The GBA games were developed by TOSE, so unless SquareEnix was able to receive the code for these versions at that time or they would somehow owe royalties, the extra content will likely never be added to the Pixel Remaster series.
Regarding Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, this looks like it was an internal job at the time for the PSP. This doesn't make any sense not to include the new content, unless they don't have the original code for the PSP version.
Disappointing all around that excellent, additional and original work can't be included but unless they see a financial potential value greater than time and resources put in, they're not going to put that work out.
@Pandaman Awesome write-up. Thank you so much for sharing with the greater Nintendo Life audience! I would've LOVED to see this exhibit in person as I had followed NP from its earliest days. I'd love to see more photos of this exhibit, if you have them. Thanks, too, for the interview with Stephan Reese; this is an absolutely inspired collection! So much nostalgia and in the types of items that typically just get discarded or lost to time.
By the way, please correct the California Raisin artist mentioned. It's noted as "Will Vilton." This should be "Will Vinton." I'm a huge fan of his work too!
This is easy: Yoshitaka Amano (can you imagine the crazy-awesome loose, flowing versions he'd create?!) or Drew Struzan (king of the painted movie poster artists). Wildly different art styles but both super engaging! Annnd... discuss.
I think I remember hearing about this years ago. I thought it had something to do with a concern that Yahoo!, the company, could potentially sue over the use of Mario shouting "Yahoo!" I believe Nintendo may have patched all other handheld consoles after to make sure he says "Here we go!" As the DSi and all others afterward could have more robust firmware updates, these would all reflect the change, where the original DS fat would not. I believe this was more about avoiding potential litigation than actual phrasing.
One could use something like this to paint a design on the outside or fix items via hot glue without destroying their system. Apparently, not enough of you watch DIY craft videos. This is actually a really good idea, with thought, for young kids, or customizers alike, that want their own Switch design.
@cleveland124 As someone who used to play my N64 to death in the day, I remember 3rd party controllers usually being complete junk (although I swore on my clear turbo version), specifically the stick either breaking down, becoming loose or not centering anymore. Even Nintendo's were sometimes privy to this but the 3rd party ones went through this quicker. I can only imagine how a monitor attached to a controller would hold up. If the controller breaks down, even if the monitor works okay, it's a new system. Can't play a game if the controller's toast!
Hey Alex! It looks like you're the next great George Costanza hand model! Just watch out for irons...
Aside, thanks for the comparison video. I doubt I'll have the chance to compare in-person. These will probably be just as difficult to find as the NES in the USA. You know, hens teeth and all that.
I can understand why Nintendo would want to discontinue this: 1) Free up production lines and focus efforts on building Switch supply for current demand 2) Build marketing hype for the new Switch system 3) Demand for Switch that will sell $50-$60 per game outpaces demand for NES classic at fixed $60 retail per unit (not figuring scalpers) 4) Virtual console will be coming out to Switch shortly 5) Build marketing hype of new VC on Switch 6) Easy to find hack allows the NES Classic makes it possible to play all games
Overall, NES Classic was a good product introduced at the wrong time. Nintendo could continue production of this but likely at the expense of more Switch units. They would be better off farming this off to a 3rd party with their own production line but this would likely be at the expense of quality control and that is not something that Nintendo would want to wrestle with.
All of this said, I've never seen one short of launch day and I was two people shy of what they had in stock. I made another attempt when Amazon advertised their stock window. When that was thwarted by a sellout in 45 seconds, I gave up.
None of the above reasons make it easy to be a Nintendo fan. I, among many others, would like to give them my well-earned money but it's very difficult when the supply just isn't there. An opportunity exists for this product but until demand is filled on Switch, or at least reasonably so, I don't see them dusting this box off again anytime soon.
You would think, minimally, Nintendo could poll your data from Recently Played on 3DS or WiiU to come up with offers. There, it shows titles and playtime and, in the case if 3DS, steps. All of these combined stats, including info about physical titles you're playing, could provide a wider picture of how people are spending their time on Nintendo's systems but I don't think Nintendo accesses this. Most current-gen systems do this, noting you spent x-minutes playing a title when logging in. As long as the data isn't being used to invade my privacy and I'm opting in by using the reward system, this would be a win-win. Nintendo gets important marketing information, I get titles offered at discounted (or free) rates that I don't already own.
