NintendoNext

R.J. Mical Talks About Nintendo DS

2004-08-06T11:15:00.000+10:00

1up have an interview with R.J. Mical (Co-creator of the 3D0 and Lynx hardware platforms), in which he talks about the Nintendo DS.

1UP: How about the Nintendo DS -- the dual-screened portable?

Mical: It looks like an interesting technology. This is going to be expensive, though, with two different displays...that's an interesting looking technology. It would be fun to play with a system like that, where you could incorporate that sort of stuff into games, but I'm going to guess that 99.9% of the games won't even use the touchpad thing anyway -- gamers don't want that. Gamers don't want to poke around with a stylus on the screen to play the game. They want joysticks, and they want fire buttons. They don't want a little stylus.

At Fathammer, this company I was working at a couple of years ago where we were doing this 3D engine, we had this game system that would run on a bunch of different handheld devices including handhelds that had touch screens with styluses. The way you'd interact with the game was by tapping on the screen with the stylus, and more than one screen was broken by excited players tapping on it a little too hard. In fact, the running joke in the office was that we were actually funded by the screen makers; they could increase their sales, because indeed, people were always breaking their screens.

Rare On Nintendo DS

2004-08-06T11:10:00.000+10:00

The GBA Mailbag has been updated over on the official RareWare website and one no-very-interesting-but-I-thought-I-would-tell-you-anyway question popped up.

Q18: The new Nintendo DS is coming out late this year. What are you guys' plans on porting any of your immensely popular N64 titles to the DS? *cough, oh god, I think I got strep throat! *cough cough* PERFECT DARK ON DS!! *cough*. After all, the DS will be Wi-Fi enabled. Imagine... playing Perfect Dark... online. Yum. (Brian)

A: Sounds cool, but we're not doing any DS games, are we? Or are we? Or... are we?

Make of it what you will.

Caduceus Surgical Operation

2004-08-06T11:01:00.000+10:00

Atlus has revealed one of their upcoming titles in Japan. The Nintendo DS game, titled Caduceus Surgical Operation, sees players operating on various patients using both the Stylus (To cut and whatnot) and the Microphone (To talk to patients).

GameCube Heaven have one screen and the game logo for your viewing pleasure

Nintendo DS Games

2004-08-05T09:44:00.000+10:00

If you have been following the latest crop of Nintendo DS news, you would have seen that Nintendo Japan has an official Nintendo DS games listing up on their website. Until now, we have had to rely on translations from other sources. Nintendo America have put forth this list (According to PGC) which lists around half of the estimated 120 DS games in development.

AKI Corporation
MIKKE!

ARUZE CORP.
Brain Twisting Game Vol. 1, COOL104JOKER & SETLINE (working title)

ATLUS CO., LTD.
THE GAME OF LIFE DS
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI DS
Snowboard Kids
Caduceus
CHORO-Q DS

BANDAI CO., LTD.
MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED (working title)
ONE PIECE (working title)
METEORS (working title)

BANPRESTO CO., LTD.
DRAGONBALL Z

CAPCOM CO., LTD.
MEGAMAN BATTLE NETWORK series
Viewtiful Joe series
GYAKUTEN SAIBAN (OBJECTION COURT) series

CHUN SOFT Co., Ltd.
FUSHIGI NO Dungeon

D3PUBLISHER INC.
Action Game

EPOCH CO., LTD.
Action Game

GAME ARTS CO., LTD.
New RPG

GENKI CO., LTD.
Detective Kibukawa (working title)
LIVING HIGH KILLING LOW (working title)
WINDING ROAD RACER (working title)

HUDSON SOFT CO., LTD.
BOMBERMAN
Tengaimakyo series

IDEA FACTORY Co., Ltd.
SPECTRAL FORCE (working title)

Jamsworks Co., Ltd.
New board game

KOEI Co., Ltd.
Dynasty Warriors (working title)
Historical Simulation Game (working title)
Mah-jong (working title)

Konami Computer Entertainment Japan, Inc.
BOKTAI (working title)

Konami Computer Entertainment Studios, Inc.
JIKKYO POWERFUL PROYAKYU series (working title)

Konami Computer Entertainment Tokyo, Inc.
Castlevania (working title)
WORLD SOCCER Winning Eleven series (working title)

KONAMI CORPORATION
Yu-Gi-Oh! NIGHTMARE TROUBADOUR
GANBARE GOEMON (working title)
Survival Kids (working title)
Vandal Hearts (working title)

Marvelous Interactive Inc.
URUSEIYATSURA
HARVEST MOON for DS
Legend of the RIVER KING series
Original RPG

MTO.CO., LTD.
Minna no Mahjong (working title)
Race Game (working title)

NAMCO LIMITED
New Mr. Driller
New RPG
Pac-Pix
Pac'n Roll

ROCKET CO., LTD
Dobutsujima no Chobigurumi 3 (working title)

