Author Topic: Steven Kent Reveals Nintendo DS US Launch Details (Read 10968 times)

StrikerObi · « **on:** October 06, 2004, 08:44:50 PM »

$30 per game, 8 to 10 games at launch.

USA Today has an article up, written by Steven Kent, detailing some information on the US launch of the DS. The DS will launch with games priced at $29.99. There will be between eight and ten launch games including: Mario 64 DS, The Urbz, Madden, and Spider-Man 2. A new titled named Asphalt DS is also mentioned.

According to Kent’s article, Mario 64 DS has been quite improved since its E3 build. The game’s single player is accessible with any of the characters (Mario, Wario, Luigi, and Yoshi). It also includes several new mini-games, which employ the use of the DS’s unique touch screen.

Kent also mentions that Spider-Man 2 is graphically impressive, despite being a 2D game. Also, the game apparently does not take much advantage of the DS’s special features.

On a side note, the article also includes a quick quote by PGC’s founder, Billy Berghammer, regarding the PSP. Billy’s thoughts on the PSP are as such: “I think PSP is a fantastic unit. Games look great on it. The movie demonstrations look good.”

Nintendo of America will be holding a press conference regarding the full details of the DS’s US launch later today. Stay tuned to PGC for the latest Nintendo DS news.

UPDATE: Japanese web site BroadBand Watch reports similar information and discloses Japan's DS game pricing of 3,800-4,800 yen--also comparable with GBA prices.

Mario · « **Reply #1 on:** October 06, 2004, 08:53:13 PM »

No Wario Ware at launch?

<---

Ian Sane · « **Reply #2 on:** October 06, 2004, 08:56:32 PM »

Nintendo's got more than Super Mario 64 DS for launch, right? If not that's by the far the lamest launch lineup from a non-newcomber of all time.

ruby_onix · « **Reply #3 on:** October 06, 2004, 08:59:44 PM »

Was Billeh taking a shot at the PSP, saying basically "it's non-playable demos look really nice", or was it really a compliment?

Also, it should be noted that Reggie speaks in this story.

TheYoungerPlumber · « **Reply #4 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:01:05 PM »

At least it sounds like Nintendo is using the touch screen for analog control in Super Mario 64 DS. That's a relief. But yeah, this lineup is sounding thin. I can't really blame Nintendo, though...they're trying hard to keep their promise of a launch this year in two regions, and there is something to be said for that.

The PS2 didn't exactly have a stellar launch line-up, but Sony got its system out ahead of the pack and built a userbase. Nintendo is trying to throw that maneuver back in Sony's face.

Mario · « **Reply #5 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:10:21 PM »

If you include the I-Que, this is the 3rd Nintendo console Super Mario 64 has launched with.

Ian Sane · « **Reply #6 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:31:43 PM »

"I can't really blame Nintendo, though...they're trying hard to keep their promise of a launch this year in two regions, and there is something to be said for that.

The PS2 didn't exactly have a stellar launch line-up, but Sony got its system out ahead of the pack and built a userbase. Nintendo is trying to throw that maneuver back in Sony's face."

That doesn't justify it though. Not to me a gamer anyway. Invenstors may see this as a good plan to build a userbase and get an early lead. I see it as a horsesh!t launch that I'm not going to have anything to do with. The PS2 launch lineup SUCKED and comparing this to that isn't going to make me feel any better. Actually the PS2 launch was better because Sony at least delivered a brand new title for their sole first party release. This is a PORT. All these promises of innovation and new types of gaming goes out the window if all Nintendo delivers for launch is a port. That shows they have no real ideas for the concept and thus like connectivity it's not going to amount to anything because if Nintendo can't think of something useful neither can third parties. Plus launching with a port is just going to turn the DS into another port machine like the GBA.

Nintendo's launch lineup sets an example to third parties. If all they have is Super Mario 64 DS then they're telling third parties to use the dual screen and stylus for gimmicks and to go port happy.

They better have something else to show.

NinGurl69 *huggles · « **Reply #7 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:32:02 PM »

Reggie says: "We're feeling quite good... I eat PSPs."

VideoGamerJ · « **Reply #8 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:39:30 PM »

Always nice to hear something from Billy! I'm sure Animal Crossing will be close to launch and what about Mario Kart?! Oh well. Long live the DS!

PaLaDiN · « **Reply #9 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:49:04 PM »

Those are still 5 games. Where are the other 3 to 5?

Edit: I can't count.

NinGurl69 *huggles · « **Reply #10 on:** October 06, 2004, 09:54:33 PM »

To be announced, and then be delayed. Just like Smash Brothers, Pikmin, Eternal Darkness, and StarFox Adventures were.

MysticGohan24 · « **Reply #11 on:** October 06, 2004, 10:08:58 PM »

I liked how they'd state "will play Mini-DVD movies" for the psp. heh, it's UMD or whatever sony wants to call it. Although I think they
got the mini dvd ideal from GC, heh holds the same amount. But sony's is crapperware.

Mario · « **Reply #12 on:** October 06, 2004, 10:57:51 PM »

These are apparently all the launch games in the US

Super Mario 64 DS
Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt
PictoChat
Madden NFL 2005
Tiger Woods PGA Tour Golf
Urbz: Sims in the City
Spider-Man 2
Ping Pals
Feel the Magic: XY/XX

NinGurl69 *huggles · « **Reply #13 on:** October 06, 2004, 11:02:41 PM »

Who will be my Ping Pals?

kennyb27 · « **Reply #14 on:** October 07, 2004, 05:51:13 AM »

Well, I'm less than impressed. At least games are only $29.99.

