Tag: Hardware - Page 17
News Nintendo UK Store's Kirby Hypernova Pack Aims to Suck You In
2DS deals everywhere
If you've not yet picked up a 3DS — what are you doing? — then the 2DS is perhaps a tempting option. Released by Nintendo to target a young demographic, it also provides a slightly lower entry point than the standard and XL 3DS models; all you lose is the 3D effect and clamshell design. When it last provided figures...
News This Rather Neat "Mario White Edition" 3DS XL Will Run North American Games
A sort-of Western release
In the past we've shared some lovely 3DS hardware designs that are often rare and limited to release in Japan or other out-of-reach territories — some of the best examples are the iQue 3DS XL models released in China, too. It seems that the red and white Mario model from that iQue range will be an option for North...
News Wii Owners Are Upgrading To PlayStation 4, Claims Sony
Lies, damn lies and statistics?
Sony Worldwide Studios senior VP of product development Scott Rohde has made the bold claim that Wii and Xbox 360 owners are choosing the PS4 as their next system. Using stats collected by industry tracker Nielsen, Rohde explained that many new PS4 owners did not previously own a PS3, and instead upgraded from a...
News Sony Overtakes Nintendo In Global Hardware Sales For The First Time In Eight Years
Sony shifted 18.7 million consoles, Nintendo 16.3 million
It has been revealed that in the financial year that has just concluded, Sony has sold more consoles worldwide than its rivals Nintendo and Microsoft. For the first time since 2006, Sony has beaten its Japanese competitor in terms of hardware units retailed. Sony sold 18.7 million PS4, PS3,...
News 2DS Hardware Bundle With New Super Mario Bros. 2 Coming on 4th July
It's all about the coins, remember
In its recent financial results, Nintendo confirmed that over two million 2DS systems had been sold since its launch in October 2013, a solid return considering its arguably limited demographic. The company remains keen to promote the system, particularly to young gamers, and has now announced a new bundle set for...
Video Watch Us Rigorously Test Hyperkin's New RetroN 5 Superconsole
Direct-feed footage, UI details and more
Hyperkin's much-delayed and highly-anticipated RetroN 5 console finally ships this week, and we've kindly been sent a review unit which we're currently putting through its paces. To tide you over until the review appears, we've put together a video which shows direct-feed footage captured from the system...
Weirdness This Cool System Supports Famicom, Super Famicom and PC Engine Games
Has its own screen, too
Retro console mods and units are certainly on our list of cool things here at Nintendo Life, and we often take the opportunity to review clone hardware that allows for extra convenient play of '80s and '90s-era systems. You may have the original units in your collection, but as their chips age and if you don't want multiple...
News Older Wii U Bundles, Including All Black Systems, Discontinued in Japan
White models, 8GB and 32GB, now the main draw
While Nintendo sets off a major Wii U push with the arrival of Mario Kart 8 and with the system likely to enjoy a prominent role at E3 2014, it seems the company is nevertheless making logistical cost-saving decisions to ensure that the systems it does sell are produced as cheaply as possible. Part of...
News Nintendo Confirms New 'Sea Green' 2DS Model
Arriving alongside Tomodachi Life
With Tomodachi Life arriving in Europe and North America on 6th June, Nintendo has been pushing some fairly heavy marketing for the title. Commercials produced by Nintendo of America in particular have certainly been aiming for a young demographic, so it's of little surprise that a new 2DS model has now been...
News Hyperkin Finally Shipping Its Retron 5 Console This Week
$140 in the US, £119 in the UK
Hyperkin will begin shipping its Retron 5 console this week, according to IGN. The system is a retro powerhouse, and will play NES, SNES, Genesis, Game Boy Advance, Famicom, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Sega Mega Drive and Super Famicom games. It will also play Master System games using the Sega Power Base Converter. It...
News Wii U Reportedly Uses Less Energy to Run Than Wii and Rivals
Natural Resources Defense Council highlights low energy use
A report by the the Natural Resources Defense Council suggests that the Wii U annually consumes less energy than the Wii, as shown in the graph below: The graph, which is designed to show how much energy your console drains across the year, illustrates that the Wii U is more effective in...
News Nintendo Promotes $99 2DS Target Deal, Available Until 17th May
Think of the children!
A statistic that probably got little attention when Nintendo was dishing out financial results and sales figures recently was that, between 12th October 2013 and 31st March 2014, 2.2 million 2DS systems were sold in Western territories. The budget 2D-only iteration of the portable, which comes with a slab / tablet design, has...
