Japanese economic news source Nikkei.Net is reporting what most of us already know: big third party publishers are shifting their focus from Sony Computer Entertainment to Nintendo Co., Ltd. With the DS and the Wii doing major business, this shift should not come as a surprise. The article points out that Bandai Namco and Sega have doubled the amount of Nintendo-geared software during fiscal 2007 compared to the previous year. Likewise, Capcom has slated more games for Nintendo than for Sony. Though, companies haven't ditched the PLAYSTATION 3 by any means and are developing big games for SCE. Lower than expected PS3 sales and high development costs are just a deterrent, but things could change. Eventually, even!

Aside: game nerds who can understand Japanese will appreciate Nikkei.Net's use of gyakuten suru (逆転する), which means "to reverse." Capcom's Ace Attorney games are called Gyakuten Saiban (逆転裁判) in Japan, and Nikkei just slips in a knowing nod at the popular DS series. Gotta love those Japanese business writers — so witty. Brian Ashcraft

Companies Leaning More Towards Sony [Nikkei, Thanks Stephen!]

We've already see Haruhi parodies in which the likes of Pokémon and Mega-Man do the Haruhi dance. Dancing is great, but there's there's more than just dancing. There's stabbing, for instance! The above clip is a Haruhi spoof of a Haruhi Gyakuten Saiban (AKA Phoenix Wright) spoof. How's that for post-modern! In the original anime, there were a few knowing nods to Gyakuten Saiban. That footage was taken and fan edited with video programs to make it more like the game. The result is the above clip. Not exactly brand new, but as far as spoofs of spoofs go, it's brilliant! Interesting to note: there is also a doujin game mash-up of Gyakuten Saiban and Haruhi from doujin circle CUBETYPE. A clip of that, after the jump. Brian Ashcraft

Thanks, Witzbold!

Capcom aired its super short live action mystery in which TV viewers were asked to solve a murder. The bearded in-game judge even makes an appearance! Above is the case, which involves a man who was stabbed in the back. In the body's right hand, there's a clump of hair. In his left hand, there's blood on his finger tips and part of the woman's shirt. Before clicking over to the Capcom site and finding out if it was the woman or the bald man who is the killer, feel free to hash it out right here. Brian Ashcraft

Next week in Japan, Capcom is broadcasting a short 5-10 television mystery. Not sure if it's life action, animated or just in-game footage. Viewers will try to solve the mystery, and the answer will appear on Capcom's site. Neat way to promote Gyakuten Saiban 4! Brian Ashcraft

Ace Attorney Show [Insert Credit]

Gyakuten Saiban 4 is Capcom's most successful entry in Ace Attorney series to date. Since going on sale April 12th in Japan, a half a million copies have been shipped. When Gyakuten Saiban was previously localized into English with Phoenix Wright, the game was so popular and hard to get because Capcom didn't print enough copies. Even in an age when success is judged in Pokémon standards, Gyakuten Saiban 4 is a hit with no objections here. Brian Ashcraft

Big Hit Saiban [Game Watch Impress]

While we here in the US are still lingering over Phoenix Wright 2, the Japanese are already gearing up for Phoenix Wright 4 (aka Gyakuten Saiban 4). This new trailer gives us a peek at some of the new characters including Phoenix's replacement. He looks cool with his Astro Boy-esque hair although I do miss the Phoenix wings.

I'm looking forward to seeing more of these games and I really hope they make use of the microphone in future US versions. I can't wait to be sitting on the bus and cause a stir by standing up and shouting "OBJECTION!" as I point into the air much to the dismay of my fellow riders. Now that's what I call excitement! Flynn De Marco

Common sense says another Gyakuten Saiban (previously Phoenix Wright for the West) should bring more another finger pointer stylus. But Gyakuten Saiban 4 is a break from the series and deserves something different! Capcom does one better and is releasing red headphones. "Red" refers to the color of the series' new attorney, who's young hotshot lawyer named "Odoroki." (Aside: I hope the music's better. Man, the previous theme was cringe worthy!)

Capcom's special Japan-only bundle also includes a DVD with TGS footage and TV ads and a Gyakuten Saiban"data base software" encyclopedia that has info about characters, an outline of events and whatnot. The pack's game manual includes development art and comments from the game's creators. It retails for 9,240 yen (US $76) on April 12th. Brian Ashcraft

Gyakuten Bundle [Game Watch]

Phoenix Wright has been put out to pasture. The newest Gayukuten Saiban game from Capcom will feature a new finger-pointin' legal eagle named "Odoroki." While Phoenix was decked out in a proper suit, Odoroki wears hipster duds, complete with a bracelet. Whatever, asks Famitsu, does that bracelet mean? The game's director Shuu Takumi says:

Well, it's when he (Odoroki) shouts out 'Objection.' When he does that and nothing's on his arm, he seems a little lonely so we thought we could make him wear this. Now that he's wearing it, lots of people thinks there's a meaning to it and asks us, 'Is there a meaning to this?' Now we'll have to think of a meaning for it.

The car trunk in Kiss Me Deadly, the briefcase in Pulp Fiction and now some dude's bracelet in Gyakuten Saiban 4. Mysteries, all of 'em. Brian Ashcraft

It's Available In English And Japanese [VGB]