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[Harmony of Dissonance and Aria of Sorrow sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S....]

1

TalkBack / Castlevania Double Pack Announced

« on: December 09, 2005, 05:41:21 AM »

Harmony of Dissonance and Aria of Sorrow sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S....

KONAMI RESSURECTS TWO CLASSIC CASTLEVANIA GAMES FOR THE NINTENDO GAME BOY ADVANCE
 
 Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance and Castlevania: Aria Of Sorrow Merge Onto One GBA Game Pak To Create A One-Two Punch In Dracula’s Side
 
 REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – December 8, 2005 – Konami Digital Entertainment - America, a division of Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc., announced today Castlevania Double Pack (working title) is coming to the Nintendo Game Boy® Advance handheld video game system. The legendary titles Castlevania®: Harmony of Dissonance™ and Castlevania®: Aria of Sorrow™ are combined onto the same GBA cartridge, letting Castlevania fans experience twice the amount of evil and adventure in one convenient game package. Both chapters are among the most highly acclaimed games in the long running Castlevania franchise and will provide hours of portable gaming fun.
 
 “Castlevania’s rich history and deep storylines have always made it a favorite franchise among casual gamers and core gaming fans alike,” said Dennis Lee, Group Manager at Konami Digital Entertainment – America. “Combining two of the most beloved chapters in this long running franchise together onto one cartridge provides gamers a great value as well as giving newcomers to the series a convenient way to experience some of the best of what Castlevania has to offer.”
 
 In Castlevania: Harmony of Dissonance, players take the role of Juste Belmont, a descendant of Simon Belmont. It has been nearly fifty years since Simon Belmont rescued the land from the curse of Dracula. Now it’s Juste Belmont’s turn as he must acquire the relics of Dracula left behind from the past in order to unravel the mysterious disappearance of his friend Lydie Erlanger. With a trusty whip at their side, players explore Dracula’s castle under the cover of night collecting relics and learning powerful magic spells in their journey to find and rescue Lydie.
 
 In Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow, players take the role of Soma Cruz, a young man who has been chosen as the next incarnation of the dark lord Dracula. The year is 2035 and Soma Cruz is about to witness the first solar eclipse of the 21st century when he suddenly blacks out – only to awaken inside a mysterious castle. Players discover that they are destined to become the dark lord and the only way to escape from this evil fate is to escape the castle. As Soma, players will be able to wield a great variety of weapons in their quest to escape Dracula’s castle. Along the way, players discover the ability to collect and use the souls of vanquished enemies to make themselves more powerful or enable them to perform special skills. In addition, there is an RPG element of Aria of Sorrow which adds an unparalleled level of depth to the game.
 
 Created by Koji Igarashi and the creative team behind the critically acclaimed hit game Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Castlevania Double Pack is scheduled for release in North America in Q1 of 2006.
 

[Got stars? Get Mario/Zelda/Metroid ringtones!]

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TalkBack / Nintendo Ringtones & Wallpapers for Europe

« on: December 02, 2005, 04:17:11 AM »

Got stars? Get Mario/Zelda/Metroid ringtones!

Customise Your Mobile Phone - The Nintendo Way!
 
 Get your phone kitted out this Christmas by downloading Nintendo themed ringtones and wallpapers straight to your WAP mobile phone
 
 01 December 2005 – For the first time ever, all your favourite Nintendo game tunes will be ringing in your ear this Christmas as Nintendo launches its very own range of unique ring tones and wallpapers. Available through Nintendo's VIP 24:7 members club, ringtones can be downloaded by redeeming 'stars' from 05 December 2005.
 
 So, if Mario's your all time hero or you're the world's biggest Zelda fan, then head straight to   www.nintendo-europe.com/NOE/en/GB/stars/index.jsp where you can check out what's on offer and begin downloading some great Nintendo items straight to your WAP enabled mobile phone.
 
 There's a host of unforgettable ring tones to suit everyone - including great classics like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Metroid Prime to name a few. Once your ears have been satisfied with the sweet sounds of Nintendo, it's time to make your phone look as good as it sounds - and what better way than to download your favourite games character straight to your mobile phone screen!
 
 There are 20 realtone ring tones available, all of which can be downloaded in exchange for only 350 stars. There are also more than 30 mobile phone wallpapers for you to choose from, at just 150 stars each.
 
 All you have to do to download your chosen item is update your user profile by entering your mobile phone number along with the make and model of the phone. Your mobile phone must be WAP enabled in order to download the items and some items may not be available for every type of mobile phone.
 
 So If your mobile phone is in need of a makeover than head straight over to www.nintendo-europe.com/NOE/en/GB/stars/index.jsp and get downloading!
 
 Nintendo hasn't just stopped at ring tones and wallpapers. From 2nd December 2005 Nintendo will be launching a WAP Portal where you will be able to access official Nintendo info and videos. So tap into wap.nintendo.co.uk on your mobile phone browser and see what's waiting for you!
 
 About Nintendo
 Nintendo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as MarioÆ and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of ZeldaÆ and PokÈmon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
 

[According to the latest figures, there are now over 1 million virtual dog lovers in Europe. Bow wow!]

3

TalkBack / Europe Loves Nintendogs

« on: November 27, 2005, 10:58:35 PM »

According to the latest figures, there are now over 1 million virtual dog lovers in Europe. Bow wow!

Nintendogs Cements Nintendo's Position As Leader Of Handheld Video Games
 
 1 Million Nintendogs sold across Europe
 
 25th November 2005 – Nintendo has always led the way in innovation, ever since it first entered the handheld gaming arena over 25 years ago. As the end of 2005 approaches, not only do Nintendo continue to make the best selling handheld machines on the market, they are also expanding the gaming audience with total portable video game machine sales increasing year on year.
 
 This year saw the launch of an all-new console, the Nintendo DS, with over 2 million consumers across Europe already having purchased one. For the last three weeks, sales of Nintendo DS exceeded 100,000 units per week, and last week alone sales topped 120,000 across Europe.
 
 Hit releases like Nintendogs are also having a massive impact on Nintendo's hand-held popularity, reaching new gamers and creating an overnight phenomenon. Since its launch on October 7th in Europe, over 1 million copies of the game have been sold. Nintendogs has become like gold dust across Europe with stocks flying off shelves as soon as they arrive in store.
 
 Mario Kart DS has now launched and is the first Nintendo game to offer Wi-Fi gaming through the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. With the combination of Mario Kart fun and simple Wi-Fi play, sales of Nintendo DS are expected to accelerate into Christmas.
 
 The Nintendo DS is available for around £89. Mario Kart DS is available now at the estimated retail price of around £30 and the Mario Kart Pak (including a copy of Mario Kart DS and a silver Nintendo DS) is available at the estimated retail price of around £99.
 
 About Nintendo
 Nintendo Co., Ltd. of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda and PokÈmon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
 

[Marcus Reed hits the streets of NYC.]

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TalkBack / True Crime: New York City Ships

« on: November 16, 2005, 06:36:05 AM »

Marcus Reed hits the streets of NYC.

ACTIVISION HITS THE GRITTY STREETS OF MANHATTAN WITH THE DEBUT OF TRUE CRIME®: NEW YORK CITY
 
 Best-Selling Action Franchise Delivers The Most Accurate Video Game Recreation of NYC
 
 Santa Monica, CA – November 16, 2005 – Gamers can now wield the ultimate power on New York’s city streets with the release of Activision, Inc.’s (Nasdaq: ATVI) True Crime®: New York City.  The game puts players into the role of Marcus Reed, a former gang member turned cop who confronts four of New York’s most deadly crime syndicates as he hunts down the murderer of his mentor, all while cleaning up neighborhoods from Chinatown to Harlem to Times Square.  Mastering five fighting styles, advanced weaponry, special driving maneuvers and all-new interrogation tactics, gamers choose to walk the straight line and move up the police ranks or cross the limits of their authority.
 
 “True Crime: New York City is the first game to deliver the ultimate urban drama set against a realistic version of Manhattan,” said Will Kassoy, vice president of global brand management for Activision Publishing.  “The game’s deep and diverse gameplay takes players into the city’s neighborhoods, buildings and subways and lets them virtually experience the city in a way that has never been possible in a videogame.”
 
