Tag: Hardware - Page 19
News 3DS Leads Japanese Market to Year-on-Year Gains
Nintendo dominates home country
Strong performances from 3DS software and hardware saw the Japanese games market grow for the first time in two years. Between 26th December and 24th June, the Japanese market was worth 193.4 billion Yen, a 0.07% increase from 191.98bn over the same period last year. 63% of that figure came from software sales, up...
Talking Point The Pros and Cons of 3DS XL
Weighing it all up
The latest Nintendo Direct had its usual mix of game trailers and release details, but they were a distant priority behind the big opening act on each regional broadcast: announcement of 3DS XL. A remodelled 3DS had been rumoured and debated almost from the moment that the original hit stores, simply because Nintendo has a long...
News 3DS XL Trade Price is Just £146
Updated: VAT makes trade rate roughly £167.50
Article update MCV has now spoken to an alternative retail source, which states that the quoted trade rate of £146 is liable for VAT at around £21.50, making the actual rate about £167.50. With GameStop already going close to that figure at £169.97, perhaps that will be the lower end of the price...
News Bigger Nintendo 3DS Console Revealed
Updated with battery life, dimensions
Nintendo will release a bigger Nintendo 3DS console later this year. The new console offers a 4.88" top screen, and the total viewing area on the top and bottom screens has increased by a massive 90%. According to Nintendo, it's the biggest screen ever available on a handheld Nintendo console, but the...
Talking Point Wii U Bundles Need to Suit Us All
One size does not fit all
After the fun and games of Wii U noise over E3, now we probably have to wait until the next Nintendo Direct broadcast for another hit. We learned a great deal about Wii U at E3, with game reveals and system demonstrations giving a broader idea of what the console will offer. Much was left to our imagination, however, such...
Is Wii U for U?
Any time a company is about to release new gaming hardware there's a certain buzz that comes along with the E3 show that year. We've known for some time that Nintendo was getting set to release its brand new Wii U console this year, and we had a rather short sneak peek of the system at last year's E3. At the time we were unable to...
Poll Which Colour Wii U Would You Prefer?
You might have to wait for black, though
Yesterday we quizzed readers to discover what colour Wii U they would like to buy on launch. The results, you might say, were a bit of a landslide. Black won with an impressive 190 votes, compared to a measly 49 votes for the white option. If Nintendo Life readers reflect the mood of the general buying...
E3 2012 Wii U to Launch in White, Black Available "Later"
All white on the night
We saw a whole lot of the black Wii U console during yesterday's E3 conference, but according to a Nintendo representative the dark shade might not be available at launch. Destructoid reports a booth representative as saying the system will launch in white, with the black option available "someday". It took years for the...
E3 2012 Wii U Tech Specs Revealed
1080p, NFC, powered by IBM and AMD chips
Nintendo has officially revealed the final tech specs for its Wii U console, many of which confirm what we've already heard about the system. The Wii U will be powered by an IBM multi-core CPU and AMD Radeon HD GPU combo. Sadly, the data falls short of supplying the amount of RAM inside Nintendo's new box...
News Aqua Blue 3DS Discontinuation Only Affects Japan
So cheer up
Last week we learnt that Nintendo Japan is discontinuing the Aqua Blue 3DS, and we anxiously wondered what it might mean for us in the West. We've heard back from Nintendo Europe now and it's good news. The official line is that "this announcement is only for the Japanese market", meaning there should be a steady stream of Aqua...
News Nintendo Japan Discontinues Aqua Blue 3DS
Cobalt from the blue
Nintendo of Japan will soon end production of the Aqua Blue 3DS console. The company's 3DS page lists the currently available colours, with Aqua Blue bearing the note "scheduled to end production shortly" (近日生産終了予定). In March, Nintendo released the Cobalt Blue 3DS for Japan, so it makes sense to stick...
Rumour This is Wii U's Controller Charging Dock
Looks the part
Wii U's controller will come with a built-in rechargeable battery, so naturally Nintendo will provide a means of charging it with the console. It may not be as boring as a cable though: it could be an immensely exciting cradle. NeoGAF user Aostia claims to have unearthed a patent showing off a charging dock for the controller, which...
News Wii U Designed to Do The Impossible
Nintendoes what Nintendidn't
While Nintendo may have struggled to explain adequately the Wii U's unique charms at E3, the machine was created with one principle in mind: to do what Wii can't. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata told investors that while being an improved Wii — it does full HD output for a start — it's designed to be a brand new...
