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[Technology: Play Wii on an Android tablet with an Xbox 360 controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/technology-play-wii-on-an-android-tablet-with-an-xbox-360-contr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/technology-play-wii-on-an-android-tablet-with-an-xbox-360-contr/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/19/technology-play-wii-on-an-android-tablet-with-an-xbox-360-contr/#comments
Sure, it seems easy enough: Play your Wii games on an Android tablet with an Xbox 360 controller. Technology! But underneath that simple premise is a complicated reality. First, you need to run the Wii games on a PC using the open-source Dolphin emulator. From there, you're going to stream the video to the Android tablet using the Splashtop Remote Desktop HD app on Android. YouTuber Obiwan222222 tossed an Xbox 360 controller in, but it's unclear if he's controlling the tablet's VNC client with it, or the PC directly (we're guessing the latter).

If this sounds similar to GameStop's planned tablet, featuring Spawn Labs-powered retail game streaming, or OnLive's upcoming tablet "Player" software, we agree. Mostly, it seems like the future ... a laggy, buggy future but the future nevertheless. Technology!

JoystiqTechnology: Play Wii on an Android tablet with an Xbox 360 controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 21:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddolphindolphin-emulatoremulatormobilemodSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2technologyMon, 19 Sep 2011 21:20:00 EST<![CDATA[4th Annual Mario Marathon triple-jumps into action today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/4th-annual-mario-marathon-triple-jumps-into-action-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/4th-annual-mario-marathon-triple-jumps-into-action-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/4th-annual-mario-marathon-triple-jumps-into-action-today/#comments For the fourth year in a row, a group of insane people will board themselves up in a small, Mushroom Kingdom-decorated room to beat every level, collect every star and stomp every Goomba the Super Mario franchise has ever produced. Why would someone purposefully, harmfully oversaturate themselves with such a wonderful, timeless franchise? Because they're the Mario Marathon. It's in their blood.

The crew is kicking off this suicide mission today at 11 a.m. ET, starting with a playthrough of Super Mario Galaxy 2. Even though it hasn't started yet, the event has already raised $13,000 for Child's Play. We encourage you to go watch these poor souls hurt themselves with Mario, and then, if you feel so inclined, reward their efforts with a donation to a good cause.

Joystiq4th Annual Mario Marathon triple-jumps into action today originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>charitychilds-playdsmarathonmariomario-marathonnintendoSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiFri, 24 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Layton's Unwound Future and Kirby's Epic Yarn join Nintendo's million-seller club]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/layton-unwound-future-and-kirby-epic-yarn-million-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/layton-unwound-future-and-kirby-epic-yarn-million-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/layton-unwound-future-and-kirby-epic-yarn-million-sold/#comments In a supplemental document to Nintendo's latest quarterly earnings report, the company noted its million-sellers during the past three fiscal quarters (April-Dec. 2010), with Professor Layton and pink power-puff Kirby standing out from the games featuring keywords: Mario, Pokémon and Wii. Through the end of 2010, DS puzzler Professor Layton and the Unwound Future had reached global sales of 1.9 million units since its September 12 debut, while Dragon Quest IX just squeezed into the million-seller club with 1.02 million copies sold (since July 11).

The Wii-llion seller list for the nine-month period featured several Mario and Wii [Fill in Blank] games, but Donkey Kong Country Returns was also a popular pick, moving a bananas 4.21 million units since its late-November release. Additionally, Kirby's Epic Yarn managed to stitch up sales of 1.4 million units in two and a half months at retail.

Sitting on top of DS and Wii million-sellers for the period were Pokemon Black/White with 5.3 million copies sold (and it's not even out in North America and Europe yet!) and Super Mario Galaxy 2 with a hearty 6.2 million units in mushroom-fueled sales, respectively.

JoystiqLayton's Unwound Future and Kirby's Epic Yarn join Nintendo's million-seller club originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Donkey-Kong-Country-ReturnsDragon-Quest-IXdskirbys-epic-yarnmillion-sellersnintendopokemon-black-and-whiteProfessor-Layton-and-the-Unwound-Futuresalessuper-mario-galaxy-2wiiFri, 28 Jan 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy 2.5 hack to add new fan-made challenge levels]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-5-hack-to-add-new-fan-made-challenge-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-5-hack-to-add-new-fan-made-challenge-levels/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-5-hack-to-add-new-fan-made-challenge-levels/#comments Super Mario Galaxy 2 is a pretty fantastic game. So it comes as no surprise that some enthuastic fans have taken it upon themselves to create even more levels for the game. The project is dubbed Super Mario Galaxy 2.5 and, should it reach completion, will offer some of the most challenging 3D Mario levels created thus far.

Right now, there's only one completed level, a hack of the original "Step to the Beat." Like its predecessor, the level features disappearing beat blocks. But, you'll need to utilize many Mario tricks to make it through alive, including the notorious Yoshi-jump. Check out videos after the jump.

Continue reading Super Mario Galaxy 2.5 hack to add new fan-made challenge levels

