DS Gets Another Color!!!

The Pokemon Center in Japan has revealed that it will be releasing a new Mew Pink Nintendo DS system. The unit, featuring a slight pink color and silhouettes of the cute, rare Pokemon creature inside and out, will be released in July for 15,000 yen, the same price as a standard Nintendo DS system.



People will be able to pre-order this new Nintendo DS system starting on June 23rd, but the system won't be launched until July 8th. The system will only be sold at the Pokemon Centers and on the Pokemon Center website in Japan. IGN

Great Things for the DS in June!!!

Nintendo of America Inc. introduces the first new color in the Western Hemisphere for its popular Nintendo DS portable video game system. "Electric Blue" debuts in June and will become a permanent color in the DS palette, joining the original silver-and-black model, named "Titanium."

"This eye-catching new color comes at an ideal time," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Nearly 2 million Nintendo DS owners in North America alone have demonstrated they want something new from a hand-held video game system. Soon, consumers will have two popular choices for the innovative dual-screened Nintendo DS, which features touch-screen control, voice recognition and wireless play."

June also will see the release of two exciting new DS games. On June 13, Kirby: Canvas Curse will bring a new touch-screen twist to a popular franchise. Players will draw rainbow paths for Kirby to roll along as he stuns enemies and takes on their abilities. And on June 27, the highly anticipated and highly addictive puzzle game Meteos will have players launching deadly falling meteors back into space with touch-screen precision. Nintendo

Game Boy Micro!!!

The original Game Boy Advance fits comfortably into the pocket of a backpack. The retooled Game Boy Advance SP fits into a coat pocket. Now Nintendo takes aim at the pocket of your tightest jeans with the tiny Game Boy Micro system, quite simply the smallest and sleekest Game Boy product that Nintendo has ever created. It’s thinner than a cell phone, as chic as an MP3 player and as fun as a Game Boy. In an instant it attracts attention and positions the image-conscious player as someone on the cutting edge of cool.

The sporty, silver metal Game Boy Micro measures a mere 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches deep, allowing it to sit comfortably alongside today’s hippest technological gadgets. It weighs an astonishing 2.8 ounces, or about the weight of 80 paper clips. Yet Game Boy Micro has the same processing power and plays the same games as Game Boy Advance SP models, complete with standard face controls and gleaming shoulder and Start/Select buttons that literally shine.

With Game Boy Micro, everyone plays with style. A removable face plate gives owners the option to buy replacements to customize the look of their systems again and again with new colors and designs. Most notably, its 2-inch backlit screen shines with incredible power, rendering games in startling clarity with fantastic colors on the best Game Boy screen ever. For the first time, users can adjust the brightness of the screen to adapt to indoor lights or outdoor sunshine.

"We're making the gorgeous Game Boy Micro for image-conscious folks who love video games, the ones who want the look of their system to be as cool as the games they play on it," says George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Because of its diminutive size and industrial-hip look, Game Boy Micro immediately identifies the person playing it as a trendsetter with discriminating style."

Game Boy Micro represents the latest evolution in the image of the Game Boy Advance line, but it is not a successor to any current system. Game Boy Micro will be released this fall. The system comes with a built-in, rechargeable lithium-ion battery and supports standard headphones.

The Game Boy Advance line remains tied for the most popular video game system of this generation. More than 28 million units have sold in the United States, yet Game Boy Advance launched a full eight months after PlayStation 2. Video game fans clearly appreciate great game play and portability. Nearly 700 games are now available for Game Boy Advance.



Nintendo

Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection Unveiled!!!

By the end of the year, Nintendo DS owners around the world will be able to play their favorite franchises via Wi-Fi. Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing DS and a new Tony Hawk title from Activision are targeted to be among the first using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, a groundbreaking portable, wireless gaming network. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection fulfills the promise of the wireless capabilities of Nintendo DS by taking advantage of yet another innovative aspect of the system and using it to expand the gaming experience to wider audiences.

“Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection has an immediate user base of more than 5 million Nintendo DS owners worldwide, and it’s growing every day,” says George Harrison, Nintendo of America’s senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. “The service invites everyone to enjoy the game-play experience for Nintendo-developed games using wireless connections with very easy setup procedures and no added service fees.”

