Joystiq

Wii becomes best-selling current generation console in Europe

David Hinkle — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST

We're always wary to talk numbers and Europe in the same breath, mostly because numbers over there don't mean the same as they do here. "One pound is a half kilogram? What does that even mean?" Luckily for us, there's no way to misconstrue the fact that the Wii is now the best-selling console in Europe this generation.

The European chapter of the Wii Defense Force is popping the bubbly now, we imagine, celebrating the 30 million Wii consoles in the region as of 2011's end. New console bundles brought a new "value Wii" into the region, The PS3 isn't far behind, however, with reports of over 22 million consoles sold at the end of August. But, the Wii figure looks even better when compared to the GameCube, which sold 4.7 million throughout its five year lifetime in Europe and Australia, combined.

On the peripheral front, Nintendo's also got robust sales figures for its Wii Balance Board and its bundled titles, Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus, to celebrate. 22.67 million copies of Wii Fit and 19.31 million copies of Wii Fit Plus have been sold worldwide.

Wii becomes best-selling current generation console in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Impulse Technology suing Nintendo for patent infringement

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST

Tech developer Impulse Technology -- that name sound familiar? -- has filed a lawsuit against Nintendo and a score of third-party studios, accusing them of violating a 1996 patent for an "interactive system for measuring physiological exertion." The suit is largely based on the weight-tracking Wii Balance Board (and the games which use it, like Wii Fit Plus, Zumba Fitness 2 and UFC Personal Trainer), which Impulse claims too closely resemble its own Trazer Interactive Fitness machine.

Normally, we'd scoff at such a lawsuit, especially since Impulse leveraged almost the exact same claims against Microsoft for its Kinect hardware this past July. Still, take a look at the Trazer Interactive Fitness machine, seen above. The resemblance truly is uncanny, right?

Right?

Impulse Technology suing Nintendo for patent infringement originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Wii Fit Plus bundle headed for UK

Richard Mitchell — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EST

For years, you've been left out of the Wii Fit craze. Not because you're unwilling to put in the requisite physical effort, but because the Balance Board simply doesn't match the sleek black lines of your entertainment center. In a month, that all comes to an end -- in the UK, at least -- as Nintendo will soon release a black Wii Fit Plus console bundle, which looks to retail for £99.99 ($155), though Zavvi.com has it listed for £73.85 ($114).

Arriving October 7, the bundle includes a black Wii console with Wii Remote Plus, a black Balance Board and a copy of Wii Fit Plus. And, as an added bonus, new Balance Board adopters can soon belatedly take part in another fad: Never using the Balance Board again.

We've contacted Nintendo to see if the new bundle is headed to North America as well.

Black Wii Fit Plus bundle headed for UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online logs into UK top ten, Black Ops reacquires top spot

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST

DC Universe Online flew into Chart-Track's UK sales chart this week and nipped a spot in the top ten. The PS3 and PC superhero simulator debuted in tenth place and, according to Chart-Track, is only the fourth retail title on PS3 to be online-only. The other internet-required games are MAG, Warhawk and SOCOM: US Navy Seals Confrontation.

The rest of the top ten is composed of the usual suspects playing musical chairs. Call of Duty: Black Ops is back on top, followed by FIFA 11 and the unstoppable Just Dance 2. Speaking of dance games, Harmonix's Dance Central is eyeing a spot in the top ten as it moves from 17 to 12 this week.

Check out the top ten after the break.

Continue reading DC Universe Online logs into UK top ten, Black Ops reacquires top spot

DC Universe Online logs into UK top ten, Black Ops reacquires top spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Helen Mirren helps market Nintendo for the holidays

Justin McElroy — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:50:00 EST

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

Helen Mirren caused a ruckus a couple years back by wearing a bikini while under the influence of around 63 years of life. She'll soon profit on that nigh-inhuman feat by demoing Wii Fit Plus in a series of British Nintendo ads slated to run this holiday season. Considering the timing, we suspect she will not be wearing a bikini ... or perhaps she'll just choose a very festive one.

Videogamer.com reports on several other highly British-sounding celebrities that will join her in the campaign, but we refuse to believe any of them are real people.

