Key titles on the way
Nintendo today disclosed a number of surprises, including new games, the ability to use the Wii console to chat with friends near and far, and the expansion of the popular Club Nintendo rewards program to North America.A number of games are slated for 2009, including a new Punch-Out!!, Sin & Punishment 2 for Wii, Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon and Mario & Luigi RPG 3 for Nintendo DS. Consumers also can expect a new "Personal Trainer” series of titles designed to help users enrich their lives and learn new skills in fun and interesting ways.
Nintendo also announced that North American supplies of the Wii video game console between October and December will see a significant increase from 2007's levels, and that Nintendo DS will also be available in greater abundance than ever before.
The new Wii Speak Channel arrives on Nov. 16 and uses the Wii Speak, a microphone that sits on top of your television. This accessory is sold separately at an MSRP of $29.99. People who buy the microphone are given a code that allows them to download the Wii Speak Channel from the Wii Shop Channel at no charge. The Wii Speak lets people in up to four locations who have traded Friend Codes chat with one another at no extra cost. When you use Wii Speak in real time, your Mii appears on your TV screen and mimics your chat. You also can leave audio messages for your friends and family members or use Wii Speak to narrate captions for your photos.
Gamers have longed for the expansion of Club Nintendo to North America for years, and now Nintendo is making it a reality for everyone. Club Nintendo rewards Nintendo loyalists who complete surveys and register Nintendo products with loyalty coins that can be redeemed for exclusive items available only to Club Nintendo members. Club Nintendo is set to debut in North America this holiday season.
Key software available for Wii this holiday season includes:
- Wii Music: It's a new Wii experience that launches on Oct. 20 and gives you the ability to play a wide variety of musical instruments by using the Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to mimic the motions used to play real instruments. Everyone in the family will enjoy jamming together, while music fans will enjoy creating their own fresh, stylized takes on a variety of songs. Songs range from classical favorites like Beethoven's "Ode to Joy,” to pop hits like "Material Girl” or "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go” to Nintendo standards like the Super Mario Bros. theme.
- Animal Crossing: City Folk: This game lets you live your life in a virtual community that's all your own. You can interact with the fun characters in your town, customize everything from your house to your clothing and even chat with other friends in the game using the Wii Speak. Animal Crossing: City Folk launches on Nov. 16.
Check out key Wii and DS games planned for 2009 and Wiiware titles!