Joystiq

Nintendo wins appeal in Anascape suit

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:30:00 EST

There's a reasonable chance that you don't remember Anascape. Perhaps you remember the company that took Microsoft and Nintendo to court over its video game controller patents a few years back -- ring a bell? Specifically, in 2008, Nintendo was ordered to pay Anascape $21 million and faced the possibility of WaveBird, GameCube and Wii Classic Controllers being banned from sale. At the time, the fine and possible retail bans were put on hold while Nintendo appealed the case to the Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit.

Now, nearly two years later, the court has officially overturned the original verdict, nullifying the fine and potential bans. In a brief statement, Nintendo of America general council Rick Flamm said, "Today the Federal Circuit's ruling confirmed that none of Nintendo's controllers infringe. We appreciate that our position has been vindicated."

For the record, this isn't Nintendo's first patent infringement lawsuit and, given the history of such cases in the game industry, we doubt it will be its last.

Nintendo wins appeal in Anascape suit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: Essential equipment

David Hinkle — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Wii Warm Up

There are certain things that we, as gamers, just need to have. Wavebird controllers, Classic controllers and a rechargeable battery solution for our Wiimotes are just a few of these things. What would you say is essential equipment for your Wii? What peripherals and other equipment can you not live without? Your Zapper? Your Wavebirds, like us? Your Wiimote jackets? What is it?

Wii Warm Up: Essential equipment originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Some Nintendo controllers could get yanked from store shelves

David Hinkle — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Peripherals

Remember that recent lawsuit that didn't work out in Nintendo's favor? Then they tried to appeal and failed? Yeah, things aren't looking so hot for Nintendo right now. And the latest on this debacle, courtesy of Bloomberg, doesn't look good for the house that Mario built.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark denied Nintendo's appeal for a new trial. In Lufkin, Texas, Clark said that he planned to ban further sales of Nintendo's Wii Classic Controller, WaveBird controller and Nintendo GameCube, but must wait for another appeal from Nintendo (this one is headed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit) to go through. Judge Clark is set to issue this ban tomorrow, unless Nintendo posts a bond or puts royalties into an escrow account, which will then stop the ban.

Thankfully for Nintendo, the Wiimote and Nunchuk controllers both have been recognized as not violating Anascape's patent. So, sales of each of these peripherals should not be affected by all of this.

Some Nintendo controllers could get yanked from store shelves originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Court denies Nintendo's appeal in patent infringement lawsuit

Candace Savino — Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST

Filed under: News

Nintendo is officially down $21 million.

After a recent court ruling that declared Nintendo the loser in a patent infringement case, Nintendo appealed the $21 million penalty sum, hoping to have the charge reduced. Anascape Ltd. was the plaintiff in the case (and potential receiver of large amounts of cash), claiming that Nintendo violated their patents when making the GameCube, Classic, Wavebird, and Wiimote controllers.

A judge denied Nintendo's appeal, finding that the sum was fair based on the evidence. Anascape, obviously, was happy about the outcome, with the lead council saying, "We appreciate the Court's thoughtful consideration in upholding the jury's decision. Although not a giant corporation like Nintendo, Anascape has every right to protect its technology."

Since the patent affects all of Nintendo's most recent controllers, we wonder if this will have any impact on Nintendo's future designs or technologies.

Court denies Nintendo's appeal in patent infringement lawsuit originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: Moving backwards

David Hinkle — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Imports, Controller, Wii Warm Up

Of course, you're all aware of the reissued GameCube controller (now in white!), but did you know that the controller is now available for purchase? It's fetching a price of $24.90. But, do you really need it?

We were wondering about those of you who lack a GameCube controller for backwards compatibility fun and, of course, Smash Bros. Brawl. Any of you interested in picking this up? Or, like us, are you already covered with a WaveBird?

[Thanks, celestialxplsion!]

Wii Warm Up: Moving backwards originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii-white Gamecube controller releasing in Japan

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Peripherals

Nintendo has announced via its Japanese website that a Wii-white Gamecube controller is due for release this month ... in Japan. Looks like the old controller still has some manufacturing life left in it yet, too bad we can't get any more wireless Wavebird controllers.

We've contacted Nintendo of America to find out if the controllers are expected in North America. Call us what you will (which will probably be "lazy") but we simply wish that Nintendo would make a second generation Wavebird controller that's fully compatible with the Wii.

