something great with it. Other directors I'm not so 100 percent confident [in], so they're the ones I'd rather take a more remake approach to the title. It really depends on that as well."

It seems if Miyamoto is confident in a director, he'll give them free reign to produce whatever their vision is. A remake, on the other hand, is considered more appropriate for less experienced directors - no offense to Grezzo, who did most of the work on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D.

Miyamoto interested in revisiting A Link to the Past originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto enjoys Angry Birds, sees inspiration to create 'unexpected new things'

JC Fletcher — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:35:00 EST

Shigeru Miyamoto loves Angry Birds, telling Edge that the 2009 mobile slingshot game is his favorite of the past year - which may come as a shock to those who consider smartphone games a dangerous threat to systems like Nintendo's 3DS.

"What I like about Angry Birds is that it has a traditional videogame [feel] to it, but also a very creative side," Miyamoto said. "And you can really feel that they're having fun developing the game. That's what I like about it." Miyamoto admitted that he doesn't typically talk in interviews about non-Nintendo games he's enjoying.

Rather than express deep fear about the fact that phone games can be enjoyable, Miyamoto said he pays little attention to the medium. "I check up on them sometimes, but I don't have a lot of time," he said, before comparing the medium to his company's work. "I think we also have a history of having certain fun ideas and making a game out of it, and there's lots of other people also doing this [now]. This kind of environment inspires us to try even harder, and create even more unexpected new things."

Miyamoto enjoys Angry Birds, sees inspiration to create 'unexpected new things' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fake Miyamoto takes to Twitter and revitalizes Nintendo franchises in Flash

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:15:00 EST

As if the saga of Fake Peter Molyneux weren't an exciting enough Twitter story, today we were introduced to Faux Shigeru Miyamoto, who creates amazing Flash games using classic Nintendo characters. Both Mario and Kirby are lampooned in Flash on the impersonator's Tumblr site, as well as the legendary creator himself of course. Presumably the totally-not-retiring slash potentially retiring developer isn't just pulling a fast one on us all, and we very much doubt these are prototypes for that original game he's making.

Regardless, we suggest one thing before heading into any of the games on said site: turn your volume way, way down. Or up, if you're extremely hard of hearing, but otherwise, ya know, it's super loud. Deafeningly so.

Fake Miyamoto takes to Twitter and revitalizes Nintendo franchises in Flash originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto working on an unannounced 'original' game

JC Fletcher — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST

A recent Zoomin Games interview with Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned in passing that, in addition to Luigi's Mansion 2 for 3DS and Pikmin 3 to Wii U, he is also working on what ZoomIn called an "undisclosed original title." Speaking about that mysterious new project, Miyamoto said "If you ask me, 'Is it too much pressure to try to come out with something new?' I have to say no, I'm enjoying myself."

By way of explaining his own style, he gave us some idea of what to expect. "Each creator has his or her own field for which he or she is particularly good at," Miyamoto said. "I'm not saying that I am particularly bad at making the very photo-realistic video games. But when it comes to the realistic games, you have to create something familiar. I personally want to make something really different."

The rest of the interview is devoted to damage control from that time he didn't even actually say he was retiring from Nintendo.

Miyamoto working on an unannounced 'original' game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Old Nintendo picture book highlights young Miyamoto, other Mario vets

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST

When Chris Covell went to a "local library" recently -- local for him being "in Japan" -- he didn't grab just any book. Instead, he grabbed a picture book made for children named "The Stars of Famicom Games: How Video Games Are Made," wherein legendary Japanese developers like Shigeru Miyamoto, Koji Kondo, and Takashi Tezuka are caught in revealing images, behind the scenes of Super Mario Bros. 3's development.

Beyond all the devs looking many, many years younger (the images were taken in summer 1989), the photos depict an all-star development team crafting one of the most beloved gaming experiences of all time. If your morning has been sadly devoid of EPROMs and late '80s Japanese haircuts, this conveniently translated feature is perfect for you.

