Next Madden 13 title update lands Thursday, adds Ultimate Team features

by Mike Suszek on Nov 28th 2012 11:30AM

The fourth title update for Madden NFL 13 is scheduled to go live November 29, and includes a few new features for Madden Ultimate Team (MUT). The ability to set multiple lineups for your MUT squad highlights the list of changes. Players will now be able to save up to five different lineups.

Another change coming in this week's title update is described as "more nuanced roster management," and is also geared towards Ultimate Team. Instead of breaking down roster management by offense, defense and special teams in MUT, the update sorts teams by more specific positions, such as offensive line and defensive secondary. Each roster segment will show your team's starters as well as eligible players on your bench. The Madden team is also adding a boosts screen in this update, which will display every ratings boost equipped to your team.

Among the other features being added to MUT are quick collections and the ability to play two minute quarters in the mode. Quick collections reward players that are among the first to finish a card collection in Madden Ultimate Team with special bonuses.

"What we're really striving for is aiming these title updates not just at bug fixes, but adding brand-new content so people feel like they're constantly getting a new game experience," an EA rep told Joystiq. Past title updates added server-side fantasy drafts and player editing in career mode. We've also been told that another announcement is due later this week. Click past the break to see the list of bug fixes included in the update.

These Madden 13 title update bug fixes are the same across Xbox 360 and PS3: Fixed bug where Connected Careers panel in main menu is blankFixed exploit in Madden Ultimate Team Solo Challenges where players were using frozen kick meter to run out the clockFixed issue in Panthers playbook where Shotgun formation was properly displayingFixed squib kick exploitFixed exploit that allowed MLB to get instant pressure when in a specific position with a specific coverage calledFixed bug when reviewing a friend's depth chart in Madden Ultimate TeamFixed erroneous screen telling Madden Ultimate Team players EA servers were unavailable when an opponent signed out before progressing to the loading screenFixed issue where replaying completed Solo Challenges in Madden Ultimate Team consumed contractsFixed issue where Connected Careers offline depth chart would reset after each game when player used imported My Madden rosterFixed issue where users could not save edits to existing NFL players whose names were flagged as profane.Fixed exploit where Madden Ultimate Team users who were kicked out a match for grieving were still granted 800 coinsFixed a menu display bug in Madden Ultimate Team matchmaking screen

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Wii U YouTube Update Supports TV Playlists and Pairing

The latest update to the YouTube app on Wii U allows for multiple new features. One we knew about was the ability to watch videos on your Gamepad. Another includes browsing videos on the Gamepad while one plays on the TV. I also just found out you can now sync your YouTube account with your Wii U and allow TV playlists and pairing. Have a video, or set of videos you want to watch on your TV, you can send them right to your Wii U via PC, tablet, or smart phone. You’ll just need to click the activation buttons on the app, head to the proper websites (YouTube.com/activate and YouTube.com/pair), input your given codes, and you are all set.

Here is some proof from a video I sent over from my iPad to my Wii U.

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Club Nintendo – October 2013 Games Update

Club Nintendo has added four new games to the rewards list for October 2013.

The Legend of Zelda (3DS) – 150 CoinsTouch Solitaire (3DS) – 100 CoinsSuper Mario Kart (Wii) – 150 CoinsThruSpace (Wii) – 150 Coins

Grab the download codes for these games at club.nintendo.com.

View the original article here

Scheduled Maintenance Could Point to Wii U Firmware Update

Yesterday, a Nintendo employee named Julie posted on Miiverse that there will be a scheduled maintenance time this Monday from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM Pacific Time. This will mainly affect the Friends List and all online multiplayer aspects. To start with, this is a good thing, because they are not only doing preventative maintenance, but they could also be making improvements. At least, this is what Emily Rogers (@Emi1yRogers), blogger at Dromble.com, thinks. She writes, “From what I hear there is a firmware update for Wii U this week. Most likely Monday.” While we can only speculate for now, this does seem promising for an update. Even so, it could just be a small update.