Helen Mirren helps market Nintendo for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Games: Summer 2010 launches with Mario & Luigi hula-hoop competition

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:40:00 EST

Nintendo's Wii Games competition has officially begun. All this weekend, NY/NJ residents can visit Liberty State Park to partake in the tournament, and get free swag -- including custom-designed t-shirts. To celebrate the launch of the nationwide event, Nintendo threw a parade, and started the games by sponsoring a heated match between the Mario brothers ... in a game of Wii Fit Plus Hula-Hoop.

While the games showcased at the event were mostly comprised of Nintendo's fitness titles, there were a few hidden surprises, including the NES Super Mario Bros. 3 and WiiWare's World of Goo. With free games (and free AC!), the competition is certainly worth checking out, especially if it manages to make its way to your area.

Gallery: Wii Games: Summer 2010

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Wii Games: Summer 2010 launches with Mario & Luigi hula-hoop competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus move one million units in Australia

David Hinkle — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:30:00 EST

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

Here at Joystiq, there's only one thing we value above video games: your health. And we were beginning to get worried about you specifically, Australia -- that is, until we heard you guys were trying to trim those love handles.

Nintendo of Australia has announced it's managed to sell one million copies of Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus (including the balance board). And while Oz isn't necessarily one of the fattest countries out there, according to a World Health Organization study back in 2007 (via Forbes), its people aren't exactly the benchmark for healthy living, either.

But hey, you gotta start somewhere and we're just glad you guys have taken that first step towards healthy living. If you're looking to build upon Nintendo's workout program, let us know. We'll let you borrow our Sweatin' to the Oldies tapes.

Wii Fit and Wii Fit Plus move one million units in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii summer competition launches in July

JC Fletcher — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST

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

Are you ready to totally destroy some people on vacation who felt like trying out a Wii game? Get to your local mall or Six Flags next month! This summer, Nintendo is holding a Wii Games: Summer 2010 competition, with initial matches held throughout the country, culminating in a final showdown in Los Angeles.

The five events to get way too serious about include Wii Sports Resort's Basketball and Bowling, Wii Fit Plus's Hula Hoop Challenge, New Super Mario Bros. Wii's Coin Battle, and Mario Kart Wii's Time Trial. The schedule and locations can be found at the competition's official site. Not anywhere near one of those locations? A "home version" will soon be available on the site, so you can try out your inappropriately intense game and trash talk on your own family.

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Wii summer competition launches in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo and the American Heart Association announce Active-Play partnership, co-hosting 'Innovation Summit'

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 17 May 2010 11:05:00 EST

Nintendo of America announced a strategic partnership with the American Heart Association this morning, effectively adding the AHA stamp of approval to all retail boxes of Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort, and the Nintendo Wii itself. "The brand serves as a chance to remind people about the benefits of a healthy approach to living and how active-play video games can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle," the partnership's official website explains.

In addition to the marketing partnership, the AHA and Nintendo will host a "multidisciplinary summit of representatives from a variety of fields ... to take a closer look at the synergies and benefits of active-play video games," entitled the "Innovation Summit." No details have been provided on when and where said summit will occur. Finally, various "active-play Nintendo video games" will be available to play at select "Start! Heart Walk" events this fall.

Also, no, Nintendo hasn't explained the Vitality Sensor yet.

Nintendo and the American Heart Association announce Active-Play partnership, co-hosting 'Innovation Summit' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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April NPD: Sam Fisher's grim month

Mike Schramm — Thu, 13 May 2010 19:30:00 EST

Apparently everybody was paying taxes last month instead of buying games, because despite analysts' expectations, sales for April were way down. As you can see below, sales dropped out on every single console that NPD tracked during April, with the Wii taking the biggest hit, down 50 percent from March. Hardware sales overall fell by 37 percent.

Software sales didn't do any better -- Splinter Cell Conviction was a bright spot and Super Street Fighter IV just barely made the list (which you can find after the break), but otherwise it was all leftovers from March and previous months. NPD reports that last month's 11 percent industry drop-off was the "worst year-over-year decline...since July '09, and the fourth largest year-over-year percentage decline ever." The industry got rained on -- here's hoping April showers bring some May flowers.

-DS: 441K260K (-37%)
-Wii: 277K 281K (-50%)
-360: 185K 153K (-45%)
-PS3: 181K 133K (-42%)
-PSP: 66K 54K (-44%)
-PS2 sales are no longer being tracked by NPD -- goodbye, old friend.

See the top 10 games after the break. (Note: Sales figures for the games ranked six through ten were withheld by NPD for unstated reasons.)

