Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Microsoft Announce 4 Forza MotorSport 3 Game Add-ons


Microsoft have announced that 4 Forza MotorSport 3 game add-ons, that were previously only available to those who bought the limited edition version of the game, are out now. Microsoft have also announced that for every purchase of the "VIP Membership Car Pack", Turn 10 will donate $10 to the Save The Children Haiti appeal, but only up to $100,000.

The Packs now available are:
“VIP Membership Car Pack” (800 MS Points) - You’ll receive special recognition on scoreboards, in multiplayer lobbies, on ForzaMotorsport.net, in the “Forza Motorsport 3” Storefront, and it places your VIP auctions at the top of the “Forza Motorsport 3” Auction House. VIP membership also includes these five must-have VIP Cars: 2008 Aston Martin DBS, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia, 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, and 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997). (IMPORTANT NOTE: VIP Membership is also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in new Limited Collector’s Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

“Sidewinder Proving Grounds Track Pack” (400 Microsoft Points) – Download and race on the updated classic Sidewinder Proving Grounds from “Forza Motorsport 2.” This track pack includes 18 challenging courses, designed with various levels of difficulty and set to test your technical driving mettle. Think you can top the leaderboards on Sidewinder? Prove it! (Also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in Limited Collector’s Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

“Benchmark High Speed Ring Track Pack” (400 Microsoft Points) – Download and race on the Benchmark High Speed Ring environment. This track pack is a veritable race day playground! Test and tune your favorite rides on the four-mile Benchmark Speedway oval or create epic Xbox LIVE multiplayer games of “Tag” and “Keep It Clean” on the massive wide-open Benchmark parking lot. (Also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in Limited Collector Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

“Motorsport Legends Car Pack” (400 Microsoft Points) – Fans of classic cars will be able to collect, customize, and race 10 of the most revered roadsters: 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Stradale, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, 1981 BMW Motorsport M1, 1960 Chevrolet Corvette, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Hemi, 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1980 Fiat 131 Abarth, 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400, 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R, and the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. (Also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in Limited Collector Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

Press Release

LONDON – 2 March 2010 - Today Microsoft and Turn 10 announced the widespread availability of four “Forza Motorsport 3” Game Add-ons, previously available only to those who purchased Limited Collector’s Edition copies of the game. Mobilizing millions of “Forza Motorsport 3” fans, Turn 10 is calling on all racers, tuners and artists to assist in the global relief effort for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. For every purchase of the “VIP Membership Car Pack” during the month of March, Turn 10 pledges to donate $10 to Save the Children up to $100,000. So now you can enjoy more of the “Forza Motorsport 3” content you’ve been asking for, while also donating to an important cause.

Now available on Xbox LIVE Marketplace for 800 Microsoft points, the “VIP Membership Car Pack” gives you exclusive access and visibility in the “Forza Motorsport” community. You’ll receive special recognition on scoreboards, in multiplayer lobbies, on ForzaMotorsport.net, in the “Forza Motorsport 3” Storefront, and it places your VIP auctions at the top of the “Forza Motorsport 3” Auction House. VIP membership also includes these five must-have VIP Cars: 2008 Aston Martin DBS, 2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, 2007 Ferrari F430 Scuderia, 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera, and 2007 Porsche 911 GT3 RS (997). (IMPORTANT NOTE: VIP Membership is also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in new Limited Collector’s Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

Additionally, starting today on Xbox LIVE Marketplace, you’ll find other great “Forza Motorsport 3” track and car packs, previously only available to those who purchased a copy of Limited Collector’s Edition of the game. These include:

• “Sidewinder Proving Grounds Track Pack” (400 Microsoft Points) – Download and race on the updated classic Sidewinder Proving Grounds from “Forza Motorsport 2.” This track pack includes 18 challenging courses, designed with various levels of difficulty and set to test your technical driving mettle. Think you can top the leaderboards on Sidewinder? Prove it! (Also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in Limited Collector’s Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

• “Benchmark High Speed Ring Track Pack” (400 Microsoft Points) – Download and race on the Benchmark High Speed Ring environment. This track pack is a veritable race day playground! Test and tune your favorite rides on the four-mile Benchmark Speedway oval or create epic Xbox LIVE multiplayer games of “Tag” and “Keep It Clean” on the massive wide-open Benchmark parking lot. (Also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in Limited Collector Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

• “Motorsport Legends Car Pack” (400 Microsoft Points) – Fans of classic cars will be able to collect, customize, and race 10 of the most revered roadsters: 1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA Stradale, 1964 Aston Martin DB5 Vantage, 1981 BMW Motorsport M1, 1960 Chevrolet Corvette, 1969 Dodge Charger Daytona Hemi, 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa, 1980 Fiat 131 Abarth, 1967 Lamborghini Miura P400, 1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-R, and the 1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe. (Also available for FREE with an Xbox LIVE token included in Limited Collector Edition copies of “Forza Motorsport 3.”)