On a side note, Julie also stated, “Let me also take this time to let you know that there is a scheduled maintenance that occurs weekly on every Monday from 12pm – 4pm PST, or 1pm – 5pm PDT.” So, get ready for some maintenance every Monday at one of those time slots. My only complaint is that I live on the East Coast (meaning those times are later for me), and Mondays are usually my best gaming days. So, it looks like this is rather unfortunate for me.

What do you think about this maintenance, and what could it mean for a possible Wii U firmware update?

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Wii U 4.0 firmware update live, puts Wii games on GamePad screen

by Sinan Kubba on Oct 1st 2013 5:00AM

Nintendo's latest Wii U firmware update is stuffed with additions, including the ability to play Wii games on the GamePad screen - although Wiimotes are still required to control them. The 4.0.0 U update is live, so you can download and install it right now.

Standing out among the various features and tweaks is the ability to plug a headset directly into the GamePad for Wii U Chat, and being able to take screenshots and upload them through the Internet browser during gameplay.

The 4.0 update also adds USB keyboard support, Surround Sound support for Wii games, the option to automatically download recommended software and demos via SpotPass, and even the ability to view PDF files in the browser, and more besides.

Check out the full update notes here.

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[X360] Microsoft Points will disappear when the next system update is released

[X360] Microsoft Points will disappear when the next system update is released

Do you find Microsoft's mysterious space dollars to be too troublesome to fiddle around with when you browse their Xbox Marketplace offerings? If you do then we've got some good news for you, those mysterious point values are set to disappear!

A rumour suggesting that Microsoft Points would vanish first appeared back in May and it was later confirmed during E3 but we didn't know when the change would be happening. Now it has been confirmed by Microsoft's Marc Whitten, Chief Product Officer, over on Xbox Wire that we can expect the switch to happen this year.

In the post Whitten talks about Microsoft's desire to make the transition as easy as possible for Xbox users around the world. He confirms that change will arrive with a new system update, after the update all prices will be displayed in your local currency on the Xbox Marketplace. Additionally, Whitten confirms that you'll still be able to purchase Xbox 360 content with any current form of payment option available in your region.

This means that any Microsoft Point cards that are redeemed, after the update is completed, will be converted to an amount of currency equal to or greater than the Xbox Marketplace value of the Microsoft Points.

Later this year Microsoft will start released new Xbox Gift Cards, they'll be available through online and local retailers and should help make the transition a lot more fluent. This will bring their Marketplace into line just in time for the launch of the Xbox One this November, I will be curious to see how Xbox users respond to the change. I know some people will be happy for it to finally happen, but there are also a handful of people that don't mind the current point system.

Thanks VG247.

Written by: Kyran Morrison

(This post was last modified: 08-12-2013 09:49 AM by LemonManX.)

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CoroCoro – New Pokemon X and Y info – UPDATE!!

The latest issue of CoroCoro has revealed even more information about the upcoming Pokemon games for the Nintendo 3DS. This includes new Pokemon, Mega Evolutions, gameplay details as well as an updated type chart to accommodate the new Fairy type:

Edit: The new evolutions of Fennekin, Froakie and Chespin are Braixen, Frogadier and Quilladin respectively. A new trailer was shown off and can be seen directly below, as well as a Nintendo press release regarding the games.

Details Disclosed on How Mewtwo Mega Evolves into Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y!

BELLEVUE, WA–September 13, 2013–It was recently announced that Mewtwo can achieve Mega Evolution, an extremely powerful form that only certain Pokémon can access during battles in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. It is now known that Mewtwo can Mega Evolve into either Mega Mewtwo X or Mega Mewtwo Y, depending on which Mega Stone Mewtwo holds–Mewtwonite X or Mewtwonite Y. The previously announced Mega Mewtwo is in fact Mega Mewtwo Y; Mega Mewtwo X is being introduced for the first time today. Players can obtain Mewtwonite X in Pokémon X and Mega Evolve Mewtwo into Mega Mewtwo X, which gains the Fighting type to go along with its Psychic type. Players can Mega Evolve Mewtwo into Mega Mewtwo Y, whose Special Attack is greatly boosted, by obtaining Mewtwonite Y in Pokémon Y. Both titles launch worldwide on October 12, 2013, for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

An already powerful Dragon- and Ground-type Pokémon, Garchomp, can Mega Evolve into Mega Garchomp in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. The increased energy released by its Mega Evolution turns Mega Garchomp’s arms into huge blades that send out a furious attack. Mega Garchomp’s Attack and Special Attack are greatly increased after it Mega Evolves, so its Dragon-type move Dragon Claw becomes extra ferocious.

