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Deep Discounts Coming to Nintendo DS XL, DSi Handheld Consoles

By HotHardware, published 05-11-2012

Hey, you there, are you about to purchase a Nintendo DS XL or DSi handheld game console? Well, don't! It's not that we have anything against either of Nintendo's predecessors to the 3DS, it's just that word on the Web is that some pretty big price cuts are in the pipeline, so if you pay full price today, you'll kick yourself in a couple of...

Nintendo DSi and DSi XL Get Price Cuts

By GameInformer, published 05-10-2012

Nintendo announced price cuts for both the DSi and DSi XL effective May 20. The regular DSi will drop from $149 to $99 and the DSi XL drops from $169 to $129.

Nintendo Teases Free Darkrai Pokémon

By GameInformer, published 26-04-2012

Pokémon Black and White owners can jump through some hoops to get a free super Pokémon that will "give their opponents nightmares." Sounds scary? The new Pokémon* is called Darkrai, and I have to admit the above picture of it isn't giving me nightmares. Maybe I'd feel differently if I was confronted with one during the heat of battle? The press release says Darkrai is a Mythical Dark Pokémon, which I'm guessing is as scary as things get in Pokéworld. Regardless, you can get your own Darkrai on May 9 if you meet these criteria, as outlined by Nintendo: Wireless broadband Internet access A Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi, Nintendo DSi XL, or Nintendo 3DS system A copy of the Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version ga...

Nintendo Had A Good 2011

By GameInformer, published 01-03-2012

Nintendo sent out a press release highlighting all of its successful sales during the holidays and 2011 as a whole. Some of these details we already knew, but it's always good to get confirmation from Nintendo. Here are the highlights: Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 were the fastest-selling titles in the history of their respective franchises. They are also the first Nintendo 3DS titles to sell 1 million units each in the United States. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, broke launch records and became the 45th Wii title to sell more than 1 million units in the United States. Nintendo sold more than 12 million total hardware units in the United States in 2011. This is the fifth year in a row that Nintendo is able to claim this feat. Nintendo sold 4.5 million units of Wii, more...

Big in Japan Dec 12-18: FF XIII-2, PS Vita

By GameSpot, published 22-12-2011

Sony's new handheld comes in second to 3DS on hardware sales chart in launch week; Square Enix's latest RPG tops software charts.   All eyes were fixed on the PlayStation Vita when it launched in Japan on December 17, so there's no surprise that Sony's new handheld made its presence known in the recent Media Creates sales chart on both the software and hardware sides. Not to be outdone, the release of a major Final Fantasy title in the country proved that role-playing game juggernauts can still sell, even with everybody talking about the availability of a new device. Square Enix may have stolen some of Sony's thunder in the week of December 12. The PlayStation 3 version of Final Fantasy XIII-2 debuted at first place on the sales chart for the week of ...

Big in Japan Dec. 5-11: Monster Hunter 3G

By GameSpot, published 15-12-2011

3DS version of Capcom's multiplayer action RPG beats out Mario titles and Skyrim in latest Japanese chart update; Nintendo's 3D handheld dominates hardware sales.   The Monster Hunter series is huge in Japan, so much so that even a port of a three-year-old PC installment of the franchise for the largely marginalized Xbox 360 was an instant best-seller in the country. Monster Hunter 3G for the 3DS is proving no exception to that popularity, as the game debuted at number one with 521,959 units sold on the Media Create's sales chart update for the week of December 5 through December 11. Why so angry, Bracchidios? Your game is number one on the charts. The game is a follow-up to the Wii title Monster Hunter 3, and features different control schemes for und...

Big in Japan Nov. 21-27: Skyward Sword

By GameSpot, published 12-05-2011

New Zelda title is at the top spot of the Japan sales chart; Wii sales double but 3DS still number one.   Trust Nintendo to pull rank on the Japanese sales charts after the release of one of its major IPs. The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for the Wii secured the top spot of the recent Media Create sales update for the week of November 21-27. An elf's quest triumphed for the week of November 21. The Wii title sold 194,978 units in its debut week, beating out other titles, like Sega's 7th Dragon 2020 (122,498 units), Saint Seiya Senki (66,557 units), and the PS3 version of Metal Gear Solid HD Edition (61,192). For comparison's sake, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess for the Wii sold 139,011 units in its first week of release in 2006, while The Le...

Big in Japan Nov 14-20: MW3

By GameSpot, published 25-11-2011

Activision's sales juggernaut shooter beats out new One Piece game and Level-5 RPG.   The popularity of Modern Warfare 3 has gone beyond North America and Europe. The latest Activision shooter has beaten out two prominent Japanese intellectual properties made by well-known publishers in the recent Media Creates sales update: the PS3 version of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 sold 180,372, and is placed first; the Xbox 360 version was at seventh place, with 30,467 units sold. MW3 fever runs rampant in Japan on the recent sales chart update. The shooter was praised for its climactic campaign and variable challenges in the game's Spec Ops mode; check out GameSpot's coverage for more information. Japanese gamers should note that the version on the charts i...

