Nintendo in the past was a money-making machine with the Wii and the Nintendo DS but times have been rough for the Big N with them losing a reported $923 million the first half of the this fiscal year. You can point the blame to many things with the extremely weak Nintendo 3DS sales resulting in a price drop and we discussed where 3DS failed in its launch, the low Wii hardware and software sales with it near its end-of-life cycle and the terrible reception the Wii U received when it was announced.

Nintendo is also projecting to lose another $264 Million going into the end of this fiscal year in March 2012. Not a good time now for Nintendo. They hope to try to stop the bleed with their heavy hitter titles for the Wii and 3DS coming this holiday 2011 that make also pick up some hardware sales. This does put pressure on Nintendo to fix sales of the Nintendo 3DS and hit a homerun with the Wii U by convincing the masses that the product will indeed work and will bring new innovated games to the platform.

Source: Nintendo’s Fiscal Half Year Report

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The Nintendo 3DS is the newcomer to the DS family which has now become a very large family and it can be hard to choose which one is right for you but I’ll give you a quick break down on what each one can do for you.

Before we begin lets list the basics of which all DS models have. You get a dual screen setup with the bottom screen being a touch screen, a built in microphone and each system comes with a stylus. Now each model does has a unique difference which we will get into as we compare each model

.

We’ll start off with the DS Lite which I feel is the DS model that really launched the platform. It was an upgrade and a step up from the original DS which was much more bulky and didn’t have the sleek design that the new DS Lite came with and a much brighter screen which was needed. One unique feature of the DS Lite is that it was the last of the DS to come with a GBA slot which was key for those that were upgrading from their Game Boy Advance or Game Boy Advance SP. This was the model that made the DS the game changer that it promised to be.

After the success of the DS Lite Nintendo decide to step up the game a little bit more but lose a little something with the introduction of the DSi. I had a DSi but I traded it in a year later for a DSi XL which both had pretty much the same hardware features with the larger screens as the biggest difference so we will use the DSi XL as the example for the DSi lineup. The DSi lineup came with a bit brighter of a screen, new dual camera setup with one internal and one external. Unfortunately no GBA slot which was a disappointment to many out there and signaled the end of GBA support and GBA games in general. For me that was a bit sad because two GBA games that I was still playing were Super Mario Advanced 4 which was Super Mario Brothers 3 (Greatest Mario game ever in my opinion), and also The Legend of Zelda: Minnish Cap was another great game with good replay value. For this reason I kept my Game Boy Advance SP and DS Lite around.

And now we are here with the new Nintendo 3DS and while its definitely a member of the DS family I wouldn’t call it the new more powerful younger brother but more of a cousin in a new line of the family. The 3DS introduces powerful graphics that rival GameCube and Wii graphics. It also introduces real 3D gaming without the need of glasses with other new items such as an analog stick, a 3rd  external camera to take 3D pictures and take advantage of augmented reality technology (AR), a new “Home” button in the middle of start and select and a 3D slider to adjust the depth of the 3D from all the way up to completely off and back to 2D and a accelerometer and gyroscope to round of the new stuff. With these new additions and the innovations from the DSi the 3DS is the most powerful and advanced DS system out there among the rest of the DS family.

Now in comparison when it comes to size the DS LIte, DSi, and 3DS are about exactly the same size and design and nearly the same weight give or take an ounce or two.  The DSi XL is the big boy in the family and is a little bit heavier and not as pocketable as the others but the DSi XL main focus is no so much on pocketablity as it is it focused on users looking for a larger screen and gameplay area.

With 4 models to choose from you can really find the one that fits you. The Nintendo DS Lite is definitely for those with a large Game Boy Advance lineup that are not ready to move totally yet and still want to have the ability to player newer games and not have to carry two devices to do it.  The DSi/DSi XL is for those looking to get their first DS system and want to wait to see where 3D gaming goes on the Nintendo 3DS and save a little bit of money and don’t have a large GBA game lineup.  The 3DS is for those that are ready to make the jump to 3D, gain the most graphics power out of all the DS family and still have the ability to play DS games and also have access to the eventually virtual console store to grab old Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, classic games and even Turbo Graphic 16 and Game gear games as well.

If you are in the market for the DS you will find that there is a model that will suit you. You can’t go wrong with any of the models available and you will get a great gaming experience from any DS you choose.

Buy your choice of DS below

DS Lite

DSi

DSi XL

Nintendo 3DS

Looks like someone in on of Nintendo manufacturing plants in China found a way to sneak out a 3DS for use to see.  From the video he pretty much does comparisons to the original DS Lite and DSi but no games as it doesn’t look like it turns on but at least we get an idea of what the final production model will look like which doesn’t look too much different than from version we saw at E3 which I’ve included below for comparison.