Evolved Forms of Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie Are Revealed!

Since the reveal earlier this year, Pokémon fans have debated which first partner Pokémon–Chespin, Fennekin, or Froakie–they are going to choose in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y. Players are now getting a first look at their evolved forms, featured in a new gameplay trailer released today on Pokemon.com/XY.

· When Chespin evolves into Quilladin, the hard spikes on its body grow even sturdier, and it’s able to withstand the impact of even something the size of a tractor-trailer truck without flinching. Its solid shell repels attacks while it strikes back with its pointed spines. The gentle Spiny Armor Pokémon never seeks out battles on its own, but when an opposing Pokémon strikes, it fights back! It can learn the Ground-type move Mud Shot, which does damage to opponents and lowers their Speed. This move is super effective against Fire-type Pokémon, which are usually tough opponents for Grass types like Quilladin.

· Braixen is the evolved form of the Fire-type Fox Pokémon Fennekin. Players will notice that Braixen keeps a small twig tucked into its tail. Fennekin often snacks on a twig, but Braixen uses it in another way–the twig calms its mind and is also sometimes used in battle after being set aflame with a little friction. Braixen can learn the Psychic-type move Psyshock, a special move that deals damage based on the opponent’s Defense, as if it were a physical move. Players will want to use Psyshock on opponents that have high Special Defense.

· Froakie has awesome jumping skills that are greatly improved when it evolves into Frogadier. This Bubble Frog Pokémon can reach to the top of a 2,000-foot tower with ease and eludes its opponents by leaping around ceilings or into trees. Frogadier can learn the Flying-type move Bounce, which sends the user into the air on its first turn so it can attack on the second. Bounce is super effective against Grass-type Pokémon, which often pose a challenge for Water types like Frogadier.

Trainers Can Show Their Style!

In Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, players can visit boutiques and a salon to change their Trainers’ outfits and hairstyles. You can change your clothes, hat, shoes, and accessories to show off your individual style and put together different looks. There are boutiques in many of the cities throughout the Kalos region, each with its own unique style. Adding to this customized feature, when players change their outfits and hairstyles, their icons on the Player Search System (PSS) update too!

Never-Before-Seen Pokémon That Possess Different Forms!

Some Pokémon in Pokémon X and Pokémon Y possess a number of different forms, some of which are being revealed for the very first time today.

· The stylish Poodle Pokémon, Furfrou, can be groomed into a number of different appearances. The more it is groomed, the more styles may become available, some of which are being shown for the first time today. Players will be alerted to Furfrou’s grooming schedule, and if it’s left untended, its fur will grow long and shaggy, returning to Furfrou’s original look. This Pokémon is very intelligent and loyal to its Trainer, and it’s said that in ancient times Furfrou guarded the king of the Kalos region. Furfrou can learn Baby-Doll Eyes, a new Fairy-type move debuting in Pokémon X andPokémon Y that allows its user to go first regardless of Speed and can lower the opponent’s Attack stat.

· Meowstic is a never-before-seen Psychic-type Pokémon that has different forms depending on its gender. This expressionless Constraint Pokémon does not show emotion to others, but it seems that some Trainers love the unsociable front it puts on. Unlike other Pokémon that have different forms based on gender, the moves Meowstic can learn will differ based on whether it’s male or female. Male Meowstic can learn the Psychic-type move Miracle Eye, a move that allows future moves to hit regardless of the opponent’s evasion, making it a powerful support in battle. Female Meowstic are better at outright attacks and can learn the Psychic-type move Extrasensory, which not only does damage but can also cause the target to flinch so it can’t use moves on that turn.

