In response to early 3DS owners that are upset about the retail price dropping from $249.99 to $169.99 on August 12, Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has issued a public apology on the official Nintendo website. An english translation has been provided below courtesy of Giant Bomb.
To Those Customers Who Bought A Nintendo 3DS Before The Price Change
Greetings, everyone. This is Satoru Iwata from Nintendo.
Thank you very much for purchasing a Nintendo 3DS.
We have just announced a price drop for the Nintendo 3DS system effective on August 11 [August 12 in North America].
In the past, there have been price drops for video game systems some time after their release in order to broaden the user base further. However, never before has Nintendo chosen to issue such a dramatic price drop less than 6 months after a system release.
We are all too keenly aware that those of you who supported us by purchasing the 3DS in the beginning may feel betrayed and criticize this decision.
This unprecedented timing for a price cut is because the situation has changed greatly since we originally launched the 3DS. We decided it was necessary to take this drastic step in order to ensure that large numbers of users will continue to enjoy the 3DS in the future.
If the software creators and those on the retail side are not confident that the Nintendo 3DS is a worthy successor to the DS and will achieve a similarly broad (user) base, it will be impossible for the 3DS to gain popularity, acquire a wide range of software, and eventually create the product cycle necessary for everyone to be satisfied with the system.
Those customers who purchased the 3DS at the very beginning are extremely important to us. We know that there is nothing we can do to completely make up for the feeling that you are being punished for buying the system early. Still, we would like to offer the following as a sign of our appreciation to you.
[3DS Ambassador program details]
We feel a strong responsibility to develop the 3DS as a platform — to ensure that, in the end, everyone is satisfied; we will make every effort to do so.
Additionally, we know everyone is waiting for Super Mario 3D Land and Mario Kart 7. They are scheduled for release in November and December, respectively, so we ask for your patience until then.
Thank you again, and we look forward to your continued support.
Out now from Com2Us is Gold Jumper for the iOS. Developed by IZSoft, Gold Jumper transports you back to the Wild West, with the goal to guide a hefty bag of gold through mine shafts and canyons. Will you win the gold-rush?
You can purchase Gold Jumper now for $0.99 AUD from the iTunes app store here which is available for the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. So what are you waiting for? Jump into the gold mines and go from rags to riches with a touch and a tilt of your iOS device.
Whether you are a fan of platforming puzzle games or not, be sure to check out Gold Jumper, available now!
Seriously guys, don’t you have enough cash and fame already without trying to bum more from game studios over pedantic and ridiculous issues. I’m referring to you Adam Levine of Maroon 5, who in an out of character move has filed a law suit against Activision for potential exploitation of his likeness. Levine, who is currently working as a voice coach on NBC’s hit “The Voice”, has been angered by Activisions use of his character within their spin off music title, Band Hero. Despite allowing his bands song “She will be loved” to be used and providing motion capture, Levine still has issues. These arise from his avatar within the game being used to sing over 60 unauthorised songs “which would not have been chosen by him for recordings or performances”.
Honestly, I like Adam Levine despite not being a Maroon 5 fan, but maybe he needs to go back to his magic joint and relax. I’d be honoured if I was even asked to have my likeness portrayed in a game, regardless of song choice. Greed, greed, greed, there’s no other words for it, with Levine even stating he received a lower fee than many of the other artists. Um….maybe it’s because they are better known and more of a draw card. Imagine some lowly extra demanding the same fee George Clooney receives for his films and walking off set when he is laughed at and dismissed. Levine has a multitude of charges filed against Activision for an undisclosed sum of money. I’m not saying Activision didn’t hold any information back, imp not sure, just get over it and move on.
Check out this weeks digital content available for download via the Nintendo eShop, Nintendo DSi Shop, Nintendo WiiWare and Wii Shop Channel!
Pizza Quest: For Nintendo 3DS via Nintendo Video
In the latest video from CollegeHumor, Scott goes on a epic quest for the world’s best pizza ingredients. Will he succeed in finding them?
