Rapadash6

Hmm, the mini games actually sound pretty original and fun.

@Faron
I use to think that too but the fact we've not seen nor even heard of any FX chip based games in the queue, leads me to think that maybe it won't happen afterall. At least on Wii. Maybe Nintendo's next console will make it possible.

I'm beginning to think Yoshi's Island will never be released on Virtual Console. Mega Man is always good though.

As long as Skyward Sword is still a Wii only title, and will make it out this year, I think I'll be happy with just that. Everything else will just be icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned.

Wii was a success for two reasons. First and formost it offered a new experience that, at first, could only be had on that system. Wii wasn't seen as the new Nintendo console, as most of us likely saw it, but more a new type of entertainment altogether that had little to do with what the previous gaming population valued about the hobby in the first place.

Second, the Wii was affordable enough to appeal to everyone looking for a solid experience with a budget. When the HD giants had $400 price tags on their consoles, the Wii stood out as being nearly half the cost, ready to go out of the box and different enough to quell the stigma previously assosiated with gaming.

With this successor on the way and based on the rumors I've heard thus far, I'd have to say that Nintendo has a steep hill to climb with this one. On one hand you have beefier hardware, screens in the controllers to stream data from the system and what seems to be a more solid online experience. This all sounds great for us old school Nintendo fans because, for us, it seems like a return to form. On the other hand, I'm having a hard time imagining my sisters rushing to the store to pick this up the way they did with the Wii, especially if it's in that $300 to $500 range many believe it will be in.

In the end, I can definately imagine with the right marketing, better support for third parties and more attention to gamers needs, Nintendo should do fine in garnering at least a large chunk of the core gaming market. Although I don't see people abandoning their PS3 or 360 versions of GTA and CoD to play it on Nintendo, the company does have a lot of exclusive franchises that could differentiate the system enough to find a fair share of multiple system owners. However, unless Nintendo has something hiding up it's sleeve for E3, I can't imagine the casual Wii fans clamouring for this new system.

I'm not at all surprised that the rumors of a new console were true, and it's nice to know for sure. What's surprising is that it'll be playable at E3 in less then two months. Historically, Nintendo had a pretty set pattern as far as console reveals went. They'd first confirm a system was indeed coming, usually 6 months to a year before they show the console and/or the controller, which was sometimes shown on seperate occasions. Another 6 months to a year after that they'd finally offer playable games to the press. In this case it would seem they are cutting to the chase, so to speak. Anxious to see what software Nintendo has cooking for this new system but I also hope they don't forget that the Wii is still here in the meantime. I really don't want to see Zelda jump ship again.

@tealovertoma

I think Nintendo may actually provide an official charging solution this time for thier controllers, which might help with that. Also, other than if a developer chooses to utilize a constant use for the screen while you're playing on your TV, I'd imagine the screen will turn off (or at least the backlight) at times there is no need to be looking at the screen.

@tealovertoma
An 800 x 480 pixel screen would not be too low resolution to display games. Obviously not HD but the equivelent of playing on a standard definition monitor. portable LCDs even with those resolutions have become much cheaper sinse the popularity of smart phones and tablets that use them have surged, and remember, the controller would only act as a reciever and not need to contain all the components of normal portable game hardware, so it makes sense fiscally as well.

The fact that he said "within the home" really lends credibility to the streaming, screened controller rumors, because as you know, that would indicate you can't take the supplimental screen too far away from the system. I think at first I was sceptical of how this would work but the more I think about it, the more it makes sense to me. It's like combining the popularity of portable and tablet gaming with the comfort of traditional console gaming. It also eliminates barriers that might've intimidated some people in the past to get into console gaming. Really anxious to see more of this because in addition to seeing Nintendo developed games in HD resolutions (finally!) but also just to see that wacky but genius Nintendo philosophy turn the industry on it's head yet again.

