So says the latest study from customer research giant Nielsen. The group found that only 44% of US households are completely devoid of the current round of consoles, all of which have been on the market for more than five years. The Xbox 360 has been available since 2005. Because of the longer console life cycle, it’s possible for budget-conscious and non-gamer consumers to come in late in the process and still have the most up-to-date console available.

According to Nielsen, overall gaming activity increased by 7%, a number that also included smartphone and tablet games. That is what the company sees as a potential major trend for 2012. It also expects cross-platform connectivity between different devices to explode this year. And its last prediction for the future – in-game monetization will be a big trend. That is, get ready to start spending a lot more money on your games after you buy or download them.

[via Gamespot]

The study that revealed this information came from Parks Associates and is titled Trends in Digital Gaming: Free-to-Play, Social, and Mobile Games. Based on the title of the report alone, you can probably guess what the conclusion of the study was. It’s thanks to the explosion of games on new and non-barrier-heavy platforms on which to play video games like Facebook and cell phones. These are platforms that everyone has access to, as opposed to the old environment where gamers had to go out and buy a dedicated game system or piece of computer gaming software.

The research group found that among Facebook gamers who actually spend money, the average amount spent per month is $29. In addition, those who log into free-to-play games including freemium mobile games, and end up paying for in-game currency or items, are racking up an average of $21 per month in charges. These numbers are pretty low compared to what you might have considered a typical gamer just a few years ago, and it doesn’t even factor in those who are perfectly content playing the free games and never putting in their credit card number. We all knew the industry was expanding, but 44% of the country now defined as an active gamer? That’s a pretty big amount.

[via VentureBeat]

A video game debut at a toy show? That is certainly not the norm, and it goes a long way in describing why Skylanders became so successful. It managed to find that perfect blend of engaging gameplay and physical, real-world collectibility. The game uses actual toys that players can buy from GameStop or other stores, which are placed on a special peripheral connected to the game console that allows players to bring that toy to life. It doesn’t stop there, as players can then take their toys to their friends’ houses and retain all the customization and leveling up they’ve already achieved. That information is stored in the toy figure.

The new iteration will include eight new collectible toys, and they’ll be more high-tech. The new Skylanders figurines will light up when they come into contact with the so-called “Portal of Power” peripheral that brings them into the game. Of course there will also be a new story and brand new gameplay, and Activision also promises deep integration between different channels – console, mobile, and online. “While it was still in development, we recognized the potential that Skylanders had to connect with our customers due to its unique merging of physical and digital play,” said Toys R Us CEO Jerry Storch.

[via VentureBeat]

Nintendo has blamed the slow pickup of the 3DS in the first half of 2011 for much of its woes, the glasses-free 3D handheld proving over-priced in the face of more affordable smartphone gaming options. The company responded with a 40-percent price slash, which buoyed sales some, but sales still only amounted to 11.4m units in the months between April and December.

Meanwhile, the Wii continues to age and sales continue to shrink. Nintendo sold 8.96m of the consoles in the nine month period until the end of 2011, compared to 13.7m in the same period the previous year. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata confirmed that the Wii U, the successor to the Wii, is on track for a launch in key markets by the 2012 holiday sales period, Bloomberg reports, including the US, Japan and Europe.

The Wii U offers the same motion-based gaming possibilities as the Wii, but adds a touchscreen tablet controller that can be used to play independently from the TV. More details in our hands-on with the console.

Microsoft changed its virtual currency structure in 2010, when it allowed customers to add funds to their account in increments of 400 points ($5) instead of 500 ($6.25). This was in reaction to complaints from users who were always stuck with a handful of leftover points that could not be spent.

Microsoft has made previous comments about wanting to be more transparent with the cost of digital content, but clearly still operates with the confusing ratio of 1 MP = 1.25 cents. Nintendo’s digital point system is simple enough; $1 = 100 points. And the PS3 actually has the novel idea of showing content prices in US dollars and cents, or whatever the user’s local currency is.

Under the reported new plan, Microsoft would follow in Sony’s footsteps. As mentioned, MS has made similar comments about creating a transparent system before and nothing ever materialized, but maybe the time has finally come. This latest report says the adjustment will happen by the end of 2012. Stay tuned.

[via Inside Mobile Apps]

Whatever the year, it’s clear that Sony will eventually launch a new console. Microsoft will do the same. And Nintendo is already planning to do so in the coming months.

But all this talk of consoles has me thinking: do we really need more hardware?

The fact is, we’re inching closer to the day where hardware connected to our televisions will be a thing of the past. Samsung and DirecTV at CES this week announced a “boxless” solution that lets users have the full DVR experience on their 2012 Smart TV without actually needing to hook the device up to the set. There’s talk of Apple wanting to include apps, iCloud, and other features into its own television.

And all that fails to mention we have downloadable games already available to us both on the PC and on game consoles. We’ve already come to the point of being able to enjoy content without being required to have a set-top box to do it.

So, how important will consoles be in, say, 2014 or 2015? Will broadband speeds be fast enough to accommodate downloading a big game, like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3? Will televisions come with application stores in them to allow us to access games without requiring that middleman?

It’s certainly a possibility. But there’s one major issue standing in the way of us finally detaching ourselves from the console life support: the hardware companies themselves.

Like it or not, Microsoft, Nintendo, and Sony all rely heavily upon hardware to make their businesses as big as they are. And there’s a good chance that they will be the first companies to denounce ideas of eliminating hardware and getting direct access to titles from game makers.

Microsoft and Sony might be especially outspoken about such a plan. Those companies have not done nearly as good of a job as Nintendo delivering first-party content consumers actually want to play. If television makers and game developers sync up, there’s a solid chance those companies’ game divisions will be marginalized, to say the least.

As for us? Well, we can only hope to get the best experience, regardless of whether that comes via consoles or downloadable content. But I suspect the latter will deliver a better experience at some point in the future.

Who’s with me?

Crysis 2 was apparently downloaded 4 million times by the end of the year. The second most pirated game was Modern Warfare 3 with 3.65 million ripped off copies. Rounding out the top 5 are Battlefield 3, FIFA 12 and Portal 2. The most pirated games on the Wii include Super Mario Galaxy 2, Mario Sports Mix, Xenoblade Chronicles, Lego Pirates of the Caribbean, and FIFA 12.