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy 2.5 hack to add new fan-made challenge levels originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 16 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacknintendoSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2super-mario-galaxy-2.5wiiSun, 16 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/best-of-the-rest-randys-picks-of-2010/#comments
 Super Mario Galaxy 2
This is my personal favorite game of 2010 for many reasons, all of which you can read in the review I wrote back in May. In a nutshell: It's the best Mario game ever -- in my opinion, but I've been told I'm not alone -- and can pretty much claim the title of best-ever platformer while it's at it. The experience is magical, the design is masterful and if there were one game I could be stranded on a desert island with ... well, this is it.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Randy's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010Darksidersepic-mickeygod-of-war-3halo-reachmetal-gear-solid-peace-walkerNeed-for-Speed-Hot-Pursuitsuper-mario-galaxy-2VanquishSun, 02 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/01/best-of-the-rest-andrews-picks-of-2010/#comments DJ Max Portable 3
I blame myself for not pimping out PM Studio's excellent DJ Max Portable 3 more this year. The Korean music game is quite possibly the only music game you'll ever need on a handheld, thanks to its seemingly endless soundtrack, varied modes, rewarding progression, beautiful graphics, and note charts that will make your fingers cry. Oh, and for the first time in the franchise's history, you actually feel like a DJ. Ludwig makes fun of me for the epileptic fit I get into when playing it, but he just doesn't understand.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Andrew's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art-academybest-of-the-rest-2010dance-centraldj-max-portable-3dslara-croft-and-the-guardian-of-lightmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsonysuper-mario-galaxy-2valkyria-chronicles-2wiiwindows-phone-7xboxSat, 01 Jan 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/best-of-the-rest-griffins-picks-of-2010/#comments Cave Story
I am mad at everyone I've ever known for not telling me to play Cave Story before I grabbed it late last year. Within two months, I had beaten it four times across two different platforms. It's arguably the most charming game I've ever played, with deep layers of Metroidvania-esque exploration and a level of difficulty which expertly straddles the line between challenging and frustrating. It's one of the most polished games I played during the year, and if you find yourself with an overabundance of virtual Nintendo currency, you absolutely need to own it. Twice, if you have the means.

Continue reading Best of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2010

JoystiqBest of the Rest: Griffin's picks of 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-of-the-rest-2010cave-storydsgod-of-war-3microsoftminecraftnintendopcplaystationpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silverps3sleep-is-deathsuper-mario-galaxy-2wiiworld-of-warcraft-cataclysmxboxWed, 29 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Call of Duty: Black Ops most pirated game in 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/report-call-of-duty-black-ops-most-pirated-game-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/report-call-of-duty-black-ops-most-pirated-game-in-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/29/report-call-of-duty-black-ops-most-pirated-game-in-2010/#comments
 TorrentFreak's annual report on the most pirated games of the year has Activision's Call of Duty: Black Ops taking the dubious top honor for 2010. Even with Activision's attempts to play "good cop" with pirates, Black Ops is estimated to have been downloaded 4.27 million times on PC, with another 930,000 copies on Xbox 360. This would be the second year in a row that the Call of Duty franchise took the "prize," with Modern Warfare 2 allegedly being pirated over 4.1 million times in 2009.

Super Mario Galaxy 2 for Wii had over 1.47 million downloads, while Dante's Inferno took the top spot on Xbox 360 with 1.28 million downloads -- and we'll be damned if we can figure out why it was that game. Perhaps it was the game's marketing that instilled such sinful behavior.

JoystiqReport: Call of Duty: Black Ops most pirated game in 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActivisionActivision-BlizzardCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdantes-infernomicrosoftnintendopcsuper-mario-galaxy-2TreyarchwiixboxWed, 29 Dec 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart loses its mind, offers third-party Wii Remote and game for $35]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/walmart-loses-its-mind-offers-third-party-wii-remote-and-game-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/walmart-loses-its-mind-offers-third-party-wii-remote-and-game-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/walmart-loses-its-mind-offers-third-party-wii-remote-and-game-f/#comments Walmart's apparently spread its retail dominance over so much of the country that it no longer has a need for your usual economic motivators like ... um, profit. The store is offering shoppers a $35 bundle which includes either a Nyko-brand Wii Remote or a Power A Wii Pro Pack (which we demoed earlier this year), and their choice of one out of a list of pre-selected games. At that price, you'd expect the bundled games to be shovelware, but the inclusion of Epic Mickey, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 might convince you otherwise.

We don't know how long this deal will be available, but considering you can purchase a Wii Remote, Nunchuk and a game for less than the standard retail price of a Wii game by its lonesome, we're going to wager that it won't be available for very long at all.

JoystiqWalmart loses its mind, offers third-party Wii Remote and game for $35 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerepic-mickeyNew-Super-Mario-Bros-Wiinintendonykoperipheralspower-asuper-mario-galaxy-2walmartwiiwiimoteFri, 03 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo painted red in first-half fiscal year results]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/nintendo-painted-red-in-first-half-fiscal-year-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/nintendo-painted-red-in-first-half-fiscal-year-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/28/nintendo-painted-red-in-first-half-fiscal-year-results/#comments We'll be the first to admit it's nigh impossible to grasp the nuances of just what in the world is going on with the global economy, but things are clearly up you-know-whose creek without a paddle when Nintendo reports a ... loss?! Sure, earnings were seriously down for Nintendo during the same six-month period last year (April-September), but even then, as other companies suffered tremendous hits, Nintendo enjoyed ¥69.5 billion in profit (which was roughly $766 million by the rate of exchange a year ago).

The problem is that the yen has appreciated wildly against the dollar since that time -- what was $766 million a year ago, would be more like $850 million today. In and of itself, that kind of appreciation might look spectacular, except 81.4 percent of Nintendo's sales have been overseas during the current fiscal year. When the yen is this strong, earnings on Japanese exports (sold with importers' currencies) are dashed on their way back to Japan (where they are converted back to yen). According to Nintendo's first-half report (April-Sept. 2010), "foreign currencies generated exchange losses totaling 62.1 billion yen," and, in turn, the company suffered net losses of ¥2 billion (about $24.6 million) for the period.

Keep in mind, this loss comes after selling 4.07 million copies of PokeĢmon Black and White since September 18 (in Japan alone); 5.1 million units of Super Mario Galaxy 2; and a million-plus Wii Party games. Worldwide, DS software sales totaled 54.84 million units, while Wii games accounted for 65.21 million units sold in the first-half of the fiscal year.

As for hardware, the various DS models combined to move 6.69 million units (including 2.26 million DSi and 3.21 million DSi XLs), as Wii racked up another 4.97 million units sold during the period. And did you hear? The new red Wii and DSi XL are going to be released next month to celebrate ... uh, the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros., of course!