Zelda 25th Anniversary Edition 3DS coming to NA - Retail Radar

By GameSpot, published 19-11-2011

Leaked Black Friday ads for GameStop, Best Buy suggest Triforce-emblazoned 3DS will see a release in the US and Canada next week.   Nintendo of America may be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Zelda with a new 3DS, if scans of retailers' Black Friday ads are accurate. As spotted by Kotaku, scans of Best Buy and GameStop circulars for Black Friday advertise the hardware bundle as appearing on store shelves in time for the traditional post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping kickoff. The Zelda 3DS features a Triforce design, with ocarinas and harps in the border designs. Each retailer lists a $200 regular price for the package, which includes a black 3DS with a gold Zelda Triforce design on the lid, along with a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3...

Zelda 25th Anniversary Edition 3DS coming to US

By GameSpot, published 19-11-2011

[UPDATE] Nintendo confirms special $200 hardware bundles for Ocarina of Time 3D, Super Mario 3D Land to launch on Thanksgiving Day.   Nintendo of America may be celebrating the 25th anniversary of Zelda with a new 3DS, if scans of retailers' Black Friday ads are accurate. As spotted by Kotaku, scans of Best Buy and GameStop circulars for Black Friday advertise the hardware bundle as appearing on store shelves in time for the traditional post-Thanksgiving holiday shopping kickoff. The Zelda 3DS features a Triforce design, with ocarinas and harps in the border designs. Each retailer lists a $200 regular price for the package, which includes a black 3DS with a gold Zelda Triforce design on the lid, along with a copy of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time...

Big in Japan Nov. 7-13: Hatsune Miku: Project Diva Extend

By GameSpot, published 17-11-2011

New entry in Sega's rhythm game and Sengoku Basara offshoot occupy top spots of sales chart; 3DS again tops hardware sales with room to spare.   Just like in North America and Europe, Japan has experienced a huge surge of new releases within the past few weeks. That surge is still continuing, thanks to two recent releases during the week of November 7 to November 13. Games about funky-haired digital idols were last week's top sellers. Hatsune Miku: Project Diva sold 184,673 units and was the top-selling title on the Media Creates chart. The rhythm title puts gamers in the shoes of virtual diva Hatsune Miku as they have to press inputs to match the rhythm of a track. This version of the game features nine new songs and 28 returning tracks from past Pro...

Big in Japan Oct 31 - Nov 6: Super Mario 3D Land

By GameSpot, published 11-10-2011

New handheld adventure featuring Nintendo's mascot easily leads sales charts, pushes 3DS to top of hardware heap.   Mario's first handheld excursion into the third dimension has put the plumber in first place. According to the recent Media Create sales update for the week of October 31, Super Mario 3D Land for the 3DS sold 343,492 units on its debut week, easily topping the sales charts. Koopa genocide rules in-game sales for October 31. Although the 3DS's launch difficulties have been well documented, Super Mario 3D Land's Japanese debut actually outperformed its predecessors on the successful Wii console. Super Mario Galaxy for the Wii sold about 250,000 on its first week of Japanese release in 2007, and its sequel sold 339,901 in 2010. Alongside t...

Big in Japan Oct. 24-30: Final Fantasy Type-0

By GameSpot, published 11-03-2011

Square Enix's long-awaited PSP RPG top seller for the week; 3DS outsells PSP.   History has proven that any game with the words "Final" and "Fantasy" in the title will start off strong when it comes to sales in Japan. Unsurprisingly, then, Final Fantasy Type-0 placed highly in the Media Create charts for the week of October 24 to October 30. Square Enix's latest triumphs in sales for the week of October 24. The PSP role-playing game was at first place with 472,253 units sold. The action RPG was first unveiled at the 2006 Electronic Entertainment Expo under the moniker Final Fantasy Agito XIII, with its gameplay design going through numerous changes until its release last October in Japan. For comparison's sake, Crisis Core Final Fantasy VII sold close ...

Big in Japan Oct. 17-23: Macross F, Naruto Shippuden

By GameSpot, published 27-10-2011

Namco Bandai represents the majority of top 10 titles; 3DS sales spike due to new model colour.   Publisher Namco Bandai is on a roll, if the recently updated Media Creates sales charts are anything to go by. The update details sales in Japan for the week of October 17 to October 23, with new titles like Gekijouban Macross F: Sayonara no Tsubasa Hybrid Pack (also known as Macross F: The Wings of Goodbye) for the PS3 and Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Impact for the PSP sitting in the top two slots. The former sold 142,607 units, while the latter sold 53,148 units. Namco Bandai sure does love hybrid packs. The Macross F Hybrid Pack consists of the movie Macross F: Sayonara no Tsubasa and a flight action game based on events from the movie. The latter ...

