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[Nintendo phasing out Wii Speak peripheral from retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/nintendo-phasing-out-wii-speak-peripheral-from-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/nintendo-phasing-out-wii-speak-peripheral-from-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/02/nintendo-phasing-out-wii-speak-peripheral-from-retailers/#comments We're finding it hard to accept the fact that future generations of Wii gamers won't be able to experience the raw thrill of one roomful of people chatting it up with another roomful of people during an Animal Crossing: City Folk session. Sadly, that's the hard, hard truth one must extract from Nintendo's recently announced decision to phase out the Wii Speak peripheral, which is now only available "at limited retail locations."

Nintendo refused to hammer the final nail into the poor, puck-shaped microphone's coffin, however, telling GameSpot that "additional shipments can be made if consumer demand increases." In that case, we suppose our grandchildren can still have conversations with strangers' living rooms -- but they'll have to organize some kind of movement in order to do so.

JoystiqNintendo phasing out Wii Speak peripheral from retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Animal-Crossing-City-Folkchatmicrophonenintendoperipheralswiiwii-speakThu, 02 Dec 2010 15:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Mix Superstar: WiiWare's first music creation utility]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/mix-superstar-wiiwares-first-music-creation-utility/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/mix-superstar-wiiwares-first-music-creation-utility/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/21/mix-superstar-wiiwares-first-music-creation-utility/#commentsThe DS has a couple of music creation apps, including two Korg titles and the DSiWare app Rytmik. Now, you'll be able to assemble the dance track of your dreams on Wii, thanks to Digital Leisure. The publisher is releasing Mix Superstar on WiiWare sometime this year.

Mix Superstar contains over 1,000 royalty-free samples that you can assemble into your own tracks, with the addition of vocals from a USB mic or Wii Speak. Songs can be downloaded or sent to friends via WiiConnect24. New loops can be purchased as DLC.

Check out a trailer for the musical toy after the break.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Mix Superstar: WiiWare's first music creation utility

JoystiqMix Superstar: WiiWare's first music creation utility originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 May 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-leisuremusicwii-speakwiiconnect24wiiwareFri, 21 May 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sega releases first screens and details of The Conduit 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/the-conduit-2-screenshots-and-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/the-conduit-2-screenshots-and-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/31/the-conduit-2-screenshots-and-details/#commentsFollowing its unveiling in Nintendo Power magazine, The Conduit 2, High Voltage's second pass at a Wii FPS, has been officially announced by publisher Sega.

Due this fall, The Conduit 2 expands the venue for the serie's action from Washington, D.C. to a variety of locations across the world. The game also adds "all-new" online and couch co-op modes, including Team Invasion Mode, a 4-player split-screen mode that can be played online or off. The 12-player online competitive play now benefits from "larger and more intricate indoor and outdoor battlefields," and retains the Wii Speak functionality that so few games employ.

Turn your All-Seeing Eye toward Sega Europe's blog to see the first screenshots.

JoystiqSega releases first screens and details of The Conduit 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Mar 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fall-2010fpshigh-voltagehigh-voltage-softwaremultiplayerNintendorelease-datescreenshotssegathe-conduitthe-conduit-2Wiiwii-speakWed, 31 Mar 2010 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Monster Hunter Tri supports Wii Speak, bundled with accessory in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/monster-hunter-tri-supports-wii-speak-bundled-with-accessory-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/monster-hunter-tri-supports-wii-speak-bundled-with-accessory-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/monster-hunter-tri-supports-wii-speak-bundled-with-accessory-in/#commentsBack in November, Capcom told Joystiq it was "hoping" to add voice chat support to Monster Hunter Tri using the neglected Wii Speak accessory. Today's announcement of the European release of the game confirms that players will be able to coordinate with their hunting parties by yelling at their TVs.

Not only will the Western releases of Monster Hunter Tri support the Wii Speak accessory, but it will be offered as part of a bundle in the European version. In addition to the standalone game and a Classic Controller Pro bundle, you'll be able to buy a pack containing Monster Hunter Tri, a black Classic Controller Pro, and a Wii Speak mic.

