Nintendo's Revolution will be backwards compatible and include Wi-Fi features and Nintendo will soon be giving DS owners free Wi-Fi connectivity.

Wednesday it was Microsoft's turn, today it was Nintendo's. Satoru Iwata's keynote speech at the Game Developers Conference was filled with stunning bombshells about the future of Nintendo and its two main game systems.

The Heart of the Gamer keynote speech also included new images from the Legend of Zelda and a brief demonstration of several new DS titles with features like voice recognition, touch-screen controls and wireless connectivity.

This is Nintendo s plan: make our existing game world better For us, this is a passion. This is a mission of adventure.

Here's some more details on the big announcements:

The Revolution
Iwata says the next-gen Nintendo console will include built-in Wi-Fi which will allow players around the world to connect and play.
The heart of the Revolution will be an IBM chip codenamed Broadway and a graphics chip from ATI code-named Hollywood.

Nintendo DS
Iwata announced that the Wi-Fi protocol for Nintendo DS will let users link with each other across the country or around the world.

The free service will start later this year and use Wi-Fi hots spots.
One of the big Wi-Fi titles in development is Animal Crossing with global Wi-Fi play.

DS Software
Iwata's speech included a live demonstration of two Nintendo DS software titles that Iwata said represented types of entertainment that go beyond the traditionally accepted definitions of video games.

In Nintendogs players have to nurture and interact with a variety of breeds of digital puppies. Players can issue voice commands, play games and train their puppies while developing real emotional bonds with them.

In Electroplankton players will use their voice and the touch-screen to interact with an otherworldly array of sights and sounds aimed to soothe or stimulate players.

Zelda
Unreleased footage of the stunning Legend of Zelda, set to be launched later this year, was also a huge crowd pleaser.

Check back later for a link to the podcast and perhaps a video. I've got to go breath in a paper bag for a minute before I pass out.

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