Two New DSi XL Bundles Coming

By GameInformer, published 25-10-2011

Nintendo is hoping that gamers pick up the Nintendo 3DS handheld this holiday. They're also not giving up on somebody picking up the DSi XL thanks to two new bundles. On November 6, two new colors will be available for the system: Metallic Blue and Rose via bundles with Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem for $169.99. Check out our review of the game, here.

Nintendo unveils new DSi XL bundles for holidays

By SlashGear, published 25-10-2011

Nintendo has announced that it has two new bundle packs coming in time for the holiday season that pack in the DSi XL and some games to get players going. The new DSi XL bundles are available in blue or rose color is and they both offer the same games inside. The only difference between [...]

Big in Japan October 10-16: Ace Combat: Assault Horizon

By GameSpot, published 21-10-2011

Flight action reboot and Japanese edition of Just Dance trump Pro Evo Soccer in the latest sales update.   Despite Ace Combat: Assault Horizon's mixed reviews since its release on October 11, the new entry in the long-running series was still well received by gamers in Japan, as evident in Media Creates' latest sales update. The PS3 version of Namco Bandai's flight action title made its debut at the top spot with 149,470 units sold. The Xbox 360 version of the game was in sixth place, with 20,523 units sold. For more information, check out GameSpot's review. The new Ace Combat left all other games in its metallic dust on the recent sales update. The Japanese version of Just Dance for the Wii also made it high on the list, just below AC:AH, with 90,039 ...

Big in Japan October 3-9: Pro Evolution Soccer 2012

By GameSpot, published 13-10-2011

Football, idols, and F1 racing rule the roost in recent Japan sales; 3DS still on top.   Soccer has taken center stage in the latest Japanese Media Creates sales chart for the week of October 3 to October 9. Soccer and idols rule the charts for the week of October 3. Pro Evolution Soccer 2012 (or Winning Eleven 2012) took the top spot on the charts; the game sold 272,036 units on its debut week. The recent football title features faster game play, numerous AI improvements, and off-the-ball controls. For more information, check out GameSpot's review. Dating simulator AKB1/48: Idol to Guam de Koishitara (translated to " I Fell in Love With an Idol in Guam") took second place with 236,587 units sold. The game's objective is to get players to convince ...

Nintendo unveils Ice White 3DS

By GameSpot, published 10-06-2011

New color debuts this November in Japan; company also announces new Wii bundle featuring pink Wii Remote Plus.   With Nintendo having a wide color palette for the many versions of the DS, it's only natural to continue that tradition with the system's successor, the 3DS. The company recently announced that it will be releasing a 3DS with a new Ice White color variant in Japan. Japan stores will experience a 3DS whiteout soon. The new paint job will be out on November 3 in Japan and will carry a price tag of ¥15,000 ($196). The color coordination will be similar to the styling of the Aqua Blue, Cosmos Black, and Red Flame versions. The Misty Pink 3DS will be out on October 20 in Japan. Additionally, the company will release a Wii bundle featuring...

Big in Japan September 19-25: Dark Souls

By GameSpot, published 29-09-2011

Demon's Souls successor secures top sales spot, followed by Team Ico HD bundle; 3DS handily tops hardware charts.   While the rest of the world is still waiting for From Software's Dark Souls, plenty of gamers in Japan have been enjoying the punishing experience for more than a week. According to Media Create's sales chart update for the week of September 19 to September 25, Dark Souls sold 279,567 units on the PlayStation 3. (The game is exclusive to Sony's system in Japan.) Next week, gamers all over the world can kill enemies way bigger than these two. A spiritual successor to 2009's critically acclaimed Demon's Souls, Dark Souls has gamers once again thrown into a fantasy world with little in the way of preparation. The game also introduces a human...

[Update]: Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary Edition Available Now

By GameInformer, published 28-09-2011

[Update]: 3DS and DSi owners can now download a free copy of The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Anniversary, which has been updated with a new single-player mode. But you'll have to act fast. Or fast-ish, anyway: Four Swords will only be available for free until February 20 next year. So, you know, get to it. At some point. The game is available under the free section of DSi Ware for the Nintendo DSi/DSi XL, and the eShop on the Nintendo 3DS. [via Joystiq] [Original Story]: Nintendo has been all about the free downloads lately. First, we had Excitebike served to us at no cost on 3DS. Then, the company announced they'd be giving 20 free games to 3DS ambassadors. Now, you'll be able to get Link's GBA multiplayer adventure next month without spending a dime. No specific date ha...

