The Tanooki » Nintendo of America

Nintendo to make first ever appearance at automotive trade show

Holly Green — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 18:39:56 +0000

Cars and video games…? Why am I suddenly so nervous? Next week Nintendo will be making an unprecedented appearance at the most unlikeliest of pit stops: the 2011 LA Auto Show. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime and founder and CEO of West Coast Customs Ryan Friedlinghaus will be giving a special presentation to the press during the event’s November 17 presentation to the press regarding a new collaboration between the two. Additionally, there will also be a Nintendo booth for attendees to visit during the show’s November 18-27 run.

Any guesses on the collaboration? It’s probably just a custom choppers themed Wii game but who knows. I’m rooting for in-dash 3DS systems.

Nov. 10, 2011 15:00 UTC

Gamers and Gearheads Unite with Nintendo’s First Appearance at the LA Auto Show

Nintendo Teams Up With Famed West Coast Customs for a Special Project at Major Automotive Trade Show

–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo:

WHAT: Nintendo will be making an unlikely pit stop at the 2011 LA Auto Show, marking the video game company’s first-ever appearance at an automotive trade show. Members of the media are invited to an exclusive presentation by Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime and special guest Ryan Friedlinghaus, founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, to unveil an exclusive collaboration between the iconic gaming brand and one of the most recognized names in the custom automotive industry.

The presentation will take place during the LA Auto Show’s Nov. 17 Press Day at 12:10 p.m. Consumers will also be able to visit the Nintendo booth from Nov. 18-27, when the show is open to the public.

WHO: Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime and founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, Ryan Friedlinghaus

WHEN: Media Presentation

Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011

12:10-12:35 p.m. (please arrive at noon)

Members of the Public

Nov. 18-27 (visit www.laautoshow.com for show hours)

WHERE: Los Angeles Convention Center

West Lobby

1201 S. Figueroa St.

Los Angeles, CA 90015

VISUALS:

On-stage presentation by Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime and the founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, Ryan Friedlinghaus

B-roll available upon request

Don’t forget! Club Nintendo year ends June 30!

Jason Leavey — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 21:43:42 +0000

Listen up, Nintendo fanboys. You may want to log-in to your Club Nintendo accounts and check on your elite status, because the Club Nintendo year ends June 30. That’s Thursday, for those summer slackers that have no concept of time. Still no idea what I’m saying? You have FOUR days!

Club Nintendo gives free gifts to those who earn enough coins to warrant a Gold or Platinum status rank by the 30th. To earn a Gold level prize, you’ll need to scrounge up 300 coins, while Platinum rank is achieved at 600 coins. Last year’s Platinum prize was a Super Mario cast figurine, while Gold members received a calendar.

Last year, those secret prizes were announced on July 1 — which is a Friday this year — so you’ll likely discover what your well deserved gift is before the weekend. I’m hoping for some celebratory Legend of Zelda swag myself. What better way than to commemorate the franchise’s 25th anniversary?

ClubNintendo

New executive VP of marketing and sales joins Nintendo of America

Holly Green — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:59:00 +0000

Nintendo of America has announced a new vice president of marketing and sales. Filling the void left behind by Cammie Dunaway, the new exec, whose past work includes SoBe, Mountain Dew Code Red, and AMP Energy Drink campaigns with PepsiCo, is officially part of Nintendo of America as of today. Says NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime:

“Scott Moffitt makes a marvelous addition to the Nintendo team. His expertise in driving growth will be a terrific asset as we build momentum for the Nintendo 3DS system and continue to reach new audiences for the Wii console.”

Before Cammie Dunaway, it was Fils-Aime who acted as executive VP of marketing and sales, and both Dunaway and Fils-Aime have been primary speakers at Nintendo’s press briefings at E3. It is very likely we’ll be seeing Moffitt’s first public appearance under Nintendo during their E3 conference on June 7 at the NOKIA Theatre.

Black & White starter Pokemon given Americanized names

Jason Leavey — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:43:58 +0000

When we first revealed the three new starter Pokemon of Pokemon Black and White, named Tsutaja, Pokabu and Mijumara in Japan, many of our loyal commenters were furious. “These are epic failures,” said Shaun. “These things are insanely stupid!!!” said Curst Saden. Now, these three have been given Americanized names in preparations of their North American launch.