Sammy Corporation
Jissen Pachislot Hisshoho! Hokuto No Ken (Pachislot Simulation Game)

SEGA CORPORATION
Sonic DS (working title)
Project Rub (working title)

Spike CO., LTD.
"Intern Tendo Dokuta"

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.
Egg Monster Heroes
FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLE series
DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS series
A New Story of SECRET OF MANA
A New Story of SLIME MORIMORI DRAGON QUEST

SUNRISE INTERACTIVE INC.
Simulation Game

TAITO CORPORATION
RAKUGAKI OHKOKU series
PUZZLE BOBBLE series

TECMO, LTD.
Monster Rancher
Working title developed by Team Ninja

TOMY CO., LTD.
NARUTO (working title)
ZOIDS (working title)

YUKE'S Co., Ltd.
Sports

These are confirmed titles.

Thanks to CVG for the list.

Nintendo DS Officially Called...

2004-08-04T13:26:00.000+10:00

Yep, you guessed it. Nintendo DS. The design of the DS has changed as well, Nintendo opted for a much sleeker design, something of which I'm not complaining about. Onward with the press release!

July 28, 2004 - In preparation for the launch of Nintendo DSTM in North America and Japan later this year and Europe in Q1 2005, Nintendo today announces major global developments for the innovative dual-screen, wireless, hand-held video game system.

Nintendo DS, originally chosen as the code name, has been selected as the official product name. The Nintendo DS name evokes the idea of a portable system with "dual screens," providing the rationale for the final name. The hardware also has been redesigned to sport a slimmer, sharper look. The retooled Nintendo DS features a thinner, black base and an angular platinum flip-top cover. The face buttons and shoulder buttons are larger, and some have been reconfigured for optimum use. The unit includes a new storage slot for the touch screen's stylus, and the speakers now broadcast in stereo sound, with or without headphones.

"The Nintendo DS will change the future of hand-held gaming," says Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. "Dual screens, chat functions, a touch screen, wireless capabilities, voice recognition - these abilities surpass anything attempted before, and consumers will benefit from the creativity and innovation the new features bring to the world of video games."

Software companies worldwide have more than 120 Nintendo DS games in development. Nintendo alone is developing more than 20 titles, and in excess of 100 companies have signed on to create games for the new system.

Nintendo will announce the launch date, price and game lineup for Nintendo DS at a later date.

So just what does the new design look like? You can check it out here and here. Make sure you check out DS Insider too, because they are doing a fantastic job so far and it's a helluva lot better than this place.

Sorry about the lack of updates to this blog. Check for updates in a regular basis from now on. Look for a new design too, as this current one is horrid.

Nintendo Revolution Rumours

2004-06-11T11:06:00.000+10:00

Aside from the PC Monitor hookup ability I mentioned yesterday, some more Revolution rumours have hit the net. Remember, these are just rumours.

The first one claims that the Revolution will allow for more than four players. What this means exactly no one is sure about. It could be internet capabilities, LAN, or extra controller ports.

The second rumour is that the Revolution will be completely wireless.

And last but not least, the Revolution won't use any sort of Disc based media.

Satoru Iwata Reveals More DS Info

2004-06-11T11:01:00.000+10:00

According to Ningc.com that is.

The article claims that Satoru Iwata mentioned that the battery life for DS is still undecided, but will definitely be longer than Sony's PSP. Battery life will depend on what game is being played, and will most probably last for 10 hours.

On LCD screen shortage, Iwata said that Nintendo would be looking for another LCD screen supplier if Sharp cannot supply them with enough screens.

Iwata also said that the price of the DS would be around the same as the Game Boy Advance.

Registered Abbreviations - New DS Name?

2004-06-11T10:55:00.000+10:00

UK website Cubed3 has revealed that Nintendo registered the following names (Or abbreviations more appropriately) earlier this year:

DGB
EGB
GBD
GBE
GBN
GBY
TGB
WGB
XGB

They suggest that one of the above names could well be the abbreviation of the official name for the Nintendo DS. GB seems to suggest Game Boy, but Nintendo have stated on many occasions that the DS will not be marketed under the Game Boy range. Could Nintendo just be covering their bases by registering those names? Perhaps....

Famitsu Survey's Its Readers

2004-06-10T11:17:00.000+10:00

Famitsu recently held a survey asking their readers what they thought about both the DS and Sony's PSP. Here are the results from the Nintendo DS parts of the survey.

Does Nintendo DS interest you?

Reader: Yes - 73.3%, No - 26.7%
Developer: Yes - 87%, No - 13%

Which functions and abilities of Nintendo DS are you particularly interested?

Reader:
Touch screen
Dual screen
Network communication
Compatibility to GameBoy Advance
Microphone

Developer:
Touch screen
Dual screen
Compatibility to GameBoy Advance
Network communication
Microphone

What will be the price of Nintendo DS?

