Sunday, December 24, 2006

Wii Friend Code Database - With Maps!

 

Here's a better website to add your wii friend code. It plots your wii on a map, so you can find wii friends in your area, or anywhere in the world. Its a great way to get a ton of wii friends on your list really fast!

Source: Wii Friend Code Database - With Maps!
Originally published on Sun, 24 Dec 2006 17:40:02 GMT

Friday, December 22, 2006

Opera Released For Wii, Free Till July '07

 

Get ready to surf the Internet on your Wii.

Source: Opera Released For Wii, Free Till July '07
Originally published on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 22:12:14 GMT

Narrated, Complete Twilight Princess Guide

 

GameVideos and MyCheats deliver the goods. Eat your heart out, Santa.

Source: Narrated, Complete Twilight Princess Guide
Originally published on Fri, 22 Dec 2006 23:11:50 GMT

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Play R.C. Pro-Am with Wiimote, real-life style

 

Just another device hacked for Wii-control, yes, but this one's a radio-controlled car! An Austrian fellow claims to have modded his toy car to receive tilt inputs from a Wiimote, making for some novel R.C. Pro-Am throwback action. We're not convinced the setup is as "simple" as its creator claims, but the result could inspire some clever retail products.
What's stopping Nintendo from releasing its own Wiimote-controlled car -- or R.O.B. 2.0? Why confine Wii to the telly?

Source: Play R.C. Pro-Am with Wiimote, real-life style
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 13:25:00 GMT

Real men Wii standing up?


Chris and I got into an argument the other day while playing Wii Sports because I was only flicking my wrists. Furthermore, I refused to stand up during play because I'm trying to "keep it real." You know, all these years sitting down only exerting thumbs. How dumb does standing up and moving around once in a while look? That's why I don't play real sports, 'cause the human body just looks so stupid in full movement, let alone simulated ones with a console. On the contrary, how hip does it look sitting down all the time? We practically scream "I'm cool" sunk deep in a sofa, intently focused on the television. It's couch potato all the time for me.
So when Chris recommended the above pun of a t-shirt, I was like "whatever." I quickly returned to my Oscar-esque game dialog during a particular cut-scene. Real men Wii standing up? Yeah right. Real men Wii sitting down. So even though some games encourage more movement than you're used to, refute them. If you don't, they will slowly take over your sacred gameplay traditions.

Source: Real men Wii standing up?
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 17:55:00 GMT

Merry xmas from Nintendo - VC games you’ve been waiting for

 

*Super Mario Bros The defining “retro” title in video gaming history is finally up for grabs, and you might not have a soul if you don’t pick it up.

* Street Fighter® II: The World Warrior (Super NES®, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): This game revolutionized the fighting-game genre with characters that had unique fighting skills, speed, special moves and unique endings.

* Super Castlevania® IV (Super NES, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Simon Belmont uses his trusty whip to fight the powers of evil on his way to Dracula’s Castle.

* Toe Jam & Earl™ (Sega Genesis, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Two fun-loving aliens crash on Earth and must find 10 pieces of their spaceship so they can get back home to Planet Funkotron.

* R-TYPE® (TurboGrafx16, 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): This is a completely faithful port - right down to the character details - of the famous shooting-game masterpiece.

Games available on Jan. 1 include:

* Baseball (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Play nine innings of fierce sandlot competition with classic NES graphics.

* Urban Champion™ (NES, 1-2 players, 500 Wii Points): Don’t let the big, bad bully of the neighborhood push you around! Players fight for the right to walk the street.

Source: Merry xmas from Nintendo - VC games you’ve been waiting for
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 23:11:55 GMT

Nintendo Says: Wii Hates Your Christmas Tree

 

xmastree.jpgNintendo released a statement today said direct lights near the console could cause interference in "exceptional conditions." From Nintendo's statement:

    "In exceptional conditions where the Wii sensor bar is sat near a direct light source there may be some minor interference - this does not mean that there is any fault with your Wii. "For the best performance of your Wii, avoid bright light sources behind or near the TV, shining towards the Wii remote or reflecting off the TV screen."

Thankfully, there's an easy solution to the problem. Writing on a blog, one user complained: "The last couple of days my Wii has been acting weird in not picking up the Wiimote on the side of the Christmas tree and I could never figure out what was wrong. Well tonight, I turned off the Christmas tree and it fixed my problem."