 In True Crime: New York City players turn in or take out shady informants, cold-blooded killers and ruthless criminals as they navigate an authentic recreation of a dynamic, free-roaming present-day Manhattan, which includes landmarks, subways, interiors, GPS-accurate streets and real neighborhoods.  If players allow crime to go unchecked in any of Manhattan’s dynamically changing neighborhoods, the crime rate will soar, the streets will fill with trash, potholes and unsavory characters, and buildings and foliage will visibly deteriorate.  Alternately, if players clamp down on crime in a neighborhood, crime rates fall and visual improvements will indicate their progress as well.
 
 The game features a voiceover cast of seasoned actors who lent their distinct voice talents to the game’s main characters.  The cast includes Christopher Walken as FBI field agent Gabriel Whitting; Laurence Fishburne as drug kingpin Isaiah “The King” Reed; Mariska Hargitay as New York Police Lieutenant Deena Dixon; Mickey Rourke as New York Police Detective Terrence Higgins; Esai Morales as New York Police Organized Crime Unit Chief Victor Navarro; Traci Lords as madam Cassandra Hartz; Beetlejuice as himself; and up and coming actor Avery Waddell as former gangster turned cop Marcus Reed, the game’s main character and Isaiah Reed’s son.
 
 Also appearing in the game is hip hop artist Redman as a secret character in his own unlockable level called “Red Gone Wild.” Redman created two original tracks for the True Crime: New York City in-game soundtrack which features over 80 eclectic songs from NYC raised or transplanted bands, spanning such diverse genres as punk, hip hop, hardcore and rock, bringing a true East Coast sound to the game.
   
 True Crime: New York City was developed by Luxoflux for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and Nintendo GameCube™ for a suggested retail price of $49.99.  A Collector’s Edition is also available for the Xbox for a suggested retail price of $59.99 and includes a behind the scenes feature, level walkthroughs, voiceover talent featurette, Redman level overview, gameplay trailer, crime families dossier and city guide trailers.  The game is rated “M” (“Mature” – Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, and Use of Drugs) by the ESRB.
   
 Brady Games' True Crime: New York City official strategy guide is available at electronics, book, and software retailers nationwide, and online at bradygames.com.
 
 About Luxoflux
 Located in Santa Monica, CA, Luxoflux is a wholly owned subsidiary of Activision, Inc.  The company is comprised of 90 of the industry’s most talented programmers, designers and artists and is responsible for creating several successful videogame titles, among them True CrimeÒ: Streets of L.A.Ô the number one best-selling new intellectual property of 2003.
 
 About Activision, Inc.
 Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision, Inc. is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and leisure products.  Founded in 1979, Activision posted net revenues of $1.4 billion for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2005.
 
 Activision maintains operations in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Australia, Scandinavia, Spain and the Netherlands.  More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company's World Wide Web site, which is located at www.activision.com.
 

[Shame it's stuck in a coma until March 2006.]

5

TalkBack / NoE To Publish Trauma Center In Europe

« on: November 16, 2005, 04:21:10 AM »

Shame it's stuck in a coma until March 2006.

Nintendo Of Europe Announces Deal With Altus To Publish Trauma Center: Under The Knife Across Europe
 
 16th November 2005 – Nintendo of Europe will publish the medical drama simulator, Trauma Center: Under the Knife, from Japanese games developer, Atlus Co. Ltd when it launches across Europe in March 2006.
 
 Trauma Center: Under the Knife puts life and death decisions in the palm of your hand as you play doctor, offering gamers a unique and exiting new use for the Nintendo DS. By utilising the touch-screen, players are put into the heart of the operating room using a scalpel and forceps, applying an antibiotic gel, lasering complicated tumours, and much more!
 
 As a life-threatening outbreak hits the emergency ward, players are thrust into an increasingly hectic struggle to save their patients. Unlike similar titles, this game has a distinctly arcade feel, featuring medically themed challenges against the clock.
 
 "Nintendo is very excited to bring such a unique and thrilling game to the Nintendo DS System," said Jim Merrick, Senior Marketing Director for Nintendo of Europe. "Atlus is well known for their commitment to quality and depth of game play and Trauma Center: Under the Knife fully utilizes the potential of the hardware."
 
 "We are proud to continue to work with our longtime partner, Nintendo" said Jim Ireton, Vice President of Atlus USA. "Currently Trauma Center: Under the Knife is in the top three in the US Market of all Nintendo DS titles, and the momentum continues to build".
 
 Trauma Center: Under the Knife launches across Europe in March 2006.
 
 Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
 
 About Nintendo
 Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda and PokÈmon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
 
 About Atlus
 Atlus Co., Ltd. of Tokyo, Japan has been in the video game business for over twenty years and is one of the original video game publishers, with a major focus on the RPG (Role Playing Game) market. Best known for its Shin Megami Tensei series, Atlus has developed and published hundreds of titles, and is well known for their creative and challenging game play.
 

[This news article is unlocked for everyone!]

6

TalkBack / Revolution To Feature Parental Controls

« on: November 16, 2005, 04:13:52 AM »

This news article is unlocked for everyone!

Nintendo Announces Play Control System For Next Hardware
 
 Families Can Decide Who Plays Which Video Games
 
 16th November 2005 – Nintendo today announces it will include a play control system in its next home video game system, code-named Revolution, coming in 2006.
 
 By using a password-controlled setting, adults can decide what flexibility they'll allow younger players to have in playing video games rated 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+. The system also ensures dedicated adult gamers can opt to play without limitations.
 
 How does it work? The actual game software will contain a code indicating the rating, which will activate the control system to remain locked or unlocked. The feature will be included in every Revolution worldwide.
 
 "Even though most Nintendo games are appropriate for all ages and the game ratings are clearly displayed on the front of every game package, this added feature encourages parents to take responsibility for the games their children play," said Jim Merrick, Senior Marketing Director, Nintendo of Europe
 
 Nintendo's games in Europe are rated using the Pan European Games Information (PEGI) age rating system for interactive games, which groups games into five different age bands, 3+, 7+, 12+, 16+ or 18+.
 
 Nintendo's next console will usher in a new era of video gaming. It will feature a controller designed to be used with either one hand or two, a first in the video game industry. The position and motion of the controller itself dictates the action on the television screen. A second, plug-in expansion gives hard-core gamers additional control for more in-depth game play.
 
 Revolution will play both new game discs, as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. It also will have access to 20 years of fan-favorite games, including those from the Nintendo 64, Super NES and NES eras.
 
 About Nintendo
 Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as MarioÆ and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda and PokÈmon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
 
 Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
 
 About PEGI
 The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) age rating system was established in 2003 to help European parents make informed decisions on buying interactive games. Designed to ensure that minors are not exposed to games that are unsuitable for their particular age group, the system is supported by the major console manufacturers, including PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo, as well as by publishers and developers of interactive games throughout Europe.
 

[Follow the clues, and earn a donation to charity. Comes complete with free warm, fuzzy feeling.]

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TalkBack / Wanted: Kong!

« on: November 11, 2005, 04:48:52 AM »

Follow the clues, and earn a donation to charity. Comes complete with free warm, fuzzy feeling.

FIND DONKEY KONG, SAVE A CHIMP
 
 Nov. 11, 2005
 
 If you can help Donkey Kong®, you can help a real primate. To celebrate this week's release of Donkey Kong® Country 3 for Game Boy® Advance and Game Boy® Micro, Nintendo is hosting a Where's DK? Search Event through Nov. 21. Participants must follow the clues on www.whereisdonkeykong.com to discover his whereabouts and earn a donation to charity.
 
 For each of the participants who locate Donkey Kong, Nintendo will donate money to the Animal Protection Institute's Primate Sanctuary. API is a national animal-advocacy group. The mission of the Primate Sanctuary is to provide nonhuman primates a high quality of life with as little human interference as possible. The 186-acre sanctuary, located near San Antonio, Texas, is currently home to more than 400 primates, many of whom were rescued from abusive or exploitative situations.
 
 In Donkey Kong Country 3, Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong® have been kidnapped and players must help Dixie Kong and Kiddy Kong find them. Players run, roll, hop and swing through enemy-infested stages to locate Donkey and Diddy. Players can catch rides on new and familiar animal pals as they explore nine worlds of adventure. Multiple mini-games and six new levels make this game shine.
 