[Via Siliconera]

JoystiqMonster Hunter Tri supports Wii Speak, bundled with accessory in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-3monster-hunter-triNintendovoice-chatWiiwii-speakMon, 01 Feb 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom schools Monster Hunter Tri rookies, unsure about Wii Speak for US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/capcom-schools-monster-hunter-tri-rookies-unsure-about-wii-spea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/capcom-schools-monster-hunter-tri-rookies-unsure-about-wii-spea/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/19/capcom-schools-monster-hunter-tri-rookies-unsure-about-wii-spea/#comments
[Capcom-Unity]

Capcom held a university-themed event Tuesday evening in San Francisco to introduce newcomers to the Monster Hunter universe in the runup to next spring's North American release of Monster Hunter Tri for the Wii. We'd already played the game at previous events, so we knew what to expect: Monster Hunter, looking nice (especially the large monsters) but not as nice as it could have on the PS3.

After spending some time with the three-level, English-localized trade show demo on-hand -- including a go using the very nice Classic Controller Pro, which is included in Japan's black system/game bundle -- we asked Capcom staff about two unsettled questions concerning the game's US release. The first was the matter of paying to play Monster Hunter Tri online, as the game eschews Nintendo's servers for Capcom-operated ones and is fee-based in Japan. We didn't receive a decisive answer, being told only that the publisher is "hoping" the game will be free to play in the US. We got a similar response when we wondered if Wii Speak support was 100% set for the domestic release -- Capcom's "hoping" to get it in, but couldn't promise anything.

The event did provide taste of what trying to coordinate a successful online monster hunt would be like without Wii Speak -- we found it nearly impossible to hear our fellow players (or the game) over the music being piped through the venue's formidable sound system.

Gallery: Monster Hunter 3

JoystiqCapcom schools Monster Hunter Tri rookies, unsure about Wii Speak for US originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcommonster-huntermonster-hunter-triNintendoWiiwii-speakThu, 19 Nov 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/the-conduit-to-use-wii-speak-new-trailer-sizzles-with-conspira/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/the-conduit-to-use-wii-speak-new-trailer-sizzles-with-conspira/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/07/the-conduit-to-use-wii-speak-new-trailer-sizzles-with-conspira/#comments
It's been a while since we've seen anything out of High Voltage's little-shooter-that-could, The Conduit -- a problem that was expediently rectified on last night's episode of GameTrailers TV. In addition to the revelation that the game won't support Wii MotionPlus but will allow users to chat via Wii Speak, the latest trailer for the shooter, titled "Conspiracy," was aired.

In addition to showing a sizable chunk of gameplay, the trailer (which we've posted after the jump) gives further hints regarding the game's plot. Here's what we've pieced together: There's a conspiracy (Aliens? Illuminati? Grassy Knoll?), which appears to be causing protagonist Michael Ford to have a very bad day. Don your tinfoil hat, crank up the Alex Jones, and check out the trailer after the break.

Continue reading The Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy'

JoystiqThe Conduit to use Wii Speak, new trailer sizzles with 'conspiracy' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conspiracyhigh-voltage-softwareNintendosegathe-conduittrailerWiiwii-speakSat, 07 Mar 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Speak Channel not so limited; 'replacement' downloads possible]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/wii-speak-channel-not-so-limited-replacement-downloads-possib/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/wii-speak-channel-not-so-limited-replacement-downloads-possib/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/26/wii-speak-channel-not-so-limited-replacement-downloads-possib/#commentsFiled under:


Despite telling MTV earlier this month that the Wii Speak Channel - bundled with the Wii Speak peripheral in the form of a "Download Ticket" - would not be made available through any other means, it appears the Big N has reconsidered that stance, clarifying its new, more flexible policy with GameSpot.
"Any consumer who may have misplaced their Wii Download Ticket number for the Wii Speak Channel or require a new number following a Wii exchange may contact their local Nintendo Customer Services department, where they can request a replacement Wii Download Ticket number."
We're sympathetic with the industry's desire to use things like one-off downloadable content to encourage new game sales, but applying that logic to a hardware peripheral always struck us as particularly short-sighted.

But now, with that concern out of the way, we're writing directly to you future thrift store shoppers: Put down that ironic t-shirt and those theme-park shot glasses and reconsider the old Wii Speak in the corner. Just remember to holophone the Customer Service department and ask them to telepathically beam you a new code and you'll be speakerphoning in no time.

JoystiqWii Speak Channel not so limited; 'replacement' downloads possible originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Nov 2008 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NintendoWiiWii-SpeakWii-Speak-ChannelWed, 26 Nov 2008 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Speak Channel only available to new Wii Speak-ers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/wii-speak-channel-only-available-to-new-wii-speak-ers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/wii-speak-channel-only-available-to-new-wii-speak-ers/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/13/wii-speak-channel-only-available-to-new-wii-speak-ers/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Nintendo's latest Wii peripheral, which boldly thrusts the console into the newfangled "voice over IP" era, comes with a minor catch. A redeemable "Wii Download Ticket Number," included with the Wii Speak microphone, grants access to the Wii Speak Channel. Unfortunately, the code only works once, locking secondhand purchases out of the dedicated chat-to-your-friends channel. According to MTV Multiplayer, the channel will not be available through any other means, and Nintendo will not replace lost or stolen codes.