Nintendo is partnering with IGN Entertainment to manage the service’s architecture and navigation. Using IGN’s GameSpy Technology, DS players will connect wirelessly at any Wi-Fi hub, find their friends and begin racing, battling or chatting as easily as if they were sitting in the same room. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection also lets players post high scores and includes an option for games to have online storage space to store game data. More than 25 publishers worldwide are working on titles that will use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.

In the six months since it launched, Nintendo DS has redefined portable gaming. With Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, the next six months will bring equally exciting innovations. Mario Kart DS, due in Q4, lets up to eight players race against one another in classic Mario Kart fashion on new tracks and arenas. Zip through raceways and environments while firing shells at your opponents using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Animal Crossing DS, also due in Q4, gives players in different locations the ability to explore their worlds and manage their homes. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players can hang out, collect items or visit with friends.

A number of other upcoming titles will make use of the DS Local Area Network and build on Nintendo’s reputation for innovation as they expand the definition of what portable games can be. Nintendogs puts a simulated puppy into the Nintendo DS. Owners bond with incredibly realistic – and insanely cute – puppies and train them to do tricks using both the touch screen and voice recognition. Users can toss a ball and watch the pup retrieve it, or teach the puppy to come at the sound of their voices. The puppies will stare longingly through the screen, and do everything but lick your face. When in “Bark Mode,” puppies bark when they pass by other Nintendo DS owners using Nintendogs, so that people and their puppies can interact with one another. Nintendogs received a rare perfect score from Weekly Famitsu, Japan’s leading video game magazine. Nintendogs represents a dramatic leap forward in artificial intelligence for video games and is scheduled for an Aug. 22 release in North America.

Another creative title, Electroplankton, turns Nintendo DS systems into musical instruments. Users create pulsing or soothing rhythms with the touch screen. Each new setting changes the tune and takes the user on a new musical path. Electroplankton includes 10 different enchanting musical landscapes designed by multimedia artist Toshio Iwai.

Additional games in every genre will round out the impressive 2005 software lineup for Nintendo DS. Metroid Prime Hunters brings first-person shooting dynamics to the dual screens and touch screen. Fans will rejoice about the wild adventures in both Mario & Luigi 2 and New Super Mario Bros. And Trace Memory unfolds like an interactive mystery adventure novel.

Publishers developing games for the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection include:

Activision, Inc. -- Tony Hawk game (working title)
Atari -- TBA
BANDAI CO., LTD. -- Mobile Suit Gundam (working title); Digimon World (working title)
BANPRESTO CO., LTD. -- TBA
Buena Vista -- TBA
CAPCOM CO., LTD. -- TBA
Electronic Arts -- TBA
FromSoftware, Inc. -- Tenchu DS (working title)
HUDSON SOFT Co., Ltd. -- Bomberman (working title); Momotaro Dentetsu World (working title)
KOEI Co., Ltd. -- Dynasty Warriors DS (working title)
KONAMI CORPORATION -- KOJIMA Productions Products; WORLD SOCCER Winning Eleven Series; JIKKYO POWERFUL PROYAKYU Series (working title); Castlevania Series (working title)
Majesco -- TBA
Marvelous Interactive Inc. -- Bokujou-Monogatari series (working title); Rune Factory (working title); Contact (working title); Real-Time-Strategy (working title)
Mastiff -- TBA
NAMCO LIMITED -- New RPG (working title)
Nintendo -- Animal Crossing DS; Mario Kart DS; Many more titles in development
SEGA CORPORATION -- TBA
Spike CO., LTD. -- Professional Wrestling (working title)
SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. -- Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles (working title)
TAITO CORPORATION -- TBA
Take 2 (2K Games) -- TBA
Telegames -- TBA
THQ -- TBA
Ubisoft -- TBA
Vivendi -- TBA
Nintendo

Revolution Revealed!!!

Each generation of video game consoles builds on the past to set new standards for the future. As the company with the strongest heritage of innovation, Nintendo redefines expectations for all next-gen systems by employing a wide-ranging strategy to attract more kinds of gamers to more kinds of games. When Nintendo’s new console, code-named Revolution, arrives in 2006, everyone will discover the meaning of All-Access Gaming.

"We will show the world what a next-gen system can be. Revolution marries the strongest heritage of innovation to the future of gaming," says Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. "With backward compatibility and the 'virtual console' concept, the stylish, compact body provides maximum gaming power. It will not only take home entertainment into another dimension by expanding the definition of video games, but it also will give you access to the great history of gaming."