On the Xbox, the most pirated game was Gears of War 3 followed by Modern Warfare 3, Battlefield 3, Forza 4, and Kinect Sports: Season 2. The number of games pirated adds up really quickly. The cut off for these numbers was December 30, 2011.

It’s apparently the culmination of a year’s work, and though you may not see the value in using a ‘bot costing several thousand dollars to keep a cat’s fur silky-smooth, it’s a big step forward in domestic telepresence. The Kinect and Wii remotes are used to control Nao’s arms, while the sensor bar and the treadmill track movement; meanwhile the head-mounted display shows Veltrop what the ‘bot can see, as well as moving its head according to his own movements.

Next up is two-way audio using the integrated microphone and speakers, and perhaps some practice so that the cat doesn’t end up clawing Nao to pieces. This video is apparently the second attempt at a remote grooming, and it still includes such painful gems as ”Oh, did I just punch him in the head? Sorry kitty.”

[via Kotaku]

Meanwhile Nintendo’s DS continues to sell, with more than 3.4m units being bought in the US in 2011. The total install-base for the Wii is now up to 39m, while more than 51m Nintendo DS handhelds are out in the wild.

The Nintendo 3DS’ path has not been a smooth one. The company reported dreary sales after a promising beginning, and was forced to dramatically slash the price of the 3DS to stimulate demand. That – along with an apologetic open letter from Nintendo president Satoru Iwata – did the trick, however, with sales leaping 260-percent in the US post-cut.

Subsequent updates added Hulu Plus streaming along with 3D video recording support, and most recently Nintendo is rumored to be preparing an ebook store that the 3DS and the upcoming Wii U will both be able to take advantage of.

Nintendo is now promising “a massive first- and third party lineup in the first part of [2012]” to follow Mario and Zelda, Super Mario 3D Land, and Mario Kart 7 each passing 1m US sales and breaking individual franchise records. More on the 3DS in the full SlashGear review.

“The companies that will win in the social gaming space need to show an ability to provide the new and different experiences, and a way to monetize it. In the end, these are businesses that need to make money … We make games for Nintendo devices, and that is a competitive advantage for us. You can only play Mario on a Nintendo device, so from that standpoint, I wouldn’t expect to see our franchises on other platforms, and I would argue Facebook is a platform” Reggie Fils-Aime, President, Nintendo North America

As for the success – and struggles – of Nintendo’s current gaming hardware range, the Wii and 3DS, Fils-Aime concedes the 3D handheld experienced some issues over the past year. The company had solid first week sales, he points out, but the subsequent slump over the spring and early summer “was driven by not having great first-party software, and we were late in bringing some of the online functionality to the 3DS.”

The Wii, meanwhile, will live alongside rather than be replaced by the incoming Wii U in 2012. That’s primarily a pricing decision; “given the current pricing of the Wii, it’s not going to be there” Fils-Aime reiterated.

“We’ve been very clear, the market is going to decide how long these products will coexist side by side. Our goal is to launch the Wii U and drive it into the marketplace, but it will speak to a different consumer than the one that is buying the Wii today during the holidays” Reggie Fils-Aime

When I saw that statistic, I couldn’t believe what I was reading. Is this really the same Wii console that has been on store shelves for five years now? Is it really the same Wii console that has watched its annual sales figures dwindle? Is it really the same Wii that will be replaced in about a year with a new console from Nintendo?

Yep.

It’s that last question on the Wii being replaced soon that makes the console’s strong showing last month so vexing. In as much as a year, the Wii is going to be obsolete; a device that few will want to play, since it’ll be replaced with the latest and greatest technology Nintendo has to offer. Furthermore, over the next several months, it’s highly likely that the dwindling Wii third-party developer force will only further ignore the console to focus their efforts on the Wii U.

Of course, Nintendo supporters say that doesn’t matter. They point out that the Wii already has a solid lineup of games, and at its current $150 price tag, it’s a bargain for shoppers looking for a nice gift to get the kids this holiday season. Plus, with more kids reaching the so-called “gaming age,” it would only make sense that parents would want to get their hands on the console.

But do those people really know what they’re buying? As noted, they’re getting a device that will be made obsolete by its successor next year. And some might argue that the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, which are far more affordable than ever, have already made Nintendo’s console obsolete.

In addition, Wii buyers are getting a device that lacks the deep library found in other consoles (unless, of course, you’re a fan of Nintendo’s franchises). They’re also getting a device that, most would agree, offers no online-gaming support, a second-rate motion-gaming experience, and overall value that falls short compared to its more-capable alternatives.

Am I coming down too hard on the Wii? It’s tough to say. When one peels back the layers of hyperbole surrounding the console, they find a device that performed well initially, but couldn’t hold up over the long-term. And now, Nintendo is scrambling to replace the console so its hardware business doesn’t suffer.

But alas, I recognize that I’m not in the majority with my thinking. People around the U.S. are lining up to buy the Wii.

Too bad. They might find a better use for their money elsewhere.

Two of the new games launched close to Black Friday time were Super Mario 3D Land and the Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword for Wii. The 3DS Super Mario Land 3D game sold very well with more than 500,000 copies movie since it launched. That makes it the fastest selling portable Mario game in history.

Skyward Sword sold even better for the Wii with 535,000 copies sold since November 20 making it the fastest selling Zelda game ever. Nintendo also notes that last week 3DS sales tripled up to 325%. Nintendo also notes that the increase in 3DS sales means that in eight months the gaming firm has been able to match the first year sales of the Nintendo DS. Surprisingly the Wii also had its best Black Friday ever with more than 500,000 units sold during Black Friday and pre-Black Friday sales.

[via USA Today]

Back in October, Nintendo announced the blue special edition as a custom Olympics 2012 model set to commemorate the games set to be held in London, UK. The console – which includes Mario & Sonic and a matching blue Wiimote – would only be offered in Europe, however, with pricing yet to be confirmed.

