The N64Mini.
(Credit: Zenloc)The modding community has been quite active improving old game consoles. I'm such a fan of the Nintendo 64 that the latest mod of the venerable console was just too cool to pass up.
Dubbed the N64Mini, the portable Nintendo 64 device from modder Zenloc features the familiar Nintendo 64 controller buttons (minus the D-pad, unfortunately) in a nicely compact package. Users can place their Nintendo 64 cartridges in the back of the device to play some of their favorite games.
According to the device's developer, the N64Mini runs on a 4-cell battery and comes with a charger. It also features a headphone jack and an A/V out port for those who want to play the title on a display that's a little larger. It even comes with built-in brightness controls.
But here's the best part: the N64Mini is available now on eBay. Bidding ends in five days, but so far, 26 bids have been placed. The price is at $205 at the time of this writing. I obviously haven't been able to get my hands on the device, but based on the video below, it might be something worth considering if you plan to spend some cash this holiday season.
Check out a video of the N64Mini in action below.
[Via Engadget]
Don Reisinger is a technology columnist who has written about everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Don is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and posts at The Digital Home. He is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
(Credit:
Komodo/Innex)
Sure, we really liked the Nyko Wing Wireless Classic Controller for use with the Nintendo Wii, but if we could choose any controller to use with Virtual Console games, it would be the originals themselves.
Developer Komodo may have come up with a device that could pacify these desires. With the Retro Adapter (to be distributed by Innex), you'll be able to use original NES, Super Nintendo, and Nintendo 64 controllers with Wii Virtual Console games.
The adapter itself resembles that of a Nintendo 64 console and has three female ports for each system. It connects to your Wii via an open GameCube port. What's even better, the Retro Adapter will work with both first- and third-party accessories, so that no-name Nintendo 64 controller you have laying around may just do the trick. In case you're wondering, yes, you'll be able to use an analog control on the N64 controller as well.
Innex plans on officially announcing the Komodo Retro Adapter at E3 2009. While retail availability isn't yet solidified, you should be able to grab the accessory online by mid-June for around $20.
The greatest game in a decade?
(Credit: Nintendo)I have little doubt that at least some Nintendo fans have read that headline and are preparing to unleash comments in support of the Zelda franchise. But before that happens, hear me out.
I'll be the first to admit that I am, quite simply, one of the biggest Zelda fans around. I own the Ocarina of Time soundtrack (the songs are on my iPod), have played every Zelda game since the beginning, and firmly believe that it's the greatest work from Shigeru Miyamoto (yes, I believe it's a better franchise than Mario).
And perhaps that's why I have such strong feelings about the Zelda franchise and where it's headed as of late. See, I've been wanting to write this column for quite some time, but I decided that before I would, I should go back and play every Zelda game to its completion to ensure that my contention--that the franchise has lost its way--is strong.
Unfortunately, in my opinion, I believe it is.
I don't expect every Nintendo fan to agree, and I'm sure some Zelda fans are already upset with what I'm saying. But I'm hoping that you will see this for what it really is: a Zelda lover's hope for the future.
... Read moreDon Reisinger is a technology columnist who has written about everything from HDTVs to computers to Flowbee Haircut Systems. Don is a member of the CNET Blog Network, and posts at The Digital Home. He is not an employee of CNET. Disclosure.
This week brings us a classic Mario Golf game and some bowling after dark.
- WiiWare
- Midnight Bowling (Gameloft, 800 Wii points): Midnight Bowling offers various game modes and a brand new physics system allowing for realistic bowling action. Play with up to three friends in various bowling alley environments.
- MadStone (Riverman Media, 800 Wii points): In this puzzle game, you must control the path for elemental MadStones as you attempt to restore peace to Earth. Enjoy the game alone or co-op with a friend.
- Virtual Console
- Mario Golf (1999, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points): Mario and company hit the links in the fantastic golf game from the Nintendo 64 era. Tee off through six different 18-hole courses and choose any of your favorite Nintendo characters.
- Shining Force II (1994, Sega Gensis, 800 Wii points): Two missing jewels from the Tower of the Ancients has lead to the resurrection of the Devil King. You must take on the role of Bowie and must find the missing jewels, ending the Devil King's reign.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!
This week's downloads feature a classic Pokémon puzzler and a beat-'em-up game from 1988.
- Pokémon Puzzle League (2000, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points): Departing from the usual Pokémon game formula, Pokémon Puzzle League combines fast action puzzle games along with battling. Players must match like-colored blocks in order to gain an advantage over their opponent.
- Renegade (1988, NES, 500 Wii points): Renegade tells the classic video game story of one-man-versus-everyone. Fight against bikers and gang members as you attempt to restore peace to the city.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii virtual console? Sound off here!
Today we get some love from an arcade racing classic along with everyone's favorite caveman boy in distress.
- Cruis'n USA (1996, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points): While many would argue that Cruis'n USA doesn't do its arcade counterpart justice, there's still plenty of racing to enjoy without the need for a roll of quarters. Enjoy three difficulty levels as you enjoy scenic races across the country.
- Wonder Boy (1987, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): In Wonder Boy, you'll play as Tom-Tom, a caveman child forced to free his kidnapped girlfriend. Collect fruit and eggs along the way, and you just may survive battling the monster who has taken her.
Two new virtual console games grace our Wiis this week.
- Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards (2000, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points): Everyone's favorite pink blob makes his 3D debut in Kirby 64: The Crystal Shards. Battle Dark Matter in this adventure game across six worlds while trying to collect all 100 pieces of the shattered crystal.
- Psychosis (1990, Turbografx 16, 800 Wii points): Psychosis is a side-scrolling shooter that has you battle grotesque enemies created by a psychotic demon. Make your way through five stages of chaos as you struggle to survive this surreal world.
Just one new virtual console game graces the Wii this week. Right on time for winter, 1080° Snowboarding (1998, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii Points) is now available for download. This title debuted during the height of the snowboarding game era along side such classics as the Sony Coolboarders series.
In 1080° Snowboarding, you'll enjoy six different modes of play and try your luck at one of the most realistic snowboarding games of its time. Customize your board and clothes, and try to pull off some tricks on a variety of courses.
We're starting to see these Virtual Console releases begin to taper off--let's hope this isn't a trend.
Straying away from the typical trio of releases, Nintendo today has unveiled just two new virtual console games for the week. Previously available only as imports, these titles carry jacked-up prices.
- Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels (1986, NES, 600 Wii points)--We got a vegetable-yanking game and Japan got the true sequel--and unless you played Super Mario All-Stars on the SNES, this will be the first time you're exposed to Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, the true Super Mario Bros. 2.
- Sin and Punishment (2000, Nintendo 64, 1,200 Wii points)--This on-rails shooter may be a short-lived adventure, but for what it lacks in length it makes up with nonstop action and engaging story.
Glad to see another Nintendo 64 title has made it to the virtual console, although I'm anticipating some disappointment with the selection.
- Yoshi's Story (1998, Nintendo 64, 1,000 Wii points)--After Baby Bowser casts a spell on Yoshi Island leaving it in the form of a storybook, six Yoshis must band together and dethrone the evil Baby Browser and restore happiness to Yoshi Island.
- Super Thunder Blade (1988, Genesis, 800 Wii points)--A Sega Genesis launch title, Super Thunder Blade is a helicopter combat game where you must fire upon all kinds of submarines, tanks, and more through four levels of play.
- World Class Baseball (1991, Turbografx 16, 600 Wii points)--World Class Baseball was the only baseball game on the system worth playing. The main campaign, Pennant Mode, allows you to progress through 12 teams all competing for the World Title.
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