Big in Japan September 12-18: Dragon Quest Collection

By GameSpot, published 22-09-2011

RPG collection for Wii takes down Namco Bandai's title; 3DS now at top of hardware sales.   Square Enix's Dragon Quest collection for the Wii--which contains the first three games and the Super Famicom revamps under one Wii disc to celebrate the game's 25th anniversary--has made it to the top of the Japanese charts, according to the recent Media Charts sales update for the week of September 12 to September 18. The game sold 263,398 units in its debut week. Old school RPGing rules the roost in Japan. Namco Bandai's Tales of Xillia title for the PlayStation 3 got bumped down to second place with 47,297 units sold. This is a sharp drop from the game's previous sales number of 525,605 on the sales week of September 5. Former top 10 entry Resistance 3 has ...

Big in Japan Sept. 5-11: Tales of Xillia

By GameSpot, published 20-09-2011

Namco Bandai's flagship RPG reaches top spot, followed by Resident Evil revivals and Resistance 3; PS3 climbs to top of hardware sales chart.   Recently, Namco Bandai's announced shipment figures for the recent entry in the "Tales of" series, Tales of Xillia, with the company stating the title had sold over half a million copies within the week of September 5 to September 11. According to the recent update on the Media Create sales chart for Japan, those figures were good enough to land the new Tales game in the number one position. Xillia beat out remastered zombies and giant-sized monsters the week of September 5. Tales of Xillia sold 525,605 copies and was number one on the chart. Just behind it were Resident Evil Revival Selection and Resistance 3...

Big in Japan Sept. 5-11: Tales of Xillia

By GameSpot, published 20-09-2011

Namco Bandai's flagship RPG reaches top spot, followed by Resident Evil revivals and Resistance 3; PS3 climbs to top of hardware sales chart.   Recently, Namco Bandai announced shipment figures for the recent entry in the "Tales of" series, Tales of Xillia, with the company stating the title had sold over half a million copies for the week of September 5 to September 11. According to the recent update on the Media Create sales chart for Japan, those figures were good enough to land the new Tales game in the number one position. Xillia beat out remastered zombies and giant-sized monsters the week of September 5. Tales of Xillia sold 525,605 copies and was number one on the chart. Just behind it were Resident Evil Revival Selection and Resistance 3 for ...

Shippin' Out Sept. 18-24: Gears of War 3

By GameSpot, published 18-09-2011

Epic Games' trilogy capper joined by Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2, Kirby Mass Attack at retail; Black Ops: Rezurrection comes to PS3, PC.   Gears of War 3 marks the end of Epic Games' current story arc starring Marcus Fenix and his merry band of cogs, and early reviews indicate the trilogy is going out with a bang. However, Epic's sci-fi shooter isn't marching to the front lines alone, as the third week of September also marks the arrival of two DS exclusives from Nintendo as well as a stockpile of downloadable fare. Sera's fate will be determined next Tuesday. As for Gears of War 3, the game begins with the last human city having been obliterated and series hero Marcus Fenix trying to protect the remaining humans from the Locust horde, as well as fr...

Mario 3D Land opens Nov. 13, Mario Kart hits Dec. 4

By GameSpot, published 13-09-2011

Nintendo drops North American dates for 3DS slate, Kid Icarus delayed to 2012, Zelda: Four Swords downloadable for free starting Sept. 28, system update to enable 3D video recording. Western Nintendo fans could get a rough idea of when their most anticipated 3DS games would launch from the Japanese launch dates revealed at the company's pre-Tokyo Game Show press event last night. However, those wanting specifics had to wait for Nintendo of America to nail down its local launch dates after the event. Mario Kart 7 takes flight December 4. The biggest names given release dates were Super Mario 3D Land, now set for a November 13 release, and Mario Kart 7, which will debut on December 4. Previously, both games had only been confirmed for their respective launch...

Metallic rose DSi XL blooming September 18

By GameSpot, published 09-09-2011

Nintendo's supersized handheld picking up new hue in time for Kirby Mass Attack debut, maintaining $170 price.   The 3DS may be in the midst of a turnaround, but that isn't keeping Nintendo from continuing to support its DS/DSi line of portables. Today, the Japanese game company announced it will be releasing its DSi XL in a new metallic rose color on September 18. Nintendo's DS becomes pretty in pink, again. Nintendo has previously released the DS Lite with the metallic rose shade in 2008. The publisher described the color as "an eye-catching shade of pink with a luminous modern sheen," playing up its fashion-accessory potential with kids and adults. As with the bronze, midnight blue, and burgundy DSi XL models, the metallic rose edition will carry a ...

Nintendo To Release New DSi XL Color!

By GameInformer, published 09-09-2011

Nintendo is taking time out of its Rescue The 3DS Handheld campaign to release a new DSi XL color. The new unit is dubbed Metallic Rose, and it hits stores on September 18. Of the things (and/or colors) that you were looking for from Nintendo, this has to rank right up there. Click here for more info.

