hi there

first off id like to compliment you on your addictive mailbag

(its brilliant).

my question is,

im thinking about importing a canadian/us nds for use in the uk

but im not to sure if im going to need a step down converter or if i will

just be able to use a britsh charger with my us/canadian nds.

some places on the internet seem to say one thing and others say something

completly different.

so i was just wandering if one of you guys (or any of your readers) has

imported a us/canadian ds into england. and knows for definet whether ill

need a step down converter or not.

thanks and keep up the good work cause i do enjoy a good read.

jacobpatrick.

If you have access to a U.K. charger, I'm pretty sure that will plug into a DS from any region, as the battery and EXT port on the DS should be identical worldwide. Perhaps one of our readers can testify as to your exact situation, though.

Hi there, I love your site. Now I am a huge Nintendo

fan and I have been reading all the news lately about

Revolution and theres a couple thinsg that came to

mind recently. Its pretty common knowledge that

Nintenod has been slacking off in the Sports arena

lately, they make Mario related sports titles but taht

seams to be about it. I noticed that this Pennant

Baseball game evryone keeps talking about has been

delayed to the point that it would either have to be a

Rev title to matter or it would be betetr off canceled

out. Now my first question is since tehres now a Merio

Baseball game do you think its possible that the game

in question was actualy the basis for teh mario game?

Like they decided to scrap the original idea and use

the written code and stuff to convert it into a Mario

game? I think that could explain why teh game sorta

fell into obsurity don't you?

Next as youc an tell by my email address I am a HUGE

transfan, and I have to say i was nearly tempted to

buy a PS2 a while back JUST becaus ethey have some

decent looking Transformers games, now my TF related Q

is are there any hopes that someone will attempt to

port these games, or develop new one, for either Cube,

Rev or DS? I know that Takara/Hasbro has been very

reluctant to make TF games for whatever reason but teh

N64 games werent bad and teh Ps2 games look pretty

good to me. Dont you think a Transformers game for DS

woudl be possible at least? I sure hope so. Anyways

thast all I have for now

thetransformerscollector

For now, the fate of Pennant Chase Baseball remains a mystery, but it and Mario Superstar Baseball have nothing to do with each other. They were developed by different companies in different companies and use completely different gameplay engines. They have nothing in common except they're both published by Nintendo and they both simulate the game of baseball. Okay, that's a lot in common, but that's as far as it goes.

It's too late for the PS2's great Transformers game to be ported to GameCube, and I haven't heard of any new Transformers games for Nintendo systems, but it could definitely happen. If you're a true collector as your name says, you should consider importing Dream Mix TV World Fighters, a Smash Bros-like GameCube fighting game featuring playable characters from several video games and TV shows, including Optimus Prime. He has carries a blaster pistol and has a special move that transforms him into his Mack truck cab and drives across the stage, dealing massive damage to any opponents in the way. It's a crazy, fun game that the PGC staff has enjoyed at the hotel for the past few E3s. You can find a copy at Lik-Sang if it sounds interesting.

I'd like to thank you for answering my questions I mailed in August, you were the first site to do so, and it really helped solidify some points in my head.

I'm curious about the future of the DS. Clearly the double whammy of "Nintendogs" and "Advance Wars: Dual Strike" has to show well of the DS in the US market. How has the release of those games impacted system sales? Do you think that the impact was enough that developers, who had until now decided to wait out their choice of handheld, will take this success into mind?

That is just a preface to my main question. I've only imported one game ever, "Sin and Punishment." Seeing as I've been gaming for my entire life the fact that today I find myself contemplating importing two DS titles seems shocking. Lik-Sang (some ad revenue for you) seems almost assured to get at least one game's worth of money out of me. I desire "Ossu! Tatakae! Ouendan!" in the same way a junkie lusts for his next hit. I'm not a big fan of manga, but "Jump: Superstars" is enticing based just on my love of brawlers.

Some consoles have had very eclectic Japanese releases and had a very steady import market. Do you see the DS becoming one of those consoles? It, as a system, seems ripe for Japanese... for lack of a better word, oddity.

Side question: "Ossu! Tatakae! Ouendan!" is alleged to be under consideration for US release by some publishers. Have you heard anything to confirm this? Could you name names? Lastly, do you think they will leave in the quirky Japanese elements or will they do a full localize? It is made by the Gitaroo man team, and that seems to have come through localization mostly unscathed.

Thank you, James

AW: Dual Strike seems to have done okay in August, and Nintendogs smoked the charts (though it may not look that way if you see rankings on other sites, because the NPD tracks each version separately). I think Nintendogs in particular will spark new publisher interest in the DS, definitely.