Introducing More People You’ll Meet!

More is known about Team Flare. Five Scientists are believed to be the driving force behind this mysterious group, each one identified by a different hairstyle and unique outfit. The purple-haired woman is Celosia, the orange-haired woman is Aliana, the green-haired woman is Bryony, and the blue-haired woman is Mable. There is one man among the Scientists, Xerosic, who is easily identifiable by his red goggles and fire-red hair. Their focus is world-changing, and they have a clear goal in mind, but what is it?

Everyone in the Kalos region loves Diantha, a famous movie star Trainers will meet during their journey. In addition to her acting career, Diantha is a Pokémon Trainer, though she seems to show more interest in other Trainers who have real potential.

For more information about Pokémon X and Pokémon Y for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, including new images and gameplay video featuring information announced today, please visitPokemon.com/XY.

Be sure to check out Pokemon.com, Like the official Pokémon Facebook page at Facebook.com/Pokemon, and follow Pokémon on Twitter @Pokemon to ensure you’re receiving the latest Pokémon X andPokémon Y news!

-The evolutions of Fennekin, Froakie and Chespin are shown, and are pure Fire, Water and Grass type respectively. Fennekin’s evolved form can learn Psyshock, Froakie’s can learn Bounce and Chespin’s can learn Mud Shot. This may hint at their final forms being Fire/Psychic, Water/Flying and Grass/Ground

- Two fossil-generated Pokemon were announced. A Tyrannosaurus Rex-like Pokemon of the Rock/Dragon type and the ability “Hard Jaw”, which strengthens biting attacks. The other one ressembles a diplodocus, knows the ability “Freeze Skin”, and is of the Rock/Ice type. Freeze Skin is a new ability that changes normal-type attacks to ice-type attacks.

-The above scan also shows off a normal-type white dog that has the ability “Fur Coat”, which reduces physical damage. The page also shows screens which show the player customizing its appearance.

-A psychic-type cat Pokemon is also shown off above, with both male and female versions which not only differ in appearance, but also in move sets.

-The Fairy type was added to the Pokemon type chart, and it was revealed that Fairy-type attacks are super-effective against Fighting, Dark and Dragon, and not very effective against Poison, Steel and Fire. Fairy-type Pokemon are weak against Poison and Steel, but resist Dark, Bug and Fighting. In addition, they are not affected by Dragon-type attacks.

-Not a fan of the previously-revealed Mega Mewtwo? It was revealed that there are two versions of Mega Mewtwo – Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. The newly-revealed Mega Mewtwo X is Psychic/Fighting, and is exclusive to Pokemon X, while Mega Mewtwo Y is exclusive to Pokemon Y. They are Mega Evolved through the items Mega Mewtwonite X and Mega Mewtwonite Y, respectively.

- Mega Garchomp was also revealed, and can be seen in the gallery below along with the rest of the Pokemon X and Y scans.

Alexandre Trottier‘s very first Pokemon was a Squirtle, and he’s been choosing water-type starters ever since. The fact that Froakie’s the best-looking starter only reinforces that fact. Disagree? Tweet your favorite X/Y starter Pokemon to @NF_Alexandre. As well, you can head over to the NintendoFuse forums where there’s a great Pokemon discussion thread. Share your comments below, and be sure to reblog, retweet, and like the article!

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Miiverse Update – May 29, 2013

Just in case you missed it, Miiverse was updated again earlier today. Most of the updates surrounded the web version of the Nintendo social network. Below is the Miiverse announcement from Tom, Nintendo’s spokesperson. He explains all the details.

There has been an update to Miiverse today.

General changes

1) The wait time between posts has been reduced from 5 mins to 3 mins.

2) We’ve added a special symbol to mark announcement communities, such as the New SUPER MARIO BROS. U Developers’ Room community.

Features added to the web version You can now:

1) Post (text only) and delete posts in communities.

2) Follow and unfollow other users via their profile.

3) Display the list of your friends, followers and users you are following in your profile.

4) Select User Menu -> Profile -> Profile Settings to adjust your profile settings.