[2 new characters, 86 mini-games, 8 players, and even a $99.99 bundle.]

8

TalkBack / Mario Party 7 Breaks Out

« on: November 07, 2005, 04:02:41 AM »

2 new characters, 86 mini-games, 8 players, and even a $99.99 bundle.

NINTENDO'S MARIO PARTY 7 OFFERS PLAYERS A PASSPORT TO FUN
 
 Popular Series Introduces Awesome Eight-Player Action and a Bundled Value
 
 REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 7, 2005 – Imagine your closest friends embarking on a cruise ship to some of the most awe-inspiring destinations around the world and the great times they surely have in store for themselves. Now, imagine you get left behind. As the story goes, Toadsworth invited Mario™ and all his pals to take a luxury voyage aboard the MSS Sea Star. Bowser finds himself absent from the guest list and begins conniving to ruin their excursion. After all – if he can't have fun, no one should have fun. With the Nov. 7 launch of Mario Party® 7 for Nintendo GameCube™, see what trouble he stirs up.
 
 The Mario Party series has sold more than 5 million copies in the United States, putting it in the ranks of the most popular video game franchises of all time. Playing like a virtual board game, it has also been highly popular among college students. And now, for the first time ever, with Mario Party 7, it can bring an entire family together with its eight-player action. The game promises to be a great value with a special offer for the holidays. A bundle will be available for a limited time that includes a Nintendo GameCube, two controllers and Mario Party 7, all at an MSRP of just $99.99.
 
 Two new characters, Birdo and Dry Bones, join the party, while the video game features 86 new mini-games, 11 of which use the included Nintendo GameCube Mic that allows players to control the action with their voices. It's like 86 games merged into one, with playable characters that include Mario, Luigi, Peach, Yoshi™, Daisy, Wario™, Waluigi, Boo, Toad and Toadette.
 
 Players explore the world with six new game boards that serve as exotic ports of call, including Pyramid Park, Pagoda Peak, Grand Canal, Windmillville, Neon Heights and Bowser World. Bowser has made a mess of traditionally lovely vacation spots, as he has other plans for his friendly sightseers while he turns the vacationing paradise into a tension-filled madhouse.
 
 As the vacation goes awry, players find themselves leaping over electrified hurdles and avoiding a mole with a giant hammer. Cranky Goombas market their power-ups and persuasive Shy Guys offer players auditions for an action movie or big-league contract.
 
 Rated E for Everyone, Mario Party 7 comes with the Nintendo GameCube Mic, but conveniently requires no travel agent. For more information about the game, visit www.marioparty.com.
 
 The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy® Advance SP, Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems extend Nintendo's vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games and more than 353 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario™ and Donkey Kong® and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid®, Zelda™ and Pokémon®.  A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.
 
 For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
 

[1xDS + 1xMario Kart DS = £100. Sorted.]

9

TalkBack / European Mario Kart DS Bundle Announced

« on: November 03, 2005, 06:40:30 AM »

1xDS + 1xMario Kart DS = £100. Sorted.

Ready, Steady - It's All Go For Mario Kart As A Nintendo DS Bundle Roars Into Play
 
 3rd November 2005 – Nintendo is celebrating the launch of its eagerly anticipated Mario Kart DS game with an exclusive Nintendo DS bundle, launching on 25th November 2005. Not only will new owners be able to get their hands on a Nintendo DS console and game in one handy pack, but they will get them both for the great value estimated retail price of just £100. If you have been looking for an excuse to buy a Nintendo DS this is it!
 
 The Mario Kart DS Pak is the perfect package for Christmas, and following on from the massive success of the Nintendogs Blue and Pink Nintendo DS bundles, it is sure to be a hit on the high street. Mario Kart first launched on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and since then, with games having launched for Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance and Nintendo GameCube, Mario Kart has become a phenomenon with gamers and Nintendo fans alike. By the end of March 2005, almost 30 million Mario Kart games had been sold worldwide.
 
 The latest incarnation in the hugely popular series is also the first Nintendo DS game to offer online play, allowing you to race anyone, anywhere, anytime for free. Players will be able to race wirelessly with up to eight friends or over the internet with three other players from anywhere in the world.
 
 The Nintendo DS launched across Europe on 11th March 2005. It features dual screen gaming, touch-screen technology, voice recognition, wireless gameplay and Wi-Fi compatibility, all in the palm of your hand. Since launch sales shattered the one million mark across Europe in under three months. Worldwide, 6.65 million players worldwide had already got to grips with the Nintendo DS by the end of June 2005, embracing its innovative touch-screen technology as the stylish and most original games console of this generation.
 
 The Mario Kart Pak (including a copy of Mario Kart DS and a silver Nintendo DS) launches on November 25th 2005 at the fantastic estimated retail price of around £100. Mario Kart DS launches on the same day at the estimated retail price of £30.
 
 Also launching on November 25th 2005 is the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector which will enable players who have Broadband at home to join in the Wi-Fi fun. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector will be priced at around £30.
 
 Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
 
 About Nintendo
 Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as MarioÆ and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of ZeldaÆ and PokÈmon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
 
 

[Viewtiful Joe, Phoenix Wright, and Mega Man all get some Nintendo love.]

10

TalkBack / Nintendo & Capcom Announce Distribution Deal

« on: November 03, 2005, 06:31:41 AM »

Viewtiful Joe, Phoenix Wright, and Mega Man all get some Nintendo love.

Nintendo Of Europe Announces Distribution Deal With Capcom
 
 3rd November 2005 – Nintendo of Europe has announced it will be adding an exciting line-up from Capcom to its expansive catalogue of Q1 games releases. Nintendo will be distributing Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney and Megaman Battle Network 5: Double Team on the Nintendo DS and Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble for Nintendo GameCube. Capcom remains the publisher for these titles.
 
 Jim Merrick, Senior Marketing Director for Nintendo of Europe said:
 
 "Nintendo is delighted to have signed a distribution deal with one of the most prestigious developers in the gaming industry. Capcom games are of the highest standards in both creativity and quality and fit perfectly with our line-up for the first half of 2006."
 
 Fans of the hugely popular Viewtiful Joe series will be delighted to take part in two new adventures for their hero. Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble will have players battling against rivals to become the top hero in town, while Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble challenges players to use the Nintendo DS touch-screen to defeat enemies and solve puzzles as they attempt to recover Captain Blue's stolen movie.
 
 For those looking for a totally different gaming experience, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney is the ultimate challenge. Your role is to take on the job of lawyer, defending your clients in courtroom situations. Players must select the best argument from a selection of options and present their case. Phoenix Wright also makes use of the Nintendo DS microphone, even allowing players to shout "Objection!" if the prosecution's line of questioning goes off course.
 
 World famous superhero Megaman is set to blast his way onto the Nintendo DS in an action packed dual-screen adventure. Megaman Battle Network 5: Double Team utilises the Nintendo DS's unique functions – shouting encouragement into the DS microphone will bolster Megaman's attack and the Wi-Fi 'Party Battle' system allows several players to team up and battle the enemy together. Fans of the Megaman series will be instantly blown away by this masterpiece!
 
 Launch Dates:
 Viewtiful Joe: Double Trouble February 2006
 Viewtiful Joe: Red Hot Rumble February 2006
 Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney 10th March 2006
 Megaman Battle Network 5: Double Team Early 2006
 
 Nintendo DS games sell for the estimated retail price of around £30 and Nintendo GameCube games sell for the estimated retail price of around £40.
 
 Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
 
 About Nintendo
 Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as MarioÆ and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of ZeldaÆ and PokÈmon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
 

[Now it's just a question of what will they do with it...]

11

TalkBack / Nintendo Licenses DS Handwriting Technology

« on: October 26, 2005, 02:09:50 AM »

Now it's just a question of what will they do with it...

Zi Corporation Licenses Decuma Handwriting Recognition to Nintendo Co., Ltd. for Nintendo DS
 
 Zi's Decuma Technology to Simplify Handwriting Input and Recognition for Game Users
 
 CALGARY, AB, October 26, 2005 - Zi Corporation (Nasdaq: ZICA) (TSX: ZIC), a leading provider of intelligent interface solutions, today announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Nintendo Co., Ltd. Under the agreement, Nintendo DS developers can employ Zi's Decuma® handwriting recognition technology while creating software for the Nintendo DS handheld video game system.
 
