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Why the next Nintendo portable needs to be a tablet

The Nintendo Wii U comes out in just a few days, just in time for Thanksgiving-time shopping. Look at its signature feature: the GamePad. It has a 6-inch touch screen. It has a gyroscope. It has buttons. It's more than a little like a supertablet.

But it's not. I've tried using the Wii U. Nintendo's upcoming console is clearly a nod toward the fusion of handheld tablets with TV set-top boxes, a second-screen device if ever there was one. It can play games on its little screen even when the TV that the Wii U is plugged into is turned off or doing something else. And it can even move to another room and be used wirelessly. It's not a tablet, however. A lot of people will wish it were. And that's exactly where Nintendo needs to eventually head.… Read more

Could a 3D iPad succeed where the Nintendo 3DS failed?

Would you buy an iPad 3D?

That's the question consumers might have been asking themselves next year, according to a report from Business Insider. But according to the blog's source, Apple decided to nix plans for an iPad 3 with 3D over concerns that the device could become "a gimmick."

Take that rumor, of course, with the usual grain of salt. Apple hasn't confirmed it'll be launching another iPad, nor has the company spoken of an iPad with 3D. And Business Insider's source is a degree or two removed, though the blog says … Read more

Nintendo, Sony: Down to their last lives in portable gaming?

There was a time when Nintendo was synonymous with portable gaming. But now the company is being shoved aside.

According to research firm Flurry Analytics, by the end of 2011, 58 percent of total U.S. portable game software revenue will go to titles being played on Android and iOS. Nintendo's DS family of devices will only be able to grab 36 percent of total U.S. portable game software revenue this year, followed by Sony's PSP with 6 percent market share.

But that's just part of the story. As Flurry points out, in 2009, Nintendo's … Read more

Nintendo DS classic Scribblenauts hits iOS

When Scribblenauts made its Nintendo DS debut back in 2009, it instantly joined the ranks of the console's showcase games. GameSpot gave it an 8.0 rating and called it "a jubilant experience that is sure to delight."

Scribblenauts just arrived for iOS, going under the name Scribblenauts Remix, and it feels as original now as it did two years ago. It's not perfect, and it's definitely going to appeal more to kids than adults--but if you're looking for a unique gaming experience, it delivers.… Read more

E3 2011: Why isn't Apple at E3?

LOS ANGELES--This is largely a rhetorical question, as Apple is not fond of making appearances at trade shows, including CES and Computex. In fact, Apple dropped out of the one trade show it regularly participated in, the Macworld Expo, a couple of years ago. Additionally, this year has an additional wrinkle, as Apple is hosting its own WWDC conference the very same week as E3.

Yet, the question is not as ridiculous as it seems. One area of interactive entertainment that has experienced tremendous year-over-year growth recently is the mobile games segment currently dominated by iOS and the triple-play of … Read more

preGame 46: An app for the disorganized gamer

We're back with a brand-new episode of preGame this week and another chance for you to win a Halo: Reach Legendary Edition bundle! Make sure to tune in to find out how you can win one of these rare collectors' items.

On today's show we'll check out the latest teaser trailer for Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and some intense gunfighting action in Battlefield 3. We'll also chat about the latest game in the "Ghostbusters" franchise, Sanctum of Slime, and whether or not it's worth $10 on PlayStation Network or Xbox Live Arcade. … Read more

Sony chose Android, should Nintendo take iOS?

For now, the dust has settled following Sony's back-to-back announcements, starting with the NGP and now this past weekend's Sony Ericsson Xperia Play unveiling. Regardless of how one might feel about the position Sony is attempting to secure in the portable gaming market, there are more ramifications that may not be present on the surface.

Portable gaming is no longer a two-console market. Five years ago it seemed Nintendo and Sony would battle to the death with the DS and PSP. Now, in a portable gaming market that has expanded to the world of "waiting room" casual games, the iOS and Android platforms have proven themselves worthy of bringing legitimate competition. Categorize these mobile OSes how you will, but they are directly affecting the sales of gaming-focused devices.

In an effort to bring some sort of familiar gaming experience to the core gamers who might be sick of sliding and tapping their way to victory, Sony felt the need to develop the first-ever PlayStation Certified mobile smartphone in the form of the Sony Ericsson Xperia Play--a device running Android 2.3. Though it may seem like a trivial detail of just another OS on a mobile device, Sony has chosen Google and Android as an ally in what's becoming a serious portable gaming turf war.… Read more

Digital City 113: How to fix a dead TV, plus hands-on with Nintendo's 3DS

This week: CNET television guru David Katzmaier joins us to talk about Dan's back-from-the-dead TV repair tale, while Scott goes over his impressions of Nintendo's new 3DS handheld and mourns for his beloved Jets.

Bonus: You can download the show's theme song as a free MP3 here for a limited time!

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Wii: Not dead yet (at least for my relatives)

A funny thing's been happening this holiday season: my older relatives are suddenly telling me they're getting a Wii.

I don't know how it happened, or why, and it frankly baffles me. The Nintendo Wii is a system which, in the eyes of many, has jumped the trendiness shark. Systems aren't selling out like they used to, and Nintendo's profits have even been dipping. There aren't that many games this holiday as opposed to other years, although Nintendo's done a nice job with titles such as Super Mario Galaxy 2 and Kirby's Epic Yarn. … Read more

Nintendo's Iwata dismisses iPad, 3D gaming

Nintendo President Satoru Iwata reportedly believes that Apple's newly unveiled iPad leaves much to be desired when it comes to consumer appeal.

Speaking to the Associated Press, the Nintendo boss said the iPad was nothing more than "a bigger iPod Touch." He went on to say that he was unimpressed with the iPad and unfortunately, "there were no surprises" when Steve Jobs unveiled the device earlier this week.

Iwata's position on the iPad might have something to do with the device's gaming capabilities. Thanks to its App Store, Apple's iPad can run … Read more