[Image credit: Chris Covell]

Old Nintendo picture book highlights young Miyamoto, other Mario vets originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto: Retro could handle a Zelda game, smartphones aren't competition

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST

The full transcript of Wired's interview with Shigeru Miyamoto -- in which the industry legend triggered some panic over his future -- has been posted. Surprisingly, that pseudo-retirement news isn't even the juiciest angle; Miyamoto also discussed the company's troubled recent past, as well as its potentially Miyamoto-less future.

He explained that Nintendo's goals this generation have focused on "the expanding of the gaming population," a task which would seemingly put them at odds with the ever-increasing smartphone market. Miyamoto posits that his company isn't "directly competing" with phones; rather, both might just have increased the size of the gaming market, and "expanded the definition of videogames" themselves.

In the more recent past (last week, in fact), Nintendo launched the Retro-developed Mario Kart 7 for 3DS, a project which Miyamoto said succeeded due to its multicultural development approach. "We were able to join forces in order to realize a variety of different courses, a variety of different tastes," he explained. "I think that's one reason how it worked out well between a Japanese development team and a Western development team."

It seems Retro has earned the games industry maven's trust, as Miyamoto added, "As you know, we have already collaborated with Retro for the Metroid Prime series in the past. And I think when we talk about any other franchise, Zelda might be a possible franchise for that collaboration." We think we speak for everyone when we shout in support of this idea while doing fist pumps into the air. Check out the full interview for more on the future of Zelda, the 3DS, the Wii U and the other pies Miyamoto's got his fingers in.

Miyamoto: Retro could handle a Zelda game, smartphones aren't competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto definitely not retiring, but setting up for his eventual departure

JC Fletcher — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:45:00 EST

Shigeru Miyamoto is definitely not retiring from Nintendo. But the question of whether he is "retiring" from his high-level executive position has been pointlessly contentious, with Nintendo PR countering his own claims.

In an interview with the Wall Street Journal, the game design legend was more guarded in his words, saying that the company should be "structured" to continue operations without him, to transition toward his eventual departure. "I should also admit that it might be better without me," Miyamoto said. "I mean that a different approach and different talent might emerge, though I shouldn't dwell on this because then the article might indeed say 'Mr. Miyamoto is thinking about retiring,' because that is not the case." Of course he will have to leave Nintendo at some point, because he ages at the normal human rate.

He reiterated his interest in spending time on smaller ideas, though the WSJ reports that he said those ideas could "blossom" into larger games.

Miyamoto definitely not retiring, but setting up for his eventual departure originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo officially denies Miyamoto's plan to step down within Nintendo

JC Fletcher — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:32:00 EST

In a Wired interview published last night, Shigeru Miyamoto discussed plans to step down from his position as senior managing director of Nintendo's EAD division, in the interest of making smaller projects on his own within Nintendo.

Investors clearly didn't read his quotes closely enough, saw "I'm going to retire" and had mini-panic attacks, causing Nintendo shares to drop two percent overnight. And so, of course, Nintendo is denying reports that Miyamoto is leaving (even though he's not leaving).

"This is absolutely not true," a Nintendo spokesperson told Reuters. "There seems to have been a misunderstanding. He has said all along that he wants to train the younger generation." Then, to further clarify the message, "He has no intention of stepping down. Please do not be concerned." At least, not concerned enough to affect the stock price.

There definitely appears to be a "misunderstanding," with Nintendo issuing a denial of Miyamoto's own quotes. We suspect there's currently a "misunderstanding" between Miyamoto, who wants to transition away from supervising massive projects, and Nintendo, who wants to put his name on every game.

Nintendo officially denies Miyamoto's plan to step down within Nintendo originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Shigeru Miyamoto 'retiring from current position' at Nintendo, working on smaller games [update: Nintendo denies]

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:34:00 EST

Update: A Nintendo spokesperson tells Reuters that the report of Shigeru Miyamoto stepping down to a different position is "absolutely not true." The company asserts the story is a "misunderstanding," and that Miyamoto has "no intention" of stepping down.

Original story: "I'm not saying that I'm going to retire from game development altogether. What I mean by retiring is, retiring from my current position," Nintendo head of development and long-time game industry figurehead Shigeru Miyamoto told Wired's Game|Life blog in an interview this week. It appears, after a lengthy career spent creating some of the game industry's most popular and important franchises, Miyamoto is altering his role at the company.