Meet Snivy, Tepig and Oshawott, in the order as pictured above. Personally, I think “Porkabu” would have been a great name choice for the adorable pig, but what do I know.

What do you guys think? I look forward to reading the comments.

Destructoid

First look at Super Mario All-Stars Limited Edition package

Jason Leavey — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 17:17:10 +0000

Twitter followers of Nintendo of America were given a first look at the North American boxart package for the upcoming limited edition of Super Mario All-Stars.

The game’s re-release is a straight port of the SNES title featuring Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, and The Lost Levels. The package is part of the 25th anniversary celebration of Super Mario Bros.

Looking pretty epic to me. I think red and gold suit Mario very well!

NoA Twitter

Super Mario All-Stars remake release date announced for North America

Holly Green — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:34:26 +0000

Now that Nintendo has finally confirmed that the commemorative 25th anniversary Super Mario All-Stars is coming to North America (alongside Europe and Japan), the only question left to answer was the when. Luckily, Mario’s big 25 can be celebrated this year on December’s big 25– the Super Mario All-Stars for Wii will release two weeks before Christmas on December 12, making it a smart holiday buy at $30. The pack will have all the contents announced in the Europe and Japan versions: the four classic Mario games, a history booklet featuring art and interviews, and a soundtrack spanning Super Mario Bros. to Super Mario Galaxy 2 (which in my opinion, standing alone makes this pack worth the price). While everyone else is singing about stars of wonder stars of might, you can just be playing All-Stars. Sounds like way more fun to me.

[VGL Codeword for 10/28: CLARINET]

Over 65 million Wii Remotes sold in U.S., says Nintendo

Jason Leavey — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 05:20:31 +0000

Chances are you own a few Wii Remotes. While promoting the upcoming Wii Remote Plus controller — the new standard Wii controller that has built in MotionPlus technology — Nintendo took some time to make the competitors cry by releasing some startling statistics.

To date, the Wii Remote has sold a whopping 65.3 million units since the console launched in November 2006, in the U.S. alone. That averages a rate of sale of 46,000 controllers per day. Pretty maddening, right? To be fair, 30 million of those remotes came bundled with the Wii hardware.

As for a color breakdown, 19 million white, 2.44 million black, 467,500 pink and 465,200 blue Wii Remotes have sold thus far. And I’m sure you encompass one of the 13 million who purchased Wii Play, which came bundled with a Wii Remote.

Like clockwork, a year from now we’ll undoubtedly be staring at some Earth-shattering statistics for Wii Remote Plus sales. Congrats, Nintendo.

[VGL Codeword for 10/26: GLISSANDO]

Nintendo PR

NINTENDO HAS MORE THAN 65.3 MILLION WII REMOTE CONTROLLERS IN U.S. PLAYERS’ HANDS

Average of 46,000 Sold Every Day in the United States; An Additional 52.9 Million Nunchuk Controllers Sold in the U.S.

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 25, 2010 – Every day since the Wii™ system launched in November 2006, Nintendo has sold an average of 46,000 Wii Remote™ controllers in the United States. That’s a lot of people playing – and a lot of people playing together. Nintendo’s motion-controlled video games continue to create new players every day. People play Wii to try new experiences not available on other systems, including games like Wii Sports Resort™, Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 and Metroid™: Other M. Wii makes games more active, but it also makes them more social. Moms and dads play with their kids, and even grandma and grandpa join in.

Perhaps the best evidence of how Wii continues to expand the world of video games to new audiences is the total number of Wii Remote controllers that have sold. In the United States alone, more than 65.3 million Wii Remote controllers have sold through to consumers. This demonstrates that Wii owners like to play and they like to play together. They’re not the stereotypical gamers playing alone in their parents’ basement.

How much is 65.3 million Wii Remote controllers? That’s enough for every man, woman and child living in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, Phoenix, Philadelphia, San Antonio, San Diego, Dallas, San Jose, Detroit and San Francisco, and enough still remains for every resident of Florida, Ohio, Virginia and North Dakota.