Big in Japan Aug. 29 - Sept. 4: Grand Knights History

By GameSpot, published 09-08-2011

VanillaWare's latest PSP RPG holds off Monster Hunter's PS3 debut to claim top of software sales charts; 3DS remains hardware sales leader.   Fear of cell phones and tablets aside, handheld systems are still a popular way to get one's game on in Japan, as indicated in the recent Media Create sales update for the week of August 29 to September 4. The 3DS topped the hardware sales charts for the week, while VanillaWare's PSP game Grand Knights History led all software with 64,630 units sold. Dragons and knights won the sales battle, according to Media Create's sales figures. Grand Knights History is a turn-based role-playing game where three kingdoms of a fantasy world clash in an all-out war. The game's main feature is unit customization and online pla...

Big in Japan August 22-28: Monster Hunter Portable 3rd HD version

By GameSpot, published 09-01-2011

PS3 action-RPG topped a quarter million sold in first week as new releases topped the charts; 3DS again led hardware sales by a wide margin.   The Japanese exclusive PSP Remasters series seems to be bearing monetary fruit for Capcom and Sony, if the recent Media Creates sales charts are any indication. The PSP Remastered version of Monster Hunter Portable 3rd for the PlayStation 3 placed first on the charts for the week of August 22-28, with 287,829 units sold. HD monsters beat cyborg girls and giant mechs in Japan. Imageepoch's Black Rock Shooter: The Game debuted in second place with 105,277 units sold. The game casts players as a robot girl with a big gun called Black Rock Shooter that has to help humankind survive an alien invasion in a future ve...

Big in Japan August 15-21: Rhythm Heaven

By GameSpot, published 26-08-2011

Oddball rhythm game climbs back to top spot, dethroning Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs; 3DS still in hardware pole position.   While still in the top 10, both the Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs took a small step down for the week of August 15-21 from the prior week's Media Create chart to make way for an old musical friend. Hit golf balls tossed by a diminutive monkey and mandrill in Rhythm Heaven. Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Felyne Village G finished the week at second place with 40,997 units sold, while Super Pokemon Rumble landed at fifth place with 32,144 units sold. Pushing them aside was the resurgent Rhythm Heaven on the Wii, which climbed back up to the number one spot with 48,190 units sold. Multiple new titles also debuted on...

Big in Japan August 15-21: Rhythm Heaven

By GameSpot, published 26-08-2011

Oddball rhythm game climbs back to top spot, dethroning Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs; 3DS still in hardware pole position.   Update: We've corrected the hardware sales numbers at the bottom of the article, as the PS3 numbers were not stated. We apologize for this mistake. While still in the top 10, both the Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs took a small step down for the week of August 15-21 from the prior week's Media Create chart to make way for an old musical friend. Hit golf balls tossed by a diminutive monkey and mandrill in Rhythm Heaven. Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Felyne Village G finished the week at second place with 40,997 units sold, while Super Pokemon Rumble landed at fifth place with 32,144 units sold. Pushing them aside...

Big in Japan August 8-14: Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-offs

By GameSpot, published 19-08-2011

Sega soccer title and Kirby game bumped down by latest Capcom and Nintendo titles; 3DS sales shoot back up due to price cut.   Gamers should never underestimate the power of offshoot titles, particularly if they come from large franchises like Monster Hunter and Pokemon. For the week of August 8-14 on the Japanese Media Creates sales chart, Monster Hunter and Pokemon spin-off titles took the top two spots, respectively. Monster Hunter Diary Poka Poka Felyne Village G sold 98,269 units in its debut, while Super Pokemon Rumble sold 86,294 units. Fun fact: Capcom stated that the majority of Monster Hunter Diary's players are women. Capcom's spin-off title is an action game focused on the Monster Hunter world's Felyne race. Players control a group of Fely...

Big in Japan August 1-7: Kirby Mass Attack

By GameSpot, published 08-11-2011

Kirby's latest handheld adventure second to Sega's new soccer game in latest Japanese sales chart; 3DS slips to fifth place in hardware race.   Japanese gamers love soccer, puffballs, and exaggerated takes on Iron Chef, if the latest Media Create charts for Japan are anything to go by. Kirby and his clone army are on fire this week in Japan. The week of August 1-7 belonged to the debut of J-League Pro Soccer Club o Tsukurou 7 Euro Plus. According to the tracking firm, the Sega-published soccer game for the PSP sold 101,022 units and finished atop the software charts for the week. Just below the soccer game was HAL Laboratory's new Kirby game on the DS. Titled Kirby Mass Attack, the game made its debut in second place with 74,915 units sold. Described ...