"What I really want to do is be in the forefront of game development once again myself. Probably working on a smaller project with even younger developers. Or I might be interested in making something that I can make myself, by myself. Something really small," he explained further. Miyamoto isn't quitting development, though. Apparently he's looking to start a new project in 2012, and hopes to show it publicly by year's end.

"In other words, I'm not intending to start from things that require a five-year development time," he added. While he won't be changing roles immediately, the idea behind announcing his retirement is to spur the less veteran devs at Nintendo to step up. "I'm interested in doing a variety of many other things," he teased.

Shigeru Miyamoto 'retiring from current position' at Nintendo, working on smaller games [update: Nintendo denies] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 21:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto interested in 3D remakes of 2D Zelda titles

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST

It's probably too early to get excited, but it seems that older 2D Zelda games could be in line for giving them a 3D makeover. The news comes via Zelda producer Eiji Aonuma, who recently told GamesRadar that Shigeru Miyamoto has been "talking about" revisiting 2D Zelda games, specifically "the ones that were designed with multiple levels to the world like A Link to the Past, and taking those 2D graphics and recreating them in 3D."

In context, it sounds as if Aonuma is referring to applying 3D effects to the existing titles - perhaps akin to the 3D Classics already available for 3DS - rather than a full-blown polygonal remake. As GamesRadar points out, A Link to the Past, with its multiple tiers, would certainly lend itself to 3D effects. What it wouldn't lend itself too: Helping us save money.

Miyamoto interested in 3D remakes of 2D Zelda titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Yes, of course Shigeru Miyamoto is involved in Super Mario 3D Land

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:40:00 EST

Like with previous Mario titles, the little plumber's creator is once again involved in Nintendo's next project, Super Mario 3D Land. In a recent Famitsu interview (translated by 1UP), Shigeru Miyamoto explains his role as "general producer" on the title, saying that he was uninvolved until about halfway through the project. "I kept my distance from the project at first, but became more deeply involved midway -- I don't think it'd be satisfying as a Mario game to everyone unless I made myself known on the little details," he says.

Miyamoto further details his work on the project, specifically citing his work as helping to "fine-tune the numbers" behind things like Mario's iconic jump or run speed. He also points out that Mario's upcoming 3DS game draws from the world of Super Mario Bros. 3, while the "New" Super Mario Bros. titles drew from Super Mario World's foundation. Neat!

"The New Mario series was an effort to get back to the core of it," he adds. "And this game is kind of an in-between -- it's 3D, but it's a Mario that lots of people can play." To that end, Super Mario 3D Land will feature a hint system akin to other recent Nintendo first-party titles, which Miyamoto teases briefly. But you wouldn't need such a thing, right?

Yes, of course Shigeru Miyamoto is involved in Super Mario 3D Land originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Oct 2011 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will last 50-100 hours, Nintendo claims

Justin McElroy — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:33:00 EST

Hope you brought a change of tights.

During the 3DS-centric press conference Nintendo is currently holding in Tokyo, Shigeru Miyamoto kicked things off with the decidedly unportable Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. While showing off the game's features, Shiggy apparently said that the game would last between 50 and 100 hours. Lest your tan pants, green boots and stupid hat get a little ... musty, you may want to bring spares.

Update: Nintendo confirmed that number on the official twitter account.

Also, we say "apparently" 50-100 hours because the presentation was entirely in Japanese and we can't technically speak the language. Technically speaking. But since Miyamoto added the game has been in development by a team of 100 for over five years, the exorbitant length would make a lot of sense.

Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will last 50-100 hours, Nintendo claims originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata Asks how Miyamoto learned English

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:20:00 EST

Beyond founding Q-Games and helping to father the PixelJunk series, Dylan Cuthbert has done some other extraordinary things in his years working in the game industry. He recounts some of those adventures in a recent Iwata Asks column, woefully exclusive to Japanese readers for now, but thankfully summarized by Andriasang.

But why is Cuthbert appearing in an Iwata Asks ... you ask? Because he helped create several of Nintendo's major Star Fox titles, of course (including the original), and he's heading up development of Star Fox 64 3D as director. Cuthbert actually didn't work on the Nintendo 64 title, as he had left Nintendo and was busy working on Blasto for Sony's PlayStation at the time.