The DS does seem to have a particularly strong import feel to it. About half of my DS games are Japanese, though I expect to start importing less often as the U.S. game library fills out. I just got a copy of Ouendan myself, and though I haven't been able to play it much yet, it is really fun and odd, with some great Japanese music such as my new favorite J-pop song, "Linda Linda". (Of course, I normally don't listen to J-pop at all...) Ouendan is fairly easy to navigate without being able to read the menus, and the gameplay is self-explanatory, but there's a tutorial if you need it. I haven't heard a peep about this game being brought to America, but that would be great. It's been something of a sleeper hit in Japan, I believe. If it is ever released in the States, I have to think it will be left mostly untouched, if only because the game's Japanese-ness is so heavily applied that you'd have to virtually redevelop the game in order to remove that style...and the zaniness is a large part of the game's charm, so I can't imagine why anyone would want to remove it anyway. At the same time, I wouldn't know how to even begin marketing this game in the U.S., except to plaster ads all over Adult Swim and hope there are enough curious people watching those shows to give this sort of thing a try.

Hey guys,

I've been reading your site now for a few years and really enjoy it. I've written to you a few times before but I felt the need to write a pro-Nintendo letter with all of the Nintendo bashing that's been going on in the industry lately. Enjoy.

I know at times it must appear as though a lot of Nintendo fans have multiple personality disorder the way they seemingly jump on and off the Nintendo bandwagon. I'm as guilty of this as anyone. Truth is I’m still a “Nintendo Kid”because I grew up with them and they were and still are a big part of my entertainment life. Mario, Link and Donkey Kong were just as recognizable to me when I was a kid as Mickey Mouse, Bugs Bunny and Big Bird. I’ll always be a fan of Nintendo just like I’ll always be a fan of Chevrolet, Hulk Hogan and the Calgary Flames.

The only real difference is lately I have become increasingly critical of some of “The Big N’s” business decisions like selling off Rare to their closest competitor, ending their first party relationship with Silicon Knights, the connectivity fiasco and the lack of online gaming for the GameCube to name a few. I used to look at Nintendo like they could do no wrong and that anyone who claimed otherwise was a moron and didn’t know what they were talking about. I was a blindly-loyal fanboy, plain and simple. Now however I can look at it objectively and see that Nintendo is not perfect and they too can and have made some serious errors in judgment. Errors which have cost them not only in market share, but in reputation as well. I don’t think they’ll ever be number one in the home console race again unless the Revolution really is something very special. Does it matter though? Who does it matter to? Fanboys who can’t let go of the past and hate Microsoft and Sony simply because they are ahead in market share - that’s who. I too have acted like one of these fanboys and have thrown tantrums when Nintendo has made me mad and come to their defense when others have critiqued them.

Nintendo themselves seem content with putting out innovative, unique, fun, less expensive experiences that don’t necessarily push the technological limits of what’s possible, but are distinctly different from their competitors. Is this a bad thing? Is the Nintendo DS an inferior product to the PSP simply because the graphics aren’t as good and it’s so different? Do we need three home consoles with almost identical graphics capabilities and software libraries? The answer to these questions is NO and it’s taken me a long time to realize it.

Not everyone who plays videogames is in it for the absolute best graphics and tech specs of the hardware. Not everyone is into the excessive violence, sexual or suggestive themes of certain games or games that try to emulate reality. Not everyone enjoys playing competitive games like Halo 2 online, having faceless opponents shouting obscenities at them and insulting them for not being as completely obsessed with the game as they are and therefore not as skilled as them. Not everyone likes sports games, realistic car racing games and World War II simulations.

None of the above aforementioned examples appeal to most Nintendo gamers. And this isn’t just because Nintendo’s market skews to a younger crowd because I know quite a few guys my age who own a GameCube. Nintendo gamers are not antisocial as some have claimed, they just would rather play Mario Party, Mario Kart or Super Smash Bros Melee with three other real-life friends in the same livingroom and have a blast doing it rather than arguing with some complete stranger online over who’s Mother sucks more you-know-what.

When Nintendo gamers play alone they’d rather save the Mushroom Kingdom in an amazing Mario platformer, explore the strange worlds of Metroid or Pikmin, survive the horrors of Resident Evil 4, escape the ordinary and speed through fantastical tracks of F-Zero or live the adventure of The Legend of Zelda. For these gamers the macho, violent, extremely competitive attitude of the Halo 2 community isn’t appealing, but rather intimidating and frustrating. For me I know that I enjoy playing Halo 2 online with my friends but hate it playing against obnoxious, rude, mean-spirited strangers, which coincidentally is why I never play it online without buddies.