JoystiqNintendo painted red in first-half fiscal year results originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Oct 2010 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdsidsi-xlearningsfinancialfy-2011hardwarenintendonintendo-co-ltdPokemon-Black-and-Whiteq1q2salessoftwareSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiwii-partyThu, 28 Oct 2010 11:02:00 EST<![CDATA[August NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/august-npd-its-another-mad-mad-madden-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/august-npd-its-another-mad-mad-madden-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/09/august-npd-its-another-mad-mad-madden-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The sun will rise, the moon will set and it would be a sign of the end days if Madden didn't rule August software sales in the United States. The August NPDs are out and Madden NFL 11 sold over 1.8 million units in the month, a six percent increase over last year, with significant increases on PS3. Mafia 2, which Take-Two expects to be profitable, entered with a badda-boom and appears to have sold around 200K units during the month -- the title has been a chart topper in the UK since launch.

The Xbox 360 remains the top-selling console for a second month, but its sales did drop nearly 20 percent from July. The only hardware to see sales gains during the month was the PlayStation 3, which according to the NPD has now seen 13 consecutive months of year-over-year sales increases.

Overall, hardware and software sales were down both year-over-year and year-to-date. Sales for hardware, software and accessories combined was down 10 percent to $818.9M from last year and down 8 percent year-to-date to $8.31 billion. Consoles tried to make up for the sagging handheld market, as NPD analyst Anita Frazier notes, "The 360 and PS3 platforms both grew in dollar sales versus last year. In fact, the 360 platform contributed more than 1/3 of total new physical retail sales across hardware, software and accessories while the PS3 platform contributed over 1/4 of total dollar sales."

Oh yeah, one more thing: the top ten list of titles after the break only charts console and portable SKUs, so it's worth mentioning StarCraft 2 sold another 300K units in August, which would make it the second best-selling game for the month... if it were factored in. Frazer also stated, "PC games retail dollar sales saw a 35% increase over last August."
  • 360: 357K, down 83K (-19.7%)
  • DS: 343K, down 55.3K (-13.9%)
  • Wii: 244K, down 9.7K (-3.8%)
  • PS3: 226K, up 11K (5.1%)
  • PSP: 79K, down 4.6K (-5.5%)

Continue reading August NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year

JoystiqAugust NPD: It's another mad, mad, Madden year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsmadden-nfl-11mafia-2microsoftnintendonpdnpd-monthlyplaystationps3pspsonysuper-mario-galaxy-2wiixboxThu, 09 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video game characters need business cards too]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/video-game-characters-need-business-cards-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/video-game-characters-need-business-cards-too/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/video-game-characters-need-business-cards-too/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Getting in touch with heroes can be difficult. Typically, they only bother to roll out of bed and show up when something goes really wrong.

Continue reading Video game characters need business cards too

JoystiqVideo game characters need business cards too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-cardsdr-wilyduke-nukemduke-nukem-foreverGordon-FreemanHalf-LifeHalo-ReachMarioMaster-ChiefMEga-ManMetroidnathan-drakePac-Mansamus-aransuper-mario-galaxy-2uncharted-2-among-thievesWarioWarioWareWed, 08 Sep 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massive Mario collection will make your inner 5-year-old jealous]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/massive-mario-collection-will-make-your-inner-5-year-old-jealous/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/massive-mario-collection-will-make-your-inner-5-year-old-jealous/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/massive-mario-collection-will-make-your-inner-5-year-old-jealous/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>collectiblescollectiondsmariomario-kartnintendooscar-bownsuper-marioSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiWed, 01 Sep 2010 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo quarterly earnings down; 3DS launch date to be announced Sept. 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/nintendo-quarterly-earnings-down-3ds-launch-date-to-be-announce/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/nintendo-quarterly-earnings-down-3ds-launch-date-to-be-announce/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/nintendo-quarterly-earnings-down-3ds-launch-date-to-be-announce/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nintendo has announced it financial earnings for the second quarter in its Fiscal 2011, running from April 1, 2010 through June 30, 2010. Net sales, operating income and net income all saw declines compared to the same time last year. Net sales were down to 188 billion yen ($2.16 billion) from 253 billion yen ($2.9 billion), while operating income and net income saw less dramatic shifts, down to 23 billion yen ($264 million) and 25 billion yen ($287 million) from 40 billion yen ($460 million) and 42 billion yen ($483 million) last year, respectively. Nintendo attributes these losses to the appreciation of the yen and a lower DS price point.

3.15 million DS units and 22.42 million units of DS software were sold worldwide during this quarter. On the Wii side, Super Mario Galaxy 2 managed to be the big performer, selling 4.09 million units worldwide since its launch in late May. 3.04 million Wii consoles were sold, backed by 28.17 million units of Wii software worldwide. As far as forecasted earnings go, Nintendo anticipates net sales of 550 billion yen ($6.3 billion) by the end of September 2010 and 1.4 trillion yen ($16 billion) by the end of its Fiscal 2011, March 2011.

It'll be interesting to see how those earnings are affected by Nintendo's upcoming 3DS hardware launch. The company has revealed (via Bloomberg) that it'll finally announce the launch date and price for its latest piece of tech in Japan on September 29.

JoystiqNintendo quarterly earnings down; 3DS launch date to be announced Sept. 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsfiscal-year-2011nintendoSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiThu, 29 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy 2 passes 1 million sold in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-passes-1-million-sold-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-passes-1-million-sold-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-passes-1-million-sold-in-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Super Mario Galaxy 2 was the best-selling non-cowboy game in the United States last month. The 548,000 copies sold during June put the spacefaring platformer above the one-million mark in US sales, as proclaimed by Nintendo in a triumphant announcement. In kind of a bummer of a month in terms of general software sales, Super Mario Galaxy 2 was one of the few success stories for June.

While one million copies in two months (41 days of NPD reporting time) is impressive, it doesn't approach the level of success enjoyed by the first Super Mario Galaxy, which broke a million in its first month on the market, only 12 days of which counted for NPD. (The fact that its first month was November may have had something to do with that strong start.)