News Midnight Purple 3DS Hits North America on 20th May
Told you so
North American shoppers get a new colour to choose from in a few weeks when the rumoured Midnight Purple 3DS console hits stores. Coming on 20th May for a suggested retail price of $169.99, it joins Cosmo Black, Aqua Blue, Flame Red and Pearl Pink in the rainbow of handheld console colours. Will you be picking one up? Nintendo 3DS Gets...
News Really, That's Just a Sticker on the Wii U Controller
We promise
Yesterday's leaked Rayman Legends trailer raced around the internet, wowing us with its demonstration of Wii U's near field communication technology and much more. Naturally the trailer was picked apart, with readers and some sites (like GameXplain, for instance) noticing a strange black square on the Wii U controller's underside:
News Nintendo Reveals Console and Software Sales Statistics
DS top of the pile
Nintendo's released updated sales figures for all its consoles, and it's certainly a lot of numbers. The company's three current platforms — 3DS, Wii and the DS family — sit at a combined global sales figure of 264.5 million consoles sold. That figure's dwarfed by the software statistic: over 1.76 billion games have been sold...
News U.S. Patent Cites Wii U as "Universal Remote Controller"
What else could it do?
THQ's Danny Bilson wasn't kidding when he called the Wii U controller the "Swiss army knife of video game controllers." Touch screen, game streaming, motion control and near-field communication technology is all well and good, but the latest rumour points to the pad controlling more than just the Wii U console. A...
Rumour Wii U Components Cost $180, Will Retail at $300
The money merry-go-around
While nobody can seem to agree on exactly what's inside the Wii U, one anonymous tipster has told Forget the Box that the console's components will cost around $180 USD. That figure supposedly comes from sources "closely involved with manufacturing and distributing Nintendo products." The $180 number includes the...
Rumour ViviTouch to Demo Wii U Haptics Tech at E3
Feels good
Here's a Wii U rumour that's more towards the 'believable' end of the scale: Wii U's new controller could include haptic technology. According to an E3 floor plan (via NeoGAF), haptics specialist ViviTouch will show a Wii U peripheral at the upcoming trade show. ViviTouch's haptic tech is a more advanced form of physical feedback than...
News Nintendo: "Experience of Playing", Not Tech Specs, Key to Wii U
It worked for Wii
As the release of Wii U approaches, much focus seems to be on its technical capabilities, particularly its graphical prowess. Comments from anonymous developers that Wii U is less powerful than PS3 and Xbox 360 have raised the issue about how capable the machine 'needs' to be in terms of the graphics it's producing: we've already...
Talking Point Is Wii U's Power Really That Important?
It's how you use it
One topic's dominated the Wii U news since Nintendo revealed its new console at E3 2011 — just how powerful is it? Nintendo's Wii U technical specifications give the vaguest of nods to its under-the-hood power, just mentioning a multi-core IBM processor — which we know is based on game show-conquering chip Watson — but it...
News Gearbox: Wii U Out-RAMs Xbox 360 and PS3
Has "really great processor"
There's a lot of Wii U love going on at Gearbox these days. Last week Randy Pitchford implored Nintendo for more Wii U power, and now the studio's Brian Martell has told Official Nintendo Magazine the console will have one of the best-looking versions of upcoming shooter Aliens: Colonial Marines. Martell is chief...
News Developers: Wii U "Less Powerful than PS3 and 360"
Is it, isn't it?
Welcome once again to the best game show on the internet, How Powerful is Wii U? While recently Darksiders II developer Vigil Games said Wii U is "on par" with current generation consoles, now a band of anonymous developers have spoken out to Games Industry.biz about the machine's power, claiming it's not got quite as much...
News Vigil Games: "Wii U On Par with Current-Gen Consoles"
No concessions necessary
Vigil Games, the team behind Darksiders II on Wii U, has told GameReactor that Nintendo's new console isn't a huge technical leap over the Xbox 360 and PS3. In a video interview, game director Marvin Donald told the site: So far the hardware's been on par with what we have with the current generations. Based on what I...
News Coro Coro Comics 3DS Console Announced
Japanese gamers win again
We often tell you about limited edition 3DS consoles being released in Japan, simply because Nintendo's homeland has so many. There have been hardware exclusives dedicated to various themes, games and anniversaries, though the latest is arguably the most attractive. The console shown in this article's image is celebrating...
