Today's Special Archives: June 2006

News Archives Index Happy Birthday, Will [ GameCube Café ] Our general rule of thumb here at GameCube Café is that if we can't pronounce your name then we will not hire you. To this day, we still have no freaking idea how to pronounce Will's last name. However, I am glad we made an exception to this rule for Will. He has proven time and time again that he is the most dedicated writer we have on staff; always getting his articles written and turned in on time. We wish you a happy birthday Will and hopefully you will get to join us next year at E3 2007. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 27 2006 20:09 PM [Top] Happy Birthday, AJ! [ GameCube Café ] On June 25, 1984, his mother was screaming in pain as a deranged devil-child spurned forth its unholy head from its mother's womb. Now, twenty-two years to the day later, he stands among us as one of nature's most horrid crimes. But that's ok, because AJ Henderson has been an integral part of this site and its inner workings for years, and without him things would have fallen apart long ago. I've known AJ since middle school, and count him among my oldest and geekiest of friends. Our irreplacable IT director, AJ is responsible for most of what you see every day on the site from a technical aspect, and his contriubtions, though widely unseen, are what holds this place together (exept for one faux pas a few weeks ago...you know what I mean, AJ). If you want to wish Mr. Henderson a happy 22, hop into the forums or chatroom and drop a line. Happy birthday, mang! Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Sunday, June 25 2006 22:17 PM [Top] Super Paper Mario Logo [ Nintendo ] The newest chapter of the Paper Mario story isn't just out of this world … it's out of this dimension. What at first glance appears to be a 2-D sidescroller ripped straight from the pages of the Paper Mario universe soon turns into a 3-D action-adventure that defies all video game logic. Fusing 2-D and 3-D perspectives, not to mention RPG and platformer elements, the game slips back and forth between dimensions. The action sprawls across eight worlds filled with traps, puzzles, bizarre mysteries and items that often draw themselves out of thin air. Oh, and just because Mario's in the title doesn't mean he's the only star – players also get to play as Peach and Bowser. Images: Super Paper Mario Logo Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 22:14 PM [Top] Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Blue and Red Boxarts and Logos [ Nintendo ] One day the player awakens to find that he or she has been turned into a Pokémon. The land is being ravaged by natural disasters so the player decides to form a rescue team with a partner Pokémon. The player can interact with many different Pokémon on various missions while trying to uncover their true purpose and destiny. An engrossing story of adventure, redemption and, most of all, friendship. Images: Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team Logo Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Blue Rescue Team Boxart Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team Logo Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team Boxart Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 22:13 PM [Top] Star Fox Command Logo [ Nintendo ] Star Fox returns to its roots with a blistering space shooter on the Nintendo DS. Lylat needs help. Players hop into their Arwing fighter and fight through a unique branching storyline of missions, all rendered in gorgeous 3-D. Star Fox Command brings a whole new strategic element to the series with a commander's view of the mission. Using the touch screen, players can draw the routes they and their teammates will take, then battle the enemies they encounter as they take over bases and strategically advance across the map. Players can blow their friends out of the sky as they dogfight with up to eight players over a local wireless connection or take on up to four players from around the world on Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Images: Star Fox Command Logo Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 22:10 PM [Top] Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Boxart and Logo [ Nintendo ] It seems folks love those Mini Mario toys. So much so that the Mario Toy Company has expanded the line to include Mini Donkey Kong, Mini Toad and Mini Peach figures to the series. With all these toys bringing him more money than he knows what to do with, Mario decides to fulfill his lifelong dream and open a theme park called Super Mini Mario World. The opening-day crowd includes Pauline and Donkey Kong, who immediately falls head over heels for the lovely lass. The proud ape tries to show off his Mini DK toy to Pauline, but she picks the Mini Mario toy over his and the jealous Donkey Kong becomes enraged. He smashes the displays, destroys the toys and takes Pauline to the top floor of the amusement park. Players must find Pauline and save the day. Images: Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Logo Mario vs Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis Boxart Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 22:08 PM [Top] Clubhouse Games Boxart and Logo [ Nintendo ] It's game night and everyone's invited. Play more than 20 classic board, card and party games alone or with friends. With familiar favorites like checkers, darts and poker, Clubhouse Games will appeal to everyone from kids to adults. Video game newcomers will appreciate the easy-to-use interface, while card game novices will appreciate each game's rules section. Players can challenge up to seven friends with one game card via Multi-Card Play or DS Download Play. Can't play checkers without shouting “KING ME!” across the table? The in-game (PictoChat™-like) feature takes table talk to a new level. There's no need to lug around cards or boards when you want to play a quick game. Clubhouse Games is one-stop gaming that will appeal to everyone's tastes, whether they're in the mood for bowling, backgammon, bridge or billiards. Clubhouse Games is part of Nintendo's Touch Generations library, which includes uniquely engaging titles that have appeal beyond core gamers. Images: Clubhouse Games Logo Clubhouse Games Boxart Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 22:06 PM [Top] EA Officially Announces Need for Speed: Carbon [ Electronic Arts ] The biggest racing franchise of the last few years returns once again this year with the latest in the long-running Need for Speed franchise, Need for Speed: Carbon. Combining the most popular features from previous installments like Need for Speed: Underground and Need for Speed: Most Wanted, Need for Speed: Carbon will include classic street-racing modes, Pursuit modes, and the new "Canyon Racing" mode where players race through the high-speed curves of Carbon Canyon. The game will also make use of a revolutionary new "Autosculpt" system, with the purpose of tweaking vehicles to the player's exact specifications. The game will be hitting stores this fall for all current Nintendo platforms: GameCube, GBA, and Nintendo DS. And lo and behold, it'll hit stores for the Nintendo Wii as well, so you can expect it'll be a launch title for Nintendo's latest console. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 20:24 PM [Top] New Super Mario Bros. Hits Half A Million [ Nintendo ] After just 35 days on store shelves, New Super Mario Bros. for Nintendo DS has racked up sales in excess of one half million in the United States alone. That's a sell-through rate of more than 20 every minute since the game went on sale May 15. New Super Mario Bros. marks a new adventure for Mario, the most popular video game character in history. The classic feel of the game attracts newcomers and old-school fans alike, and the gaming press has universally praised New Super Mario Bros. as a near-perfect video game. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 20:03 PM [Top] DS to Surf the Web in July [ Nintendo of Japan ] Nintendo has officially announced that its upcoming web browser for the Nintendo DS, made in conjunction with Opera, will be released on July 24th. The browser will retail on a standard DS game card for 3,800 yen ($33), a bit more than the price of a standard DS game. Ironically enough, the device will only be available online through Nintendo, which seems a bit counterproductive. But I digress. No word yet on a US release, although Nintendo was eager to show off the browser at E3, and confirmed web browsing capability built into the Nintendo Wii. We'll keep you posted. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 1:35 AM [Top] View Nintendo's Corporate Briefing [ IR Webcasting ] Recently, Nintendo held a press conference in Japan discussing the future of the company, the Nintendo Wii, the Nintendo DS, and the planned expansion of gaming. You can check out the video above, featuring such Nintendo luminaries as president Satoru Iwata and the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, among others. It's a bit long at close to an hour and a half, but it features some good stuff, including the first look in motion of Pokémon: Battle Revolution for the Wii. Check it out by clicking the source link. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 22 2006 1:25 AM [Top] More Wii Info in Nintendo Power [ Nintendo Power ] The latest Nintendo Power has come through with some more info on Nintendo's showing at E3 2006, and with it are a few nuggets of info regarding what lies in store for the Nintendo Wii. Here are some for your reading pleasure: - Wii Sports will be split into two games: Wii Sports and Wii Motorsports. Wii Sports will arrive at launch and will feature Golf, Tennis, and Baseball. All of these games will be far more fleshed-out than the demos shown at E3, featuring things like full courses for Golf and actual pitching and baserunning motions for Baseball. There could potentially be more games beyond the first three as well. Wii Motorsports will feature Airplane, as well as other racing-styled games, of which the magazine mentions a Wave Race-like game is likely. A face editor will also be included in the game, as hinted at by Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto. - Developer Suda 51, the man behind such games as Killer7 for the GameCube and Contact for the Nintendo DS, is working on a game in conjunction with developer Spike entitled "Heroes". - The magazine confirmed 6 of the 20 games that will be official for the Wii's launch: Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Metroid Prime 3 Corruption, Red Steel, Dragon Quest, Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz and Rayman Raving Rabbids. Stay tuned for more on the Wii as we approach the Q4 launch. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 21 2006 1:23 AM [Top] Kirby DS Renamed [ Nintendo Power ] Nintendo Power has come out with their yearly showing of everything Nintendo at E3, and has come out with some new info on several games to boot. One of those is Kirby DS, the first traditional Kirby side-scroller for the Nintendo DS, whihc now has an official name: Kirby: Squeak Squad. The game will allow Kirby to eat multiple enemies to steal their powers, as well as mix powers using the touch screen to create all-new unique combinations. Kirby will do battle in the game with the Squeak Squad: new enemies that have stolen Kirby's lunch...and he ain't happy. You can check out our video of the game by smacking Samus in the face, or just buy our E3 2006 DVD. Kirby: Squeak Squad will be released for the Nintendo DS later this year. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 20 2006 23:39 PM [Top] NEC to Provide Wii DRAM Memory [ NEC ] NEC Electronics today announced that Nintendo has selected NEC Electronics' 90-nanometer CMOS-compatible embedded DRAM (eDRAM) technology for Wii, its innovative new video game console. Designed to provide advanced graphics functions for this new gaming platform, the new system LSI chips with eDRAM will be manufactured using advanced technologies on NEC Yamagata's 300-millimeter production lines. Nintendo used the same technology in the GameCube. NEC Electronics selected MoSys as the DRAM macro design partner for the Wii devices because MoSys is experienced in implementing 1T-SRAM macros on NEC Electronics' eDRAM process. MoSys designed the circuits and layout of high-speed 1T-SRAM macros on NEC Electronics' 90 nm CMOS-compatible eDRAM technology. The adoption of these eDRAM ASICs for Nintendo's new game console is a clear vote of confidence in NEC Electronics' eDRAM technology. The company is committed to delivering more value-added features to spur the adoption of its CMOS-compatible eDRAM solutions across a wide range of applications. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, June 19 2006 22:30 PM [Top] MoSys Officially Providing Wii's Memory [ MoSys ] MoSys, Inc., the industry's leading provider of high-density system-on-chip (SoC) embedded memory solutions, today announced that Nintendo's upcoming Wii video game console uses MoSys' patented 1T-SRAM technology to implement the very high performance memory within the Wii console's graphics system. This is the latest result from the more than six-years-long technical collaboration between the two companies. Previous generations of MoSys' 1T-SRAM technology were incorporated in Nintendo's earlier game console, the Nintendo GameCube, in 1999, and shipped in multi-million quantities. The newest 1T-SRAM implementations embedded within the Wii console are fabricated using NEC Electronics' advanced 90nm CMOS-compatible embedded DRAM process technology. These high speed and ultra low latency memories are used as the main embedded memory on the graphics chip and in an additional external memory chip. "We are pleased that Nintendo has again chosen our 1T-SRAM to power their latest generation game console," said Chet Silvestri, chief executive officer at MoSys, Inc. "Designing the Wii console required an incredible list of breakthroughs in technology and innovation. The performance delivered by MoSys' 1T-SRAM technology is an important element of our solution," said Genyo Takeda, Senior Managing Director, General Manager, Integrated Research & Development Division at Nintendo. "The graphic performance of Wii benefits from MoSys' ability to develop highly innovative and dependable embedded memory products." Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, June 19 2006 22:23 PM [Top] Asterix and Obelix Come to DS [ Atari ] Atari announced today that Asterix and Obelix XXL 2 is currently in development for the Nintendo DS by Mistic Software. Asterix and Obelix XXL 2 for the DS takes advantage of the unique capabilities of the console while staying rooted in the same great tradition of parody that runs throughout the stories of Asterix and his friends. The version for Nintendo DS takes the story and gives it a shake with use of the stylus and touch screen so cunning that even the druid Getafix would be impressed. A number of hectic mini-games are incorporated into the central game to get that stylus moving, while the addition of two Wi-Fi multiplayer games gives players an extra burst of magic potion-fuelled Gallic mayhem. The game is scheduled to release in Europe this November. Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, June 18 2006 22:16 PM [Top] Wii Gets Some High Voltage [ Gamasutra ] In an interview with Gamasutra, Eric Nofsinger, head of High Voltage Software, confirmed that he and his team are hard at work on games for the Nintendo Wii. The developer of such games as Leisure Suit Larry: Magna Cum Laude, The Grim Adventures of Billy & Mandy, and the Family Guy game has announced in an interview that they are cooking up some stuff for Nintendo's latest console, and had some kind words to say about it as well. “The Wii controller is so cool,” says Nofsinger. “I love this thing...It’s been an incredible design challenge. Some of the unannounced stuff we’ve been working on for Wii…it’s been very challenging. You know, ‘How do you do a fighter on this, how do you do a platformer on this?’”. He does have high hopes, however, as he picks the Wii as his winner in the console wars to come. “You can do interesting stuff. But some of the actual base, traditional games are incredibly challenging. I think as far as a next-gen system, of any of the ones we’re working on, this is the one my money’s on. I hope it comes out on top, I really do.” Chalk up another one for Nintendo's little box. Hope to see some games soon. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 17 2006 2:52 AM [Top] Game & Watch Collection Announced for DS [ Nintendo of Japan ] Yes folks, it looks like the most classic of classic Nintendo games is finally making a return on the Nintendo DS. The Game & Watch games, Nintendo's first foray into gaming with simple LCD titles, are making their way onto the Nintendo DS with Game & Watch Collection, which will feature an assortment of the classic "dual-screened" G&W titles which bare a striking resemblance to the DS console of today. Now for the bad news. The game is looking already to be extremely rare, as it will (for now) only be available in Japan, and only to members of Club Nintendo, Nintendo's official membership club. In other words, a US release is doubtful, if that. But hey, keep sending those emails, and you never know. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 16 2006 13:51 PM [Top] Wii Remote Still Unfinished? [ Famitsu ] In an interview with gaming magazine Famitsu, Nintendo's legendary Shigeru Miyamoto has once again drawn out the anger of the fanboy community by claiming that the cornerstone controller of the Nintendo Wii is still not finished. Miyamoto stated that the company is still debating certain things about the Wiimote, such as the number of buttons. However, he was relieved that the Wii had such a strong, award-winning showing at E3, because of some fellow designers' worries about the console. Miyamoto hopes that when people buy the Wii, they'll use it every day, just like a television. He also states that, similar to the Pictochat function built into the DS, the Wii will have functionality out of the box as well, although he did not clarify exactly what. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 16 2006 13:13 PM [Top] Mega Man Battle Network 7 Set for DS [ CoroCoro Comics ] The latest issue of CoroCoro Comics reveals that another popular Game Boy Advance franchise is making its way to the DS. The Mega Man Battle Network series has been a staple of the GBA release lineup every year, and has already seen an appearance on the DS console with Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team. However, this will be the first original game made from the ground up for the DS, and will apparently feature a new player character (not Lan), with a new NetNavi (Not Mega Man). 3D gameplay is in the works, being a first for the series, as well as touch-screen features and wireless multiplayer options. Check out the first scans of Mega Man Battle Network 7 below. The game should hit stores in Japan later this year, and release in the US sometime in 2007. Images: Mega Man Battle Network 7 Scan 1 Mega Man Battle Network 7 Scan 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 15 2006 8:00 AM [Top] First Screens of Call of Duty 3 for Wii [ EGM ] The latest issue of Electronic Gaming Monthly features a look at the upcoming Call of Duty 3, being made exclusively for next-gen consoles, and also gives us our very first look at the specially-designed version being made for the Nintendo Wii. Although it lacks the graphical prowess of the versions being made for the Xbox 360 and PS3, it still looks rather nice. Also, as expected, you'll be able to use the Wii-Mote in a way similar to games like Red Steel and Metroid Prime 3, as you simply move the controller to move the targeting cursor and fire. Call of Duty 3 will be a launch title for the Wii, meaning it will hit stores in Q4 this year. Images: First Screens of Call of Duty 3 for Wii Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 15 2006 7:51 AM [Top] DS Lite and New Super Mario Bros. Dominate [ Nintendo ] Unsurprisingly, it's looking like the DS Lite is a success. Just two days after it went on sale in the United States on June 11, the new lighter, brighter portable system sold more than 136,500 units, with many retail outlets reporting sellouts. By comparison, DS Lite is outpacing 2003's launch sales of Nintendo's juggernaut Game Boy Advance SP by more than 12 percent. Major retailers report that sales of Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day tripled over the previous week. Retailers also report that New Super Mario Bros. sales doubled over the previous week. After going on sale May 15, New Super Mario Bros. sold at a nonstop rate of roughly one every four seconds nationwide during the reporting period. New Super Mario Bros. emerged as the No. 1 game of the month, even though it was in stores for just 13 days of the four-week reporting period. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 14 2006 22:19 PM [Top] Want to be a General Manager in Football? Play Madden [ SI ] That would have to be the only way to make me play Madden, but I digress. Sports Illustrated is running a column of sorts about how video games such as Madden help general managers. Using video games to train for specific things isn't a new concept, but it is interesting read. I did like the one coach who gave his team play reps on PlayStation memory cards to take home. Definitely check it out. Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, June 14 2006 20:56 PM [Top] Nibris Updates on ROtR Again [ Nibris ] To go along with yesterday's release on the game's scenario, Nibris has given us some new info on how Raid Over the River DS will be controlled and played. After information about the scenario of the game Raid Over the River NIBRIS reveals some further details of the game itself. Raid Over the River offers six extensive campaigns, taking place in different time dimensions: from ancient Greece, through Europe of WWII, Soviet Russia of the Cold War, present United States, to Germany of 2018 and Japan of unspecified future. Each campaign has a vehicle which fits the surroundings in which we are going to fight, along with a rich weaponry at hand – from core ammunition, sonic blasters to plasma cannons. Of course there are also going to be special attacks, such as help from the wingmen, intelligent missiles, particle blasters, gravity bombs, or laser attack from a satellite. A system of dodges allows the vehicle to be much more maneuvrable than in other games of this type. It is not only going to be moving in one dimension but also rotation, nose-diving, barrel-rolls – all of these will allow us to control precisely what we want our vehicle to do, and save us from being shot down by an enemy. Apart from that, nose-diving will be also useful during missions with precise bombings of ground objects. Additionally, each of the vehicles is going to be fitted with one special move enabling it to dodge hostile fire or increase its fire-power. The innovative system of special attacks will take advantage of a touch screen and microphone offered by DS and the convenient and intuitive controlling system will make the piloting very natural after a few moments of play. Of course, the configuration of the buttons will be under full control of the player and the voice commands will be the optional method for launching special attacks. The game is planned to have several modes of play, as well. The single player campaign will include a story mode, arcade mode, and dogfight and survival modes. Multiplayer will include a co-op mode, "The Raid," "Raid over the Galaxy," and a special mode. What these modes actually are is anybody's guess, but Nibris is promising at least 10 hours of continuous play for the single player campaign alone. Look for Raid Over the River DS to hit next year, followed by a Wii version. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Wednesday, June 14 2006 11:53 AM [Top] New Info on Raid Over the River DS [ Nibris ] So, Polish developer Nibris has released some new info on their upcoming DS game Raid Over the River, a vertical shooter and the first in a series (the second is set to hit the Wii). The title is going to change the current image of vertical shooters as meaningless arcade games which only tests the speed of player’s fingers. It is a game which, through relation to the classics, innovative original solutions, and extensive storyline is going to make playing it a one of a kind experience, according to Marek Okoń, ROTR DS game designer. Considering the genre of the game, the scenario is really extensive with the story taking place throughout almost 3000 years; spreading over 6 dimensions related to Earth and putting the characters before choices, consequences of which we will have to bear. The game begins in Peru, where archaeologists discover an artifact of unknown origins, which enables a unique form of time travel - it uses the Deutsch-Everett theory which states that one cannot travel along one's own timeline, but we can view Earth from different dimensions and observe the history of that world. Taking the role of agent Carrie Collins, a pilot in an air strike response group called TARPA (Temporal Advance Research Projects Agency), players must deal with a tunnel opening and the emergence of scouts from another dimension. During gameplay, you must carry out orders, make unexpected alliances, and make decisions that will alter the fate of humanity, in this an all dimensions. The game is set to release in the first half of 2007, with the Wii version to follow. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, June 13 2006 23:05 PM [Top] New Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screens [ Activision ] For the first time ever, Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam lets players experience the breakneck speed of downhill skateboard racing as they tear up the steepest terrains in the world while performing tricks and outmaneuvering opponents in locations such as the crowded streets of San Francisco and rocky terrain of Machu Picchu. Developed exclusively for Nintendo consoles, gamers utilize an innovative and intuitive control system as they take on the role of Tony Hawk or one of nine characters and compete in specific time-based challenges in one of three gameplay modes including race, trick and slalom. Gamers can also challenge friends in head-to-head competitions as they pull off a variety of high-velocity stunts and crashes in living, populated environments filled with cars, pedestrians and buildings. Check out the latest screens of the DS version of the game below, and watch for the game to hit stores this fall. Images: Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 1 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 2 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 3 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 4 