Also detailed in the piece is an interesting fact about how Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto learned how to speak English. When Cuthbert began working at Nintendo, he had only a rudimentary grasp on the Japanese language -- after initially impressing staff during a visit when he was 18 to show off a 3D Game Boy engine, he was hired on, regardless of language skills. Miyamoto had an equally unimpressive grasp on English at the time, and it seems that the two worked together to help each other out. Miyamoto is said to have had a particularly hard time in by of with prepositions. We feel your pain.

Iwata Asks how Miyamoto learned English originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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What you didn't know about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

Justin McElroy — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST

After playing The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time in both two and three dimensions, you probably think you know everything there is to know about the watershed action-adventure, but how wrong you are! In a recent Iwata Asks, Shigeru Miyamoto and Iwata unearthed even more dirt on the game.

For example, did you know Miyamoto and team didn't think cutting grass was particularly fun, but fans of Link to the Past demanded it? It's true! Did you know it was kind of inspired by Twin Peaks? It's true! Did you know that Navi is the real Keyser Söze? It's true!

No, sorry. We misread. That last one's made up.

What you didn't know about The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii U currently only supports one WiiPad

Justin McElroy — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST

Investing in a new console is never cheap, but considering the main input method for the Wii U is a controller with a screen in it, we were understandably daunted by the idea of having to buy multiple WiiPads. According to Shigeru Miyamoto (probably known best as the senior producer on Chibi Robo) we needn't have worried.

Miyamoto told GamePro that the Wii U will only support one WiiPad, explaining that if the company had wanted to do multiple touchscreens it would have found a way to let players use 3DS systems with the new console.

Miyamoto didn't rule out the possibility of letting you take your WiiPad to a friends house and linking up play somehow, but it doesn't seem to be actively in the works at the moment.

Wii U currently only supports one WiiPad originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto: Pikmin in the works for Wii U

Ludwig Kietzmann — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST

Nintendo's almost getting in the habit of announcing Pikmin games at its E3 developer roundtable events. Speaking to attendees this evening, Shigeru Miyamoto explained that while development of a new Pikmin began on Wii, it has since been moved to the company's new console, the Wii U.

Miyamoto described it as "the perfect system for Pikmin," though tried to distance himself from turning this into a corporate announcement. His non-corporate side, Miyamoto said, "really just wants to tell you we're working on Pikmin."

Since the game has been in the works for some time, Captain Olimar and his plant-like companions won't dally "too long" before they touch down in your perilous garden.

Miyamoto: Pikmin in the works for Wii U originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Legend of Zelda symphonies to be held across the country for franchise's 25th anniversary

David Hinkle — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:23:00 EST

Shigeru Miyamoto has announced that to celebrate the 25th anniversary for The Legend of Zelda, a series of concerts will be held across the country. These live symphonies will also produce a soundtrack, available to anyone who picks up The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and registers with Club Nintendo, free of charge.

The Legend of Zelda symphonies to be held across the country for franchise's 25th anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto would most like to see a Link to the Past remake on 3DS

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST

Shigeru Miyamoto has a habit for developing games that show off the strength of new Nintendo platforms -- and it sounds like he's planning on doing so once again for the 3DS. Speaking to Edge, Miyamoto explained now that Nintendo has finished developing the 3DS hardware, it can "focus more on gaming" in the coming year, adding that we can expect "remakes of games on 3DS as well." When asked for a specific title he'd like to see remade, Miyamoto reached into his own back catalog, answering, "I think A Link To The Past."

Deciding that wasn't enough of a pseudo-sadistic tease, Miyamoto explained some of the functionality he'd like to see in a 3DS Link to the Past remake. "Do you remember Xevious," Miyamoto asked. "It's two-layered and I really wanted to create that at the time. So to see Link To The Past in two layers would be quite attractive for me." Such a remake sounds just perfect for the 3D Classics section of the 3DS eShop -- a storefront which, serendipitously enough, will play host to a renovated version of Xevious itself.