“Forza Motorsport 3” is rated PEGI 3+ and is now available globally. For assets, visit the Forza Motorsport 3 FTP. For more information on “Forza Motorsport 3” and Save the Children’s legal disclosures, visit ForzaMotorsport.net andhttp://www.savethechildren.org/legal.

Sony Computer Entertainment Announce They Have Acquired Media Molecule


Sony Computer Entertainment have announced that they have acquired the Little Big Planet Studio, Media Molecule. Media Molecule will now join Sony Computer Entertainment WorldWide Studios group in developing Games for Sony Platforms. this group already consists of 15 game development studios which intern hire over 2,500 employees.

Media Molecule will now become a first party studio for Sony Computer Entertainment. All of the first party studios share technology, production and methodology with each other to help make better first party games.

Press Release

London, 2nd March 2010 – Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) today announced that it had acquired leading game developer Media Molecule, creator of the multi-million selling and multi-award winning PlayStation®3 (PS3™) exclusive title, LittleBigPlanet™. Media Molecule will join as part of SCE’s global development operation, SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS).

In a strategic move to continue to secure excellence in game development for current and future PlayStation® platforms, the acquisition of Media Molecule formalises the successful exclusive relationship with SCE.

Media Molecule, based in Surrey, England, is the award-winning developer of LittleBigPlanet, one of the best-selling titles for PS3, a game that introduced gamers to the unique ethos of Play, Create and Share. Having seen over 2m user generated levels created for the community to download and play for free, LittleBigPlanet has completely changed the way people interact with games, whilst revolutionising the longevity of gameplay.

Having won over 90 awards for LittleBigPlanet, including 2 BAFTAs and 8 AIAS Interactive Achievement Awards, Media Molecule brings a wealth of experience and a highly talented staff into the SCE WWS family that will further strengthen the PlayStation first party studio.

”Since they burst onto the gaming scene, Media Molecule have proved to be a truly exciting and innovative studio, who have proved their world-class credentials with the creation of the incredible LittleBigPlanet,” said Shuhei Yoshida, President, SCE Worldwide Studios. “SCE WWS is all about creating ambitious, innovative and ground breaking games, traits that Media Molecule clearly have. To bring them into our family proves our dedication to creating fantastic new experiences that we believe will cement our position as industry leaders.”

"Since Media Molecule's inception, we've had a uniquely close relationship with SCE. Over the years they have consistently shown their dedication to Creative Gaming and Media Molecule, not only through their support of the company, but their willingness to take risks and embrace our often unusual approach and ideas," said Alex Evans, co-founder of Media Molecule. "What we've achieved already with LittleBigPlanet has proved this to us and we're excited by this new chapter of innovation and creative gaming, for all involved.”

Studios across SCE WWS share technology, production methodology and creative goals to build the best possible experiences for users to enjoy the most from the PlayStation family of hardware platforms and network services. With over 2,500 employees, SCE WWS combines the talents of 15 game development studios in Japan, the USA, the UK and The Netherlands.


- ENDS -


About SCE Worldwide Studios (SCE WWS)
SCE WWS was formed on 1 September 2005 in order to secure, strengthen and further develop game development and publishing activities for the PlayStation® range of game and entertainment consoles. SCE WWS is responsible for the global creative, technical and strategic direction setting of development and production of computer entertainment software for the PlayStation family. SCE WWS directly employs over 2,500 people in its 15 studio locations around the world, all exclusively dedicated to PlayStation®2, PSP® (PlayStation®Portable ), PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®Network development.


About Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.
Recognized as the global leader and company responsible for the progression of consumer-based computer entertainment, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCEI) manufacturers, distributes and markets the PlayStation® game console, the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) handheld entertainment system and PlayStation®3 (PS3™) system. PlayStation has revolutionized home entertainment by introducing advanced 3D graphic processing, and PlayStation 2 further enhances the PlayStation legacy as the core of home networked entertainment. PSP is a new handheld entertainment system that allows users to enjoy 3D games, with high-quality full-motion video, and high-fidelity stereo audio. PS3 is an advanced computer system, incorporating the state-of-the-art Cell processor with super computer like power. SCEI, along with its subsidiary divisions Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc., Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd., and Sony Computer Entertainment Korea Inc. develops, publishes, markets and distributes software, and manages the third party licensing programs for these platforms in the respective markets worldwide. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. is an independent business unit of the Sony Group.

About Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Ltd

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCEE), based in London, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and sales of PlayStation®3, PlayStation®2, PSP™ (PlayStation®Portable) and PlayStation®Network software and hardware in 99 territories across Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Oceania. SCEE also develops, publishes, markets and distributes entertainment software for these formats, and manages the third party licensing programs for the formats in these territories. Since the launch of PlayStation 3 in November 2006, over 33.4 million units have been sold globally and continue to be sold at a record level. Maintaining its position as one of the most successful consumer electronic products in history, PlayStation 2 has sold over 142.8 million systems worldwide. Since its launch at the end of 2004, over 60.2 million PSPs have been sold globally, highlighting the importance of the portable entertainment market. With the huge increase in interest and accessibility of network applications and network gaming, over 40 million accounts have registered to PlayStation Network, the free-to-access interactive environment, and over 829 million items have been downloaded.

More information about PlayStation products can be found at www.playstation.com or visit the Virtual Press Office at www.scee.presscentre.com.

PlayStation, the PlayStation logo are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. PS3 and PSP are trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Sony Announce That The Playstation 3 Clock Bug Is Now Fixed


Sony have confirmed that the Playstation 3 clock bug has now been fixed and the consoles should work fine again. it appears that when the clock, in the consoles, changed to 1st March (when it changed to 2nd March in real life), the problem sorted itself out.

Some consoles may need to have their dates changed, you can do this manually in the settings or have the machine update the clock via the internet.

From EU Playstation Blog

Sony has also detailed how to get trophy data back. all that's needed to be done it load up the game, wait for the trophies to be installed, then exit the game and sync the trophies.

It could be possible that bought PSN games that people tried to play yesterday may not work properly. in this case deleting them and re-downloading the title should fix it.

From CVG


Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

Here is today's Audio Re-Cap of Yesterdays news.
Don't forget, you can subscribe to the Audio Re-Cap Podcast on iTunes. if you do, it would be great if you can review and rate the podcast.

A podcast is available on iTunes from:
http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=328547861

A RSS Feed from Podbean:
http://qtegamers.podbean.com/feed

And on qtegamers.blogspot.com:
http://qtegamers.blogspot.com/search/label/Audio Re-Cap


Re-Cap of Yesterdays News (oldest to newest)

  • QTE Blog: Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/16GMuG

  • QTE Blog: Audio Re-Cap of The Weekends News (oldest to newest) http://ow.ly/16GO12

  • PC: Final Fantasy XIV Beta is set to begin 11th March. there could be more Betas in future http://ow.ly/1cLit

  • Square Enix are releasing three new "Battle Area Add-On Scenarios" . they will be released throughout the year http://ow.ly/1cLto

  • Its reported that Activision have shut down the fan-made Kings Quest sequel that was in development for 8 years http://ow.ly/1cLvB

  • PS3: The God Of War Collection is not coming out before God Of War III. http://ow.ly/1cMa5

  • UK Game Charts, Heavy Rain, Aliens Vs Predator, Just Dance, Wii Fit Plus, Modern Warfare 2. http://ow.ly/1cMbC

  • PS3: Sony have said that UK Stocks of Heavy Rain are Low. finding a copy may be a little hard. http://ow.ly/1cMdo

  • QTE Blog: A Bug Has Hit Original "Fat" Playstation 3's WorldWide http://ow.ly/16GRgD

  • QTE Blog: EA Have Revealed The Boxart For Skate 3 http://ow.ly/16GRgC

  • Square Enix are a little suspicious that Avatar may have taken inspiration from the Final Fantasy Series. http://ow.ly/1cMgp

  • A Linkedin Profile from a Eidos Montreal production lists Deus Ex 3 as coming to the PS3 and360. http://ow.ly/1cMjg

  • PS3: God Of War 3 director, Stig Asmussen, says a new game won't come in 2-3 years. prefer bigger gaps between releases http://ow.ly/1cMnx

  • PS3: The ESRB has rated Numerous NEO GEO games as coming to the PS3. could be similar to PS1 Classics http://ow.ly/1cPMJ