Here’s the breakdown of the number of Wii Remote controllers sold in the United States through the end of September and where they came from, according to the independent NPD Group:

30.41 million included with the Wii hardware
12.92 million sold with Wii Play™
18.56 million white versions sold separately
2.44 million black versions sold separately
467,500 pink versions sold separately
465,200 blue versions sold separately

The NPD Group also reports that Nintendo has sold an additional 52.9 million Nunchuk™ controllers in the United States through the end of September.

Wii continues to represent the best value for players as well. The current Wii hardware is available at a suggested retail price of $199.99. That includes:

Wii hardware
Wii Sports™
Wii Sports Resort™
A Wii Remote controller
A Wii MotionPlus™ accessory
A Nunchuk™ controller
Access* to hundreds of downloadable games, including new games like World of Goo and classic games from the NES™, Super NES™ and Nintendo 64™ eras
Access* to a variety of entertainment and informational channels, including the Nintendo® Channel, which provides information about current and upcoming Wii and Nintendo DS™ games
Access* to streaming Netflix** movies

Starting Nov. 7, the new Wii Remote™ Plus controller replaces the iconic Wii Remote controller. The Wii Remote Plus controller has built-in Wii MotionPlus™ functionality and offers players precision motion controls all in one unit. It becomes the new standard Wii controller, and will be available starting Nov. 7 in all Wii hardware packages and bundles, as well as sold separately at a suggested retail price of $39.99.

As the holiday shopping season approaches, shoppers will have dozens of excuses to pick up a Nintendo controller of their own and start playing. Some exclusive games for the Wii console include the already-available Samurai Warriors™ 3, Wii Party™ and Kirby’s Epic Yarn™. Upcoming games include PokéPark™ Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure, which launches Nov. 1; FlingSmash™, which launches Nov. 7; and Donkey Kong Country™ Returns, which launches Nov. 21. Third-party Wii games include now-available games like New Carnival Games® from 2K Play, NBA JAM from EA Sports and Just Dance® 2 from Ubisoft, plus upcoming games like Sonic Colors™ from SEGA on Nov. 16 and Disney Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive Studios on Nov. 30.

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.

* Broadband Internet connection required. **Netflix streaming requires Netflix unlimited membership and broadband Internet connection.

Red Wii and DSi XL bundles coming to North America

Jason Leavey — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 13:28:08 +0000

For a while, American gamers were kept in the dark as to Nintendo’s potential celebration plans for the 25-anniversary of Super Mario Bros. Thankfully, Nintendo of America has announced some exciting new products, which were previously announced for other regions.

On November 7, Nintendo will introduce a red Wii console, bundled with New Super Mario Bros. Wii, a red Wii Remote Plus controller, in addition to the standard inclusions of a Nunchuk and Wii Sports. This limited edition console bundle will be available for $199.

Also coming the same day is a new red DSi XL bundle, with three of Mario’s signature power-ups appearing on the front. The bundle includes three preloaded software titles, as well as a copy of Mario Kart DS, and will be available for $179.99.

Lastly, Nintendo has officially announced that Wii Remote Plus — the company’s new Wii Remote with MotionPlus functionality included — will become the new standard, sold in all future bundles as well as sold separately. Pick one up starting November 7 for $39.99.

Anyone plan on picking themselves a celebratory red console, or Wii Remote Plus? Pictures below.

[Show as slideshow]

[View with PicLens]

Reminder: Nintendo to reveal 3DS details September 29

Jason Leavey — Sat, 25 Sep 2010 16:15:34 +0000

On Wednesday September 29th, Nintendo of Japan will finally present the world with the secretive details surrounding their upcoming handheld, the Nintendo 3DS. All we’ve known about the 3D capable device’s release is the confirmed “by March 2011″ timeframe. Thankfully, in just four days we’ll know a heck of a lot more, at an event at the Makuhari venue within Tokyo, which recently housed the Tokyo Game Show.

We should learn the handheld’s technical specifications, and see the final build of the product. In the event that N.O.J. focuses on the price and release date for Japan only, you can expect Nintendo of America (and Europe) to give specific region based details shortly following the presentation. No matter what, we’ll bring you every ounce of information as soon as it’s given, so be sure to check back constantly!

