Nintendo

Video games

New Details About the Wii U: No DVDs, One Controller at a Time

We went a little gaga over the Wii U after it debuted at the E3 conference last week, but new details are emerging about what the console is really capable of.

We went a little gaga over the Wii U after it debuted at the E3 conference last week, but new details are emerging about what the console is really capable of. Some of which will be music to gamers ears, and others . . . well, let's just say it may not make an upgrade worthwhile. Check out some of the new facts below.

  • It won't play DVDs or Blu-Rays — Nintendo's president recently confirmed that there will be no DVD or Blu-ray playback for the Wii U, stating that "enough people already have devices that are capable of playing" those formats while listing cost as another roadblock.
  • But it will be 1080p HD — Thankfully, the Wii U will be light years ahead of the old console, thanks to a better processing chip that will allow HD 1080p viewing.
  • It will connect with social networks — No word yet on exactly how the Wii U will connect with sites like Twitter and Facebook, but Nintendo admits that there are no two ways about it — the Wii U will be a social experience.
  • Only supports one Wii U controller — Though you can play the multitude of party games that are made for the Wii system with your friends, the Wii U can only support one Wii U controller at a time. Looks like you'll have to keep passing that touchscreen to the left-hand side. Share and share alike!
Video games

Adorable: Robin Williams Waxes Poetic About Zelda

I'm a fan of funnyman Robin Williams, but add in the fact that he's a big gamer, and named his daughter after the classic Zelda franchise?

I'm a fan of funnyman Robin Williams, but add in the fact that he's a big gamer, and named his daughter after the classic Zelda franchise? Magic. Check out Nintendo's latest spot for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, which stars the bearded comic, his (gorgeous!) daughter, and of course, the game, below. We do wonder though: is that his real house? That's quite a view.

Video games

Here's the Nintendo Wii U Console

We got a look at the new touchscreen controller for Nintendo's new Wii U system, and I finally caught a glimpse of the actual console during the post-media-brief programming.

We got a look at the new touchscreen controller for Nintendo's new Wii U system, and I finally caught a glimpse of the actual console during the post-media-brief programming. It looks very sleek with the rounded edges and possibly smaller than the current Wii console. What do you guys think of the Wii U?

Editor's Pick

Wii U Unveiled at Nintendo's E3 Presentation

The next Wii console is officially called the Wii U and comes with the predicted 6.2-inch touchscreen controller that we reported earlier this week.

The next Wii console is officially called the Wii U and comes with the predicted 6.2-inch touchscreen controller that we reported earlier this week. Designed to get the entire family in on the gaming action, or just yourself, the Wii U can be used with your TV or by itself as a handheld controller. Not only that, the controller can also be used in conjunction with the games you're playing on your set, as a video chatting device, or as an extension of the web. You can even wirelessly move video from your controller to your TV set with a swipe of your finger. Coming in 2012, learn about some other features you can look forward to with the Wii U below, and see more photos here!

  • The Wii U can automatically switch from the TV set to the controller without the need for switching inputs.
  • It comes with two circle pads, control pads, gyroscope, two speakers, microphone, touchscreen, a camera, and trigger buttons.
  • Games are wirelessly transmitted without lag.
  • You can use the Wii U on the TV, on the controller, or both.
  • Use the Wii U to share photos and videos, and browse the web.
  • You can play the new Super Smash Bros. on the Wii U against a 3DS opponent.
  • There will be a New Super Mario Bros. Mii that allows your Mii to play along with Mario.
  • LEGO City Stories, an open world game, will come to the Wii U and 3DS.
rumor mill

Is This the Wii 2 Remote?

Nintendo isn't making its big E3 announcements until tomorrow, but rumor has it that the mockup of the touchscreen-enabled Wii 2 remote (shown below) is quite similar to the real thing.

Nintendo isn't making its big E3 announcements until tomorrow, but rumor has it that the mockup of the touchscreen-enabled Wii 2 remote (shown below) is quite similar to the real thing. A Japanese source says Nintendo's next generation console will be equipped with a remote stocked with a camera and a six-inch touchscreen, which will allow players to use the remote like a tablet. Other rumors indicate that you can use the touchscreen in conjunction with the game you're playing on a bigger screen, or play the game right on the wireless controller.

As for the official name of the next Wii? Most of us are calling it Wii 2, but new reports indicate Nintendo could just eliminate all the fuss and simply call it Nintendo.

Video games

Hold On to Your Tanooki Suits: Super Mario 3DS Making Appearance at E3

Ever since the Nintendo 3DS hit the streets, I've been itching for a new Mario game to play.

Ever since the Nintendo 3DS hit the streets, I've been itching for a new Mario game to play. Turns out, there's a brand new one on the horizon that will make its first appearance at E3 this June.

According to Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto, Super Mario 3DS (which will launch sometime this year) will be like a combination of Super Mario Galaxy and the N64 version of Super Mario, but it will be much easier to play thanks to the 3D nature of the portable console. "For example, the floors floating in space: in 2D it’s difficult to judge the distance, but in 3D it’s really easy." I'm so excited to get my hands on it. Look for more details to come!

Video games

New Obsession: Nintendo 3DS Street Pass

Nintendo knew what they were doing when it included the Street Pass feature in the new 3DS.

Nintendo knew what they were doing when it included the Street Pass feature in the new 3DS. What is Street Pass, you ask? Well, your 3DS comes with the ability to broadcast and receive Mii characters from other 3DS users as you pass each other on the street, in the grocery store, or in my case this weekend, at WonderCon, when communication is activated. Information shared includes your Mii's look, a custom message, and the last game you played on your 3DS. You're notified when you've collected a new character by the illuminated green light on the top of your console.

As you gather Miis, they gather in your Mii Plaza where you'll have the ability to play new RPG-style games with them and collect pieces to complete special puzzles. It's incredibly fun, and ensures that you'll want to take your 3DS with you wherever you go. I collected almost 50 Mii characters in the three days I attended WonderCon, and I'm kinda obsessed with getting more. Have you activated Street Pass on your 3DS yet?

Poll

Did You Buy a Nintendo 3DS Yesterday?

The Nintendo 3DS officially went on sale yesterday, and while there were huge launch parties in both LA and NYC, people lined up for hours to attend midnight launches all across the country.

The Nintendo 3DS officially went on sale yesterday, and while there were huge launch parties in both LA and NYC, people lined up for hours to attend midnight launches all across the country. The next generation DS is totally addictive (as usual), and I can't wait for more 3D-ready games to hit the market.

Did you join in the fun and buy a Nintendo 3DS yesterday?

News

Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Nintendo 3DS

It's almost time — the Nintendo 3DS launches this weekend!

It's almost time — the Nintendo 3DS launches this weekend! I've had a few days to get to know the unit, and while I'm admittedly a Nintendo kind of gal, it's definitely exceeded my expectations with this console. Find out more about it below!

Price and Availability
The new Nintendo 3DS will hit stores this Sunday, March 27 for $250.

Trade-Ins and Credits
Want to trade up for the newest version? Here's what you need to know:

  • Walmart — Starting this Sunday, you can trade in a used Nintendo DS model for up to a $100 credit toward the 3DS at authorized Walmart locations.
  • Target — Starting on Sunday, you can trade in any used Nintendo DS system for up to $50 in credit toward the purchase of a 3DS, or any other purchase in Target stores.
  • GameStop — Trade in your used Nintendo DSi XL for $100 in reservation credits, your DSi for $75, and your DS for $50 to put toward the purchase of a new 3DS.

Find out more about the games, the 3D quality, and whether or not you should buy after the break.