Some of the system features that wowed the crowd at the Electronics Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles include:

The cool look: The new console boasts high-quality materials and a smart, compact design, approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together. A variety of prototype colors are being showcased during E3. It will come with a silver stand that makes the system a welcome, artistic component of any multimedia setup, whether it’s displayed vertically or horizontally.

Backward compatibility: The new console plays all games from the current Nintendo GameCube generation. But there's more…

The secret weapon: The console also will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

Easy expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.

Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.

The specs: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution’s technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named "Broadway," and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named "Hollywood," will deliver game experiences not previously possible.

The stars: Introduction of a number of new franchise properties will add to the world’s richest stable of stars, including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.

Wireless freedom: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo’s newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.

Freedom of design: A dynamic development architecture equally accommodates both big-budget, high-profile game “masterpieces” as well as indie games conceived by individual developers equipped with only a big idea.

"Our next console proves small in size but big on ideas," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. "We’re throwing open the doors of gaming to wider audiences, from casual players to hard-core gamers who live for the thrill of defeating an endless army of wireless opponents."

Nintendo's All-Access Gaming philosophy covers the spectrum. The next console fits anywhere. It brings together new games and old. It gives people worldwide access through wireless Wi-Fi connections. And it opens the world of video games – to everyone. Software for the new console will even attract people who don’t consider themselves players. Adults, kids, men and women around the world will have access to the most popular video game characters, the best game franchises and the most engaging experiences yet developed – only with Nintendo.




Nintendo

Big News From Nintendo's E3 2005 Press Conference!!!

Each year on the eve of the annual Electronics Entertainment Expo, Nintendo holds an exclusive press conference to give the gaming media an early look at what Nintendo holds in store for the coming year.

This year, Nintendo came out swinging with huge announcements covering its next console Revolution, Game Boy Micro, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and a wide range of software for Nintendo GameCube, Nintendo DS and Game Boy Advance. As the press conference opened, Satoru Iwata, President of Nintendo Co. Ltd., took the stage and showcased an impressive highlight reel of upcoming software.

When the video ended, an enthusiastic crowd cheered as Nintendo's Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing, Reggie Fils-Aime, took the stage. After making a few observations about all the big numbers being tossed around in the pre-E3 speeches, Reggie displayed a single number on the jumbo screen behind him -- the number "2."

This drew some laughter from the crowd, and Reggie explained that the number represented the 2 billion games Nintendo has sold over the past 20 years -- an impressive number indeed. Reggie explained that Nintendo has always been a "content company" that creates software out of a love for making video games.

To demonstrate Nintendo's innovative approach to the video game industry, Reggie introduced world-renowned DJ David Hollands who delivered an impressive set of music mixed on two Nintendo DS systems while playing Electroplankton.

Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection

Reggie then shifted gears and talked about the new Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that will be available for Nintendo DS before the end of the year. He stated that Nintendo estimates that 90% of Nintendo DS owners will take advantage of this free service, which will enable players to compete against Nintendo DS owners around the world.

Other details about Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection on Nintendo DS include:


Your favorite franchises are slated to be available via Wi-Fi by the end of the year, with Mario Kart DS, Animal Crossing DS and a new Tony Hawk title from Activision scheduled to be among the first games compatible with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Nintendo is partnering with IGN Entertainment to manage the service’s architecture and navigation. Using IGN’s GameSpy Technology, you'll be able to connect wirelessly at any Wi-Fi hub, find your friends and begin racing, battling or chatting as easily as if they were sitting with you in the same room.
Mario Kart DS, due in Q4, lets up to eight players race against one another in classic Mario Kart fashion on new tracks and arenas. Zip through raceways and environments while firing shells at your opponents using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Animal Crossing DS, also due in Q4, gives players in different locations the ability to explore their worlds and manage their homes. Using Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, players can hang out, collect items or visit with friends.
More than 25 publishers worldwide are working on titles that will use Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Nintendogs

The next special guest at the press conference was Tina Wood from G4TV, who happily showed off her prized pug "Mia" from Nintendogs for Nintendo DS. When she activated the game's "Bark Mode," her Nintendo DS barked when it noticed another Nintendogs game nearby. The crowd was pleased to discover that the new Nintedog, named "Mario," was owned by none other than Mario-creator Shigeru Miyamoto. Check out nintendo.com for more info on Nintendogs.