News Nintendo's Plan for "Redefining the Definition of Video Game Platforms" Around Two Years Away
Company has a "clear idea to some extent" on future hardware direction
Following the financial results issued last week, Nintendo has now issued the officially translated Q & A with shareholders in which company President Satoru Iwata addressed a series of tough questions, some of which concerned the company's plans over the next 2-3 years to...
First Impressions Does Mugen's 2DS XL Battery Make Or Break The Handheld?
With great power comes increased girth
Whether you love or hate the Fisher Price-style design of the robust 2DS, we can all agree on the need for longer battery life in our handheld devices. With that in mind, Mugen is just about to release a battery upgrade for the 2DS that doubles the capacity of the internal power cell and costs a princely $89.99...
News Nintendo Creating a New Console for Emerging Markets, Including China
"For us, Microsoft's approach wouldn't work," Iwata says
In an interview today with Reuters, Nintendo president and CEO Satoru Iwata revealed the company is planning to introduce new hardware and software for unspecified "emerging markets" over the next two years to take advantage of a rising middle class in many parts of the world; China...
News 2DS CPU Update Looks Set to Adjust System Security
FCC filings spotted
Following its launch in Western territories on 12th October 2013 — alongside Pokémon X & Y — the 2DS has sold (as of 31st March 2014) 2.2 million units. That's not too bad for a hardware iteration targeted at a rather specific demographic and not given the most high profile of launch campaigns. As a budget tablet-like...
News Western Markets Vital For Nintendo Hardware Sales as Japan Gains Ground
More 3DS units sold in Japan than North America
With Nintendo no doubt plotting its route to profitability in the coming financial year, one area of consideration is likely to be boosting sales outside of Japan. Worldwide results are important, of course, but the Wii U and 3DS are showing patterns of dropping sales in the West as compared to...
System predicted to stay behind PS4 and Xbox One in generation sales
We're now well and truly into a fresh generation of home consoles, with Nintendo's 2012 Wii U release now joined by the late 2013 arrivals of PS4 and Xbox One. The previous Wii / PS3 / Xbox 360 era brought impressive sales all around, though a continually evolving market and...
News Gaze at This Pokémon Game Boy and Know That You Want It
Design celebrates Red & Blue, and maybe a bit of Yellow
Pokémon is a powerful force, a franchise that continues to shift millions of units and draw gamers in not just to the core games, but spin-offs, animations and trading card games, too. Pokémon X & Y on 3DS have continued the success, bringing the franchise to Nintendo's current generation...
News Sleek Metal NES Analogue Nt Now Available for Preorder
$499 price point and colour options revealed
Seattle-based custom console manufacturer Analogue Interactive has spilled the beans on its upcoming Analogue Nt, a sexy aircraft-grade aluminium NES/Famicom we reported on back in March. Set for a release this summer, the Analogue Nt is now available for preorder through the company's website with a base...
Talking Point What We Want To See From Nintendo's Next Handheld
Pocket-sized predictions
The 3DS is now more than three years old, which — if tradition is to be followed — places it roughly halfway through its effective life span as Nintendo's main handheld system. It's almost certainly the next piece of hardware that Nintendo will seek to replace, and given the (quickly quashed) rumours of new hardware...
News Nintendo Quashes Rumours Of New Hardware At E3 2014
Official confirmation that no new hardware will be shown
Earlier today, we reported on some comments made by IGN's Jose Otero and Peer Schneider regarding Nintendo showing off new hardware at this year's E3. Schneider, who is the co-founder of IGN and has been working in the industry for quite some time, even stated: They're absolutely going to...
Rumour Nintendo Will Reveal New Hardware At This Year's E3
"They're absolutely going to show new hardware this year"
Nintendo has already revealed some of its plans for E3 2014, but if a new rumour is to be believed, it could be showing off more than just new software at this year's show. In the latest episode of Nintendo Voice Chat, IGN
News Amazon Comes in Low With Mario Kart 8 Wii U Bundle Price, Awesome GamePad Skins on the Way
Nintendo UK store has impressive Mario Kart 8 bundles, too
You may have already seen the news that Nintendo of Europe has confirmed the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition Wii U Hardware Bundle for the region, and we expect that a North American announcement is just a matter of time. As anticipated it's a 32GB system with a disc copy of...
News Nintendo Confirms The Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition Wii U Hardware Bundle
Peach and Yoshi Wii Remote Plus controllers coming to Europe, too
Update: Nintendo of Australia has now confirmed the Mario Kart 8 Premium Pack – Special Edition bundle, with the same details; it's stated the recommended retail price in the region will be AU$429.95. Original Article: Not so long ago there was a rumour of a Mario Kart 8 Wii U...