When do we get StarTropics, NOA?! EU already has 1 and 2 added to Wii U VC...
I loved the game as a kid, but had to use a Game Genie to cheat towards the end. Some of those insta-deaths (wrong direction leap or wrong door) and cheap enemy kills (durn aliens) were brutal. I'm looking forward to tackling this game again with Save States at the ready!
Mike Jones from StarTropics! Baseballs, baseball bat, bola, not to mention his trusty Yo-yo. Final Smash could be a culmination of yo-yo upgrades throughout the battle from yo-yo to shooting star to grabbing the smash ball for "SUPER NNNNNOVA!" The worse you're doing, throughout the stage, the quicker these upgrades to the yo-yo happen? Taunts would be 1) bananas in ears, 2) flicking his yo-yo around, 3) point and swing bat and 4) ROB (from the submarine) materializing, giving advice, blinking his "eyes" in the process.
I read your post from earlier and, with my own frustrations, is what help spur me to call Nintendo. They need to hear from their fans, from the people "live on location" so to speak, this is why I did it and I'm hoping more do as well!
Everything regarding the Amiibos has been frustrating and it doesn't have to be that way. A recent article that Nintendo released shows that they have numbers, who sells the best, who sells the least, even sales numbers from regions! If I remember correctly, 70% of all Amiibo sales are in the US. I'm not a sales and marketing expert (I only took one marketing class in college), but those kind of numbers would be telling me, that we REALLY need to feed this base more Amiibos.
You're right with the wasted opportunity for both Nintendo and their fans. Being a Nintendo fan is full of it's ups and downs. It seems for every brilliant idea they come up with lately, there's been two that just bring you down. I love Nintendo and have been extremely supportive of them for years, pumping quarters into arcade games to firing up the NES and growing up with the Game Boy. It seemed like Nintendo was extremely connected to the fans at the time, likely just trying to figure out what to make next; they produced, we bought and connected with them more and more (brand impressions): watches, books, party supplies, clothing, bath materials, anything you can imagine! As they got larger, gaming became more than just a niche hobby and as technology progressed, they seem to have become less and less in tune with their actual customers. This isn't to say they haven't done a great job at branding themselves; we all still love their characters and their games! Nintendo just seems to have lost connection and have missed a lot of valuable opportunities.
For those upset about how Nintendo is treating the Amiibo "shortage" (ie. pre-ordering), you should call Nintendo's Customer Service number: 1-800-255-3700. Select 5 (promotions or general game/console questions) and then 4 (console or game (ie. Amiibo) availability).
I spent the last 30 minutes on the phone with a customer service rep and explained my dissatisfaction of only getting 2 of the 8 Wave 4 Amiibos (coming from someone who wants to collect them all) and finding out most were sold out before I even knew they were for sale (coming from someone who reads the buzz all the time, everyday about new Nintendo product). The rep stated that even he has been frustrated getting Amiibos. He doesn't go out of his way to get them but would collect more if he saw more in store.
I understand there are logistics to overcome: how much to stock, how much space to sell in store, what other product to take away to make the space and more. We're on Wave 4. Nintendo has had the opportunity (ie. time, sales) to re-evaluate how they distribute these and how the process works. Nintendo could have changed the way pre-orders work: instead of creating x number of units and then selling pre-orders, they could take the pre-orders and adjust units. Retailers could pre-authorize credit cards for sale and people would only need to pick-up. It takes the risk out of overproducing when you have these two procedures in place. Not only that but this information could be kept in case the production run fell short - the items would be backordered, just like how a lot of things used to work years ago. You would still get your product; it'll just take a little longer.