Continue reading April NPD: Sam Fisher's grim month

April NPD: Sam Fisher's grim month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year

JC Fletcher — Fri, 07 May 2010 13:00:00 EST

As an addition to its overall earnings report, Nintendo has released a list of first-party million-sellers from its last fiscal year (ending March 31). Many of these games, including Wii Sports and Wii Fit, have been out for years, but still managed to sell more than a million units over the last four quarters!

On DS, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver have sold an astonishing 8.4 million copies -- 3.78 million in Japan, where the game's been out since September, and 4.62 million outside of Japan in just a few short weeks of availability before the close of the fiscal year. Nintendo's Japan-only Tomodachi Collection sold 3.2 million copies, and Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box moved a respectable 2.43 million copies outside of Japan. Even Style Savvy, which has a somewhat low profile in North America and Europe, sold 1.21 million copies in those territories. As for two perennial bestsellers, Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros. each sold over three million copies outside of Japan in the last fiscal year.

Nintendo's marquee 2009 Wii titles, Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, sold more than 10 million units each in North America and Europe alone; and worldwide, those titles sold 16.14 million, 12.65 million, and 14.7 million copies, respectively, through the fiscal year. But if you think those are big numbers, think again. Thanks to Wii Sports being bundled with the Wii system outside of Japan, the game now totals 63.46 million units sold. Heck, even Link's Crossbow Training (bundled with the Wii Zapper) broke a million sold in the last fiscal year.

Head past the break for the complete list of million-sellers from Nintendo's fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.

Source [PDF] - Supplementary information about earnings release [Nintendo]

Continue reading Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year

Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop holding Wii Fit Plus demo events

JC Fletcher — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST

If lifestyle software like Wii Fit Plus is truly "evergreen," selling for long periods of time beyond the normal sales cycle, then we suppose it follows that its marketing can be evergreen as well. Which is why Nintendo can hold "Wii Fit Plus Demo Days" at GameStops across the U.S. now, even though Wii Fit Plus was released in October 2009.

If you're curious about, say, the ridiculous Bird's Eye Bulls-Eye event, or the ability to create workout routines, you can go to one of the 100 participating stores between 1-4pm on April 25 or May 2 and try it out for yourself.

GameStop holding Wii Fit Plus demo events originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo sued by exergaming company IA Labs

James Ransom-Wiley — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST

Was it something we said? No sooner does Nintendo close the book on the two-year-old Anascape suit than does the prolific peripheral manufacturer get slapped with another legal challenge. Gamasutra has obtained documentation of a lawsuit filed against Nintendo, on April 2, by exergaming company InterAction Laboratories, a.k.a. IA Labs, a.k.a. Powergrid Fitness, for alleged patent infringement.

In typical dramatic legalese, the suit cries out that IA Labs has been "irreparably harmed" by Nintendo's violation of two of its patents through a long list of Wii products. Here goes: the Wii system itself and its primary controllers, the Wiimote and the Nunchuk, and the MotionPlus add-on; Wii Fit, its expansion pack, Wii Fit Plus, and its peripheral, the Balance Board; and the Wii Zapper. Phew! Are we forgetting anything?

Oh, yes -- the Wii Wheel. Uh-huh, that circular piece of plastic is allegedly infringing upon a patent for either (1) "Computer interactive isometric exercise system and method for operatively interconnecting the exercise system to a computer system for use as a peripheral" or (2) "Force measurement system for an isometric exercise device." IA Labs claims that these two patents are used in a number of its products, including the Kilowatt Sport and Exer-Station controller. Both have won an award at separate CES events.

If you're real up on your Wii peripheral pitches, you will recall the Sqweeze, a ThighMaster-esque device for your hands, developed by IA Labs and introduced in late 2008. While a PC version appears to be available, the Wii iteration never made it to market, perhaps evidence that the relationship between IA Labs and Nintendo soured long ago. Documentation from the recent suit reveals emails from 2007-2008 between the two companies, which had once been in talks for IA Labs to license its technology to Nintendo.

Nintendo sued by exergaming company IA Labs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GfK-ChartTrack analyzes 2009's global software and hardware sales trends

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST

We've seen some pretty comprehensive breakdowns of how the U.S. gaming industry performed last year -- however, industry analysis firm GfK-ChartTrack recently compiled a sizable amount of data to inform us how the whole planet did. In short, the planet did okay. U.S. sales faltered somewhat, the U.K.'s past-gen console sales sunk like a rock (or, rather, an original Xbox), and Japan stayed afloat upon a makeshift raft of Nintendo DS RPGs.