Mario’s Picross: For Nintendo 3DS via Ninteno eShop
Join Super Mario as he attempts to unlock the mystery of Picross. The secrets are hidden throughout in various numeric codes at the top and on the left side of every window, see if you can decipher these numbers and uncover the hidden pictures!
B Team – Episode 2: Ice and Venom: For Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo DSi via Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare
In this actiom-packed shooter, use multiple weapons, upgradeable equipment, to overcome challenging boss battles and unleash hell on it’s destructible environments.
Monochrome Racing: For Nintendo Wii via Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare
Burn rubber as you experience the passion for colour in this adrenaline-filled racer and leave enemies in your dust in this colourful yet mysterious monochrome world!
Also available this week:
Go Fetch! 2: Available via Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare
Play and Learn Spanish: Available via Nintendo eShop and Nintendo DSiWare DSiWare
Following on from Michael Irving’s set of 30 answers to these testing questions, here are my thoughts with regard to the 30 gaming questions:
Q1 – Your first video game
Pokemon Red on Game Boy
Q2 – Your favourite character.
The President “Shacho” – Pikmin 2
Q3 – A game that is underrated.
Mario Kart: Double Dash
Q4 – Your guilty pleasure game.
Hexic HD
Another excellent puzzle game from the creator of Tetris, to me this is an absolutely classic puzzle game which comes close to reciprocating the genius behind Tetris in a totally different way.
Q5 – Game character you feel you are most like (or wish you were).
Rafael Nadal (Top Spin 4)
Q6 – Most annoying character.
Resetti (Animal Crossing) Honestly, you have a shovel throughout the game so why doesn’t the game give you the option to smash his head in with it. You’ve even got an axe to chop his body into little pieces and then throw him in the river afterwards (I just want to clarify, I’m not psycho)
Q7 – The game you’ve spent the most time playing.
Halo 3
I’ve invested far too much time into Halo 3 multiplayer than I have record of, or would care to disclose even if I did. The best online multiplayer around, although I feel I’ve played it to death now.
Q8 – Best soundtrack.
Fist of the North Star: Ken’s Rage
Maybe not the highest quality soundtrack, but the guitar riffs are very catchy, meaning you’ll cling onto the music long after you’ve finished with the game. It suits the action perfectly too.
Q9 – Scariest game.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
There’s a little story behind this one; in Diagon Alley you had to sneak through a shop to retrieve something, and if the grouchy old shopkeeper caught you, would cast a spell on you, accompanied by the chilling words of “Didn’t you hear me? I said we’re closed!”. Very creepy, and even though it probably was made all the scarier by the fact I was younger at the time, even today I imagine the childhood memories would make it an unnerving experience.
Q10 – Best game play.
Super Mario Bros. on NES The weight of the world of this game just feels so perfect, to the point where all other 2D plat formers just seem like a worse-off altered version
Q11 – Gaming system of choice.
Gamecube
Some people didn’t see this as a proper gaming system as it looked like a children’s lunchbox, but I found the size and handle meant I could happily take it to a friend’s house. Also, the library on offer is what sways it for me, as it was home to many great games and mainly had to rely on first-party support from Nintendo themselves.
Q12 – A game everyone should play.
I don’t believe people should be forced to play games. They definitely aren’t for everyone.
Q13 – A game you’ve played more than five times.
Gears of War
I have played through the campaign numerous times – once on each difficulty alone, then extra times on co-op.
Q14 – Current (or most recent) gaming wallpaper.
Gears of War
Q15 – The game you’re playing right now.
Microsoft Word
(although I wouldn’t really call it a game)
Q16 – Game with the best cutscenes.
Gray Matter
The game just had a very strong story, and although the gameplay wasn’t great as the point ‘n’ click nature of play didn’t suit the Xbox 360 controller, the not-even-fully-animated artistic cutscenes kept you going.
Q17 – Favorite antagonist.
Bullet Bill
Q18 – Favorite protagonist.
Captain Olimar
Q19 – A game setting you wish you lived in.
Middle Earth (Lord of the Rings)
Q20 – Favorite game to play with friends
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Q21 – Game with the best story.