All these rumors... something just doesn't add up. I mean, why would Nintendo, a historically conservative company, all of a sudden be trying to appease western game developers and core gamers when they really don't have to? The Wii was a huge success, and from what I can tell, the all in, big budget games industry is not a safe one to be in right now. There has to be something else with this system we're not hearing about that Nintendo knows will make the cost of it's developement worth it. We'll see I guess, hopefully sooner than later.

As for the topic at hand, I wouldn't mind the name stream and as for that moch up, I hope the actually design is as clean as that. I really like it.

I was banking on Final Fantasy III today but this is a pleasant surprise. Would've figured we'd see this in Europe first, like every other VC game these days, but I love this game and it was one of my top 5 most wanted games yet to hit the service. Thank you Nintendo for making the Virtual Console exciting again!

Here is more my realistic expectations of the next Nintendo console based on the rumors I've heard thus far rather than what I want (truth be told I'm happy enough just playing my Wii):

-The system will be comparable to 360 in terms of graphics power. Maybe only slightly more so, if at all.

-The system will be fully backwards compatable with Wii, GCN, Wiiware and Virtual Console. However, these games will NOT be improved in anyway playing them on the new system. They will run just as they would on a Wii, 480p anamorphic widescreen and all.

-The power PC CPU and ATI GPU rumors seem most likely to be correct as that is what Nintendo has used for Wii, making the afformentioned backwards compatability easy to accomplish without any issues.

-The system will likely feature a newer version of bluetooth but will also be fully compatable with current Wii controllers and accessories. I also think this new system will retain the 4 GCN controller ports and 2 memory card slots.

-The system will feature the same multi AV out that the Wii uses in addition to a single HDMI out for HD video and digital audio. HD resolutions will NOT be available through component video.

-They system will use the same media discs as Wii. As anyone with a PS3 knows, Blu Ray, as far as loading procedures, isnt the best solution for gaming. As with the Xbox 360, this means duel layered discs will be much more common than you see on Wii right now.

-I am hearing a lot of rumors about 1080p being standard, but I just don't see Nintendo doing that. Games will top out at 720p but will run in 60fps more often then not.

-The system will feature a much needed harddrive.

I really don't want to speculate on the controller as that seems to be a bag of worms I'd really rather not dig into. The thing to remember though, is that Nintendo has always been about making hardware cost effective for both them and the consumer. That means compromises will be made and we should all expect that.

Hmm, I kind of wish there were a component video version of this so I can hook my Wii up to it. Virtual Console titles would benefit the most from this technology.

I don't know how to respond to this exactly. Any generation before this one, I would've been chomping at the bit to hear anything about Nintendo's next console, but for whatever reason I'm just not feeling it this time around. Wii still has plenty of life left in her and I'm actually kind of disappointed to see Nintendo jump on the HD bandwagon. It needed to be done, for sure, but I sencerely hope Nintendo has more surprises in store for Wii owners before the company jumps ship entirely.

Not surprised to see Super Bonk. That one's been in the que for months and for those disappointed that Final Fantasy III wasn't released today should've known this one would be given priority as a result. Unless Europe pulls out some surprise with it's next VC release to fill the que, which has been known to happen, I fully expect FF3 to be our next classic release. Jaleco games don't seem to have a publisher in North America, so the likes of Earth Defence Force, Rival Turf!, Brawl Brothers and The Ignition Factor, which I suspect will be Europes next game, don't really affect our schedule.

Mighty big words from a company who's success is a game that copied another game (Castle Crush) from way back when. Also, yeah, a game like Angry Birds on a cart for $50 WOULD be a rip off but he obviously doesn't realize it cost exponentially way more to produce say, a Zelda game than it does a flash diversion title.

Chrono Trigger is definately one of the best RPGs ever and I'll be picking it up for sure when it arrives in the states but I can't help but lament the companies choice to completely ignore the Enix sides back catalog. I mean I can't be the only one clamouring for Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia and Terranigma, am I? Not to mention the Dragon Quest (Warrior) series.