The worldwide best-selling game of 2009 was (you'll never guess) Modern Warfare 2, with 11.86 million units sold. The runners-up were all proud members of the casual Wii suite: Wii Sports Resort, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Fit Plus, and plain ol' Wii Fit. For more details on how the gaming industry did across this great big terrestrial mass we call home, check out MCV's analysis of the statistics.

GfK-ChartTrack analyzes 2009's global software and hardware sales trends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo and Target teaming up for Wii Fit Plus promo -- receive $15 gift card

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST

Nintendo and Target are teaming up for the "Wii Fit Plus Experience," which is apparently an elaborate version of the Sports Authority experience with prizes. Across the United States' lower latitudes, visitors to the experience, which will be held in the parking lot or entrance of the stores between January 16-31, will gain (/groan) "feet-on" time with Wii Fit Plus.

Those who complete the Wii Fit Plus demo will receive a $15 gift card (while supplies last), which "can be applied toward any Target purchase." Therefore, we recommend humoring the Nintendo "ambassadors" working the kiosks. Gratefully take that gift card and blow it on junk food -- then get time-lapse coverage of all that junk food going straight to your ever-expanding butt and post it on YouTube. The locations holding the Wii Fit Plus Experience can be found after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo and Target teaming up for Wii Fit Plus promo -- receive $15 gift card

Nintendo and Target teaming up for Wii Fit Plus promo -- receive $15 gift card originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK charts: MW2 show continues, Bayonetta and Darksiders debut

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST

Reporting the UK sales chart is starting to feel like being a weatherman in Los Angeles. For the ninth week in a row, Modern Warfare 2 sits atop the all formats chart. If Modern Warfare 2 makes it to ten weeks in a row, we're expecting a communique from Hitchhiker's Marvin.

The next three spots are occupied by a casual alliance, consisting of Wii Fit Plus, Just Dance for Wii and Wii Sports Resort, respectively. Proving that the UK still has interest in games beyond war, sports and losing weight, Bayonetta's hair grabbed the fifth spot on the chart for its debut. THQ's Zelda meets God of War hybrid, Darksiders, also had a strong debut in eighth place. Had it bested the current chart champ, we'd be checking for signs of the apocalypse.

Source - 9 successive weeks at No1 for Call of Duty [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

UK charts: MW2 show continues, Bayonetta and Darksiders debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modern Warfare 2 spends sixth week atop UK sales chart

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:05:00 EST

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been entrenched at the top spot of the UK sales chart for six weeks now. FIFA 10's expected pre-holiday sales surge happened and the game rebounded from fifth to second place, but it still wasn't enough to suppress the firepower of Activision's FPS (it seems the only thing more powerful than Call of Duty is Waldo). While stuffing themselves with Turkish delight, Chart-Track has declared this the "Official Christmas Chart" of 2009. Nintendo has Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus at the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Despite serious competition during the holiday week from more family-friendly fare, Assassin's Creed 2 maintains a respectable foothold, slipping only two spots down to fifth place. Thanks to the movie release, James Cameron's Avatar got its blue butt on some big bird-lizard things and flew up 17 spots (129%) to reach 12th place.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (11/10/09)

Source -- Modern Warfare 2 captures Christmas No1 [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

Modern Warfare 2 spends sixth week atop UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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UK Charts: Modern Warfare still tops; Assassin's Creed 2 outperforms original's debut

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST

The Assassin's Creed sequel may not have taken out Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 from the top spot on the UK charts, but the game did outperform the original's 2007 debut by 12 percent in unit sales. Although Chart Track doesn't give specific unit sales figures, it's staggering to think that Infinity Ward's FPS dropped 86 percent after its launch week and still retained the top spot.

Behind the big boys of violence, Nintendo's New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus took the next three spots, respectively. The hardened Left 4 Dead 2 shambled up to seventh spot.

Source -- Call of Duty stands firm [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

UK Charts: Modern Warfare still tops; Assassin's Creed 2 outperforms original's debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sports Authority to begin selling Wii consoles, Wii Fit Plus in stores

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST

Somewhere between the jockstraps and gun racks, The Sports Authority will begin selling Wii and Wii Fit Plus in select stores. Company President David Campisi says, "Sports Authority recognized that the Wii console is a product that can help you stay active and have fun with your family at the same time, which is why the retail partnership with Nintendo is a perfect fit." Meanwhile, the American Council on Exercise finds the actual benefits of Wii Fit "underwhelming."