 Nintendo DS is the first handheld gaming platform to offer dual screens and touch-screen technology, similar to touch technologies found in some PDA's or smartphones. Users can interact with the Nintendo DS by using standard control buttons, a microphone or the gaming system's innovative touch screen.
 
 "As the leading provider of handheld video game systems in the world, Nintendo has a reputation for adopting innovative technologies that improve the user's experience with its products," said Milos Djokovic, chief technical officer and chief operating officer, Zi Corporation. "With Decuma, Nintendo DS users will experience natural handwriting recognition previously only available to PDA and smartphone users. Zi continues to bring its multi-modal input products to leading mobile phones, gaming platforms and smartphones across the globe."
 
 About Decuma
 Decuma Alphabetic handwriting recognition software provides fast and natural handwriting input, enabling users to focus on the content rather than the writing. Users can closely mimic writing with pen and paper, with letters and words being written and interpreted in a natural flow, allowing for easy editing and correction. The Decuma product portfolio is comprised of three handwriting recognition software products: Decuma Alphabetic, for English, French, Spanish, German, Italian and other western languages; Decuma Chinese for Simplified and Traditional Chinese; and Decuma Japanese, which supports Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana.
 
 About Zi Corporation
 Zi Corporation (www.zicorp.com) is a technology company that delivers intelligent interface solutions to enhance the user experience of wireless and consumer technologies. The company provides device manufacturers and network operators with a full range of intuitive and easy-to-use input solutions, including: eZiText® for one-touch predictive text entry; eZiTap™ for intelligent multi-tap entry, Decuma for natural handwriting recognition and the new Qix™ service discovery engine to enhance the user experience and drive service usage and adoption. Zi's product portfolio dramatically improves the usability of mobile phones, PDAs, gaming devices and set-top boxes and the applications on them including SMS, MMS, e-mail and Internet browsing. Zi supports its strategic partners and customers from offices in Asia, Europe and North America. A publicly traded company, Zi Corporation is listed on the Nasdaq National Market (ZICA) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (ZIC).
 
 About Nintendo Co., Ltd.
 The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
   

[It's on the way, and it could be burrowing under your feet right now!]

12

TalkBack / Dig Dug Digging Strike Ships

« on: October 19, 2005, 07:03:46 AM »

It's on the way, and it could be burrowing under your feet right now!

DIG DUG(R) DIGGING STRIKE BURROWS INTO RETAIL STORES
 
 Arcade Classic Resurfaces on the Nintendo DS(TM) with a Dual Screen Twist   and Brand-New Challenges
 
 SANTA CLARA, Calif., (October 19, 2005) - Leading video games developer and   publisher Namco Hometek Inc. today announced that Dig Dug Digging Strike has   shipped to stores for the Nintendo DS. A 3D dual screen adventure that   reinvents the arcade classic, Dig Dug Digging Strike features more than 80   areas, wireless multiplayer action, unique weapons and an array of enemies   both old and new. Developed by Namco Ltd., Dig Dug Digging Strike is rated E   for Everyone by the ESRB.
 
 In Dig Dug Digging Strike, monsters are terrorizing the islands and it is up   to Dig Dug and his fearless crew to sink the islands and drive their enemies   into the ocean. Classic monsters including Pooka and Fygar make an   appearance, as well as a host of new bad guys. Players explore 3D   environments to locate fault lines and then delve below ground - digging on   the bottom screen - to connect the fault lines until the islands break   apart. Timing is crucial - players must make sure that they are safe, and   that monsters are trapped behind the fault lines, before separating the land   masses.
 
 "Dig Dug is truly an arcade classic, and we're bringing the subterranean fun   to a whole new generation with Dig Dug Digging Strike on the Nintendo   DS,"said Yoshi Niki, Business Unit Director at Namco Hometek Inc. "Dig Dug   Digging Strike retains the classic arcade feel of the original game, while   offering creative gameplay that can only be achieved with the handheld's   dual screen feature.  With the addition of head-to-head wireless   multiplayer, this could be the most entertaining Dig Dug title to date."
 
 As players progress through the 15 stages in Dig Dug Digging Strike, they   will have an arsenal of new weapons at their disposal. However, players must   be careful - flowing lava and tumbling rocks don't know the difference   between the good guys and the enemies! Mini games that parody classic Namco   titles are included throughout Dig Dug Digging Strike, and players can   complete Horivalou and Hori X to help Dig Dug break apart the islands. Dig   Dug Digging Strike also features a new item collection challenge, where   players can acquire special items that enable them to unlock hidden areas   and clear some of the most challenging boss levels.
 
 For more information about Dig Dug Digging Strike, please visit www.namco.com.
 
 About Namco Hometek Inc.
 Namco Hometek Inc. is the U.S. consumer division of Namco Limited, a   Tokyo-based world leader in the high-tech entertainment industry. Based in   Santa Clara, CA, Namco Hometek Inc. is an award-winning video games   publisher for next generation game consoles. Namco has created some of the   industry's greatest video game franchises: Tekken(R), SOULCALIBUR(R), Dead   to Rights(R), Pac-Man World(TM), Ridge Racer(R), Time Crisis(R) and   ACECOMBAT(TM).
 
 TEKKEN(R), SOULCALIBUR(R), PAC-MAN WORLD(TM), Ridge Racer(R), Time Crisis(R)   and ACECOMBAT(TM) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Namco Limited   in the United States and/or other countries. Dead to Rights(TM) is a   trademark or registered trademark of Namco Hometek Inc. in the United States   and/or other countries.
 
 Dig Dug(R) Digging Strike&(C)1982 1985 2005 NAMCO LTD., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
 
 (TM),(R) and Nintendo DS are trademarks of Nintendo. (C) 2004 Nintendo
 
 

[It's coming on October 24, and it's not alone...]

13

TalkBack / Metroid Prime Pinball Rolls Up

« on: October 19, 2005, 05:25:01 AM »

It's coming on October 24, and it's not alone...

Metroid Prime Pinball: Pickin' Up Good Vibrations On Oct. 24
 
 Vibrating Rumble Pak Helps Players Explore Creative Ways to 'Feel' Their Games
 
 REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 19, 2005 – The Oct. 24 launch of Metroid® Prime Pinball will bring all the bumping, flipping and tilting of a real pinball table to a portable video game system. Metroid Prime Pinball, made exclusively for Nintendo DSTM, includes the Nintendo DS Rumble PakTM, the first accessory that makes use of the secondary slot normally reserved for Game Boy® Advance games. The Rumble Pak is the same size as a Game Boy Advance game, and delivers vibrations of various intensity and duration to immerse the player in a realistic pinball experience.
 
 Because the pinball is actually Metroid heroine Samus Aran in Morph Ball form, Metroid Prime Pinball delivers an earth-shaking experience beyond the usual pinball game. The Rumble Pak activates if the ball hits a bumper, or when Samus gets attacked by a host of nefarious Metroid enemies, such as Space Pirates, Metroids, the Omega Pirate, Meta Ridley and Metroid Prime.
 
 "This first accessory to make use of the expansion slot of Nintendo DS demonstrates the system's versatility and potential," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "The Rumble Pak technology easily can be applied to future games, while the expansion slot could be used for a host of different peripherals. This is just the beginning, as Nintendo continues to explore creative ways for people to 'feel' their game experience."
 
 The dual screens of Nintendo DS show off an expansive pinball playing area, and players can even tap the touch screen of the DS to "nudge" the table to keep the pinball in play. DS Download Play allows for the world's first simultaneous eight-player game using just a single game card. Players drop enemies onto one another's pinball boards as they race to hit a high score.
 
 The Nintendo DS Rumble Pak also will be compatible with Mario & LuigiTM: Partners in Time, which launches on Nov. 28. More information about Metroid Prime Pinball, Rated E for Everyone, can be found at www.metroidprimepinball.com.
 
 The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy® Advance SP, Nintendo DSTM and Nintendo GameCubeTM systems extend Nintendo's vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games and more than 353 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as MarioTM and Donkey Kong® and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid®, ZeldaTM and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.
 
 For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
 
 

[Sufferin' succotash!]