Also I think the Virtual Console is starting to slowly become relavent again, thanks to the surge of awesome game announcements lately. I still really want to see Star Fox and Yoshi's Island but if games like Super Adventure Island and Mega Man X are what's released in the meantime, there is no reason to complain.

Great news, but for us North Americans, we have at least a three week wait if the current pattern holds. We also have Super Bonk in the que as well so it could be even longer than that. At least we know some decent stuff is on the way, so it's good news all around. On another note is it official that Jeleco games just DON'T have a publisher in North America? We don't seem to get those ones at all.

Edit - Oh, forgot to add my obligitory "where's Soul Blazer, Illusion of Gaia and Terrinigma, Squenix?!"

Huge update!!! I went to the ESRB to see if they had happened to add this game too but to my surprise SUPER ADVENTURE ISLAND 2 came up instead!!! Super Bonk has also been on the ESRB site for a while too so that should be coming to the US anytime.

Here we are nearly five years later and all I can say is WTF, Nintendo?

I was so stoked when the Virtual Console was announced and for the first three years or so, it was everything I expected it to be. I just don't understand what happened and with so many great games just seemingly being ignored for release and very mediocre games filling the VERY sparce schedule currently, we retro game enthusiasts are at a loss. This was suppose to be Nintendo's iTunes, only for games!

The sad thing is, I still hold hope that it'll reach that level someday, even with the very little evidence indicating such. It's very possible that Nintendo has just been busy trying to streamline the service, as to prepare for the newer systems coming out, which would make sense as that may not have been something they had in mind in the beginning.

Whatever the case, as it stands, the Virtual Console is the best legal option for retro gaming out there right now, but it's only a fraction of what it should be.

This has nothing to do with the recent news about Hudsons North American branch. This is for a European release and need I remind everyone that we here in the states never got Faxanadu or Super Bonk. Take from that what you will but it doesn't look good for American Hudson fans.

I remember really liking Super Bonk back in the day, so I'll be picking that one up for sure. Never been much of a fan of Mario Party but from what I hear, 2 is the one to play, so I'm happy for all you fans out there. Virtual Console has really hit a wall lately which is sad, but there really aren't that many games left I absolutely have to have. Yoshi's Island is really the only major one left I'd actaully be giddy if they announced it.

Awesome! NOA really sat on this one for a while though, but now we finally have reason to celebrate Mario's 25th in the states too! ^_

Well it's been a few days since this was announced but still no mention of All-Stars from NOA. It's really a shame because I have very fond memories of playing that game and I would've definately bought the collectors pack, as I'm sure many of you would have also. Nintendo, you really, REALLY suck.

Well, we still have the Mario All-Stars thing to be announced too, remember. I'm sure it'll be any day now though.

Oh, and put me down with the "where the heck is the Anniversary Collection" croud.

Best rewards on the US site yet, imo. I ordered two, the Nintendo Co Ltd one and the Peach one. Would've gotten more if I had enough coins... hopefully these will be available for a while so I can collect em all.

I usually buy any games I want as they come out. There are a couple I was on the fence about, like Adventures of Lolo 2 and Star Tropics 2, for completionists sake, if anything.

I think all those years of Nintendo favoring the US over Europe are over. Think about it;

-SNES Classic Controller and better rewards in general on their Club Nintendo program
-25th Anniversary Edition of Super Mario All-Stars
-25th Anniversary Edition Wii and DSi XL systems
-Virtual Console games seem to come out first in Europe now.
-Wiimote Plus in Europe first.

Perhaps Nintendo isn't happy with the weak US dollor or something, but it seems to me Europe is finally getting it's come uppin's.

It's nice to hear that at least SOMETHING is coming to the US in regards to Super Mario Bros 25th anniversary products. Still, I can't believe NOA is going to deny us the Super Mario All-Stars collectors set. I really don't get why they'd give it to everyone else and not us. HELLO? Me and many others want to give you guys money for this! WAKE UP!

