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The Inconvenient Truth Of Buying Video Games?
What do you consider when shopping for a new video game console? The games available for the console? How much it will cost you? What about the ethical impact of your choices? Do you weigh what the creation of that console does to the environment, whether it was built in sweat shops or contains supplies…
By Brian Crecente Published July 2, 2010 -
Apple Engineers “Totally Wrong”, Nintendo Misjudged Excitement and Other Great Corporate Excuses
This morning iPhone owners woke to a very unusual thing: An apology letter from Apple. Everything about the letter, from its opening line of “Dear iPhone 4 Users”, to its unusual use of phrases like “totally wrong”, is cringe-inducing, but Apple isn’t the only company that doesn’t know how to come clean when they screw…
By Brian Crecente Published July 2, 2010 -
Nintendo’s Weird Environmental Tips
If you play the Nintendo DS puzzle game Picross 3D long enough, you unearth some advice about how to be more eco-friendly. But the advice is a little weird. Have a look. This isn’t the first time Nintendo’s tucked a message about environmentalism in a DS game. Chibi Robo, anyone?
By Stephen Totilo Published July 2, 2010 -
Is Japan Interested In 3D TVs? Survey Says…
In The Land of the Rising Sun, electronics manufacturers like Sony and Panasonic are rolling out 3D televisions. Sony, in particular, shows great interest in 3D with its TVs and 3D-ready PlayStation 3. Japan, however, does not. According to Kakaku.com survey that polled 8,957 individuals, 70 percent said they were turned off by wearing 3D…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 2, 2010 -
How I Accidentally Bought The Soundtrack To Nintendo’s 2006
It’s a story that involves good intentions, booze and DJ Krush. Having had one too many drinks last weekend, I found myself at a friend’s place watching a DJ Krush DVD. Not the worst way to end a boozey evening, as I like DJ Krush! Anyway, that reminded me I’d been on the lookout for…
By Luke Plunkett Published July 2, 2010 -
Will There Ever Be A Nintendo Theme Park?
Just imagine it: Like Disneyland, but with video games and Nintendo characters. During a recent meeting with investors, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata discussed the topic. “Countless times, the idea of a theme park has been debated and discussed, and there have been rumors in various forms,” Iwata said. “But at the present moment, there are…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 2, 2010 -
The New Pokemon Series’ Name Takes Some Liberties
The current Pocket Monster animated series is called “Pokemon: Diamond and Pearl”. That makes sense as that’s what the games based on it are called. The name of the new series? Later this year, Nintendo will release the next generation of Pokemon games, Pokemon: Black & White. A new generation of Pokemon means a new…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 2, 2010 -
It’s Dangerous To Go Alone… Take These Condoms
Ben Marsh’s Play Condoms packaging, which aims to “create a desire to purchase the product for aesthetic reasons, rather than the necessity of condoms,” promoting safe sex. Make sure to read the NSFW instruction manual. Seen via TinyCartridge
By Michael McWhertor Published July 1, 2010 -
The Super Smash Bros. Secret That Took 7 Years To Unlock
Seven years and seven million copies later, a previously unplayable Super Smash Bros. Melee character was made playable, a glitch that sounds like schoolyard myth but has since been proven to be fact. For the hardcore Super Smash Bros. player that may not already know that the game’s boss, Master Hand, is a playable character,…
By Michael McWhertor Published July 1, 2010 -
Dragon Quest Creator Launches Sentinels Of The Starry Skies In New York
Celebrate the launch of Dragon Quest IX: Sentinel of the Starry Skies next weekend in New York City, with a Nintendo party in Rockefeller Center featuring the creator of the Dragon Quest series, Yuji Horii. Dragon Quest IX was a big release for Square Enix in Japan, and now it’s a big release for Nintendo…
By Mike Fahey Published July 1, 2010 -
Why Isn’t There A Big Nintendo Sign In Kyoto?
Kyoto is not only rich in Japanese history. It is also rich in video game history. The prefecture is home to Nintendo. But you wouldn’t know that if you visited. So why not put a display on the headquarters for all to see? The question was put to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata at a recent…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 1, 2010 -
The 2010 Club Nintendo’s Members-Only Rewards Are…
Did you remember to register for Gold and Platinum membership status for Club Nintendo? Kotaku had a public service announcement and everything. If you did remember, here’s what you get: Platinum members receive this statue. Pat yourself on the back, you’re awesome! And Gold members get this. A calendar. Thanks to everybody who sent this…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 1, 2010 -
Sony: Nintendo, Let’s Work Together!
Sony and Nintendo may be mortal enemies in many regards, but there’s one area the two should be working together: 3D. At least, that’s what Sony Worldwide Studios boss Shuhei Yoshida reckons. “I have hope that they have a broader perspective with 3D,” he told IGN. “When you listen to what they are saying about…
By Luke Plunkett Published July 1, 2010 -
Will Nintendo Release Its Games On, Say, Apple Hardware?
During a Q&A session during a recent investors meeting, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata was asked whether or not Nintendo will be releasing its games on hardware produced by other companies. “Nintendo’s software and hardware are the same thing,” he replied. “Other companies don’t share Nintendo’s values or traditions when it comes to creating devices. We…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 1, 2010 -
Super Nintendo’s Celebratory T-Shirt
Japanese shirtsmiths King of Games are celebrating their 8th birthday. Happy birthday! To celebrate, they present you with this cheery Super Nintendo t-shirt. The Super Nintendo is a rare instance I, as a PAL gamer, feel sorry for Americans. Grey and purple are so drab compared to the chipper colour scheme used in the Japanese…
By Luke Plunkett Published July 1, 2010 -
Let’s Guess Mario Creator’s New Game!
Shigeru Miyamoto has created a plethora of game characters and games. Many of his ideas come from his hobbies. He has expressed his desire in making an all-new character. That could mean an all new game. But what? Miyamoto’s game design M.O. is often based on his hobbies. He takes up gardening and makes Pikmin.…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 1, 2010 -
You Should Know One of These Boy Band Members
If you like Clint Eastwood movies, that is. Nintendo has repeatedly roped in Japanese boy band Arashi, which means “storm” in Japanese, to promote its games. The band appeared in television ads for Super Mario Kart Wii, Super Mario Bros. Wii, Super Mario Galaxy 2 and more recently Wii Party Wii Party is Nintendo’s forthcoming…
By Brian Ashcraft Published July 1, 2010 -
The Nintendo Love Tester Was More Than A Vitality Sensor
Nintendo hasn’t always made video games. It’s over 100 years old, and in that time has made stuff like cards and children’s toys. Oh, and also love testers, like this one, designed by the man who created the Game Boy. In 1969, Gunpei Yokoi – who has Game & Watch, the Game Boy and Metroid…
By Luke Plunkett Published July 1, 2010 -
Report: Mario Creator Wants To Develop An All-New Character, Get Pikmin 3 Done Quickly
A new 3D take on Super Mario World may not be the only thing on Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto’s mind these days. Nintendo’s famous game designer may also have plans for an all-new character and a sooner-than-you-think Pikmin sequel. Miyamoto reportedly said that, since it’s been 10 years since his last original character creation, Captain…
By Michael McWhertor Published June 30, 2010 -
Club Nintendo (of Japan) Rewards Mario Fans With Mario Tees
Another reason to turn green with envy at Club Nintendo of Japan’s member prizes? This new series of customizable Super Mario Bros. tees, only available to the serious (and in good standing) Nintendo super fan. Nintendo will be giving these Mario-themed tees to Japanese Club Nintendo faithful this year for a pittance. Just 600 points.…
By Michael McWhertor Published June 30, 2010