Hardware Review Hyperkin SupaBoy Portable SNES
The biggest retro hardware release in more ways than one
The lapse of hardware patents on retro platforms has resulted in an explosion of clone machines, most of which are produced cheaply in the Far East. These systems emulate the performance of consoles such as the NES, Super Nintendo and Genesis/Mega Drive, all of which are no longer covered by...
News Two New MH3G 3DS Bundles to Hit Japan
Roar power
Not content with releasing a cobalt blue 3DS console this month, Nintendo of Japan is also putting together two more hardware bundles for Monster Hunter 3 G. Japanese consumers can pick a red or black 3DS console packaged with a copy of the game and an official MH3G cleaning cloth, all for 19,800 Yen — about £153 / $244 / €183. Has...
News Nintendo Japan Reveals Cobalt Blue 3DS Console
More colour coming
Nintendo of Japan just pulled the sheet off its newest 3DS colour: Cobalt Blue. The darker blue — which you may remember from a DS Lite that hit Japan and North America — is scheduled to go on sale across the country from 22nd March, the same day Kid Icarus: Uprising goes on sale. Even more beautiful is the special edition...
One cartridge, infinite possibilities
They may not find much favour with purists, but flash carts are becoming increasingly popular these days. The rapid march of technology combined with the low cost of flash-based storage has generated a wide selection of different options, almost all of which are produced in limited quantities and to very crude...
News Wii U Controller Originally Had Proper Analogue Sticks
All change
The Wii U controller features 3DS-like Circle Pad sliders instead of the tilting analogue sticks that have been the industry norm since Nintendo 64. That wasn't always the case, though. An earlier version of the controller than the one we've seen included proper analogue sticks raised from the controller's surface, among other changes, as...
News 3DS Hits Five Million Sales in Japan
Mario, karts and monsters to the rescue
In recent weeks we've been reporting the exceptionally good run that 3DS is having in Japan, consistently selling more than all of its rivals combined. It's been confirmed today that it has hit yet another milestone, and in record time. As reported by Andriasang, Japanese chart master Media Create has...
News Newly Single Pink 3DS Woos North America on 10th February
Ahh, young love
The pearl pink Nintendo 3DS is ready to cast off the shackles of its previous relationship and strike out on its own from 10th February. The console — previously only available with pooch-snuggler Nintendogs + Cats — is ready to drink cheap wine and sing I Will Survive just before Valentine's Day rolls around. Shoppers in North...
Hardware Review 3DS Circle Pad Pro
A thin line between love and hate
It says a lot about the absurdity of the Circle Pad Pro that when its existence was leaked last year, some hardcore Nintendo supporters refused to believe it was real. The concept of adding an additional analogue stick to the machine by the way of a chunky add-on seemed almost unbelievable; surely Nintendo...
Rumour Nintendo Considering Alternative Names for Wii U
Who remembers the Revolution?
According to rumours that have surfaced online, Nintendo is considering the possibility of rebranding its next home console, potentially leaving Wii U behind. As reported by CVG, staff at the top level in both Japan and North America are apparently discussing a name change, though whether this would affect the console's...
News Nintendo 3DS Hits 15 Million Sold Worldwide
Back on track
Nintendo has revealed it's sold over 15 million 3DS consoles around the world since it launched in February 2011. The console had a strong three months from October to December, selling over 4.6m units around the world, its most successful quarter of sales to date. In this financial year — i.e. from April 2011 to date — Nintendo...
Rumour Wii U "Twice as Powerful as Xbox 360"
Anonymous source speaks up
An anonymous developer speaking to Develop has claimed Wii U has twice the power of Microsoft's Xbox 360. The source said Nintendo's next console boasts twice the processing and graphical output of Microsoft's 6-year old console. Of course there are no statistics to back this up, but if true, it would represent an enormous...
News White and Pink 3DS Consoles Go Solo from 10th February
Heads up UK
Nintendo UK originally promised the Coral Pink and Ice White 3DS consoles would be available sans game in December, but due to unspecified delays the systems are now due to launch on 10th February. Amazon currently lists the colours at £159.99, significantly higher than the £139.99 or so it's asking for the Metallic Red, Aqua Blue and...
News Kingdom Hearts 3DS Bundle Confirmed for Japan
It's so pretty
It seem like the Japanese market is enjoying quite a few special edition 3DS consoles, with the Metal Gear Solid themed console due soon. Not to be outdone, Andriasang reports that Square Enix is also preparing its own hardware bundle for Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. Once again it's the black 3DS that receives a...