Big in Japan July 25-31: Rhythm Heaven

By GameSpot, published 08-04-2011

Nintendo's offbeat rhythm game still on top despite new Queen's Gate and Devil Survivor game; 3DS tumbles to fourth place.   Even with a second demonic invasion and fan service aplenty, Rhythm Heaven for the Wii is still holding out strong in first place on the latest Media Create chart for Japan for the week of July 25 to July 31. The demanding and quirky rhythm game sold 81,938 copies on its second week. Meanwhile, newcomers Queen's Gate: Spiral Chaos for the PSP and Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor 2 for the DS are at second and third place respectively. The former sold 66,959 units, while the latter sold 63,008. One of the very few safe-for-work pictures from Queen's Gate: Spiral Chaos. Queen's Gate: Spiral Chaos is a role-playing game based on ...

Big in Japan July 11-17: Star Fox 64 3D

By GameSpot, published 22-07-2011

Nintendo's rail shooter makes the charts but trails Konami's Powerful Pro Baseball and Namco Bandai's latest Taiko no Tatsujin as 3DS sales pick up.   The recent listings of the Media Create sales charts (via Siliconera) have been taken over by a boatload of new Japanese releases. The most recognizable on the list is the 3DS iteration of Star Fox 64. The game debuted in the sales charts at sixth place with 32,475 units sold. For more recent information, check out GameSpot's coverage on the game's multiplayer components. Slippy and company take sixth place amid big-headed baseball players and drum mania. The current first- and second-place residents are Jikkyou Powerful Pro Baseball 2011 for the PS3 and Taiko no Tatsujin Portable DX (Deluxe) for the PS...

Big in Japan July 4-10: L.A. Noire

By GameSpot, published 15-07-2011

1940s detective game and Infamous 2 take top slots in sales charts debut; PS3 still in third place below PSP and 3DS.   Japanese gamers may have seen role-playing games debuting, and sometimes staying, on the top spot of the Media Create sales charts, but the week of July 4 marks the first time in months that two well-known titles outside of Japan finally made their mark. The aforementioned titles are L.A. Noire (Rockstar Games and Team Bondi) and Infamous 2 (Sony and Sucker Punch). The exploits of Cole Phelps are a hit in Japan. According to the charts, the PS3 version of L.A. Noire sits on the top spot with 58,436 units sold. The Xbox 360 version of the adventure game just missed the top 10, placing at 11th place with 12,621 copies sold. Sucker Pun...

Big in Japan June 27- July 3: Tales of the Abyss 3DS

By GameSpot, published 07-08-2011

Portable version of PS2 RPG pushes sales for system; Super Street Fighter IV: AE and GoldenEye 007 tailing behind.   While the 3DS version of Tales of the Abyss will be localized in English sometime this year, the Japanese version is already on shelves--and off them again. The Namco Bandai role-playing game took the top spot on Media Create's latest sales chart, selling 74,173 copies for the week of June 27 through July 3. Tales of the Abyss is the eighth mothership title in the Tales series, and it introduces the flex range linear motion battle system that allows free 3D movement during combat. Why so angry, Luke? Your game is number one in Japan right now. Occupying second place on the chart is the PlayStation 3 version of Super Street Fighter IV: A...

Big in Japan June 20-26: Meruru No Atelier

By GameSpot, published 30-06-2011

New Atelier series and Gundam entry on top of the list; 3DS back in second place on hardware sales.   Be it a Dragon Quest or a Pokemon title, Japanese gamers love their role-playing games. This has become evident again with the release of PlayStation 3 RPG Meruru No Atelier: Arland no Renkinjutsushi 3 (or Atelier Meruru: Alchemist of Arland 3), which sold 82,585 units in its first week of release according to the recent Media Creates sales chart. The game lets RPG enthusiasts control a female alchemist named Meruru Rede Arls, who is given the task of making the kingdom of Earls as prosperous as its neighbor, the kingdom of Arland. She will do this by doing odd jobs involving item transmutations, battling enemies in turned-based combat, and even upgrading facilities and amenities in ...

Big in Japan June 13-19: Zelda 3D

By GameSpot, published 24-06-2011

Level 5's PSP mech game Danball Senki takes top spot as Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake propels 3DS to top of the hardware chart.   Even with a new entry in Sega's popular Yakuza series, the top two spots of Media Create's Japanese sales chart for the week of June 13-19 were occupied by offerings from Level 5 and Nintendo. Taking first place was Danball Senki for the PSP with 166,187 units sold. The action role-playing game is about a boy named Ban Yamano who controls a customizable LBX robot and has to battle other kids with LBX robots. As a bonus for customers, the game comes with an AX-00 model that gamers can assemble from scratch. Remote-controlled robot action is the flavor of the week on the Media Create chart. Settling at second place i...

