With announcements from Nintendo and Sony this week on the release of the next generation of handheld gaming machines, namely, the Nintendo 3DS and the Sony PSP2, is upon us, but the big question on most gamers’ lips at the moment is: will the next generation of super-phones and tablets spell the end of the handheld gaming console?

Is it Game Over for the Handheld Games Console?

Today’s super-charged Smartphones and tablets are just as powerful as any handheld gaming console on the market at the moment. And with the first dual core phones going on sale this year, your average Smartphone could very well end up packing more punch than the new offerings from Nintendo and Sony by the end of the year. Even the Smartphone’s big shortcoming, a distinct lack of controllers or joysticks, has been solved by cheap gamepad add-ons, such as the Game Gripper.

Game Gripper

Both Nintendo’s and Sony’s consoles have a long and prestigious heritage dating right back to Nintendo’s progenitory Gameboy. But with high-end processors and 3D capabilities, prices for handhelds are becoming prohibitive. And let’s face it, where else can they go from here? Has the handheld gaming device come to an evolutionary dead-end?

The Handheld Console Killers..

Without doubt, it was Apple’s iPad that struck the first nail into the coffin of the handheld gaming console. A wave of game releases over the past few months demonstrated that the iPad could play the most popular games just as well as the average home console and there’s plenty more on the way. The turning point was probably the release of Infinity Blade with graphics that were noticeably better than those on the Xbox 360 or the Playstation 3, and arguably one of the best games of 2010.

The latest big budget release for the iPad is set to take things even further. Dead Space is the prequel to the Xbox’s blockbusting sci-fi horror, Dead Space 2. But rather than being a simplified version of Xbox’s offering, it mimics every detail of the original. Likewise, Real Racing 2 is taking on Gran Turismo 5 in terms of graphic excellence. And Fifa 11 for the iPhone, despite its simplicity, is probably the best portable soccer game ever.

With all this going on, the lines between Smartphone and handheld gaming console are becoming more and more blurred. Now, with talk of a Sony PSP phone on the way, things are to set to become even more confusing. Is it a phone or is it a handheld gaming station? You decide.

Sony PSP Phone

See Also

• Video Game Consoles
• Mobile Phone Shops

On the same week that Sony unveiled its PSP2, or as it has been codenamed, the NGP (Next Generation Portable), Nintendo has announced the launch dates and pricing for its eagerly awaited 3DS handheld console after failing to get it to market in time for the Christmas rush.

Another First For Nintendo

The games console pioneers who were first to market a touch-screen gaming device in 2004 (Nintendo DS) and also first with motion control in 2006 (Nintendo Wii) have said that 26 February 2011 will be the date that the first ever 3D handheld gaming device can be purchased. The Nintendo 3DS console will initially only be available in Japan before its release stateside and in Europe the following month on 25^th March 2011.

The Price Of Innovation

The Nintendo 3DS pricing for North America has been set at one cent shy of $250. That’s a little less than what the device will sell for in Japan and less again than what Europeans will pay. Local pricing will determine the exact price tag in the UK and Europe, however Nintendo has indicated a RRP of between £220 and £230 for the Nintendo 3DS. Nevertheless, Asda has already stated that they will be the cheapest retailer of the Nintendo 3DS in the UK. The supermarket chain has set the price at £202 online, as long as purchasers use the discount code 15OFFDS. (£217 minus £15 discount).

Nintendo 3DS Games

Anyone planning to travel to Japan to get the 3D marvel early or hoping to pick up a discount in the US will be disappointed as Nintendo 3DS games bought in one region won’t be compatible with a 3DS purchased in another region.

Big Specs Without The Spectacles

The company is anticipating sales of 1.5 million of the Nintendo 3DS in the first month in Japan alone. And with a quick look at the specifications, it’s not hard to see why it’s going to be so popular.

Featuring three cameras to deliver the 3D effect, as well as capture instantly-viewable 3D pictures (albeit at a resolution of just 0.3MP), the latest 3DS console is fully compatible with older Nintendo DS games and comes with a motion sensor, gyro sensor and full Wi-Fi. A specially designed circle pad offering 360-degree movement has also been included to help you travel through Nintendo’s 3D world. But, of course, the big selling point is the fact that you won’t have to wear those clunky spectacles to enjoy the 3D effect.