I feel that there are two areas where Nintendo is still king. The first is fun. And not just fun for the hardcore player but fun for everyone young and old. My Wife could care less to ever play Halo, Doom, Resident Evil or Grand Theft Auto, but she’ll play Mario Party, Mario Kart and Smash Bros any day of the week. And you know what? We have a blast together playing those games. Are we kids? No. But you don’t have to be a kid to have fun and be open minded towards trying new things even if they seem to be designed for a younger crowd. Even though the Revolution may be so “different”that it loses some 3rd party support, it will be appealing in it’s uniqueness to a very wide range of players and will without a doubt be a very fun experience.

The second area is value. Nintendo’s systems always cost less than their competitors do. Some argue that it’s because Nintendo’s systems are just game machines and don’t do anything else. They’re partly right, but as a gamer what’s important to you - great games or the ability to play DVD’s or CD’s? For a lot of gamers it’s the later. The GameCube is still $50 cheaper than either of the other two consoles and the DS is $120 cheaper than the PSP with games $5 cheaper than the PSP. But the PSP can play movies you say? Why on earth would anyone buy the UMD version of a movie over the DVD version or spend double and buy both? I know I sure as hell wouldn’t.

The Revolution is rumored to only cost $250 when it launches in 2006 compared to the other two consoles at $300 - $400 (Xbox 360) and $500 (PS3). Plus you add in a wireless controller with a revolutionary control concept, a FREE online gaming service, backward compatibility with the GameCube and the ability to download almost EVERY Nintendo-made game (and maybe even 3rd party games) from the NES, SNES and N64 and suddenly this system seems to be the best value of all three next-gen systems even without a Hard Drive or the most horsepower.

So I guess this is what makes Nintendo both unique and appealing to all age demographics and why they’ve lasted so long. This industry needs Nintendo even if they aren’t in first place in market share. They’re still first in innovation, fun and value and that goes a long way. They deserve respect for what they’ve done and continue to do for this industry. If you don’t like Nintendo games and systems, don’t play them, plain and simple. That’s why there are three competing console companies - So every type of player can be happy. But don’t insult them, make sarcastic remarks or be judgmental of brilliant games you won’t even try because of their apparent “kiddie”look. Even though I was very mad when Nintendo announced the delay of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess and said I won’t care about it when it does come out, I only said it out of disappointment that I wouldn’t be able to play this masterpiece this year. Truth is this is still my most anticipated game for 2006 on any system. What makes Zelda (in my opinion) the greatest game series ever is the story, excitement, challenge, action, adventure, mystery, risk, reward, depth and best-in-class play control. So even though Nintendo is known the world over for many of it’s other awesome character-based franchises, The Zelda series is the finest example of Nintendo’s unique brand of gaming and what it means to be a Nintendo fan. This along with the innovative uniqueness of the DS and upcoming Revolution will insure they’re here to stay for a long time to come - first place or not.

-CCM

I don't normally publish letters this long, but you've summarized several important issues very well, and I think your overall love/hate/but-mostly-love relationship with Nintendo is similar to what so many of us feel about the company and its games and systems. Nintendo's market strategy may turn out to be brilliantly conceived and executed, and even though it only partially appeals to me, I'm fortunately able to buy another system to supplement my gaming habits with the kinds of games that aren't available on Nintendo's platforms. It would be nice to be able to play everything, including Nintendo's masterpieces, on one system, but that's just not going to happen, and besides, competition and diversity breed efficiency AND creativity in the market. So, like you, I'm slowly coming to terms with the fact that Revolution is going to do something completely different, and there are good and bad things about that. I'm going to do my best to enjoy the good and put up with the bad.

You guys are the reason I bought a GC, so obviously you guys rule and thank you very much for all ur super fast update info!

Can't wait for your review of WWE DOR 2, as I don't buy any games till you review them. Just wondering when you'll have that for us.

Most importantly, in game, does Triple H have his new moustache which is a moustache which connects to his sideburns with no chin hair and it's pretty thick, or does he have that awful chin hair?

Finally can we play as Kane with his mask on as an alternate costume? Need to cover that mug you know.

Can't wait to pedigree Eugene through the top of the cage!