[Via GoNintendo]

Wii-white Gamecube controller releasing in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo: Wavebird no longer shipping to stores

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:45:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo Wii

If it were any other time the death of the sublime wireless Wavebird controller designed for Nintendo's Gamecube would have gone by with a tear and some good memories, but with Smash Bros. Brawl just around the corner it feels more like bad timing. A Nintendo customer service representative told GoNintendo that there aren't plans to restock Wavebird controllers in stores again; however, regular wired Gamecube controllers will continue to be available.

We've been advocating the use of the Wavebird for anyone that plans to use a Gamecube controller when Smash Bros. Brawl releases next month. Might be time to visit the local pawn shop and see if Wavebirds are available there, or just accept the use of the Wiimote, Classic Controller or the wired Gamecube controller - ewwww, wires!

Nintendo: Wavebird no longer shipping to stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Jan 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: When was the last time you played a GameCube game?

David Hinkle — Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Wii Warm Up

And what game was it?

What you see above is actually the last GameCube game this blogger spent any time with. Since the Wii has caused the GameCube to be all but something to toss into a cardboard box and placed in the attic, garage or basement, I was rocking this bad boy on my Wii. So, it inevitably lead me to this post you read before you.

Oblige us, won't you?

Wii Warm Up: When was the last time you played a GameCube game? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Nov 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Thrustmaster offers up wireless Classic Controller

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:40:00 EST

Filed under: Peripherals, Controller

One of our problems with Nintendo's official Classic Controller is how it has to be plugged into the Wiimote to be used. It's not that big of a deal, but sometimes the cord can become a nuisance. Thankfully, third-party manufacturer (and ridiculously-named company) Thrustmaster have devised the wireless solution you see above. Sure, it may not be much to look at, but at least there aren't any wires.

To connect the controller to the Wii, you'll have to plug an adapter into one of the GameCube ports on top of the console. We suspect that won't be an issue with most of you, as we're certain you (like us) already have a few WaveBird adapters plugged in up there. And, to add even more appeal to the thing, it'll only retail for $19.99, the same cost as Nintendo's official solution.

We'll have to wait until the thing releases to see, but we're pretty sure that Nintendo's controller will end up winning in the end based on feel alone. That thing looks bulky.

Thrustmaster offers up wireless Classic Controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Sep 2007 22:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: Weapon of choice

JC Fletcher — Mon, 07 May 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features, Wii Warm Up

At the moment we have three options for playing most Virtual Console games: the Wiimote, the Classic Controller, and the Gamecube controller. None of them are 100% accurate recreations of any original console's controller, but each has their advantages-- you're guaranteed to have a Wiimote, you're almost guaranteed to have a Gamecube controller, and the Classic Controller has the best compatibility.

We speculated about some kind of Wavebird relaunch, but so far that has yet to happen, indicating that Nintendo is throwing their support behind the quasi-tethered Classic Controller. But what about you? How do you roll on the VC-- tipped Wiimote, recycled Wavebird, or specialized equipment?

Wii Warm Up: Weapon of choice originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 May 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: 'Cube aesthetic

Jason Wishnov — Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Features

The Wii is, by far, the most stylish Nintendo-produced console ever made. It's sleek, minimalistic, and shiny shiny white (not pictured!). However, when being used as a Gamecube, there tends to be a loss of aerodynamic flow. Flaps concealing the GC circuitry must be lifted or removed; Wavebird receivers stick out at awkward angles, and those outdated things called wires might even get in the way.

Do you guys leave your GC stuff in the Wii, ready for (slightly) retro gaming? Does the loss of form factor make a big difference, and is it worth it to pull out and put in equipment every time you load up one of those tiny discs?

(uses Jedi mind trick) Tell us.

Wii Warm Up: 'Cube aesthetic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hate that Wavebird receiver sticking out of your Wii? Mod it!

David Hinkle — Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Mods

That's right, the modding community has come up with a fix that places the Wavebird receiver into the Nintendo Wii, causing the unsightly giant gray brick that currently resides at the top of your system to be nestled inside, snug and warm within the beautiful confines of your Wii. The modder says that he only placed one receiver in his, but if more plastic were removed, he could probably fit 4. The mod takes about 14 different steps, of varying difficulty, but of course the first step is the hardest: taking apart the Wii. We assume if one is able to do this, their moral compass must be broken.

The mod begs the question: is such a mod worth the chance of messing up your Wii permanently? Are you willing to try the mod, but will wait for a more steady supply of consoles in case you damage your system? Think people that do this kind of stuff are crazy?

It's a nice idea, however we wish he would have provided pictures of the console put back together and a video of it in action.