Miyamoto would most like to see a Link to the Past remake on 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto talks Super Mario 3DS, hints at the raccoon's return

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST

In a recent interview with Edge, industry legend Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed two of the suspicions we'd developed regarding the handful of Super Mario 3DS details revealed during the publisher's GDC presentation. First, he explained, "It's a combination of Super Mario Galaxy and Super Mario on N64." Which makes sense, considering we knew it was being developed by the team between both installments in the Galaxy series. He added that the device's 3D capabilities makes platforming a bit smoother, explaining, "The floors floating in space: in 2D it's difficult to judge the distance, but in 3D it's really easy."

Second, remember the tail that was springing out of the logo? That wasn't just some sad remnant of a half-deleted Wingding -- it was, as you probably expected, an appendage. Miyamoto explained, "The tail you mentioned on the logo - it's what you think it is. You probably know what's going to happen using that character." Who, Tanooki? Yeah, we know that guy's style. He's gonna get right in our trash cans, mess up our yard and then fly off into the crisp, night sky.

We'll have our opportunity to get reacquainted with that ringtailed jerk relatively soon -- Miyamoto explained, Super Mario 3DS is "completely original, and coming this year."

Miyamoto talks Super Mario 3DS, hints at the raccoon's return originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Apr 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rare DS signed by Nintendo vets being auctioned for Japan disaster relief

Randy Nelson — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST

Kept in a glass case for more than four years, an original model Nintendo DS bearing the autographs of some of Nintendo's key players (and two literal key players) is being auctioned off by its owner to raise money for the Red Cross disaster relief effort in Japan.

The red Mario Kart DS promotional system is signed by Mario's creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, along with composer Koji Kondo, Zelda series chief Eiji Aonuma, voice of Mario Charles Martinet and Martin Leung, a pianist who performs with Video Games Live and rose to fame thanks to a YouTube video of him playing the Mario theme blindfolded.

Its current owner has vowed to donate 100 percent of their profit from the auction to the Red Cross and provide proof of the donation to the winning bidder. As of this writing, there are six days left to not only get your hands on a rare gaming collectible, but do something good for your fellow man in the process. Visit redcross.org for information on donating directly to the relief effort.

Rare DS signed by Nintendo vets being auctioned for Japan disaster relief originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo considering future 3D video recording 'update' for 3DS

JC Fletcher — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST

In the latest excerpt from Nintendo's "Iwata Asks" interview about the 3DS, Shigeru Miyamoto excitedly revealed that "Iwata-san also wants to include 3D video in the future!" Iwata tempered that exclamation by saying, "I think it will be fun if we're able to include video recording capabilities with future updates." Clearly, that's no guarantee that such a feature will be added to the handheld's 3D camera functionality, but if Iwata thinks it would be fun, then don't be surprised if you find yourself shooting low-res 3D video with your 3DS at some point in the future!

Later in the interview, Hideki Konno joined the group and discussed the StreetPass feature in Nintendogs + Cats. "When you're using StreetPass and exchange data with someone, in walk mode, that person's Mii is walking whatever puppy he or she has chosen," Konno explained. "Then your Miis and puppies talk and exchange gifts." The feature is designed to imitate the random meetings of people walking their dogs on the street ... without having to actually meet random people walking their dogs on the street.

Nintendo considering future 3D video recording 'update' for 3DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DSiWare guide app beams out helpful info (in Japan)

JC Fletcher — Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST

Today, Nintendo released a Shigeru Miyamoto pet project for Japan's DSiWare service: "Make Your Own DS Guide," an app that allows users to record image and audio samples, and then push them out to nearby DS systems via Download Play. The idea is that people and businesses can create self-narrated guides for any event or location (like menus for a restaurant or information about an art exhibit).

In fact, this idea is based on Nintendo's experiments with using the DS to provide maps and audio tours in museums. You can see the free app in action at Nintendo's DSiWare site.

New DSiWare guide app beams out helpful info (in Japan) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto talks about Wii Music's future, hints at sequel

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:02:00 EST

Last October, when the wounds of Wii Music's critical and commercial failure were still relatively fresh, Shigeru Miyamoto mentioned that "there may still be some possibility" of continuing the franchise. In a recent interview with Techland, Miyamoto went a bit further, explaining, "There's a lot of potential still in Wii Music, I think. Because we're going to change it up, a new interface is coming, and all of that." Them's sequeling words, partner.