5) Select User Menu -> Miiverse Settings to configure the following:
- Who can comment on your posts
- Display of automatic game posts in your activity feed

6) View any Miiverse post, even if you don’t have a Nintendo Network ID or are not signed in. As long as you have the URL for a post, you can open it.

That’s all for today! Ciao!

[Miiverse]

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Thieves steal 7,000 Wiis from a warehouse in Seattle [Update]

by Jessica Conditt on Dec 18th 2012 9:30PM

In the dead of night between Saturday and Sunday, thieves stole 7,000 Wiis from a Seattle Air Cargo warehouse, Seattle PI reported.

The thieves made off with 7,000 consoles, two 53-foot trailers and a box van from the warehouse, for an estimated haul of $2 million. The King County Sheriff's Office is looking into the theft. Not to say that we're professionally trained investigators here, but we would suggest officers keep an eye on Ebay. That's what we would do, at least.

Update: The consoles were, in fact, Wii Us, an officer told Kotaku. Our source at the Seattle PI and ABC News reported that the stolen consoles were Wiis, and Kotaku was not one of our original sources. Thank you for the kind tips, lovely, wonderful commenters.

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NintendoFuse Podcast #89: Nintendo Direct, Wii U Update, Iwata as NOA CEO, and more!

The live recording is now over. You can listen at the link above.

There is so much happening in the world of Nintendo right now, there are big things ahead. This week on the NintendoFuse Podcast, we focus completely on all the major happenings. First, we discuss all the recent major news from the Nintendo Direct this month. Then, it’s Wii U time as we talk about the system update, Miiverse on the web, and more. And we can’t forget the surprise story about Iwata becoming NOA CEO. What’s that about? We’ll give our thoughts on the podcast, so make sure you join us THIS Tuesday at 8 pm eastern LIVE for the recording!

—–

And like with all live shows, YOU will be able to call in to the show LIVE and voice your thoughts! There are three ways of participating…

1) Chat in the chatroom by going to the NintendoFuse Podcast TalkShoe page during the podcast.

2) Call in with your phone by dialing (724) 444-7444 and when prompted for the Call ID, dial 59264#. You can then press 1 to join in as a guest, or you can create a free account on TalkShoe and enter your PIN number on the phone.

3) Call in with your microphone on your computer by downloading TalkShoe Live for free from here. Once installed, go to the NintendoFuse Podcast TalkShoe page and then select the option to connect through TalkShoe Live Pro.

So bookmark this post, as you don’t want to miss the show THIS Tuesday LIVE at 8 pm eastern time!

In the meantime, feel free to listen to our older episodes, including our E3 specials, interviews, and more. You can do that with the player above, from the Talkshoe page here, or on iTunes here. See you on Tuesday!

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Wii U System Update 3.0.0 U is Live – Full Details

The newest Wii U system update is now here (version 3.0.0 U). While you wait for your system to download and install the update, here is a list of what you can expect:

Version 3.0.0 U available via wireless Internet connection includes the following improvements:

New Features:

A standby function to download and install software while the system is powered offSoftware purchased from the Nintendo eShop will automatically install in the background once the download is completeHolding down the B Button while the Wii U logo is displayed during startup will load the Wii Menu *¹

Changes to System Settings:

An option to transfer and/or copy between two USB storage devices in “Data Management”To facilitate this feature, you will now be able to connect two USB storage devices to a single Wii U console*²The ability to select multiple software titles when transferring, copying, or deleting data in “Data Management”The option to adjust screen size is now available under “TV” *³“Auto Power-Down” has been renamed “Power Settings”Options for the standby function are located within this menu

Changes to Miiverse:

Added support for the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller, and Classic ControllerHandwritten posts will now also display on the TV screen during creation“Undo” and “Redo” buttons are now available when creating a handwritten postRemoved screen size setting. This option can now be adjusted from System Settings

Changes to Nintendo eShop:

Software downloaded from the Nintendo eShop will include released updates and will no longer need to be updated after installationRemoved screen size setting. This option can now be adjusted from System Settings

Changes to the Internet Browser:

Added support for the Wii Remote and Wii U Pro ControllerAdded the option to change search engines when performing a keyword searchAdded the option to return to the start page from the bookmark menuRemoved screen size setting. This option can now be adjusted from System Settings

Changes to Download Management:

Added the option to change the priority of downloads

Improvements to system stability and usability:

Further improvements to overall system stability and other minor adjustments have been made to enhance the user experience

*1 User selection may be necessary

*2 Only one USB storage device can be used during normal use

*3 A similar option has been removed from Nintendo eShop, Miiverse, and the Internet Browser.