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 5 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 6 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 7 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 8 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 9 Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam (DS) Screenshot 10 Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 13 2006 16:28 PM [Top] New Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailer [ GameCube Café ] These bunnies are mischievous, insane and completely out of control. But what makes them tick? What are their strengths and weaknesses? In the sense of world events, this first in the ongoing series of useful scientific facts takes a look at their athletic prowess…particularly to that of Soccer. Could these mischievous bunnies dominate the World Cup? Based on this video…it’s not likely. Through the coming months we will continue to explore what these devious bunnies are really all about. Pay attention, maybe even keep a list. These facts may prove very useful to Rayman as he fights to save his world from these raving rabbids! Check out the first in a series of trailers for the latest Rayman game below. Rayman: Raving Rabbids will be released at launch for the Nintendo Wii, and will also be released for the GCN, GBA, and DS as well. Video: Rayman: Raving Rabbids Trailer (6.4 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 13 2006 14:41 PM [Top] Wii Drops Before PS3? [ IGN Wii ] IGN is reporting, through sources, that Nintendo will launch their upcoming console, the Wii, before November 11th: the date that Sony's PlayStation 3 lands in stores. Nintendo has previously stated the console will launch in Q4 2006, meaning any time between October and December, meaning Nintendo would need to launch the console in October (or the first week of November) in order to beat the PS3 to market. Nintendo of America's president, Reginald Fils-Aime, has stated previously that the Wii would not be beaten to the market by the PS3, so this would go in line with Nintendo's claims. It would also put heavy pressure on the PlayStation 3, which, while sporting far superior graphics and features to the Wii, will also cost at least twice as much, and that's just the low-end version. More as it breaks as we wait for Nintendo to give official word on when the Wii will hit retail, and what it will retail for. Eric Jones -- Posted on Monday, June 12 2006 23:47 PM [Top] Famitsu Scans for Upcoming Nintendo Titles [ Famtisu ] We have obtained some scans from the latest issue of Famitsu which reveals new images for several upcoming Nintendo titles. These include Super Paper Mario, Donkey Kong Bongo Blast, Star Fox Command, Mario Hoops 3-on-3, Super Swing Golf Pangya, and Naruto RPG 3. Check 'em out below. Images: Super Paper Mario Famitsu Scan Donkey Kong Bongo Blast Famitsu Scan Star Fox Command Famitsu Scan Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Famitsu Scan Super Swing Golf Pangya Famitsu Scan 1 Super Swing Golf Pangya Famitsu Scan 2 Super Swing Golf Pangya Famitsu Scan 3 Naruto RPG 3 Famitsu Scan 1 Naruto RPG 3 Famitsu Scan 2 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 10 2006 22:59 PM [Top] Bleach for Wii Revealed [ Famitsu ] The latest issue of Famitsu reveals the first screenshots for the first game based on the popular anime and manga series Bleach for the Nintendo Wii. According to the scan, the game will make use of the Wii-mote in a unique way, but it does not specify exactly how. Check out the scan revealing the game below. Images: Bleach Wii Famitsu Scan Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 10 2006 22:47 PM [Top] Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Revealed for DS [ Famitsu ] The latest issue of Famitsu has revealed the latest installment in the legendary Dragon Quest RPG series will be making its way to the Nintendo DS with Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker. The game will be in full 3D and appears to feature character designs by Dragon Quest designer Akira Toriyama, also known for the Dragon Ball anime series. The Dragon Quest Monsters series has been, in previous installment, very similar to the Pokémon series with the collecting and training of monsters, so it's expected this one will be no different. The scan also reveals that the game will make use of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection online play. Check out the scan of the game from the latest issue of Famitsu below. Images: Dragon Quest Monsters: Joker Famitsu Scan Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 10 2006 22:27 PM [Top] Monopoly Goes Nintendo [ USAopoly ] Watch out Mario brothers! Run for cover Donkey Kong! Fans of Nintendo video games will be battling it out for sweet revenge when they play the new Monopoly: Nintendo Collector's Edition. This highly anticipated game features characters from seven of Nintendo's most popular game franchises like Super Mario Brothers, Donkey Kong, Metroid and The Legend of Zelda. Nintendo fans will enjoy the ultimate challenge of trying to outsmart their opponents as they buy trade and sell their favorite video game icons in hopes of owning it all in the Nintendo universe! Featuring timeless characters like Mario, Yoshi, Kirby and Star Fox, fans can enjoy the thrill of deal making, risk taking and owning it all in the Nintendo video game world. All components for MONOPOLY: Nintendo Collector's Edition are customized for the ultimate Nintendo fan. The game features collectible pewter tokens such as Mario Hat, Koopa Shell, Donkey Kong Barrel, Hylian Shield, NES Controller and Link's Metal Boots. Let the play begin! Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 10 2006 15:23 PM [Top] Take-Two Set to Work on Wii? [ Take-Two Interactive ] Take-Two, one of the world's biggest developers, has announced initial plans to support the Nintendo Wii after it's strong E3 showing. In a conference call, Take-Two president and CEO Paul Eibeler was confident about Nintendo's next-gen console. Said Eibeler, "The positive for us is that we haven't been a big player on the Nintendo platform. The reception that [Wii] received at the E3 show is one that makes us take a real strong look at it. As we grow our sports business, there are opportunities with our sports games to extend them to the Wii system, particularly if you look at baseball, where we have an exclusive arrangement, as well as some of the other sports games that would play extremely well on the Wii product." Eibeler also stated that many of the upcoming releases of the 2KGames brand would be possible for Wii as well. Stay tuned for more as Take-Two reveals their plans for the console. Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 10 2006 15:13 PM [Top] Buy our E3 DVD, Win a Wii [ GCCafé E3 DVD ] We sold over 800 copies of our E3 2005 DVD last year! If by the time the Wii launches we have THREE HUNDRED (300) units sold of our 2006 DVD we will randomly give away a brand new Wii to one of the people who bought the DVD. Furthermore, for every hundred over three hundred we sell before the launch we will give away an additional Wii. We are already well on our way to sell way over three hundred copies by the launch of the Wii, so here is your chance to see Nintendo's new console up close and personal on our E3 DVD AND get the chance to win one. You will always be able to get to our eBay listing of the DVD by clicking the link above! Matthew Silver -- Posted on Friday, June 9 2006 8:18 AM [Top] Konductra Announced for DS [ O~3 Entertainment ] O~3 Entertainment today announced that “Konductra", a fast-paced puzzle game for the Nintendo DS, is scheduled to launch later this month. Featuring four different gameplay modes, “Konductra" is a touch-based puzzle game where players match colored tiles, create patterns, and work to block opponent’s lines. Taking full advantage of the wireless connectivity of the DS, “Konductra" allows players to either challenge puzzle masters from around the world using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or go against a neighborhood friend via local wireless LAN. “Konductra" challenges players to create and destroy lines with colored tiles to either earn points or attack an opponent. This unique, but elegant puzzle title offers four game modes, including Task, Score, VS. CPU, and VS. Human. In both versus modes, the objective is to beat the opponent by filling up the rival’s board as quickly as possible by destroying lines on the player’s own board and sending them to the opponent’s board. Gamers destroy lines by matching tiles and using the stylus to trace from like colored conductors running along the four edges of the screen. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 9 2006 1:10 AM [Top] Teen Titans Go for GBA [ Majesco ] The Teen Titans take on their toughest challenge yet, as Majesco Entertainment Company and Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment today announced Teen Titans 2 for Game Boy Advance. The Brotherhood is back and once again it's up to the Teen Titans to stop them from taking over Titan city. Taking the Titans by surprise, the Brain abducts the five teen super heroes and holds them prisoner. Robin manages to escape and find his fellow Titans. Once free, the team sets out to take on the Brotherhood. Play as Robin, Cyborg, Raven, Beast Boy and Starfire in this action-packed sequel to the popular Game Boy Advance game. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 9 2006 1:03 AM [Top] More Details on Tingle RPG Revealed [ Famitsu ] Nintendo surprised pretty much everyone last October when they revealed that everyone's favorite effeminate fairy from the Legend of Zelda series, Tingle, would be getting his own RPG on the Nintendo DS. The latest issue of Famitsu reveals that the game is still on the way, after it was thought to be cancelled to make room for the REAL Zelda adventure for DS, Phantom Hourglass. The game has also been given perhaps the greatest title ever given to a videogame in history: Fresh Tingle's Rose Colored Rupee Land. I'm not joking. The game will be a prequel which tells the origins of Zelda's most love-to-hate character (with perhaps the lone exclusion of Navi), as he comes into contact with the lord of Rupees, Rupeeji. Rupeeji wants Tingle to collect as many rupees as possible, so he changes him into a fairy to do his deeds. The rest of the game is spent collecting rupees and appeasing townspeople. Fresh Tingle's Rose Colored Rupee Land is set to hit stores in Japan sometime later this year. It's doubtful this game will ever come to the US, but odder things have happened. Eric Jones -- Posted on Friday, June 9 2006 0:54 AM [Top] Nintendo Plans DS/Wii Messaging Service? [ IGN Wii ] According to a patent filed by Nintendo, the company could be set to take their Wi-Fi Connection online service to the next level. The patent outlines a messaging service similar in structure to Xbox Live or AOL Instant Messenger, where gamers can see what other players are playing, find out their personal information and favorite games, and even make use of VoIP chat. It's interesting to note, however, that the patent was filed in 2000, and just now officially registered. Also, all illustrations in the patent use the old Nintendo 64 in them. Could this be a forgotten technology applied for by the Big N? Or could Nintendo have something big in mind for their popular online service? Stay tuned. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 8 2006 22:41 PM [Top] Wii Launch Date and Price Announced by September [ Reuters ] While Nintendo already revealed a ton of info today on the Wii's future plans, Nintendo stopped short of revealing the big question: when will the console launch, and for how much? Nintendo president Satoru Iwata did give a timeframe for when the info will be revealed: "By September". Of course, a major gaming even happens in that timeframe, being the Tokyo Game Show. Could Nintendo, who usually does not attend the show, be ready to spill the beans then? Stay tuned as Nintendo makes the info available. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 8 2006 0:29 AM [Top] Nintendo Unlikely to Lose Money on Wii [ Reuters ] Nintendo said on Wednesday it is unlikely to lose much money on the launch of its new Wii video game console, in sharp contrast to rival Sony, which expects a hefty loss on the debut of its PlayStation 3. Sony expects to post a 100 billion yen ($884 million) operating loss at its game division in the current fiscal year due to costs related to the PS3 launch. "We can't promise we won't have even a one-yen loss, but we are not expecting an enormous loss," Nintendo President Satoru Iwata told a news conference. "It is a strange notion that a game console always leads to mounting losses in the beginning. We are working to make the Wii business a healthy one from the first year." Iwata also said Nintendo will increase its production of the DS series, DS and DS Lite, to 2 million to 2.2 million units a month after summer from about 1.6 million as of May. The company plans to introduce DS Lite in the United States on June 11 and in Europe on June 23. He also said it would delay the introduction of a Web browser for DS machines by one month to July and would launch a card with a digital television receiver around this autumn. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, June 7 2006 17:40 PM [Top] Konitiwa [ GameCube Café ] Hello! I'm Justin, a new member of the staff here. I'm currently studying the Japanese language at the University of Pittsburgh. As far as gaming preference, I like most any kind of genre with RPGs as my favorite. I've been interested in video games since I started playing Link's Adventure when I was young. Even after many years my love of gaming has yet to dwindle, especially with new systems coming out soon ^^b. Yorosiku Onegai-simasu ^_^ Justin LaQuay -- Posted on Wednesday, June 7 2006 13:07 PM [Top] Eidos Plans Justice League Games for GBA and DS [ Eidos ] In conjunction with Warner Bros. Interactive, Eidos has announced that it will release two portable versions of the upcoming Justice League Heroes, set for crrent-gen consoles, on two handhelds: the Nintendo DS and GBA. Both will be completely unique games independent from the original title. In Justice League Heroes for the Nintendo DS, players will take on the roles of legendary heroes Superman, Batman, Wonder Woman, and The Flash as they battle evil forces, with assistance from characters like the Green Arrow and Aquaman. The game will be fully stylus-controlled. In Justice League Heroes: The Flash for the Game Boy Advance, players take on the role of everyone's favorite speedster, as he gains the ability to slow down time to really kick some butt. Superman and Wonder Woman will also jump in to assist. Both games will be released later this year. Eric Jones -- Posted on Wednesday, June 7 2006 12:45 PM [Top] New Wii Information, First Look at Pokemon Battle Revolution [ Famitsu ] Famitsu has detailed new information for the Wii from what appears to be a meeting held by Nintendo. New games on the Virtual Console will be around 500-1000 yen ($4.41-$8.82 USD). Nintendo intends to ship four million Wii units in Japan by the year's end, with Pokemon Battle Revolution coming out for the Wii a few months after Diamond and Pearl. Diamond and Pearl will also link up with the new Wii title. Some DS-Wii connectivity was also outlined: The DS can be used as a touchscreen controller, the Wii can be a "DS Station" much like a download kiosk, and some DS games can be expanded via Wii. Nintendo also revelaed some marketing stats for the DS, as well as some new information. The Opera Browser has been delayed a month to July now, and the Oneseg TV Tuner is coming out in autumn for approximately "half the price of the DS hardware." This is of course Japanese information, no word yet for other regions. Pokemon Diamond and Pearl will also have worldwide voicechat. Check out the first screenshot of Pokemon Battle Revolution below. Images: Pokemon Battle Revolution First Screenshot Joe McCollum -- Posted on Wednesday, June 7 2006 11:46 AM [Top] E3 Videos Updated Yet Again [ GCCafé E3 2006 ] I didn't think I was going to be able to get to these tonight but I managed to pull through and get eleven more Nintendo DS exclusive gameplay trailers edited and uploaded for you guys. The videos will remain on the E3 2006 Media page if you want to access them again in the future, but for now they are listed below for convenience. There will be one more update with the last remaining E3 videos probably Friday or Saturday. Videos: Castlevania: Portrait of Ruin Gameplay Trailer (9.2 MB) Children of Mana Gameplay Trailer (11.8 MB) Custom Robo Arena Gameplay Trailer (4.4 MB) DK: King of Swing 2 Gameplay Trailer (5.6 MB) Lunar Knights Gameplay Trailer (6.0 MB) Madden 2007 DS Gameplay Trailer (6.3 MB) Mario Hoops 3-on-3 Gameplay Trailer (5.5 MB) MechAssault: Phantom War Gameplay Trailer (8.0 MB) Mega Man ZX Gameplay Trailer (6.2 MB) Point Blank DS Gameplay Trailer (4.1 MB) Superman Returns DS Gameplay Trailer (4.5 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Wednesday, June 7 2006 0:57 AM [Top] Sega Readies Bleach for the Wii [ Sega of Japan ] Since it's deubt in 2004, Bleach has proven to be one of the most popular animes running in Japan, with its debut in the US soon to come later this year. The series has also gained terrific support in the video game realm as well, with Sega handling numerous titles for the GameCube and Nintendo DS based on the series. Now, it looks like the series is set to jump to Nintendo's new generation, as a teaser image at Sega's site (which you can reach by clicking the source link) reveals a teaser image that confirms a Bleach game is on it's way to the Wii. Sega hasn't revealed any details on the game as of yet, but we will certainly keep you posted. Eric Jones -- Posted on Tuesday, June 6 2006 22:01 PM [Top] E3 Videos Updated [ GCCafé E3 2006 ] This is just the first of many updates for our E3 Media section this week. This one is just a tiny little update of a few Activision trailers; nothing all that fancy. The exclusive DS gameplay videos I promised will be up either late tomorrow night or Wednesday at the latest. As always, you can hit Samus in the face above to get to our E3 Media page or click the source link. The videos added to the page are below for your convenience. Videos: Call of Duty 3 (27.0 MB) Marvel: Ultimate Alliance (23.8 MB) Tony Hawk: Downhill Jam (19.7 MB) Matthew Silver -- Posted on Tuesday, June 6 2006 19:54 PM [Top] Iwata Talks Wii, DS [ Tech-On ] In an interview with Tech-On, Nintendo big-wig Satoru Iwata talked about the Wii controller and DS connectivity, along with some other cool stuff. (On the Wii Controller) "The current design for game controllers was determined by Nintendo, so some of our staff disagreed with changing it. Yet after some hands-on time with the prototypes, we knew we had a working formula. That is why I declared at last year's E3 that revolutionary interfaces will bring change to future games." (On Nintendo's "Blue Ocean" Strategy) "Deviating from tradition is a bold move for anyone. When Nintendo opted for the dual screens for the DS, more people were shaking their heads and wondering what we were thinking, than commending us for the decision. Yet the market turned out favorable to the DS. We had successfully proven that it was possible to expand the market by changing the user interface. I feel that this had led to more people looking upon our new controller favorably." (On Virtual Console) "When creating a packaged game to be priced at 5,000 yen, developers tend to feel the need to create a rich game. Yet it is possible to create a reasonably entertaining game in 2 months with a team of three. Offering such games for 500 (about $4.50) yen over a network could lead to a reasonable number of people purchasing it." (On Nintendo WiiConnect 24) "Let's say your Wii is connected to the Internet in a mode that allows activation on a 24-hour basis. This would allow Nintendo to send monthly promotional demos for the DS, during the night, to the Wii consoles in each household. Users would wake up each morning, find the LED lamp on their Wii flashing, and know that Nintendo has sent