Absolute Domination

Bluelight has posted another impressive set of Japanese sales statistics. These latest numbers show stunning performances by both the DS and Gamecube. Here are last week's figures:

Nintendo DS 597,628
PSP 161,332
PS2 97,475
GameCube 36,646
GBA SP 35,764
Game Boy Micro19,261
XBox360 5,674
Game Boy Advance 906
Xbox 141

Numbers are represented in a pie chart below:



Here are the top 10 titles in the software department:
1. PS2 - Kingdom Hearts II - 727,591
2. NDS - Animal Crossing: Wild World- 416,132
3. NDS - Mario Kart DS- 302,742
4. PS2 - Naruto: Narutimate Hero 3 - 216,966
5. NDS - Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon Blue - 157,786
6. GBA - Pokemon Mysterious Dungeon Red - 156,181
7. NDS - Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop - 156,181
8. PS2 - Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence - 103,894 (NEW)
9. GCN - Mario Party 7 - 100,130
10. NDS - Brain Training for Adults - 93,240

In the handheld Nintendo verses Sony department, Ninty currently holds 80% of the total market, with the DS in clear lead over competition and Nintendo's other handhelds. Pie chart below:



The following can be concluded:
- DS sales have gone insane thanks to newly released Wi-Fi titles Animal Crossing and Mario Kart.
- Gamecube makes a comeback with numbers that haven't been reached for a whole year.
- GBA SP takes a large lead over GB Micro.
- DS sold about 3.7 times the PSP, 6 times the PS2, 120 times the Xbox 360, and over 4238 times the Xbox.
- DS pwned all.

Pure Pwnage

The latest Japanese hardware numbers are in, thanks to Bluelight's post on Digital Share forums. As you'll no doubt be aware, this week's statistics are particularly interesting, as both the Xbox 360 console and Mario Kart DS received their first full week of sales. Surprisingly the 360 hardly even scratched competition, despite being a next generation console. More surprisingly, the Gamecube even managed to double the 360's sales. And even MORE surprisingly, the Nintendo DS sold FORTY SEVEN TIMES (47x) more than the 360. Here are the hardware (console) sales:

Nintendo DS - 408,770
PSP - 95,689
PS2 - 55,342
Game Boy Advance SP - 19,098
GameCube - 17,849
Game Boy Micro - 14,432
Xbox360 - 8,623
Game Boy Advance - 416
Xbox - 182

These numbers are represented in a pie chart below:



The release of Mario Kart DS last week has boosted (pun?) Ninty's handheld sales by more than 100,000 units. Taking a look at the handheld, Nintendo verses Sony department, the total numbers are 442716 to 95689 units respectively. Here's how they look when placed into another pie chart:

Game Doctor For SNES



This nifty gadget is the main reason the SNES was my all time favourite Nintendo console. Basically, it "piggybacks" the SNES by plugging into its game cartridge, and allows the user to run SNES games off floppy disks. Drawbacks include loading times, but once a game is loaded it is saved into the GD's RAM, and can be stored along with other loaded games, the number depending on the RAM available. Using floppys to play SNES games can save you a tonne of money, as they cost significantly lower than buying cartridge games (as in free, if you download ROMs off the net, but being illegal it shouldn't be even considered :D).

This makes virtually every SNES game ever produced available, and floppys can easily be updated with newer titles once an old game has been finished. The test below is from http://www.robwebb.clara.co.uk/backup/bung/bungsf7.html:

Its unique feature is that it is able to have multiplegames loaded simultaneously into its memory, which stay there even with SNESpower off! No need to load floppies over and over again! It also has an onscreenmenu system which is controlled through the SNES controllers. The menu systemfeatures self testing (Memory, BRAM, ROM, and disk drive), file management, etc.It has many features including slow motion, real time save, Gold Finger cheatcode system and superior error handling. It cantransfer games from disks, computer, CDROM (optional), or memory. Other featuresinclude: 32 Mbit or 64 Mbit RAM, self test, menus in English, Chinese, orJapanese...

I was too young back then to really make use of this device, but it's given me countless hours of enjoyment none-the-less :P.

Hardware And Software Totals

Nintendo has recently released some total (since launch) sales of their hardware consoles, and top 5 gaming franchises. In first place is the Gameboy Advance, which includes the original, SP and Micro versions. The GBA has sold a whopping 70.04 million units worldwide since its launch in 2001 (that's around 70,040,000 units). Second place is taken by the Gamecube, at 19.31 million units, and closely followed by the Nintendo DS, at 8.83 million. Keep in mind that the GBA received a headstart of 3 years worth of sales before the DS was launched, and Gamecube was out since late 2001 to early 2002.

In terms of software, the GBA has sold 296.12 million units of software (games and accessaries) worldwide since its launch. The Gamecube has sold 165.91, and DS 28.3 million. That's pretty impressive, a large portion of these figures must have been from the Pokemon games :D.

Below are Nintendo's all time top 5 franchises, you can probably guess what they are anyway:

1. Mario 184 million units
2. Pokemon 143 million units
3. Zelda 47 million units
4. Donkey Kong 43 million units
5. Metroid 11 million units

I guess first place would've gone to Pokemon, if it weren't for the Mario range receiving a 10 year head start, though they've all sold a decent amount.

On an unrelated topic, I've been messing around with the tools in Photoshop for about an hour yesterday, trying to whip up a decent Nintendo wallpaper for my desktop. What came out isn't great but I'm satisfied, and tohught I might share the wallpaper too. Here it is, click on the image for the 1024 by 768 version :).

Why Sales Statistics?

I've been asked this a few times, and thought I might point it out. Hardware statistics, are one aspect of the PSP that annoys a Sony fanboy the most. I regularly post these statistics to provide gamers the truth, what is really happening in the console market.

Statistics are solid information, different to marketing and console hype. They represent each console's popularity and the interests of the gaming community. Sony loyalists can boast all they want about the PSP's superior hardware, or multimedia capabilities, but one look at some hardware statistics shows Sony's portable in last place, whether it's Japan, Australia or the States.

Sony reserves a large amount of their profits into marketing their consoles and games. With the help of the media and retailers, they convince people into thinking their consoles are more popular than they really are, especially with the PSP. Take a trip to EB Games, or Games Wizards, and you'll see what I mean. Huge flashy ads hang outside the stores, boxes are stacked high, and wall-fulls of shelves are taken up by PSP games and accessaries. If you're in there looking for a particular DS game, you would probably find about a dozen or so DS game boxes, piled in a corner you wouldn't normally notice.