Big in Japan May 23-29: One Piece Unlimited Cruise SP

By GameSpot, published 06-03-2011

Elastic pirates and Greek version of Dynasty Warriors nab top positions in this week's sales chart.   The vampire-stripping action game Akiba's Trip may have been number one in last week's Japanese charts, but it's been bumped down from last week's pole position in this week's sales positions, according to website Media Create. The PSP action game is now at fourth place with 16,582 units sold. Taking first place is the 3DS remake of the episodic Wii title based on the One Piece manga/anime series called One Piece Unlimited Cruise SP. The action game, which lets players take control of the Straw Hat Pirates gang in a bevy of fights with the game's iconic villains in 3D fighting combat, sold 80,488 units. Fans can now enjoy the thrills of a One Piece st...

Big in Japan May 16-22: Akiba's Trip

By GameSpot, published 27-05-2011

Square Enix RPG gets bronze medal thanks to strip-happy action title and 3D-enhanced fighting game.   The long-running king of the Japanese charts has finally been dethroned by two new kids on the block. According to this week's sales chart on Media Create, Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker 2 Professional is now at third place with 19,290 units sold, with the top two slots occupied by Akiba's Trip for the PSP and Dead or Alive: Dimensions for the 3DS. The first-placed title is an action game where the main character is given the task to protect the Japanese electronics hub known as Akihabara against a rising vampire threat. Players will have to master the art of stripping their opponents down to their skivvies and exposing their bodies to sunlight. Akiba's Trip has sold 58,150 units wit...

Big in Japan May 9-15: Dragon Quest Monsters 2 Joker Professional

By GameSpot, published 19-05-2011

Square Enix role-playing game spin-off still on top as new Haruhi Suzumiya games and Steel Diver closing in.   Even with a few noteworthy releases for the week of May 9, the updated spin-off of Dragon Quest Monsters 2 Joker Professional still reigns supreme in Japan. Square Enix's expanded version of the monster collecting role-playing game retained its first place position with 20,722 units sold, according to the latest Media Create charts. Even with a Dragon Quest game on top, Haruhi Suzumiya games aren't slouching around in the sales department. Two versions of the new game based on the Haruhi Suzumiya anime series, titled Haruhi Suzumiya no Tsuisou, have made strong debuts on the chart. The PS3 version of the game is in third place with 18,831 unit...

Nintendo's 3DS EULA Raises Privacy, Content Ownership Concerns

By HotHardware, published 18-05-2011

Nintendo has taken a page from Sony's playbook, even as the video game giant struggles to recover from the impact of its decision to remove Other OS support. The Free Software Foundation recently examined* the EULA and privacy policy Nintendo attaches to the 3DS; both are far more draconian than corresponding agreements for the DSi, DSi XL,...

Nintendo slashes new Wii package to $150; outs “Nintendo Selects” game range

By SlashGear, published 05-04-2011

Nintendo may have the Wii replacement coming next year – tipped to be the Wii 2 “Stream” – but it still has to sell the first-gen console if it wants to turn its dire 2010 financial performance around. In that spirit the company has slashed the suggested retail price of the Wii to $149.99, and as of May 15 will be bundling Mario Kart along with a Wii Wheel accessory. That will replace the previous bundled titles, Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. The console will be available in black or white – don’t worry, the Wii Wheel and Wiimote will match too – and the new black Wii Wheel will also be available separately, priced at $9.99. Meanwhile, on the same date Nintendo will also launch “Nintendo Selects”, a range of $19.99 Wii games at cu...

DS Lite Production Has Discontinued

By GameInformer, published 23-04-2011

The DS Lite had a good run, but the 3DS is here now. We’re not looking back. No, those aren’t tears in our eyes. According to Go Nintendo, GameStop stores recently received an internal memo telling employees that, “New 3DS Lit systems have been discontinued and stores will no longer be replenished on this product.” With the release of the 3DS many gamers are moving on. But Nintendo’s original dual screen system isn’t completely finished; gamers will still be able to buy DSi and DSi XL hardware.   [GameStop is a parent company of Game Informer.]

Palm: The Rise and Fall of a Legend

By MaximumPC, published 29-03-2011

Perhaps the most convoluted soap-opera in the history of technology... I was there, when the Pilot landed. It was the summer of 1996, and the US Robotics Pilot 5000 had just arrived in the bootLab (‘boot Magazine’ was the then-newly-launched precursor to Maximum PC). With unprecedented ferocity, we editors were fighting gladiator style for dibs on reviewing this tiny bit of pocket-sized plastic with its dingy monochrome screen. Not even the latest uber-PC or 3D graphics card generated such editorial lust. There was something magic about the initial Pilot.  Something simple, elegant, genuinely useful. It was one of the few products we all knew would be worthy of a “Kick Ass” award almost immediately upon touching it. That first Pilot may not have been the first PDA, but it was...