them something. They would then be able to download the promotional demo from their Wii's to their Nintendo DS's." Click the source link for the full interview. Carl DeNovio -- Posted on Tuesday, June 6 2006 16:24 PM [Top] E3 Videos Back Up [ GCCafé E3 2006 ] Our E3 videos are finally back up. A few changes had to be made though in order to make sure they stayed up. First, they are no longer uber high resolution/quality. However, that doesn't mean they are crap quality either; they are still better than most places around (not to mention we have a lot more than everyone else too). So hit the source link, Samus' face, or the E3 Media text link above to get to our E3 2006 Media page and enjoy our awesome videos. We have added nine exclusive Nintendo DS gameplay videos and still have a bunch more stuff we are going to be uploading this week, including more Wii games and more Nintendo DS games. Matthew Silver -- Posted on Monday, June 5 2006 1:41 AM [Top] New Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Media [ D3Publisher ] The hit series on Cartoon Network is back for more on Nintendo GameCube! Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 delivers non-stop ninja style combat action for 1-4 players where gamers choose to play as one of 23 playable characters. Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and the other ninja-in training are going beyond the classroom now and must face each other and challenging new opponents in multi-ninja battles. All-new multi-player modes will engage players in frantic simultaneous four player battles and single-player modes will offer more gameplay choices than before with survival and timed attack modes that allow players to showcase their taijutsu and special jutsu abilities. When you’re a ninja, you must be prepared for anything! Believe it! Check out the latest screens, as well as a new trailer you can play by downloading it to your hard drive below. Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 will be released exclusively for the GameCube this September. Images: Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Screenshot 1 Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Screenshot 2 Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Screenshot 3 Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Screenshot 4 Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Screenshot 5 Video: Naruto: Clash of Ninja 2 Trailer (10.1 MB) Eric Jones -- Posted on Sunday, June 4 2006 20:06 PM [Top] New Dead and Furious Screenshots [ Virgin PLAY ] Dream On Studio is very pleased to announce their partnership with Virgin Play on the game Dead'n Furious for the Nintendo DS. "We are very excited to work with Virgin Play on such a fun and action-packed game. With your stylus or your finger, you will recreate all the sensations of an arcade gun-shooter: different weapons, zombies, a mysterious story ... All the ingredients for a great gaming moment, including touch screen gameplay and 2 players cooperative game mode, will be in your hands! "Dream On Studio has spent the last 3 years focusing on games for the handheld consoles including the Nintendo DS. We want to deliver the best possible and entertaining games on the Nintendo DS. Working with Virgin Play is undoubtedly a good opportunity for our gaming ideas to come to life and be successful.” Check out the first screens of the new survival horror game for the DS below. Images: Dead and Furious Screenshot 1 Dead and Furious Screenshot 2 Dead and Furious Screenshot 3 Dead and Furious Screenshot 4 Eric Jones -- Posted on Saturday, June 3 2006 0:20 AM [Top] Latest Nintendo Sales Information [ Nintendo ] Nintendo has released the latest LTD sales information for the company up to the end of the 2006 fiscal year, which ended in March. Nintendo DS U.S. DS Hardware: 4.47 million units DS Software: 13.1 million units Worldwide DS Hardware: 16.73 million units DS Software: 60.44 million units Nintendo GameCube U.S. GCN Hardware: 11.11 million units GCN Software: 92.74 million units Worldwide GCN Hardware: 20.85 million units GCN Software: 189.08 million units Game Boy Advance U.S. GBA/GBA SP Hardware: 32.63 million units GBA Software: 146.96 million units Worldwide GBA/GBA SP Hardware: 75.13 million units GBA Software: 327.72 million units Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 1 2006 21:57 PM [Top] Magnetica Rolls Into Action [ Nintendo ] Scientists say magnets provide no real medical benefits, but Nintendo begs to differ. Magnetica is the perfect prescription to combat boredom during long summer travel. This new puzzle game, made exclusively for Nintendo DS, involves much more than bashing aggies in a marble ring on the playground blacktop. Magnetica lures players in with a simple premise, then challenges them to keep their cool through frenzied rounds of marble elimination. Magnetica, Rated E for Everyone, launches on June 5. "Magnetica is the perfect game to kick off our new Touch Generations brand of casual games," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "It's a game that anyone can pick up and play, whether for a few minutes or a few hours." Magnetica is the hand-held version of the popular arcade game Puzz Loop, with a few twists that could only be possible using the abilities of Nintendo DS. Players use the touch screen to flick marbles one by one at an ever-growing spiral chain of marbles. Like-colored marbles attract one another. Whenever three marbles of the same color connect, they vanish, sometimes setting off massive chain reactions. For more information about Magnetica, visit the game's official site. Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 1 2006 21:47 PM [Top] New Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screens [ Smash Bros. Dojo ] As promised, the official Smash Bros. site has updated with info about the most surprising new character in the upcoming Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Wii: Metal Gear Solid's Solid Snake. While Sakurai's blurb for the game reveals nothing that we didn't already know (Snake will use explosives instead of guns because they're less violent...what is this guy on?), the screens reveal something quite cool - it's looking very much like there will be a stage based on Metal Gear Solid in the game. Also, it appears that Snake will have a very stealth-based approach to battles, as he looks like he's sneaking up on Link in the very same screen. Check out the latest images of the game below, and we'll have more info on perhaps Nintendo's biggest game for 2007 as it becomes available. Images: Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 1 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 2 Super Smash Bros. Brawl Screenshot 3 Eric Jones -- Posted on Thursday, June 1 2006 0:32 AM [Top]