There is another solution and maybe DeNA will be able to help them with this aspect: catch up to the 21st century. If I want to buy a video game console, I can do so from nearly anywhere on any connected device. I could go to Sony or Microsoft's websites and purchase brand new, in-box consoles. Nintendo only offers refurbished items that have come back to them; not even, in-stock, in-the-store-now, brand new items! I tried making myself very clear to the Nintendo service rep that, if Nintendo actually created a website to purchase any/all of their products, regardless of price (MSRP so as not to upset retailers) and product availability (item is sold out, backordered, but will be back by x-date), people will buy things from them! When someone has to go out of their way, REALLY deviate from their normal life to find a new-in-store Nintendo item (stay up to 3am to purchase an Amiibo, drive through a snow storm to get Rosalina, visit a store because chaos reigns on a website that is temporarily shut down), this is unhealthy to that business and the people that participate in its ventures.
Nintendo's been in the game for a long time. I'm a pretty loyal fan, as I think most people on this site are. They need to re-evaluate how they interact with their fans, the people that actually spend money on their product and not just try to appease their stock holders. I WANT to open my wallet more to Nintendo, but they just don't seem to want my money.
I, for one, was disappointed with Nintendo's lack of releasing the regular New 3DS. I like the original's size and it fits so well for portability and in my hands that I naturally had my heart set on purchasing the regular New 3DS. I won't be purchasing a New 3DS XL and the "rat race" of limited edition models don't tantalize me.
Personally, I think Nintendo will slowly phase out the old 3DS XL first, leaving only the 2DS and the New 3DS XL, bringing the stock placement down to two handheld systems. I would guess this will happen between now and next February. In this time, the New 3DS XL will have the benefit of gaining a few extra exclusive games not playable on the original 3DS XL and the coveted holiday season where lots of kids will be wanting the latest handheld from their parents.
As this phase completes, and if Nintendo sees demand/interest for the New 3DS XL system starting to wane or game/system sales seem slow in general for that time of year, they may decide to put the "shot in the arm" - that is introduce the regular New 3DS and its faceplates, bringing the choices back up to three, where confusion between products will be less likely. You'll only be able to choose the 2DS, New 3DS and 3DSXL. It's possible this might not happen until E3 or Christmas of 2016. On top of this, production costs will have gone down on the regular New 3DS because it's been produced in large quantities elsewhere in the world.
This is just a gut feel and an opinion. Nintendo might surprise us with the regular New 3DS if enough people make noise asking for it, but they have always drummed to their own beat. (Remember how long it took for Operation Rainfall.) Nintendo doesn't readily listen to their fan-base, as impassioned and willing to spend money, as it is. The company does what it wants based on it's own market research, goals, committee meetings and stock interests. Nintendo doesn't owe us anything if they feel it's in their best interest, at the moment, not to release a particular system.
Again, as a previous opinion on this site had stated, vote with your wallet. You might not be able to get the system you want right away - a shiny new toy! - but if you ride out the wait time, Nintendo may yet release the system you want.
@SteveButler2210 Before yesterday's update there were 74 DLC tracks and 6 DLC characters bringing everything to about $80 plus tax. All of the tracks have been tempting but I've been finding myself picking and choosing most of the non-Final Fantasy tracks so I don't wipe myself out of cash too quickly. I just wish Square-Enix would drop the price of the DLC a couple of years from the last DLCs release, even if it were by ten cents. They'd still be making a profit anyway. At least with this version of Theatrhythm, you can listen to the DLC in the music player; not so with the previous game.
Wasn't there some kind of Wi-fi Transfer feature to PC for pics, sound, video, etc. that the New 3DS was supposed to sport? If this is the case, the only real reason you'd need to access the slot is to upgrade the card. A lot of cellphones have this now where you have to slide off the back cover. Inconvenient, sure, but when you have a way of pulling files off and backing them up without the need of removing the card (ie. Wi-fi), I don't think this is a deal-breaker.
@Tsuchinoko Awesome! Thanks for the heads-up! I was pretty disappointed when I first downloaded some DLC in the first Theatrhythm and noticed it didn't come up as a playable option in the Music Player. If you're paying $0.99 per song it should at least give you the option to play it like an MP3 alongside actually playing it in game mode.
The first game was pretty awesome - I stopped playing it regularly to play other games but I still pick it up from time-to-time to complete more achievements. I'm looking forward, even more now, to Curtain Call now that you've confirmed DLC music player playback and DLC previewing! Thanks!