Nintendo also announced that DS hardware sales have reached "nearly 42 million," with Wii sales "closing in on a cumulative milestone of 30 million units sold in the United States alone." Both systems enjoyed sales spikes last month.

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy 2 passes 1 million sold in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoNPDPlatformersalesSuper-Mario-GalaxySuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiFri, 16 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter Tri has occupied over 50 hours per player on average]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/monster-hunter-tri-has-occupied-over-50-hours-per-player-on-average/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/monster-hunter-tri-has-occupied-over-50-hours-per-player-on-average/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/07/monster-hunter-tri-has-occupied-over-50-hours-per-player-on-average/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Monster Hunter Tri has already sucked away over a million hours of gameplay time from users, according to stats from the Nintendo Channel. In just 63 days from release, the monster hunting epic stole a full million hours from users who reported logging in to the game over 330,000 times. The high number isn't necessarily a record breaker (Super Smash Bros. has garnered 100 times that, and players have spent 17 billion hours on Xbox Live), but where Monster Hunter Tri stands out is the per player duration: players of the game have spent an average of 52 hours in the game so far.

By comparison, Super Mario Galaxy 2 has eaten up 1.8 million hours of free time over 710k times, but the average time played there is about 20 hours -- more players, less time each. There are only four games ahead of Monster Hunter Tri in terms of played-per-person time, and all of them have been out for much longer. In other words, monsters aren't the only thing being hunted in this game -- free time had better watch its back as well.

JoystiqMonster Hunter Tri has occupied over 50 hours per player on average originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcapcom-unityMonster-Hunter-Trinintendonintendo-channelsuper-mario-galaxy-2super-smash-broswiiWed, 07 Jul 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Lego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lego-harry-potter-casts-petrificus-totalus-on-uk-chart-toppers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lego-harry-potter-casts-petrificus-totalus-on-uk-chart-toppers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/05/lego-harry-potter-casts-petrificus-totalus-on-uk-chart-toppers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The boy who lived placed a binding curse on the Chart Track's UK all-formats chart last week, sticking Lego Harry Potter: Years 1-4, Red Dead Redemption and Super Mario Galaxy 2 in their present descending order, with Mr. Potter grabbing the golden snitch (and top spot) for the second week in a row.

Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11, available on all the major consoles, premiered at number four last week. Also, the Wii's one singular sensation, Ubisoft's Dance on Broadway, let in the sunshine and basked with a sixth place premiere. Of course, perennial favorite Just Dance was ballroom dancing with its Broadway partner in the seventh spot. Find the complete UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Lego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers

JoystiqLego Harry Potter casts 'petrificus totalus' on UK chart toppers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Jul 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackDance-on-Broadwayharry-potterjust-danceLego-Harry-PotterLego-Harry-Potter-Years-1-4microsoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionsuper-mario-galaxy-2wiixboxMon, 05 Jul 2010 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[May NPD: Red Dead rustles up top spots, Super Mario Galaxy 2 takes third]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/may-npd-red-dead-rustles-up-top-spots-super-mario-galaxy-2-tak/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/may-npd-red-dead-rustles-up-top-spots-super-mario-galaxy-2-tak/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/01/may-npd-red-dead-rustles-up-top-spots-super-mario-galaxy-2-tak/#comments Hoo-doggy! Look at them critters go! While video game hardware sales were down 20 percent month-over-month in May - yeah, we're looking at you, handheld sales - software sales were up! Sure, you're right, they're only up 4 percent month-over-month and the industry is down 5 percent in total, but can't you just relax and enjoy the vista? Red Dead Redemption sold 1.5 million units across both the Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms this month and Super Mario Galaxy 2 came in at 560 thousand units on the Wii. Even dear old Alan Wake made the grade, though his sales aren't listed. Find them all after the break.

Of course, these numbers come courtesy of the monthly NPD report, which lists the top 10 selling games (stored after the break) and the hardware sales for North America. The DS continues its free-fall after dropping 37 percent last month, losing another 13 percent. Notably: It's still the best-selling console this month! The Wii is up 21 percent after a 50 percent dip last month, and the Xbox 360 is up 5 percent after last month's 45 percent drop.

Unfortunately, Sony is bringing up the rear, with the PS3 down 15 percent and the PSP down 10 percent. However, NPD's Anita Frazier notes that "The PS3 platform has enjoyed the greatest percentage growth, with platform sales across hardware, software, and accessories up 32 percent for the month, and 28 percent year-to-date." A reminder that it's not always as simple as hardware sales.
  • DS: 384K down 57K (-13%)
  • Wii: 335K up 58K (+21%)
  • 360: 195K up 10K (+5%)
  • PS3: 155K down 27K (-15%)
  • PSP: 59K down 7K (-10%)

Continue reading May NPD: Red Dead rustles up top spots, Super Mario Galaxy 2 takes third

JoystiqMay NPD: Red Dead rustles up top spots, Super Mario Galaxy 2 takes third originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NintendoNPDNPD-monthlyRed-Dead-RedemptionRockstar-GamesSuper-Mario-Galaxy-2Thu, 01 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii installed base growing more quickly than PS2's did]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/wii-installed-base-growing-more-quickly-than-ps2s-did/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/wii-installed-base-growing-more-quickly-than-ps2s-did/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/22/wii-installed-base-growing-more-quickly-than-ps2s-did/#commentsFiled under: , ,

During E3, Nintendo gave a presentation to analysts about the company's new offerings and its current status. Reggie Fils-Aime presented the above slide, which shows the startling truth about the Wii's installed base in the United States: in its fourth year on the market, it's larger than the ubiquitous PlayStation 2's installed base at the same point in its life, by a margin of almost five million units. Of course, the PS2 has had a spectacularly long lifespan after that, with Sony announcing 7.2 million units sold just last year.