Alright, maybe that was a little exaggerated, but there certainly is an obvious difference. Same deal with the GBA, despite being the topselling console of the world, has little more room than the UMD movies on PSP. The uneducated gaming community are tricked into thinking the PSP as the dominant handheld.

Nintendo Domination System?

This week's hardware numbers for Japanese console sales are in, and due to the release of the second Wi-Fi DS game (Mario Kart DS), the sudden changes in sales numbers are worth noting. Here are the latest handheld console sales:

Nintendo DS 299,328
PlayStation Portable 86,403
PlayStation 2 45,893
Xbox 360 43,970
GameCube 12,212
Game Boy Advance SP 10,456
Game Boy Micro 8,326
Game Boy Advance 396
Xbox 164

It is the first times for several months the Gamecube sales have managed to hit the 12,000 unit mark, nice to see. The Xbox 360 launched in Japan at the beginning of this week, and it has grabbed a healthy share of console sales, though no enough to dominate the home console industry (still a little behind PS2). It's also the first time the Micro's dropped behind the GBA SP in sales, with a small difference of ~2000 units.

Here are the numbers for handheld sales, representated in a pie chart:




You'll see that Nintendo DS sales have really gone bezerk in the last 7 days, this was thanks to the release of Mario Kart. Sales have increased by over 100,000 units compared to the previous week (check my last stat post). Currently, Nintendo are dominating about 79% of the handheld market, and Sony have the other 21%. The gap has widened by a fairly impressive margin since last week. Hopefully this rise will continue into the start of 2006, and be further boosted by the launch of the (long awaited) Metroid Prime.

Here is a quick look at console performances in the States:

1.) GBA / Game Boy micro - 819,733 (+194%)
2.) PlayStation 2 - 535,000 (+112%)
3.) Nintendo DS - 369,012 (+172%)
4.) PSP - 353,434 (unknown)
5.) Xbox 360 - 325,902 (NEW)
6.) GameCube - 272,000 (+166%)
7.) Xbox - 197,000 (+ 79%)

Ha! The Xbox 360 was beaten by 4 consoles, despite it's new release! Just goes to prove that you can't relay on marketing for console performance, only the actualy sales numbers. The Gamecube's overtaken Xbox, guess that's not a suprise thanks to 360. Xbox is officially coming last in console wars in the States, and MS doesn't seem to be performing very well at all. The 360 and Xbox's total sales still can't top the GBA's, or even PS2 for that matter.

Btw, I have removed comment verification, hopefully that will encourage more viewers to comment :).

Calling For MKDS Pros

Heh, there hasn't been any Nintendo news today, I've checked IGN, Gamespot, Nintendoinsider, Revo-Europe, Aussie-nintendo, GoNintendo and several Ninty blogs, and none have posted anything interesting for the past 24 hours.

Anyway, who here has playing Wi-Fi Mario Kart DS? For those who have, who has a fairly decent record to show off? well, my current stats are 153 wins and 13 losses, with a triple star ranking :P. I've since been finding it hard to get into a 4 player race, as half the MKDSers who run into me leave before the race starts. The rivals room isn't all that reliable as several noobs (excuse me) still manage to get searched up.

I am hereby proposing a challenge for any viewers of this blog, to add my friend code and verse a few games :). My code is 133203 986406, please comment here with your own so I can add you.

By the way, this blog receives about 105 viewers daily, but hardly any visitors post comments. Kudos to those of you who do, but may I encourage the others to have their say? Any reply would be really appreciated, I would just like to see this place be a little more active, thanks.

Japan Last Week

Source: http://www.m-create.com/eng/e_ranking.html, text directly from source.



Sales of the top 100 titles totaled 1,203,066 units, 83.27% of last week's total and 155.35% of the weekly average. Though lacking last week's vigor, this week also saw a large number of new titles boost the market, and as with last week, total sales surpassed 1 million units.

Twenty-seven new releases took spots in the top 100, accounting for 47.87% of total sales. Top-ranked "Resident Evil 4" sold approximately 243,000 units. The title was released about 10 months after the GC version, which was launched in January of this year, and it appears to have gotten off to a strong start in its first week, surpassing results for the GC version. (At this point in time, the GC version has sold a total of approximately 220,000 units.) "Monster Hunter Portable" in third place sold approximately 114,000 units. The title had an absorption rate of more than 80% and sold out at a series of stores. There were a notably large number of purchases of the game together with the PSP hardware, and the title became a bigger hit than expected.

Meanwhile, sales of existing titles jumped from approximately 458,000 units to 627,000 units partially due to the effects of titles launched last week such as "Animal Crossing: Wild World." This week's strong performance was supported by rich lineups in both the new title and the existing title markets.

Nintendo Players Dot Com



A member of Digital Share forums, thegetupkid86, presents a brad new one stop online Nintendo resource. On completion, this site will include everything Nintendo, from the latest rumours, to game reviews and sales statistics. With a team of staff who are all Nintendo gamers, the site will receive fast and consistent updates with all sorts of Ninty news.

I would like to recommend each and every one of you to look to nintendoplayers.com in the future, for comprehensive Nintendo information. For now please feel free to join the NP forums, there is a link to them from the main page (or add /forum to the url).

I have been accepted as a staff for posting news, so (hopefully, if all goes well) I'll be able to assist in the latest presentations of Nintendo talk. I'll continue contributions to this blog, though, and again I'd just like to thank all of you who have visited this blog :).

Another Code: Another Review

For the American blog viewers, Another Code: Two Memories is the European equivilant of Trace memory, a recently released title in the States. This game has been available at retailers for many months in Australia, but it was not until a friend lended me the game that I first tried it out. I'll attempt another review, though remembering back to the Advance Wars DS review, you'll have to bear with any grammatic errors I make :P.

Unique, that is the best way to describe the gameplay of this game. Though it fits into the adventure slash puzzle genre, this title gives the gamer an experience that they won't find with any other game. The whole game can be played by nothing but the touch screen, and I find pointing with the stylus a very useful tool for game control, for both navigation, and solving puzzles.

You play as (almost) 14 year old Ashley Mitzuki Robbins, who's lost her parents as a baby and has been raised by her aunt Jessica. The game is set into motion straight from the beginning, when Ashley discovers his father is alive and wishes to meet him on a mysterious island. She later meets up with D, a ghost who his trying to recover memories of his death, and together the game's objective is to recover both Ashley and D's past.