I'm just hoping that they have a way to listen to all of the DLC in the music player that you've purchased. They didn't do this for the first game and I limited my DLC purchases because of it.
Totally cool! I'm looking forward to going and to hear that Nintendo is going to be there now? REPRESENT! I've gone the last two years and haven't been disappointed. Great speakers, awesome place to get Spotpasses (seriously, checking every few minutes to clear the queue), not to mention lots of games to play and buy. What's not to love?! Now if only the RetroN5 would have come out like they announced at last years' show. A little 'Mon action on the GBA player would be cool.
Thanks for the unboxing! Personally, I would have ripped the boxes open (ever so carefully) like a box of cereal with a toy inside. Your restrained enthusiasm was quite enjoyable and entertaining! Most McDonald's I've gone to you can purchase the toys separately without the food. Now, if these Happy Meals would just come to the US... We just had Adventure Time and Peabody and Sherman toys recently. I hope Mario's coming soon!
I totally agree with this article. I don't know how many occasions I would have bought a soundtrack to a game if one was available here in the states. I've imported a few soundtracks through Amazon and its vendors but it would be nice if Nintendo would just release these stateside, either physically for more or less on Amazon and/or iTunes. I've emailed Club Nintendo to offer more soundtracks several times now (at least it would be an easier way to "buy" them) but I usually get the same response in that my message will "noted."
This is both cool (real life Rad Racer!) and kind of scary at the same time.
From a non-gaming standpoint: With lots of cars being made with internet-compatible capabilities, I imagine Darpa is trying to get ahead of the game where other people could "hijack" controls in vehicles. Imagine where someday your car can drive autonomously without your input (similar to a Google car). Now imagine someone with malicious intent suddenly able to "hack" your vehicle because its online enabled and connected to an satellite with your exact location. So many horrible scenarios seem to unfold in the imagination. Celebrities, politicians and other people of great importance to society will need to have greater security in their car's online capabilities. Car companies and manufacturers will need to think ahead to stem these possibilities. Existing hacking events in recent history have already proven security may be a problem someday in the average car.
By the way, sorry to be a downer to the board on this topic. As quoted above: "We would love for everyone to start having a discussion about this, and for manufacturers to listen and improve the security of cars." I just think it's important to share ideas like this besides the normal "Oooo! Cool! Driving with an NES controller!"
Actually, a price cut could also mean Nintendo is trying to get both a 3DS AND a Wii into it's customers hands. Nintendo could be working on an update to the Wii to make interfacing between the console and the handheld. The Wii menu and feature set is certainly in need of an update! What better time to introduce new features to the Wii, when also introducing (unlocking) the online components (3DSWare, Internet Browser, etc.) of the 3DS?
Comments 27
Re: Nintendo Had No "Intention To Hinder Or Invalidate" Third-Party Docks For Switch 2
Really? REALLY? No one's gone for the obvious yet? Dire, dire docks...
Just saying. Its right there.
Re: Final Fantasy Tactics Remaster Controversially Cuts War Of The Lions Content
The GBA games were developed by TOSE, so unless SquareEnix was able to receive the code for these versions at that time or they would somehow owe royalties, the extra content will likely never be added to the Pixel Remaster series.
Regarding Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions, this looks like it was an internal job at the time for the PSP. This doesn't make any sense not to include the new content, unless they don't have the original code for the PSP version.
Disappointing all around that excellent, additional and original work can't be included but unless they see a financial potential value greater than time and resources put in, they're not going to put that work out.
Re: Talking Point: What DS & 3DS Games Would You Still Like To See On Switch?
I voted for Radiant Historia but have some others I'd be interested:
@calbeau Seconded for Castlevania DS collection.
If that's not possible, Kid Icarus Uprising.
And if that's not possible, an updated and expanded (more choices, branching decisions) Crimson Shroud.
Re: Feature: 'The Art Of Nintendo Power' Exhibit - A Guided Tour
@Pandaman
Awesome write-up. Thank you so much for sharing with the greater Nintendo Life audience! I would've LOVED to see this exhibit in person as I had followed NP from its earliest days. I'd love to see more photos of this exhibit, if you have them. Thanks, too, for the interview with Stephan Reese; this is an absolutely inspired collection! So much nostalgia and in the types of items that typically just get discarded or lost to time.