But, forget the ACE telling us that doing the real-world versions of Wii Fit exercises is healthier, Sports Authority has a multi-million unit selling console and excercise program to sell! Who cares if it actually works -- or people use it? Sports Authority has sold plenty of products over the years to people looking to get healthy, and parents whose kids want to try a new sport, which then get used a few times and exist afterward as dust collectors 'til the end of days.

Sports Authority to begin selling Wii consoles, Wii Fit Plus in stores originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 14:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Modern Warfare 2 makes a killing, bundled games rally in UK sales chart

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:08:00 EST

Much like a dude-seeking missile dropped from an overhead predator drone, Modern Warfare 2 sales plummeted in the UK after the game's first day of availability. As you already know, the game moved 1.23 million copies on its launch day -- however, according to Chart Track's calculations, it finished off the week with a paltry 1.78 million units (for £67.4 million) sold. With pathetic figures like that, you know Activision's got to be feeling disappointed.

Other UK chart staples (Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort, FIFA 10) all maintained their top 10 ranking this week -- though the list had two unfamiliar visitors who vaulted to the top of the charts on the back of a new 360 bundle: Lego Batman (which jumped from 14th place to 7th) and Pure (which sprung from 23rd place to 9th). That's quite a comeback for these two titles, though perhaps they would have fared even better had they been bundled with copies of Modern Warfare 2 instead.

Source -- Modern Warfare 2 Smashes All Records [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

Modern Warfare 2 makes a killing, bundled games rally in UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Buy Wii Fit Plus, get free water

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST

Did you upgrade to Wii Fit Plus so you can stay in shape over the holidays? While some may question the validity of a Wii Fit "workout," premium water company Hint is trying to capitalize on the craze by offering all purchasers of Nintendo's latest fitness title a free case of water. A standalone copy of Wii Fit Plus costs $20, while a 12-pack of Hint water costs $22, making this quite the "deal."

According to its official website, "Hint is a pure healthy water lightly infused with natural flavors. Unsweetened. Lightly flavored. No calories." If you're into that sort of thing, you can send in a digital scan of your Wii Fit Plus receipt to hintwater@5wpr.com. You'll be able to choose from one of the following flavors: Blackberry, Watermelon, Pomegranate Tangerine, Mango Grapefruit or Raspberry Lime.

Buy Wii Fit Plus, get free water originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit Plus claims top spot in UK sales chart, Dragon Age debuts in fifth

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST

Wii Fit Plus has taken the top spot in the UK during its second week of release, according to Chart Track. The excellent Dragon Age: Origins premiered in fifth place, behind Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort and two football games. No surprises there!

Ratchet and Clank: A Crack in Time premiered at the 22nd spot, which is a weaker debut than we had anticipated for the titular duo's final(ish) outing. It'll likely have a stronger showing in the US, though we'll have to wait for the NPD results to see if it lands in the top ten.

Source -- A fitting No1 [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

Wii Fit Plus claims top spot in UK sales chart, Dragon Age debuts in fifth originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Wii Fit Plus and a Wii Fit Plus shirt [update]

David Hinkle — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST

Update: That's it, folks -- the contest has come to a close! Keep an eye on your email's inbox to see if you won!

With the major pound-packing holidays bearing down on us at breakneck speed, we thought it prudent to help a few of you shed those unwanted love handles with a free copy of Wii Fit Plus. Are you game? See below for how to enter -- best of luck!

Leave a comment telling us whether or not you actively exercise
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 11:59AM ET on Wednesday, November 11
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive Wii Fit Plus for the Nintendo Wii ($20 ARV) and a Wii Fit Plus workout shirt ($20 ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Joyswag: Wii Fit Plus and a Wii Fit Plus shirt [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Soccer reigns supreme once again in UK sales chart; DJ Hero breaks in at 20

Griffin McElroy — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST

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

Another football game came out in the UK last week and, once again, it came in first place in the region's weekly software sales charts. This time around, the game was Football Manager 2010, in which soccer isn't played, but rather, managed. That's far too boring a concept to discuss further, so instead, let's move to the other big debuts: Wii Fit Plus, for instance, came in second place for the week, which is -- wait a minute. Doesn't Wii Fit Plus have a "Soccer Heading" minigame? Oh, Nintendo. You know exactly what you're doing.