Another Code utilises the functions avilable on the DS to the fullest extent. To complete the game, players are required to do everything from clicking random objects in search for clues, snap the console shut to stamp and drawing, to blowing dust off objects through the inbuilt mic. Dozens of interesting and possibly annoying puzzles (like discovering the true meaning of "Another" or "Trace") are able to maintain the gamer's interest throughout the whole game. Like a book, once you pick this game up, it's hard to put it down until you've completed the next chaptor. I said chaptor, because that is what divides the game up into multiple levels, with puzzles of increasing difficulty in each.

The game presents very beautiful graphics, smooth shadings and high details (like birds zooming above trees across the screen) which are hard to find in a DS game. The top screen is mainly used for game dialogues, as well as various screes which display as you navigate the characters. The bottom screen presents a bird's eye view, so to it easy to hunt forobject which contain clues.

As the story progresses, the gamer really becomes involved in the events which unfold as Ashley is finally led to her father, and as most of D's past is recovered. The emotional conclusion at the end when Ashley leaves with her reunited family makes the gamer want to see the game progress futher, and sad to see the game finally came to an end. The same feeling you would get from finishing a tv or anime series, where even if it's a "happy" ending, you regret to see the characters leave.



Overall IMO this game deserves an 8 out of 10. It's a great title if you're after a slow paced game with quality graphics, but not so much if you're after something fast and action packed (get Mario Kart!). I am looking forward to this game's sequel, if there is one. According to Cing, they will produce a sequel if this one sells, and looking at recent software statistics Another Code has sold pretty well, expecially in Japan.

So has anyone else played Another Code? If so, what are your thoughts?

Australian MKDS Competition!



The Nintendo DS connection tour 06 is coming to Australia. They will be held at multiple Westfield shopping centres across Australia during the summer holidays. Players will get a chance to try out new Nintendo DS games, including Nintendogs, Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing: Wild World, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Sonic Rush, SpongeBob Squarepants: The Yellow Avenger, Burnout Legends and Tony Hawk American SK8land. Gamers can also sample what’s to come in early 2006, games like Nintendo Touch Golf: Birdie Challenge, Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble, Pokemon Torozei, Mario & Luigi: Partners in Time and the Japanese hit “Brain Training” will be available for demo play.

Here is the main attraction of the event: An Ultimate Mario Kart DS Tournament! The winner will be crowned the Mario Kart Champion and will receive a year’s worth of Nintendo DS products from Nintendo! Simply register, compete on the day and see if you have what it takes to be the Mario Kart Champion.

Here are the dates and location of the tour:

QLD
Westfield Carindale - Sat 7 Jan, 9:30am – 4pm
Westfield Garden City - Sun 8 Jan, 10:30am – 4pm
NSW
Westfield Miranda - Sat 14 Jan, 9:30am – 4pm
Westfield Eastgardens - Sun 15 Jan, 10:30am – 4pm
VIC
Westfield Southland - Sat 21 Jan, 9:30am – 4pm
Westfield Fountain Gate - Sun 22 Jan, 10:30am – 4pm
SA
Westfield Marion - Sat 28 Jan, 9:30am – 4pm
Westfield Marion – Sun 29 Jan, 9:30am – 4pm

I don't know about you guys, but for some reason I'm really excited about this tournament. I live in NSW, and although it's about an hours trip to Eastgardens, will try and participate in the event. Btw if anyone wants my MKDS Wi-Fi friend code, it's at the top right hand corner of this page (remember to comment with your own code so I can add you :D).

Nintendo's Official Stance

Source: http://revolution.ign.com/articles/674/674611p1.html

Online reports are shedding new light on the horsepower for Nintendo's next-generation console, codenamed Revolution, and gamers are reacting. Fans who write Nintendo of America about Revolution's power will receive the following official response:

Our competitors would have you believe that the next generation of gaming will be solely defined by high definition graphics. High definition graphics look fantastic, but come at a price. To shine, high definition games must be played on high definition televisions, which aren't cheap. Games with high definition graphics are expensive to develop because they must be developed in both standard and high definition formats. Those development costs are passed on to you in the form of more expensive software. Finally, playing games with high definition graphics requires a system with loads of RAM and costly high-end graphics chips, both of which make it prohibitively expensive for most consumers.

Sharper graphics are certainly part of the next generation. We know that games for the Revolution will look brilliant whether played on a standard television or on a high definition television. However, is that all there is to next-generation gaming? We feel that sharper graphics should be combined with a new way to interface with the game itself. Our controller is a sharp departure from the current standard, to be sure, but it will provide a level of interactivity you can't get currently.

We believe in providing a single system that can play not only the previous generation's titles, but also games from a massive library built over 20 years of creating innovative and exciting games. We also believe in providing a complete wireless online experience right out of the box.

Nintendo has created a gaming system that is sleek and compact in size, powers up quickly with minimal load times, makes game development easy and fast, is easy to use, and is affordable for everyone. We are confident that gamers and non-gamers alike will support the truly next-generation experience only Nintendo can provide. Once you have a chance to play games on the Revolution, we think you'll agree!

Nintendo of America

Nintendo has chosen not to release official technical specifications for its next-generation console and it may never, according to company executives. The Big N believes that comparing horsepower between consoles is a lost cause and that the software standouts in the next-generation will be determined by the quality and originality of the games, not merely how flashy their graphics become.

Revolution Channel Launched

IGN have recently launched their Nintendo Revolution channel section of their site, check it out at:

http://revolution.ign.com/

It seems the upgrade from cube.ign.com isn't quite complete, the link isn't shown in the topbar, and most of the articles are taken straight from the cube channel. There is one new Revolution article, found here:

http://revolution.ign.com/articles/673/673578p1.html

I'm a little suspicious of that article, as the information was sourced from "anonymous software developers", who should know little of Revolution's true hardware (working on games with Gamecube dev kits). Still, some comments are made on Revolution's horsepower, focusing around it's RAM. They also claim Revolution to be nothing more than a "souped up Xbox".

The Metroid Prime 3 image on the page does not match its caption, either. Matt should be well aware that the video footage shown at e3 ran on Gamecube hardware... these are Gamecube graphics.