Miyamoto also addressed the possibility of Mario making an appearance in a Wii Music follow-up, stating "If we get more people to understand what's going on in the game concept, then he might appear in the game. I don't know." He added that a Mario cameo is somewhat unlikely, as "he can't play guitar" or saxophone using his stubby, gloved fingers. That's a good point, Mr. Miyamoto -- we guess he can't play too many instruments. But he can rap with the best of them.

Miyamoto talks about Wii Music's future, hints at sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario World is Miyamoto's favorite Mario game

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST

Speaking to Game Hunters during Mario's 25th-anniversary celebration at the Nintendo World Store, Mario maestro Shigeru Miyamoto revealed some interesting tidbits about everyone's favorite plumber. When asked what fans don't know about Mario, Miyamoto revealed that the development team on Super Mario Bros had considered using the NES D-pad to make Mario jump instead of the A button. We know, madness.

Another revealing bit of trivia: Miyamoto admitted that his favorite Mario game is Super Mario World. Miyamoto liked that the game combined the traditional action of the series with new map features, making players "think about where they were going and what they were going to do next." He added that many of the Super Mario World staff went on to become producers and directors.

Strangely, Miyamoto neglected to mention the SNES game's standout feature: namely, that the cape is awesome.

Super Mario World is Miyamoto's favorite Mario game originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy birthday, Mario! We share cake with Mario and Miyamoto at NYC's Nintendo World Store

Andrew Yoon — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., Nintendo invited fans to celebrate with an incredible cake, adorned with recreations of levels from the game. Not only did Mario show up, but so did his creator, Shigeru Miyamoto, and NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime.

Continue reading Happy birthday, Mario! We share cake with Mario and Miyamoto at NYC's Nintendo World Store

Happy birthday, Mario! We share cake with Mario and Miyamoto at NYC's Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Nov 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Super Mario used to pack a beam gun

Justin McElroy — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 16:30:00 EST

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.

Super 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.

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Miyamoto explains why it's 'easy' to make a Mario game

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

As part of Nintendo's ongoing celebration of Mario's 25th anniversary, the latest edition of Iwata Asks is a lengthy conversation between Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto and guest host Shigesato Itoi, creator of Earthbound. In the interview, Miyamoto suggested that making Mario games has been "easy," thanks to ever-evolving technology.

"What's been easy about making the Mario games is that they could naturally change along with the progress of technology," Miyamoto observed. "For example, when you make live action SFX movies and as special effects technology advances, then you have new methods at your disposal."

Adapting to new technologies has been key to Mario's longevity, Miyamoto explained. "In the same way, as technology advances, the Mario games change, too [...] And as technology changes, so does what you want to do. If it weren't for that, I don't think I could have stuck with it this far." Because the Mario franchise is meant to change with technology, there hasn't ever been a "roadmap" for the series. Instead, the impromptu schedule of Mario games has fueled its creative stamina. "The games turn out more fun that way than if you planned everything out on paper," Miyamoto added.

Although Miyamoto has been working with Nintendo and the Mario series for the past 25 years, it seems the famed designer isn't ready to quit any time soon. When quizzed about his position 25 years from now (when he's 85!), Miyamoto admitted that "I'll probably be working on something." Of course, there's a caveat: "If I'm still alive then."

Miyamoto explains why it's 'easy' to make a Mario game originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto on Miis migrating to 3DS, evolving network play on the handheld

Randy Nelson — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Nintendo of America boss Reggie Fils-Aime may be committed to improving the online experience on the Big N's platforms, but legendary designer and Guy Who Makes Things Happen[TM] at the company, Shigeru Miyamoto, doesn't seem inclined to exactly reinvent network play with 3DS. "We look at [online] more in terms of what can we do to provide that Nintendo flavor or magic to that community or connection experience," he told IGN Australia in an E3 interview the site just now found behind its virtual sofa cushions.

"One of the ways that we're looking at doing that, is the idea of really strengthening the tag mode functionality," he explained, referring to an "always on" data-sharing feature most famously employed by Dragon Quest IX on DS. "We think that there will be some unique ideas that come out of that, and that it will have a very unique Nintendo flavor to it." So, not voice chat or friend code-free multiplayer then?