Initially, the Nintendo 3DS console will come in just two colours, Aqua Blue and Cosmos Black, but if its predecessors are anything to go by, you can expect more colour choices to be added soon. With Sony’s PSP2 not due until the end of the year and expected to cost more than the 3DS, it would appear that Nintendo could already have the advantage on their rivals as the world eagerly awaits the launch of the world’s first 3D handheld gaming console.

Nintendo 3DS Console

Related Sites

• Nintendo 3DS Official Site (Nintendo.co.uk)

Nintendo’s eagerly anticipated 3DS console has been hit with a medical scare less than two months before the device’s release in the UK. The electronic games manufacturer has been forced to issue a statement to parents of children under 6, stating that they should seek medical advice before allowing their children to use the device in 3D mode.

Nintendo isn’t the first company to officially recognise the potentially ill effects of playing 3D games or watching 3D movies among the young. Toshiba, maker of the world’s first 3D TVs without the need for specialised glasses, and Sony have already made similar statements, regarding the use of their 3D products.

What The Experts Are Saying

According to a number of online medical reports, eye specialists have advised makers of 3D electronic devices that the latest 3D technologies could interfere with the proper development of muscles in the eyes in children under the age of six. Right now, the warning seems to only apply to 3D technology that does not require glasses in order to view 3D content. Those using the Nintendo 3DS in 2D mode should suffer no side effects.

However, all three companies have said that even older children should be monitored, as the technology has the ability to make some users feel sick. In fact, some viewers complained of feelings of nausea after watching the three-hour long box office smash, Avatar, in 3D. What is clear is that viewing 3D puts considerable more stress on the eyes than watching content in the traditional two-dimensional format.

Parental Control

As a result, Nintendo has said that even older players should take a break at least every 30 minutes. What’s more, the Japanese manufacturer is advising parents to make use of the on-board parental control function for the activation of the 3D mode on the 3DS. By programming a PIN in order to activate the 3D functionality, parents can control how long children use the device in 3D mode.

This latest revelation regarding 3D technology and health is certainly worrying news for parents who will have children clamouring for the device on its release. However, it could also represent a significant setback for Nintendo as the company gears up for the launch of the Nintendo 3DS in the UK in March.

Bring out your creativity and fire up your drawing skills using the uDraw Tablet for the Nintendo Wii as you draw your way through colourful levels in Dood’s Big Adventure coming to the Wii Console in the first quarter of 2011.

Adding an interesting twist and additional dimension to the interactive motion sensing game-play originally introduced by Nintendo in the Wii, Dood’s Big Adventure utilizes the uDraw Tablet that can be tilted to navigate through the creative landscape and the drawing pen to draw in handy tools and objects that help you solve the puzzles in each game level.

Express your artistic streak and have great fun doodling with Dood on his big adventure!

Dood’s Big Adventure Game Cover Screenshot

Dood’s Big Adventure Game Description

Welcome to Dood’s Big Adventure!

Dood’s Big Adventure Gameplay Images & Screenshots

Features

• 60 Levels in 4 Game Modes
o Pen Panic – Use the Stylus to create a trampoline to bounce Dood through the levels. Use ink to flick at enemies and break through walls.
o Roly Poly – Use the motion-control feature to roll Dood through each level by tilting the uDraw GameTablet left and right.
o Bubble Trouble – Use the Stylus to carefully guide Dood through each level while avoiding sharp objects, enemies and other dangers.
o Fan Frenzy – In this mode, Dood has been inflated like a balloon. Use the Stylus to blow and move Dood around the level.
• Paint Dood – Pick any color for the three Dood characters who are just waiting for a creative touch.
• Countless Options – Personalize dozens of elements, including the appearance of the three “baddies”, 15 obstacles and doodads, six colorable “Magic Canvases” and nine “Balloonimals” that gently float in the sky unpainted but come to life when customized.

See Also

Buy Dood’s Big Adventure for the Wii.