It’s worth noting that Walmart already offers the blue Wii Remote Plus as a separate accessory, priced at $39.96, but currently only sells black and white versions of the Wii console to go with it. We’re guessing this blue Walmart Wii is the same hardware as the Olympics 2012 limited edition, which means no GameCube support.

Let me take you on a brief recent history.

[Image credit: purplemattfish]

Earlier this year when Amazon announced the Kindle Fire, it took less than an hour for me to head to the e-retail giant’s site, find the tablet, and pre-order it. I didn’t consider the fact that I have an iPad that I hardly use or that I was spending $200 on a whim. No, all I could think about was getting my hands on the latest and greatest product of the day.

I’ve been here before. I bought a second e-reader after I reasoned that the first one I had just wasn’t cutting the mustard (it was), and even though it would have been smarter for me to buy the iPad’s keyboard accessory, I instead decided to buy a MacBook Air because, well, it seemed like a good idea at the time.

As I look further back at my product purchases over the years, a similar scenario plays out more often than I’d like to admit. I see something I think I’d like, I determine that whatever it would replace is falling short, and plunk down the cash to get it.

Some people call that an issue. I have always called it a part of my life.

But I’m here today to admit my problem and make a stand. No longer will I look at the latest technology launch and jump at buying it before I think it through. As tempting as it might be, I have to consider the closet in my office that went from housing a few spare computer parts to a graveyard for old and retired products that were put to sleep before their time.

I’m under no false pretense. I know that the next time Apple unveils an iPad, I’ll want to be first in line to buy it. And even though I have no plans to pull my Wii out of the closet for one last gaming hurrah, I’m fully aware that pulling my hand from my wallet to preorder the Wii U will be difficult.

But enough is enough. It’s about time that I appreciate the spectacular products that engineers, product designers, and countless other professionals create for us. It’s time that I realize that the grass really isn’t always greener on the other side, and sometimes, an itchy trigger finger is more a liability than, as I’ve believed in the past, a virtue in tech-buying situations.

So, consider this my personal intervention; a moment for me to reflect on the past and determine how I can move forward — rationally and without buyer’s remorse.

The patent also appears to show some sort device connecting to the Wii as well. It seems that the touchpad accessory amplifies the LED using mirrors that are on the remote and interprets that as positional data when you touch the pad. It’s a pretty ingenious way to make the controller into a touchpad really.

There is no indication of when it will come to market or if it will come to market. A lot of the patents we see from companies will never see a store shelf. This would be an interesting accessory to make it though.

[via Siliconera]

The new details also offer a bit of insight into the swimming techniques that allow Link to explore Lake Floria on the surface and under. Other things covered are the various insects and potions that will be offered with Link traveling from the surface to Skyloft and back. The bugs will be usable to add new ingredients to give potions new effects.

A new island will be available for exploration called Fun Fun Island. It’s a small island above the clouds near Links hometown. He can play there, but must find a way to complete the quest offered by the only inhabitant of the island. Link also gets a whip that the player can wield using the Wii Remote Plus as a weapon to attack objects and enemies. Will you be buying this game?

Other than the game, the bundle will also include the soundtrack to Super Mario Galaxy. The console in the bundle is glossy black and includes a glossy black nunchuck and Wii remote. The new bundle will be offered for $149.99 making it cheap and aimed at the new buyer of a Wii console. The game supports up to four players, so if everyone wants in on the Mario action you will need three more remotes and three nunchucks.

If you are new to the Wii market, the current bundle that offers the Wii in white or black along with the nunchuk and Mario Kart will still be on the market for $149.99. If you are just starting, I think most folks would agree Mario Kart is the better of the games in the bundles. The new black bundle has no GameCube support.

The Wii bundle comes with a Wii Remote and a nunchuck that is color matched in the same blue. The bundle will probably sell well with London in the midst of Olympic fever. I would bet that we would see a bunch more bundles coming soon. Bundles sell well during the holidays.

This game reminds me more than a little of the old school Track and Field game from back in the original Nintendo days. The bundle is limited edition and exactly how many will be made is unknown. I wonder why Nintendo rarely releases special bundles in the States. It seems every time I see one its Japan or Europe only.

[via Joystiq]

[Image credit: Rob Johnson]

Admittedly, my first reaction was the Xbox 360. As far as I’m concerned, the best first-person shooter experiences are available on Microsoft’s console — due mainly to the outstanding controller — and over the years, my best gaming days have come byway of Microsoft’s device. I also reasoned that although I don’t use the Kinect all that often, it’s a better party accessory than the PlayStation Move or the Wii.

But then I started to doubt my choice. Sure, the Xbox 360 is a great device, but what about the PlayStation 3? That console also has some solid gameplay experiences, and thanks to the industry’s penchant for multi-platform support, most of the titles I like on the Xbox can be played on Sony’s offering. Plus, Sony’s console supports Blu-ray — a big plus for me as my Blu-ray library continues to grow — and has a relatively appealing online-gaming experience.

So, before long, I started reasoning that perhaps the PlayStation 3 should be the console I’d hold on to if the worst occurred and I was forced to hand over all but one of my devices.

My opinion didn’t change much when I considered the Wii. As I’ve wrote on SlashGear before, I’m not a Wii fan. I think the console’s titles are designed for casual gamers (which I’m not) and the motion experience on Nintendo’s hardware tends to fall flat before long. Plus, I just don’t see why anyone would want to play motion titles on the Wii if they have a Kinect at home. Microsoft’s peripheral, while still gimmicky at times, delivers more entertainment value.

So, my choices were narrowed down to two consoles. On one hand, I had the Xbox 360 and its outstanding game library, while on the other hand, I had the PlayStation 3, a device that delivers a host of outstanding features aside from gaming.

In the end, I decided that the Xbox 360 was the game console I couldn’t live without. See, the thing I like most about the PlayStation 3 is that it offers all my entertainment in a single spot. But I have another Blu-ray player, and Netflix streaming can be done from the Xbox 360 and my HDTV. In the end, the PlayStation 3 simlpy doesn’t offer anything I can’t find elsewhere.