@Bass

I don't recall saying I expect Yoshi's Island or Chrono Trigger next week. ^^'

I'd just like to point out that Kirby Super Star is NOT yet listed on the ESRB site, for those that insist VC titles absolutely MUST be, before they can be released.

On Nintendo's side, I'm only really waiting for a handful of SNES titles now. Yoshi's Island, obviously, as well as Super Mario All-Stars, if they'd somehow work those two out. Really, though, there's not much left I REALLY want. There is plenty I'd get, if made available, however.

@Tsuchinoko
I think it's more technical issues than liscencing to be honest with you. Especially considering that Nintendo owns the rights to the FX chip. Even then it's not something that's impossible to overcome, it just requires more time put into it to get the game to run correctly on the Wii hardware. In fact Nintendo devoting time to this could explain the drought right now as Nintendo has to do bug and technical testing with all VC games originally released on their hardware. Also while any game being available in Japan would be a great indicator as to what'll release elsewhere, it's not nessecarily the rule as we've seen plenty of first party VC titles before Japan did. (Super Metroid, Super Mario Bros 3, Pilotwings, DKC3, just to name a few)

I appriciate your worst case scenerio view point but to say NONE of these games will ever come out is a bit premature, especially considering that Nintendo has already gotten a number of enhancement chips to run on the system. Also note that those titles took time to show up which proves that they require a little more elbow grease. Just be patient and I'm sure FX enhanced games will show up eventually.

As for Earthbound, well that's an entirely different area of legal tie ups and surely you may be right about that one.

EDIT: Also I noticed you referenced Wikipedia's coming soon lists in one of your previous post and I have to tell you, as closely I've watched Virtual Console releases sinse its inception, those are the absolute WORST lists to go by in determaining what may or may not be coming soon to the service. My point being it's not so cut and dry and surprises are not uncommon.

I think some of you just need to chill about the VC situation. It's merely a break and I'm sure plenty more classic games are on the way. At least we can take comfort in the fact that even Japan is sort of going through a dry spell too, so it's not just us this time.

I know this is probably just wishful thinking but I wonder if Nintendo might be preparing Yoshi's Island as a promotional release for Galaxy 2? It would make sense seeing how Yoshi is one of the biggest highlights of the title and they did it with the first Galaxy by releasing SMB3. We'll see, I guess.

After seeing Japan's May release schedule, I'm not too surprised to see us getting another no VC week. I expect plenty more but hopefully they'll be kind enough to space them apart so we are still getting classic games fairly regularly.

On another note, does it concern anyone else that we STILL haven't seen any signs that Nintendo is going to release any Super FX games? I assumed they were working on it, but I also assumed we'd start to see them by now. I REALLY want to see Yoshi's Island, as I am sure many of you do as well.

Beating Castlevania with a controller in and of itself is impressive but this is just insane.

While I'm sad Metroid got delayed, I am also relieved because it means I have more time for both Mario Galaxy 2 and Sin and Punishment 2 this Summer. Besides, August has sort of become synonymous with Metroid releases the last few years. Also, Other M is really a game I don't want them to release until it's absolutely perfect, as being a direct sequel to Super, it has a LOT to live up to.

I'm embarrassed to say that I am so stoked for this game that I've been dreaming about it lately. The first Super Mario Galaxy had left that much of a positive impression on me, I suppose. ^^'

Yeah, it's been a very good month for VC in Europe. Once you guys get this game the disparity between the western countries seems a little less glaring. I know you all are still waiting on Mario Kart but hey, look at it this way, we had to wait half a year for Smash, so it's not like the coin doesn't have two sides. I'm also willing to bet North America won't be getting OG64 right away either.

Ah, so this game being our 350th seems even more likely now. I guess we'll have to wait a little longer for Kirby Super Star but with games like this one Sonic and Knuckles and Final Fantasy II getting released, there's no room for anyone to really complain.

See folks, it was NEVER as easy of a process as just throwing roms up on the Shop Channel. This fiasco should prove that it actually takes a bit of effort to add new VC games and this company obviously didn't bother.