Episodes From Liberty City and Tekken 6 also made a splash during their launch week, garnering sixth and eighth place finishes, respectively. However, DJ Hero seems to be following its expected, slow-starting sales trajectory, debuting at twentieth place in last week's chart. We've got a small suggestion for FreeStyle Games to improve the rhythm title's performance in the UK: Needs moar Dizzee Rascal.

Source -- Sega's FM 2010 Kicks Off at No1 [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

Soccer reigns supreme once again in UK sales chart; DJ Hero breaks in at 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Professor Layton and the Million-Selling Sequel

JC Fletcher — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST

It would appear that Nintendo made the right decision in finally getting around to releasing Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box worldwide, as the company was able to trade that box for one filled with cash money. The company released a supplement to its earnings report, listing the million-selling first-party Wii and DS games of its Q3 (April-September), and Diabolical Box made the list with 1.26 million units sold. The entirety of that 1.26 million comes from outside of Japan, since it wasn't a first-party game in Japan, and it was released in 2007.

The other new additions to the million-seller club on DS: Tomodachi Collection, the Mii communication game, and Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, which mysteriously managed to rack up 10,000 overseas sales despite not having been released outside of Japan. Is Nintendo tracking import retailers differently somehow?

On Wii, Wii Sports Resort has reached 6.97 million units worldwide, and Wii Fit Plus has already sold 2.13 million, a nice complement to the 4.28 million that the first Wii Fit sold in the last quarter.

Gallery: Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS)

Source (PDF)

Professor Layton and the Million-Selling Sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Change 4 Life campaign endorsing Wii Fit Plus

JC Fletcher — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST

The Change 4 Life ad campaign gathered early attention with the shocking connection between sedentary activities like games and "AN EARLY DEATH." Then it softened the message a bit with the more positive suggestion that "active" video games would be a healthy move. Now, the initiative is getting its exercise with vigorous backpedaling, as it will actually endorse a video game, giving permission to use its logo in advertising. Of course, that game is Wii Fit Plus.

"We are thrilled that active videogames are finally being recognised by the Government for contributing to a healthy, balanced lifestyle," ELSPA's Mike Rawlinson said. Rawlinson revealed that ELSPA has been working with the UK government since the first Change 4 Life ad to get some fairer recognition for games, and apparently the Change 4 Life folks finally ~~got tired of hearing about it~~ came to their senses.

Change 4 Life campaign endorsing Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Joyswag: Get your exercise on with Wii Fit Plus & Active Life Extreme Challenge

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST

As we approach the colder months of the year here at Joystiq HQ, we like to fool ourselves by picking up the latest Wiinovations in the world of game-based exercise equipment, knowing wholeheartedly that they'll never end up getting much use. This year, however, we figured we would extend that same ideological principle to you. We hope that your moral certitude will employ Wii Fit Plus and Active Life Extreme Challenge (it's totally extreme) more than we would! We'll be picking a winner for this enticing exercise pack at random from the folks who comment below -- all you have to do is tell us your favorite exercise fad of all time. Get those finger muscles moving!

Leave a comment telling us your favorite exercise fad of all time.
You must be 18 years or older and a resident of the US or Canada (excluding Quebec, largely due to Celine Dion)
Limit 1 entry per person per day
This entry period ends at 2:31PM ET on Monday, November 2
At that time, we'll randomly select one winner to receive a copy of Wii Fit Plus ($20 ARV) and Active Life Extreme Challenge ($60 ARV)
For a list of complete rules, click here

Joyswag: Get your exercise on with Wii Fit Plus & Active Life Extreme Challenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Tony Hawk Tutorial

David Hinkle — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST

This week's Nintendo Channel update is chock full of Wii Fit Plus stuff again, but we'd like to draw your attention to the video tutorial on how to play Tony Hawk Ride. It answers a lot of the super important questions we've had -- like, "Does this peripheral work with both male and female gamers?" and, "Is this one of the most advanced game controllers ever created?"

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

Continue reading This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Tony Hawk Tutorial

This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Tony Hawk Tutorial originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit may surpass San Andreas sales, Wii Play is top selling 'game' of the last 10 years

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST

Wii Fit is on the verge of becoming the second-highest selling "game" in the US of the last 10 years. IGN reports on NPD data, revealing that Wii Fit has reached 7.9 million sales, passing by Grand Theft Auto: Vice City's 6.9 million and creeping up quickly on Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas' 8.25 million units. The only thing ready to kill Wii Fit's momentum is Wii Fit Plus, which will replace the previous version at retail.