Speaking of exchanging things with other 3DS owners: what of Miis? Already transferable from Wii to current DS titles such as Tomodachi Collection and Personal Trainer: Walking, Miyamoto commented that the pint-sized avatars moving to-and-fro between future platforms is "something that we're definitely giving consideration to," and that there's a desire to "continue to try to allow people to use their Miis on different Nintendo systems going forward." We can certainly get down with the idea of 3D Miis -- or, as we call them, "3Miis."

Miyamoto on Miis migrating to 3DS, evolving network play on the handheld originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto admits Nintendo needs new characters

Ben Gilbert — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

If the unveiling of Nintendo's 3DS-based Kid Icarus game wasn't enough to make Nintendo fans smile, some brand-new characters from the company may very well be on the horizon. Speaking during a recent investor call, as picked up by Sankei Newspaper (via 1UP), Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto admitted that "We need new game characters soon," adding that we could see the new characters as soon as next year. While we might argue that Nintendo still has plenty of characters left languishing in a vault somewhere (Balloon Fight, anyone?), it certainly wouldn't hurt to see some fresh faces from the man who brought icons like Donkey Kong and Link into the world. (And no, Miis do not count. Seriously.)

Miyamoto admits Nintendo needs new characters originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo CEO Iwata doesn't earn as much as you'd think

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 18:05:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

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

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

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

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Video Interview: Shigeru Miyamoto on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3

Christopher Grant — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:40:00 EST

You may have read our interview with Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto earlier this week - where we talked about everything from the 3DS to Retro's reboot of Donkey Kong Country to the Wii MotionPlus-enabled Zelda title, Skyward Sword - but why not watch the video also? You can marvel as the voice of Nintendo's Bill Trinen magically appears out of Mr. Miyamoto's mouth thanks to the magic of editing and, as a freebie, you're also hearing the thoughts of one of video gaming's great creators. Find it just after the break.

Continue reading Video Interview: Shigeru Miyamoto on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3

Video Interview: Shigeru Miyamoto on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Interview: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3

Chris Buffa — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST

Nintendo recently unveiled its 3DS handheld, and Super Mario Bros. creator Shigeru Miyamoto is hard at work on the next evolution of virtual pets, Nintendogs + Cats, for the system. While the core mechanics remain the same, players will interact with their pets in full 3-D. We had a chance to sit with Miyamoto to see what he thinks of 3-D gaming and more.

Joystiq: We knew the 3DS was coming. It was announced a while ago, but we didn't expect so many games to be available. How long have you been working on the technology?

Shigeru Miyamoto: Nintendo's been researching 3-D games for over 20 years. The first time we started looking at 3D with an LCD screen was during the GameCube days. We've continued to experiment with it since then, particularly implementing it into the 3DS. That's something we've been working on for the past three years.

With games, what's the ratio of Nintendo first party to third party? It seems like some of them are remakes, such as Star Fox. How many are new and updated experiences?

When we first launched Nintendo DS, the touch screen became a new innovative face for gaming, and we spent a lot of time creating things that were probably different from the standard games that you've seen, games that are more like books or Brain Training type games. But with Nintendo 3DS, and specifically with the ability to create 3-D visuals, we're finding that, in addition to creating new game ideas, the 3-D visuals really do a lot for past experiences. It'll be a blend. We'll see remakes that take advantage of the 3-D, but we'll also work on new ideas as well.

Continue reading Interview: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3

Interview: Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, on 3DS, Retro, Zelda and Pikmin 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jun 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto: Nintendo 'desperate to realize' online business

JC Fletcher — Fri, 07 May 2010 18:59:00 EST

Nintendo's online offerings are free (and somewhat limited) as of now, but that might not always be the case. According to statements from Shigeru Miyamoto to Edge, Nintendo is still considering the nature of its online business.

"Probably the other thing that we are desperate to realise is the core [online] business structure," Miyamoto said. "Do we need to demand customers pay monthly fees to enjoy online activities? Or give an online subscription that is free of charge, but then offer something extra for people that pay, so that they get some extra value? With these core business strategies I think we are less active than we should be."