Reader:
10,000 - 20,000 yen: 75.4%
20,000 - 30,000 yen: 23.0%
30,000 - 40,000 yen: 1.3%
40,000 - 50,000 yen: 0.2%
over 50,000 yen: 0.1%

Developer: Average price will be with around 17,506 yen

Which games are you looking forward the most (readers only)?

Nintendo DS:
1. Super Mario 64 x 4 (Nintendo): 44 votes
2. Gyakuten Saiban (Capcom): 43 votes
3. Animal Forest DS (Nintendo): 41 votes
4. Super Mario series (Nintendo): 40 votes
5. Metroid Prime: Hunters (Nintendo): 37 votes
6. New Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo): 30 votes
7. Mario Kart DS (Nintendo): 25 votes
8. Made in Wario DS (Nintendo): 24 votes
9. Shin Sangoku Musou (Koei): 20 votes
10. Legend of Zelda series (Nintendo): 15 votes

Which system do you have more interests?

Reader:
Nintendo DS: 57.6 %
PSP: 42.4 %

Developer:
PSP: 53.7 %
Nintendo DS: 27.8 %
Both equally: 18.5 %

Revolution To Connect To PC Monitor?

2004-06-10T08:43:00.000+10:00

According to Gamefront.de, Genyo Takeda (A Senior Managing Director at Nintendo) stated that the Revolution could connect to a PC monitor.

I would suspect that means that it will be able to connect to the PC in some way (Rather than simply the PC's monitor). How much truth is behind this report? I couldn't tell you. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

The Age's Hand To Hand Combat Article - Snippet

2004-06-10T08:35:00.000+10:00

Hand to hand combat article.

In typical style, Nintendo is responding to Sony's challenge with innovation and has received widespread acclaim from critics and developers for its Nintendo DS touchscreen. The twin displays and voice recognition allow exciting new possibilities.

Nintendo cannot sustain its current domination of the hand-held games market but, with shrewd pricing, the DS, PSP and even GameBoy Advance can co-exist, with the devices opening up new markets.

The caveat for Nintendo is that it must work with third-party publishers to convert its enthusiasm into actual releases. PSP is effortless for developers: it will receive a tidal wave of support. But DS requires more thought and investment to harness its unique capabilities.

Ok so the PSP is effortless for developers. Tell me Mr Jason Hill, does that mean we'll see half arsed titles being released? PS2 ports?

The PSP is a revolutionary product, just like Nintendo's DS, but the gaming aspect isn't. We'll undoubtedly see N64 ports on the DS but we will definitely see new titles that will change the way a gamer plays games.

Iwata On Revolution, Videogames Industry, DS

2004-06-10T08:26:00.000+10:00

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has been talking to the press, but once again Nintendo's information skills lacks sorely. Iwata said that he will no reveal any information regarding the Revolution (The codename for Nintendo's upcoming home console) because he fears that other companies will still Nintendo's ideas, much like Miyamoto said when he didn't show Mario 128 at last years E3.

Though, Iwata did once again confirm that gamers around the world would see a prototype of Revolution at next years E3. He also went on to say that Nintendo will not be following Sony's ways by developing powerful hardware and let it do all the talking, rather than having fantastic software.

“The gaming industry is reaching a dead end as its past formula for success -- dazzling consumers with more sophisticated imagery -- no longer works. Game sales have been declining for years in Japan, and growth has been slowing even in the more solid U.S. market”

“What we need is not a next-generation machine but a next-generation way of playing games,”

“We need to propose a new idea so that the game industry can overcome its current crisis.”

Iwata also stated the obvious when queried about the Nintendo DS.

“Double screens and touch panels are not new technologies," Iwata said. "The idea of using them for a game machine is new.”

And went on to say:

“With the launch of the Nintendo DS, we are confident of introducing new fans and bring those light users who have stopped playing games back into the fold”

An analyst at UFJ Tsubasa Securities Co. named Takashi Oka thinks that the PSP will not be a threat to Nintendo.

“Nintendo's power in creating game software is still going strong, I don't consider the PSP as a game machine so its arrival won't affect Nintendo.”

He believes that the PlayStation Portable's main use by people will be watching movies on the portable console.

More Developers Jump On The DS Wagon

2004-06-09T09:48:00.000+10:00

According to an article over at SPOnG.com, two new developers have signed up to develop software for the Nintendo DS. Those two development houses are Raylight Studios and Box Clever Interactive.

Raylight Studios are most notably known for their Blueroses 3D GBA technology, which is now said to be used with the DS.

Box Clever Interactive has previously worked on the Game Boy Advance, developing such titles as Reign of Fire and Freestyle Scooter. They apparently have three Nintendo DS titles in development, one of which will be single screen. The company is also looking at the possibility of port Nintendo 64 titles to the DS.

Ridge Racer Title On DS?