Some out there are probably ready to argue that Wii Fit should not be counted among other games. Yeah, those folks are going to pitch a fit about the top seller: Wii Play. The controller-bundled "software" holds the crown, having reached 11.1 million sales. We can't wait to see how the Vitality Sensor does.

Wii Fit may surpass San Andreas sales, Wii Play is top selling 'game' of the last 10 years originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Sweatin' to Wii Fit Plus

David Hinkle — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST

We hope you like watching people exercise, because that's about all there is on the Nintendo Channel this week. Outside of that, there's also a look at Miis in Tony Hawk Ride and a brief clip of Space Invaders Extreme 2, if that's your cup of tea. (Protip: It's totally your cup of tea. You drink it all of the time.)

Gallery: Wii Fit Plus (Wii)

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This Week on the Nintendo Channel: Sweatin' to Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Super Mario Wii, Zelda: Spirit Tracks & others dated for Europe

David Hinkle — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:40:00 EST

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

Arguably the two biggest titles set to release on their respective platforms this year, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks have both been dated by Nintendo of Europe. NSMBW is set to invade living rooms on November 20, while Spirit Tracks will be pulling into the station on December 11. But that's not all, as Nintendo has also dated Wii Fit Plus for October 30 and plans to cater to your inner fashionista with Nintendo Presents Style Boutique on October 23.

Nintendo of America previously confirmed NSMBW for November 15 and Zelda for December 7; and Wii Fit Plus releases ... this Sunday! Time to sculpt that perfect figure again.

New Super Mario Wii, Zelda: Spirit Tracks & others dated for Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit Plus out Oct. 4 at a svelte $20 price point

JC Fletcher — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:25:00 EST

During his keynote at the GameStop Manager Conference, Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime announced release details for Nintendo's latest money generator, Wii Fit Plus. Current Wii Fit owners looking to add more arm-flapping and faux-Segwaying to their lives will be able to pick up the expanded version of the hit exercise game for just $19.99 on October 4.

For new owners, a Wii Fit Plus bundle will replace the existing Wii Fit bundle, which makes sense given that it's the exact same game with added content. The Wii Fit Plus/Balance Board package will retail for $99.99.

Gallery: Wii Fit Plus (Wii)

Wii Fit Plus out Oct. 4 at a svelte $20 price point originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Sep 2009 00:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata continues to deny Wii price drop

JC Fletcher — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:36:00 EST

Following its quarterly financial report, Nintendo released an investor Q&A with president Satoru Iwata. It has yet to be released in English, but Andriasang translated a few key excerpts. Most notably, Iwata's continued denial of any plans for a Wii price drop. "At present, we're not thinking of doing anything with the price," he said. Not that he'd announce it beforehand. Iwata didn't mention it, but we suspect the black Wii will reinvigorate sales in Japan, even at the original price.

Iwata also admitted that last holiday's Wii lineup, specifically Wii Music and Animal Crossing: City Folk, didn't have the long-term sales Nintendo expects from its big titles. He has high hopes for this year's big three games: Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In fact, he expects all three of these to break ten million sold by March 2010, the end of Nintendo's fiscal year.

Iwata continues to deny Wii price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan gets Wii Fit Plus on October 1

David Hinkle — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST

Japan will get Nintendo's new and improved version of its fitness title on October 1, as andriasang discovered the above advert showcasing the date for Wii Fit Plus. Not only that, but you can also see a price there: ¥2,000 (about $20) for the game alone, ¥9,800 (about $102) for the game and Balance Board bundle. Who knows if it'll be priced accordingly when it hits the States this fall, though we think it's a safe bet. If there's one thing a gaming blog knows best, it's fitness and exergaming software.

[Thanks, Mr. Khan!]

Japan gets Wii Fit Plus on October 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

James Ransom-Wiley — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST

Nintendo E3 2009 checklist:

Mario? *check*
Zelda? *check*
Metroid? *check*

Are we missing something? Head past the break to find out!