If you were keen on conversing with your Wii pals outside of supported games (i.e. Animal Crossing: City Folk), you'll either have to buy new as of Nov. 16th, or invest in one of those telephone things. On the bright side, telephone numbers are even easier to remember than friend codes.

[Via Nintendo Wii Fanboy]

JoystiqWii Speak Channel only available to new Wii Speak-ers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Animal-Crossing-City-FolkPeripheralsWiiWii-SpeakThu, 13 Nov 2008 13:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo drops more Wii Speak details]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/nintendo-drops-more-wii-speak-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/nintendo-drops-more-wii-speak-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/08/nintendo-drops-more-wii-speak-details/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've been anxiously anticipating Nintendo's next big peripheral since it was unveiled at their mind-blowing E3 2008 showcase -- a groundbreaking, futuristic device that actually allows you to speak with your online gaming cohorts. However, we've had a lot of questions concerning the price and release date of the cutting edge technology known as Wii Speak (and its companion software, the Wii Speak Channel) -- questions that were recently answered in a press release from the money-printing company.

You can get your hands on Nintendo's talkin' puck on Nov. 16, either bundled with Animal Crossing: City Folk for $69.99, or by its lonesome for $29.99. The accessory comes with a coupon which allows you to download the Wii Speak Channel for free (we're unclear whether City Folk includes said coupon), which will be available for download sometime in December -- and yes, you can only chat with those whose unwieldy friend codes you've already acquired. Sure, it's a minor inconvenience -- but considering the social gaming revolution this peripheral will initiate, it's a hoop we're certain you'll be willing to jump through.

JoystiqNintendo drops more Wii Speak details originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoonlineWiiwii-speakwii-speak-channelSat, 08 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Conduit finds publishing partner in Sega]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/the-conduit-finds-publishing-partner-in-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/the-conduit-finds-publishing-partner-in-sega/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/the-conduit-finds-publishing-partner-in-sega/#commentsFiled under: ,

After spending months in the public eye without a publisher - including two very public presentations with Nintendo, and one embarassing gaffe that appeared to put the game under the Nintendo banner - High Voltage Software's The Conduit has finally found a happy home at Sega (as rumored). Of course, Sega's got another high-profile "core" game for the Wii in MadWorld so today's announcement represents a strategic addition; what Sega of America prez Simon Jeffrey calls its "belief in the Wii's gaming potential beyond the casual market."

With an estimated Spring 2009 release date, there's not much we don't already know about The Conduit; however, the press release does confirm support for the Wii Speak peripheral in online multiplayer games as well as Wii MotionPlus support for "optimal control." Or maybe there is more. Jeffrey says High Voltage "has only scratched the surface of the game in terms of what they have shown so far." Our guess: smell-o-vision.

Gallery: The Conduit

JoystiqThe Conduit finds publishing partner in Sega originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BreakingNewsHigh-VoltageSegaThe-ConduitWiiWii-MotionPlusWii-SpeakWed, 29 Oct 2008 12:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo announces Wii Speak Channel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-wii-speak-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-wii-speak-channel/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/02/nintendo-announces-wii-speak-channel/#commentsFiled under:

As one of the last two announcements for their fall media summit, Nintendo has announced the Wii Speak Channel for use with the Wii microphone (pictured, from E3 2008). According to Cammy Dunaway, up to four people can chat together, and the microphones will come with a coupon to download the channel.

Of course, this leads to a plethora of other questions, such as: release date, price (if not buying with the microphone), can a USB mic be substituted, what else can we do with the channel besides speak? We're not holding our breath waiting for answers anytime soon.

JoystiqNintendo announces Wii Speak Channel originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Oct 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewsmicrophonenintendoWiiwii-speakwii-speak-channelwiispeakwiispeak-channelThu, 02 Oct 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon opens WiiSpeak preorders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/amazon-opens-wiispeak-preorders/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/amazon-opens-wiispeak-preorders/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/amazon-opens-wiispeak-preorders/#commentsFiled under: , ,


WiiSpeak isn't the kind of thing we can imagine selling in Wii Fit quantities, but it's getting hard to tell nowadays. Maybe the microphone add-on and Animal Crossing: City Folk will be overshadowed by the other big first-party release of November, and supplies will be plentiful, but why take the risk? You can now preorder your own WiiSpeak at Amazon, and rest assured that you'll be able to bitch behind Nook's back with your Wii Friends from day one. Hang around now, and you may be confined to the keyboard.