• Nintendo Wii Games
• Nintendo Wii
• Wii Accessories

Related Sites

• Dood’s Big Adventure (Official Site)
• Nintendo News: Dood’s Big Adventure (additional screenshots)

The cute and adorable Kirby makes a comeback to the video game console with Kirby’s latest appearance exclusively for the Nintendo Wii console in the story based platform game: Kirby’s Epic Yarn – Due for release this February 2011 (25/02/2011).

Kirby’s Epic Yarn Review

Nearly a decade since Kirby’s last appearance, Kirby’s Epic Yarn for the Nintendo Wii takes you on an adventure through Patch Land – a visually rich and colourful world that is stitched together with fabric and yarn. Suited for all ages, Kirby’s Epic Yarn is an easy to play side scrolling platform game that will appeal to young and older gamers alike – help Kirby, who has been transformed into a string of wool, to overcome his opponents as you jump over obstacles or transform into new forms including a dolphin, steam train, a UFO and even a giant robot.  Kirby will engage in battles using his yarn to whip, thrash and disarm enemies, keeping true to the textile theme – whether you latch on to zips or swing on buttons, Kirby can explore the fabric world to reveal secret areas and hidden items.

If Kirby is hit by an enemy or you fall into a trap, Kirby will lose some beads (which are Game Currency – similar to how Sonic would lose rings), but the difference with Kirby’s Epic Yarn is that even when you run out of beads, you don’t die – you may unravel but you get to continue playing, making the game easy to play through – with the emphasis and focus of the game on the visual journey and adventure through Patch Land as you discover new delights and surprises of creativity in the endearing world of fabric.

Kirby’s Epic Yarn Wii Game Description

Go behind the seams with Kirby™ in his latest adventure!

Kirby’s Epic Yarn Wii Gameplay Video Trailer

FEATURES:

• The look of the world is stunning, but it’s also interactive. Pulling on stray threads might reveal hidden areas. When Kirby literally goes behind the scenes, the virtual fabric warps and bends to show his location.

• Thanks to his versatile yarn composition, Kirby can take on a variety of forms both in his common actions and when he transforms into powerful vehicles. When Kirby dashes, he zips around as a car. In water, he turns into a submarine. At times he can even transform into a massive robotic tank, a UFO and other vehicles.

• Two players can play through the entire game together.

• Beads and collectible items are scattered throughout the environments for players to find.

See Also

• Nintendo Wii Games
• Nintendo Wii
• Video Game Accessories

Related Sites

• Kirby’s Epic Yarn Video Trailer (Nintendo.co.uk)
• Kirby’s Epic Yarn Official Site
• Nintendo News: Jump, battle and darn your way through Kirby’s Epic Yarn for Wii!

Prepare for battle, the sequel to The Conduit is coming to the Nintendo Wii this February 2011, where you must fight to save mankind from the slaughter unleashed by aliens in the latest hair raising first person shooter game series, Conduit 2.  Featuring new game modes, team play and online multiplayer support for up to 12 players, including compatibility with Wii Speak.

Conduit 2 Wii Game  Description

Conduit 2 is the epic sequel to the award-winning Wii exclusive, The Conduit. Picking up on the heels of its predecessor, Conduit 2 puts you on the embattled front lines of the war to save humanity from the alien onslaught. Travel to the far ends of the earth to put an end to the struggle. The enemy is everywhere and the deck is stacked — trust no one. Turn the tide with the most powerful arsenal ever assembled, and bring the alien menace to its knees.

