The Tanooki » Wii Remote

Nintendo patents touch pad attachment for the Wii Remote

Holly Green — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 01:19:34 +0000

Could Nintendo be preparing the Wii Remote for touch screen Wii U functionality? A patent unearthed by Siliconera indicates so. As illustrated by the image above, the device would have an attachment that would handily outfit the Wii Remote with a small touch pad. The screen doesn’t compare to the Wii U controller we’ve seen demonstrated at E3 2011, but it does add an interesting spin. One of the biggest complaints about the Wii U is its inability to accommodate more than one of its new touch pad controllers at a time, a discrepancy that raised issues about what second, third, and fourth players would be missing out on in multiplayer games. An add-on screen would not only resolve that issue, but also eliminate some limitations for the developers.

And hey, the fact that it makes use of your Wii Remote with a new console (a feature we were already aware of…but still) ain’t too shabby either. This touch pad may have come out of left field, but Nintendo always managed to see their way through.

MyNintendoNews

Nintendo announces Skyward Sword bundle with gold Wii Remote Plus

Holly Green — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 16:53:19 +0000

Gold star for long suffering Skyward Sword fans! Er, uh, Wii Remote. Gold Wii Remote Plus. As in, the one that will be included in the just-announced The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Wii bundle. The set, which will retail for $69.99 and contain a copy of the game, will also have a disc of orchestral arrangements of songs selected from the ongoing Legend of Zelda 25th Anniversary Symphony Concert, available only in the game’s first run. This disc is also available in the regular retail version of the game, which is priced at $49.99. Both debut in North America on November 20, 2011.

First day purchase for me! I plan to buy the bundle and set my gold Wii Remote next to my gold Classic Pro Controller on my Nintendo stand, so they can be friends.

The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword Bundle Highlights a Golden Autumn for Nintendo Games

Dates and Details Revealed on Zelda Bundle with Gold Controller, New Tetris and Professor Layton Titles

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Leaves won’t be the only things turning gold this fall as Nintendo prepares to launch an extraordinary lineup of games for its Wii^™, Nintendo 3DS^™ and Nintendo DS^™ game systems. At a recent meeting of GameStop retail store managers from across the United States, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of Sales & Marketing Scott Moffitt revealed new details about upcoming releases for several fan-favorite franchises:

A special limited-edition The Legend of Zelda^™: Skyward Sword bundle containing the game and a gold* Wii Remote^™ Plus controller will be available when the game launches on Nov. 20.

Also for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, every copy in the initial production of the game will come packaged with a special music CD featuring orchestral arrangements of select songs that will be performed at The Legend of Zelda 25^th Anniversary Symphony Concert.

Nintendo will launch the upcoming Tetris^®: Axis game for Nintendo 3DS systems on Oct. 2.

The Professor Layton and the Last Specter^™ game for the Nintendo DS family of systems will launch Oct. 17.

“Nintendo has something for you this fall, no matter what type of gamer you are, no matter what Nintendo system you’re playing,” said Moffitt. “Whether you’re looking for a world-spanning epic like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, the pick-up-and-play puzzle fun of Tetris: Axis or the mind-bending adventure of Professor Layton and the Last Specter, we’ve got you covered.”

The limited-edition gold controller bundle for The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword will be offered at a suggested retail price of $69.99. The game will also be sold separately at a suggested retail price of $49.99, though the gold controller will only be available as part of the special bundle. As an additional 25^th anniversary treat for fans who purchase the game early, every copy in the initial production, whether sold by itself or as a part of the limited-edition bundle, will come with a free CD featuring select orchestral arrangements of iconic music spanning the history of the franchise which will be performed at The Legend of Zelda 25^th Anniversary Symphony Concert performances in October 2011. For more information about The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, visit http://www.zelda.com/skywardsword.