Miyamoto denied claims that Nintendo isn't "proactive when it comes to its online strategy," noting that the company intends for all consumers to be connected through the Wii at all times (Nintendo even initiated a reward program for those who help others get their Wiis online). He did admit that "Nintendo hasn't been very proactive in developing such online activities as an MMOG."

None of this is any confirmation that Nintendo's going to start charging for some kind of pervasive network, or that we'll see an Animal Crossing MMO at E3. But it is definitely interesting that the company is showing an interest in online services beyond the somewhat barebones setup it has now.

Miyamoto: Nintendo 'desperate to realize' online business originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Platinum's Kamiya wants to make a new Star Fox at gunpoint

JC Fletcher — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:28:00 EST

Hideki Kamiya is both thrilled about the Star Fox series and confused about how gunpoint demands work. In response to a statement from Shigeru Miyamoto indicating interest in a Wii Star Fox game, Kamiya expressed his own interest in a rather extreme manner. "I want Nintendo's staff to come to Platinum, stick guns at us and tell us 'You guys make a new Star Fox,'" he said on Twitter. Why would Nintendo need to point guns at him? He wants to make the game! Of course, why would we expect logic from the mind behind Bayonetta?

Kamiya said that he submitted an idea for a 3D shooter upon entry to Capcom, but scrapped it when Star Fox 64 came out. That's how highly he thinks of Star Fox 64.

Platinum's Kamiya wants to make a new Star Fox at gunpoint originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto explains Super Mario Galaxy 2's new world map

JC Fletcher — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST

Super Mario Galaxy 2 drops the hub world from the first game for a much simpler map interface; even simpler than New Super Mario Bros.' map. Speaking to Game Informer, Shigeru Miyamoto explained the change. "We want players to focus on the joy of the action instead of getting to each game course," he said. "We wanted to make it as accessible as possible and as easy as possible for the players." That's not to say the game is being made easier in general. It's just now easier to get to the levels.

"Also, because we're going to incorporate a number of different stars, and conquering all the stars is going to be one of the most challenging missions for the player," Miyamoto added, "we want [players] to understand as easy as possible where they should go next and which places they should go back to in order to get access to the remaining stars." In addition, the new starship mechanic necessitates a streamlined navigation interface.

Game Informer also managed to ask Miyamoto about 3D right before the announcement of the 3DS, so the discussion was all about 3D televisions (and not entirely transferable to 3DS). "We're at the stage right now where it's very difficult to tell whether 3D televisions are going to cater to our needs to make better 3D experiences," he said. "For one thing, our video games are made for as many people as possible, and the number of people who can play those types of games, who can afford to buy the 3D televisions at home, aren't going to be very good." A hint of where Nintendo might be going with 3D followed: "It is also true that certain types of three-dimensional games utilize 3D televisions might help people navigate more freely. Right now we're at the stage where it's very hard for us to determine whether it's very good or bad."

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2 (Nintendo Media Summit 2010)

Miyamoto explains Super Mario Galaxy 2's new world map originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Mar 2010 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miyamoto wants to get DS into classrooms (with permission)

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST

[Brandy Shaul]

Ahhh, grammar school -- there was nothing quite like trying to hide that GBA under the desk in fear of Mrs. Rosencrantz confiscating our portal into Pokémon Fire Red. Back then, handheld games were little more than an obvious distraction in the eyes of our ruler-equipped teachers, but Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto plans on changing all of that. Speaking with the Associated Press in an interview recently, the legendary game developer explained his latest devotion: bringing the Nintendo DS and Wii into schools. He said that the DS would be making its way into "junior high and elementary schools in Japan starting in the new school year" (beginning this April).

Miyamoto didn't get too specific on how his company's consoles would help Japanese students with their education, only detailing it as part of Nintendo's initiative to expand the audience for gaming consoles. We have to imagine that the kids won't be using them to decide whether or not Resident Evil 4 on Wii is the best version (besides, we all already know that it is). Thankfully for our unborn children, Miyamoto didn't mention any amorphous plans to bring gaming consoles into North American schools just yet. Presumably they'll have to play it fast and loose like we did -- keeps 'em sharp!

Miyamoto wants to get DS into classrooms (with permission) originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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