[Update: Removed potentially confusing comment]


[Via Punch Jump]

JoystiqAmazon opens WiiSpeak preorders originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonanimal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkpreorderwii-speakwiispeakWed, 10 Sep 2008 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Who's getting WiiSpeak?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/wii-warm-up-whos-getting-wii-speak/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/wii-warm-up-whos-getting-wii-speak/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/10/wii-warm-up-whos-getting-wii-speak/#commentsFiled under:


With the buzz around a $69.99 Animal Crossing bundle that will include the peripheral, we were just wondering how many of you are actually looking to pick up the device? Can't wait to chat with your friends while fishing or digging holes? Could care less about WiiSpeak? Or are you planning on getting it for The Conduit?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Who's getting WiiSpeak? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossingthe-conduitwii-speakWed, 10 Sep 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Deceptively new scans of Animal Crossing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/deceptively-new-scans-of-animal-crossing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/deceptively-new-scans-of-animal-crossing/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/03/deceptively-new-scans-of-animal-crossing/#commentsFiled under: ,


The problem with showing new images of Animal Crossing: City Folk is that, unless the screens happen to feature the new city environment, what you see ends up looking pretty much exactly like the original Crossing. Only subtle clues point to the newness, such as the lack of hats, the different clock, and, oh yeah, two player characters onscreen together. It's still very important, and it's still really exciting, it just -- happens to look a lot like Animal Crossing!

We wouldn't want it any other way. We're ready to start it all again -- picking fruit, paying off Tom Nook, meeting new neighbors, filling our catalog, pulling weeds, the whole thing. This time, we'll be able to enjoy the game over some friendly conversation!

JoystiqDeceptively new scans of Animal Crossing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Sep 2008 13:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkcommunicationsimulationwii-speakWed, 03 Sep 2008 13:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Nintendo Power dishes out new Animal Crossing details, including DS-to-Wii functionality]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/latest-nintendo-power-dishes-out-new-animal-crossing-details-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/latest-nintendo-power-dishes-out-new-animal-crossing-details-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/22/latest-nintendo-power-dishes-out-new-animal-crossing-details-in/#commentsFiled under:


For many, Animal Crossing: City Folk looks a lot like the original GameCube game, both from a presentation standpoint and included features. Sure, Animal Crossing: City Folk has some new stuff, but none of it is really that innovative or indicative of the franchise going into any kind of new direction. It's basically the equivalent to treading water. But, it turns out that popular opinion may not be justified, as some new details regarding the game can be found in the upcoming issue of Nintendo Power.

First of all, those of you who spent time with Animal Crossing: Wild World on the DS, you can transfer your avatar over to the new game. Another cool DS-to-Wii feature will allow you to "take your travel data and download it to your DS." We've no idea what that will entail exactly, but it sounds promising.

As for the Wii game, the holiday-themed events will be returning. Jingle the Reindeer will be back for Toy Day and a new character, Zipper T. Bunny, will make an appearance for Bunny Day. Sound promising!

Continue reading Latest Nintendo Power dishes out new Animal Crossing details, including DS-to-Wii functionality

JoystiqLatest Nintendo Power dishes out new Animal Crossing details, including DS-to-Wii functionality originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Aug 2008 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkanimal-crossing-wild-worldcity-folkdlcdsnintendo-dsnintendo-wiiwiiwii-speakwild-worldFri, 22 Aug 2008 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[MotionPlus to be 'very affordable,' Wii add-ons curtailed for now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/motionplus-to-be-very-affordable-wii-add-ons-curtailed-for-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/motionplus-to-be-very-affordable-wii-add-ons-curtailed-for-no/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/04/motionplus-to-be-very-affordable-wii-add-ons-curtailed-for-no/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The Wii has long been heralded as the cheapest console out there, but that claim soon weakens if you want to own every add-on that is available for the platform. Nintendo seems to recognize that Wii ownership is getting increasingly pricey, and now company bossman Satoru Iwata has said: no more add-ons!

Okay, so he didn't quite make that promise. But Iwata has told the Wall Street Journal that "most of the ideas for accessories that we had initially come up with are out now." If you can hear sighing, that'll be our wallets, though don't get comfy right away: Iwata has warned that Nintendo might think up more, presumably once the company's bank balance has dipped below the danger level of one trillion-gazillion* dollars.