Later in the presentation, Reggie revealed that around 300,000 units of the black Wii console have been sold since its May 9 introduction in North America, and Super Mario Galaxy 2 is "approaching 900,000 units here in the U.S."

JoystiqWii installed base growing more quickly than PS2's did originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystblack-wiie3-2010install-baseinstalled-basenintendoreggie-fils-aimesuper-mario-galaxy-2wiiTue, 22 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption and Mario Galaxy 2 in UK sales chart standoff]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/red-dead-redemption-and-mario-galaxy-2-in-uk-sales-chart-standof/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/red-dead-redemption-and-mario-galaxy-2-in-uk-sales-chart-standof/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/21/red-dead-redemption-and-mario-galaxy-2-in-uk-sales-chart-standof/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Nobody was going anywhere at the top of Chart-Track's UK all-formats sales chart last week. Red Dead Redemption is still the sheriff in town, with Super Mario Galaxy 2 and 2010 FiFA World Cup maintaining their number two and three positions, respectively. Rockstar's Grand Theft Horsey retained the top spot despite a 24 percent drop in sales (Galaxy slipped 29 percent) and increased its sales gap with Mario from 1,000 to almost 5,000 units, according to Chart-Track.

Rooms: The Main Building and perennial chart topper Just Dance are waltzing together, with Ubisoft's dance title stepping on Rooms' toes to take the fourth spot. (!) Elsewhere on the chart, PSP's Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker sneaked in at 18th. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Red Dead Redemption and Mario Galaxy 2 in UK sales chart standoff

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption and Mario Galaxy 2 in UK sales chart standoff originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chart-trackmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspRed-Dead-Redemptionsuper-mario-galaxy-2ukwiixboxMon, 21 Jun 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/red-dead-redemption-holds-mario-from-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/red-dead-redemption-holds-mario-from-top-spot-on-uk-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/14/red-dead-redemption-holds-mario-from-top-spot-on-uk-charts/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Red Dead Redemption sales may have dropped 34 percent in the UK last week, but the Western beat Super Mario Galaxy 2 on the charts and continues riding high for a fourth week in a row. Meanwhile, with focus turning to the real World Cup, 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa slipped on the field to the third spot.

Now for a little bit of weirdness: Rooms: The Main Building surged the charts from 12 to the fourth spot. Oh yeah, and Just Dance is still cha-cha-ing along at fifth. Check out the UK top ten after the break.

Continue reading Red Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts

JoystiqRed Dead Redemption holds Mario from top spot on UK charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010-fifa-world-cup-south-africabritainchart-trackjust-dancemicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionrooms-the-main-buildingsuper-mario-galaxy-2ukwiixboxMon, 14 Jun 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy 2 on sale for $35 through Dell]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/super-mario-galaxy-2-on-sale-for-35-through-dell/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/super-mario-galaxy-2-on-sale-for-35-through-dell/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/10/super-mario-galaxy-2-on-sale-for-35-through-dell/#commentsDell has marked down Super Mario Galaxy 2 to $35. For a high-profile game just released weeks ago, that's a pittance -- less than a pittance. If you gave Dell a pittance, you'd get a trifle back as change. It's a good deal, is what we're saying, for a game that is "the best Mario game ever."

In fact, at this point, the only valid excuse for not trying out Galaxy 2 is, well, motion sickness. If you're prone to that particular ailment, the game's less magical and more the worst experience of your life.

[Via GoNintendo]

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy 2 on sale for $35 through Dell originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DellMarionintendoNintendo-EADSuper-Mario-GalaxySuper-Mario-Galaxy-2wiiThu, 10 Jun 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Super Mario Galaxy 2 tips]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-super-mario-galaxy-2-tips/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-super-mario-galaxy-2-tips/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/07/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-super-mario-galaxy-2-tips/#comments Having trouble getting those stars from the Cosmic Cove Galaxy in Super Mario Galaxy 2? Then you'll want to boot up your Wii and check out the latest episode of Nintendo Week on the Nintendo Channel. There are even a few tips on how to make Mario a more stylish skater, if you like to kick shell and look good while doing it.

Head past the break for the full list of this week's content.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Super Mario Galaxy 2 tips

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Super Mario Galaxy 2 tips originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jun 2010 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosds-demosdsiwarenintendo-channelnintendo-weeksuper-mario-galaxy-2virtual-consolewiiwareMon, 07 Jun 2010 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[See the Super Mario Galaxy 2 orchestra live (on video)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/see-the-super-mario-galaxy-2-orchestra-live-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/see-the-super-mario-galaxy-2-orchestra-live-on-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/see-the-super-mario-galaxy-2-orchestra-live-on-video/#commentsFor Super Mario Galaxy 2's soundtrack, Nintendo went all-out, recording the main theme with a 70-person orchestra. Footage of the assembled musicians playing the sweeping opening music has been released via the Japanese Nintendo Channel (watch it after the break), allowing us to see just how much more epic a piece of music is when you see it played by a room full of people. If you're wondering why Shigeru Miyamoto looks so bored, it's because there was no room in the orchestra for his banjo.

Fans of Galaxy 2's music will be crushed to learn that Japan's Club Nintendo is offering a two-disc soundtrack for just 300 points with the registration of a copy of the game. It's possible for this bonus to make its way to other regions' Club Nintendos, as the first Galaxy soundtrack did in Europe, but we'd rather take such anomalies as delightful surprises, rather than disappoint ourselves by expecting them.