Continue reading E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup

E3 2009 highlights: The Nintendo roundup originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hands-on (and flapping like wings): Wii Fit Plus

JC Fletcher — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST

While the idea of leaning on a board and waving a stick around may no longer carry an inherent wow factor after everyone has introduced a motion controller, it's clear from just a few minutes with Nintendo's Wii Fit Plus that the company has been thinking of new ways to use its existing technology in gameplay. We weren't allowed to demo the new strength or yoga exercises in the expanded version of the megahit Wii exercise game -- thus sparing a crowd of gaming's best and brightest the sight of us stretching -- but the new balance games were open to us.

Gallery: Wii Fit Plus (Wii)

Continue reading Hands-on (and flapping like wings): Wii Fit Plus

Hands-on (and flapping like wings): Wii Fit Plus originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Fit Plus shapes up for fall, lets you 'be' Mario

Randy Nelson — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:29:00 EST

As expected, Nintendo has seen fit to announce Wii Fit Plus during its E3 presser. The new fitness software is planned for release this fall in two flavors: bundled with the Wii Balance Board and as stand-alone software.

According to Cammie Dunaway, the new Wii Fit "moves in an added direction" beyond the original, by enabling users to "create a specific workout program that's perfect" for them. Six new strength and yoga activities can be mixed and match depending on what goals they're shooting for, and there's a revamped interface focused on creating seamless routines of 20, 30, 40 minutes (and conceivably more).

Strengthening the "core" appeal, Plus will introduce 15 new minigames -- juggling, skateboarding and something called "perfect 10" were shown, the latter requiring players to move their hips to select numbers that add up to 10. "Brain Age for your backside," Cammie said. The most exciting minigame: a forward-moving "platforming" level using gameplay elements from the Mario series.

Wii Fit Plus shapes up for fall, lets you 'be' Mario originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 12:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Wii Fit Plus features revealed, heavily online-focused

David Hinkle — Sun, 31 May 2009 21:00:00 EST

The lid's been blown off Wii Fit Plus; been there, done that. But, if your inner fitness nut is craving more info, Japan's Nihon Keizai Shimbun newspaper has posted some potential details on the title.

Supposedly, Wii Fit Plus boasts some new online connectivity to allow family members and friends to compete in the loss-of-flabby-arms race. Also, the new software is supposedly going to allow for more accurate measuring of weight and center of gravity, though it's said this improvement comes from the software side, and not some new Balance Board Nintendo has been hiding up its sleeve.

While we can't comment on this new information from Nihon Keizai Shimbun, it's pretty much a done deal on this whole Wii Fit Plus business. Remember to have those bingo cards ready, folks!

[Via IGN]

Rumor: Wii Fit Plus features revealed, heavily online-focused originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 31 May 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst expects just about every E3 rumor to come true

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 27 May 2009 19:30:00 EST

If Macquarie Research analyst David Gibson's soothsaying proves accurate, then our E3 prediction Bingo cards are going to be huge winners -- if, you know, they were actually worth prizes or anything. See, Gibson recently put his keen analytical skills to work in order to foresee the revelations that will drop during the Big Three's conferences at E3 next week. We think there are a few crowd pleasers in his divination.

Gibson expects Microsoft's conference to focus mostly on the heavily rumored Xbox 360 motion controller, and the software that will launch in conjunction with the new peripheral. Sony's conference will supposedly also be hardware-centric, revealing a $399, slim PS3 model and the UMD-less, touch screen-equipped PSP Go!. His Nintendo predictions are the most shocking of all -- in addition to a large focus on Wii Fit Plus, Gibson expects the reveal of new Zelda and Mario titles. We'll believe it when we see it -- and we'll see it in like, six days.

Analyst expects just about every E3 rumor to come true originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo trademarks 'Wii Fit Plus' and 'Art Academy'

Randy Nelson — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST

Nintendo's core needs a workout, but it looks like the company may be planning to pump up its casual audience even more at next week's E3 with Wii Fit Plus. Originally uncovered in April via purported retailer listings, the game's title has been officially trademarked by Nintendo in Japan. Heck, there's even a logo for the game. Since the month-old rumor has borne fruit in terms of an accurate title, we're more likely to believe the November 2009 release date it claimed.

Also trademarked by the Big N is Art Academy, a previously unheard -of title with no target platform mentioned. Detailed drawing would seem to lend itself more to DS, though we can't help but imagine a game in the vein of Wii Music in which players "paint" great works of art -- the Mona Lisa, the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel -- simply by waggling the Wiimote around.

[Via Siliconera]

Nintendo trademarks 'Wii Fit Plus' and 'Art Academy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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