Hasta La Gadget!

Nintendo’s latest earnings report may be a litany of woe, but at least the outfit’s semi-annual financial results briefing bore good news: the 3DS eShop is about to get a kick in the pants. Today’s 3DS store gets the job done, but it’s hampered by disorganized categories, limited accessibility, and poor download management. Want something better? It’s on the way — a late November update is slated to bring “sleep mode” background downloading to the fledgling console, and opens the door for publishers to release in-game premium DLC and “limited-play” demos. Nintendo is even taking steps to address the handheld’s lousy shopping experience, announcing a companion website where users will be able to browse the eShop from a PC or smartphone. Eventually 3DS owners will be able to buy content directly from the eShop website, but at launch shoppers will need to scan a QR code with the handheld to make a purchase. It’s not a perfect plan, but at least it’s a start. Baby steps Nintendo, baby steps.

Nintendo’s eShop plans: premium DLC, game demos, smartphone shopping, relevancy originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Oct 2011 19:02:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Continue reading Mario Kart 7 Steering Wheel for Nintendo 3DS should help you drift past Toadie

Mario Kart 7 Steering Wheel for Nintendo 3DS should help you drift past Toadie originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 22:19:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rejoice Nintendo fans, Hulu Plus is coming to your console of choice… provided you’re up on the latest in Nintendo hardware. Both the Wii and 3DS will be getting access to the streaming service’s vast archives of TV shows and movies some time before the year is out. Though, you shouldn’t expect to see the Galactica popping out of your portable — this is a strictly 2D affair. A software update coming at the end of November will also deliver the ability to record 3D video with the Nintendo handheld (up to ten minutes) or even stitch together stereoscopic images for stop motion animation that jumps out of the tiny screen at you. With both Hulu and Netflix in tow, as well as the ability to create your own content, the 3DS is actually turning into quite a powerful little portable. For more details, including some game release dates, check out the PR after the break.

Continue reading Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii, handheld getting 3D video capture

Hulu Plus coming to 3DS and Wii, handheld getting 3D video capture originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:32:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo’s twin-screen wonder has seen almost as many reinventions as Lady Gaga, so it may not come as a huge shock to hear that the DS (in all its guises) has now sold over 50 million units in the US. The home entertainment maestros are still chasing similar success for its three-dimensional sibling, the 3DS, however. Nintendo has managed to sell almost half a million three dee units units after its weighty price cut, but there’s now some very potent competitors seeking their own slice of the (portable) gaming pie. Good luck, Nintendo, you’re probably going to need it.

Continue reading Nintendo sells over 50 million DS units, 3DS sales fall flat in comparison

Nintendo sells over 50 million DS units, 3DS sales fall flat in comparison originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 05:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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As Nintendo is wont to do, a new assortment of colorful 3DS handhelds will soon be flooding the market — in Japan. Yes, it’s time once again for that tried-and-true approach of treating gamers in the company’s homeland to special edition packs. This time out, it’s the release of Capcom’s Monster Hunter 3 (Tri) G that’ll ring in the above pictured red-on-white portable, in addition to Ninty’s recently unveiled slide pad add-on. Unfortunately, interested parties’ll have to choose between the 20,800 yen (about $271) game plus console bundle, or merely opt for the hardware-less 6,990 yen (about $91) peripheral and software option — both available on December 10th. If neither of the above has your inner Big N fanboy aflutter, you can always drop 15,000 yen (about $195) on that bland Ice White version slated for October 20th. Speak Japanese? Then hit up the source links below to parse through the official pressers.

Continue reading 3DS gets a Monster Hunter TriG paint job, makes the limited edition love Japan-only

3DS gets a Monster Hunter TriG paint job, makes the limited edition love Japan-only originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:23:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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