But the Xbox 360 is different. As I said, I think Microsoft’s console offers the best gaming experience in the business. And that can’t be easily found elsewhere.

Of course, that’s just me, and I realize that there are others that might see value in other consoles.

So, let’s hear from you: which console, if you had to choose one, could you simply not live without?

What Zumba Fitness does is take the Zumba program, an program in which dancers do similar moves repetitively in order to exercise effectively, and makes it into a simple game. What you do in the game is just that, shake your rump, and as it’s available for Wii with Wii Balance Board, PlayStation 3 with PlayStation Move and Xbox 360 with Kinect, you can bet it’s got more than a decent opportunity to get into your living room. We got to see this game in action this past week at Pepcom’s 2011 Holiday Spectacular in NYC.

Have a look at this application via Lisa Roth of Majesco Entertainment showing it off, both in detail and in practice, in the video here in the post. This game contains more than 30 routines you can do right out of the box, each of them based on Zumba fitness as it exists in the non-game world. You can set your game up for 20, 30, or 60 minutes intervals or you can just go forever and ever. You can work with several instructors, one of them being the originator of Zumba Alberto “Beto” Perez.

This game is coming out on the Wii on November 8th, 2011 and will include at least one of the unique Wiimote belts you see in the video so that you wont have to strap the Wiimote to your hip with duc-tape. A rather simple, playful, totally realistically applicable concept turned into a real-life gaming experience for your health – and not the of the Steve Brule sort!

To see more hands-on videos with gadgets, games, and technology consumables galore, check out our [Pepcom Holiday Spectacular 2011 portal] and taste the product rainbow!

On the Sony front, the PlayStation 3 is slowly but surely starting to come out of the hole it dug for itself, but whether or not it will ever be able to catch on in a big way in the U.S. remains to be seen. And the PSP has, for all intents and purposes, been forgotten by the gaming community.

But then there’s Microsoft. The latest entrant to the gaming industry out of the three big players, Microsoft has become, in just two generations, a powerhouse in the space. And if I had to choose any company that should be crowned the new king of the gaming business, it must be Microsoft.

Let’s start with the Xbox 360. That device’s sales have been quite steady over the past several years, easily outstripping the PlayStation 3 and hanging tough against the Wii. But over the last year, it has been especially popular. In fact, Microsoft reported recently that its console has led sales in 14 of the last 15 months in the U.S.

Now, some say that Sony’s real strength is overseas, and eventually, the PlayStation 3 will trump Xbox 360 sales. But by then, assuming that happens, the industry will likely be on to the next device. And most of us won’t even care.

That said, I don’t necessarily know if that will happen. The Xbox 360 is selling exceedingly well, and thanks to the Kinect, I don’t see that changing anytime soon. And once Microsoft responds to Sony’s recent $50 price cut of the PlayStation 3 with one of its own, I think we’ll see higher-than-expected sales of the Xbox 360 this holiday season.

But Microsoft’s crowning as the king of the gaming business must go beyond the Xbox 360. As mentioned, the Kinect has proven to be quite popular among consumers. And for good reason. It’s undoubtedly the most innovative motion-gaming peripheral in the business, and as the hard-core community will tell you, it has the most potential.

The Wii and the PlayStation Move controller are nice and all, but they’re not the Kinect.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Microsoft deserves its position as the leading company in the industry because it didn’t follow its competitors and get bogged down in the portable-gaming space.

Right now, companies that are trying their luck in portable gaming need to rethink that strategy. Smartphones and tablets, like the iPhone and iPad, are becoming increasingly popular in the portable-gaming market. And over time, most analysts and industry observers expect that to continue. In other words, the cash cow that was once the portable-gaming space is now not so welcoming to hardware vendors. Just ask Nintendo.

Microsoft was able to see that. And rather than follow the 3DS into the space and see similarly abysmal sales, Microsoft has stayed far away from portable gaming. And its video games business is benefiting because of it.

So, say what you will about Microsoft. But the way I see it, right now, it’s the company that understands the industry better than all others. And it needs to be acknowledged for that.

Unlike the current Wii, the new version will lose GameCube game support and no longer be usable with the GameCube controllers. Instead, it will come with a matching Wii Remote Plus and nunchuk. Nintendo also apparently expects to launch further value bundles in time for Christmas, though it’s unclear whether they will all use the new Wii model or the original.

The decision to streamline the current hardware looks to be an attempt on Nintendo’s part to tide the shopping season over until the Wii U arrives sometime in 2012. The new console will also place an emphasis on motion gaming, but include a tablet-style touchscreen controller.

Nintendo has seen disappointing Wii sales in recent quarters, announcing that only 1.56m of the consoles were sold in Q2. The company blamed “few hit titles and a small number of new titles” available for the Wii.

The hack is called LetterBomb and once the hack is applied, you can homebrew on the console all you want. It sounds like applying the hack is easy to do too. The Wii needs to be running System menu 4.3 obviously. You also need a SD card with enough space for the files and you need to know the MAC address of your Wii. You can hit a special link that will set up a zip file you need on your machine tailored to your needs.

That file is then extracted to the root of your SD card and you can apply the hack from there. Once the SD card is in the console, you navigate to the message board on the console and browse to yesterday or earlier depending on time zone where you will see a small envelope. All you have to do is click and wait, if all goes well you are done.

[via Hackmii]

“During the three months ended June 2011, for the Nintendo 3DS, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D was launched and favorably received, but Nintendo 3DS had few other hit titles” Nintendo admits. The handheld sold just 0.71m units in the three month period, with software sales hitting 4.53m units. In comparison, sales of previous-gen DS hardware – including the DS, DS Lite, DSi and DSi XL – were more than double, at 1.44m units, while software hit a healthy 12.13m units.

Wii demand was similarly sluggish, which Nintendo blamed on “few hit titles and a small number of new titles.” 1.56m Wii consoles were sold in Q2, and 13.44m games. Throw in a strong yen against the dollar and you have a recipe for financial misery; Nintendo now expects [pdf link] its year-end net income to be 20.0bn yen, 90.0bn yen less than previous predictions.