Game Boy Micro

After Tina and Mr. Miyamoto made their exit, Reggie returned to the stage to unveil the latest evolution in the image of the Game Boy Advance line, the Game Boy Micro. Coming this fall, the Game Boy Micro measures a mere 4 inches wide, 2 inches tall and 0.7 inches deep. Reggie held up a Game Boy Micro system, which appeared impressively small. More information about Game Boy Micro is available at nintendo.com.

Revolution

After an impressive highlight reel showcasing upcoming GBA software, Mr. Iwata returned to the stage and gave the crowd what it was hoping for -- a first-look at a prototype of Nintendo's next console, code-name Revolution. Mr. Iwata revealed that Revolution will be arriving in 2006 and announced that the system will be backward compatible with Nintendo GameCube games. In addition, Revolution will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

Mr. Iwata also announced that Revolution will feature wireless controllers and compatibility with the newly announced wireless gaming service Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Many attendees cheered when Mr. Iwata revealed that key franchises will be compatible with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection at launch, including Super Smash Bros.

Other details about Revolution include:


Sophisticated Design. The new console is approximately the size of three standard DVD cases stacked together, and it was displayed in a variety of prototype colors at E3. The console will come with a sleek silver stand allowing it to be displayed vertically or horizontally.
Backward Compatibility. Revolution will play all of your favorite Nintendo GameCube games. An innovative self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. You can also equip a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.
Huge Historic Library. Revolution will have downloadable access to 20 years of fan-favorite titles originally released for Nintendo 64, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) and even the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
Big Names. Nintendo announced that new franchise properties will be added to current super-star franchises including Mario, Zelda, Super Smash Bros., Donkey Kong and Metroid.
Wi-Fi Freedom. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment using Nintendo's newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection.
Nintendo GameCube Software

The Revolution news was a tough act to follow, but Nintendo's Senior Vice President of Marketing and Corporate Communications George Harrison was ready for the task and introduced awesome video footage of upcoming Nintendo GameCube titles including Battalion Wars, Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, and a collection of new Mario titles including Mario Baseball, Super Mario Strikers, Mario Party 7 and Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Mix.

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess

George saved a real gem for last, and wrapped up the pre-E3 press conference with an incredible new video trailer for The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess. You can watch the video for yourself and access new screenshots and character art by visiting www.Zelda.com.

You don't have to be an industry insider to get complete access to Nintendo at E3 2005. Complete coverage of Nintendo's booth and breaking news is available right here at nintendo.com. Nintendo

Nintendo DS Downloadable Demos Revealed!!!

Last week, Nintendo revealed that it will be hosting a Nintendo DS area at the Electronic Entertainment Expo where attendees will be able to download a choice selection of demo versions of Nintendo DS software. We were able to sneak a peek at the list as printed on Nintendo's booth wall during its construction:

Polarium (E3 demo)
Meteos(E3 demo)
Table Hockey(E3 demo)
Submarine (E3 demo)
Electroplankton (E3 demo)
Zelda Preview Trailer
Zelda Gallery


IGN

Early Details Reveals

Nintendo, the world leader in video game innovation, stated loud and clear that they are not to be overlooked in the next generation home console race with the revelation of several unique features of the company's next console system, code name Revolution, to key media outlets. According to the early information, Revolution will combine powerful technology and gaming-focused features in Nintendo's smallest home game console yet.



In its final form, Revolution will be about the thickness of three standard DVD cases and only slightly longer. The versatile Revolution will play either horizontally or vertically, allowing the user total flexibility in setting up a gaming session wherever they have a television.



Thanks to Nintendo's hardware development partners IBM and ATI, the small system will be packed with power that will enable it to wow players with its graphics. Nintendo's legions of loyal fans will be happy to learn that Revolution will be backward compatible, playing both Nintendo GameCube 8cm disks along with its own 12cm optical disks in the same self-loading media drive.



In the next generation, the addition of the Internet will be important to all consoles and particularly important to Nintendo. Revolution will be wireless Internet ready out of the box.