Caveat Emptor

Recently there have been many scams for Xbox 360 consoles on eBay, but I've come across one that's quite hillarious. Here's a link to the auction:

http://cgi.ebay.com/X-Box-360-Premium-Box_W0QQitemZ8239677647QQcategoryZ112848QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

In case it has ended by the time you read this post, here is the description for the item below. Words that should be noted are in bold:
-------------------------------------------

X-Box 360 Premium Box



Now lets's go over what you know about the Xbox 360:
1. It's the first next-gen system to hit the market and probably will remain so for quite some time
2. Every major retailer has long since sold out of its initial alottment and can't guarantee you'll have one by Christmas
3. You have to have the hard drive included in this bundle to be able to play your old favorite xbox games (cough, cough, HALO 2, cough, cough)

Included in this package are none of the following:
* Xbox 360 System
* Wireless Controller
* 20 GB Hard Drive
* Wireless Headset for use with Xbox Live!
* High Definition A/V cables (core system only comes with standard composite A/V cables)
* Ethernet Cable (machine is Wi-Fi capable right out of the box so you can use your home wireless network for online play)

Some people are mentioning the inclusion of different Xbox Live! (XBL) memberships. Here's the story on that. All Xbox 360s will be able to connect to XBL Silver membership, free of charge, so long as you have an internet connection. But since this isn't an actual Xbox 360, just an egg box with "X-Box 360 Premium" written on it in permanent marker, you won't be able to connect to Xbox live or any other network with it. Just so we're clear, this is not a console, its an egg box with some writing on it. You would be able to download content, chat, and interact with the XBL online community, id this were an actual Xbox 360. You will not be able to play other people online through this level of XBL. Also included with the bundle is a free one month trial of XBL Gold. XBL Gold is a subscription service that you will have to pay for subsequent to your trial offer if you want to continue to play online. I believe all Xbox 360 games are supposed to have some type of online component, some of which will be more robust than others (Halo 3).

£10.00 flat shipping rate by royal mail.

-------------------------------------------
By the time I viewed the item had 9 bids, and was currently selling for US $493.16 (with a $1 starting bid). Crazy how some people can be so blind, huh?

More To The Revolution
Source: IGN

http://cube.ign.com/articles/673/673299p1.html

Nintendo bigwigs including Shigeru Miyamoto spoke at Japan's Digital Interactive Entertainment Conference today and while no specifics on games or hardware were revealed, some intriguing Revolution gossip was spun all the same, according to the website kotaku.com.

The site reports that Miyamoto again talked about the possibilities of the Revolution controller, and referred to the peripheral's nunchuck-style analog add-on. Most interesting, though, was what Miyamoto didn't talk about. The Nintendo legend flat-out stated that there's more to be revealed about the Revolution controller.

"There's another secret [about the Revolution controller]," he stated. "But I'm not going to go into that here. That'll be for a later date."

The news is in line with Nintendo of Europe demi-god Jim Merrick's recent statements that not everything about the Revolution controller has been shown.

Readers can expect full disclosure on the peripheral, the console, and its games at the Electronics Entertainment Expo 2006, which kicks off in Los Angeles next May.

PSP Going Down...Sooner Than Expected?

Thanks to a post by Bluelight of Digital Share forums, the latest Japanese hardware and software game sales. In this post I shall focus on the handheld industry only, the seperate handheld console war between Sony and Nintendo.

Here are the latest Japanese handheld statistics:

Nintendo DS 132,012
PlayStation Portable 51,196
GB micro 7,594
GBA SP 5,709
Game Boy Advance 241

These numbers are presented in a pie chart below:



As you can see, the Nintendo and Sony handheld war are currently giving 37 to 13 ratio respectively. Nintendo are dominating with a huge 74% of the total handheld market (PSP 26%). This was thanks to the recent release of Animal Crossing, an inteactive simulator game which supports Nintendo's Wi-Fi play.

On top of this great news, Mario Kart DS, also Wi-Fi supported, will be launching next week to Japanese gamers. This release will surely boost DS sales even futher, just like it did in Australia and the U.S. Aussies were greeted by the highly anticipated DS title, along with a $199.95 bundle, saving a gamer $50 if bought seperatly (EB games are even selling the bundle for $188 now). In the U.S, 112,000 Mario Kart DS games were sold in the first week, and 45% of MKDS owners have played online.

The next major DS release will occur a month or two afterwards, the launching of Metroid Prime Hunters. also supporting wireless online play, the game will also sport the release of Nintendo's Wi-Fi adaptor to retailers.

So, the future looks bright for the Developer's System, though not so well for the sleek Micro. The GB Micro has been dropped slowely in sales since its release. In its first week, the Micro sold a whopping ~149,000 units, doubling DS sales for a week. now it has almost dropped as low as the GBA SP, tohugh still enough to stay in the market, and effective in its job as Nintendo's "side" or "topoff" console.

Btw, regarding the title of this post...
I deliberately chose the words in the title to provoke Sony fanboys :P, it is not entirely true. If it makes any PSP fans feel better, the DS has been beating it in sales for MONTHS, it taking about 26% of the handheld market is no news :).

Countdown To Revolution... Again

http://cube.ign.com/articles/671/671782p1.html

The Electronics Entertainment Expo is still more than 165 days off, but that hasn't stopped Nintendo from preparing for the big show. In an unprecedented move, the company today sent out a "save the date" press reminder for its pre-E3 2006 show -- the same event where full disclosure on its next-generation console, codenamed Revolution, will take place.

"You're probably just starting to plan your time for 2006. With a mere 165 days to go (give or take), it's time to start thinking about next year's E3. Nintendo is most certainly thinking about it. So pencil us in," the company wrote in an official mass-mailing to media. "You'll hear all the incredible details about Nintendo's upcoming games and hardware, including our next home console, codenamed Revolution. You won't want to miss it. See you there."

The event will take place on May 9, 2006 at the Kodak Theatre in Hollywood, California, according to the publisher.

Historically, mailings like this arrive only a month or so prior to the actual E3 events, and thus we're positively puzzled and simultaneously excited to learn that the Big N is already gearing up for its Revolution blowout.

Nintendo of America has indicated on several occasions that more information on Revolution will be forthcoming on a regular basis beginning early next year.

It's still a little early, e3 is months away, but that hasn't stopped the building of hype and high anticipation of more Revolution news. It seems that finally, Nintendo ahve decided to reveal the Revolution. What I am hoping for most is some ingame videos, confirmation of more games, any other unknown functions of the controller, and a price and release date. Lol, yeah I guess that about all there is to know, except for the technical specs, which for some reason I am uninterested in.

As long as the games are unique, and provides graphics superior to the Gamecube's, that is sufficient to gain my support. Oh and, Wi-Fi, low price, and Nintendo's most popular lineup of games ready at launch, is nice too :D.

DS at E3 2005

Kudos to RAB DS for showing me this link :). If you're like me and am currently running Nintendo Wi-Fi through a wireless PCI card (with R2500 chipset), or happen to have a wireless PCI card anyway, now you can download some DS demos shown at e3 2005, and some other demos.

http://akkit.org/DS/E3/

This page has a nice list of playable DS demos up for download. To play you'd need to uninstall current PCI card drivers and use their one. I haven't tried any out yet, but they sound interesting :D. There is even a Meteos, Electroplankton and Jump Superstars demo, nice.