Now, several years later, it’s clear motion gaming did work, and looking ahead, it will seemingly play a key role in all Nintendo products.

But Nintendo isn’t the only company that’s doubling down on motion gaming, as we saw last year when Sony launched its PlayStation Move motion-gaming peripheral to some success.

But it was Microsoft’s controller-free Kinect motion-gaming device that stole the show.

When Kinect launched, the Xbox 360 seemed ripe for a refresh. The platform was losing ground internationally to the PlayStation 3, and it was trailing far behind the Wii in the U.S. But after the Kinect launched, the Xbox 360 got a new lease on life, and given sales of the console as of late, it likely won’t be replaced anytime soon.

Like it or not, Kinect has been integral to the Xbox 360’s success. The device has caught on with casual gamers that are intrigued by the idea of playing a video game with only the movement of their bodies.

But as we look into the future of the Xbox franchise, we now need to determine if Kinect should work with the Xbox 720 (or whatever the device will be called at launch). Undoubtedly, casual gamers will want to see it. But what about the hardcore segment?

Yes, games are launching in the coming months with Kinect functionality that might appeal to those folks, but so far, the hardcore segment hasn’t been so quick to jump on the motion bandwagon.

Inevitably, Microsoft will need to determine if Kinect makes sense with the Xbox 720 by evaluating how much value it could add to its next console. And that can only be determined by properly estimating consumer response.

Since I’m a consumer who will undoubtedly buy the Xbox 720, allow me to make my opinion known right now: I don’t want to see the Kinect make its way to the upcoming console. I don’t like motion gaming, I see no value in it, and I’m willing to bet I never will.

I am an old-fashioned, hardcore gamer that enjoys sitting on my couch, and using a controller to play video games. Though the Kinect wouldn’t stop me from buying the Xbox 720, I wouldn’t be happy to see it included.

Do I think Kinect is a neat technology? Absolutely. Do I think it has potential? Of course. But motion gaming isn’t for me. And if the Xbox 720 relies heavily upon it, I won’t be happy.

But that’s just my opinion. Should Microsoft’s Kinect play a role in the Xbox 720? Let us know in the comments below.

The games include Wind Runner where the player has to adjust the angle of an umbrella to fly around a track as fast as possible using wind currents. There are many more games too and some of them have unlockable levels. All 12 games will work with two players and four of the games support four players. Nintendo has also announced that it has changed the Nintendo Download publication that talks about the new downloads for the week to include 3DS titles.

The publication is being revamped to go along with the Nintendo eShop launch and the revamped publication is coming on June 16. The weekly publication will give listings on new eShop titles with new 3D games, 3D classics, virtual console games, and lots more. The publication will still offer information on Nintendo DSiWare and Wii Virtual console titles. Nintendo Download will also now be delivered on Thursdays so gamers looking for something new have time to get a game for the weekend.

Nintendo stated the retail price of the Wii bundle should not change; it will remain at 20,000 yen in Japan, US retail price expected to remain at current levels. This new Wii Sports Resort bundle definitely delivers more value to the consumer. Now you can enjoy a game in your living room right out of the box, no need to purchase additional controllers. If Nintendo indeed keeps prices the same, this new bundle is very attractive. With the announcement of the Wii U, this is no doubt Nintendo’s attempt to entice consumers to buy now instead of waiting to purchase the Wii U.

With the addition of Red Flare, Nintendo is just adding more selection to their already strong 3DS product offering. No mention is made of any additional features or changes to the red version. Unless you are a 3DS collector, most people will just keep playing the 3DS they already have.

[via Nintendo]

I happen to be one of those folks. When I saw the Wii U’s controller in a video unveiling the console, I was immediately impressed. It offers users the ability to play a game from the device when the television isn’t available. It also provides unique views in games. Combine that with the ability to play games designed for the controller, as well as its impressive integration with the game being played on the television, and I think Nintendo is on to something here.

However, there is one nagging problem with the Wii U that Nintendo should address at some point in the future: the console’s name.

Now, I heard Nintendo president Reggie Fils-Aime justify the device’s name choice (he droned on about something about personal gaming), but there is absolutely no justification for that name. Wii U? Really? The jokes are already starting and I doubt they’ll die down anytime soon.

At the same time, there are already millions of Nintendo fans around the world coming to their favorite company’s side. They say that everyone was saying the same thing about the Wii, but after the jokes started to subside and people got their hands on the device, it was no longer an issue.

Fair enough. But at what point does Nintendo look in the mirror and realize that it needs to find someone that has some ability to name hardware? Wii U? Sorry, but it’s a dumb name.

Even so, it won’t stop me from buying the console. Nintendo’s hardware, while still a year away and with kinks that will undoubtedly need to be worked out, looks to be one of the most impressive releases to ever come to the gaming business. Yes, there is a risk that it can become gimmicky, but I don’t necessarily see that happening. As Nintendo showed in its promotional video, the Wii U’s controller isn’t simply a tacked-on feature the way motion has become, it’s a feature that can add an immense amount of depth and enjoyability to a game.

More selfishly, I was extremely happy to see Nintendo show off something that I immediately realized I wanted. As I’ve mentioned on SlashGear before, my Wii has been disconnected from my television for months, and it’s currently sitting in a closet. The chances of me pulling it out to play any games are slim. I view the Wii as a casual gamer’s paradise, but not a destination for someone with my tastes.

Wii U can change that. Even with its awful name, it has what I believe could become the best controller to have ever been designed for a gaming console. And as long as it delivers the level of graphical detail consumers are after, and developers get behind it, I think Nintendo will have another winner on its hands.

Welcome, Wii U. I don’t like your name, but I certainly like you.

[poll id="12"]

“I do not think the Wii is going anywhere any time soon” he suggested, perhaps indicating that Nintendo would maintain the original version as a budget option for gamers unable to afford – or uninterested in – the new Wii U. The two are intercompatible, with Wiimote controllers working alongside the touchscreen Wii U controller.

The current Wii retails for around 18,300 yen in Japan ($229) and under $150 in the US, though the higher-power IBM multi-core processor and AMD HD-capable GPU – along with the complex touchscreen motion-sensing controller – are likely to make it a more expensive proposition, likely even higher than the $250 the Wii first launched at. Amazon is already showing a product page, despite the console not being expected until midway through 2012, which confirms six-channel surround sound through the HDMI port.

