nintendo

Xbox 360 shines bright in otherwise dismal game market

The Xbox 360 continues to thrive in a market that's seen better days.

For the 15th month in the row, Microsoft's game console was the top-selling hardware platform, according to the latest video game stats from NPD group (not available on the Web, unfortunately).

In October, Microsoft sold 270,000 Xbox 360 units, more than any other gaming console. That number gave the company a 56 percent share of all console sales in the U.S. It also marked the 20th month in a row that the Xbox captured more than 40 percent of all U.S. sales.… Read more

See the Wii U unboxed

November 18 marks the release of the first new home console in six years. The Nintendo Wii U promises a brand new gaming experience with the use of an innovative tablet controller.

So what's in the box? Tune in to see what's packed inside the Wii U Deluxe Set that goes for $350. Keep it here for a full review of the console closer to launch.

Wii U kiosks coming to retailers nationwide

Nintendo has held fast to the idea that when gamers try out the Wii U, they will "get it." The Mario maker is giving gamers just that opportunity prelaunch, as the company is now beginning to roll out interactive Wii U kiosks in more than 5,000 retailers across the United States.

Gamers can find a Wii U demo station at a handful of retailers, including Target, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Toys 'R' Us. Kiosk content will vary by location; some will allow gamers to pick up a GamePad and play titles, while others will only feature … Read more

Wii U 'deluxe' promotion aims to boost game downloads

If you're willing to invest in new games for your long-awaited Wii U home console, a Nintendo promotion will grant you an extra $5 for every $50 you spend.

The Wii U, due to go on sale starting November 18, will come in two bundles: a $299 basic set and a $349 deluxe set that comes with additional accessories and the Nintendo Land game disc.

If you purchase the more-expensive bundle, you can use the promotion to earn points when purchasing downloadable games. These points can then be converted into discounts and will accumulate until the end of 2014. … Read more

With the Wii U Nintendo is now an 'entertainment company.' Again.

Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime stopped by CNET's New York office on Thursday to talk about the company's upcoming console launch, the Wii U. The system marks the first new home gaming hardware introduced to the U.S. market in six years.

The Wii U also represents a major shift in strategy for Nintendo, deviating from the strict games-only design of previous systems. The Wii U will not only be just for playing games, but also controlling your TV and discovering and streaming other content from the Internet.… Read more

The 404 1,156: Where your cell phone is sick (podcast)

Leaked from today's 404 episode:

- Another reason not to buy books: Hackers installed credit card readers at 63 stores across the country, New York City included.

- Attention New Yorkers: It's officially time to freak out about Hurricane Sandy.

- SDSU study confirms that five-second rule is pretty much bull.

- A license plate frame that defeats red light camera flashes.… Read more

Nintendo chief: We'll sell the Wii U at a loss

Nintendo won't make a dime when it starts selling its Wii U next month. In fact, it may lose a few.

Nintendo chief Satoru Iwata said yesterday in an earnings call with investors that the Wii U "will be sold below cost." Iwata didn't say how much of a loss Nintendo is taking on the hardware, though the device's more powerful components and GamePad controller likely drove costs up.

The Wii U will launch on November 18. A basic set featuring the hardware and GamePad will cost customers $299.99. A deluxe set that adds … Read more

Nintendo posts another huge loss, but the blood loss is slowing

Nintendo reported (PDF) a 6.8 decline in revenue to 201 billion yen ($2.6 billion) in the six months ended September 30. It also lost 28 billion yen during the period, though that was actually better than the 70.3 billion yen it lost a year earlier.

Nintendo's troubles were caused mainly by the Wii, whose sales fell off a cliff. Last year, Nintendo sold 3.4 million Wiis during the six-month period; this year, sales plummeted to 1.3 million. Wii software sales slumped to 23.7 million units -- a steep decline from the 36 million … Read more

Nintendo touts Wii U's tablet-like controller in new U.K. ad

Nintendo last night unveiled its first Wii U television commercial for the U.K.

The commercial, which aired during the country's "Homeland" show, offers a lighthearted look at the console and how Nintendo aims to change gamers' experience with its new hardware.

The commercial first demonstrates how the GamePad controller -- which, as you can see in the image above, resembles nothing so much as a medium-sized tablet with joystick buttons -- can extend gameplay by letting users virtually throw items to the television screen and see more of a game's surroundings. Nintendo was also quick … Read more