|
Nintendo appeals to all ages this holiday season [BC-PLG-NINTENDOHOLIDAY:MCT]
(McClatchy-Tribune News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) This holiday season, Nintendo is offering big lineup of new titles and updated fan-favorites.
"Our aim, during the holiday season and throughout the year, is to get Nintendo products into the hands of as many people as possible," said Denise Kaigler, vice president of corporate affairs for Nintendo of America. "We have so many different fun options for games of all tastes and level of experience that we're confident everyone will find something to enjoy."
Notably, the must-have title on any fan's wish list, "New Super Mario Bros. Wii" ($50, rated E) combines smooth, clear graphics with updated moves that Kaigler said will "resonate with longtime fans of the 'Mario' franchise."
Launched Nov. 15 as the first true multiplayer "Mario" game, it has all the running, jumping and coin-collecting as its cousins, but new features, such as the ability to include up to three other players in the adventure, combine competition with cooperation to form an innovative title with a classic feel.
Other enhancements like the propeller suit, which shoots characters into the sky with the simple shake of the motion-sensitive Wii controller, and the option to hinder or assist other players' performances also boosts the possibilities in the timeless game.
The Wii console's price dropped by one-fifth on Sept. 27 to $199, and Nintendo hopes the change will entice more consumers to try the gaming experience, along with the release of new titles like the much-anticipated "Wii Fit Plus" (rated E).
Featuring more than 20 workout routines, strength exercises, yoga stretches, balance forms and obstacle courses, "Wii Fit Plus" aims to help you burn off those extra holiday calories.
With the assistance of a virtual trainer, players can create and customize routines specific to their body types or goals, set the number of minutes they prefer to complete each exercise in and view the results of their hard work afterword.
"Our research shows there are 50 million Americans thinking about becoming gamers," said Cammie Dunaway, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Nintendo of America. "This more affordable price point and our vast array of new software mean many of them can now make the leap and find experiences that appeal to them, whatever their tastes or level of gaming experience."
"Wii Fit Plus" shows users an estimate of how many calories users burned during their workouts and notes the number of calories in everyday foods to encourage healthier eating habits.
"'Wii Fit' got millions of consumers off the couch and into video gaming," Kaigler said, "and 'Wii Fit Plus' continues in this tradition of helping people enjoy their workouts even more."
At $20 for those already using the Wii Balance Board, the title costs less than a month at most local gyms. The game-and-board combo comes to about $90.
Some new colors for existing products also may be attractive gifts: The Wii controllers are now available in black, in addition to classic white. And the Nintendo DSi portable consoles now come in white and pink.
The update to the Nintendo DS, originally released in April in black and blue, is encapsulated in a sleeker body, with larger display screens, built-in cameras and options to play music. The changes have transformed the convenient gaming solution into an everyday unforgettable, much like a cell phone.
Priced at about $170, the DSi has wireless Internet connectivity and brighter images that come in handy when playing games like "The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks" and "Style Savvy" (both rated E).
While it's primarily targeted to the teen and tween markets, "Style Savvy" is the ultimate shopping simulator and can be enjoyed by gamers of all ages.
An amalgamate of business and shopping, players have the ability to own and operate their own clothing boutiques – with an inventory of 16 in-game designer labels – and interact with customers to sell merchandise and generate a profit.
The game, which also lets users sync with up to three friends for a runway fashion show, costs about $30.
Other games recently released include "Foto Frenzy" for the DSi (rated E) and for the Wii, "Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare" (rated M) and "Band Hero" (rated E).
___
ON THE WEB
Nintendo: www.nintendo.com.
___
(c) 2009, McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
_____
TO SUBSCRIBE TO PLUGGED IN
Items in the Plugged In package are not included in your MCT News Service subscription. You can subscribe to the Plugged In package or purchase the items a la carte on MCT Direct at www.mctdirect.com. To subscribe, please call Rick DeChantal at Tribune Media Services at (800) 245-6536 or rdechantal@tribune.com. Outside the United States, call Tribune Media Services International at +1-312-222-4444 or e-mail tmsisales@tribune.com.
_____
PHOTOS (from MCT Photo Service, 202-383-6099):
KeyWords:: BC-PLG-NINTENDOHOLIDAY:MCT BC PLG NINTENDOHOLIDAY MCT
[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]
|
SUBSCRIPTIONS
Activate Email 
TMCnet LOGIN
Find Solutions for Enterprises, SMBs & Service Providers at the INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference and EXPO West, October 4-6, 2010. Los Angeles, CA.