The original portable Tetris^® game was a smash hit on the Game Boy^™ system. The new Tetris: Axis game lets players use the magic of the Nintendo 3DS system to jump into the action in 3D without the need for special glasses. The game includes more than 20 different modes – some familiar, some new. Up to eight players can compete in wireless multiplayer battles, even if only one player has a game card**. Tetris: Axis also makes use of the augmented-reality and SpotPass^™ features of Nintendo 3DS. Tetris: Axis is part of a stirring fall lineup for Nintendo 3DS that also includes Pokémon^™ Rumble Blast (launching Oct. 24), Super Mario 3D Land^™ (November) and Mario Kart^™ 7 (December).

Professor Layton and the Last Specter for the Nintendo DS family of systems is the fourth installment in the Professor Layton puzzle adventure series. It begins a new trilogy that is a prequel to the original games, set three years before the events in Professor Layton and the Curious Village^™. The game contains more puzzles than any in the series to date. As a North American exclusive to the overall Professor Layton and the Last Specter package, a bonus role-playing game called Professor Layton’s London Life^™ containing more than 100 hours of additional content will be available to players from the start of the game.

Remember that Wii and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/wii or http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

* Note that the gold controller will simply be gold in color and will not contain any actual precious metals.

** Multiplayer mode requires multiple Nintendo 3DS systems, each sold separately.

Mad Catz releases limited edition Wii Remote charger featuring Sonic

Holly Green — Sun, 09 Jan 2011 07:56:13 +0000

Not gonna lie, the former 8 year old in me still feels weird whenever I see the Nintendo and Sonic worlds collide. Yes, I should be over it by now. Maybe this Sonic themed Wii Remote charge can help. Made by Mad Catz, you can pick up these six inch, limited edition chargers (each is numbered) from Amazon or GameShark for $49.99.

GameSwag

Wii Remote used by scientists to measure evaporation

Holly Green — Wed, 05 Jan 2011 03:26:01 +0000

From Wired comes a report on a fascinating scientific application for the Wii Remote. A group of researchers were recently able to use the Wii Remote sensors to measure evaporation, replacing the pressure transducer, which costs hundreds of dollars. Additionally the group found they were able to take their measurements more accurately. As Wired explains:

The Wiimote tracks the four brightest points in a near infrared image. Ordinarily, these four points will be the four Wii IR LEDs used to determine where the Wiimote is pointing. However, by affixing IR reflectors to a float in the water pan, the researchers were able to track the water level.

Anticipating this method would be susceptible to error due to the water’s waves (as the pan is often floating in a body of water itself), they decided to alter the conditions using a low level pump to measure the the margin of error. Even under these conditions, they found that the Wii sensors were able to give them readings that were accurate to the millimeter.

While this all may seem a bit boring, it’s at the very least exciting what cheaper technology means for the science community, where the abundance of measurements and readings can mean everything. Even more exciting is that Nintendo could in some small way be a part of it.

Wired

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.

Nintendo Europe announces four colors for upcoming Wii Remote Plus

Holly Green — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 20:43:37 +0000

Wii users across Europe will be pleased to know that the upcoming Wii Remote Plus, the new Wii Remote that takes the Motion Plus from mere attachment to an encased standard feature, will not just be available in standard white. The colors (scuse me, colours) white, black, pink, and blue will available when it goes up for retail on November 5. There’s also a FlingSmash bundle coming that includes the Wii Remote Plus, on sale November 19.

MyNintendoNews

Preorders open for PDP’s glowing Tron controllers

Jason Leavey — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 15:24:31 +0000

With Disney’s upcoming Tron: Legacy film set for release in 3D this holiday, and this November’s Tron: Evolution video game based on the futuristic franchise, there was little doubt we wouldn’t soon begin our descend, falling head over heels for all things Tron. These glowing controllers are the first part of our imminent geek-gasm, due in store shelves this October. PDP has opened preorders so you can get your hands on the glowing controller for the console of your choice.

These iconic gems were first seen at E3 this year on display, and they’re extremely impressive up close. The only negative for HD lovers however, is that both the Xbox 360 and PS3 controllers are wired. At $49.99, that’s kind of a lot of money for a wired controller, considering Nyko’s glowless PS3 Core is just $14.99. But the Wii Remote however is both wireless, and awesomely glowy.

