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.
Monday, November 28, 2005
Saturday, November 26, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, November 24, 2005
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 :).
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 :).
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
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.
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.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
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.
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.
Saturday, November 19, 2005
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."
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."
Friday, November 18, 2005
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.
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.
Thursday, November 17, 2005
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.
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.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
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.
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.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
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
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
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