  • Ubisoft has tweeted that there is a big RUSE reveal this Wednesday. http://ow.ly/1cPVA

  • QTE Blog: Nintendo Have Released New Screenshots For Picross 3D On The Nintendo DS http://ow.ly/16GUSi

  • QTE Blog: Sony has confirmed that a bug has effected the Clock in the "Fat" Playstation 3 consoles. http://ow.ly/16GUSj

  • QTE Blog: Nintendo Have Released New Screenshots For FlingSmash http://ow.ly/16GWbD

  • QTE Blog: Nintendo Have Released New Screenshots For Super Mario Galaxy 2 http://ow.ly/16GWbC

  • QTE Blog: Nintendo Have Released New Screenshots For Sin and Punishment: Star Successor http://ow.ly/16GXIe

  • QTE Blog: Nintendo Have Released Screenshots And Specifications For The USA DSi XL http://ow.ly/16GXId

  • PC: Splinter Cell Conviction will use Internet based DRM. all future Ubisoft titles will use it. http://ow.ly/1cYVk

  • PS3: Little Big Planet now has over 2 Million user created levels. http://ow.ly/1cYWg

  • QTE Blog: This Weeks WiiWare, DSiWare, And Virtual Console Releases http://ow.ly/16H2x7

  • Epic is reportedly going to reveal something at E3. http://ow.ly/1cYXF

  • PS3: Michael Pachter says the Sony Bug "pales in comparison" to Microsoft's RROD. Sony should give a free game away http://ow.ly/1cYZW

  • Capcom are working on a new downloadable title. Dark Void Zero is selling very well, exceeding some expectations. http://ow.ly/1cZ3j



Monday, March 1, 2010

This Weeks WiiWare, DSiWare, And Virtual Console Releases

There are 8 titles out this week on Virtual Console, WiiWare, and DSiWare in the USA. 1 Virtual Console title, 3 On WiiWare and 4 on DSiWare.

Virtual Console

Fatal Fury Special
This is a 1-2 player game and it costs 900 Wii Points. this is the NEO GEO version of the game. the game has 15 fighters who fight against each other and features some of the cast from the previous two Fatal Fury Games.


WiiWare

Mega Man 10
This is a 1 player only game and it costs 1,000 Wii Points. this is the first Mega Man game to feature a easy mode, making it one of the more accessible Mega Man games released. the game also has Proto Man and a time attack mode.


Dart Rage
This is a 1-4 player game that costs 600 Wii Points. the game ahs 4 games to choose from, Cricket, Poker, American, and Normal darts.


Happy Hammerin'
This is a 1-4 player game that costs 500 Wii Points. you use the WiiMotes to bash moles in a Wack-A-Mole style game. there are 3 game modes, Adventure, Marathon, and Party Battle.


DSiWare

Let's Golf
This is a 1-2 player game and costs 800 DSi Points. the game has 45 holes in various locations. you can use the DSi Camera to take pictures of yourself and add them to your personal profile.


Globulos Party
This is a 1-2 player game and it costs 500 DSi Points. this is a mini game collection that has 20 different games.


VT Tennis
This is a 1 player only game and it costs 500 DSi Points. this is a Tennis game were you create your player and build them up to become a tennis pro.


Flips: Terror in Cubicle Four
This is a 1 player only game that costs 500 DSi Points. this is a story from the Flips series.


Press Release

The number 10 can mean a lot of things: perfection, loud volume or, in the case of this week's downloadable game lineup, the return of a true gaming icon. Fans will thrill to see the legendary blue bomber landing on their Wii™ console with the arrival of Mega Man™ 10 for the WiiWare™ service. Elsewhere, players can test their skill at tossing darts, bashing moles, conquering the tennis court or tackling exotic golf courses. Whether you're stocking up on living room-ready titles for your Wii console or grabbing on-the-go games via the Nintendo DSiWare™ service, March is off to a truly magnificent start.

WiiWare

Mega Man 10
Publisher: Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 1,000 Wii Points™
Description: Fans of all ages can enjoy the newest entry in this historic 8-bit franchise. As a special service to new players, there's an Easy Mode – a first for a Mega Man game. This new feature means novices and longtime fans alike can all have a shot at making it to the end of aMega Man game. Also, you can now play as Proto Man and try Time Attack Mode from the beginning, or watch play-through videos from players all over the world.