There's much more to Revolution that will be revealed over the coming months, but the combination of its compact size, wireless Internet, backward compatibility, quick start-up time and quiet, low-power operation add up to the start of a great game system. Get ready for the Nintendo Revolution in 2006! Nintendo

Breaking Revolution Details!!!

The Electronics Entertainment Expo 2005 is still days away, but that hasn't stopped Microsoft from debuting its Xbox 360 console on MTV. And now Nintendo has followed suit, revealing some new meaty details about its next-generation console, codenamed Revolution.


Nintendo of America's vice president of corporate affairs Perrin Kaplan describes the console as "very, very sleek." The system, which is reportedly tiny, will stand horizontally. Its width will reportedly be no more than three DVD cases stacked flatly on each other, or slightly more than an inch.
Revolution will play standard DVD media this time around. No word yet if the console will be able to play DVD movies.

It will also be able to play high-definition games and go online. More details to come at E3 2005. IGN

Nintendo & IGN Team up For Online!!!

Nintendo is partnering with IGN Entertainment to create an innovative network for portable video games that is not only expansive but also extremely easy for everyone to use. Set to debut later this year, the wireless service for Nintendo DS will use IGN’s GameSpy Technology to let people around the world link easily and wirelessly to play games, just as if they were playing face-to-face.

"With minimum setup procedures, Nintendo DS owners will be able to enjoy Wi-Fi gaming just as easily as if they were playing with their friends in the same room," explains Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America’s executive vice president of sales & marketing. "To realize this simple and seamless transition to Wi-Fi gaming, we’re partnering with one of the leaders in the multiplayer gaming world. Accessing the service will require no added Nintendo subscription charges, whether users hook up using a home broadband Wi-Fi connection or access a Wi-Fi hotspot at a coffee shop, library or elsewhere. It doesn’t get any easier than that."

The service will be used by a variety of upcoming games, including the previously announced Animal Crossing DS. Other titles will be revealed in the coming weeks. When using the service, DS owners can choose whether they would like to play with friends or strangers, whether nearby or on the other side of the world.

The service represents the first foray by IGN’s GameSpy into portable games.

"We’re excited to bring the technology that powers more than 300 PC and console video games to Nintendo’s innovative wireless platform. Now developers can easily and confidently add advanced matchmaking, community and other multiplayer services to their Nintendo DS games," says Mark Stieglitz, general manager of IGN Entertainment’s GameSpy Technology Group. "We’re honored that Nintendo is choosing IGN’s GameSpy as their middleware partner, and look forward to a very long relationship."

Nintendo

Touch! Dic!

A Korean-English dictionary is in the works. It's official name is 'Touch! Dic!' and while translating it will do, it will also provide as a calculator. This is not being developed by Nintendo but instead by a Korean company.

Touch! Dic!

Clover Studio's E3 Lineup

Clover Studio's line-up includes:

Okami (PlayStation 2)

Scratch! Viewtiful Joe (Nintendo DS)

Viewtiful Joe VFX Battle (GameCube, PSP)

Clover Studio


More info will be posted during E3.

New Game Releases!!!

Donkey Konga 2
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Namco
Platform: GCN
Genre: Music
Ships: 05/09/05



Donkey Konga 2 with DK Bongos
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Namco
Platform: GCN
Genre: Music
Ships: 05/09/05





Need For Speed Underground 2
Publisher: Electronic Arts
Developer: Pocketeers
Platform: DS
Genre: Racing
Ships: 05/10/05

Hands-on With Pac 'n Roll!!!

Pac 'n Roll is a Marble Madness meets Super Monkey Ball design that puts the Nintendo DS system's touch screen control and 3D capabilities to use. By sliding the stylus along the touch screen, players roll Pac-Man around on the upper view. The direction and speed of the stylus determines the rolling and momentum of Pac-Man in the environment, so players will have to constantly keep moving on the touch screen in order to maneuver Pac-Man around these 3D level designs.

If Pac-Man's rolling too quickly, there's a breaking system in place -- players simply touch and hold the on-screen Pac-Man on the lower screen to keep Pac-Man from moving. There are also special moves to get Pac-Man around much more quickly; by dragging the stylus quickly from the very bottom to the very top, Pac-Man will actually "boost" in that direction, which is a necessary function to get up steep inclines like a skateboard-like quarterpipe or even a series of ramps spanning a dangerous gap, elements that are frequently scattered around the challenging level designs.