Why does the Wii hate Christmas? —MEGHANN MARCO

Nintendo issue fairy light warning [Manchester Evening News]

 

Source: Nintendo Says: Wii Hates Your Christmas Tree
Originally published on Thu, 21 Dec 2006 18:26:31 GMT

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

NES RetroPort - Plug your NES controller into your Wii!

 

GoNintendo reviews the Wii NES RetroPort. The device plugs into the Gamecube controller ports, and allows you to plug in your old NES controller to really get the old school feeling of those Virtual Console games. "You want a review? This thing rocks. You want a longer review? This thing really, really rocks."

Source: NES RetroPort - Plug your NES controller into your Wii!
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:20:01 GMT

Nintendo Wii Updates Are A Secret

 

Word from Nintendo is that they are not making public what they're modifying on our Wii's. Why not and how long are we going to have to wait for this information?

Source: Nintendo Wii Updates Are A Secret
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 19:40:01 GMT

Rechargeable Battery Pack for the Wii?

 

Finally the first Wii-remote rechargeable battery pack has arrived. We've been waiting since the release of the Wii for this, and it seems Joytech has been the first one to release it. "Joytech Wii PowerStation" this picture is a demo and the final product will look somewhat like this. It will charge 2 Wii remotes and have a place to put the nunchakus while charging.

Source: Rechargeable Battery Pack for the Wii?
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:01:45 GMT

Free Wii Virtual Console Games (Super Mario, R-Type, Toejam) Xmas Day?

 

If the Wii store website is to be believed, these three popular games are due to be released on Christmas day with a pricetag that reads free! Check it out and decide for yourself.

Source: Free Wii Virtual Console Games (Super Mario, R-Type, Toejam) Xmas Day?
Originally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 20:30:02 GMT

Nintendo's Wiimote gets dissected, inspected

Source: http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/20/nintendos-wiimo...





While the console launch frenzy has given us some exciting innards
to look at lately, it's good to see someone finally take a big step away
from that potentially hazardous (and sued) Wiimote, pick up a
screwdriver, and delve right in. Similar to the precise movements that splayed the Wii itself, these folks used utmost caution (and a fairly
nice digicam, too) when dissecting their brand new Wiimote.

Beneath the casing was the IR sensor, capacitors, a Broadcom BCM2042 Bluetooth chip, vibration motor, LEDs, accelerometer, EEPROM, and a myriad of other random forms of circuitry. Interestingly enough, the kids behind the scenes got a little carried away and found that the "EEPROM contained all the constants like Bluetooth ID, firmware revision, etc.," while the Wiimote "functionality was burned into the Broadcom" chip
itself.

more @ source.

 

 

Source: Nintendo's Wiimote gets dissecteOriOrginally published on Wed, 20 Dec 2006 23:15:13 GMT

Monday, December 18, 2006

Wii Screen Update: Metal Slug Anthology

 

More awesome art from Metal Slug Anthology!

Source: Wii Screen Update: Metal Slug Anthology
Originally published on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 00:00:00 GMT

Class Action Suit Filed Against Nintendo For Wii Wriststrap

 

Apparently, more than a few Nintendo Wii wriststraps are breaking off, causing the Wiimotes to careen into the wall, chair, or even the TV. So much so that a class action lawsuit has been filed against the game maker alleging that the wrist straps are defective and break off when used extensively. We cannot say we did not see this one coming.

Source: Class Action Suit Filed Against Nintendo For Wii Wriststrap
Originally published on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 15:27:56 GMT

Tennis, Space Harrier II and Military Madness On Wii VC Today

 

Nintendo has released word that three new virtual console games will be available for download later today. Military Madness, Tennis, and the classic Space Harrier II will all be available soon, if they are not already. Click read more for the full info.PRESS RELEASEDec. 18, 2006 - Later today Nintendo will add three new classic games to the popular Wii™ video game system's Wii Shop Channel. The three new titles will be added at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo will add new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Source: Tennis, Space Harrier II and Military Madness On Wii VC Today
Originally published on Mon, 18 Dec 2006 18:52:23 GMT

Friday, December 15, 2006

Nintendo Replacing Wimpy Wiimote Straps

 

Wiimote Straps

Nintendo is offering a replacement program for any Wii console owner who has a controller with the earlier, thinner connecting strap (on the right above), enabling gamers to avoid smashing their TV sets, pets, or lighting fixtures without having to resort to using some fishing twine. US Wii owners can head over to Nintendo's US customer service website, type in their serial number, and request the number of straps they need. European gamers, on the other hand, will need to wait until Monday according to Eurogamer.

