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Nintendo

When did gaming become complicated?

Years ago, back when Nintendo dominated gaming and Sega still owned a slice of the hardware market, the video game industry was a much different place. Instead of discussions on Cell processors and HDMI, we were talking about the latest 16-bit consoles or how to get through the third level on Super Mario Bros. And when we went to the store to buy a console, we didn't waste time because we knew exactly what we wanted. And we knew exactly what we wanted because our choices were clearcut -- do you want the Nintendo console or Sega hardware?

And yet, today we're neck-deep in an environment where it's becoming too confusing to buy a video game console. There are: four Xbox 360 options (five if you count the Halo 3 console), four Playstation 3 consoles, and (luckily) just one Wii.

Now, for those of us who are tech-savvy and know how the world of gaming works, we obviously know what we want before we head to the stores to buy a console. But what about those people that don't read CNET and don't spend their time rummaging through tech news and columns? To them, it's confusing. And if you ask me, it only hurts business.… Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week--best game ever edition

The virtual console overlords have listened, and with the anticipation of Super Mario Galaxy, we are graced with Super Mario Bros. 3 now available for the virtual console.

Super Mario Bros. 3 (1990, NES, 500 Wii points)--Widely regarded as one of the best video games of its generation and quite possibly of all time, this third installment of the Mario series simply blew gamers away. Seventeen years later, the game's style and gameplay still hold up. Alien Soldier (1995, Sega Genesis, 900 Wii points)--Once you were a member of the criminal organization known as Scarlet, but now … Read more

Sony's Folding@home project gets Guinness record

It's a small thing, but Sony got some good news today related to its troubled PlayStation 3 video game console. In fact, the system helped set a new Guinness World Record.

The record was set by Stanford University's Folding@home project, a distributed computing system utilizing PS3s among other computers, to help scientists study the effects of a process called "protein folding" on a series of serious diseases.

Well, Guinness has apparently certified the project as the world's most powerful distributed computing system. According to a release from Sony, Folding@home topped 1 petaflop last … Read more

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

Scratchmaster Mario

It's a fact: DJs get more chicks than gamers. If you're looking to transition your skills at Zelda into something more musical, the Protein DScratch software for the Nintendo DS might just have you rocking a dance floor on a Saturday night.

The software allows you to load your own WAV files, and then tweak them with effects, pitch changes, and scratching. The software even sends out MIDI clock messages that will let you sync up the DScratch tempo with other electronic music gear. Hell, you could start an entire Nintendo DS band at this point. Just get … Read more