News Nintendo Launches 3DS XL "Recommended Software" Hardware Promotion in Japan
A free game with a 3DS XL purchase
Nintendo has run a number of eShop retail download promotions in the past couple of years to encourage gamers to buy its products. Most of these have focused on the 3DS, with varying schemes in different territories offering free game downloads in return for registering a fixed number of retail titles or hardware...
Weirdness These Chinese Game Controllers Look Wii-ly Familiar
The designers at Xiao Bawang clearly ran out of ideas
China has recently lifted its ban on games consoles, and as a result we're seeing a few new challengers arrive on the market in the hope of leveraging the country's massive number of potential players. One such outfit is Xiao Bawang, the company which tried — and failed — to conquer China...
News This Metroid Game Boy Advance Design is a Treat
Perfect for celebrating Metroid Fusion's arrival on Wii U
Metroid Fusion is now available on the Wii U Virtual Console, which is good news as it's rather brilliant. The arrival of Game Boy Advance titles on the Wii U also gives portable gamers with longer memories or retro leanings an excuse to look back wistfully on the original platform, the last...
News Nintendo of Europe Reveals Pink + White 2DS for Release Alongside Kirby: Triple Deluxe
Time for a 2DS...
Update: This model has also been confirmed for Australia and New Zealand, with a release date alongside the game of 17th May. Original Article: The May arrival of Kirby: Triple Deluxe is no doubt on the radar of plenty of 3DS owners — it hits North America on 2nd May and Europe on the 16th. While the latter region has to wait...
News Walmart's Mickey 3DS XL Will Sell for $199.96, Does Not Include Game
Some better images and box art emerge
We reported yesterday that North America will be getting a special edition Mickey-themed 3DS XL on 11th April to coincide with the release of Disney Magical World. Now we know the Walmart-exclusive 3DS XL will retail for $199.96, and it will not include a copy of the game... despite the Dis
News GameStop Confirms Exclusive "Peach Pink" 2DS System for the U.S.
It's Mickey Mouse-themed, Princess Peach shunned...
While some may point out how many desirable limited-edition 3DS systems are available in Japan, it must be said that Western territories are catching up with plenty of eye-catching variations. Now the 2DS will get in the act, with the U.S. gearing up for a new colour to join the original blue and...
News Nintendo 64 Support Teased For A Future Hyperkin RetroN Console
Company teases an E3 reveal
The Hyperkin RetroN 5 is shaping up to be the most impressive "clone" system ever created; it has support for NES, Famicom, Genesis, Mega Drive, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance all in one box — but it would appear that Hyperkin is already thinking about how it can improve on this platform. Speaking...
News North American Retailers List Limited Edition Yoshi 3DS XL
Update: Nintendo of America confirms the rumours
Update: Nintendo of America has confirmed the March 14th release date and $199.99 retail price, and has also revealed that the game is sold separately and does not come preinstalled on the console. Original story: Nintendo may be masters of surprise reveals and keeping secrets — the 2DS being an...
News One Man Is Bringing The N64 Kicking And Screaming Into The HD Generation
Ever wanted to run your N64 through HDMI, DVI or VGA?
As we all know, the N64 was — and still is — a fantastic machine. For many Nintendo fans, it was their first real taste of 3D gaming and some of the console's best offerings stand the test of time very well indeed. The main issue with playing the console today is that it was never designed to...
News Nintendo Releasing a Wii Sports Club Wii U Hardware Bundle in Japan
A reverse from Wii Sports not being bundled with Wii in the region
With Wii U hardware sales in Japan once again down to four-figure numbers in the weekly charts, Nintendo's preparing a fresh bundle to attract the region's consumers. This time around the offering, pictured above, will include the three Wii Sports Club eShop titles released so far,...
News Nintendo UK's Store Offers The Mario and Sonic Winter Olympics Wii U Bundle
Going for gold
With the Winter Olympics well under way in Sochi, Nintendo UK has issued a reminder that its official store is offering a special Wii U bundle to celebrate the occasion, which represents a saving over buying each part of the package individually. Unsurprisingly this bundle includes the appropriately themed game, details below: Wii...
Apple shames unethical mineral suppliers, but will Nintendo do the same?
Progress isn't always a good thing. New consoles, gadgets and services can hold a hidden price which goes way beyond what we pay at retail. The minerals that are used to create much of our technology are often obtained from conflict-ridden parts of the world — such as the...