2004-06-09T08:26:00.000+10:00

Namco has confirmed the development of a new Ridge Racer title, which is said to be released next fical year (2005). What's interesting is that Namco never stated which platform the new title will appear on.

Could we see a Ridge Racer title appearing on the DS?

Zelda DS Confirmed By Eiji Aonuma

2004-06-07T15:10:00.000+10:00

Even though this is last month’s news, GameSpy have only just uploaded an interview with Eiji Aonuma that was done at this years E3. Here's a snippet from the interview:

GameSpy: How many Link games are under way right now?

Aonuma: Three. We have a Game Boy Advance Zelda, a DS Zelda, and this GameCube one.

GameSpy: The DS game has not been announced.

Aonuma: That is correct. It is something for the future.

GameSpy: Does it have a title?

Aonuma: There is no name yet. We don't even have a name for this one (the adult Link) yet.

GameSpy also went on to asking Aonuma if we'll see a Zelda game at any future console launches.

I cannot say for sure, but generally we have a new launch and then there is a Mario game. Usually, Mario comes first, but there is no rule that says that Mario has to come first.

Would I like to have a Zelda game at launch? Of course I would, but I do not have any specifics on that right now.

Check out the full interview here.

Sticky Balls On DS? Unlikely But...

2004-06-07T10:39:00.000+10:00

IGN PSP recently interviewed (via e-mail), Peter Bergstrom about Sticky Balls. Peter Bergstrom is the Commercial Vice-President at the development company Warthog. Warthog are behind the PSP title with the odd title name. They have developed such titles as Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Mace Griffin: Bounty Hunter, Starlancer, Battlestar Galactica and others. One of the questions IGN PSP were asking was if they have thought about what Sticky Balls would feel like on Nintendo's DS system.

IGN PSP: Nintendo fans will kill us if we don't ask, so we'll ask ... have you considered what Sticky Balls would feel like on the Nintendo DS system?

Peter: Yes, we have, but Sony would kill us if we released it on a Nintendo system! Joking aside, before we sign with a publisher, it is too early to make any platform exclusivity decisions.

For those that don't know, Sticky Balls is a Billiards-type game where players must shoot sticky balls (I'm as shocked as you are. Who would have thought?) at each other in the hope that they stick to your opponent. IGN PSP have a much better description of the game in their preview which you can check out here.

MS And Nintendo To Release Combined Console?

2004-06-05T09:33:00.000+10:00

This report seems very unlikely but I thought I would post it anyway.

The Official Xbox magazine has a rumour claiming that a console, made by both Microsoft and Nintendo, will be released during the next generation. So no Revolution or Xbox 2?

I don't see any truth to the rumour but it's interesting nonetheless.

Nintendo DS Production To Start In Summer

2004-06-05T09:22:00.000+10:00

NinGC.com are claiming that production of the Nintendo DS officially begins in the summer. Both EB Games and GameStop both have the portable console listed for a release date of November 29.

Planet Moon Studios' Reason For No DS Support

2004-06-03T15:45:00.000+10:00

During an interview with IGN PSP Planet Moon Studios stated why they chose to develop for Sony's PlayStation Portable over Nintendo DS.

“The [Nintendo] DS, which we think is fantastic, will also produce creative, innovative game designs. Between the two, we chose the PSP because it is targeted to the demographic we've always reached with our games and because its architecture is more in tune with the technology we've been working with for years now. The two systems are different enough that game designs really need to be exclusive to one or the other.”

If you are interested you can read the brief interview here.

Satoru Iwata Quotes From Recent Article In Australian Newspaper

2004-06-03T15:32:00.000+10:00

The Newspaper is question is the Herald Sun, more specifically their "Connect" lift out. If you would like to read the whole article you can head on over here.

"We really wanted people who have become tired of the current way of gaming, to be fully entertained, even with simple game-play," Iwata says.

The fact that companies such as Nokia and Sony, with their new PSP multimedia device, are entering the hand-held games arena doesn't worry Iwata.

"For Nintendo's part, our mission is to try to provide customers with a machine that lets players play unique and unprecedented games," he says.

Iwata says rival companies appear to see things differently.

"They seem to believe that their machine can sell only if they can add to the functionality . . . it can do this and it can do that.

"We have to make great and unprecedented games if we are going to sell new gaming devices to customers," he says.

"If people want to listen to music on the go, then they should purchase (an) iPod.

"That's my own opinion. The final decision has to be made by consumers."

There's no denying the fact that people want more bang for their buck and are more likely to purchase a system that can do multiple things, rather than fork out extra money for each feature (iPod for music being the best example), but as a games company he is right. Videogames are entertainment, but there is still a line between the Videogame industry and the entertainment industry.