These demos load into the DS wireless through the PCI card, they are multiboot homebrew .nds files that people have somehow managed to get their hands on from this year's e3. If you currently own a supported PCI card, I recommend trying some of the demos out.

How To Save Some Money

Are you one of those people who have a DS, recently bought Mario Kart but never had a chance to play online? You don't have a wireless router, and do not wish to spend $35 ($50 au) on Nintendo's Wi-Fi dongle? There is a solution, a wireless PCI card!

PCI cards normally act as wireles receivers for home/office networks. They pick up wireless transmissions from wireless routers nearby, or at certain access points. They can cost as low as $30 au ($20 u.s), and are also compatible with PCs as well as other wireless pheripherals, unlike the Nintendo Wi-Fi connector. But how can that help you?

What many people do not realise, is that these PCI cards have the ability to function as a wireless accesss point themselves. Most drivers which come with this hardware do not have such option, so basically, it can function as an AP, but can't be told to. Apparantly, a member of SCdev forums discovered a certain driver which has the exact feature. The driver for the gigabyte GN WPKG PCI. And amazingly, this driver can be used for virtually ANY wireless PCI card based on the Ralink R2500 chipset.

Here is a link to SOME of these compatible PCI cards:
http://ralink.rapla.net/

Here is a link to the driver download:
http://tw.giga-byte.com/Download/Download.asp?DownloadPath=/Communication/FileList/Driver/gn-wpkg%20v1.5&FileExtName=zip

Once you've bought a wireless PCI card on the list, download and follow these instructions, curtesy of Darkwind_776 of SCdev forums:

http://files.filefront.com/DS+WiFi2doc/;4365479;/fileinfo.html

It really works, I have followed the instructions and am now happily playing online via the Nintendo WFC. Setting up only took a few minutes. I've also found that as long as you have a fast enough internet connection, multiple DS consoles can play online simultaneously. Also, this allows players who have dialup internet to run WFC. I have been told that it hardly lags, even on dialup, though the connection takes longer to load.

Well, there you have it. On a last note, make sure the card you are buying is ON THE SUPPORTED LIST, or you have confirmation that it uses the R2500 chipset. The first PCI card I bought was a D-link Airplus wireless, and the drivers didn't detect the device. It was only after hours of trying to manually configure the drivers that I decided to return the card and try another instead.

MKDS Wi-Fi

I was finally able to connect and play online via the Nintendo WFC today, and have tried a few races in the worldwide mode. Here's my impression... the experience was orgasmic :D. Seriously, no lag, no freeze, and decent loading times. So far my current states are 6 wins and 2 losses, though for about 3 times people disconnected when they were losing (retards...). For anyone who wants a match here's my friend code:

133203 986406

Well, that is it for now, time to get back to MKDS :P. Hopefully I can have the chance to verse one of you soon :). I'll also detail about connecting with the PCI card too in the next post :).

Mario Kart DS Sales Performance

Sorry about the recent lack of posts, even this one is nothing more than a cut and paste from Nintendo Insider, I have been a little busy recently. After purchasing a wireless PCI card to play Wi-Fi DS I've encountered numerous compatibility issues, and have wasted many hours attempting to justify the errors. For anyone else planning on getting a PCI card, DO NOT BUY IT UNLESS IT IS A GIGABYTE NG WPKG. Not all cards have an access point function, though the WPKG does and will definitely work with DS Wi-Fi. FYI, it costs around $25 U.S, about $40 here.

Onto the news, the article below is taken directly from Nintendo Insider, not written by me. Here is a link to the full article:
http://nintendoinsider.com/site/EEFkyAuAFpQqoXBfxc.php

Nearly Half of Mario Kart DS Owners Play Via Wi-Fi in First Week REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 22 /PRNewswire/ -- In its first week of availability, a whopping 45 percent of people who bought the new Mario Kart(R) DS racing game for Nintendo DS(TM) already have test driven its free Wi-Fi capabilities, setting a new industry standard. This remarkable play rate of Mario Kart DS demonstrates both the easy setup and access of Nintendo(R) Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's new wireless gaming service, as well as the fun game play that has always characterized the Mario Kart series.

On Nov. 14, Mario Kart DS became the first game to use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Through the end of Sunday, more than 112,000 people in the United States had purchased the game. In the same time frame, nearly 52,000 unique users had logged onto Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection to play against people from all over the country.

Video game fans have high praise for the addictive fun of Mario Kart DS and the simplicity of Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Many report that they can't stop playing.

"From the user-end, this is the easiest way to get online in video games," writes popular video game blog Kotaku.com. "The Wi-Fi integration is seamless. It's as easy as clicking multiplayer on the menu and joining the game."

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection lets users easily connect to the service at no additional charge using both home wireless networks and select Wi-Fi hotspots, without any complicated setup procedures.

Upcoming titles that use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection include Animal Crossing(R): Wild World on Dec. 5 and Metroid(R) Prime Hunters on March 20. The buzz for Animal Crossing: Wild World already has reached a fevered pitch. Four notoriously difficult game raters at Weekly Famitsu, Japan's leading video game magazine, scored it 37 out of a possible 40 points.

Wireless PCI Cards

This was a recent discovery for me, thanks to members at Digital Share and Aussie Nintendo forums. In addition to Nintendo's Wi-Fi dongle, local hotspots and wireless routers providing access for Wi-Fi games, PCI cards are another alternative. Apparantly, once installed they create a wireless network on your pc, and the Nintendo WFC can pick up and use it as an access point. This is great news for those who (like me) are unable to obtain a wireless router or Nintendo dongle.

Wireless PCI cards can be bought from computer and electronics retailers. I've been told that some older and perhaps cheaper PCI cards do not support Wi-Fi, so make sure the one you're purchasing is adaquate for Nintendo online. They cost as low as $40 if you know where to buy them, for me this will be at Big Ben Computer tomorrow (bigbencomputer.com.au). Otherwise they can cost you up to $200 from places such as DSE or Officeworks.

Obviously, they fit into your PC's PCI slot (same connection shared by other pheripherals like dialup modems and sound cards). And once the drivers are installed, and you are connected to a broadband internet connection, your PC is a wireless hotspot. Or so I have been told :).

I am going to buy a wireless PCI card tomorrow, I'll tell you guys how it works out :). If it really connects, I'll see you on MKDS Wi-Fi :P.