Nintendo 3DS Leaked Video

Our 3DS Video from E3 2010

Mobi Headphones is cool little designer speaker to bring style to your audio. Lets see if the performance matches the style.

Hardware

The Mobi Headphone hardware wise come pretty simple with one speaker on the back of the headphonies head and the audio jack below it.  It’s made up of a solid hard plastic which feels like it can take a few bumps. It comes with a USB cable for charging and the audio cable to connect it to the device of your choice. There is small hoop on the top of its head that can be used for key chains or to hook it on a backpack or jeans or whatever you choose.

Usage

We tested a few different devices with the Mobi headphones and found them all to work well. We used a Zune HD, iPod Touch 4th Gen, Motorola Droid 1 and a Nintendo DSi XL and audio out of all devices sounded crisp and clear however if you listen to music with a lot of bass in you’ll start to hear distortion the louder you turn it up which I would expect in such a small device.

Overall

The Mobi Headphonies are really cool Mini speakers with a nice style. They have tones of designs that you can look through to choose the on that fits you. At the price range of about $25 its a pretty good deal for external audio when needed and a good small gift for someone.

Video Review Below

Buy your Mobi Headphonies From

Amazon.com

The long rumored Nintendo Wii Remote Plus that integrates the MotionPlus technology is coming on November 7th for $39. Check inside for the press release.

Nintendo Announces Red-Hot Bundles, New Wii Remote Plus Controller
The Best Video Game Value for the Holidays Just Got Even Better
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nintendo has everyone’s holiday shopping list covered with an array of great new products. These include Mario™-red, limited-edition Wii™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system bundles that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros.™ game on the NES™ and a new Wii Remote™ Plus controller that has Wii MotionPlus™ motion technology built right in. Nintendo already offers tremendous video game value, and these products will make it even easier for shoppers to find fun at a great price. All new products go on sale in North America on Nov. 7, and the limited-edition products will be available while supplies last.
"Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays"
"Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays," said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. "For anyone who is still on the fence about whether to join the world of video games, we’re offering many fun, easy, economical ways to get involved."
The lineup of products launching Nov. 7 includes:
Red Wii Bundle: This limited-edition Wii hardware comes in beautiful red to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. The bundle includes New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii and a new red Wii Remote Plus controller, in addition to all the other included items, like Wii Sports™ and a red Nunchuk™ controller. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $199.99.
Red Nintendo DSi XL Bundle: This special-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle is also red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics. The bundle comes with Mario Kart™ DS, which looks gorgeous on the extra-large screen. That’s in addition to the pre-loaded software of Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $179.99.
Wii Remote Plus: This new controller combines the original, iconic Wii Remote™ controller with built-in Wii MotionPlus functionality. The compact Wii Remote Plus controller offers players precision motion controls all in one unit. It becomes the new standard Wii controller, and will be available from now on in all Wii hardware packages and bundles, as well as sold separately at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
FlingSmash™ Bundle: The new Wii game combines the hands-on fun of tennis with the nonstop action and instant gratification of pinball. It requires use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, so it seemed natural to bundle it with the new Wii Remote Plus controller. For a suggested retail price of $49.99, shoppers get to enjoy both the game and the controller in one package.
Remember that 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, visit http://wii.com or http://www.nintendodsi.com.
About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.4 billion video games and more than 565 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.
Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Deanna Talamantez at 213-438-8742 or dtalamantez@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6477425⟨=en