PDP

Blue, black and pink Wii Remotes for $29.99 at Target

Jason Leavey — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 14:39:23 +0000

This weekend Target is boasting a sale that may be too good for any popular Wii owner to pass up. Right now, blue, black and pink Wii Remotes are just $29.99. That’s nearly half off the standard $49.99.

All remote colors come bundled with Wii MotionPlus. So not only will you be swinging and playing in style, but you’ll be swinging and playing in true 1:1.

Target

Metroid: Other M remote plate offered as UK pre-order bonus

Holly Green — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:59:28 +0000

Not gonna lie. When I saw this three seconds ago, I GOL’d. Gasped out loud. The only reason I wouldn’t sell my own eyeballs for this is because, well, I need them to play. I’d sell my mom’s eyes, though. Not like she needs ‘em. She’s only a banker.

That is to say, I’d do anything for a Metroid-themed Wii Remote plate featuring artwork from the game. Since the pre-order is from Play, I’m guessing this is only for the UK, possibly the EU region. If you’re one of our friends across the pond, you can hit up the link below to start the pre-order process.

PLAY
via GoNintendo

Activision releasing Goldeneye nunchuk shell and controller?

Holly Green — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:57:46 +0000

YES! The answer to the glorious question asked in our headline is yes. A leak to Destructoid reveals that Activision is releasing a special edition Goldeneye gun shell for the nunchuk combined gold classic controller, all for $70 at GameStop.

Question is, is this a game bundle, or just the accessories? Frankly, I couldn’t care less, I’d pay $70 for the novelty alone. That gun shell is freakin’ bad ass.

Destructoid
via MyNintendoNews

Nyko’s Type Pad Pro for Wii makes typing a cinch

Holly Green — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 17:30:52 +0000

Wow, I coulda used this oh I dunno, two years ago. Maybe then I wouldn’t have given up on that much heralded social experience on the Wii! Entering those Wii friend codes feels like work.

With the Nyko Type Pad Pro, you can simply insert your Wii Remote into the device to begin using on any application or game requiring use of keyboard functionality. Web browsing, online chat, whatever needs typing, Nyko is there to get the job done. Pick one up for $29.99 from Amazon.

New Wii Remote model discovered through FCC filing

Jason Leavey — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:09:30 +0000

While most would say the original Wii Remote is the main reason for the console’s success, it appears Nintendo may be readying an upgraded version. An FCC filing has appeared for a Wii Remote successor dubbed RVL-036. One rumored upgrade the remote might have over the current RVL-003, is built in Wii MotionPlus.

As of now, we’ll just have to wait and see. Click below the break to see the official details of the new remote.

Engadget

Finally! A Wii Remote rowing attachment

Holly Green — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:55:21 +0000

All I can say is, why didn’t they do this sooner? I already have a variety of devices to choose from when I want to look like an idiot in the privacy of my own home; Wii Remote attachments come in the shape of guns, racquets, fishing poles…even a frying pan. What I’m saying is, why NOT a faux rowing machine? If nothing else you could train for your faux Harvard row team or win a faux Olympic gold medal for faux rowing. Sure beats real exercise!

Gizmodo
via Destructoid

Pink Wii Remote MotionPlus bundle on sale on Amazon

Jason Leavey — Sun, 16 May 2010 18:57:05 +0000

Amazon is hosting quite a nice deal on Nintendo’s pink Wii Remote and its diminutive add-on Wii MotionPlus. Right now, you can get yourself the bundle for just $39.54. Alternatively, the black and blue remote bundles will set you back $49.99 each.

A must have deal for any girl out there. Or gents, if you can get past the overall girlishness of waving a pink wand, it’s a pretty fair deal for you as well. Who’s snaggin’ one?

Amazon

This Wii-shirt explores death by Wii Remote

Holly Green — Fri, 07 May 2010 03:43:10 +0000

When I die, this is how I want to go. OK, not really. I was kinda hoping to go out in one big disgusting blaze of glory, a la David Carradine. I figure if my death isn’t embarrassing to my family members and all who knew me, then I wasn’t really living life. But if I had a second choice, yeah, it’d be this.

$25.

OrangeAlexander

The Tanooki » Wii Remote

Nintendo patents touch pad attachment for the Wii Remote

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