Hasta La Gadget!

Remember that limited edition Super Famicom Classic Controller? You know, that one that was once available only to Club Nintendo members over in Japan? By some remarkable feat of magic, wit and unmatched skill, the crew over at Play-Asia has secured stock to sell to the public at large, and wouldn’t you know it, they have no issues shipping to the United States of America. Of course, you could also execute the X2Wii hack in order to make your existing SNES controller play nice with the Wii, but where’s the fun in that? Unfortunately, this piece will run you just over $80 shipped, so you should make sure you’re really as hardcore a gamer as you say you are before plunking down.

[Thanks, Marcus]

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Wii Super Famicom Classic Controller on sale to general public originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 17:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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If you’re still feeling all giddy about getting your mitts on a DSi here in the States on April 5th, prepare for a bit of a downer. Nintendo Europe has just announced gamers within its territories be getting the multi-screen multi-cam wonder a full two days earlier, on April 3rd, but hasn’t said how much they’ll be paying for the privilege. Also, while we’re stuck with black and a rather cheeky baby blue, Euro gamers will be getting the more stolid/boring color selection of black or white, which may be good or bad depending on your monochromatic tendencies. Regardless, whether you’re domestic or abroad, you’d best get your pre-orders in now.

Update: LostProphet commented to say that it’s showing up for pre-order abroad at £149.99, or about $214. That’s quite a premium for a few days worth of exclusivity.

[Via Nowhere Else]

Filed under: Gaming

Nintendo’s DSi planning a European tour ahead of US release originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo’s DSi, out now in Japan, has finally been slated for US release on April 5th for $170. But you won’t score one in white.

While the DSi is available in Japan in white and black, it will come to the States in black and blue. And at first glance, that blue is fairly nauseating. So as far as I’m concerned, the DSi is coming to the US in black (and blue at launch only if you don’t pre-order it.)

Also of note, an American version of DSi’s DSiWare (think WiiWare downloadable games but for the DSi) will be available for $2 at launch. [Kotaku]

If you’ve got some 60 x 60 solar panels, a few diodes, some scotch tape, and a little time on your hands, you may never need to plug in your DS ever again. According to “dark sponge,” a poster over at Instructables, you can convert the Lite into a solar-powered wonder that will obviate the need for your standard PSU, and make your green leaning friends, er… green with envy. The mod involves slapping panels on both the bottom and top of the device which — when wired in parallel — get 6 volts of power at 80 mA, which is apparently perfect for a trickle charge. The only downside is you’ll have to leave the device face down for a bit, and it’s advised to keep it out of the sun all day. Still, it’s an excellent mod that doesn’t seem too difficult to execute, and ends up saving hassle and energy… and who can knock that?

[Via SlashGear]

Filed under: Gaming

DS Lite solar panel mod lets you leave the PSU at home originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 Feb 2009 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Still without meal plans for Valentine’s Day? This year, forgo the pricey restaurant and invite that special someone over for a byte.

Because let’s face it: To a geek, nothing says “I love you” like a multi-course tech-themed feast. I’ve even done the legwork for you and taken the liberty of putting together a menu. See my suggested list of “Valentine’s Day specials” after the jump.