[via Nintendo.com]

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Paper Mario $20, Kid Icarus $15, Darksiders 2 $15 at BestBuy.com [update: moar!]

by Sinan Kubba on Feb 15th 2013 11:45AM

BestBuy.com wants you to start your weekend with some much needed self-indulgence, because, like a supermodel slathered in megaprettyoxide-infused war paint, you're worth it. So why not treat your beauticious self to Paper Mario: Sticker Star, going at $19.99, or Kid Icarus: Uprising for $14.99?

Of course, you might feel you're worth that and quite a bit more. If so, you could always plump for Epic Mickey 2 on Wii at $11.99, or Darksiders 2 on PS3 or Xbox 360 at $14.99.

Update: As you eagle-eyed commenters spotted, Professor Layton and Miracle Mask, which was sold out at the time of writing, is available once more at $14.99. Also going at $14.99 is Pokémon Black/White 2.

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August NPD: Software sales stabilize somewhat, Darksiders 2 takes first place [Update: Nintendo chimes in]

by Jordan Mallory on Sep 6th 2012 7:06PM

Despite the fact that hardware and software sales in the physical channel are still down when compared to August in 2011, market stabilization in the software sector (along with promising signs from the first week of 3DS XL sales) helps to reassure that 2012's ever-downward spiral may not be eternal.

Hardware sales for August 2012 were down 39 percent, bringing in $150.6 million versus the $248.8 million accrued during the same period in 2011. The Xbox 360 sold 190,000 units and was again the top selling platform of the month, according to Major Nelson, though the 3DS and PS3 both showed increases over July 2011, despite the month being down as a whole. Only one week of 3DS XL sales were recorded, but in that week enough units were sold to account for 44 percent of all 3DS sales in August.

The accessories segment continued its trend of having the smallest percentage amount of year-over-year loss at $127.3 million for the period, which is down seven percent from August 2011's $137 million. Points cards and other physical means of buying online currency continue to drive this segment, according to NPD Group industry analyst Anita Frazier.

As far as software is concerned, August 2012's performance was down nine percent – $237.7 million as compared to $261.8 million during the same period last year. When only looking at software for "high definition platforms," however, the year-over-year difference is only one percent. This signifies market stabilization, says Frazier, but August's sales were worse than they could have been had the months prior not been so devoid of new releases.

Darksiders 2 was the best-selling game during the period, followed by New Super Mario Bros. 2 and Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance. As always, August's complete list of the top 10 games can be found after the break.

Nintendo Update: 3DS hardware sales were up 36 percent over July, while 3DS software sales were up 68 percent, Nintendo has said. New Super Mario Bros. 2 sold more than 240,000 copies, making it the best-selling individual SKU for the month of August. Meanwhile, Kingdom Hearts 3D sold over 180,000 copies.
Darksiders 2 (360, PS3, PC)New Super Mario Bros 2 (3DS)Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance (3DS)NCAA Football 13 (360, PS3)Lego Batman 2: DC Super Heroes (Wii, 360, NDS, PS3, 3DS, PSV, PC)Sleeping Dogs (360, PS3)Transformers: Fall of Cybertron (360, PS3)Batman: Arkham City (360, PS3, PC)Call of Duty: Black Ops (360, PS3, NDS, Wii, PC)The Amazing Spider-Man (360, PS3, NDS, 3DS, Wii)Sept. 6, 2012