More on the Wii U in our hands-on report.

[Thanks Paul!]

“We’re talking a year away from when this system’s going to launch” Fils-Aime pointed out in a Q&A session after the keynote, maintaining that “you’re going to see games that take full advantage of a system that has the latest technology and can push out some incredible graphics.” Asked whether the quality of the Wii U – which introduces Full HD support, new to a Nintendo console – would be on a par with Microsoft and Sony’s current-gen HD consoles, Fils-Aime was confident developers could eke out strong results.

“In terms of how good it looks it’s going to be driven by what the individual developers do,” he insisted. “It’s going to be 1080p, it’s going to be high definition.” His confidence echoes that of Nintendo’s Shigeru Miyamoto, who said in a recent interview that the Wii U’s strength was its new graphics paired with the innovative and flexible touchscreen/motion control system.

[via GamesIndustry]

“To those people who said things like how we should leave more buttons on it, I think “I completely understand. But that is exactly why we need to do it this way. There can be a new gameplay standard ahead of this.” That’s how we made the Wii Remote. With the new controller this time, it has a touchscreen here, and you can see information on it at anytime that won’t appear on the TV. So, on many levels, it’s a tool that makes things easier to understand. So by taking advantage of it, we can think about designing bold, brand new games.” Shigeru Miyamoto, Nintendo

According to Miyamoto, Nintendo’s approach with the Wii U wasn’t just to make the controller suited to more complex gameplay – without leaving it bristling with hardware buttons – but to broaden what applications it could address and how AV equipment is used in today’s home. For instance, with the Wii Balance Board (which the Wii U can connect to), “instead of turning on the TV, just this is enough to display graphs and such while your checking your weight, so it’s handy in a way that you are able to play Wii Fit with just this and the Wii Balance Board.”

In fact, using the Wii U controller’s camera, “you can place [the controller] against something and play while the game looks at your status” without needing to use your regular TV. Alternatively, in golf games for instance, the Wii U controller could be on the floor with the display showing the “roughness” of the grass – players could use the regular Wiimote as the club, looking down at the virtual ball and green to work out how hard to hit it and at what angle.

As for the hardware involved, Nintendo hasn’t released full details but some of its hardware partners have piped up regarding their involvement. IBM is responsible for the custom 45nm multicore CPU with embedded DRAM, while AMD will be supplying the custom Radeon HD GPU with 1080p HD support. Internal storage – the amount of which is unannounced, and will probably depend on flash pricing closer to the point of manufacture – can be augmented by SD card or USB hard-drive, plugging into one of the Wii U’s four USB 2.0 ports.

Video output options will include HDMI, S-video and component, and there’ll be streaming video and downloadable game support via a network connection. No word on integrated WiFi at this stage, nor whether the optical drive will play back DVD/Blu-ray media.

More details and screenshots in our SlashGear 101: What Can the Nintendo Wii U Do? feature, and live video in our Wii U hands-on.

According to Game Informer, while we’ve heard “Wii HD” and “Wii 2” mentioned as possibilities, the Japanese company is in fact looking closer to home for a potential name. In fact, “Nintendo” is supposedly among the current forerunners, leaving off any extra baggage for some eponymous gameplay.

As for what that gameplay may look like, the Nihon Keizai Shinbun [subscription required] confirms the talk of a 6-inch touchscreen, Andriasang reports, along with a camera and its own internal power source. That will allow it to be used as a standalone gaming device, while the camera can be used to create an avatar.

Previous speculation has suggested that Nintendo could use its 3DS gaming handheld as a controller, though that’s still nothing more than rumor. The paper tips the Wii replacement as arriving as soon as mid-2012, while earlier reports of the “Project Cafe” or “Stream” hardware have indicated HD gameplay and more.

[Image credit: Fabio Santana]

This year, as with previous years, rumors continue to crop up about what will and will not be announced at the event. And most gamers that enjoy playing titles on consoles, portables, and PCs, will be watching closely to see if those rumors come true.

Like those folks, I will paying quite a bit of attention to what happens at E3. I’m especially excited to hear more details on Sony’s upcoming portable, the NGP. I also want to hear about Nintendo’s next console. Combine that with more details on Mass Effect 3 and all the games that we don’t even know about yet, and it’s safe to say I’m quite excited about what might come out of the show.

Aside from excitement, I also have a good feeling about this year’s E3. Some years, all the hype surrounding the event is never realized, due to somewhat boring announcements and few titles that actually impress those in attendance. But this year will be different. I simply have no reason to believe that E3 2011 will be anything other than an impressive, exciting event.

And the main reason for that is Nintendo’s upcoming game console. Although details so far are slim, I think the console could catch on in a big way with both casual and hardcore gamers. After all, rumors suggest the device will boast the same motion connectivity casual gamers love, but feature the graphical prowess that hardcore gamers are after. It seems that Nintendo is finally ready to accept that the casual-game market, while profitable for a time, might not be as good for its operation as it originally thought.

But my high hopes for E3 go beyond Nintendo’s upcoming game console.

Sony has already revealed its NGP, and it has even posted videos as of late showcasing the device. But at E3, all the questions I have been asking, including how much it will cost and how good the graphics will really be should be answered.

See, I enjoy playing games from time to time. But I’ve lost all interest in my PSP, and Nintendo’s portables have never really appealed to me. Games on the iPhone, while addicting for a while, tend to fall short over the long-term.

I think the NGP can solve that issue for me. As long as Sony can deliver on its promises and offer the device at a reasonable price, I’ll be happy. It won’t be like carrying the PlayStation 3 around with me, like rumors suggested following the NGP’s announcement, but it will be close. And that alone gets me excited.

So, perhaps I’m hardware-obsessed, but I think the NGP and Nintendo’s next console will steal the show at E3. And with the help of so many compelling games sure to be shown off and announced at the event, I see no possibility of the show being a disappointment.