By the way, please correct the California Raisin artist mentioned. It's noted as "Will Vilton." This should be "Will Vinton." I'm a huge fan of his work too!
Re: Feature: Which Artist's Work Would You Love To See On A Pokémon Card?
This is easy: Yoshitaka Amano (can you imagine the crazy-awesome loose, flowing versions he'd create?!) or Drew Struzan (king of the painted movie poster artists). Wildly different art styles but both super engaging! Annnd... discuss.
Re: Random: Did You Know Mario Kart DS Loads Differently Depending On Your Chosen Console?
I think I remember hearing about this years ago. I thought it had something to do with a concern that Yahoo!, the company, could potentially sue over the use of Mario shouting "Yahoo!" I believe Nintendo may have patched all other handheld consoles after to make sure he says "Here we go!" As the DSi and all others afterward could have more robust firmware updates, these would all reflect the change, where the original DS fat would not. I believe this was more about avoiding potential litigation than actual phrasing.
Re: Random: Could This Be The Most Pointless Switch Accessory Yet?
One could use something like this to paint a design on the outside or fix items via hot glue without destroying their system. Apparently, not enough of you watch DIY craft videos. This is actually a really good idea, with thought, for young kids, or customizers alike, that want their own Switch design.
Re: Hyperkin Has Created A Prototype Portable Nintendo 64 Mini
@cleveland124 As someone who used to play my N64 to death in the day, I remember 3rd party controllers usually being complete junk (although I swore on my clear turbo version), specifically the stick either breaking down, becoming loose or not centering anymore. Even Nintendo's were sometimes privy to this but the 3rd party ones went through this quicker. I can only imagine how a monitor attached to a controller would hold up. If the controller breaks down, even if the monitor works okay, it's a new system. Can't play a game if the controller's toast!
Re: Video: The SNES Mini Controller Is Not Entirely Identical To The Original
Hey Alex! It looks like you're the next great George Costanza hand model! Just watch out for irons...
Aside, thanks for the comparison video. I doubt I'll have the chance to compare in-person. These will probably be just as difficult to find as the NES in the USA. You know, hens teeth and all that.
Re: Nintendo Has Discontinued The NES Classic Edition in North America
I can understand why Nintendo would want to discontinue this:
1) Free up production lines and focus efforts on building Switch supply for current demand
2) Build marketing hype for the new Switch system
3) Demand for Switch that will sell $50-$60 per game outpaces demand for NES classic at fixed $60 retail per unit (not figuring scalpers)
4) Virtual console will be coming out to Switch shortly
5) Build marketing hype of new VC on Switch
6) Easy to find hack allows the NES Classic makes it possible to play all games
Overall, NES Classic was a good product introduced at the wrong time. Nintendo could continue production of this but likely at the expense of more Switch units. They would be better off farming this off to a 3rd party with their own production line but this would likely be at the expense of quality control and that is not something that Nintendo would want to wrestle with.
All of this said, I've never seen one short of launch day and I was two people shy of what they had in stock. I made another attempt when Amazon advertised their stock window. When that was thwarted by a sellout in 45 seconds, I gave up.
None of the above reasons make it easy to be a Nintendo fan. I, among many others, would like to give them my well-earned money but it's very difficult when the supply just isn't there. An opportunity exists for this product but until demand is filled on Switch, or at least reasonably so, I don't see them dusting this box off again anytime soon.
Re: Talking Point: The Problems With My Nintendo So Far, and Why All's Not Lost
You would think, minimally, Nintendo could poll your data from Recently Played on 3DS or WiiU to come up with offers. There, it shows titles and playtime and, in the case if 3DS, steps. All of these combined stats, including info about physical titles you're playing, could provide a wider picture of how people are spending their time on Nintendo's systems but I don't think Nintendo accesses this. Most current-gen systems do this, noting you spent x-minutes playing a title when logging in. As long as the data isn't being used to invade my privacy and I'm opting in by using the reward system, this would be a win-win. Nintendo gets important marketing information, I get titles offered at discounted (or free) rates that I don't already own.