Nintendo News

New Super Mario Bros. 2 Emerges as the Best-Selling Video Game of August

Even with only five days of reported data, Nintendo 3DS XL and New Super Mario Bros. 2 still had major impacts on the August video game market. The new hardware, which features 90 percent larger screens than the original Nintendo 3DS, and the new side-scrolling Mario adventure both launched on Aug. 19 and helped Nintendo achieve the following:

Nintendo 3DS software sales increased by more than 68 percent over sales in July.
Nintendo 3DS hardware sales increased by more than 36 percent over sales in July.
The No. 1 and No. 2 top-selling software SKUs for the month are both exclusive to Nintendo 3DS. New Super Mario Bros. 2 sold more than 240,000 units to finish No. 1, and KINGDOM HEARTS 3D [Dream Drop Distance] from Square Enix sold more than 180,000 copies to finish No. 2.
"Software sells hardware, and no one sells either quite like Mario," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "In addition to helping New Super Mario Bros. 2 get off to a great start, Nintendo 3DS XL is driving increased interest in titles such as Kid Icarus: Uprising, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D and Mario Kart 7. These games have been on the market for more than six months but provide a completely new experience on the larger screens. Combine these titles with the upcoming Paper Mario: Sticker Star and a robust list of third-party games, and Nintendo 3DS is poised to be high on holiday wish lists this year."

For more information about Nintendo, visit http://www.nintendo.com.

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Nintendo Direct livestream kicks off at 11pm ET, watch it here [Update: All done!]

by David Hinkle on Jun 21st 2012 8:45PM

The latest Nintendo Direct Japan press conference, Nintendo's self-indulgent catapult with which it flings news directly at us all, is starting tonight at 11pm ET, or 8pm PT. A U.S.-specific version of the conference is scheduled for midnight.

We'll be up, mug of hot tea in hand, ready to feed you all of the scoops. If you care to watch along with us, feel free to check out the stream above.

Update: Thanks for tuning in! If you missed anything, feel free to go back over all of tonight's news through this handy link.

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Live from Nintendo's E3 2012 press conference [Update: All done!]

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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The Other Side of The Flagpole Webcomic – Weekly Update!

Sorry, I could not read the content fromt this page.

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Super Smash Bros for Wii U and 3DS Update!

Jordan Velez

Writer

Now that Super Smash Bros. creator Masahiro Sakurai is finished with Kid Icarus: Uprising, he can finally focus on the new highly anticipated Wii U and 3DS Smash titles. Production for the two games just started, so hopefully they will unveil some sort of news at this years E3. In a recent email interview with IGN’s Richard George, Sakurai speaks about the new titles.

“I intend to change direction a little as we go, the key to that’s going to be its dual support for 3DS/Wii U.” said Sakurai.

Nintendo’s global president, Satoru Iwata, also spoke about the linking of the 3DS and Wii U, and how it has interested him from the beginning.

“I’m really just getting started on this so it’s going to take time, but I’ll come up with something that uses that link as the game’s central axis, so I hope you’re looking forward to it.”

Since development has just started, we will most likely not hear of a release date for the time being. I’m extremely excited for these games, and Sakurai will not disappoint. Especially considering their dedication, and the time his team puts into their projects. We will update you as the Smash news comes along, so stay tuned folks!

Source: IGN

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Sega canceling games, cutting jobs in US and Europe to restructure [update: SOA statement]

by JC Fletcher on Mar 30th 2012 9:35AM

Sega's forecasts for the fiscal year ending March 31 have been adjusted down -- expected net income is down 47.4% -- and Sega Sammy's board of directors have enacted a drastic plan to reduce operating costs in the future.

Sadly, this plan involves the "streamlining" of Sega's operations in the US and Europe, to "create a smaller company positioned for sustained profitability." There is currently no word on how many jobs are being cut, or where, to create this smaller company.

The plan also includes a narrowing of Sega's lineup, to focus on franchises that the company expects to sell in the US and Europe, including Sonic, Football Manager, Total War, and Aliens. That refocusing means some games have been canceled, though specific titles were not announced.

Sega's "extraordinary loss" (caused in part by costs from this restructuring) will see the company's expected profits drop from 38 billion yen ($462 million) to 20 billion yen ($243 million,) with sales revenue dipping about a half-billion dollars. The cancellation of these projects and this reform is estimated to have a 7.1 billion yen ($86.5 million) price tag.