SlashGear is at E3 2011 this coming week – stand by for all the news from the biggest gaming show on the calendar!

In fact, Microsoft has apparently sold 55m Xbox 360 consoles in 38 countries, and sales continue to rise. Growth is triple what Sony is seeing for the PS3, and there are now close to 35m active Xbox LIVE members worldwide who spend on average almost 60hrs a month on there. That works out to 2.1bn “entertainment hours” each month.

Microsoft’s graph, above, certainly shows the 360 to be the odd console out, and while that’s probably no great issue to Nintendo, with a new model on the way, we can imagine Sony is having some sleepless nights. Still, everything could change at E3 depending on what the three companies take to the stage and announce – Microsoft is expected to talk about the new Xbox LIVE Diamond TV service – so join SlashGear next week when we head to LA and get our game on.

[Image credit: Pop Culture Geek]

However, after Nintendo launched the GameCube and gamers turned to Microsoft and Sony’s options for their gaming needs, some wondered if the venerable hardware maker was on its last leg. They questioned Nintendo’s ability to appeal to gamers in what was becoming a more adult-oriented industry.

And then the Wii launched, and all that changed. Nintendo’s console proved to be the top hardware around the world, and people warmed to the idea of flailing their arms around to play games. It was a hit, and it put Nintendo back at the top of the industry — a place that it had been kept away from for years.

But as the current generation continues to drag on, Nintendo’s market appeal is starting to wane once again. Wii sales have been on the decline and the company has dropped the price of the console to try and bolster demand. Meanwhile, Microsoft’s Xbox 360, which some thought when this generation started would end up at the bottom of the console heap, has been selling extremely well. In fact, the Xbox 360 has been the bestselling console of the past year.

Sony’s PlayStation 3 is performing better at retail, as well. And that has prompted some to wonder if Nintendo’s best days are behind it for this generation.

As one might expect, the company’s fans aren’t so quick to give up. They say that the Wii’s sales are declining simply because so many gamers already have the device in-house. And they point to the fact that the Wii is selling somewhat well historically at this point in its lifecycle to further bolster their argument.

But I have to say I’m worried for Nintendo. The company’s Wii looks rather outdated when compared to the competition. Even worse, its collection of games, outside of first-party titles, simply isn’t as compelling as those on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Combine that with the fact that Nintendo will likely wait a year before it gets a device on store shelves that can actually compete on the same graphical and feature level as its competitors, and I think it might be time to start speculation about how bad, not good, the next 12 months might be for Nintendo’s console.

There’s trouble in paradise on the portable side too. The company’s 3DS platform, while unique, has not been selling as well as some had hoped. And it’s having a hard time explaining to consumers why they should buy its device.

Plus, all that fails to mention that Nintendo has been disappointing investors. During its last fiscal year, Nintendo’s revenue was down 29 percent and its profits dropped by 66 percent.

So, when I look at Nintendo right now, I can’t help but wonder if there is trouble ahead for the game company. Its hardware is disappointing at retail, its software libraries are behind its competitors’, and its profits are sliding.

Hopefully Nintendo’s upcoming game console, which it plans to show off at E3 next week, will help turn things around. But if it falls short in any way or tries to do too much, like the 3DS, Nintendo’s future could be worse than the company wants to believe.

Nowadays, we have our work cut out for us. We need to decide which console — the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3, or Microsoft Xbox 360 — is the best of this generation.

There are some who have supported Nintendo over the years that can point to several reasons their favored company should take that prize. They say that the Wii delivered a new style of gaming and changed the industry forever. Moreover, the device has easily beaten all other consoles in overall sales.

Others might point to Sony’s PlayStation 3 as the best console of this generation. They say that the PlayStation 3 combines the best of entertainment with gaming to create a fantastic living room experience. And they might have a point. The device has outstanding graphical capabilities for games, and it boasts a Blu-ray drive. Not bad for $300.

But unlike those folks, I just can’t vote for the Wii or PlayStation 3. Those consoles undoubtedly offer benefits to some customers, but they pale in comparison to the Xbox 360.

As far as I’m concerned, the Xbox 360 trumps the Wii when it comes to games. Although Nintendo’s first-party titles have caught on with millions around the globe, the platform’s entire library isn’t all that impressive. And as developers have indicated in the past, they can deliver more advanced experiences to Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 gamers.

Plus, I don’t think overall console sales should be our guide. Over the last several months, the Xbox 360 has been easily outselling the Wii in the U.S. And Nintendo’s recent decision to drop the price of its console to $150 was a response to the sluggish demand it has been witnessing over the last several months.

So, while the Wii might reign supreme in total sales, it might not have the longevity that its peers have.

On the PlayStation 3 front, the Xbox 360 might have a harder time winning out. After all, the Xbox 360 lacks the Blu-ray drive and its game library is similar. But consider the Microsoft Kinect, which easily bests the PlayStation Move in terms of usability and multiplayer fun, and the Xbox 360 starts to inch its way towards the top.

The trump card, however, is online gaming. Over the last several weeks, Xbox Live has been in operation, allowing gamers to play online. The PlayStation Network has been offline due to last month’s security breach that saw personal information stolen.

Say what you will about that event, but I believe it was the clincher. As nice as the PlayStation 3 is, the console’s users have lost some trust in Sony. And whether or not the company can rebuild that is anyone’s guess.

So, I’m giving this generation’s console crown to the Xbox 360. It might not win in every category, but as a whole, it’s better than its competitors.

Now it’s your turn. What do you think is the best console of this generation?

Let us know in the comments below.

The only issue is, I don’t see a $150 price tag on the Wii helping out all that much. The console will undoubtedly see a short-term boost in sales, but this is a long-term game. And over the long-term, I simply don’t see any way for Nintendo to maintain high demand for its console.

But luckily for the game company, I have a solution. Rather than waste time at the $150 price tag, why not just drop the price of the console to $100? At that price, just about everyone in the marketplace who doesn’t already own a Wii would be more than likely to pick one up. Even better, Nintendo could go a long way in making the market start to think twice about its high-priced alternatives.