Pre-Order your Nintendo DSi XL Red Bundle with Mario Kart

Nintendo Announces Red-Hot Bundles, New Wii Remote Plus Controller
The Best Video Game Value for the Holidays Just Got Even Better
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nintendo has everyone’s holiday shopping list covered with an array of great new products. These include Mario™-red, limited-edition Wii™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system bundles that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros.™ game on the NES™ and a new Wii Remote™ Plus controller that has Wii MotionPlus™ motion technology built right in. Nintendo already offers tremendous video game value, and these products will make it even easier for shoppers to find fun at a great price. All new products go on sale in North America on Nov. 7, and the limited-edition products will be available while supplies last.
"Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays"
"Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays," said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. "For anyone who is still on the fence about whether to join the world of video games, we’re offering many fun, easy, economical ways to get involved."
The lineup of products launching Nov. 7 includes:
Red Wii Bundle: This limited-edition Wii hardware comes in beautiful red to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. The bundle includes New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii and a new red Wii Remote Plus controller, in addition to all the other included items, like Wii Sports™ and a red Nunchuk™ controller. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $199.99.
Red Nintendo DSi XL Bundle: This special-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle is also red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics. The bundle comes with Mario Kart™ DS, which looks gorgeous on the extra-large screen. That’s in addition to the pre-loaded software of Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $179.99.
Wii Remote Plus: This new controller combines the original, iconic Wii Remote™ controller with built-in Wii MotionPlus functionality. The compact Wii Remote Plus controller offers players precision motion controls all in one unit. It becomes the new standard Wii controller, and will be available from now on in all Wii hardware packages and bundles, as well as sold separately at a suggested retail price of $39.99.
FlingSmash™ Bundle: The new Wii game combines the hands-on fun of tennis with the nonstop action and instant gratification of pinball. It requires use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, so it seemed natural to bundle it with the new Wii Remote Plus controller. For a suggested retail price of $49.99, shoppers get to enjoy both the game and the controller in one package.
Remember that 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, visit http://wii.com or http://www.nintendodsi.com.
About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.4 billion video games and more than 565 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.
Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Deanna Talamantez at 213-438-8742 or dtalamantez@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed.
Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6477425⟨=en

Nintendo is coming out with a brand new 25th anniversary edition of the Nintendo Wii that will come in nice Mario Red. It will come with the new Wii Remote Plus and will sell for $199 and should be launching November 7th.  It will come bundled with new Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Sports. Pre Order yours and check out the press release inside.

Pre-order your 25th Anniversary Red Wii here

Nintendo Announces Red-Hot Bundles, New Wii Remote Plus Controller

The Best Video Game Value for the Holidays Just Got Even Better

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Nintendo has everyone’s holiday shopping list covered with an array of great new products. These include Mario™-red, limited-edition Wii™ and Nintendo DSi XL™ system bundles that celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Super Mario Bros.™ game on the NES™ and a new Wii Remote™ Plus controller that has Wii MotionPlus™ motion technology built right in. Nintendo already offers tremendous video game value, and these products will make it even easier for shoppers to find fun at a great price. All new products go on sale in North America on Nov. 7, and the limited-edition products will be available while supplies last.

"Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays"

"Whether shoppers want to add a cool new look to their gaming setup or expand their supply of controllers with an exciting game, Nintendo offers a great value for the holidays," said Marc Franklin, Nintendo of America’s director of Public Relations. "For anyone who is still on the fence about whether to join the world of video games, we’re offering many fun, easy, economical ways to get involved."

The lineup of products launching Nov. 7 includes:

Red Wii Bundle: This limited-edition Wii hardware comes in beautiful red to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the original Super Mario Bros. game. The bundle includes New Super Mario Bros.™ Wii and a new red Wii Remote Plus controller, in addition to all the other included items, like Wii Sports™ and a red Nunchuk™ controller. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $199.99.

Red Nintendo DSi XL Bundle: This special-edition Nintendo DSi XL bundle is also red in honor of the 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. and features three iconic Super Mario Bros.-themed graphics. The bundle comes with Mario Kart™ DS, which looks gorgeous on the extra-large screen. That’s in addition to the pre-loaded software of Brain Age™ Express: Arts & Letters, Brain Age Express: Math and Photo Clock. It will be available while supplies last at a suggested retail price of just $179.99.

Wii Remote Plus: This new controller combines the original, iconic Wii Remote™ controller with built-in Wii MotionPlus functionality. The compact Wii Remote Plus controller offers players precision motion controls all in one unit. It becomes the new standard Wii controller, and will be available from now on in all Wii hardware packages and bundles, as well as sold separately at a suggested retail price of $39.99.

FlingSmash™ Bundle: The new Wii game combines the hands-on fun of tennis with the nonstop action and instant gratification of pinball. It requires use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, so it seemed natural to bundle it with the new Wii Remote Plus controller. For a suggested retail price of $49.99, shoppers get to enjoy both the game and the controller in one package.

Remember that 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, visit http://wii.com or http://www.nintendodsi.com.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.4 billion video games and more than 565 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at http://press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Deanna Talamantez at 213-438-8742 or dtalamantez@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed.

Photos/Multimedia Gallery Available: http://www.businesswire.com/cgi-bin/mmg.cgi?eid=6477425⟨=en

Episode 9 feature Bowman from BWOne.com

The Continuers!