Will the 3DS release in 2010? Will it launch at the rumored $249 price point? Can it teleport Shigeru Miyamoto into your living room? All will be revealed next week.

To read Tanooki staff impressions of the 3DS, check them out below:

Jason’s Nintendo 3DS Impressions
Christian’s Nintendo 3DS Impressions

Cammie Dunaway leaving Nintendo on October 1

Holly Green — Mon, 20 Sep 2010 21:36:56 +0000

Aw, say it ain’t so Cammie! The Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing Cammie Dunaway has announced that she is taking a position outside of the video games industry, and will be leaving Nintendo on October 1. Said Ms. Dunaway:

“I’m thankful for my time with Nintendo and proud of our team’s accomplishments in growing the Nintendo audience. I look forward to watching the continued growth of the Nintendo brand in the years ahead.”

while Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime added:

“We appreciate Cammie’s contributions to Nintendo and the role she played in bringing the Wii and Nintendo DS experiences to millions of people. Her team and the rest of Nintendo of America remain focused on our goal of maintaining the incredible momentum Nintendo enjoys heading into the busy holiday season.”

It is unknown where Ms. Dunaway is headed but I’m sure I echo many Nintendo fan’s sentiments in wishing her luck in her career.

IGN

Nintendo celebrates 30 million Wiis sold in U.S.A.

Jason Leavey — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 22:19:32 +0000

Nintendo has reason to share their smiling grin today, as the company has announced a milestone of 30 million Wii consoles sold in the U.S. alone. That means nearly 10% of the nation owns a Wii console.The Big N sent out a press release, proclaiming the Wii as the fastest selling console in history, reaching the extraordinary sales number within 45 months since launch.

Since 2006, the Wii has not only seen exceptional hardware sales, but software as well. While no exact figures were given, Nintendo did release a list of the company’s published ten best sellers. They rank as follows:

1. Wii Play (w/ Wii Remote)

2. Mario Kart Wii

3. Wii Fit (w/ Balance Board)

4. New Super Mario Bros. Wii

5. Wii Sports Resort (w/ Wii MotionPlus)

6. Super Smash Bros. Brawl

7. Super Mario Galaxy

8. Wii Fit Plus (w/ Balance Board)

9. Mario Party 8

10. Link’s Crossbow Training (w/ Wii Zapper)
It’s pretty understandable that some of the biggest sellers were bundled with peripherals. It’s incredible however, that Link’s best outing on Wii was a Wii Zapper demo game.

Nintendo also took time to confirm the company’s upcoming releases, as well as expected third party offerings. Kirby’s Epic Yarn and Wii Party are scheduled for fall, while Donkey Kong Country Returns and Pokepark Wii: Pikachu’s Adventure are to release this holiday. Third party offerings include NBA Jam from EA Sports this October, and GoldenEye 007 from Activision, Sonic Colors from SEGA, and Epic Mickey from Disney Interactive this holiday.

NintendoPR

Nintendo’s Cammie Dunaway talks 3DS, DSiWare data transfers

Jason Leavey — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:34:00 +0000

Despite not being present on stage for Nintendo’s E3 press showing, Cammie Dunaway, EVP of Sales and Marketing at Nintendo of America, did have a lot to say about the company’s upcoming 3D handheld.

As far as third party support, Dunaway noted the impressive lineup of games already announced for the upcoming handheld. “One of the things that we really wanted to make sure is that we could launch [the 3DS] with a huge lineup of games. We’ve announced,… it’s a who’s who of titles and publishers. We’ve got Metal Gear Solid, Resident Evil, Assassin’s Creed, Professor Layton, and amazing first party titles as well.”

Dunaway also talked about one of the most upsetting aspects of Nintendo’s current restrictive properties on the DSiWare shop, which locks specific content purchases to your handheld, meaning you could be screwed if you want to upgrade to the 3DS. “You know we don’t have any announcements right now, but I can tell you this, we understand the issue, and we want to figure out ways to keep people satisfied and happy so it’s definitely something we’re having conversations about.”