E3: What The Developers Say About The DS

2004-06-03T09:59:00.001+10:00

The code name of the new portable Nintendo DS refers not only to its dual screens, but also to the fact that it's a true developers' system. When Nintendo made the rounds to the world's biggest developers to showcase the potential of Nintendo DS, eyes lit up and smiles broke out. One group of engineers was even said to drool a little. Better than anyone, developers know that Nintendo DS represents a true shift in the portable experience. They don't see just two screens and a list of features - they imagine what those features can do to make game play more exciting, more personal and more social. But let's let them speak for themselves:

"When Nintendo came down and presented the DS platform to us, ... I think everyone was in shock. It was amazing. ... Our technical and central technology guys were kind of drooling at the abilities and wanting so much to program and dive into programming for the system. ... Nintendo DS, I believe, is a revolution in change for hand-held gaming."
- Will Kassoy, vice president, global brand management, Activision

"I believe that Square Enix has a promising chance in the platform, since Nintendo DS allows users to experience whole new game play with both its input system and its output system."
- Yoichi Wada, president and representative director, Square Enix

"The Nintendo dual screen is something that we're really excited about developing for. It's very innovative, which is classic Nintendo."
- Nick Earl, vice president and general manager, Electronic Arts

"The fact that touch panels can be associated with many terms about touching that we never had, such as touch, push, feel, rub, slide and pat is wonderful. ... I have been working in this industry for 20 years. During that time I made many games. But I think this is the first time that we have a new input device."
- Yuji Naka, senior corporate officer, development division, Sega

"Once again Nintendo is taking another leap in the gaming experience for the gamer by providing totally new game-play experiences, developing new gaming habits. Very characteristic of a Nintendo maneuver."
- Jay Cohen, vice president, publishing, Ubisoft

Nintendo DS is "a new game machine that will build the future of the game industry. ... Our frontier spirit has been awoken."
- Tsunekazu Ishihara, chairman and CEO, Pokémon

"This has a huge potential. ... It is very nice that we can create games using DS that were not even possible before."
- Yoichi Haraguchi, vice president and executive officer, Namco

"Nintendo has a reputation for doing extraordinary things in the hand-held space. The DS is an extraordinary device, and we are going to do everything in our power to support it."
- Michael Pole, executive vice president, worldwide studios, Vivendi Universal Games

"Nintendo DS is going to push the hand-held technology to really uncharted territories. By that I mean that it's going to bring amazing new game mechanics, new game design."
- Yves Blehaut, senior vice president, Atari

"I think the DS will stimulate the process of game development."
- Tomofumi Gotsubo, president and CEO, Konami of America

"DS is deceptively amazing. ... Touch screen is a very blank canvas for a game designer to be able to design their own input features. ... DS really could be a killer to PSP. ... I really think the Nintendo DS could kick the crap out of Sony PSP."
- Kevin Ray, chief technology officer, Majesco

"The wireless capability potentially allows game players to connect wirelessly literally around the world."
- Brian Farrell, president and CEO, THQ

"I am sure people have nice memory of yelling at a controller. Now, we have a more established function of inputting our voice. ... Nintendo always pleasantly surprises us with interesting projects and interesting ideas."
- Keiji Inafune, producer, Capcom

E3: What The Developers Say About The DS

2004-06-03T09:59:00.000+10:00

E3: Nintendo DS Details

2004-06-03T09:56:00.000+10:00

Nintendo's latest innovation, code-named Nintendo DS, provides users with a unique game-play experience using features never before offered by any other home console or hand-held game system. This portable personal entertainment and communications unit provides owners with new perspectives on dual screens, new control using both touch and voice, and new connections with two kinds of wireless game play. It's a newfound canvas on which developers can express their creativity.

Dual Screens: Two LCD screens offer one of the most groundbreaking game-play advances ever developed: experiencing a game from two perspectives at once. Imagine the possibilities. In a racing game, drivers might see their own vehicle's perspective on one screen and an overall track view on the other. In a role-playing game, the action could take place on the first screen while the second provides a reference for a player's tools inventory. Game play also could use both screens at once, offering a giant boss for heroes to defeat. In the future, games could be created allowing users to play games on one screen while text messaging other DS users on the other. Each 3-inch screen can reproduce a true 3-D view and is backlit to assure comfortable play in any lighting condition.

Touch Screen: The lower screen will offer something never before provided by any game device: PDA-like touch capabilities. Players no longer have to rely on just buttons to move characters or shift perspectives. They can navigate menus or access inventory items simply by touching the screen with stylus or fingertip. A software-based keyboard might even allow the screen to be used as an input center for games and messaging. The possibilities are limited only by developers' imaginations. The screen will have a tougher film cover for durability, and will come with a stylus.

Microphone: An available microphone port means that in the future, players might need only to tell their games what to do. DS software could identify everything from voice commands to hand-clapping. Players might be able to move their characters simply by telling them which way to go. The voice capabilities also could allow gamers to chat with one another over the Internet while playing.