Nintendo's Role in Sony's Fall
Source: About.com, Digital Share

This interesting article concerning Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft's future predictions in gaming has been floating around the net for a week now. I've finished reading the 9 pages, and it's certainly been worthwhile.

The article outlines many steps undertaken by the three companies in the recent years, and uses them to make predictions on their future success on the market. Here is a link to the full article:

http://nintendo.about.com/library/sonysfall/blSony1.htm

It is a worthwhile read, please take the time to check it out :). The link was originally posted by Bluelight on Digital Share forums.

"Nintendo creates a system that can co-exist with either the 360 or PS3. People purchase the Revolution to play old NES, SuperNES, and N64 titles. Nintendo hopes that people will purchase the Revolution in addition to either the PS3 or the Xbox 360, effectively making them no longer competitors with either game system. The goal is not to out perform the other systems, but to be different enough that the competition does not exist."

Nintendo Keeping Revolution Secrets

In the latest volume of Nintendo minute (on IGN), senior VP of marketing and corp. communications George Harrison reveals that Nintendo are still hiding some secret concerning their next generation home console, Revolution. When he was also asked for a date when the information is to be released, he hints at some info at the start of 2006, and also at E3 next year.

http://cube.ign.com/articles/668/668117p1.html

"Keeping some Revolution cards close to our chest is a strategic decision on Nintendo's part. Every Nintendo console launch in the past has been shrouded in some level of secrecy due to Nintendo's desire to innovate and provide new gaming features and technology. With Revolution, this could be the most innovative product Nintendo has ever created in the history of the company."

~ George Harrison, NOA.

SSBM Director In Revolution Title
Source: IGN

http://cube.ign.com/articles/667/667525p1.html

Masahiro Sakurai may have left Nintendo for the independent game designer track, but Nintendo's not leaving him out of the series for which he's most known. In the latest Famitsu, Sakurai, head of his own company, Sora, reveals that he is serving as a director and game designer on Super Smash Bros. for the Revolution.

Sakurai is known in most circles as the game designer responsible for the Super Smash Bros. series in the first place. He's also known for his work on the Kirby series and, most recently, as the creative force behind Q Entertainment's Meteos for the DS.

This announcement comes as somewhat of a surprise, seeing as how Sakurai left Nintendo's HAL Labs in Fall of 2003. Sakurai reveals, though, that when leaving Nintendo, his former boss, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, suggested that he might be consulted in the case of a Super Smash Bros. sequel. The real surprise for Sakurai came at this past E3, when Nintendo announced that Super Smash Bros. was in development for the Revolution and would be Wi-Fi compatible. Sakura had apparently heard nothing of the title at that point, although he was in attendance at the Nintendo press conference.

But he was to become involved in a big way following the announcement. One day at E3, Sakurai reveals, he was called to Iwata's room on the top floor of a Los Angeles hotel, and told by Iwata, "We'd like you to be involved in the production of the new Smash Bros., if possible near the level of director."

Sakurai's comments suggest that Super Smash Bros. may not be as far along in development as some had initially thought. At E3, Nintendo raised Smash Bros. for Revolution as an example of the Wi-Fi connection program that would kick off with the DS later in the year. Actual production hadn't begun at the time.

Given the success of Super Smash Bros. Melee for the GameCube, many have been expecting a new entry to launch with the Revolution. Nintendo actually suggested as much in its announcement at E3. But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Confirmation of Sakurai's involvement in the project has us even more excited about Super Smash Bros. Revolution, especially given his apparent enthusiasm for the Revolution controller.

Race To Race Online

I purchased a copy of Mario KArt DS yesterday from EB games :P. Although the official release date is set for this Thursday some retailers including Big W and EB have decided to sell some advance copies. After reading that online at Aussie Nintendo a quick call was made to the nearest EB, and after speeding over to pick up the game, I've spent 2 hours finishing the 150cc mode in GP :).

The game is absolutely amazing, no bullcrap there. Play it and you'll believe. Very smooth scenary textures, no lag in multiplayer, really smooth gameplay. I have not tried the online mode yet as I do not own a router (and am eagerly awaiting the USB dongle), though I've heard the gameplay is as good as the single player modes. If you're still awaiting the game's official release tomorrow, wait no longer - buy now!

Also, for any readers residing in the States, you can now purchase the USB adaptor online through Nintendo's online store. Here is a link to the page:

(edit: very long link, please click here)

$34.95 U.S, though I do not know the price of shipping as the adaptor is only available to U.S and Canadian citizens.

Outcoming Games List

Argh, news has been slow again for the past few days. The mosy interesting bit of news is probably about Mark Reign swallowing his previous comments on the Nintendo Revolution. Many seem to have accepted his apology, but I for one stil do not trust the guy, therefore it's not worth posting (lol) :P.

Anyway, here's the list of outcoming consoles games for all Nintendo platforms over the next week (Australian). You'll notice there are many games due for release, this could be associated with the Xbox 360's launch in Australia next month.

16/11/05:
GC: Call of Duty 2 Big Red One
GC: Gun
DS: Tony Hawk's American Sk8land
GC: Tony Hawk's American Wasteland

17/11/05:

GC: Bratz rock angelz
DS: Mario Kart DS
GC: Peter Jackson's King Kong
DS: Spyro Shadow Legacy
DS: Zoo Tycoon DS

18/11/05:
DS: Lost in Blue

21/11/05:
GC: James Bond 007 From Russia With Love

The Regginator Talks

Change - Before you have to...

Nintendo Of America's Regginald Fils Amie has left some impressions at a recent speech at the Harris Nesbitt Media & Entertainment Conference. In addition to news regarding Nintendo's plans with Revolution, he also touches on past marketing schemes, and makes direct reference of games to movies.

Thanks to Go Nintendo for providing a transcript of the interview:
http://www.gonintendo.com/Reggie%20Speech.rtf

This is a great speech, a definite worthwhile read of 12 pages.

AS JACK WELCH ONCE SAID, “IN REAL LIFE, STRATEGY IS ACTUALLY VERY STRAIGHTFORWARD. YOU PICK A GENERAL DIRECTION—AND IMPLEMENT LIKE HELL.”
WE’RE BEYOND PLANNING.
WE’RE ALREADY IMPLEMENTING LIKE HELL.

NINTENDO REVOLUTION IS DECIDEDLY NOT RUNNING IN THIS RACE.
NOT BECAUSE WE CAN’T AFFORD THE ENTRY FEE.
BUT BECAUSE WE DON’T WANT THE PRIZE.