The whole idea is to scurry around the levels using these control mechanics, munching dots sprinkled around the area and avoiding the ghosts out to do Pac-Man harm. But like any Pac-Man game, there are ways to gobble up the enemy for some additional points. Pac-Man will be able to eat power-up chocolate to enhance his abilities, like a Knight helmet that will make him stronger against ghost attacks but slower and heavier to control. A feather cap makes the guy faster but lighter, which is a downside when you hit areas that have a lot of gusting wind trying to blow Pac-Man off the edge. In one of the levels in the demo, players had to maneuver Pac-Man around on moving ledges through windy areas, and it was impossible to get the yellow guy through if he had the feather cap power-up in place.
The 3D engine used in Pac 'n Roll is very solid, offering a smooth framerate and detailed level geometry for all of the different challenges. The lower touch screen displays Pac-Man as a "trackball" of sorts, in 3D but far less detailed than the upper screen. This 3D Pac-Man is used to show players the direction he's rolling, a handy indicator so players can adjust their momentum accordingly if the guy's moving in a hazardous direction. This lower screen Pac-Man also displays the current power-up that players currently have activated. Though the demo version we played didn't have this feature in place, the lower screen will also get infested with ghosts that players will have to exterminate by tapping them with the stylus. IGN

New in Japan!!!

Homeland
Publisher: Chun Soft
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, RPG; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 5800 yen; Memory: 29 Blocks
Chun Soft returns to Nintendo with a rare network RPG. You play as a "quester" who must journey into a strange world and take on quests. Prior to starting a quest, you transform into a mascot character who has special attack and defense abilities. The game combines RPG-style menu based battles with a fast action feel. You'll need to hold hands with other characters in order to increase your strength and take on stronger opponents. Online play is included, allowing players to create servers using their own GameCube.


Ochaken no Yumebouken
Publisher: MTO
Genre: Variety, Action; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 4410 yen; Backup Memory Included
In this action game, you take control of Ochaken and go about gathering balloons. In addition to collecting parts to make your very own Ochaken, you'll also play through mini games and take part in seasonal events. Clear an event, and you earn a star; earn three stars, and you can move on to the next stage. When creating your Ochaken, you can attach parts such as hats and ribbons and change the color to your liking.

The Tower SP
Publisher: Nintendo
Genre: Management, Simulation; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 4800 yen; Backup Memory Included
In this Game Boy Advance version of Sim Tower, you play as a building manager who must manage a growing building. Working within a budget, you equip your building with new facilities, choosing from 40 types, including office space, residences, bathrooms, movie theaters and fast food. Based on the facilities that you open, you'll earn money which can be used to further improve your building. It's possible to create a building spanning five levels underground all the way to fifty stories up.

One Piece Dragon Dream!
Publisher: Bandai
Genre: Anime, Action, RPG; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 5040 yen; Backup Memory Included
Remember One Peace: Oceans Dream!? The 2003 PlayStation RPG based on the popular One Piece cartoon has been brought to the Game Boy Advance in renewed form. Your goal is to help a young, mysterious boy who lost his memory figure out what's up. You can send up to three characters into battle at once, with two of the characters controlled by the CPU.


Relaxuma na Mainichi
Publisher: Imagineer
Genre: Communication, Action; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 5040 yen; Backup Memory Included
In this communcation-based title, you interact with the popular Relaxuma character. Relaxuma spends his day chilling in his room, performing new actions based on the season or on the items that you show him. Your goal is to take a picture of Relaxuma in forty different poses. The game includes four mini games which award you with items.


Guru Guru Nagetto
Publisher: Success
Genre: Variety, Action; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 5040 yen; Backup Memory Included
In this action game from Success, you make use of a magic ball to advance through stages of play. To throw the ball, you power up a gauge on the bottom screen using the touch pen. You can perform five different types of throwing. As you work through the game, you'll be able to equip your magic ball with items, giving it added ability.

Devilish
Publisher: Star Fish
Genre: Fantasy, Action; Release: 04.28.05
Price: 5040 yen; Backup Memory Included
It's a rare Genesis to DS update in this action game from Star Fish. Making skillful use of two bars, you send a ball back and forth on the screen in order to take out enemies and obstacles. Your goal is to clear the stage within a time limit. IGN