Re: Nintendo Download: 24th September (North America)
When do we get StarTropics, NOA?! EU already has 1 and 2 added to Wii U VC...
I loved the game as a kid, but had to use a Game Genie to cheat towards the end. Some of those insta-deaths (wrong direction leap or wrong door) and cheap enemy kills (durn aliens) were brutal. I'm looking forward to tackling this game again with Save States at the ready!
I want to go to CoralCola again!
Re: Poll: Which Characters Do You Want to Win the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot?
Already submitted to Nintendo at Smash Bros website. Sorry...
Re: Poll: Which Characters Do You Want to Win the Smash Bros. Fighter Ballot?
Mike Jones from StarTropics! Baseballs, baseball bat, bola, not to mention his trusty Yo-yo. Final Smash could be a culmination of yo-yo upgrades throughout the battle from yo-yo to shooting star to grabbing the smash ball for "SUPER NNNNNOVA!" The worse you're doing, throughout the stage, the quicker these upgrades to the yo-yo happen? Taunts would be 1) bananas in ears, 2) flicking his yo-yo around, 3) point and swing bat and 4) ROB (from the submarine) materializing, giving advice, blinking his "eyes" in the process.
Re: North American Retailers Confirm Super Smash Bros. amiibo Exclusives and Pre-Order Times
@MoonKnight7
I read your post from earlier and, with my own frustrations, is what help spur me to call Nintendo. They need to hear from their fans, from the people "live on location" so to speak, this is why I did it and I'm hoping more do as well!
Everything regarding the Amiibos has been frustrating and it doesn't have to be that way. A recent article that Nintendo released shows that they have numbers, who sells the best, who sells the least, even sales numbers from regions! If I remember correctly, 70% of all Amiibo sales are in the US. I'm not a sales and marketing expert (I only took one marketing class in college), but those kind of numbers would be telling me, that we REALLY need to feed this base more Amiibos.
You're right with the wasted opportunity for both Nintendo and their fans. Being a Nintendo fan is full of it's ups and downs. It seems for every brilliant idea they come up with lately, there's been two that just bring you down. I love Nintendo and have been extremely supportive of them for years, pumping quarters into arcade games to firing up the NES and growing up with the Game Boy. It seemed like Nintendo was extremely connected to the fans at the time, likely just trying to figure out what to make next; they produced, we bought and connected with them more and more (brand impressions): watches, books, party supplies, clothing, bath materials, anything you can imagine! As they got larger, gaming became more than just a niche hobby and as technology progressed, they seem to have become less and less in tune with their actual customers. This isn't to say they haven't done a great job at branding themselves; we all still love their characters and their games! Nintendo just seems to have lost connection and have missed a lot of valuable opportunities.
Re: North American Retailers Confirm Super Smash Bros. amiibo Exclusives and Pre-Order Times
For those upset about how Nintendo is treating the Amiibo "shortage" (ie. pre-ordering), you should call Nintendo's Customer Service number: 1-800-255-3700. Select 5 (promotions or general game/console questions) and then 4 (console or game (ie. Amiibo) availability).
I spent the last 30 minutes on the phone with a customer service rep and explained my dissatisfaction of only getting 2 of the 8 Wave 4 Amiibos (coming from someone who wants to collect them all) and finding out most were sold out before I even knew they were for sale (coming from someone who reads the buzz all the time, everyday about new Nintendo product). The rep stated that even he has been frustrated getting Amiibos. He doesn't go out of his way to get them but would collect more if he saw more in store.
I understand there are logistics to overcome: how much to stock, how much space to sell in store, what other product to take away to make the space and more. We're on Wave 4. Nintendo has had the opportunity (ie. time, sales) to re-evaluate how they distribute these and how the process works. Nintendo could have changed the way pre-orders work: instead of creating x number of units and then selling pre-orders, they could take the pre-orders and adjust units. Retailers could pre-authorize credit cards for sale and people would only need to pick-up. It takes the risk out of overproducing when you have these two procedures in place. Not only that but this information could be kept in case the production run fell short - the items would be backordered, just like how a lot of things used to work years ago. You would still get your product; it'll just take a little longer.