Feature Meet The Gamate, The Handheld Which Tried To Take On The Game Boy And Failed
We look at the history behind one of gaming's more obscure portables
When Nintendo launched the original Game Boy to a rapturous critical and commercial reception in 1989 it was almost a forgone conclusion that other companies would follow suit and concoct their own portable systems. Arch-rival Sega quickly pushed the Game Gear onto store shelves...
News Nintendo Patented an "Illumination Device" for Gaming Use
A little mood lighting, perhaps?
Nintendo has proven itself a company willing to buck standard conventions and try out new concepts. Some ideas, such as dual screens and motion controls, become a solid entry into gaming culture. Others may never leave the drawing board. A Nintendo patent that was filed in September 2010 and widely spotted today...
Hardware Review Retro-Bit Super Retro Trio & Super Retro Advance Adapter
One clone to rule them all?
We've covered quite a few clone consoles here on Nintendo Life over the past few years, and it's clear that these systems have carved out a healthy niche in the market. Retro-Bit and Hyperkin are two of the leading lights in this particular field, with the latter looking to release the eagerly-awaited RetroN 5 at some...
News A Yoshi's New Island 3DS XL Bundle is Reportedly on the Way
So says a UK retailer and IGN, the mock-up image less so
Rumours are swirling around the web that a 3DS XL Yoshi's New Island bundle is on the way. It began with a listing on base.com, which has been up since yesterday but, on its own, is rather doubtful. Why? Because the image it's using is a
News Nintendo of America Discounts Refurbished Wii U Deluxe Sets to $225
Another $25 off
While the recommended retail price for the Wii U Deluxe model in the U.S. is currently $299.99, that hasn't stopped some less expensive alternatives emerging. Just recently we had a crazily good deal from Newegg of the Wind Waker HD hardware bundle and two games for just $269.99, and now potential Wii U owners in the U.S. have...
News 3DS Hardware Sales Pass 15 Million Units in Japan
It took 153 weeks
While the 3DS may not have sales tracking alongside those of the DS family of systems, it's achieved a great deal after a poor start and — as most would agree — performed well in an increasingly crowded, volatile market. Nintendo had hoped for better, naturally, having revised its yearly target down just recently, but that's...
News Nintendo "Confident" in PC Box Anti-Piracy Case Following European Court of Justice Decision
It's complicated
Nintendo has been involved in a number of legal cases to shut down and cease the sale of products used for "modding" its consoles, with the resulting uses circumventing the official functionality of the hardware. A current ongoing case in Italy is with PC Box, with Nintendo pursuing a case due to the company marketing and selling...
News Nintendo of America Offers Stock of Refurbished Wii U Deluxe Sets for $250
A $50 saving on the recommended retail price for new systems
While two of the biggest retailers in the UK are dropping Wii U console prices, the tale naturally varies elsewhere. Gamers in North America currently considering a Wii U find some retailers sticking with the recommended 32GB price of $299 — there are some cheaper options. Just like...
News UK Retailer Argos Drops Wii U Premium to £179.99
Update: Amazon UK joins in
Update Amazon, not one to be outdone on a deal, has now matched the Argos Wii U Premium price of £179.99, which you can see right here; as with Argos, this is for the standard 32GB model. Original article After a festive period that — as acknowledged by Nintendo — failed to deliver the bumper sales it anticipated,...
News This Design For A "Game Boy Evolution" Sure Is Intriguing
A hi-tech system with fold-out controls
When it comes to Nintendo's next move in the portable gaming space — not that it's likely to be in a rush — we've seen a few dreamers with decent software come up with interesting ideas and flashy concept images. A notable recent example was the Nintendo smartphone, a potato so hot that we'll leave that...
News DS and Wii Set High Standards in Spanish Hardware Sales
3DS working towards one million sales in the country
As we get closer to the latest official Nintendo updates on worldwide hardware and software sales, more data continues to emerge for various territories. In recent days there's been information on 2013 sales in the UK, for example, but some further figures have now emerged showing sales of the...
News Fresh 2013 UK Hardware Sales Figures Keep 3DS on Top, While Wii U Sells Less Than Vita
The 3DS family and Wii U both show annual increases
Last week we shared a report by trade magazine MCV which listed the 3DS — the "family" of systems taken as one — as the top selling games system in the UK for the whole of 2013. MCV also had PS4 squeaking past the Xbox 360 as the best-selling home console, while no specific details were given...
News The 3DS Was The UK's Top-Selling Games System in 2013
That includes the 2DS
It's well known that the 3DS family of systems had a strong year in 2013 in various territories, and in terms of the UK there'd been various positive headlines throughout the 12 months. A steady stream of high-profile games — such as Pokémon X & Y, Animal Crossing: New Leaf and The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds...