3DS sets sales record in US, 'no widespread issues' with portable

By GameSpot, published 29-03-2011

Nintendo says day-one sales numbers were the highest for any handheld in its history; downplays reported system crashes. It's official: The 3DS is a hit. Despite reports of ample stocks of the handheld sitting on store shelves, Nintendo today said that "US day-one sales numbers for Nintendo 3DS were the highest of any Nintendo handheld system in our history." The company did not offer up specific numbers, promising sales figures alongside NPD numbers on April 14. However, the statement means the three-dimensional handheld outsold the Game Boy Advance, the original DS, the DSi, and the DSi XL during their first 24 hours on the market. The 3DS is officially Nintendo's fastest selling handheld at launch. The 3DS's robust sales numbers were not unexpected. On...

Nintendo 3DS Review

By SlashGear, published 25-03-2011

Nintendo has a reputation for kooky, eccentric products, and on that front the 3DS is no different. Upgrading the now-familiar clamshell console with a glasses-free 3D display, it promises a new breed of games, impromptu social gaming with StreetPass, and the instant allure of 3D photography and Augmented Reality. Still, while Nintendo has been busy getting its freak on, the mobile gaming market has become a whole lot more serious. Just about every gadget that wants a place in your pocket – your cellphone and PMP included – wants to take care of your gaming needs as well, and so the 3DS has more competition than ever before. Can the console deliver, or do its eccentricities count it out? Check out the full SlashGear review after the cut. Hardware Style-wise the 3DS is classic...

Nintendo Brings Art Software To Classrooms

By GameInformer, published 16-03-2011

Nintendo has announced a partnership with the National Art Education Association that will provide Nintendo DSi XL's and copies of Art Academy to classrooms at the elementary, middle, and high school level. Last month these tools were given to art educators participating in the program to incorporate the Art Academy software in classroom exercises. Art Academy teaches lessons in color, shading and perspective, and also offers a Free Paint mode to exercise creativity. Lucky students will be able to bring their DS' out in class and not get in trouble.

Nintendo 3DS to get AT&T WiFi Hotspots, Netflix streaming

By SlashGear, published 03-02-2011

Nintendo obviously didn’t get the memo that the news cycle belonged to Apple and the iPad 2 today; CEO Satoru Iwata took to the stage at GDC 2011 and announced two collaborations for the Nintendo 3DS, with Netflix and AT&T. The Nintendo 3DS will drop in the US on March 27, and after a software update at the end of May, be able to automatically connect to AT&T’s 10,000 WiFi hotspots. Meanwhile, this summer will bring Netflix to the 3DS. Those subscribers with an unlimited plan - starting at $7.99 a month – will be able to stream movies and TV shows over WiFi connections. They’ll also be able to start watching content at home, via Netflix on the Wii, and then pick up where they left off on the 3DS. The May update will also activate the Nintendo eShop. Iwata...

Review: Nintendo 3DS

By TechRadar, published 28-02-2011

The UK release of the Nintendo 3DS on 25 March will see Europe welcome the latest offering from arguably the most innovative company in the gaming world.Nintendo is responsible for iconic household names like Super Mario, SNES and Gameboy all of which have made a massive contribution to how we play today.But the Japanese company has also been busy redefining the modern medium with its most recognised bit of kit - the Wii, dragging everyone from nine year old girls to 79-year-old grandaddys around the TV to wave a white remote in the air.Nintendo's current handheld line – the Nintendo DS – has had a similar amount of pull on the public, creating a world where everyone's a gamer. You might be Brain Training on the bus or leaping over spike pits at lunch, either way you're a part of a vid...

Nintendo 3DS gets pre-release teardown

By SlashGear, published 21-02-2011

Nintendo’s execs spoke earlier this month about the physical design decisions around the Nintendo 3DS, but what we really wanted was to see the 3D-capable gaming handheld torn down into its constituent pieces. Happily that’s just what TGBus has delivered, a comprehensive pre-release teardown of the 3DS. The batteries, incidentally, are ranked in order of the DSi XL at the top, then the DSi, and finally the 3DS at the bottom. Nintendo has already confirmed that the 3DS should last for around 3-5hrs of 3D gameplay on a full charge. US availability of the Nintendo 3DS is expected on March 27, with the console priced at $249.99. Meanwhile, it will hit Europe a couple of days earlier, though pricing is yet to be confirmed. [via Kotaku] Relevant Entries on SlashGearNintendo DSi X...

GameStop Offering Rare Pokémon For Black, White Versions

By GameInformer, published 16-02-2011

Beginning February 21 Pokémaniacs can hit up any U.S. GameStop to add Celebi to their Pokédexes through a character distribution event (offer ends March 6). All you'll need to do is bring in an English-language copy of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver for the rare Pokémon. Receiving this creature will give you the chance to catch the Tricky Fox Pokémon Zorua in Pokemon Black or White versions when Celebi is transferred into the new games. This is the only way to catch the elusive Zorua. Full requirements:Players must have a Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL system and their own English-language copy of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver video games. Players must have acquired the Po...