Hasta La Gadget!

Bad news for those that plan on using a flash card with their 3DS — if Nintendo detects that you’ve been dabbing with one, the company might send a firmware update that could possibly brick your system. According to GoNintendo, Japanese retailer Enterking posted a warning message on their site, suggesting that your system might be unbootable after a software update if Nintendo detects you’ve been using an R4. Enterking is not buying used 3DSs that have a history of using an illegal cartridge — a transparent indication that it’s not taking any chances here. We can’t know for sure if Nintendo will dish out said update or how Enterking might tell — however, Nintendo did issue this statement to Eurogamer in response to their story on the topic:

“We do not discuss product security details (for obvious reasons), nor can we discuss the details of countermeasures available in the Nintendo 3DS system. Nintendo 3DS has the most up-to-date technology. The security has been designed to protect both the creative works in the software and to protect the Nintendo 3DS hardware system itself.

Nintendo, like most companies, takes a palpable stance against piracy. We recommend that those fortunate enough to own a 3DS stay away from the flash cards altogether, just in case.

Update: Flash cards aren’t illegal to use per se — homebrew, anyone? — although certain countries have banned them from import and sale, and their widespread use for illegal activity makes them a dubious proposition quite often.

Nintendo can remotely brick your 3DS after flash card use? originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 04:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It’s been almost a year since Nintendo revealed the 3DS to the world, trotted it out at E3, held proudly by a flotilla of genetically-cloned and identically-dressed ladies. Of course we knew about it long before that, but when it comes to glasses-free 3D screens seeing is believing. After that first glimpse we were left intrigued by the technology, but we wouldn’t say we were exactly believers. Now, after spending about a week living with one of Nintendo’s $250 consoles, working with one, gaming with one, and practicing kana with one, we’ve seen the light. The fancy-pants screen works, but it only does so with a lot of caveats.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese)

Nintendo 3DS review (Japanese) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Mar 2011 12:21:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3DS users will be able to stream Netflix via Wi-Fi connection this Summer, according Nintendo. The company added that free Wi-Fi hotspots will be available via AT&T starting this May. Gamers will have to sign up for a service called SpotPass, in order to connect automatically to the free hotspots.

Nintendo president Saturo Iwata stated this during his keynote speech,

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

It appears that Nintendo has big plans lined up for the new device. It makes me wonder if the older models will be phased out slowly? Or get huge price cuts sometime soon? Thus far, Nintendo has not issued any statements on the older models yet.

Via Washington Post

In all honesty, you would expect the leader of a team concerned exclusively with producing games for smartphone platforms like iOS and Android to be dismissive of a new dedicated handheld console’s chances, but it’s still jarring to hear such a strident dismissal of the Sony NGP‘s chances. In an interview at GDC this year — yes, the same place where we were treated to some very impressive demos of the NGP’s performance — ngmoco CEO Neil Young has expressed his belief that Sony’s next PSP will be “dead on arrival.” Claiming that the new portable will be incapable of competing with the rich ecosystems and affordable pricing models that smartphones now offer, Young says not even the crazy specs or PS3-like gaming will help the NGP survive. This echoes comments from Satoru Iwata last year saying that Apple, not Sony, is the “enemy of the future” for handheld consoles, though Young does close off on a positive note, saying that he sees brighter prospects for the 3DS thanks to Nintendo’s rich collection of own-brand franchises and reserves of fan loyalty. So that’s it, folks, better start selling those Sony shares while they’re still worth something! Or not, it’s up to you.

[Thanks, Dominick]

CE-Oh no he didn’t!: NGP will be ‘dead on arrival,’ says ngmoco boss originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 03:10:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo has been a longtime favorite for gamers ever since Nintendo released the NES. However, since more video game console manufactures have gained popularity, the stakes are as high as ever for Nintendo. The company is now saying that all hope is on the new Nintendo 3DS console.

Shigeru Miyamoto, who is considered to be one of Nintendo’s best (created Mario, Donkey Kong, and The Legend of Zelda, to name a few), is excited about 3D gaming. Miyamoto believes that Nintendo can take 3D to the next level by planning to release games that could boost the declining profits for the gaming giant. The 3DS is the first console to ever support 3D games. Miyomoto also believes that Nintendo could change the face of gaming, just like the Wii did with motion gaming.

While Miyamoto does believe that it could change gaming, he also admits that 3D is nothing new to the world. However, we can all agree that it is new to gaming. He also stressed that Nintendo, unlike other gaming manufactures, design games for the hardware that Nintendo builds. According to Miyamoto, that gives Nintendo a better edge against the others.

Via BBC