Conduit 2 Wii Gameplay Images & Screenshots

• EVERY WAR HAS A BEGINNING, PREPARE FOR BATTLE
• FIGHT ACROSS THE GLOBE
• WITH INCREDIBLE WEAPONS
• EXPANSIVE ENVIRONMENTS
• SPLIT SCREEN AND ONLINE MULTIPLAYER COMBAT
• BIGGER BOLDER BETTER

CONDUIT 2

Features

• TEAM INVASION MODE — New co-op mode where up to four player players battle side-by-side against waves of enemies. Fight online over the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection or on the same system via splitscreen mode.
• PLAY IT YOUR WAY — Create your character’s unique look with the modular armor system and selectable skins. Class system with pre-mission weapon load-out and suit upgrades. Gain currency to purchase new weaponry, armor, upgrades, and additional content.
• ADVANCED WEAPONS AND TECHNOLOGY – Features an arsenal of over 20 weapons, including wall-penetrating sniper rifles, remotely-controlled deployable turrets, and alien technology that captures incoming fire and unleashes it back on the enemy. Man fixed emplacements at fortified positions and on drop ships. Use the alien ASE device to hack electronics and uncover hidden traps and enemies.
• COMPATIBLE WITH Wii Speak

See Also

• Nintendo Wii Games
• Nintendo Wii Console
• Nintendo
• Video Game Accessories

Related Sites

• Conduit 2 Wii Video Trailer (Nintendo.com)
• Conduit 2 Wii Official Site (Sega.com)

The sequel to the classic addictive puzzle game Bejeweled 2 is coming to the Nintendo Wii console this 31 December 2010, available for pre-order now – featuring sparks of dazzling colours and soothing sounds, changing moods as you progress through the levels in the enchanting classic puzzle series.

Bejeweled 2 Wii Description

Get set to play the world’s #1 puzzle game, now for the Wii console! Match sparkling gems three at a time to make them burst in showers of colour and points. Match four or more to create flashy power gems that boost your score and your mood with brilliant cascades and combos. Soar to gem-matching heights in Classic mode, or speed through matches against the clock in Action mode. For even more dazzling fun, bump up your brainwaves with multi-faceted Puzzles, or enter the Zen state of Endless play. Every match is high-carat fun!

Bejeweled 2 Wii Gameplay Images & Screenshots

See Also

• Bejeweled 2 Wii
• Bejeweled
• Nintendo Wii Games
• Nintendo

Related Sites

• Bejeweled 2 Wii Video Trailer (Nintendo.com)
• Bejeweled Official Site (Bejeweled.com)

Heavy Fire – Special Operations is an arcade style shooter game for the Nintendo Wii console due for release this 31st of December 2010 – Set in the Middle East, featuring bold and demanding missions requiring lightning quick reactions to complete the formidable and dangerous game levels and watch yourself rise up through the forces while gaining more powerful weapons and features as you progress throughout the action packed combo scoring game.

Heavy Fire Special Operations Description

Join the elite army unit in Heavy Fire: Special Operations, an arcade shooter for the WiiWare service. Play challenging missions in the Middle East from the ground, Humvee or Blackhawk. You will need a quick trigger-finger to finish extremely dangerous levels. Rise through the military ranks and get additional and more powerful weapons differing in features and controls. Replay the game to improve your best score that can be submitted to the world ranking. Make combos and smash the environment to get more points. You can take out enemies in a single-player mode or with the added firepower of your friend in multi-player mode!

Heavy Fire Special Operations Gameplay Images & Screenshots

Game Features:

• Interactive and destructible environments of the exotic Middle East
• Multi-player co-operation mode
• 7 military ranks giving access to powerful weapons including SMG-5, MP-4 or PDW-90
• Various kinds of combat (shoot from the ground, armored car or helicopter)
• Wii Zapper support taking the game to a new level of arcade game-play

See Also

• Nintendo Wii Games
• Nintendo Wii
• Nintendo

Related Sites

• Heavy Fire Special Operations (Official Site)
• Heavy Fire Special Operations Video Trailer (Nintendo.com)

Get ready for super-combo fighting action in the latest and most complete instalment of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus, 2-D fighting game for the Nintendo Wii, coming out this February 2011.

The Guilty Gear series is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the most complete and definitive version of the game to date, having launched an altogether new style of fighting gameplay with the original Guilty Gear 2-D fighter franchise.  Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus features new fighting moves, as well as the ability to unlock original moves in the explosive one-on-one battles between Japanese anime inspired characters with action filled kick and punch super combo attacks in multiple styles, plus the signature weapons unique to each character, including such eccentricities as a pool cue, a pink teddy bear that’s extendible and a life-sized key that talks!