Wireless: DS users will be able to connect with a local wireless network of up to 16 players. Nintendo's guaranteed range is 30 feet, but will extend far beyond that depending on circumstances. It assures high response rates required for real time game play, and will make use of both IEEE 802.11 and Nintendo's proprietary communication protocol, which provides low battery consumption. Players will be able to chat and play games without any connecting cords, completely untethered. The DS technology also provides for a wireless LAN connection, which could allow a theoretically infinite number of players to connect at a hot spot and compete at a central game hub on the Internet, even if they're thousands of miles apart.

Wireless Game Sharing: If software developers desire, multiple players can compete in wireless games, even if only one person has a game card inserted. Players could also test-play games for themselves as long as they stayed connected.

3-D: With the newly developed graphics engine, DS can reproduce impressive 3-D renderings that can surpass images displayed on the Nintendo 64. Games will run at 60 frames per second, and allow details like fog effects and cel shading.

Sound: The 16-channel sound allows for greatly expanded use of voices and music, and a richer, more immersive game experience. A plug for headphones transmits stereo sound.

Battery & Power Management: The battery is rechargeable and the unit features a low-energy-consumption design. The DS also has Power Management functions of Sleep mode and Standby mode. In Sleep mode, players can stop and resume game play whenever they like. If the user receives a message from a friend or user nearby, DS activates itself from Standby mode.

Processing: The unit will run on two processors, one ARM9 one ARM7.

New Media: For its compact cards, the unit uses newly developed semiconductor memory, which allows for lower cost, shorter manufacturing time and memory capacity of more than one gigabit of information.

Dual Slots: Nintendo DS makes a vast library of Game Boy Advance games readily available. Developers could find ways to make new connections between GBA games and DS games. The GBA port could be used for new hardware, enormously expanding the functional expandability of the DS.

E3: Nintendo DS Software Fact Sheet

2004-06-03T09:52:00.000+10:00

Nintendo DS Software Fact Sheet

More than 100 developers have lined up to provide software for Nintendo DS. With all of that software in different stages of development, Nintendo offers an impressive array of games, tech demos and videos to showcase how this hand-held wonder will revolutionize how people play games. From the touch screen to wireless capabilities, the functions on display represent just a few of the many ways that Nintendo DS will write the future of video games. Game information is subject to change.

E3 2004 Nintendo Software

The following games are in development, and offer a glimpse into the future that Nintendo DS will build. Each game represents just a fraction of the new ways to play. Many other games, besides those shown on the E3 show floor, also are under development for Nintendo DS.

Metroid Prime: Hunters: This amazing first-person battle game uses wireless technology to connect up to four players simultaneously (in the E3 demo version). Each player gets a Metroid suit of a different color, and then tries to destroy the three opponents. Touch the stylus to the bottom screen to rotate the camera, aim and fire, or to transform into a Morph Ball. The game features the same artwork, sound, graphics, architecture and ambience found in the huge hit Metroid Prime.

Super Mario 64x4: The landscape and the characters all look familiar. This is the opening castle area of Super Mario 64, only with a few DS twists thrown in. Up to four players can link up using the wireless capabilities. Players move familiar characters like Mario, Luigi, Yoshi and Wario around the 3-D landscape, exploring and looking for stars. While one screen shows the player's character position, the other provides an overall map of the area. Touch a spot on the screen to pop the camera over to another player's position, or to take a close-up look at the castle.

PictoChat: Up to 16 players (two in the E3 demo version) can use the wireless functions to link together and exchange instant messages or drawings. The bottom screen shows a standard keyboard, while instant messages from other users appear in the top screen. Players can type text messages using the keyboard, use the stylus to send messages in their own handwriting or simply draw and transmit a picture. If another user sends a picture, the recipient can modify it and send it back. Play a game of wireless virtual hangman or send covert messages to other users.

WarioWare, Inc. DS: One screen isn't big enough to contain Wario's greed and ego. He appears on the top screen and drops boxes to the bottom one, where they open an assortment of wild mini-games. Use the stylus and touch screen to drag a net and catch some fish, or to cut a rope to drop a cage around a duck. Players might have to erase or draw pictures, or slice at food that gets thrown at them. Finish as many mini-games in 35 seconds as possible. The game features the same good humor and fast pace that are hallmarks of the WarioWare franchise.

E3 2004 Nintendo Tech Demos

Think of tech demos as a glimpse into what the future might hold. These short examples allow players to interact with their games in ways they never have before. Whether the touch-screen control helps navigate a submarine through treacherous waters or turns the Nintendo DS into a beat box, players get an inkling of what is possible. Nintendo is exhibiting software at E3 that makes use of the stylus and touch screen, just to show how easily and naturally DS games can be played. Players can enjoy them to their hearts' content.

Balloon Trip: A stork drops Baby Mario, and he falls through the sky. A touch of the screen creates clouds that maneuver him toward gold coins and away from enemies. This demonstrates how game designers could make games that let players create their own environments. Design a house for virtual characters. Or put obstacles in the way of opponents in a multiplayer game.