Iwata also confirmed that Nintendo would try and make the Wii MotionPlus "very affordable," an attainable goal considering that the add-on is apparently cheap to make. There will also be games that can only be played with a MotionPlus plugged in -- beginning, we'd assume, with Wii Sports Resort.

* Possibly not a real number.


[Via Edge; thanks, supa_s!]

JoystiqMotionPlus to be 'very affordable,' Wii add-ons curtailed for now originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>iwatasatoru-iwatawii-motionpluswii-speakwii-sports-resortMon, 04 Aug 2008 13:48:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Wii Fanboy's E3 Endgame Evaluation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-wii-fanboys-e3-endgame-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-wii-fanboys-e3-endgame-evaluation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/e308-wii-fanboys-e3-endgame-evaluation/#commentsFiled under:


In the second year of the newly revamped show, Nintendo released a few much-desired games, as well as a pair of incredible peripherals, and yet, there seemed to be something missing. Much of the show's excitement came from third parties (on my Nintendo Wii?), and some found Nintendo's announcements disappointing. Whatever your reaction, we're sure we can all agree on one thing: there was a ton of news and a flood of media. Luckily, you can revisit it all right here (even the week's most outrageous story, which wasn't even from E3).

We've listed a few of the show's highlights below, but for the full index of all our 2008 E3 coverage, hit the break. We still have a few items rolling in, and we'll be updating the index as that happens. Check back with us over the next few days by clicking the E3 sidebar graphic.


A new Pikmin sprouts!
Animal Crossing: City Folk confirmed
The Conduit will use WiiSpeak
Wii Sports Resort announced (and Wii MotionPlus!)
Mega Man 9 feels more like a 10
Wii Fanboy bats-on with Mario Super Sluggers
Animal Crossing to support keyboards, save fruit-picking time
Wii Fanboy hands-on with Wii Sports Resort

Continue reading E308: Wii Fanboy's E3 Endgame Evaluation

JoystiqE308: Wii Fanboy's E3 Endgame Evaluation originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 23:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossingcity-folkconduite3-2008e3-recape308hands-onmariomario-super-sluggersmega-manmega-man-9pikminthe-conduitwii-motionpluswii-speakwii-sportswii-sports-resortwiispeakSat, 19 Jul 2008 23:10:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Live highlights from Nintendo's private conference]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-live-highlights-from-nintendos-private-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-live-highlights-from-nintendos-private-conference/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-live-highlights-from-nintendos-private-conference/#commentsFiled under:

Did yesterday's Nintendo keynote leave you wanting more? Well, pipe down already -- you're getting more. The company is holding a private conference, and our very own JC Fletcher is invited to the party. Since you can't be there, we'll be posting JC's highlights right here, live. We hope your F5 buttons and refresh fingers are ready, because the word on the street is that something big is going to be revealed. Of course, that could just be disgruntled fans' hopes evolving into a rumor, but we'd like to believe that's not the case. We'd hate to be disappointed by the big N two days in a row, after all.

If we hear something big (or not so big), don't worry, you'll be the first to know (well, uh, after us).

Update: So far it looks like the same stuff from the keynote. Katsuya Eguchi takes the floor.

Continue reading E308: Live highlights from Nintendo's private conference

JoystiqE308: Live highlights from Nintendo's private conference originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 21:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossingconferencee3-2008e308motionpluspikminprivate-conferencewii-motionpluswii-musicwii-speakwii-sports-resortWed, 16 Jul 2008 21:03:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: WiiSpeak to be sold separately for $29.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wiispeak-to-be-sold-separately-for-29-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wiispeak-to-be-sold-separately-for-29-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wiispeak-to-be-sold-separately-for-29-99/#commentsFiled under:



We hope you didn't get your hopes up by thinking that the Wii's newly revealed "room-to-room" microphone peripheral, WiiSpeak, would be bundled with copies of Animal Crossing: City Folk! No, Nintendo loves making money much too much, and they have to pay for that 800-foot wire somehow.

According to a press release put out by Nintendo earlier today, the WiiSpeak microphone will be sold separately for $29.99. You could buy a DS game for that kind of cash! Maybe even two DS games, if you follow our sales posts!

If that price point is too rich for your blood, you need not worry about missing out on City Folk's voice communication features, as we're sure several dozen Chinese accessory manufacturers will step up and release a slew of cheaper, ridiculously shaped microphone solutions soon enough.