Now, Wii safely everyone.

Source: Nintendo Replacing Wimpy Wiimote Straps
Originally published on Fri, 15 Dec 2006 12:19:28 GMT by tim.stevens

Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Nintendo Wii: New Zelda Title Already A Year Into Development

 

link.jpg

According to the established, and well respected gaming publication Game Informer the next installment of the prestigious Zelda franchise is already a full year into development.

Nintendo have previously touted that the next installment of Zelda will perhaps be a radical departure from what seasoned Zelda players have come to expect from the hallowed series, leaving many gamers to believe that the first true Wii iteration of the long running series will perhaps be played in a first person perspective.

Source

Source: Nintendo Wii: New Zelda Title Already A Year Into Development
Originally published on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 10:09:50 GMT by sickr

European consumers snap up 325,000 Wii consoles in two days

 

Nintendo has announced that the Wii console has sold out in Europe, with 325,000 units snapped up in the two days following last Friday's launch.

Source: European consumers snap up 325,000 Wii consoles in two days
Originally published on Wed, 13 Dec 2006 12:55:00 GMT

Dragon Quest 9 for Nintendo DS presentation

 

Dragon Quest 9 for Nintendo DS presentation

Author: ss1976
Keywords: Dragon Quest Nintendo DS DQ9 Square Enix
Added: December 12, 2006

Source: Dragon Quest 9 for Nintendo DS presentation
Originally published on Tue, 12 Dec 2006 13:12:24 GMT by rss@youtube.com (ss1976)

GameCube Zelda: The Lady Vanishes?

 

Game disappearing from online retailers. Will it make it to brick and mortar?

 

Source: GameCube Zelda: The Lady Vanishes?
Originally published on Mon, 11 Dec 2006 16:46:35 GMT by Luke Smith

Link returns in menacing pose

Link returns in menacing pose
from Game Addicts by Edwin

There are video game characters, and then there are video game icons, where Link falls into the latter category. If you are a big fan of one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises that never failed to be a blockbuster (save for The Legend of Zelda II on the NES, but that is another can of worms), then this Adult Link from the Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will definitely wet your pants. First 4 Figures is offering this 7″ tall masterpiece, but too bad it won’t make it in time for Christmas Day as Adult Link will only be available worldwide in Q2 next year.

The Adult Link comes in a rather menacing pose, featuring him winding up for his signature spin attack that everybody loves. In addition, he has the Master Sword and Hylian Shield to complete the hardcore adventurer look. The Adult Link is cast in top-notch poly-stone, where he is lovingly and carefully hand finished and hand painted, ensuring that no two statues are exactly alike. The fact that only 2,500 of such statues will be produced makes it all the more desirable.
Pre-orders can be placed today for $109.99 a pop. Each purchase will come packed within a foam interior to protect it against bumps and knocks during shipping, while there is a card of authenticity inside the box just in case you want to part with it many decades down the road on eBay to pay for your college tuition. The Adult Link was conceptualized by artist Goran Sadojevich, while the base he is standing on is the brainchild of James West.

Saturday, December 09, 2006

Top 10 Wii Games to get in 2007

Top 10 Games to get in 2007
2007 is looking like a really hot year for the Wii. Many Nintendo published titles are on their way and although more titles are still yet to be announced, for now here are the Top 10 games to get next year!

1. Super Smash Bros. Brawl - Two Words: Wi-Fi Connection.

2. Super Mario Galaxy - The legendary series is ready to make a comeback. Galaxy promises to be what Mario 64 once was.

3. Metroid Prime 3: Corruption - The last game in the Prime trilogy is sure to be a hit. The original Metroid Prime for the Gamecube is currently the No. 3 top rated game of all time according to Gamerankings.

4. No More Heroes - If enough hype is generated for this game, it could be a smash hit. With free-roaming “GTA” style and RPG elements, the game looks promising.

5. Super Paper Mario - Mix the RPG series with a bit of old-school nostalgia and you are looking at a solid title.

6. Madden NFL 08 - Madden NFL 07 was a fantastic game for the Wii. Sure it’s “another” Madden, but this time around it’ll be a Wi-Fi compatible game and it’s expected to have improved visuals and controls.