Hate that Wavebird receiver sticking out of your Wii? Mod it! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Feb 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: Old-school flavor

Jason Wishnov — Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan stuff, Controller

As much as we want to believe that the Wiimote is the end-all-be-all for video games, we have to concede that there are several genres in which a traditional controller is a more appropriate choice. Nintendo has already noted that Super Smash Bros. Brawl will use a standard controller, but ... which is it? Though Gamecube controller support has yet to be officially confirmed, we have to assume a player may choose between the GC standard and their own classic controller, offered for twenty dollars.

What's the problem? Well, the classic controller sucks. If you want four-player Smash (and my God you do), you'll need to spend an additional eighty dollars on peripherals that you might never use again. Furthermore, as it plugs into the expansion port, you have to deal with the awkward Wiimote just sitting in your lap. On the flip side, how many retailers have been carrying copious quantities of Wavebirds? They're still out there, of course, but Nintendo may have to conduct a Wavebird relaunch campaign for those of us who don't already have the gear. What are you hoping for, and how do you think Nintendo can pull it off?

Wii Warm Up: Old-school flavor originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Jan 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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No Wavebird Wii navigation (Wii annoyance #010)

Alexander Sliwinski — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii

Wii buyers who skipped getting a Gamecube might have a hankering to play the games they never could before (Super Smash Bros. Melee!). Having a Wavebird controller is probably one of the best accessories to get for the Wii, due to its extreme compatibility with non-Wii games and ridiculously long battery life. For a controller that is a jack-of-all-trades on the Wii, it's kinda sad that you can't navigate the Wii menu with it. Heck, you can't even get past the "WARNING-HEALTH AND SAFETY" screen with the Wavebird. When you put in a Gamecube game, you have to find your Wii-mote to activate the game from the main menu. It's a little thing that would be a nice simple fix in a future update. There is still much Super Smash Bros. Melee to be had and using the Wavebird to navigate and shop on the Wii menu would be nice.

[Thanks, Blink]

PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances
Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances
Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances

No Wavebird Wii navigation (Wii annoyance #010) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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There's a Wiimote in my pocket (Wii annoyance #005)

James Ransom-Wiley — Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo Wii, Peripherals

The Classic Controller hid the awkward lap placement shown on the packaging insert

Dangling from the end of the Classic Controller is the Wiimote. What are we supposed to do with this thing?

Some have speculated that Nintendo will release a device (a separate purchase?) that will allow the Wiimote to be clipped to the back of the Classic Controller; however, this still wouldn't eliminate that pesky cable connecting the two controllers. For now, we're forced to rest the Wiimote awkwardly on our laps or stuff it into our pockets -- we suppose duct tape is an option too. Our advice: stick with GameCube's wireless Wavebird for all your Virtual Console needs (it's only about $10 more than the Classic Controller and it's more compatible to boot!).

Wii delights vs. Wii annoyances
PS3 delights vs. PS3 annoyances
Xbox 360 delights vs. Xbox 360 annoyances

There's a Wiimote in my pocket (Wii annoyance #005) originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 20 Nov 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo confirms Wii Wavebird support

Jason Wishnov — Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:44:00 EST

Filed under: News

Back when Nintendo first announced that the Wii would accept standard Gamecube controllers as a form of input device, there was the question of Wavebird compatibility. The Wavebird, the first truly effective wireless controller, requires a block "receiver" be plugged into the Gamecube, and since the ports on the Wii appear to be recessed into the system, many wondered if they would properly fit.

Wonder no more! Nintendojo had Nintendo representatives confirm Wavebird support, o' glorious day! You'll still need the receiver, however. Also mentioned was that the Gamecube controller can be used with "select Wii games" ... Super Smash Bros. Brawl sounds like a prime example, assuming we won't need to buy the classic controller to play it. Thanks, Nintendo.

[Thanks, Ritz and Nushio!]

Nintendo confirms Wii Wavebird support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Sep 2006 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii supporting Wavebirds out of the box?

David Hinkle — Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

One of our wonderful (and surely drop-dead gorgeous) readers sent in an email about something he says was in the Player's Poll Sweepstakes for the August issue of Nintendo Power (volume 206). It's only one simple multiple-choice question, however the implication it infers through an available answer has caused quite a stir over here at the Wii Fanboy offices (see: hidden dungeon below the Joystiq penthouse). The question reads:

"Which of the following Wii control features or functions is of the greatest interest to you?"

Run-of-the-mill question, right? Well, one of the answers spices things up a bit:

"6. Compatibility with WaveBird for playing GameCube titles."

Could this mean that the Wii would support the Wavebird, possibly even right from the box without the need to attach the controller's receiver? Quick, someone help us pick our jaws up from the floor, it's dirty in this dungeon!

[Thanks Joey!]

Wii supporting Wavebirds out of the box? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jul 2006 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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