Dart Rage
Publisher: JV Games Inc.
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Alcohol Reference
Price: 600 Wii Points
Description: Grab your Wii Remote™ controller and prepare for the ultimate game of darts on your Wii console. Dart Rage features the most realistic throwing system available today. With pixel-perfect accuracy and no buttons to push, you'll be completely immersed in the game's realism. Dart Rage puts you in the spotlight as you compete against friends, the computer or both. With four great games to choose from – including 301-901, Cricket, Poker and American (Baseball) darts – Dart Rage has plenty of options to keep the game fresh. There's also a VS mode in which multiple players can compete at the same time in a race to the finish. Rock out to a sizzling soundtrack as a commentator announces your every shot.

Happy Hammerin'
Publisher: GAMEBRIDGE
Players: 1-4
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Mild Cartoon Violence
Price: 500 Wii Points
Description: Happy Hammerin' is a party game suitable for friends and families. Compete against each other by bashing moles using the Wii Remote controller. Use the Wii Remote like a hammer and let off some steam as you frantically try to bash the moles popping up all over the screen. Play against the CPU or go head-to-head with up to four players. (Additional accessories are required for the multiplayer modes and are sold separately.) Players can challenge themselves in three different modes: Mole Adventure (1-2 players), Mole Marathon (1 player) and Party Battle (1-4 players). Mole Adventure consists of four stages with three difficulty types. The faster you bash, the more points you get. With broadband Internet access, register your scores online and compete against the best mole bashers from around the world.

Virtual Console™

FATAL FURY SPECIAL
Original platform: NEOGEO
Publisher: D4 Enterprise
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: T (Teen) – Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence
Price: 900 Wii Points
Description: Originally released in 1993, this fighting game pits 15 different fighters against each other. The cast includes the original eight characters from Fatal Fury 2, as well as three new characters (Billy, Axel and Laurence) and a new boss (Wolfgang). Also, three characters from the original Fatal Fury (Duck, Dan and Geese) have returned to the fight. Building on the appeal of the previous game with two-line battles, special moves and powerful finishers, this game is truly worthy of its "special" distinction. And if certain special conditions are met, special guest Ryuu Sakazaki will make an appearance.

Nintendo DSiWare

Let's Golf
Publisher: Gameloft
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 800 Nintendo DSi Points™
Description: Grab a club, take a swing and pray for a birdie in Let's Golf. Discover a fun-filled experience that's accessible to anyone. Choose from four customizable characters and play 45 holes in three beautiful 3-D locations: Fiji Beach, the English Countryside and the Scottish Lochs. Enjoy easy-to-learn controls that even let you blow into the microphone to add spin to your ball. Take photos with your Nintendo DSi™ system's built-in camera and add them to your personal profile. For the most fun, play Hot Seat Multiplayer with friends on a single Nintendo DSi system and see who's the best.

Globulos Party
Publisher: GlobZ
Players: 1-2
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone) – Comic Mischief
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: Globulos Party is a collection of mini-games that are very simple to understand and fun to master. The 20 games are: 4-Square, Arena, Basket, Bomber, Bomber-King, Croquet, Darts, Darts-King, Soccer, Funky-Soccer, Ice Hockey, Monster, Pétanque, Pinball, Rally, Football, Snooker, Sumo, Tic-Tac-Toe and Volley. Enjoy more than 15 hours of solo fun and nearly unlimited game play with the three multiplayer modes.

VT Tennis
Publisher: Virtual Toys
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: E (Everyone)
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: VT Tennis is an ace of a tennis game for the Nintendo DSi system. Using the innovative stylus and touch-screen controls, train your budding tennis star to serve, lob and smash his way to victory with precision swipes in all directions. Advance your player statistics in this fast-paced tournament of game modes, featuring Quickmatch, Tennis School and World Championship. The objective is to reach No. 1 in the world rankings. To do this, players will have to unlock courts as they compete in championships all over the world. At the start of career mode, players will find themselves in last place in the rankings. From this moment on, you must battle your way up. You can play on all types of surfaces – grass, clay, hard courts and wood – and learn the best techniques for winning each tournament on the different surfaces. Seventeen tough courts, each more difficult than the last, stand between you and your final victory.

Flips: Terror in Cubicle Four
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Players: 1
Price: 500 Nintendo DSi Points
Description: There's something strange going on with the loo in cubicle four of the girls' toilet. It's spewed green goo on Stacey's shoes and almost had new boy James for lunch. Can he and his friends, Alexander and Lenny, flush out the cause of the trouble, or will the terrifying toilet plague the school with problems forever?