7. Fire Emblem: Goddess of Dawn - The RPG from Nintendo is a sequel to Path of Radiance and should offer a more simpler control mechanism and great graphics.

8. Spider-Man 3 - A Movie game? Yes, in fact Spider-Man 2 was perhaps the greatest movie game ever made. The Wii version is considered more of an exclusive versions. Perhaps we’ll be swinging through the streets of New York with our Wii-motes!

9. Disaster: Day of Crisis - We may barely know much about it, but it looks to be a third-person title in the likes of Resident Evil with mind-blowing physics.

10. Sonic and the Secret Rings - We know that Sonic games have gone down the drain over the years with the exception of Sonic Rush, but the Wii version was a hit back at

Friday, December 08, 2006

Nintendo Sued Over Controller Patent

Nintendo Sued Over Controller Patent

By Kris Graft
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[Update] A leading electronic interface company this week filed a suit against Nintendo in a Delaware court claiming that the Wii’s trigger-happy controller infringes on existing patents.
In a court filing snagged by gaming blog Kotaku, Camarillo, California-based Interlink Electronics accuses Nintendo of selling infringing products in the district of Delaware, where the company holds some of its operations.Interlink’s “Trigger Operated Electronic Device” patent (no. 6,850,221), filed in September 1997 and issued February 1, 2005, describes an “ergonomically effective mouse for operating a computer.”The patent also reads, “This invention relates to a trigger operated electronic device. In particular, it concerns a mouse for operating a cursor in a computer system.”Of course, the Nintendo Wii has a trigger-operated controller which is also used as a pointing device. Diagrams from Interlink’s patent bear a passing resemblance to the Wii Remote.
There does seem to be a significant difference between Interlink’s patent and Nintendo’s design, however. Whereas Nintendo’s controller moves an on-screen cursor by moving the actual input device in 3D, Interlink’s patent describes a pointing mechanism that centers around a touch-sensitive pad and buttons, not the movement of the entire unit (“The multiple control elements are responsive to finger pressure to operate switch elements…”).
Still, the suit primarily takes issue with the trigger element that is shared between the two designs.Interlink said that because of the alleged infringement, it has suffered damages including loss of royalties and reduced sales and profits. The company is seeking a restraining order against the sale of Nintendo’s controller as well as three times the assessed damages including interest. Reimbursement of legal fees is also being pursued.A trial by jury has been demanded as well.Requests for comment from Interlink and Nintendo had not been returned as of press time.
[Update] Nintendo has since contacted Next-Gen, stating "Nintendo doesn't comment on pending litigation." Interlink has yet to comment.

Nintendo Retracts 1M Wiis in U.S. Statement

Nintendo Retracts 1M Wiis in U.S. Statement Is Nintendo doubtful that it can ship/sell 1 million Wii consoles in the U.S. before the year ends? It's starting to look that way, as the company has retracted a statement proclaiming its 1 million sales goal for the U.S. More within...
Yesterday Nintendo of America issued a release trumpeting the success of their portables, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS, which sold 641K and 918K units respectively according to the latest NPD figures. All told, when combining Wii sales, DS sales, GBA sales and GameCube sales, Nintendo sold 2.1 million of the 3.9 million video game systems sold in the U.S. during November, capturing 55 percent of the market.
Interestingly, if a recent press release correction is any indication, Nintendo may not be as sure that they will sell one million Wiis in the U.S. in 2006 as previously thought. The Wii sold at a rate of more than 70,000 a day for the seven days represented in NPD's November data, and Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime has said that Nintendo would have one million Wiis in the U.S. in early December, with two million shipped by mid-January.
Today, however, Nintendo of America alerted the media that its statement from yesterday which read, "Despite spot shortages in some locations, well more than a million Wii systems will be available in the United States by the end of the year," has been retracted and should be ignored.
So what does this mean? Nintendo did not say why that statement should be disregarded, but one can only assume that either they are having more difficulty with manufacturing than they let on, or perhaps more likely, they are sufficiently satisfied with the U.S. launch numbers and want to divert some of the shipments to Japan and Europe, which haven't been allocated quite as many systems (especially Europe).
GameDaily BIZ has contacted Nintendo for further comment and will update accordingly.