News Metal Gear Solid-Themed 3DS Teased
Slithers into view
Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater 3D has been a long time coming, but series creator Hideo Kojima has taken to Twitter to tease details about the stealthy title. His latest revelation, as reported by Andriasang, is that there will be a Metal Gear Solid-themed 3DS system released as part of a bundle. A release date of 8th March has...
Feature Further Adventures in Scanlines: The SLG SCART
Reading between the lines
Not so long ago we reported on an awesome piece of tech which imbued your HD TV with the power to display authentic retro-style scanlines. The SLG3000 has since gone on to become a highly sought-after piece of kit in vintage gaming circles, so much so that Arcade Forge - the company behind the unit - have come up with a...
News SupaBoy Is a Portable Super Nintendo for $80
And it's out now
After last year's pleasing Retron2 console from Hyperkin, the manufacturer's back with a brand new toy: the SupaBoy. A portable Super NES with a built-in 3.5" screen, the machine takes Super Nintendo and Super Famicom cartridges and features TV out and two controller ports, perfect for settling scores on Super Mario Kart. It...
News HandyNES Is a Portable NES and That's Cool Enough
And we want one
Getting ten free NES games as part of the 3DS Ambassador program is good, but for some inexplicable reason the 3DS doesn't take original NES carts. This baffling oversight may never be corrected, but at least talented modder LovableChevy has created a portable NES to give 8-bit gamers on the go a reason to be cheerful. The HandyNES...
News Pearl Pink 3DS is North America Bound on 4th December
The whole family's here
Nintendo of America has just confirmed the pink 3DS console will launch across North America on 4th December for $169.99. Officially called Pearl Pink, unlike the European release the machine is available in two varieties: while both will come with Nintendogs + Cats, one carries the Toy Poodle and New Friends variety while...
News Blue Wii Heads Stateside for Black Friday
It starts
That crazy day of manic buying, also known as Black Friday, is very nearly upon us, and Walmart has sounded the first battle cry. Siliconera reports the retailer has the exclusive on the blue reconfigured Wii, and will be selling it on 25th November for just $99.96. However, the advert just lists the box's contents as a Wii console, Remote...
News Nintendo Working On Two Controller Support for Wii U
That's a lot of screens
When the Wii U was unveiled at E3 2011, we only saw it working with one touch screen controller, but according to an anonymous source speaking to Develop Nintendo is beavering away on supporting a second controller. Citing a "trusted game development executive", Develop says the Wii U codebase indicates that...
News Gaze At This Beautiful Limited Edition Zelda 3DS Console
It's black and gold
Got space in your collection for another limited edition Nintendo 3DS? How about a Zelda 25th Anniversary model with The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D? Nintendo of Europe just revealed the new black model bearing the Hyrule crest and it's looking exceptionally beautiful. It's out on 25th November and will cost €199, with...
News Iwata Unsure if Nintendo Will Sell Wii U At a Loss
At a loss for words
In stark contrast to Sony and Microsoft, Nintendo generally sells hardware at a profit, but the recent 3DS price drop has clearly caused the company to reconsider that stance. At a recent investor Q&A, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata revealed he's not yet sure if Nintendo will sell Wii U at a profit from day one. I have no...
News Grab a 3DS for £90 As Makro Goes Crazy Tomorrow
All Nintendo machines sub-£100
Cash and carry chain Makro is having a particularly good deal in its UK stores tomorrow, offering any Nintendo console of your choice for under £100. The retailer — which only sells to card-carrying members, it should be pointed out — is selling all Nintendo hardware at an eye-watering £90, including the...
News Colourful European 3DS Bundles Look Like This
It's good to know what to expect
The newly announced Ice White and Coral Pink 3DS consoles look nice enough on their own, but it's the retail packaging that really shines. The pink console in particular has some of the cutest artwork we've ever seen for a Nintendo console, decked out in puppies and kittens and a pink box. Ice White is slightly less...
News DS Family Nears 150m Worldwide Hardware Sales
Still going strong
After celebrating 50 million DS consoles sold in the United States, Nintendo's venerable dual-screened handheld is closing in on another milestone: 150m units sold around the globe. The company's latest financial results show the system sitting on 149m consoles sold since its release in 2004 to the end of September 2011. Software...