See, we need to remember that buying a video game console today doesn’t simply end with picking up the hardware. Consumers buy an extra controller, some games, and other accessories to get them up to speed. When it’s all said and done, consumers are spending hundreds of dollars on the device.

For Nintendo, revenue isn’t solely generated off the hardware. The company is making boatloads of cash on the accessories that people buy in addition to the Wii. And considering the company’s first-party games continue to be must-have titles, Nintendo could conceivably make up for the $50 it would lose on each sale of the console (and then some), thanks to an even greater number of people who opt for its hardware buying more games with the money they save.

But Nintendo dropping the price of the Wii to $100 goes beyond its own finances. The Wii just doesn’t have the same appeal as it once did. And as time goes on, its graphics are looking more and more outdated. Moreover, it’s clearer now than ever that the Wii is a casual-gaming device.

A $100 price tag fits in line with all those factors.

Nintendo’s decision to offer Selects, a bundle of four top games for $19.99, tells me that the company is committed to bringing affordability back to gaming. So, if it can offer four top games for such a cheap price, why can’t it go the extra mile with its hardware?

Although Nintendo fans won’t want to hear it, the Wii didn’t necessarily justify its $200 price tag, and it’s debatable whether $150 is the right price for the console.

At $100, the Wii would hit the sweet spot that would help it reclaim its past glory and potentially make it the most successful console ever released.

Shouldn’t that be Nintendo’s goal as it prepares to unveil its next console — a device that will undoubtedly overshadow the Wii as soon as it’s announced?

That will replace the previous bundled titles, Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. The console will be available in black or white – don’t worry, the Wii Wheel and Wiimote will match too – and the new black Wii Wheel will also be available separately, priced at $9.99.

Meanwhile, on the same date Nintendo will also launch “Nintendo Selects”, a range of $19.99 Wii games at cut-down pricing. The initial titles will include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Animal Crossing: City Folk, Mario Super Sluggers and – for the first time as a standalone title – Wii Sports.

Press Release:

Nintendo Unveils New Wii Package at $149.99, Launches ‘Nintendo Selects’ $19.99 Wii Games

Having Fun with Family and Friends Just Became More Affordable than Ever With New Suggested Retail Pricing

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo is dropping the suggested retail price of its Wii™ system to $149.99 and including a Mario™ game with the Wii hardware. Starting May 15, the newly priced Wii system will come in either black or white with the Mario Kart™ Wii game and a matching colored Wii Wheel™ accessory, replacing the previously included Wii Sports™ and Wii Sports Resort™ games.

Also on May 15, Nintendo launches the new Nintendo® Selects collection of Wii games, a set of popular games that millions of people have already experienced, at a suggested retail price of $19.99. The four must-own games in this collection are The Legend of Zelda™: Twilight Princess, Animal Crossing™: City Folk, Mario™ Super Sluggers and Wii Sports, which is available for the first time as a separate software purchase. Parents and video game fans can now easily expand their library of fun, family-friendly Wii games.

“From the day it launched, Wii has let players of all ages and experience levels have fun with one another,” said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. “The new suggested retail pricing for both the hardware and select games will help create more of these magical moments for even greater numbers of people.”

With Mario Kart Wii now included with the Wii hardware, players will be able to enjoy fun go-kart racing with Mario and all his Mushroom Kingdom pals right out of the box. The Wii Remote™ Plus controller, Nunchuk™ controller and Wii Wheel included in the package will all match the hardware, meaning they will be either black or white. The new black Wii Wheel will also be available separately at a suggested retail price of $9.99.

Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://wii.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console, Nintendo 3DS™ and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.5 billion video games and more than 577 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, 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, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Exactly what the device will actually deliver when it’s released next year is anyone’s guess. But it wouldn’t surprise me to see the aforementioned, more powerful platform and unique controller. After all, that’s what Nintendo will need to offer in order to be successful.

Since I first started hearing rumors about Nintendo’s upcoming console, I’ve been excited. I see the device as a fresh new start for my relationship with Nintendo. And if the console offers the features that the latest rumors suggest it will, it might just be my favorite console yet — a feat that the Wii was never able to reach in my home since it first came through the front door.

I don’t like my Wii. In fact, after not playing it for several months, I disconnected the platform and left it in my closet; it has sat there ever since.

My main issue with the Wii is actually quite simple: I don’t like motion gaming. I’ve found that throwing my hands around to play a video game is tiresome and best for a party. When I’m alone or with another person, I want to sit down on the couch, hold a controller in my hand, and play through a title. Call me old school, but that experience, which is delivered by both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360, is far more appealing.

I should note that I have one other issue with the Wii: there are far too few games available for the platform that I would even consider playing. I do enjoy Nintendo’s first-party games, but other than that, I’ve been generally disappointed with what I’ve found on the platform. The Wii’s audience is made up of casual players looking for casual games. And developers have been delivering that. I, on the other hand, want more “hardcore” experiences. And so far, the best hardcore games have been released on the the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3.

So, I’m excited to see what Nintendo has up its sleeve. For too long, I’ve been looking at the company’s gaming strategy and wondered what it’s thinking. And its investors, who have watched its revenue and profit figures decline over the last year have probably been wondering the same thing.

If Nintendo is smart, the company’s next console will acknowledge and accommodate casual players, but not rely so heavily on them. Instead, this upcoming platform should be the device that people like me have been waiting for, boasting high-end specs and high-end gaming experiences.

Enough with the Wii-like gaming, Nintendo. We’re looking for something truly groundbreaking.

Nonetheless, sales for hardware and software overall were down in comparison to the previous year, with net sales for the twelve month period up to 2012 being 1,014 billion yen, down 29.3-percent, and net income of 77.2 billion yen, down 66.1-percent year-on-year.

The Wii, which will be replaced next year, sold 15.08m units worldwide, while 171.26m Wii games were sold. An extra 24 titles joined the list of “million sellers” for Wii – taking the total to crack that figure to 103 – while two of the 3DS games also broke the 1m barrier.

Nintendo maintains production is unaffected by the Japanese earthquake, though warns that indirect impact is likely. The company expects to sell 16m 3DS handhelds this coming year, as well as launching the Nintendo e-Shop download store for the console.