[Via ONM]

Continue reading See the Super Mario Galaxy 2 orchestra live (on video)

JoystiqSee the Super Mario Galaxy 2 orchestra live (on video) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>club-nintendojapankoji-kondomusicnintendo-channelorchestrasoundtracksuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2Thu, 27 May 2010 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Entire Super Mario Galaxy 2 soundtrack now on YouTube]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/entire-super-mario-galaxy-2-soundtrack-now-on-youtube/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/entire-super-mario-galaxy-2-soundtrack-now-on-youtube/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/23/entire-super-mario-galaxy-2-soundtrack-now-on-youtube/#comments Super Mario Galaxy had one of the most delightful, transportive soundtracks of any game in the current console generation, with themes both new and familiar set to a sweeping orchestral score. To show off the sequel's equally impressive accompaniment, a YouTube channel purportedly belonging to composer Mahito Yokota has uploaded every single track from Super Mario Galaxy 2 onto a single playlist.

You can listen to it here, though the tracks' names might include a few minor, minor spoilers. If you can suffer those, you're in for a full afternoon of happiness-inducing music.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqEntire Super Mario Galaxy 2 soundtrack now on YouTube originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 May 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mahito-yokotamariomusicNintendosoundtracksuper-mariosuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiSun, 23 May 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Super Mario Galaxy 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/metareview-super-mario-galaxy-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/metareview-super-mario-galaxy-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/metareview-super-mario-galaxy-2/#commentsEveryone expects a Mario game to be good -- and it's even easier to expect quality when the new game is a direct follow-up to a game as universally adored as Super Mario Galaxy.

However, even given the high expectations, the reception Super Mario Galaxy 2's getting is startling. There are, as of right now, eight scores equivalent to 100 percent on the game's Metacritic page, a range befitting the title our own Randy Nelson called "the best Mario game ever." We've only quoted one of the 100-percenters below, in the interest of variety.
  • Edge (10): "This is a game that refuses to bore you, that can take you to the 60-star mark before asking you to do the same thing twice. It reuses assets, but almost never recycles ideas; you'll never see another title so thrifty, or so gratuitous."
  • Game Informer (93/100): "Sure, it's not the total reinvention of the genre we've come to expect from a new Mario title, but as a platformer fan I'm happy to get more Mario to tide me over. This game is a testament to the enduring appeal of the genre, as well as Nintendo's ability to create fresh new gameplay out of a decades-old formula."
  • Game|Life (9/10): "Super Mario Galaxy 2 is thus simultaneously more and less than its predecessor. It expands and elaborates on the gameplay in unpredictable ways, but the last one felt like a bigger, more complete adventure. That said, better core gameplay with less window dressing is infinitely preferable to the reverse."

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2

JoystiqMetareview: Super Mario Galaxy 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EADmariometareviewNintendonintendo-ead-tokyoplatformersuper-mariosuper-mario-brossuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiFri, 21 May 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-review/#comments Super Mario Galaxy 2 is the best Mario game ever. There, I said it.

What Nintendo's EAD Tokyo team has managed to pull off in this game is astounding, especially when you consider just how good the original Super Mario Galaxy was. Like expert craftsmen, they've improved upon an already excellent product and delivered a seemingly endless volley of fresh ideas -- be they in level design or game mechanics -- that are every bit as polished as those in the first game and, most importantly, just pure fun.

Since the sequel was first announced and up until, well, now, there's been a lingering question: Is it just Super Mario Galaxy 1.5? Despite what the original plans for the sequel may have entailed, one thing is clear: SMG2 is its own game. It shares the basic mechanics of its predecessor yet brings so many new experiences to the playing field that it stands alone. Even more, it features enough challenges to keep the most hardcore Mario player engaged for weeks.

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2

Continue reading Review: Super Mario Galaxy 2

JoystiqReview: Super Mario Galaxy 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ead-tokyomarionintendonintendo-ead-tokyosuper-mariosuper-mario-brossuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiFri, 21 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Mario Galaxy 2 travels to planet Mario 64]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/video-mario-galaxy-2-travels-to-planet-mario-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/video-mario-galaxy-2-travels-to-planet-mario-64/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/19/video-mario-galaxy-2-travels-to-planet-mario-64/#comments
Upon watching the Super Mario Galaxy 2 video after the break, there's a very real chance you will be smitten, smacked or otherwise clobbered by an overwhelming feeling of nostalgia. Nintendo, you see, decided to slip at least one Super Mario 64 level, Whomp's Fortress, into Super Mario Galaxy 2. The spirally mountain, the Whomp, the delightful music -- it's all there. Seriously, pour the Kool-Aid, heat up some pizza rolls and it'll be childhood all over again.

Continue reading Video: Mario Galaxy 2 travels to planet Mario 64

JoystiqVideo: Mario Galaxy 2 travels to planet Mario 64 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendosuper-mario-64super-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiWed, 19 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Super Mario Galaxy 2 TV spots]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-super-mario-galaxy-2-tv-spots/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-super-mario-galaxy-2-tv-spots/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/this-week-on-the-nintendo-channel-super-mario-galaxy-2-tv-spots/#commentsLook -- the above TV spots for Super Mario Galaxy 2 are really slick and all, but now we've got one thing on our mind: pancakes. Now that we know there's a stack of flapjacks out there with its own gravitational pull, we just can't wait to dig in. Thankfully, we won't have to wait too long to satiate our need for edible planetary bodies.

For the rest of this week's Nintendo Channel content, head past the break.

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Super Mario Galaxy 2 TV spots

JoystiqThis Week on the Nintendo Channel: Super Mario Galaxy 2 TV spots originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demosds-demosdsiwarenintendo-channelsuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2virtual-consolewiiwareMon, 17 May 2010 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy 2 trailer floats in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-trailer-floats-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-trailer-floats-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/super-mario-galaxy-2-trailer-floats-in/#commentsThe latest video excursion into Super Mario Galaxy 2 (after the break) features some very fancy aerial maneuvers by a gas-filled Yoshi. The side-scrolling segment of the game shown here requires Yoshi to float from Blimp Fruit to Blimp Fruit to stay aloft, and even relies on Yoshi's flutter jump to navigate between platforms around the stage.

We can't help but notice that the stage itself is shaped like a cylinder. In fact, you might describe the level as "tubular."