Carving: Pick a block of wood, steel or even a watermelon to spin on the lathe and carve away. Listen as the enhanced sound reacts to the different surfaces. Use the fine-point stylus for precision cuts, then rotate the object and see what is created. Imagine using tools like this to dig for treasure or make custom pieces for a virtual chessboard.

Mario's Face: Grab hold of Mario's nose and give it a stretch. Distort his ears, or steal Wario's cap. Rotate the head or tap a button to switch it from cartoon shading to regular 3-D. Image manipulation like this has never been possible in hand-held games. Future games could employ pliable tools or characters, or let users customize characters to their own likenesses.

DS Pikachu: This gorgeous demo highlights the versatility of Nintendo DS by showcasing brilliant colors and switching the true 3-D view from screen to screen. Players use the stylus and touch screen intuitively to interact with Pikachu in a variety of different activities. Players can touch and pull Pikachu's cheek directly, draw Pikachu posed or rub to shave off a scratch card.

Special Effects: This demo has three parts. In the first, press and slide the different dots to create trails of water, smoke, fire or any number of effects. In the second, transform the Nintendo DS into a beat box. Each square on the screen creates a different sound, while launching new fireworks-like effects on the other screen. Mix and match to get the right combo of light and sound. In the third part, sliding the boxes around one screen changes the wild geometric image on the other. These effects can all be applied to games in a virtually infinite number of ways.

Submarine: One screen shows the position of a sub in the water, while the other puts players at the helm. Tap and slide the controls to dive, pitch, and increase speed or fire torpedoes. Avoid depth charges, enemy subs and underwater boulders that block the sub from completing its mission. This demo clearly illustrates how the dual screens work together to give players views of the action they have never had before. Now just think how this two-perspective technology could enhance sports games, first-person shooters, racing games and more.

Table Hockey: The game is simple: Just hit the puck into the opponent's goal. But notice how the puck reacts, depending on whether the stylus slides it quickly or slowly in different directions. And think about the wireless capabilities for games like this.

E3 2004 Video Demos

Nintendo has many games in development for Nintendo DS, including the following, which will be shown only on video at E3:

Mario Kart DS
Animal Crossing DS
NEW Super Mario Bros.
Nintendogs

E3 2004 Third-Party Publisher Demos

The following represent a sampling of initial projects by third parties on display at E3:

(Bandai Co., Ltd.) MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM SEED: The game starts with the top screen showing a view of outer space. On the bottom screen, players choose one of three giant flying robots to battle the enemy. The game then switches to show a radarscope up top and the battle on the bottom. Use a tap of the stylus to lock onto the enemy circles. Once all three are locked, players select a weapon to destroy them. The game then transforms into a series of stylized anime movie clips as the robot fires at the enemies.

(Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.) BOMBERMAN: Classic Bomberman action comes to DS, now with quick and easy touch-screen control using the stylus. The game starts with the player vigorously rubbing the screen to compete for power-ups. In the battle round, the player maneuvers around a maze while competing in frantic Bomberman competition, trying to bomb others while avoiding incoming attacks. If a ghost appears in the upper screen and haunts the player, the player cannot move until the ghost has been scratched off using the touch screen.

(Konami Corporation) Yu-Gi-Oh!: Nightmare Troubadour: Players tap the screen to deal, draw and flip cards. The top screen plays out the action in full 3-D. Summon monsters and enter classic Yu-Gi-Oh! battles as players try to keep their life points from fading away. The game offers a "detail" feature that lets players zoom in and get more info about their cards. It's classic Yu-Gi-Oh! fun for fans of the game.

(Namco Limited) Pac-Pix: Draw Pac-Man to eat up the Ghosts on the screen. Pac-Man moves in whatever direction he is facing, but players can use the stylus and touch screen to change his direction. Draw a wall in front of Pac-Man and he will turn 90 degrees.

(Namco Limited) Pac'n Roll: Pac-Man comes alive in a full 3-D environment filled with Pac-Dots and Ghosts. Use the touch screen to maneuver him up ramps and around walls, while being careful not to fall into gullies. The faster players move their fingers across the screen, the faster Pac-Man moves.

(Sega Corporation) Sonic E3 Demo: A two-part game that starts with a demo of Sonic. Players can tap the bottom screen to switch between different camera angles as Sonic zips through one of his vibrantly colored classic environments. In the second part of the game, users run their fingers back and forth on the touch screen to make Sonic run faster and faster as he collects coins. Rubbing the top of the touch screen makes Sonic jump to get coins from up high.

(Square Enix Co., Ltd.) Egg Monster Heroes: In the first segment, players control a general and his troops. Flip them from behind to make them charge the opponents. Next, players enter into the "Egg Monster Battle," where players can touch their monsters' bodies to choose an attack method while aiming at opposing monsters' weak parks.