Wow, that's really quite sparse, isn't it? Well, with all these VC less weeks going on, everywhere, I've come to accept that the service will never be as huge as it once was but I also realize that there are already a decent amount of games, GOOD games, available. Also, just because we don't see as many games doesn't mean we can't still have hopes for some desired games in the future either. With Mega Man 10 and Cave Story both coming in the next month, it really wouldn't matter much if any VC games were released at all, and Nintendo probably realizes that as well.

Why does everyone think that's such an unreasonable amount? It's 50,000 downloads worth of money lost plus Nintendo's legal fees. This is money that this person cost Nintendo in doing this incredibly stupid thing. This guy needs to be made an example of so people can start to realize that digital theft is no different then stealing from a store or bank. The only thing I feel bad about is that his family got wrapped up in this, but that just goes to show you piracy affects more than just those doing the uploading. It's a shame, but the law is the law.

Blaster Master Overdrive to Blaster Master is basically what Metroid Zero Mission was to Metroid. That's the best way I can describe it really. Not a sequel, not a direct remake... I suppose it's one of those "re-imagining" things you hear a lot about these days.

Pretty good review, if not a little to high. Don't get me wrong I'm loving this game so far but it definately lacks polish. Here's my pros and cons:

Pros:
-Seems fairly deep for a WiiWare title.
-Tweaks to the original gameplay mechanics are all for the better.
-The graphics and sound are all great and seem right out of the 32 bit era.
-Map and save systems make the game much more accessable than the original.
-Navigation seems much more intuative.

Cons:
-Presentation is lacking; no progressive scan and the forced 4:3 seems more squished than it should be and can't be adjusted like in the Konami ReBirth titles.
-Lack of customizable controls; menu buttons seem reversed of what they should be, strafing (a requirement in later portions of the game) is mapped, moronically, to the B trigger. (Tip: Use the Wii Wheel if you have one as it makes hitting the B trigger MUCH more intuative.)
-Diagonal aiming in the tank is difficult because there is no way to stop the vehicle from moving while shooting in those directions.

Overall those complaints don't get in the way too much of what is an otherwise awesome retro styled experience. I'd probably wouldn't give this game any higher than 8 stars out of 10 myself, but that's still a good game, especially for only $10.

Wow, only 4 games in Japan this month? I have a bad feeling we are closing in on the end of the Virtual Console service. More Mega Man is always good though. Hopefully we'll see 5, 6 and 7 soon as well.

We all shouldn't be too surprised this is coming to Western territories. I mean if they're going to give us DoReMi Fantasy, a game that isn't nearly as infamous, they're going to give us Rondo. I'm more surprised it's taking as long as it is but at least we know for sure now.

I also heard the VC version had superb emulation, especially compared to the somewhat shoddy port on the PSP Dracula X Chronicles. Definately going to pick this up as soon as it hits the shop. But yeah, not counting the N64 games and the inferior SNES Dracula X, Bloodlines is the only game I need to complete my Castlevania collection.

So... many... EYES!! They watch me at night, I just know it.

Seriously though, I feel bad for this person, to have to fill the gap in her life with meaningless toys to be happy. I'm not making fun of her, it's just I kind of feel her pain as I use to be the same way. Eventually I realized my life was my own to take control of and I overcame and am still working on my inhabitions. She should step away from Pokemon collecting for a while and seek more from this world. So sad. T_T

I think the IR pointing of the Wiimote would make ghost busting a lot more intuative, and if a sequel were to incorporate Wii Motion Plus, that could offer a lot more gameplay potential. Luigi's Mansion was criticized for its short lenght but I felt that, while short, what was there was engrossing and fun. A sequel could easilly build on what the first game did and create another Nintendo classic.

The only interesting rumor there is this Link being the Hero of Time. All the other stuff seems just kind of obvious. The wait just to SEE this game alone is excruciating and that's not accounting for the wait after we see it, which is always even worse. >_<