Lastly, Dunaway made sure to confirm the handheld’s backwards compatibility with all physical software. “With the 3DS, you’ll definitely be able to play all of your DS cartridges.”

I was sad not to see Cammie on the stage during this year’s conference, but I guess with all the big announcements they wanted to keep it to Reggie, Miyamoto and Iwata. I’m glad to see that she was in attendance at the expo however, ready and able to answer all the good questions.

GiantBomb
via GoNintendo

Nintendo of America opens new Redmond, WA HQ

Holly Green — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:44:11 +0000

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata and Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime were in Redmond, WA (as well as a few familiar Nintendo faces) for the unveiling of the new Nintendo of America headquarters. Washington state governor Christine Gregoire was also on hand to celebrate the opening of the new facility, which boasts a slew of environmentally friendly features, including 75,000 square feet of plants blanketing the roof, a drainage system that filters pollutants out of the rainwater and seven electric-vehicle recharging stations in the parking garage. There are also references to Nintendo’s most popular franchises through the new building, including an employees-only Nintendo World store, a new Cafe Mario employee restaurant, and a directional system that color codes the facility into Mario, Donkey Kong, Yoshi and Wario quadrants. The top conference room is even named “Master Sword”!

Nintendo, get in touch if you need some more clever ideas incorporating your franchises into the building’s theme. I’m thinking “Mega Man” and “Mega Woman” for the bathroom doors. Call me!

TechFlash
via Joystiq

Nintendo vindicated in controller patent suit

Jason Leavey — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:47:27 +0000

Nintendo has gladly announced their vindication in a recent lawsuit brought against them by company Anascape, Ltd. Anascape believed many of Nintendo’s controllers infringed on their patent. The company specifically targeted Nintendo’s Wii Remote, Nunchuk, Nintendo Gamecube, Wii Classic Controller and Wavebird controllers.

A jury in 2008 found that Nintendo was not in violation of patent infringement with their Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers, but the latter three controllers were deemed in violation. Today, the Court of Appeals reversed this decision, claiming that Nintendo’s creations do not infringe on any existing patents.

Looks like Nintendo is jumping up and down with the verdict of Anascape, Ltd. v. Nintendo of America Inc.

Nintendo

New Club Nintendo rewards appear

Jason Leavey — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:51:45 +0000

Some truly awesome rewards have been added to Nintendo of America’s Club Nintendo service.

The website just added a three poster-pack, similar to the recently released Zelda pack, this time featuring the famous mustached plumber. One poster is a Mario history timeline, displaying the franchise’s more notorious adventures. The second features the entire Mario family in a group pose, and the last features Mario in his signature punch pose. This poster pack is available for 350 coins.

Also now available is the Nintendo DS title, Game & Watch Collection 2. The game features three Game & Watch titles, originally released in 1981. The DS game is only available on Club Nintendo, for 800 coins.

Last but not least is the new WiiWare title Grill-Off with Ultra Hand we’ve recently spoken about. The game is just 80 coins.

The Tanooki » Nintendo of America

Nintendo to make first ever appearance at automotive trade show

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WHAT:		Nintendo will be making an unlikely pit stop at the 2011 LA Auto Show, marking the video game company’s first-ever appearance at an automotive trade show. Members of the media are invited to an exclusive presentation by Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime and special guest Ryan Friedlinghaus, founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, to unveil an exclusive collaboration between the iconic gaming brand and one of the most recognized names in the custom automotive industry.

		The presentation will take place during the LA Auto Show’s Nov. 17 Press Day at 12:10 p.m. Consumers will also be able to visit the Nintendo booth from Nov. 18-27, when the show is open to the public.

WHO:		Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime and founder and CEO of West Coast Customs, Ryan Friedlinghaus

WHEN:		Media Presentation
		Thursday, Nov. 17, 2011
		12:10-12:35 p.m. (please arrive at noon)

		Members of the Public
		Nov. 18-27 (visit www.laautoshow.com for show hours)

WHERE:		Los Angeles Convention Center
		West Lobby
		1201 S. Figueroa St.
		Los Angeles, CA 90015