Additional Third-Party Publisher Software

In addition to the games listed above, software companies from around the world are developing titles for Nintendo DS. Below is a sampling of what is to come:

(Activision): Spider-Man 2

(Atari): title TBD

(Bandai Co., Ltd.): ONE PIECE, along with several other titles in development

(Banpresto Co., Ltd.): DRAGONBALL Z

(Capcom Co., Ltd.): games from the Mega Man Battle Network series, the Viewtiful Joe series and the Gyakuten Saiban series

(Electronic Arts): Need for Speed

(FromSoftware, Inc.): several titles in development

(Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.): several titles in development

(Koei Co., Ltd.): Dynasty Warriors

(Konami Corporation): FROGGER 2005, along with a few other titles in development

(Majesco): title TBD
- more -
(Namco Limited): a new Mr. Driller and a new role-playing game

(Sega Corporation): Project Rub

(Square Enix Co., Ltd.): a new FINAL FANTASY: CRYSTAL CHRONICLE series and a new DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS series

(Tecmo, Ltd.): Monster Rancher and another title developed by Team Ninja

(THQ): SpongeBob SquarePants

(Ubisoft): a Rayman title

(Vivendi): title TBD

E3 News

2004-06-03T09:50:00.000+10:00

Not to confuse the 0 people that read this blog, I'll be uploading official press release/fact sheets from this years E3 relating to the Nintendo DS just incase someone missed them.

Nintendo To Debut "Revolution" At E3

2004-06-02T23:32:00.000+10:00

According to a Reuter's report, Nintendo is planning to show off their next home console at next years Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3). Yoshihiro Mori (Nintendo Senior Managing Director) stated that people shouldn't assume the Revolution to be the GameCube sucessor as it will be a totally new playing experience.

"This won't be a continuation, but rather something entirely different"

Engine Software Becomes Official DS Licensed Developer

2004-06-02T23:26:00.000+10:00

The Press Release explains it all:

Nintendo of America approves sixth consecutive License
Engine Software becomes official Nintendo DS Licensed Developer

Doetinchem, June 2nd 2004 - Engine Software, developer based in the Netherlands, today announces that its long lasting relationship with Nintendo took the logical next step. After Super Nintendo, Gameboy, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Advance and Game Cube, the Nintendo DS Licensed Developer status was activated as of today.

The Nintendo DS handheld console, first shown to the world at this years E3 event in Los Angeles, is from today added to the list of covered platforms Engine Software can and will develop for. Besides a new hardware platform to work on, the Nintendo DS Licensed Developer status also means the business relationship between Engine Software and Nintendo is entering its tenth year in succession.

Ruud van Moosdijk, Head of Development at Engine Software: "Personally I am very glad to have expanded our relationship with Nintendo once again. No matter how long you work with Nintendo they keep amazing you with new innovative ideas which simply result in an explosion of inspiration. I am confident that the DS will bring new enjoyment to developers and consumers alike. "

No announcement concerning Nintendo DS game projects are currently made, but Engine Software will rewrite their very popular middleware software, the GBA Music Replayer Library, for the Nintendo DS. The GBA Music Replayer Library is currently licensed by over 30 developers worldwide. For more information concerning the Music Replayer please visit http://www.engine-software.com/replayer

NDS Screens

2004-06-02T23:08:00.000+10:00

Australian Multiplatform website GameBiz has uploaded some E3 screenshots of a few Nintendo DS titles.

Gundam Seed
Sonic
Egg Monster Hero

Gundam Seed is being developed by Bandai, Sonic by Sega, and Egg Monster Hero by Square-Enix.

Nintendo's Time Machine Editorial At GCH

2004-06-02T21:26:00.000+10:00

GameCube Heaven have an interesting Editorial up which they have titled "Nintendo's Time Machine".

The Editorial touches on the issue of today's videogames and how they have become more complex in terms of "pick up and play". The Editorial writer, Ryan, suggests that the Nintendo DS will change that and will allow for the most advanced and most casual of gamers to instantly pick up a game and be able to play it with relative ease. It's an opinion piece, not focusing of facts.

“I feel the answer to this obstacle in the evolution, and expansion, or re-expansion of videogames comes from Nintendo with the Nintendo DS. Gone are complex control schemes, and in is the touch screen and stylus. These two features alone, offer a world of possibilities once again being imagined.”

You can read the Editorial by clicking this link.

Nintendo DS Launch Lineup + Date?

2004-06-02T21:17:00.000+10:00

Cube Europe have an interesting article up today.

According to the article the Nintendo DS will be available to European gamers on March 18 2005, which coincides with the launch of Sony's PSP.

The site also claims that the following first party titles could be available at launch:

Animal Crossing DS
Mario Kart DS
Metroid: Hunters
New Super Mario Bros.
Nintendogs
Pictochat
Super Mario 64x4
WarioWare DS

Nintendo of Europe have neither confirmed nor denied the above information.