Continue reading Super Mario Galaxy 2 trailer floats in

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy 2 trailer floats in originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mariosuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2yoshiFri, 14 May 2010 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[American Super Mario Galaxy 2 commercial debuts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/american-super-mario-galaxy-2-commercial-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/american-super-mario-galaxy-2-commercial-debuts/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/11/american-super-mario-galaxy-2-commercial-debuts/#comments Pfft, "debuts?" More like soars across a whimsical landscape directly into our hearts. We were pressed for space, okay? Maybe that's why we're so keen to stare at yet another snippet of Super Mario Galaxy 2 -- if we watch this commercial (embedded after the break) carefully, the perpetually cheerful plumber might impart some lessons on space usage. Where does he find all that breathing room?

Continue reading American Super Mario Galaxy 2 commercial debuts

JoystiqAmerican Super Mario Galaxy 2 commercial debuts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>commercialmarioNintendoplatformersuper-mariosuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiTue, 11 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy 2 trailer features bird racing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/super-mario-galaxy-2-trailer-features-bird-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/super-mario-galaxy-2-trailer-features-bird-racing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/10/super-mario-galaxy-2-trailer-features-bird-racing/#commentsNintendo's viral-esque series of Super Mario Galaxy 2 promotional videos continues with a brief look at an odd flying minigame. In this racing segment, Mario woo-hoos through a course as he holds onto the legs of a "Fluzzard." The challenge, of course, is to win the race against a bunch of birds who aren't weighted down by husky plumbers.

Perhaps this particular Fluzzard flies faster, though, boosted by the assurance that its talents are useful to Mario. There are really only two fates for animals in the Mario universe, after all. If you can't be used as a vehicle in some way (like Yoshi, who is born wearing a saddle), you are doomed to being stomped to death. See the trailer after the break.

Continue reading Super Mario Galaxy 2 trailer features bird racing

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy 2 trailer features bird racing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eadfluzzardmarioNintendoplatformerracingsuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiMon, 10 May 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata explains Super Mario Galaxy 2 tutorial DVD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/iwata-explains-super-mario-galaxy-2-tutorial-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/iwata-explains-super-mario-galaxy-2-tutorial-dvd/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/iwata-explains-super-mario-galaxy-2-tutorial-dvd/#commentsIn his presentation to investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata confirmed that Super Mario Galaxy 2 would include a bonus tutorial DVD, and that said DVD would be exclusive to Europe and Japan. Iwata called the "Super Mario Galaxy 2 For Beginners" video "a visual manual for first-timers for 3D Mario." It includes basic information about how to play Super Mario Galaxy 2, as well as "Super Play" footage showing advanced techniques for more seasoned Mario fans.

He also addressed the obvious complaint about the DVD: "Some may feel this is unusual because Wii does not have a DVD playback capability, but given the wide penetration of DVD players at home, we have concluded that it is most useful for the players if they can confirm the contents even while they are playing with Wii and decided to provide the footage in DVD format."

You can see a snippet of footage from the Japanese version of the DVD in the presentation. And you can see the latest trailer from Nintendo of America, featuring Bee Mario, after the break.

Continue reading Iwata explains Super Mario Galaxy 2 tutorial DVD

JoystiqIwata explains Super Mario Galaxy 2 tutorial DVD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvdsatoru-iwatasuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2super-mario-galaxy-2-for-beginnerstutorialFri, 07 May 2010 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Super Mario Galaxy 2 media is all about Luigi]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/new-super-mario-galaxy-2-media-is-all-about-luigi/#comments In the run up to Super Mario Galaxy 2's big launch later this month, Nintendo has been releasing a steady stream of nostalgia-caked media on the game. And while we don't tell you about each and every one (there's a handful of trailers right here, for instance), we do try and point out the ones that are particularly enticing. For instance, today's trailer features the once-again-playable Luigi as he gets in on some Power Star collecting action himself.

It's not clear whether the other Mr. Mario is playable from the get-go -- in the first Super Mario Galaxy, Luigi only became playable after collecting all 120 stars -- but he will clearly be a character that players can control. See Mario's partner in time don an adorable bee suit in the gallery below and check out the new trailer just above.

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2 (with Luigi!)

JoystiqNew Super Mario Galaxy 2 media is all about Luigi originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>luigimediaNintendopower-starscreenshotssuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2trailerWiiWed, 05 May 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europeans get tutorial DVD with Super Mario Galaxy 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/europeans-get-tutorial-dvd-with-super-mario-galaxy-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/europeans-get-tutorial-dvd-with-super-mario-galaxy-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/europeans-get-tutorial-dvd-with-super-mario-galaxy-2/#comments Nintendo really wants to make sure you know how to play Super Mario Galaxy 2, so in addition to the Cosmic Guide feature of the game (which will play for you past the hard parts, if you so choose), it'll also be releasing a bonus DVD in Europe with video tutorials of how to pull off some of the game's toughest tricks.

We'll skip right over the irony of Nintendo releasing a bonus disc that can't be played on the Wii (since it's just a standard DVD), and tell you that we've contacted Nintendo of America to see if those of us in the States will have this same option. In the meantime, you might want to grab a copy of the first Galaxy and start practicing, because with all of this extra help that Nintendo is offering, SMG2 must be really, really hard.

