The Sega Game Gear Micro is a new video game console that's about the size of half the palm of your hand. It is exceedingly tiny - and it's made to be collectible. This device will be released in four different colors and will play several different games originally released for the original Sega Game Gear!
Today we're taking a peek at the game Pokemon Battle Academy, a game that's all about physical gameplay rather than screen taps. Pokemon Battle Academy is called a "board game" but it's basically a "starter box" the likes of which we've seen released for every CCG (Collectible Card Game) since the dawn of the format. Inside the box you get a board, you get damage counters, and you get two decks of cards.
Coronavirus quarantine and global pandemic for COVID-19 meant Nintendo Swich units sold in high numbers early this year, here in 2020. Now a report from Osaka / Kyoto Japan suggests that Nintendo has ordered a rise in output from producers of the hardware. Parts suppliers informed of the plans have reported that Nintendo expects to produce approximately 10% more units of "the Switch series" in 2020, over the around 20 million units sold last year.
Japanese company Sharp has revealed that it will dedicate one of its TV factories in Japan to producing face masks amid the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The company's facility, which is capable of producing high-end electronics, can churn out tens of thousands of these masks every single day. Though they aren't useful for protecting against the virus, these masks are vital for healthcare workers and can be used by sick individuals to help guard against the spreading of germs.
United Airlines, the third largest airline in the world, is officially the first US airline to suspend some flights to Asia out of coronavirus concerns. This is bad news for travelers who want to risk trips to outbreak regions -- United offers more service to Asia than any other US airline, potentially forcing customers to seek flights with other services. The changes will take place over the next couple of months, with the specifics varying based on airport.
A senior member of the International Olympics Committee spoke this week about the possibility that the 2020 Tokyo Olympics would be cancelled due to novel coronavirus (nCoV-2019). According to Olympics Committee member Dick Pound, there was a 3-month window in which the 2020 Tokyo, Japan-based sports event's fate would be decided. He apparently "did not sound alarmist", but did acknowledge a real possibility that the Tokyo Olympics for 2020 could be affected by nCoV-2019 in one way or another.
Japan's space agency JAXA has approved a mission that will, if successful, achieve a new milestone for human space exploration. The agency will launch the Martian Moon eXploration (MMX) mission in 2024, assuming everything goes according to schedule, with the goal of plucking a sample from the Martian moon Phobos. After studying the moons, MMX will return to Earth in 2029 carrying the small sample of Martian moon dust.
Japan is known for many things ranging from food to anime to, of course, robots. And not just the industrial or cutesy kind, mind, but the fictional ones that come to save the day or play. Of all the robots that the country's creative minds have produced, Yoshiyuki Tomino's Gundam has achieved the widest renown and the most number of recreations. The most ambitious one yet is coming later this year in Yokohama, featuring a 60-foot tall Gundam robot that will be able to walk.
Despite all of the controversy surrounding Pokemon Sword and Shield, it seems the games are off to a strong start in Japan. According to reports, Pokemon Sword and Shield managed to sell 1.36 million copies in Japan in their first three days of availability. Not only is that a strong start, but it's the strongest start for any Switch game so far.
You've heard of Web 2.0 and perhaps even the Web 3.0 that browser maker Opera loves talking about. But have you ever heard of Society 5.0, much less the previous versions that came before it? No, it's not a hot new piece of software but Japan's trendy label for what historians often refer to as "ages". With Society 5.0, the Japanese government and companies are working together to put developments in technology, especially in AI and automation, at the service of improving human society and evolving civilization as a whole.
As one of Japan's major airlines, All Nippon Airways or ANA knows just how many people wish they could go places easily. It also knows just how much that travel is beyond the reach of most people, even when it is necessary to reach out to or help a loved one. That is why parent company ANA Holdings is developing a new platform called "avatar-in" that will let you "teleport" your consciousness even when your body can't. And it is starting with a robot arm that can cook or even fish for you in your stead.
The Sony Xperia 8 was revealed today for Japan - but it's good news for you, too. Even if you're living in the United States and will never see this smartphone in person, nor (of course) hold this phone in your hand - it's good news. Because with this phone we have confirmation that Sony hasn't given up hope in the smartphone business, regardless of their less-than-great performance over the last several years. With this release, we also see that Sony's taking on a more focused approach - a smart approach.