Gray Matter
Q22 – A game sequel which disappointed you.
Gears of War 2
I had such high expectations for this, that is was almost always going to be a disappointment unless they simply kept everything the same as in the original Gears of War and just added new levels.
Q23 – Game you think had the best graphics or art style.
Super Mario Galaxy 2
Q24 – Funniest game moment
Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime robot boss battle – the game is so broken that you can just push this huge robot around by walking into him and sliding him across the floor, despite supposedly being several tonnes of metal.
Q25 – A game you plan on playing.
Pikmin 3
My most anticipated game by a long shot. It’s a little sad to see it has skipped out the Wii, as then there could have been the option of playing with the Gamecube pad, but hopefully Nintnedo don’t mess it up on Wii U by trying to implement some awful control scheme using the touch screen.
Q26 – Best voice acting.
Anonymous passer-by #4 (Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest)
Running past them to hear them greet you with “Frodo Gamgee”, seconds later followed by “See you later, then”.
Q27 – Most epic scene ever.
Gears of War 2 – finding Maria underground.
Q28 – Favorite game developer.
Nintendo for software as they have so many great mascots and series. Microsoft for consoles simply because Xbox Live is a totally unrivalled online experience.
Q29 – A game you thought you wouldn’t like, but ended up loving.
It’s hard to say as I don’t usually play games that don’t interest me.
House of the Dead: Overkill – Extended Cut is coming to the Playstation 3 on October 25, 2011. Playstation Move support, HD graphics, 2 exclusive levels and 3D support is also included. Not only that, but trophy support is also in the game! Will you be getting this game from Sega?
The screenshots below show off the “Naked Terror” level. Naked Terror is one of the two levels exclusive to the PS3 version of the game. The 7th screenshot is a part of an in-game menu.
Even though House of the Dead is an on-rails shooter, hopefully it can rise above the rest of the the games in its genre.
Would you like to have some hands on time with Asura’s Wrath, Dragon’s Dogma, Resident Evil Revelations, or Street Fighter X Tekken? Then you will have to go to Germany for Gamescom. All 4 games will be playable there. Will you be taking the plunge to go to one of Europe’s finest gaming conventions?
Hopefully some new information on the above titles as well as other Capcom and non-Capcom games will be announced. You can be sure that Capsule Computers will have all the news and information coming out of Germany on our site.
Here is some rather disappointing news for those of you who have been craving Bloodrayne Betrayal, as the game has now been delayed until October 5th for the Xbox Live Arcade. On an interesting note, PSN users will get the title one month ahead of the XBLA when it launches on “Playstation Network Play” on September 6th.
Seeing that Bloodrayne Betrayal has been one of my most anticipated games this year, I can say this news is a bit somber, but after the fantastic releases during Summer of Arcade I guess I can manage for two more excruciating months without my dearest Rayne. I can’t really argue with PSN users getting Bloodrayne earlier though, as XBLA users usually get the goods on all downloadable titles before the PSN.
Until August 7th, Bethesda and id Software are having a huge sale on their iOS games.
Plus, if we can all band together and get the Rage page to 100,000 likes, RAGE HD for the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch will be available for free for one week. Go to Facebook.com/rage/
Check out the reduced prices below:
Wolfenstein 3D Classic Platinum is now available on sale for $0.99 AUD
DOOM Classic is now available on sale for $1.99 AUD
DOOM II RPG is now available on sale for $0.99 AUD
DOOM Resurrection is now available on sale for $1.99 AUD
Shift 2 Unleashed is now available on the iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch. The most unique feature of the game is that it is part of Origin mobile, EA’s “cross-platform digital gaming service.” Your sign-in ID for the Origin PC service can also be used to sign into the Origin service on mobile devices. The social features that are a part of Origin allow for leaderboard support, and for automatic push notifications that tell your friends when when you have beaten them. By signing into Origin, you get exclusive tracks and in-game currency for the game.
It currently costs $4.99 for iPad and $2.99 on the smaller screens.