JoystiqEuropeans get tutorial DVD with Super Mario Galaxy 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusdiscdvdmarionintendosuper-mario-brossuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2Mon, 03 May 2010 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Side-scrolling Mario Galaxy 2 footage is delightful]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/side-scrolling-mario-galaxy-2-footage-is-delightful/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/side-scrolling-mario-galaxy-2-footage-is-delightful/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/side-scrolling-mario-galaxy-2-footage-is-delightful/#comments
Amongst all gamers of a certain age, there exists a very special, very sensitive part of the brain. The particular section is flooded with pleasure-inducing chemicals upon seeing Mario jump on (and subsequently flatten!) a Goomba. This effect is actually doubled when seen in a 2D context, so we have to append the latest Super Mario Galaxy 2 video with a warning: Prepare your pleasure centers, this one is a doozy. If you think you can handle it, watch the video after the break.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Side-scrolling Mario Galaxy 2 footage is delightful

JoystiqSide-scrolling Mario Galaxy 2 footage is delightful originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendosuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiFri, 23 Apr 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: Super Mario Galaxy 2 co-op & cloud power-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-co-op-and-cloud-power-up-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-co-op-and-cloud-power-up-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/21/super-mario-galaxy-2-co-op-and-cloud-power-up-preview/#comments Just over a month from today, Super Mario Galaxy 2 will somersault onto store shelves. We thought we'd seen just about everything the final game would have to offer but, as Nintendo showed me earlier this week at its Northern California offices, there are still plenty of surprises to be found in this sequel.

While my last hands-on had me controlling the portly platforming plumber exclusively, this one started me out with a Luma in the game's revamped, expanded co-op mode. When I did play as Mario, I got a chance to try out the latest addition to his growing wardrobe of specialized suits, transforming into the extra-floaty (and fluffy) Cloud Mario. Then came the unexpected: A galaxy based on Super Mario Sunshine (sorry, folks -- no FLUDD).

Gallery: Super Mario Galaxy 2 - Co-op & Cloud Power-Up Preview

Continue reading Hands-on: Super Mario Galaxy 2 co-op & cloud power-up

JoystiqHands-on: Super Mario Galaxy 2 co-op & cloud power-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>co-opmariomultiplayernintendosuper-mariosuper-mario-brossuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiWed, 21 Apr 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miyamoto on retirement and the Wii's innovation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/miyamoto-on-retirement-and-the-wiis-innovation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/miyamoto-on-retirement-and-the-wiis-innovation/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/19/miyamoto-on-retirement-and-the-wiis-innovation/#comments At age 57, you might think Shigeru Miyamoto would be taking it easy -- maybe plunking a few coins into his 401k, or taking to the garden to plant a few Fire Flowers. But not Shiggy, who tells gamesTM that retirement isn't an option quite yet. While Nintendo "has to retire me some time," he says, "I look around and see how aged cartoonists continue to work on their manga and how movie directors create new movies all the time, I understand that they would never retire. And by the same token, I guess I will still be making games somehow."

Miyamoto also mentions Super Mario Galaxy 2, and says that the first numbered sequel in years was supposed to be version 1.5, but "we noticed that there were too many new experiences for it to be merely an incremental update." He gracefully refuses to comment on others' work, but affirms that Nintendo goal is "to provide fun and surprise" in video games, not merely to see "who can come up with the most violent depictions." Miyamoto says that the motion control mania going on with other consoles proves that Wii is "the de facto standard of the industry's control mechanisms," and new innovations, like the upcoming Vitality Sensor, are announced "only after being able to confirm internally that it is something that the general public will be able to appreciate." First we need to see just what the heck it does before we can start talking appreciation!

And while almost every game developer out there has been influenced by Shigeru Miyamoto, who's impressed him? "Mr. Will Wright," he admits, "is a very unique person and someone very special." Maybe Miyamoto's taking notes on Wright's retirement, too: He's still having Stupid Fun after leaving the corporate life.

[Via Industry Gamers]

JoystiqMiyamoto on retirement and the Wii's innovation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>interviewmiyamotomotion-controlnintendoretiresuper-mario-galaxy-2vitality-sensorWiiwill-wrightMon, 19 Apr 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Mario Galaxy 2 introduces 'Cloud' power-up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-introduces-cloud-power-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-introduces-cloud-power-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/super-mario-galaxy-2-introduces-cloud-power-up/#comments No, this new power-up won't give Mario spiky blond hair and a giant sword. Instead, the Cloud power-up from Super Mario Galaxy 2 appears to give Mario the magical ability to walk on clouds. Judging by this image from the Official Nintendo Magazine, these are the happiest clouds ever. They love being stepped on!

It's clear that Mario's return trip to the stars will have no shortage of new (and returning) gameplay gimmicks. In addition to floating in the sky, it seems Mario can also turn into a boulder, ride dinosaurs, and drill through planets. The only thing he can't seem to do is his job. What happened to that plumbing gig you had, huh? This leaky pipe isn't going to fix itself, you know.

[Thanks, Fernando!]

JoystiqSuper Mario Galaxy 2 introduces 'Cloud' power-up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudmarionintendopower-upsuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiFri, 16 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Be a Luma in Super Mario Galaxy 2 multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/be-a-luma-in-super-mario-galaxy-2-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/be-a-luma-in-super-mario-galaxy-2-multiplayer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/15/be-a-luma-in-super-mario-galaxy-2-multiplayer/#comments Famitsu has released some new information on Super Mario Galaxy 2, dealing with the game's gripping story. As translated by NeoGAF, the story sees Peach once again inviting Mario to enjoy watching stardust fall from the sky, which only happens once every 100 years. Of course, that means the game would have to take place at least 100 years after the original Super Mario Galaxy, but it's probably best not to think about it. Anyway, on his way to the castle, Mario happens upon a lost baby star named "Baby Chico," who journeys to the castle with Mario. And then something happens -- we're going to guess Bowser.

In other spacefaring plumber news, the Japanese website for Super Mario Galaxy 2 has been updated with some new information about the game, including its two-player mode. It seems the second player will control a Luma (Baby Chico, as it turns out). Hopefully it will amount to more than just collecting Star Bits this time around.

Be sure to check out the Japanese site for some new video and images.

[Via GoNintendo]

Source -- Nintendo Japan -- Super Mario Galaxy 2
Source -- NeoGAF

JoystiqBe a Luma in Super Mario Galaxy 2 multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Apr 2010 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendosuper-mario-galaxysuper-mario-galaxy-2WiiThu, 15 Apr 2010 20:15:00 EST