- Reggie

Australian MKDS Info

Revo-europe.com have recently published an article with great new information regarding Nintendo's Wi-Fi service here in Australia, link:

http://www.revo-europe.com/news.php?nid=8493

It seems that Australian gamers will have access to free wireless hotspots to play DS online. No news about an agreement with Maccas yet, although it has been confirmed that 26 Australian retail locations, including selected Electronics Boutique, Myer and Dick Smith Powerhouse stores will support this service. All a player needs to do, is enter a store and simply select Wi-Fi mode on their DS. No setting up required, nice and easy.

It is also great news to the many who are still stuck with dialup internet. And for those who are planning to purchase a USB adaptor, remember they are available from Nintendo Australia (03 9730 9822) for $49.95, with free postage. In addition to credit card, money order and cheques are also accepted.

Also, Nintendo will soon launch the Australian online Wi-Fi resource. NintendoWiFi.com.au will open and act as a useful resource for gamers who wish to find out more info regarding Wi-Fi, or compare their high scores with top gamers in Australia. Sounds interesting, be sure to keep checking the site for updates :).

Merrick on Mark Reign

It seems that Jim Merrick was well aware of Reign's seemingly biased comments made towards the Revolution two weeks ago. For those who are behind in info, Mark disses the Revolution console, insisting games will be "all about the graphics" in the upcoming generation, and that Nintendo fans are in for "crappy, cheap, I-wish-I-hadn't-bought-it gimmicks". Surprisingly, out of the many developers who have commented on the Revolution after the TGS, Reign was the only individual to present a negative view.

That is fair enough, guess nobody can control his opinions. But what has been nagging my mind, and I'm sure the minds of many other gamers, is the aggressive attitude, and lack of evidence to back up Reign's comments. The use of "I-wish-I-hadn't-bought-it" to describe Revolution games are undoutably biased against Nintendo. Besides from the fact that he doesn't own a dev kit, haven't been told the specs, and hasn't utilised the controller, I also doubt he's been shown any Revolution games (running on next gen hardware).

It's all well if he'd back up his comment, perhaps with evidence of the Revolution's inferior hardware, or lack of on par graphics. But he's included nothing of the sort, and now besides from making himself appear to be a total idiot when compared to other developers, he's hated by fans from all over the internet.

Apparantly, Merrick shares similar views as the rest of us N-gamers. In a recent interview he has responded to Reign's comments:

“Mark has a very narrow section of the business. Epic builds middleware, they’re very technically savvy guys, but he doesn’t have a Revolution controller, he doesn’t have a dev kit, he’s talking about something he knows nothing about. So if he’d like to get a dev kit and really dig into it, then I’d be interested to hear what he has to say.”

That was a little aggressive coming from Nintendo... but neccessary. Gonintendo.com have recently emailed some questions to Reign, and are waiting for his response. Tune into Go Nintendo for more news.

Start Your Engines

Only a week left until Mario Kart DS is officially released in Australia, and Aussie Nintendo has released some awesome new info for the game. But firstly, it seems my previous list of "confirmed" MKDS unlockable characters were... not confirmed. Apparantly it has not been revealed that Koopa, Toadette and Petey will be playable characters in the game. The only confirmed player is R.O.B, as seen the screenshot below:



Argh, stoopid robot, this guy has to be the only Nintendo invention I dislike. And if he's in the game when Toadette's kicked out... ah well, 36 available karts makes up for the disappointment... kinda. Alright, on to some positive news.

I'm sure you've all seen the final cover boxart for Mario Kart DS, and now the back cover has been revealed. Picture courtesy of aussie-nintendo.com:



Aussie Nintendo have been kind enough to clear up some confusion regarding the DS and its Wi-Fi connection, this page is a useful resource for anyone having doubts on how to cnnect and play online.

http://www.aussie-nintendo.com/content/news_archives/ds.php?subaction=showfull&id=1131554079&archive=&start_from=&ucat=2

Summing up the article:

- The first Wi-Fi game ,Tony Hawk DS will be released on the 16th of November, Mario Kart launching a day later.
- Currently there are two ways to play online for Australian DS gamers. The first is to setup a connection with a home wireless router. Simply follow instructions on the DS and players can be connected in minutes. The second is to purchase the Nintendo Wi-Fi adaptor.
- The adaptor is available from Nintendo, on 1300 362 746 (Nintendo Australia). The cost is $49.95, but comes with free shipping for Australians. Payments methods are credit card, money order or cheque.
- You can purchase and pay for the adaptor prior to the 17th, but no orders will be processed before that date.
- Currently, nintendowifi.com is only available to American gamers to share their high scores and discuss Wi-Fi gaming, though the service will be made available for Aussies in the distant future.
- Nintendo.com.au will be having updates regarding Wi-Fi and Mario Kart DS next week, so stay tuned for more details.

Remote Controller

Today Nintendo has announced the annual Platinum reward for platinum Club Nintendo Members - a Revolution remote controller. The controller has the exact shape and size of a Nintendo Revolution controller, but will operate a television rather than Revolution games. Basically, this will give some lucky members a feel of wielding the revolutionary gaming device, only without its revolutionary features.

Along with the remote, members will also be given a 2006 wall calender featuring Kirby, Nintendogs, Mario and Zelda graphics.

Nintendo Wi-Fi News

There is some assorted news concerning Nintendo's Wi-Fi connection and Mario Kart DS, I am including them all in the same post.

Nintendo has sucessfully launched their global Wi-Fi site, nintendowifi.com. It will be used as a resource for game information, Wi-Fi setup and recording high scores on the current Wi-Fi supported titles. Checking the Mario Kart section, it seems that some Nintendo officials and other staff have already received advance copys of Mario Kart DS, and already have their scores posted at the site.

A new commercial for the Wi-Fi connection has surfaced. Ninjas, anyone?
http://media.gba.gamespy.com/articles/664/664980/vids_1.html?RSSwhen2005-11-07_105800&RSSid=664980

Nintendo has revealed that they have an intention to retail the USB adaptor worldwide in the near future, along with the release of Metroid Prime Hunters for DS. But currently, the adaptor is only available from eBay or Nintendo's website.

The complete list of all unlockable Mario Kart DS characters has been revealed. Please note: spoilers below:

Daisy
Koopa Troopa
Toadette
Waluigi
Shy Guy
Dry Bones
Petey Piranha
R.O.B - NES

Interestingly, ROB is included as a playable character. For those who don't know, he started off as a pheripheral for the Nintendo Entertainment System back in the 80s, as a robotic toy with NES connectivity. It is very surprising that Nintendo have decided to include him in a game, instead of other MK characters such as Mini Bowser, Wiggler, Baby Mario etc. Ah well, at least Toadette is in the game :P.