For comparison, Microsoft's MSRP for its official Xbox 360 Wireless Headset is $59.99, and Sony's official Bluetooth PS3 Headset (bundled with SOCOM: Confrontation) is rumored to be $49.99 as a standalone product. Of course, both of those accessories boast more advanced technology than WiiSpeak, and both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have much cheaper third-party solutions.

[Thanks, Kongo!]

JoystiqE308: WiiSpeak to be sold separately for $29.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308wii-speakwiispeakTue, 15 Jul 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: WiiSpeak brings yet another power brick to the table?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-speak-brings-yet-another-power-brick-to-the-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-speak-brings-yet-another-power-brick-to-the-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-speak-brings-yet-another-power-brick-to-the-table/#commentsFiled under:


When the WiiSpeak peripheral was unveiled for Animal Crossing: City Folk, we were happy to finally get voice chat on our Wii. But, a curious slide at the conclusion of Nintendo's E3 keynote showed the device has a very peculiar brick-like adapter that the USB end's cable plugs into. Now, we're assuming this is just a power brick, but you know what your school teachers told you about assuming!

At least one thing is certain: the thing has enough cable to wrap around Nintendo HQ many times over.

JoystiqE308: WiiSpeak brings yet another power brick to the table? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkbrickchate3e3-2008e308voice-chatwii-speakwiispeakTue, 15 Jul 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Wii Fanboy reacts to Nintendo's keynote [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-fanboy-reacts-to-nintendos-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-fanboy-reacts-to-nintendos-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-fanboy-reacts-to-nintendos-keynote/#commentsFiled under: ,


[Updated: Now with JC talking about things!]

With so many highlights from this year's Nintendo E3 keynote, we're finding our live chat wasn't enough to cover our thoughts and opinions on what was shown. So, below, you'll find some impressions akin to what we did last year. Enjoy.

Continue reading E308: Wii Fanboy reacts to Nintendo's keynote [update]

JoystiqE308: Wii Fanboy reacts to Nintendo's keynote [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinganimal-crossing-city-folkcall-of-dutycall-of-duty-world-at-ware3-2008e308joystiqfeatureskeynotenintendoraymanrayman-raving-rabbidsshaun-whiteshaun-white-snowboardingubisoftwii-speakwii-sportswii-sports-resortwiispeakworld-at-warTue, 15 Jul 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Highlights from Nintendo's keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-highlights-from-nintendos-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-highlights-from-nintendos-keynote/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-highlights-from-nintendos-keynote/#commentsFiled under:


This year's Nintendo conference at E3 felt much too short, but was packed with some really great announcements ... like Wii Speak! But in case you missed the show, or simply prefer an abridged version, here are the highlights. Read our live reactions here, or check out Joystiq's live blog if you're feeling adventurous.
  • Shaun White Snowboarding demonstration (with Shaun White!), and a lot of stuff we already knew about the Ubisoft title, such as release window and the fact that it uses the Balance Board. Unsurprisingly, no mention of the abhorrent graphics.
  • Animal Crossing: City Folk! With multiplayer, auctions, Mii masks, and voice chat.
  • Wii Speak: megatonik peripheral that adds voice chat to the Wii.
  • Wii Sports Resort takes you to the beach ... with Wii MotionPlus.
  • Wii Music to release this year, with Balance Board support and a metric ton of instruments.
No Zelda, no Kid Icarus, no Pikmin ... how sad. But we did get voice chat, and it's hard to complain about that addition.

JoystiqE308: Highlights from Nintendo's keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinge3-2008e308recapwii-motionpluswii-musicwii-speakwii-sports-resortTue, 15 Jul 2008 13:50:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: WiiSpeak peripheral coming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-speak-peripheral-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-speak-peripheral-coming/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/e308-wii-speak-peripheral-coming/#commentsFiled under: ,

Voice chat, here we come. It looks like Reggie wasn't just dangling carrots when he talked about the feature coming to the Wii at some point.

In Nintendo's expected announcement of Animal Crossing Wii, the company added something unexpected: players will be able to use a peripheral known as WiiSpeak to communicate (non-locally, of course) during the game.

The video demonstration briefly showed four players playing Animal Crossing on the Wii while "WiiSpeaking" to each other. We think it's about time that Nintendo got on the voice chat train, and we'll let you know more about the peripheral and how it works as details arise.

JoystiqE308: WiiSpeak peripheral coming originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animal-crossinge3-2008e308voice-chatwii-speakTue, 15 Jul 2008 12:40:00 EST