Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, and 3DS info

[Zeth Ryder]

A New Mario, Wifi, Netflix and The Launch of the Nintendo 3DS

A new 3D game from Nintendo's iconic Super Mario series is in the works for the Nintendo 3DSâ„¢ portable system. Nintendo also announced two upcoming collaborations: Nintendo 3DS owners will be able to connect automatically to the Internet at more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots, while Netflix members will instantly stream movies and other content on their Nintendo 3DS systems. These features were announced at the Game Developers Conference during Nintendo President Satoru Iwata's keynote address, titled "Video Games Turn 25: A Historical Perspective and Vision for the Future."

 

During his speech, Iwata said Nintendo 3DS gives developers new tools to create games and experiences never before possible while enabling them to reach the public in new ways.

 

"There is great potential to increase the number of people who enjoy video games by opening up new game-play opportunities that are only available through the use of 3D." Iwata said. "Nintendo 3DS will be the most connected Nintendo device ever, with its ability to link people via local wireless connections, while at the same time connecting them to people and content worldwide via hotspot connectivity."

 

Nintendo 3DS launches March 27 in the United States at a suggested retail price of $249.99. It lets users view 3D content without the need for special glasses. The announced 3D Super Mario game will feature traditional Marioâ„¢ game play and will fulfill the dream of Nintendo video game designer (and Mario creator) Shigeru Miyamoto to bring true depth and distance into the game's mechanics. The game is being developed by the same Nintendo team that created the Wiiâ„¢ console hits Super Mario Galaxyâ„¢ and Super Mario Galaxy 2.

 

At the end of May, Nintendo will provide Nintendo 3DS owners with a wireless system update that will activate the Nintendo eShop and give users access to a number of features:

 

*A short-form video service will let people view trailers for Hollywood movies in 3D and access video game trailers, screen shots, background information and links to publishers' websites. Content will include short video clips, such as comedy shorts or music videos, selected by Nintendo and delivered to Nintendo 3DS users who choose to receive them.

*Downloadable classic games via the portable Nintendo 3DS Virtual Consoleâ„¢ service will include Game Boyâ„¢ and Game Boy Color games, as well as those from the Game Gear and TurboGrafx-16 systems.

*"3D Classics" will introduce select classic video games remastered in 3D.

*Games currently offered as Nintendo DSiWareâ„¢ and an Internet browser will be available.

*The system update will also provide a solution for Nintendo DSiâ„¢ and Nintendo DSi XLâ„¢ owners to transfer their Nintendo DSiWare games to their new Nintendo 3DS systems.

 

To help make the wireless features of Nintendo 3DS as smooth as possible, Nintendo has collaborated with AT&T to provide Nintendo 3DS owners with automatic and free access to more than 10,000 AT&T Wi-Fi Hot Spots nationwide with the May system update. Nintendo's aim is to make getting connected easy for everyone, so people who opt in to the system's SpotPassâ„¢ service will tell their Nintendo 3DS systems to automatically connect to AT&T Hot Spots at restaurants, book stores, coffee shops and airports across the country.

 

This summer, Nintendo 3DS will incorporate Netflix functionality. Netflix members who have an unlimited plan starting at $7.99 a month can access a broadband wireless Internet connection and instantly stream movies and TV shows directly to their Nintendo 3DS systems, similar to how the service is used on the Wii console. This means people can start watching a movie via Netflix on their Wii systems at home and then pick up the same movie later from a different location using their Nintendo 3DS systems.

 

The Four W's of the Ultimate Pokemon Event!

WHAT:

New York's famed Rockefeller Center® will be the epicenter of an over-the-top Pokémon™ celebration as Nintendo prepares to launch the new Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games for the Nintendo DS™ family of systems across North America. On March 5, at the Nintendo® World store, fans will gather for a spectacular launch event and the chance to be among the first in the nation to buy the games in advance of their official March 6 release.

 

The event will offer attendees an interactive experience that will take consumers through stations featuring game-play kiosks, depictions of the games' new starter and Legendary Pokémon, a download area for the Liberty Pass which enables players to get the new Mythical Pokémon Victini in the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games, a photo booth and a special collection of never-before-seen Pokémon artwork. Attendees will receive a "passport" upon entry and earn a stamp for each station they experience. Once they have visited all stations, fans will receive a special Pokémon Black Version or Pokémon White Version T-shirt, while supplies last.

 

Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version open a thrilling new chapter in the beloved video game series, introducing more than 150 new Pokémon, new battle systems, and a new region to explore. More information about Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version can be found at PokemonBlackWhite.com.

 

WHO:

Kids, teens, adults, parents, Pokémon fans and consumers of all kinds

 

WHEN:

Saturday, March 5, 2011

3-6 p.m.

 

WHERE:

Nintendo World

10 Rockefeller Plaza

New York, NY 10020

 

Limited Edition Pokemon Bundles

Starting March 6, Nintendo will offer consumers an especially exciting way to experience the new Pokémon™ Black Version and Pokémon White Version video games. Two limited-edition etched black and white Nintendo DSi™ bundles will be available at retailers while supplies last.

 

The black system bundles will be packaged with the Pokémon Black Version game, while the white system bundles will be packaged with a copy of the Pokémon White Version game. Both the black systems and white systems will feature the new Legendary Pokémon Reshiram™ and Zekrom™ etched onto the casing. Reshiram and Zekrom are among the more than 150 never-before-seen Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version. The bundles will also include a custom Pokémon Nintendo DSi carrying case. Each bundle will be offered at a suggested retail price of $179.99.

 

Players can enjoy the majority of the games' features on any type of Nintendo DS™ system, but when played on the Nintendo DSi or Nintendo DSi XL™ systems, players can use the games’ new Xtransceiver device to engage in video chat with others after exchanging Friend Codes. Up to four players can use the Xtransceiver via a local wireless connection, and two players can experience the feature online via the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection service (broadband Internet access required). When played on an original Nintendo DS or Nintendo DS Lite system, the feature enables voice chat. All players can exchange written messages using the touch screen.

 

The individual Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games will launch on March 6, and are now available for pre-order from major retailers throughout North America for a suggested retail price of $34.99 each.

 

 

The Year of Zelda

Beside The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time 3D and Skyward Sword coming out this year, Satoru Iwata's speech at 2011's Game Developer's conference, the President of Nintendo announced that the company is working on "something" to honor the 25th anniversary of The Legend of Zelda. And he pretty much left it at that.

 

Aside from a logo that tells us little more than the fact that it's something to do with the Zelda franchise, we only know that Miyamoto himself is working on it, and that gamers will see what it is this year.