14

TalkBack / Looney Tunes Double Pack Ships

« on: October 18, 2005, 08:05:50 AM »

Sufferin' succotash!

MAJESCO ENTERTAINMENT AND WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT  INTRODUCE 'LOONEY TUNES(tm) DOUBLE PACK' FOR GAME BOY(r) ADVANCE
 
 Two Exciting New Games on One Cartridge for $19.99
 
 EDISON, N.J., October 18, 2005 - Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, and other  favorites from the Looney Tunes gang are hitting the Game Boy(r) Advance, as Majesco Entertainment Company, today ships Looney Tunes Double Pack, licensed by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. This latest addition to Majesco's Game Boy Advance Double Pack library features two zany new games, Acme Antics and Dizzy Driving, and is  available now for $19.99.
 
 "The Looney Tunes Double Pack re-unites generations of fans with their  all-time favorite cartoon characters in an all-new interactive adventure  for the Game Boy Advance," said Ken Gold, vice president of Marketing  for Majesco.  "The vast audience of more than 28 million U.S. Game Boy  Advance users will receive twice the gaming experience with two great  games in one cost-friendly package."
 
 "Both games in the Looney Tunes Double Pack capture the irreverence of  the beloved cartoon characters and bring it to life for Game Boy Advance  players," said Philippe Erwin, Vice President of Production for Warner  Bros. Interactive Entertainment.  "Gamers are getting an amazing value  with Acme Antics and Dizzy Driving in one package."
   
 The two games featured on the Looney Tunes Double Pack include:
 
 * Acme Antics - Play through eight exciting levels as the Roadrunner, escaping the evil plots of Wile E. Coyote.   Run, jump, and  attack the zany obstacles put in the way by that crafty coyote, and fight through 4 challenging boss battles.
 * Dizzy Driving - Choose to play as such characters as Bugs Bunny, Porky Pig, Marvin the Martian, and other favorites, as they race to the finish line in this fun-filled driving game.  Players stay ahead of the  game using weapons to knock their opponents off course.
 
 More information about Majesco's entire product line can be found online  at www.majescogames.com.
 
 About Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
 Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Inc., a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company, is a premier licensor and a developer of  entertainment content for the interactive space across all current and  future platforms, including consoles, PC-based gaming and wireless  applications.
 
 About Majesco Entertainment Company
 Headquartered in Edison, NJ, Majesco Entertainment Company (NASDAQ:  COOL) is an innovative provider of digital entertainment products and  content.  The Company's diverse product lineup includes forthcoming  video games such as Aeon Flux(tm), JAWS(tm) Unleashed and Infected(tm)  for the PSP(tm) (PlayStation(r)Portable), as well as digital  entertainment products like Frogger(r) TV Arcade.  Utilizing its  proprietary video compression technology, Majesco plans to offer Game  Boy(r) Advance Video versions of the beloved DreamWorks Animation movies  Shrek, Shrek 2 and Shark Tale.   More information about Majesco can be  found online at www.majescoentertainment.com
 
 LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of  and (c) Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
 
 

[Do you want fries & free online Mario Kart action with that?]

15

TalkBack / Nintendo & Wayport Announce Wi-Fi Deal

« on: October 18, 2005, 04:24:15 AM »

Do you want fries & free online Mario Kart action with that?

NINTENDO AND WAYPORT JOIN FORCES TO BRING FREE U.S. WI-FI ACCESS TO NINTENDO DS USERS
 
 Players Access Free Wireless Video Game Service at Select McDonald's Hotspots
 
 REDMOND, Wash. and AUSTIN, Tex., Oct. 18, 2005 – Nintendo has signed an agreement with Wayport, a leading provider of wired and Wi-Fi high-speed Internet access in public locations, to extend Wi-Fi service to Nintendo DS™ users at nearly 6,000 McDonald's restaurants across the United States. Through the agreement with Wayport, Nintendo will offer complimentary access to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, the video game giant's new wireless gaming service that goes online Nov. 14.
 
 "This agreement with Wayport will bring countless people together to play games in a single, simultaneous wireless community," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is simple to use. Beginning with free access at participating McDonald's, we have removed one of the major barriers that have kept people from going online to play games."
 
 "By enabling Nintendo DS customers to access Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection via our Wi-Fi World® network and business model at McDonald's, we are continuing to drive more customers to the restaurants we serve and increase the relevancy of Wi-Fi to a broader customer base," said Dave Vucina, CEO of Wayport. "Nintendo is a pioneer in providing a new way for their customers to play the games they want to while away from home or the office, and McDonald's is the perfect venue based on their ubiquity and accessibility."
 
  Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection creates a welcome, inviting community where gamers of all kinds can log on wirelessly and begin playing favorite franchise games like Mario Kart® DS and Activision's Tony Hawk's American SK8Land, and future titles such as Animal Crossing®: Wild World and Metroid® Prime Hunters. Game play will be free, and users will be able to connect easily to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection in a variety of ways.
 
 When a user brings a Nintendo DS unit and a Wi-Fi-enabled game into a Wayport-enabled McDonald's, the user simply launches the game in Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection mode. No setup is required.
 
 From home, if the user already has a Wi-Fi network, the Nintendo DS unit will connect directly to it with minimal setup procedures. Those who have a high-speed Internet connection such as cable or DSL, but no wireless network, can use the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector, which will plug into the USB port of a PC running Windows XP to create a wireless access point to connect a DS to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector will be sold exclusively on Nintendo.com.
 
 Finally, Nintendo DS owners who want to play games at Wi-Fi locations outside McDonald's or their home can use a laptop computer and the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector to access Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector enables the Nintendo DS to share an Internet connection established by a PC, providing a conduit to play games via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
 
 Detailed information about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, as well as a list of participating Wayport/McDonald's hotspots, will be available soon at www.NintendoWiFi.com.
 
 Nintendo DS is just the first Nintendo system to connect via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. The same service will be incorporated into Nintendo's next-generation home video game console, code-named Revolution, which is set for release in 2006.
 
 About Wayport, Inc.
 Wayport is the largest provider of high-speed Wi-Fi wireless and wired Internet access for mobile broadband customers in the United States, offering service at more than 10,000 locations (including directly enabled and managed locations) in 28 countries, featuring major hotels in the U.S. and Europe; airports; Laptop Lane airport business centers; McDonald's, and Hertz locations; and other retail brands nationwide. To learn more about Wayport, please visit www.wayport.net or to see locations nationwide, visit www.wayport.net/locations.
   

[A lot of people just have to catch 'em all it seems, and here comes Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness to let them.]

16

TalkBack / 150 Million Sold. $15 Billion in Retail Sales.

« on: October 04, 2005, 04:19:40 AM »

A lot of people just have to catch 'em all it seems, and here comes Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness to let them.

 POKÉMON FRANCHISE APPROACHES 150 MILLION GAMES SOLD
 
 Newest Pokémon Game Launches Oct. 3 With Novel Storyline
 
 REDMOND, Wash., Oct 4, 2005 – Pokémon has not only proved itself as a leader in the video game industry, but it also has become an obsession for millions of zealous fans. Pokémon has spawned more than $15 billion in worldwide retail sales, while the franchise is on the verge of selling its 150 millionth game worldwide. Without fail, every new Pokémon game sells more than 1 million, while the legacy has grown in the United States since its introduction in 1998. But the newest game speaks for itself – Pokémon® XD: Gale of Darkness launches Oct. 3 for Nintendo GameCube™ and is the next step on the ladder of success for Pokémon. As fans have grown up, so has the game.
 
 The role-playing game brings with it nearly 40 hours of game play and a fantastic new storyline. The legendary Lugia™ tragically has been turned into Shadow Lugia: the ultimate Shadow Pokémon that supposedly can't be purified. The evil organization Cipher is dedicated to world domination and uses Shadow Lugia to steal a Pokémon-carrying cargo ship. Now players must snag and purify the Shadow Pokémon, saving them from a life of evil deeds.
 
 The game is inundated with fascinating and original features: Players can use a new method to help purify up to nine Pokémon at once in the Purify Chamber. Taking full advantage of the Purify Chamber means building up a collection of purified Pokémon to place around the Shadow Pokémon: the more the Pokémon, the faster the purification.
 
 Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness also runs deep with inventive game-play components. The option-rich Vs. Mode allows players to compete in extreme 3-D battles with their favorite Pokémon. A mini-game called Battle Bingo appeals to players of all ages. It's much like real bingo: Players must fill in their card squares by battling Pokémon.
 
 In addition, the game is highlighted by great battles, astonishing graphics and mind-boggling effects. For Pokémon loyalists, Nintendo resourcefully incorporates the Game Boy® Advance by offering players the ability to import their preferred Pokémon and watch them battle in full 3-D on Nintendo GameCube – the Vs. Mode allows players to import all their Game Boy Advance Pokémon from games like Pokémon® Ruby, Pokémon® Sapphire, Pokémon® FireRed, Pokémon® LeafGreen and Pokémon® Emerald. The craving for Pokémon continues to escalate with Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, which is Rated E for Everyone.
 
 Pokémon USA, Inc., a subsidiary of The Pokémon Company in Japan, manages and oversees the property outside of Asia, which includes licensing activities, brand promotions, publication of the Pokémon Trading Card Game, TV animation, home video entertainment, the official Pokémon.com Web site and pokemoncenter.com, an e-commerce site. Nintendo of America manages marketing and distribution of Pokémon video games and the Pokémon Trading Card Game in North America.
 
 Pokémon was launched in Japan in 1996 for play on Nintendo's Game Boy® and has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon. Pokémon was introduced in North America in September 1998 and has since generated more than $15 billion in worldwide retail sales. More than 40 million Pokémon video games have been sold in the United States, including Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, which were the No. 2 and No. 3 best-selling video games of 2003, according to the NPD Group.
 
 The Pokémon Trading Card Game, fueled by organized play programs around the world, has spurred global sales of more than 14 billion cards to date, while the Pokémon animated series on Kids' WB!, now in its eighth season, consistently ranks within the top three shows for boys ages 6 to 11. For more information, visit www.pokemonxd.com.
 
 The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy® Advance SP, Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems extend Nintendo's vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games and more than 353 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario™ and Donkey Kong® and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid®, Zelda™ and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.
 
 For more information about Nintendo, visit the company's Web site at www.nintendo.com.
 

[Struggle with the boundaries of good and evil once more in December 2005.]

17

TalkBack / Prince of Persia The Two Thrones

« on: September 21, 2005, 05:16:51 AM »

Struggle with the boundaries of good and evil once more in December 2005.

Prince of Persia The Two Thrones
 
 Ubisoft reveals the official title for the third installment in the Prince of Persia® franchise
 
 London, UK -21st September, 2005 - Today, Ubisoft, one of the world's largest video game publishers, announced the official subtitle for the next video game in the critically-acclaimed Prince of Persia franchise, Prince of Persia The Two ThronesTM. Scheduled to release in December 2005, Prince of Persia The Two Thrones takes the best features of Prince of Persia The Sands of Time and Prince of Persia Warrior WithinTM, and combines them with new gameplay elements such as a second playable character, an intuitive Speed Kill system, outdoor Babylon environment, chariot combat racing and more. With such elements, Prince of Persia The Two Thrones is poised to take the action-adventure gaming experience to a new level.
 
 "Prince of Persia The Two Thrones will allow players to explore the two different sides of the Prince's divided soul," said Yannis Mallat, executive producer for Prince of Persia The Two Thrones. "The Prince will battle with his inner demons and explore his alter ego. He'll struggle with the boundaries between good and evil in his quest to regain his rightful place as ruler of Babylon."
 
 About Prince of Persia The Two Thrones   The Prince of Persia makes his way home to Babylon, along with Kaileena, the enigmatic Empress of Time, and unspeakable scars from the Island of Time. But instead of the peace he longs for, he finds his kingdom ravaged by war and Kaileena the target of a brutal plot. When she is kidnapped, the Prince tracks her to the Palace - only to see her murdered by a powerful enemy. Her death unleashes the Sands of Time, which strike the Prince and threaten to destroy everything he holds dear. Cast to the streets, hunted as a fugitive, the Prince soon discovers that the Sands have tainted him, too. They have given rise to a deadly Dark Prince, whose spirit gradually possesses him ...
 
 Prince of Persia The Two Thrones is to be released in December 2005 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, the Nintendo GameCubeTM and the PC-CD Rom.
 
 © 2005 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Based on Prince of Persia® created by Jordan Mechner. Ubisoft and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the U.S. and/or other countries. Prince of Persia is a trademark of Jordan Mechner in the US and/or other countries used under license by Ubisoft Entertainment. "PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. TM, ® and Nintendo GameCube are trademarks of Nintendo. © 2001 Nintendo. Microsoft, Xbox and the Xbox logos are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or in other countries and are used under license from Microsoft.
 
 About Ubisoft:
 Ubisoft is a leading producer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment products worldwide. It is the fastest growing company in the videogame industry and has grown considerably through its strong and diversified line-up of products and partnerships. Ubisoft has offices in 21 countries and sales in more than 50 countries around the globe. It is committed to delivering high-quality, cutting-edge videogame titles to consumers. Ubisoft generated revenue of € 537 million for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, an increase of 8% over the previous fiscal year at constant exchange rates. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.
 

[Yes, they are talking to you.]

18

TalkBack / True Crime: New York City Voice Cast Announced

« on: September 19, 2005, 07:11:29 AM »

Yes, they are talking to you.

An Arresting Line Up of Voiceover Talent Brings Activision's True Crime®: New York City to Life
 
 SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept 19, 2005: Further bringing True Crime®: New York City's authentic cop drama to life, Activision, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATVI) has signed on a cast of seasoned actors to lend their distinct voice talents to the game's main characters. The cast includes Christopher Walken as FBI field agent Gabriel Whitting; Laurence Fishburne as drug kingpin Isaiah "The King" Reed; Mariska Hargitay as New York Police Lieutenant Deena Dixon; Mickey Rourke as New York Police Detective Terrence Higgins; Esai Morales as New York Police Organized Crime Unit chief Victor Navarro; Traci Lords as madam Cassandra Hartz; and up and coming actor Avery Waddell as former gangster turned cop Marcus Reed, the game's main character and Isaiah Reed's son.
 
 "With a voice talent roster of this caliber, we are bringing drama to videogames on an unprecedented level that is on par with movies and television shows," said Will Kassoy, vice president of global brand management, Activision Publishing. "True Crime: New York City was developed with the help of two former New York cops who advised us on real-life police scenarios which were then brought to life through the rich characters portrayed by the voiceover talent."
 
 Former policemen Bill Clark, who also served as the executive producer of "NYPD Blue," and Tom Walker, author of "Ford Apache: The Bronx," consulted on the storyline for True Crime: New York City which puts players in the role of Marcus Reed, former gang member turned cop. Through the game, players use and abuse their authority to hunt down the murderer of Marcus' mentor while also cleaning up Manhattan neighborhoods from Harlem to Chinatown. Undercover investigations weave players through a murderous web of gangs and deceit as they battle crooks, Marcus' past and everything else the city throws at them.
 
 True Crime: New York City will be available this fall for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox® video game system from Microsoft and the Nintendo GameCubeTM and has been rated "M" ("Mature" - Blood and Gore, Intense Violence, Strong Language, Strong Sexual Content, Use of Drugs) by the ESRB.
 

[Real-time strategy marches into town and orders you to bring freedom to the nation.]

19

TalkBack / Battalion Wars Rolls Out

« on: September 19, 2005, 07:01:00 AM »

Real-time strategy marches into town and orders you to bring freedom to the nation.

 Battalion Wars for Nintendo GameCube Features Thrilling Real-Time Strategy
 
 With more than 20 elite missions, Battalion Wars(TM) for Nintendo GameCube(TM) truly tests a player's ability to improvise and maneuver troops. A single button press summons the soldiers, while a second press sends them off to fight. But think twice: Crafty AI enemies will adapt to every move.
 
 What began as a border dispute has escalated to a frightening global conflict. Only an army commanded with precision and cunning could bring the seemingly endless war to a close.
 