Update: After the break, find Sega of America's full statement.
Statement from Sega of America regarding restructuring:

Due to the challenging economic climate and significant changes within the interactive gaming industry, SEGA has made the decision to consolidate its publishing business in order to focus on developing digital content and driving its existing IP such as Sonic the Hedgehog, Total War, Football Manager and the Aliens franchise. This realignment of the business around existing and digital IP is a necessity to ensure that SEGA continues to invest and enhance its digital business offering, whilst reducing its reliance on traditional packaged goods.
As a result of the SEGA Sammy Board decision to consolidate the business, many of our internal functions will be re-structured and this could result in a number of redundancies within the publishing business across the Western organisation. The company will be entering into a re-structure phase to reflect the unprecedented change in our industry and to move the company forward appropriately.
The changes will position SEGA as a content led organisation, maximising sales with a strong and balanced IP portfolio across both packaged and digital distribution. The management team are confident that the proposed restructure will benefit the company and make it fit for purpose within the changing nature of the industry over the coming years.

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Nintendo in February: Mario Galaxy passes 5 million, Wii and 3DS move more than 200K each [Update: corrected]

by Richard Mitchell on Mar 8th 2012 6:56PM

With February's NPD numbers upon us, Nintendo's Super Mario Galaxy 2 has joined a prestigious club. The portly plumber's Wii title has now crossed the 5 million sales mark. Nintendo notes that the Wii has now amassed nine titles that have passed 5 million in sales, which it says is "nearly twice as many 5-million sellers as competing current-generation consoles combined." The company added that Just Dance 3 is quickly approaching the 5 million mark, with 4.61 million copies sold to date.

On the handheld front, two other Mario titles, Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land, both moved more than 100,000 units. In addition, Nintendo notes that Pokemon Black and White have surpassed 4 million units in combined sales.

In hardware, Nintendo sold 228,000 Wii consoles, 262,000 3DS units and 135,000 DS units.

Update: It's actually Super Mario Galaxy, the first one, that just hit this sales milestone.

Nintendo News

Super Mario Galaxy Becomes Ninth Wii Game to Sell More than 5 Million Units

Another month, another milestone for Mario: Super Mario Galaxy became the ninth Wii game to sell more than 5 million units in the United States, according to the NPD Group, which tracks video game sales in the United States. The Wii system, which crossed 39 million units sold in February, now has nearly twice as many 5-million sellers* as competing current-generation consoles combined.

"Wii continues its record-breaking run by surpassing 39 million units in its 64th month, a pace that is unmatched by any other system in U.S. history," said Scott Moffitt, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Titles like Super Mario Galaxy help explain why Wii continues to resonate with consumers. The fact that one of the best-reviewed games of all time is available for a suggested retail price of $19.99 speaks to Nintendo's combination of quality, family fun and value that is unmatched in our industry."

Other Nintendo milestones achieved in February include:

Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7 for Nintendo 3DS each sold more than 100,000 units, bringing the life-to-date totals to more than 1.85 million and 1.45 million respectively.
Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version for Nintendo DS have now sold more than 4 million combined units in the United States.
Nintendo sold 625,000 total hardware units in February and saw double-digit growth across each of its product lines compared to January. This includes:
Nintendo 3DS: 262,000, a 53 percent increase
Wii: 228,000, a 50 percent increase
Nintendo DS: 135,000, a 76 percent increase
Total: 625,000, a 57 percent increase
* The Wii games to surpass 5 million units sold in the United States include: Wii Play (13.06 million), Mario Kart Wii (11.3 million), New Super Mario Bros. Wii (8.86 million), Wii Fit (8.18 million), Wii Fit Plus (7.32 million), Wii Sports Resort (6.45 million), Just Dance 2 (5.61) million, Super Smash Bros. Brawl (5.43 million) and Super Mario Galaxy (5.04 million). Just Dance 3 is poised to be the next title added to the list with a lifetime total of 4.61 million.

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