Pale · « **Reply #15 on:** October 07, 2004, 06:25:56 AM »

I know. I was quite thrilled that it was launching in the states first...but it still appears Japan is getting a much better launch lineup. I won't complain if we get some more games in very early December like we did with the Cube though.

couchmonkey · « **Reply #16 on:** October 07, 2004, 06:56:30 AM »

I think this could be good (yes, good) depending on what Nintendo does with the other titles it has developed.

To me, the worst time for every new system is the first half of the year after it launches. Looking at GameCube or even PS2's launch lineups, there were definitely a couple of games there worth buying right off the bat. The problem is, then you had to wait until June or July for anything else worthwhile to come out. I remember walking into retailers throughout the first part of 2002, and being disappointed that there was never anything new on the shelves for GameCube. PS2 and Xbox had pretty much the same problems in the first 1/4 -1/2 of the year after they launched. There was a Twisted Metal Black here, a Resident Evil there, but there wasn't a lot of choice.

Combine this with the fact that PSP will probably launch in the first half of next year in most territories, and I think it would be a good strategy for Nintendo to hold on to it's first party titles and dole them out at a steady pace, with a couple of major releases at the same time as the PSP comes out (Metroid Hunters and Final Fantasy III, please.)

Don't get me wrong, I agree that this launch lineup is a bit disappointing. However, this could be a smart long-term strategy. If Nintendo delivers a new game on an almost-monthly basis from November to June, I think it will be worth it.

Ian Sane · « **Reply #17 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:22:09 AM »

So Super Mario 64 DS really is the only first party launch title. F*CK THIS! Do you hear that Nintendo? It's the sound of my money being put back into my wallet. There's no way in HELL I'm buying one of these at launch. Hell even the announced future games don't look so hot so it might be years before I buy one of these things.

This is by far the worst launch lineup for any major system ever. I'm voting with my wallet. Don't make excuses for this. If this launch disappoints you don't buy the DS at launch and tell Nintendo that you're not going to put up with this crap.

The PSP deserves to beat the DS now.

Pale · « **Reply #18 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:28:48 AM »

Ian Ian Ian, alwasy jumping to explosive conclusions.... =P Has a system ever launched with just 1 first party title? I can understand that you are upset, but this is far from a finalized list and I think you should chill a bit before you freak out...

Here is my conspiracy theory....

What better way to launch a wireless communication system than with one of the best communication games ever made? Why wouldln't they tell us Animal Crossing is a launch title? Because we are still waiting on an obviously DS related announcment from the Warp Pipe team.

Ian Sane · « **Reply #19 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:37:49 AM »

"Has a system ever launched with just 1 first party title?"

The PS2.

And NOA's press release implies that Super Mario 64 DS is the only first party launch title. Why would they say that the other titles are to be released later if it wasn't true? That sort of public misconception would be so damaging.

Plus Animal Crossing wouldn't really fix this. Wow two ports instead of one! Yeah.

Bill Aurion · « **Reply #20 on:** October 07, 2004, 07:40:52 AM »

Do you hear that Nintendo? I hear obnoxious whining...

PaLaDiN · « **Reply #21 on:** October 07, 2004, 08:14:23 AM »

Why don't we wait and see.

The launch titles in Japan may be coming out in America at about the same time.

If your only complaint is that the launch should have been delayed, don't buy one at launch. Wait till the good games come out and buy it then. For all you know, Mario DS could surprise us and actually be a good REMAKE. Anybody who refuses to even consider that Mario DS could be anything other than a port is just searching for reasons to hate the DS.

mantidor · « **Reply #22 on:** October 07, 2004, 08:25:58 AM »

I dont get what the big deal is. Even if Nintendo releases 50 first party titles and there are 50 more from third parties its not like you can buy them all, if this impossible scenario is to happen, Ill probably just buy Mario DS, and most people will actually buy one or two games, we have ten to choose from, thats pretty much enough imo for a launch lineup.

Koopa Troopa · « **Reply #23 on:** October 07, 2004, 08:40:22 AM »

Damn, Ian, you really are insane. Good Lord, that has to be the most dramatic outburst I've seen in a long while.

How would it be better to delay the launch? That is completely non-sensical.

PSP deserves to win? Get a grip, Ian.

Nintendo, my money is still in hand.

Ms.Pikmin · « **Reply #24 on:** October 07, 2004, 08:47:59 AM »

Quote
Originally posted by: Bill Aurion
Do you hear that Nintendo? I hear obnoxious whining...

I have to disagree with you here, Bill. While I don't feel as passionate about it as Ian, I agree with him that this launch lineup as it stands now is bs.

All I want is ONE title at launch that gets me excited. While I haven't played the N64 version of Mario 64 since I never had one, it still isn't something I'm dying to get. Yeah, I'll probably get it, but it's not what I was hoping for as a first party launch title.

The theory that Nintendo is holding off on other first party titles to compete with the PSP irritates me. I understand they need to be strategic in competing, but it shouldn't be at the expense of loyal fans who they know will buy the DS no matter what crap is launched with it. I'm not saying they should have several first party titles out right at launch. I'm only asking that they release a NEW first party title with it.

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Author Topic: Steven Kent Reveals Nintendo DS US Launch Details (Read 10968 times)