There is another solution and maybe DeNA will be able to help them with this aspect: catch up to the 21st century. If I want to buy a video game console, I can do so from nearly anywhere on any connected device. I could go to Sony or Microsoft's websites and purchase brand new, in-box consoles. Nintendo only offers refurbished items that have come back to them; not even, in-stock, in-the-store-now, brand new items! I tried making myself very clear to the Nintendo service rep that, if Nintendo actually created a website to purchase any/all of their products, regardless of price (MSRP so as not to upset retailers) and product availability (item is sold out, backordered, but will be back by x-date), people will buy things from them! When someone has to go out of their way, REALLY deviate from their normal life to find a new-in-store Nintendo item (stay up to 3am to purchase an Amiibo, drive through a snow storm to get Rosalina, visit a store because chaos reigns on a website that is temporarily shut down), this is unhealthy to that business and the people that participate in its ventures.
Nintendo's been in the game for a long time. I'm a pretty loyal fan, as I think most people on this site are. They need to re-evaluate how they interact with their fans, the people that actually spend money on their product and not just try to appease their stock holders. I WANT to open my wallet more to Nintendo, but they just don't seem to want my money.
Re: Talking Point: New Nintendo 3DS, Operation Faceplate NA and the Bigger Picture
I, for one, was disappointed with Nintendo's lack of releasing the regular New 3DS. I like the original's size and it fits so well for portability and in my hands that I naturally had my heart set on purchasing the regular New 3DS. I won't be purchasing a New 3DS XL and the "rat race" of limited edition models don't tantalize me.
Personally, I think Nintendo will slowly phase out the old 3DS XL first, leaving only the 2DS and the New 3DS XL, bringing the stock placement down to two handheld systems. I would guess this will happen between now and next February. In this time, the New 3DS XL will have the benefit of gaining a few extra exclusive games not playable on the original 3DS XL and the coveted holiday season where lots of kids will be wanting the latest handheld from their parents.
As this phase completes, and if Nintendo sees demand/interest for the New 3DS XL system starting to wane or game/system sales seem slow in general for that time of year, they may decide to put the "shot in the arm" - that is introduce the regular New 3DS and its faceplates, bringing the choices back up to three, where confusion between products will be less likely. You'll only be able to choose the 2DS, New 3DS and 3DSXL. It's possible this might not happen until E3 or Christmas of 2016. On top of this, production costs will have gone down on the regular New 3DS because it's been produced in large quantities elsewhere in the world.
This is just a gut feel and an opinion. Nintendo might surprise us with the regular New 3DS if enough people make noise asking for it, but they have always drummed to their own beat. (Remember how long it took for Operation Rainfall.) Nintendo doesn't readily listen to their fan-base, as impassioned and willing to spend money, as it is. The company does what it wants based on it's own market research, goals, committee meetings and stock interests. Nintendo doesn't owe us anything if they feel it's in their best interest, at the moment, not to release a particular system.
Again, as a previous opinion on this site had stated, vote with your wallet. You might not be able to get the system you want right away - a shiny new toy! - but if you ride out the wait time, Nintendo may yet release the system you want.
Waiting - it's always the hardest part...
Re: Rumour: Upcoming Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call DLC Brings More Classic Tracks
@SteveButler2210 Before yesterday's update there were 74 DLC tracks and 6 DLC characters bringing everything to about $80 plus tax. All of the tracks have been tempting but I've been finding myself picking and choosing most of the non-Final Fantasy tracks so I don't wipe myself out of cash too quickly. I just wish Square-Enix would drop the price of the DLC a couple of years from the last DLCs release, even if it were by ten cents. They'd still be making a profit anyway. At least with this version of Theatrhythm, you can listen to the DLC in the music player; not so with the previous game.
Re: New Nintendo 3DS Videos Show Off Compulsory Screwdriver Skills
Wasn't there some kind of Wi-fi Transfer feature to PC for pics, sound, video, etc. that the New 3DS was supposed to sport? If this is the case, the only real reason you'd need to access the slot is to upgrade the card. A lot of cellphones have this now where you have to slide off the back cover. Inconvenient, sure, but when you have a way of pulling files off and backing them up without the need of removing the card (ie. Wi-fi), I don't think this is a deal-breaker.