High Resolution 480p Graphics

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus features cleaned up and pleasing high resolution graphics displayed in 480p widescreen on the Wii version.

All Unlocked Playable Characters

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus marks the return of 25 characters from the Guilty Gear series, and all of your favourite characters are unlocked and ready to play and fight as immediately out of the box, including Justice, Kliff  and many others and each character comes with a new and never before seen story that can be discovered when playing in story mode.

Story Modes & Missions

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus now includes a variety of game story modes that are designed to extend the playability and life of the game, highlights include:

• Free Play
• Story Mode
• Mission Mode
• Training Mode
• Survival Mode
• ..and more

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus Gameplay Images & Screenshots

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus Gameplay Video Trailer

Gameplay video of Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus for the Nintendo Wii console in which Dizzy versus Sol in the action packed 2-D Fighter Game.

The fighting franchise that launched an entirely new style of fighting games is celebrating its 10th anniversary with the most complete and definitive version of the game. Follow the stories of the 25 crazy combatants and dish out a mind-numbing amount of insane combos that the series is known for.

Highlights

• Celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of most influential fighting game franchises in video game history.
• Discover the back story to all of your favorite characters in the Guilty Gear mythos, with fully voiced dialogue.
• Accent Core Plus marks the return of fan favorites Kliff Undersn and Justice, rounding out the cast of 25 playable characters.
• Create a three-man team in Versus Mode to find out which characters are the ultimate Guilty Gear team-up.
• Level up your character’s abilities and traits in the re-tuned Survival Mode.

See Also

• Nintendo Wii Games
• Nintendo Wii
• Nintendo

Related Links

• Aksys Games Guilt Gear XX Accent Core Plus – features additional game screenshots and video trailers for the Wii version of the game.
  

Coming to the Nintendo DS this February 2011 is Nintendo’s gaming classic characters Mario vs Donkey Kong in Mini-Land Mayhem! in a puzzle filled adventure in which the old iconic rivals are brought together again in the 4th instalment of the Mario versus Donkey Kong game series for the DS console.

Mario vs Donkey Kong Mini-land Mayhem Gameplay Images & Screenshots

Image screenshots of the interactive puzzle game from the Nintendo DS handheld console.

Mario vs Donkey Kong Mini-land Mayhem Video Review Trailer

At the grand opening of Mario’s new theme park, where Pauline is a special guest, the first 100 guests will receive a mini Pauline toy. Donkey Kong is the 101st guest to arrive. Instead of walking away empty handed, he grabs Pauline and heads into the park. Now Mario must rescue Pauline by guiding Mini Marios through over 200 new action-puzzle levels filled with traps set by Donkey Kong. Grab your stylus and place girders to cross pits, build conveyor belts, set springs, or even place warp pipes to solve these puzzling levels. Mario VS. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem! is the latest installment in the Mario VS. Donkey Kong franchise that offers plenty of new challenges for new players and fans alike.

Game FEATURES:

• Use your stylus to strategically place items and solve different puzzles. Once you tap the Mini Marios, be ready to react quickly to help guide them safely to the exit.

• With an intuitive interface, players of any experience level will be able to enjoy Mario VS. Donkey Kong. Players can access the in-game Help Mode that lets you get more information on key items. Additionally, if players get stuck trying to solve a level, they can now use the new Mini Guide to demonstrate a possible solution.

• Feeling creative? Construct your own levels in the Construction Zone with an easy-to-use level building tool. You are also able to share your new levels with friends over local wireless or post them online using the Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection.

• Access new levels created by fellow users with the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Store up to 160 additional puzzles to always take the action with you, wherever you go.

• Participate in the all new Challenge Mode where you will create a level based on certain criteria. Players can vote for their favorites and the top rated levels will be announced.

• The new Mini Pauline toy has been added to the roster of familiar toys in the series (Mini Mario, Mini Toad™, Mini Princess and Mini Donkey Kong).

See Also

• Nintendo DS Games
• Nintendo DS Console

Related Links

• Mario VS Donkey Kong Mini-Land Mayhem official site (mariovsdk.nintendo.com)