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Work that Wii: Top 10 Virtual Console downloads

You've probably already played through Metroid Prime 3: Corruption and Super Paper Mario. Super Mario Galaxy isn't coming out until next month, and Super Smash Bros. Brawl has been pushed back to early 2008. Still, there's no sense in letting your Wii collect dust while dozens of classic titles sit waiting for you on the Virtual Console. Here are the ten top downloads you can get for the Wii, and at $5 to $10 a pop they're a steal. Even if you grabbed all ten of these games (at 9500 Nintendo Points), they'd still cost … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week--Halloween edition

This week brings us a collection of creepy games all added in time for Halloween.

Castlevania II: Simon's Quest (1988, NES, 500 Wii points)--In this sequel to the classic original, you once again take the role of Simon Belmont in an adventure that eventually has you battling Count Dracula. Samurai Ghost (1992, TurboGrafx16, 600 Wii points)--Samurai Ghost is an action platformer that has you in control of a warrior from the underworld. With your sword you will battle some historically accurate foes all while fighting off demons from the Dark Side. Magician Lord (1990, NEOGEO, 900 Wii … Read more

The Wiimote jacket cometh

Nintendo announced a few weeks ago that it would include silicone controller jackets with every new Wii and Wiimote. Even better, if you already bought a Wii, you can order the jackets for free from Nintendo. Since my Wii was purchased pre-jacket, I ordered a pair for myself. Nintendo estimates 4 to 6 weeks for the jackets to arrive, but I got mine today after just over three weeks. Naturally, here's a hands-on look at the new accessories.

Well, it's a pretty nice sleeve for the Wiimote. The slight dog-bone shape feels comfortable in the hand and provides … Read more

Microsoft playing Nintendo's game?

With Microsoft's announcement of the Xbox 360 Arcade, the anticipated device looks to be changing how the Xbox targets consumers.

According to a Microsoft representative, the company feels that "the timing is right to really focus and turn the spotlight on our family content and, yeah, we feel great."

Believe it or not, Microsoft has inked a deal with Warner Bros. to bring HD Looney Tunes to the Xbox Live Video Marketplace, and more games designed with children in mind will be coming down the pike with the help of this new console.

While I applaud Microsoft for making the jump to children's games and attempting to attract the all-too-evasive "nontraditional gamer," isn't it playing a game that Nintendo already knows the secret to? And if so, is Microsoft barking up the wrong tree?

It may surprise you, but the answer is simply no. Microsoft is onto something with this new focus and whether or not you are a Nintendo zealot to the end, you need to realize that Microsoft may start attracting the younger crowd more effectively than you think.… Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Billiards in space, a Japanese import, and classic sequel make up this week's list of Wii Virtual Console releases.

Lunar Pool (1987, NES, 500 Wii points)--It's the future, and it's space--so obviously the first thing that comes to mind is billiards. Enjoy 30 tables and two game modes. Rad space uniforms not included. Ninja JaJaMaru-kun (1985, NES, 600 Wii points)--Up until now, Ninja JaJaMaru-kun was only available as an import from Japan. In this action game you must rescue Princess Sakura while battling a villain named Namazu Dayuu. Golden Axe III (1993, Genesis, 800 Wii … Read more

Episode 586: We h8t flash drives

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Your holiday gaming outlook

Now that NPD has released September 2007 figures, it strikes me as quite interesting that so many people were taken aback by the Xbox 360's jump to first place in hardware sales. In fact, if you remember an article I wrote back in September, it would have told you everything you needed to know about hardware sales for September.

But instead, there are a host of journalists and pundits making such a big deal out of the Xbox 360's rise, as if it wasn't expected. As I've said here hundreds of times before: videogames sell consoles, not the other way around.

So, with that in mind, I thought it would be nice to take a look at what is coming soon to a console near you and discuss what I think will happen by the time January rolls around. And while I still believe the Wii is a fad and Sony has some work to do, my conclusions may surprise you.… Read more

Wii sales mean nothing if you don't play it

Citing a study, Famitsu publisher, Hirokazu Hamamura, explained in an interview that 67 percent of Wii owners simply don't use their Wiis. And as a Wii owner who played it constantly for about a month, then proceeded to allow it to collect dust, I can relate to the study.

But besides my own preferences, I can't help but think that the Wii is in trouble. Sure, some go out and tell us about the Wii sales figures, but there are no figures showing us that people actually play Wii games. Worse, Wii video game sales barely scratch the top ten when matched with titles from Microsoft or Sony -- another dust competitor.

Could it be that the Wii is nothing more than a novelty? That, regardless of impending Mario game releases, the Wii will enter the boring bin before you know it? Do video game consumers really want to wave their hands around to control something on the screen?

At this point, it may be time for Nintendo to get its head out of the sky and realize its previously infallible device is in danger.… Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

A variety of genres round up this week's releases as we get a visit from Ryu, a grim future, and a classic shooter.

Ninja Gaiden II: The Dark Sword of Chaos (1990, NES, 500 Wii points)--With this sequel came a brand new enemy, Ashtar. You'll once again take on the role of Ryu as you attempt to rescue a kidnapped CIA agent. Metal Marines (1993, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points)--Metal Marines is a real-time strategy game that takes place soon after an antimatter war has disintegrated most of the planet. We've all been there. Gate … Read more