Toad + Toadette = Ultimate 1337ness in MKDD :D.

Konno Talks Nintendo

Game Life has held a recent interview with Hideki Konno, producer at EAD studio in Kyoto. Topics covered include Mario Kart DS, Nintendogs and Revolution. Aussie Nintendo have an article with some of these questions.

Mario Kart DS:

You'll see it during the race?

Konno: As you're playing for a while, maybe if you beat some staff ghosts in the time trial mode, you'll get stars next to your user name. You can get up to three, and you have to do quite a bit to get those three stars. Once you've done that you'll see them online.

Nintendogs:

Any plans for Nintendogs on Wi-Fi?

Konno: We have a lot of ideas (laughs). That's the next thing we'd like to tackle. So there are a lot of things that I'm looking forward to addressing in regards to that question.

Revolution:

What sort of controller motions intrigue you more: little ones or big ones? Do you want to make an action game where you're wildly slashing a sword or a puzzle game where you're making intricate movements?

Konno: Wow, that's a good question. We're thinking of so many different things. We're still at the stage where we're trying so many different things. We're doing things with big, expansive movements and smaller, more concise movements. It's hard to narrow it down to one over the other.

Did you see the Tokyo Game Show video? We actually have things using the movements you saw. Like the cooking game. We have this game with a big wok that you use to cook Chinese food, and it's really interesting to have the meat and vegetables frying in there, and use the controller to flip the food around without it spilling out of the pan.

The full interview is available at:
http://blog.wired.com/games/index.blog?entry_id=1273394%22

Mario Kart DS Competition

Alright, there hasn't been much Nintendo news lately so I thought I'd bring this up. Of the many reader of this blog, who here is planning on purchasing Mario Kart DS? If you are one of those mentioned, would you be interested in an online Mario Kart competition?

Personally, I claim myself to be the number 1 most obsessive Mario Kart player. I have played and finished all 4 existing Mario Kart games with quite impressive scores :P, and am holding some records which are faster than anyone I know.

Hehe, I'm not trying to boast, just trying to get some of you to participate in the comp. Alright, here's the proposal:

I challenge all of you to some online MKDS verses races.

Those who beat me will have their game number posted on this blog, so other Mario Kart pros can check and add the number to their friend's list. If you could join, please post your number at DIgital Share forums when the game is released :).

Digital Share forums

That is all for now, thanks.

Nintendo's Future

Sorry for the recent lack of posts, I have been a little busy lately. I'm sure you've all already read or watched the full interview at Nintendo's press summit, but just in case, here is a link to the full transcript.

http://cube.ign.com/articles/664/664495p1.html

An hours long presentation, Reggie is interviewed about his thoughts on Nintendo's strategies with the Revolution console, and future plans on marketing the system. He touches on the online plans Nintendo have for both the Nintendo DS and Revolution, and also answers many questions regarding the service. The whole interview is 5 IGN pages in length, but is worth the read.

The questions he answers at the end are most informative. He does not reveal any important new information, but responds in detail to questions aimed at the GB Micro, DS Wi-Fi, Revolution and also Nintendo's third party support.

Darkenedjib On GB Micro

The Micro launched in Australia yesterday, so I went and bought one, and thought I might write a hands on impression (for those who are considering). The photos below are taken by me, sorry about the blurr in some -_-.

Well, I bought the Micro, returned home, and went straight to my room to open it. You know that new hardware feeling you get when buying new gadgets? It was like that for me, sitting on the bed and staring at the console's box. The blurr in the images below could have been due to my hands shaking while holding the camera :P.





Yeah, I bought the red bundle. The only other choice from Big W was the silver console, which came with a black faceplate, it was a tough choice though. Anyway, I opened the box and slide out the contents. The Micro was visible behind a plastic wrapping... nice.



I took out the rest of the contents. There was an instruction booklet, user manuel, charger and extra faceplate. A pouch was included but I didn't notice. The charger was similar to the SP and DS ones, but a smaller socket to fit a Micro. The extra faceplate was purple.



The Micro itself was a lot heavier than I expected. It was made with a strong metallic casing, unlike the plastics of the GBA or metallic paint on the SP, and weighed a little more than an SP. The faceplate was covered with a clear plastic which looked neat, but left fingerprints when I held it.





Sweeet. I couldn't wait to try out some old GBA games, but first, here are some additional screens from different angles.





I took out two random games (first ones I could find). They happened to be Mario Kart Super Circuit and Pokemon Leaf Green. Here is a shot of Mario Kart.



The Micro fit nicely in my hands. The A and B buttons were easily reaschable, the D pad was very responsive, and the L R buttons gave a nice click when I pushed them. I first tried out the volume and screen brightness. The sound was decent, but not as loud as I hoped, maybe a tad louder than an SP. But the brightness was amazing, even at the lowest setting it was brighter than the SP's frontlight. And at 4 notches higher in brightness, I swear you could use it as a torch. The image was crystal clear (don't be discouraged by that shoddy image!), the Micro has as many pixels as the GBA SP, only on a smaller screen.



The image above is from Pokemon, again, crystal clear reception. The text was easy to read, and navigating items in the game was a cinche. It took almost no time for me to adjust to the micro's controls. You had to kinda cradle the console to reach all the buttons, which felt fairly compfortable. Notice the Start/Select buttons are emitting a red light. That meant the thing needed to recharge, the charged colour is blue.

I dug around for the Movie Player I bought a while ago (a Play-Yan alternative for watching movies on the SP or DS). The player stuck out of the system a bit (ok... a lot), but the picture was awesome. Hehe, I watched a bit of Family Guy on it.



For some reason, Family Guy didn't seem so interesting just then :P. I thought I might show you the other faceplate. The Micro came with a small bit of plastic, which I almost threw in the bin, used for changing the faceplates. I had to push the two points on the plastic into corresponding holes on the left side of the Micro, and the faceplate popped open. Changing faceplates was easy enough, though a pinkish/purple faceplate looked slightly out of place.



I guess there isn't much else to say about the console, though I was really anxious to recharge and start playing some GBA classics on the 2 inch screen :P. Afterwards, I managed to find an old Mario and Luigi Superstar Sage cartridge, and spent about 2 hours playing non stop. Lol, that was the reason I wasn't able to write a review yesterday.

So yeah, it's a nifty gadget, definitely worth the $138. I apoligise for the untidy review, I am really eager to return to MLSS right now :D. To finish off, here are two more images.