Re: Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call Announces Free And Paid-For DLC Tracks
@Tsuchinoko Awesome! Thanks for the heads-up! I was pretty disappointed when I first downloaded some DLC in the first Theatrhythm and noticed it didn't come up as a playable option in the Music Player. If you're paying $0.99 per song it should at least give you the option to play it like an MP3 alongside actually playing it in game mode.
The first game was pretty awesome - I stopped playing it regularly to play other games but I still pick it up from time-to-time to complete more achievements. I'm looking forward, even more now, to Curtain Call now that you've confirmed DLC music player playback and DLC previewing! Thanks!
Re: Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call Announces Free And Paid-For DLC Tracks
I'm just hoping that they have a way to listen to all of the DLC in the music player that you've purchased. They didn't do this for the first game and I limited my DLC purchases because of it.
Re: Nintendo Bringing Pokémon to the Midwest Gaming Classic
Totally cool! I'm looking forward to going and to hear that Nintendo is going to be there now? REPRESENT! I've gone the last two years and haven't been disappointed. Great speakers, awesome place to get Spotpasses (seriously, checking every few minutes to clear the queue), not to mention lots of games to play and buy. What's not to love?! Now if only the RetroN5 would have come out like they announced at last years' show. A little 'Mon action on the GBA player would be cool.
Re: Video: Watch Us Hungrily Unbox The McDonald's Super Mario Happy Meal
Thanks for the unboxing! Personally, I would have ripped the boxes open (ever so carefully) like a box of cereal with a toy inside. Your restrained enthusiasm was quite enjoyable and entertaining! Most McDonald's I've gone to you can purchase the toys separately without the food. Now, if these Happy Meals would just come to the US... We just had Adventure Time and Peabody and Sherman toys recently. I hope Mario's coming soon!
Re: Soapbox: Nintendo Soundtracks - Where Are They?
I totally agree with this article. I don't know how many occasions I would have bought a soundtrack to a game if one was available here in the states. I've imported a few soundtracks through Amazon and its vendors but it would be nice if Nintendo would just release these stateside, either physically for more or less on Amazon and/or iTunes. I've emailed Club Nintendo to offer more soundtracks several times now (at least it would be an easier way to "buy" them) but I usually get the same response in that my message will "noted."
Re: Weirdness: Hackers Use NES Pad To Drive Car
This is both cool (real life Rad Racer!) and kind of scary at the same time.
From a non-gaming standpoint: With lots of cars being made with internet-compatible capabilities, I imagine Darpa is trying to get ahead of the game where other people could "hijack" controls in vehicles. Imagine where someday your car can drive autonomously without your input (similar to a Google car). Now imagine someone with malicious intent suddenly able to "hack" your vehicle because its online enabled and connected to an satellite with your exact location. So many horrible scenarios seem to unfold in the imagination. Celebrities, politicians and other people of great importance to society will need to have greater security in their car's online capabilities. Car companies and manufacturers will need to think ahead to stem these possibilities. Existing hacking events in recent history have already proven security may be a problem someday in the average car.
By the way, sorry to be a downer to the board on this topic. As quoted above: "We would love for everyone to start having a discussion about this, and for manufacturers to listen and improve the security of cars." I just think it's important to share ideas like this besides the normal "Oooo! Cool! Driving with an NES controller!"
Re: Site News: Nintendo Life's eShop Appearance
Fantastic job! Keep up the great work! Here's hoping for another spot for another week!
Re: Rumour: Nintendo May Cut Wii Price to $150 Next Month
Actually, a price cut could also mean Nintendo is trying to get both a 3DS AND a Wii into it's customers hands. Nintendo could be working on an update to the Wii to make interfacing between the console and the handheld. The Wii menu and feature set is certainly in need of an update! What better time to introduce new features to the Wii, when also introducing (unlocking) the online components (3DSWare, Internet Browser, etc.) of the 3DS?