Nintendo adds new titles to the Nintendo DSi Shop and the Wii Shop Channel at 9 a.m. Pacific time on Mondays. Users with broadband Internet access can redeem Wii Points or Nintendo DSi Points to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel. Nintendo DSi Points can be purchased in the Nintendo DSi Shop. A Nintendo Points Card™ can be purchased at retail locations. All points from one Nintendo Points Card must be redeemed in either the Nintendo DSi Shop or the Wii Shop Channel. They are not transferable and cannot be divided between the two systems.

Remember that both Wii and Nintendo DSi feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visitWii.com or NintendoDSi.com.

Nintendo Have Released Screenshots And Specifications For The USA DSi XL


Nintendo have released screenshots and the specification for the USA version of the DSi XL. The Screenshots show both the Bronze and Burgundy DSi XL's that are coming out on 28th March for $189.99.

Screenshots


Launch Date:
March 28, 2010, in the United States.

Suggested Retail Price:
$189.99.

Size (when closed):
6.339 inches (161.0 millimeters) wide, 3.598 inches (91.4 millimeters) long, 0.835 inches
(21.2 millimeters) tall

Weight
: Approximately 11.08 ounces (314 grams).

Look
: The top half is shiny, while the bottom has a matte finish for easier gripping.
Top Screen: A backlit, 4.2-inch, transmissive TFT color LCD with 256 x 192 pixel resolution and .333 mm dot pitch, capable of displaying 260,000 colors. Can be viewed from any angle. Top half opens to lock at two positions: 120 degrees and 155 degrees.

Touch Screen
: Same specs as top screen, but with a transparent analog touch screen.

Cameras
: 640 x 480 pixel resolution, 0.3 megapixels.

Brightness Adjustment
: Users can adjust the brightness of screens at five different levels. Electricity consumption will vary, depending on the software used and brightness level (the brighter the setting, the less continuous play-time capability)

Brightness
Approximated Continuous Play
1st level: 13-17 hours, 2nd level: 11-14 hours, 3rd level: 9-11 hours, 4th level: 6-8 hours, 5th level: 4-5 hours

Pre-Installed Software: The system comes with three software titles pre-installed. These include Brain Age™ Express: Math, Brain Age Express: Arts & Letters and Photo Clock.

Wireless Communication
: IEEE 802.11 with enhanced security (WPA). Wireless range is 30 to 100 feet, depending on circumstances; multiple users can play multiplayer games using just one Nintendo DS or Nintendo DSi game card, depending on the software. (Note that Nintendo DS game cards are compatible in all Nintendo DS franchise systems, while Nintendo DSiWare and Nintendo DSi-enhanced games are region-specific.) Ability to connect to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo’s wireless gaming network. Ability to download demo versions of Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi games from DS Download Stations, Nintendo Zone™, or via the Nintendo Channel of the Wii™ console.

Controls
: Touch screen, embedded microphone for voice recognition, A/B/X/Y face buttons, + Control Pad, L/R shoulder buttons, Start and Select buttons, dual cameras and volume control. The stylus is approximately 5.091 inches (129.3 millimeters).

Microphone
: Located at the center of the unit, which allows it to pick up spoken commands regardless of how the Nintendo DSi XL is positioned.

LED Lights
: Visible even when the Nintendo DSi XL unit is closed. Three lights indicate if wireless communication function is on or off, whether the battery is being recharged and how much battery life is left before it needs to be recharged.

Input/Output
: Ports for Nintendo DSi game cards, Nintendo DS game cards, an SD memory card, an A/C adaptor and stereo headphones and a microphone.

Other Features
: Embedded PictoChat™ software allows one user to draw pictures, or up to 16 users within local range of one another to chat at once; embedded real-time clock; date, time and alarm; touch-screen calibration.

Sound
: Stereo speakers providing virtual surround sound, depending on the software.

Battery
: Lithium ion battery delivering four to 17 hours of play on a 3-hour charge, depending on use; power-saving sleep mode; AC adapter.

Languages
: English, French, Spanish.

Parental Control:
An easy-to-use option that allows parents or guardians to manage access to Nintendo DSi exclusive and compatible software based on the ESRB rating, PictoChat, DS Download Play, Nintendo DSi Browser, and certain user-created content that may be inappropriate for some members of their household. It can also help manage the use of Nintendo DSi Points in the Nintendo DSi Shop and wireless exchange of photo data. Nintendo DSi Parental Controls are not compatible with existing Nintendo DS software.