 The video game press has already taken note of Battalion Wars. Matt Casamassina, editor for IGN.com, said, "There is a strong strategic element to the experience: gamers who don't think, plan attacks and manage their units will not win." A player's line of attack will directly affect the outcome of missions, while using the battlefield map is not only key to success, it's straightforward and easy to access. Players strategize with earnest as they station defense forces along a ridgeline, perform recon on the enemy with a scout team or charge headlong into the breach. Battalion Wars is "a refreshing change from the non-stop supply of gritty war games on the market  ...  Kuju and Nintendo deliver GameCube owners the sleeper hit of the season," said Casamassina.
 
 Each mission can be approached with different tactics. Players have the ability to attack stealthily or just hop into a tank and charge. The freedom to compete in any way the player chooses is the very self-government that will bring freedom to the feuding nations.
 
 The game is Rated T for Teen with a launch date of Sept. 19.
 

[Come on in - 'explore' the sound of Hip-Hop for a while.]

20

TalkBack / EA Releases NBA Live 06 Song List

« on: September 14, 2005, 11:32:47 PM »

Come on in - 'explore' the sound of  Hip-Hop for a while.

NBA LIVE 06 IN-GAME SOUNDTRACK Explores New SOUND OF HIP-HOP
 
 REDWOOD CITY, Calif., - September 13, 2005 - Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed the 16 songs that make up the in-game music soundtrack for the multi-platinum basketball game, NBA LIVE 06. The song list delivers an eclectic mix of up-tempo beats and lyrics.
 
 When players hit the court this Fall, they can expect to hear music from the phenomenally popular The Black Eyed Peas as well as new track debuts from Q-Tip featuring Busta Rhymes, Fort Minor (led by Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park), Jurassic 5, Tego Calderón and exclusive tracks from Bishop Lamont featuring Chevy Jones, Chamillionaire, N.O.R.E. and Spider Loc. During gameplay, the beats have been created by the production team Da Riffs, who follow the success of Cool n Dre who produced the beats for NBA LIVE 2005 and Just Blaze who produced the beats for NBA LIVE 2004.
 
 "With its rock, indie and latin influences, the music in NBA LIVE 06 is an unparalleled collection of songs that demonstrate the new sound of hip-hop," said Steve Schnur, Worldwide Executive of Music and Music Marketing at EA.
 
 The complete song list includes:
 
   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

Artist	Song
Afu-Ra	God of Rap
Bishop Lamont featuring Chevy Jones	We Got Next **
Black Eyed Peas	My Style
Chali 2na featuring Anthony Hamilton	Don't Stop
Chamillionaire	Grind Time **
Fort Minor	Remember The Name
Jae Millz	Streetz Melting
Jurassic 5	In The House
Lupe Fiasco	Tilted
M.I.A.	Bucky Done
N.O.R.E. featuring GemStar and Big Mato	Deportes EA **
Q-Tip featuring Busta Rhymes	For The Nasty
Spider Loc	Elementary **
Stat Quo	Like Dat
Tego Calderón	Mil Cosas **
The Perceptionists	Let's Move

   

** Only available in NBA LIVE 06.
 
 The in-game music soundtrack is a part of the EA SPORTS(tm) TRAX music initiative that EA debuted in 2001. The program is dedicated to bringing gamers the hottest music through EA's videogames.
 
  For more information about NBA LIVE 06, please visit the official game site at: www.nbalive06.com. To learn more about the in-game music soundtrack, please go to http://www.easports.com/sports/nbalive06/theater.jsp?media=music
 
 About Electronic Arts
 
 Electronic Arts Inc. (EA), headquartered in Redwood City, California, is the world's leading interactive entertainment software company. Founded in 1982, the company develops, publishes, and distributes interactive software worldwide for videogame systems, personal computers and the Internet. Electronic Arts markets its products under four brand names: EA SPORTS(tm), EA(tm), EA SPORTS BIG(tm) and POGO(tm). In fiscal 2005, EA posted revenues of $3.1 billion and had 31 titles that sold more than one million copies. EA's homepage and online game site is www.ea.com.
 
   

[If you're looking for a 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler', you've come to the right place.]

21

TalkBack / D3PA Announces DS Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi

« on: September 13, 2005, 11:32:24 PM »

If you're looking for a 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler', you've come to the right place.

 Puffy AmiYumi say 'Hi Hi' to Nintendo DS   In New Game From D3Publisher of America, Inc.
 
 Title set for release in Q1 2006 is D3PA's 1st Nintendo DS game
 
 LOS ANGELES - Sep. 13, 2005 - D3Publisher of America, Inc. (D3PA), a publisher and developer of interactive entertainment software today announced its first game for the Nintendo DS will be based on Cartoon  Network Enterprises (CNE) hit animated series Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumiT. The game  is anticipated to be released in Q1 2006. D3PA recently announced that it would release Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for Nintendo's Game Boy® Advance in Q4 2005.
 
 "We continue to be impressed with the outstanding ratings performance of the  Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi show," said Careen Yapp, vice president of licensing and  business development for D3PA. "Cartoon Network's commitment to the  franchise, both on-air and with consumer products, solidified our decision  to move forward with an all new DS version of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for early  2006."
 
 "Kids today not only enjoy but, frankly, expect to find their favorite  character properties available to them on multiple entertainment platforms,"  added John Friend, senior vice president of Cartoon Network Enterprises.  "D3PA has proven to be an exceptional creator and marketer of innovative  electronic games based on a variety of original characters.  We're very  excited to see how they will translate Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi's musical, comedy  and fantasy action elements into their first-ever Nintendo DS release."
 
 Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the Nintendo DS introduces a brand new gaming  genre - the 'Rock 'n' Roll Brawler' - targeted primarily for kids 6-11. This  action packed adventure allows players to call upon the powers of rock and  roll to defeat their enemies as they travel the globe using only their  instruments as weapons! With the Nintendo DS, action is presented on the  upper screen while the actual control takes the form of a guitar located on  the Touch Pad, and players can enjoy the action solo, or with 2-Player WiFi  cooperative mode. Other game features of Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi for the Nintendo DS include:
 
 · Familiar locations from the TV episodes, where players fight off crazed  fans, talent suckers and other bands
 · A chance to earn popularity points with the fans as well as gifts by rocking out on stage
 · Upgrades to guitars and accessories at shops found in each level that unlock new combos
 · Quirky mini-games such as make your own sushi, which Ami and Yumi can eat or feed to their pet cats
 
 Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in 88 million U.S.  homes and 160 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System,  Inc.'s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired  and classic animated entertainment for kids and families.  Overnight from 11  p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult  Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation  for young adults 18-34.
 
 D3Publisher of America, Inc. is a subsidiary of D3Publisher, with  headquarters in Tokyo.  D3Publisher of America's strategic focus is on  licensed and original titles from leading third-party developers that appeal  to mass-market consumers or gaming enthusiasts.  Based in Los Angeles,  D3Publisher of America distributes and publishes software for personal  computers and the major console platforms including Game Boy® Advance,  Nintendo GameCubeT, Nintendo DST, PlayStation® game console, PlayStation®2  computer entertainment system, PSPT portable entertainment system and the  Xbox® video game system from Microsoft.  For additional information on  D3Publisher of America and its products, visit the website at  http://www.d3p.us.
 
 

[Kevan Wilson, come on down!]

22

TalkBack / NoA Announces New VP of Sales

« on: September 13, 2005, 11:23:07 PM »

Kevan Wilson, come on down!

 NINTENDO ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE PROMOTION
 
 Kevan Wilson Promoted to Vice President of Sales
 
 REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 12, 2005 – Nintendo of America Inc. today announced the promotion of Kevan Wilson to vice president of sales, effective Jan. 2, 2006. An 11-year veteran of Nintendo, Wilson will be responsible for overseeing and establishing the strategic direction for the Nintendo of America sales department.
 
 "From increasing sales volumes with our biggest retail accounts to implementing key strategic sales department initiatives, Kevan has made remarkable contributions to our success," says Tatsumi Kimishima, Nintendo of America's president. "This well-deserved promotion reflects his incredible drive and dedication to our business."
 
 Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing, added, "Kevan's demonstrated success in driving sales, implementing new programs and leading a team is ideal for directing the outstanding group of sales professionals already in place in our organization."
 
 Wilson joined Nintendo of America as regional manager in August 2000 and was promoted to director in 2002, when he took on additional responsibility for the Chicago sales team. In 2004, he was promoted to his current role, senior director of sales. Prior to joining Nintendo of America, Wilson successfully managed the sales and merchandising operations at Nintendo of Canada for six years. Before that, he spent 15 years in the Canadian packaged goods industry, including Bristol-Myers and Unilever, in various sales, trade marketing and marketing management positions.
 