Subscribe to their podcast  on iTunes and on Podomatic

Nintendo to Include Wii Sports Resort, Wii MotionPlus with All New Wii Systems
Starting May 9, Wii Hardware Will Be Available in Black or White
REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–A great value in video games is about to get even better. Starting May 9, Nintendo will add new elements to the baseline Wii™ system package offered at retailers throughout the Americas. In addition to the intuitive, motion-sensing Wii Remote™ controller, Nunchuk™ controller and popular Wii Sports™ game that currently comes standard with each system purchase, every new unit will now also come packaged with Wii Sports Resort™ and the control-enhancing Wii MotionPlus™ accessory. In addition, consumers will be able to choose between two color schemes for the Wii console and included controllers: original white, or a new black option. The U.S. suggested retail price of the new system package will remain at $199.99. Pricing outside the United States will be established by the local markets, but offer similar consumer value.
"Nintendo leads the way in delivering rich motion-control gaming experiences at an accessible price point," said Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we’re extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."
Wii Sports Resort expands on the active-play fun of the original Wii Sports, with resort-themed activities such as wakeboarding, archery and swordplay. What’s more, Wii Sports Resort features the rich control enhancements of Wii MotionPlus, which allows users to dive in and enjoy precision motion-control excitement right out of the box.
Wii MotionPlus has set the standard in precision motion control by delivering an immersive, social experience unavailable on any other system. As of May 9, when both the Wii Sports Resort game and a Wii MotionPlus accessory will come standard with every new Wii console, people who purchase the system can experience this leading-edge video game technology from the moment they plug in and power up.
Previously unavailable throughout the Americas, the black version of the Wii console will offer all the groundbreaking features and functions of its white counterpart in a stylish new color scheme. Whether they aim to color-coordinate with other devices or simply love the way it looks, consumers throughout the Americas can add a black Wii console with matching black Wii Remote and Nunchuk controllers to their home entertainment lineup. Additional black controllers and accessories can be purchased separately.
The Wii system launched in November 2006 and continues to attract millions of new and experienced gamers with its intuitive motion-sensing controls and inclusive game offerings.
Remember that Wii features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about Wii, visit Wii.com.
About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Wii™ home console and Nintendo DS™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System™, Nintendo has sold more than 3.3 billion video games and more than 558 million hardware units globally, including the current-generation Wii, Nintendo DS, Nintendo DSi™ and Nintendo DSi XL™, as well as the Game Boy™, Game Boy Advance, Super NES™, Nintendo 64™ and Nintendo GameCube™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names such as Mario™, Donkey Kong™, Metroid™, Zelda™ and Pokémon™. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Western Hemisphere. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at www.nintendo.com.
Note to editors: Nintendo press materials are available at press.nintendo.com, a password-protected site. To obtain a login, please contact Deanna Talamantez at 213-438-8742 or dtalamantez@golinharris.com. Users can receive instant Nintendo information by subscribing to the site’s RSS feed.

Choose your DSi XL Below

Hardware

The Nintendo DSi XL is a large “bigger younger brother” to the rest of the DS lineup and takes most of its specs from  the DSi which was released last year.  The main new feature is the 93% bigger screen it has compared to the screen you normally get with the Nintendo DS. The screens measure out to 4.2in diagonally and will provide  you with more space for viewing content on the device and also playing games that require a lot of stylus actions and/or RPG or strategy games which require many items to be shown on the screen at once. The device comes with the same resolution cameras that the DSi has and there is no GBA slot at all which is kind of weird considering the size of the device but that’s why the DS Lite is still around. It has a nice finish on the top with a matted finish around the rest of the device. The device is definitely heavier than previous DS models and isn’t going to just drop right in your pocket as this  is not meant for that. The hardware is up to par with Nintendo standers.

 Software

The software is pretty much the same from the DSi model.There isn’t much difference in here except for a few minor tweaks in the browser interface and in the camera section. The web browsing is still slow and won’t always fully render pages with rich content.  There is currently no way to transfer DSiware games purchased on the original DSi to the new DSi XL. Nintendo needs to get some sort of online registration and user ID so  it will track your purchase history and allow you to re download when you get a new device.  Other than that the software is pretty much the same.

Games

Games look great on the bigger screens and allow you to take in more of how the game looks than it ever has before.Playing The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks on it show no major issues and even looked better than before. The DSi XL has access to the DSi Shop to download DSiWare games to further extend  your gaming  experience.

Conclusion

Overall the device is solid and has all the  same features that the DSi had in the past but in a bigger scale.  The larger screens to play games just make it that much more of an enjoyable. The hardware is solid, the software is great and the overall package is great in the way its presented.  For some that still have the original DS its time to upgrade right away. For those that have a DS Lite or a DSi this is going to be a lateral upgrade for most of you but for the DS Lite owners you get a chance to play DSiWare games if you upgrade at the expense of losing your GBA slot.  The DSi XL is a great addition to the Nintendo DS Lineup.

Choose your DSi XL Below