NES – Airwolf
Don’t tell me you don’t remember the game based off the 80’s American television series starting the oldest guy still acting Ernest Borgnine. Actually, when my family gifted the game to me, I didn’t either. This helicopter sim/action shooter would not qualify as a masterpiece by any stretch of the imagination, but it’s good for an afternoon or two. (more…)
Just a little gathering of 3DS mini-news and trivia:
So far, so good for Nintendo Video: as promised, the company delivered three new 3D videos via Spotpass. Bearshark is, by far, the most fun and twisted of the bunch–and it’s interesting to see a tradional hand-drawn Loony Tunes tribute in 3D. The second new arrival, OK Go’s music video All is not Lost, is beautifully done and a natural for the 3D format. I miss the dogs from their previous piece, though. The third entry is the Smurfs movie trailer. Shrug. (more…)
Self-assessment time, you handsome devils. Let us have it!
There are two ways to approach a review of Let’s Golf 3D:
1) One could say, “Hey, the eShop just got its first third-party 3D game, and it’s a great one! What an awesome addition to the fledgling handheld’s lineup!”
2) Or, one could grumble, “The eShop’s first third-pary 3D game is a port of a year-old iPhone title! Nintendo is doooooooooomed!”
Truth be told, I like quality videogame golf, I like 3DS, and I love having fun. Guess which angle I’m taking. Long story short: If you enjoyed Mario Golf or Hot Shots Golf, you can’t go wrong with this one. (more…)
If you didn’t like Infendo Radio before, you really won’t like it now. Gamer petitions, RPGs, and downloadable mini-games all thrown under the bus. And don’t think for a second we only did this for discussion’s sake. No, no—we’re more sinister than that. We did it because we hate you. Literally hate you. Hope you like… err, I mean hate it!
Have something to say? Email tips@infendo.com or leave us a voice message at 434-535-2446. We’ll play your call on the air! And please support Infendo Radio if you haven’t already. Thank you.
Music: “Cinema (Skrillex Remix)” by Benny Benassi and theme from Metal Storm
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Nintendo president Satoru Iwata today discussed with shareholders his decision to suddenly slash the price of 3DS. A price cut for a system so soon after it’s launch is obviously troubling news to investors, so much so that Iwata himself has taken a pay cut.
When asked why Nintendo decided to drop the price of the 3DS system so soon after launch, Iwata stated, “For us to maximize the effect of the anticipated titles of this year end, it is necessary to greatly expand the installed base so that the appeal of the new software will be able to spread to consumers in a short period of time.”
Iwata goes on to say that another partial motivation for the price reduction was to eliminate concerns that retailers and third-party software publishers may have of the handheld. With game publishers deciding which projects to allocate their resources, Nintendo is hoping this move will entice publishers to begin development on projects for its handheld. “Without creating such a circumstance, we would not be able to realize explosive sales in the year-end sales season,” Iwata says.
“In short, we have concluded that for Nintendo 3DS to expand enough to become the successor of Nintendo DS, we have to take a drastic approach,” Iwata explains. “We decided that if we take brave measures now, there’s high likelihood that many players can enjoy the Nintendo 3DS in the future.”
Do you think the price cut will provide the boost that Nintendo is hoping for?
In an age when executive greed and entitlement runs rampant, it’s refreshing to see Nintendo reducing their own salaries by 50% during tough times.
We’re rootin’ for ya, Ninty. Just get back to making great games often and the money will follow.
Like many of you, I awoke to news yesterday that Nintendo had cut the price of the 3DS by an unprecedented 32% in one fell swoop. Wired Magazine called it a “fire sale.”
More unprecedented was how quickly it happened; only four months after the 3DS launch. (NOTE: Nintendo’s other slow selling systems, N64 and GameCube, saw 25% price drops six months after launch. Virtual Boy was pulled after less than a year.)
Said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata following the shocking news, “While it has happened in the past that a game system would be reduced in price in order to increase sales, it has never happened in Nintendo’s history that a console would be reduced in price so drastically and after less than six months.”
What does this all mean? I’d say it’s one of the following: (more…)
I’m pretty sure this is the first time in history that a sizable price cut of a high-profile game system wasn’t entirely well-received.
“Even at $170, it’s still too expensive,” writes Wired’s Chris Kholer, who like our own resident fanman, is normally a adamant Nintendo enthusiast.
Who would have know that things could change this swiftly for the house that Mario built? Perhaps because of poor sales and the impending arrival of the Playstation Vita, effective August 12th the new MSRP for a shinny new 3DS will be $169.99. Aren’t you glad that you’re an early adopter?
For the previous quarter, Nintendo has reported revenue of 93.93b Yen ($1.1b) with losses of 25.516b Yen ($323m) partially attributed to sluggish sales of 3DS, and thus has decided to drop the 3DS to 15,000 Yen.
If you were one of the few who jumped on the 3DS bandwagon early it’s not all bad news as Nintendo has stated that starting September 1 the company will start what they are calling the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program. 3DS units that connect to the eShop before 11:59 p.m. on August 11 will automatically be registered in the Nintendo 3DS Ambassador program and be entitled to 10 NES and 10 GBA games from the eShop. Not all of the titles have been revealed, but some notables include The legend of Zelda and Metroid Fusion.
Although it certainly stings to know that had I waited a few short months my bank account could have been $80 happier, it is nice to see Nintendo giving their most loyal customers something to show their thanks. While you’re at it Reggie I will take a rum and coke, thanks.
Full press release after the jump.
If you have already purchased your 3DS, does this news grind your gears? If you were on the fence before, is this enormous price drop enough to make you drink the 3DS kool-aid? (more…)