 Wilson replaces Randy Peretzman, who will be retiring Dec. 31, 2005, after 20 years of dedicated service.
 
 

[Randy Peretzman calls it a day after 20 years.]

23

TalkBack / NoA Executive Announces Retirement

« on: September 13, 2005, 11:15:51 PM »

Randy Peretzman calls it a day after 20 years.

 LONGTIME NINTENDO EXECUTIVE ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
 
 20-Year Veteran Randy Peretzman Helped Launch Every Nintendo Game System
 
 REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 12, 2005 – Nintendo of America Inc. today announced Randy Peretzman, vice president of sales, will retire at the end of this year. After 20 years of dedicated service, Peretzman has decided to step down due to health reasons.
 
 "From the launch of the original NES to our latest software phenomenon, Nintendogs, Randy has made significant contributions to the success of every new hardware and software launch," said Tatsumi Kimishima, Nintendo of America's president. "He will be greatly missed, and we wish him well."
 
 "Randy's dedication to this company and enthusiasm for our products are unwavering," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "We have him to thank for so many of our successful sales initiatives and product launches."
 
 Peretzman joined Nintendo as the company's first regional sales manager in New York. His first project was the launch of the NES® at a time when retailers had little interest in video games. After hand-carrying NES prototypes from one New York retailer to another, he effectively helped re-launch the video game industry into the $10 billion industry it is today.
 
 Peretzman relocated to the state of Washington in 1992 to take on the role of director of sales. In 1996, he was promoted to vice president of sales. In his current role, he has overall responsibility for the entire Nintendo of America sales department, including establishing the strategic direction and objectives for the division.
 
 Prior to joining Nintendo, Peretzman spent several years as a vice president at a consumer electronics firm. He began his career in New York retail, working his way up from buyer to VP general merchandise manager over the course of 15 years. A native of New York, he is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University in New Jersey.
 
 Upon his retirement, Peretzman plans to travel and spend time with his family.
 
 

[Hit the virtual slopes to the sound of Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and The Hives among others.]

24

TalkBack / EA Announces SSX On Tour Song List

« on: September 13, 2005, 07:39:27 AM »

Hit the virtual slopes to the sound of Iron Maiden, Def Leppard and The Hives among others.

 REDWOOD CITY, Calif., September 12, 2005 – Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) today revealed the 41 songs that will propel players through SSX™ On Tour. The in-game soundtrack delivers a fast-paced and energetic mix of music that builds on the popularity of the SSX™ 3 soundtrack which was adored by fans worldwide and won the coveted Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) award for Best Soundtrack. The diverse mix of music in the new title boasts old school metal hits from Iron Maiden, Motorhead and Def Leppard, hip hop tracks from J5, Paul Wall, Blackalicious and Perceptionists as well as rock hits from Avenged Sevenfold, Queens of the Stone Age, The Hives and Louis XIV.
 
 Breakout remix artist and internet music icon DJ Z-Trip commented on the significance of being on the SSX On Tour soundtrack, "It's dope to be in any EA game, but especially SSX. Because of SSX, I can snowboard even when I'm on tour, snowboarding backstage is ill!"
 
 The full SSX On Tour song list features:
 
    

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

Artist	Song
Avenged Sevenfold	Bat Country
Billy Talent	Red Flag
Blackalicious	Rhythm Sticks
Bloc Party	Banquet
Bonobo	Pick up
Bonobo	Flutter
Chali2Na	International feat. Beenie Man
C-Rayz Walz	Street Reppin
Death From Above 1979	Romantic Rights
Def Leppard	Let It Go
Dio	Stand Up And Shout
Diplo	Big Lost
Diplo	Indian Thick Jawns feat. P.E.A.C.E.
Diva International	Nothing to Do
DJ Spooky And Dave Lombardo	B-Side Wins Again feat. Chuck D
Fu Manchu	I Can’t Hear You
Goldfinger	My Everything
Hot Hot Heat	Pickin’ It Up
Iron Maiden	Run To The Hills
Jurassic 5	Red Hot
LCD Soundsystem	Daft Punk Is Playing At My House
Louis XIV	God Killed The Queen
Maximo Park	Apply Some Pressure
Morningwood	Nu Rock
Motorhead	Overkill
Nine Black Alps	Shot Down
OK Go	Here It Goes Again
Paul Wall feat. Big Pokey of the S.U.C	Sittin’ Sidewayz
Pennywise	Competition Song
Queens Of The Stone Age	Medication
Rock ‘N’ Roll Soldiers	Flag Song
Scorpions	Dynamite
Sweatshop Union	Come Back
The Faint	I Disappear
The Herbaliser	Lord, Lord feat. Roots Manuva
The Herbaliser	Gadget Funk
The Hives	No Pun Intended
The Perceptionists	People 4 Prez
Vatican DC	Antisocial
We Are Scientists	Lousy Reputation
Z-Trip	All About The Music featuring Whipper Whip

 
 
 SSX On Tour’s in-game music soundtrack is a part of the EA SPORTS™ TRAX music initiative that EA debuted in 2001. The program is dedicated to bringing gamers the hottest music through EA’s videogames.
 
 Building on the critically acclaimed gameplay of the SSX™ franchise, SSX On Tour features all-new player customization that gives you the chance to join The Tour. SSX On Tour is packed with all-new highly detailed tracks, new stylish player customization options, new monster tricks, and multiplayer options. In SSX On Tour, players will reach breakneck speeds, catch huge air, and become an icon as they storm down the mountain as either a snowboarder or a skier. Players will pull off jaw-dropping monster tricks to out-style your competitors while hurtling down the slopes at supersonic speeds. Build a career as you progress from a slope-side wannabe to a black-diamond-dominating rock star. Compete for medals or just tear up the massive new mountain, but make sure you look good doing it because your reputation is always on the line. You create the hype—the hype creates a legend in SSX On Tour.
 
 Developed by EA Canada in Vancouver, British Columbia, SSX On Tour will be available for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, Xbox® video game system from Microsoft, Nintendo GameCube™ and PSP™ portable entertainment system this Fall. For more information about the game, please visit: http://www.easportsbig.com/games/ssxontour/home.jsp
 
 

[250,000 puppies homed in the first week. Oh, and Advance Wars is not doing too badly either...]

25

TalkBack / Nintendo Announces Big Nintendogs Sales

« on: September 01, 2005, 04:57:39 AM »

250,000 puppies homed in the first week. Oh, and Advance Wars is not doing too badly either...

 VIDEO GAME INDUSTRY GOES TO THE DOGS – LITERALLY
 
 REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 1, 2005 – With sales of a quarter of a million units in its first week of availability, Nintendogs™ is not only America's hottest-selling video game, but the best-selling new game franchise ever for a portable system.
 
 Retailers already are reporting that Nintendogs, made exclusively for the hand-held Nintendo DS™, has sold out in numerous locations across the country, and Nintendo will deliver more shipments as soon as possible. The three versions of Nintendogs and the DS unit itself consistently rank at the top of Amazon.com's best-selling list of all video game products.
 
 "Nearly 15 percent of all DS owners bought Nintendogs in just a week, a virtually unprecedented adoption rate for any title on an established system," said Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "And it's also helping sell new DS hardware. Coupled with a price drop to $129.99, retailers are reporting DS sales up between one and a half and three times previous levels, and last week DS comfortably outsold our portable competitors."
 
 Nintendogs lets owners train and care for lifelike puppies using the DS system's touch screen and microphone. It became a cultural phenomenon in Japan and launched in the United States on Aug. 22.
 
 People who like traditional hard-core video games have plenty to enjoy as well. Retailers also report that the new Advance Wars®: Dual Strike military strategy game for Nintendo DS has become one of Nintendo's top sellers.
 
 For downloads, video diaries and fun Nintendogs extras, visit www.nintendogs.com.
 
 The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy® Advance SP, Nintendo DS™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems extend Nintendo’s vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games and more than 353 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as Mario™ and Donkey Kong® and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid®, Zelda™ and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere.
 
 For more information about Nintendo, visit the company’s Web site at www.nintendo.com.