Nintendo Replacing Wimpy 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

Nintendo Wii: New Zelda Title Already A Year Into Development

 

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.

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

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.

Wii "Slip Proof Glove" For World's Greasy Handed

Wii "Slip Proof Glove" For World's Greasy HandedIt also gives you an excuse to put on the short shorts and tube socks and get way into it. Thanks for the tip, wraggy. Michael McWhertor. Nintendo Wii Skid Prooof Glove for Wii Controller at Success HK [via Wii News] ...Kotaku: Nintendo - http://www.kotaku.com