Kristov

Hey, I appreciate your faith and patience. I hope our DoR 2 review will be up in another week or so. We would have had it done earlier, but the first copy of the game THQ sent us didn't work, and our reviewer is wrestling fanatic Rick Powers, who is crazy busy with a bunch of other stuff right now. I know, excuses, excuses, excuses! We try to be super fast with our reviews, but sometimes circumstances do interfere. Rest assured that it's coming soon.

Do you think they'll stick with the Name Revolution? I mean it's been called

that ever since Iwata made his speech about a revolution coming and

personally I'm growing to love the name. I know they have have said the name

will change but they also stated that the name for the DS was not going to

be the final name and look what ended up happening. I hope they stick with

it. What are your thoughts?

Vic

Yeah, I think they will keep the name, though it's still tentative for now.

I have recently bought animal crossing for my gamecube and its time runs on

the time of the gamecubes internal clock. well recently my gamecubes

internal clock has not been keeping track of time while the power is off and

my mate reckons its the battery gone flat. im asking you because you should

know if this is the problem and if so where to get a new battery..

Yours Faithfully

Ben Harrison

Yeah, that does sound like your GameCube's internal battery died. This is actually the first time I've heard of it happening! You must have played the hell out of that system over the years. The best thing to do is contact Nintendo customer service and inquire about having your system repaired, but it's probably going to cost the standard fee of $50. In the odd chance that this breakdown occurred within a year of the system's purchase, the GameCube will still be under warranty, so Nintendo will repair or replace it for free.

Hi bag,

Any chance of Resident Evil 4 going player's choice sometime soon. AUS$100 is a bit steep for me.

Kaboth

This is purely speculation, but I wouldn't be too surprised if Capcom and Nintendo make this move a few months after the PS2 version is released. It won't happen before then, because Capcom won't want the GC version cannabalizing sales of the PS2 version due to a significant price difference. Once the PS2 version has done its initial sales, Capcom could drop the price on both versions and ride the leftover marketing and hype for additional sales on both systems.

Hello,

Will Nintendo release player's choice editions of last year's popular Gamecube

titles like Paper Mario, Metroid Prime 2, Resident Evil 4, Pikmin 2 and Zelda:

Four Swords for the holiday season? It would seem like that would be a good

idea for marketing the gamecube this christmas since there won't be a new

Zelda.

-Justin

No joke, I got these two emails back to back. I agree, that would be a good strategy to hold up GameCube this Christmas, even though a game like Four Swords could hardly be called a best seller. Will Nintendo actually use this sort of plan? It depends on whether they think they can milk out anymore sales of these games at full price. They probably have complex formulas to make that determination, so it's hard for me to guess when any game will go Player's Choice.

Planet GameCube mailbag:

If Conker sold just as poorly on Xbox as it did on N64, will Rare be

forced to abandon their M-rated Conker experiment?

We all know why the game was underplayed on the N64... it showed up

late in the system's life when no one was even looking for M-rated

games on a Nintendo system, was usually not displayed very well by

retailers, and was under-marketed (although what marketing they did do

was pretty avant garde for the time: a college demo tour and print ads

in Playboy). But failing on Xbox, the platform that caters to exactly

the demographic that should LOVE the game? Sex, swearing, crude humor,

blood, violence, movie parodies, online play? I find it hard to believe

that the mere presence of little furry animals counteracted all the

M-rated material in the game, but that seems to be exactly what

happened. They even tried to DOOM Conker up by putting him in military

gear and weaponry for all the marketing. And it still went over like a

ton of bricks.

I loved the N64 game, and I was hoping that Xbox masses would embrace

the franchise so we might get a DS game or something down the line.

What were the sales figures for Conker Live and Reloaded, as compared

to Bad Fur Day?

Joe

The sales figures I saw for Live & Reloaded were respectable but hardly blockbuster caliber. I don't know if Microsoft will see them as sufficient to continue the series. Then again, even Live & Reloaded wasn't much of a continuation, seeing as how it was more a port than remake. That Rare put so little new content into the game, despite a lengthy development schedule, doesn't instill great confidence that they want to push the series forward into new territory.

Hey

I was thinking that maybe the reason Nintendo hasn't revealed all of Revolution yet is because they can't patent it yet. If they patent it, ppl would prob find the documents soon after, ruining the surprise. So if the rumors about Sept 16th are true, Nintendo will likely file the patents for the controller and whatever else they need on that same exact day. Prob before the show. Correct?

-Linteria

I don't know how it works in Japan, but patents in the U.S. don't seem to be publicly available for a couple of years after they are filed.

That's all, folks! ...for today.