Tag Archives: 3DS

Train2Game News: Smart device games outselling handheld

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Smart devicesGames on smart devices are outselling games on Nintendo and Sony handheld consoles. This is excellent news for Train2Game students looking to break in to the industry.

The final quarter of the year’s sales are normally the best for devices such as the 3DS and VITA, thanks to all the package deals around Christmas time. This time however iOS and Android games completely eclipsed the games sales of the consoles.

A breakdown of the data also indicates that iOS games made three-and-a-half times more money than Android ones over the period but Android games are growing at a faster rate.

The data covers global sales between October and December 2012 and comes despite the fact that games for the PlayStation Vita and 3DS typically cost more than their smartphone equivalents. In-game ad revenues were excluded.

Despite the findings, the researchers said they believed the Japanese firms would release further handhelds.

The Portable Gaming Report by IDC and App Annie is the first of its kind produced by the companies. It helps build on NPD’s influential monthly study of US games sales which does not include smartphone and tablet games.

IDC’s Lewis Ward said “If you rewind the clock a year you will find the dedicated handhelds were clearly ahead, and this year they are more or less tied with an edge going to Android and iOS games.

“If we fast forward to the end of 2013 we should see a decisive edge for smartphone and tablet gaming.

“I think a further version of the Vita could be the last dedicated handheld from Sony, but I suspect Nintendo will continue for a while. They are three to four times as large as Sony in this business and I think they have a much more defensible niche.”

All this data is good news for Train2Game students as the mobile market is much easier to develop for than the console market and with the mobile market growing to even bigger and better heights there should be more chance of developing a financially successful game.

Train2Game News: New Pokémon game announced

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Pokemon X & YTrain2Game and other Pokémon fans around the world were delighted to hear the next generation of the popular game is being released in October with some big changes.

The Pokémon Company and Nintendo announced that the next generation of Pokémon video games, Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, will launch worldwide in October for the Nintendo 3DS system. This is the first time in the history of the series the game will be released around the World on the same day. The game introduces new Pokémon, a new storyline set in a spectacular 3D world, and dynamic battles.

Tsunekazu Ishihara, CEO of The Pokémon Company said “The worldwide launch of Pokémon X and Pokémon Y this October allows players to begin their adventures at the same time. Now, Pokémon fans across the globe can discover the secrets of Pokémon games and can collect, battle, and trade with each other immediately.”

Junichi Masuda, video game director at Game Freak Inc. added “We brought Pokémon into an entirely new dimension and we’re incredibly excited to bring Pokémon X and Pokémon Y to fans. The stunning visuals, a completely redesigned environment, game scenario, music, and communication features will bring smiles to the faces of video game players around the world.”

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y will be the blueprint for an exciting array of new animation, Pokémon TCG, and toys debuting around the world.

Train2Game E3 news: Nintendo reveal Wii U

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Wii U controller

While yesterday the Train2Game blog reported that Microsoft’s E3 presentation seemed to focus on bringing the Xbox 360 to a wider audience, and Sony focused on its core market, Nintendo E3 conference revealed how they want to incorporate both markets with a new console – the Wii U.

As reported by the Train2Game blog in the run up to E3, the new consoles controller does indeed feature a touchscreen control pad, which as demonstrated by Nintendo, will be integrated into many aspects of gaming and other activities.

Will U will be equally satisfying to all. No machine has done that before,” Satoru Iwatatold the E3 audience. “It will offer deeper and wider experiences than any gamer has realised before. It will let everyone see games in a different way and represents a major step toward reaching our goal.”

Nintendo do indeed look to be providing deeper experiences for the core gamer, with the Wii U reportedly supporting the same level of graphical prowless as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360. And while we’ve yet to see what it looks like, the Wii U is a new console designed to compete with Sony and Microsoft for the core audience with HD graphics.

That isn’t to say Nintendo are abandoning the casual audience picked up via the Nintendo Wii. Far from it in fact, with the new touch screen controller designed for use with much more than just games.

Demos demonstrated how the controller will be usable with functions such as video calls, compatibility with current Wii peripherals and even use of the 6.2 inch screen to play games. Nintendo were keen to point out however that the Wii U isn’t a handheld, and the console needs to be turned on in order to play games through the controller screen.

And the Wii U will have plenty of games, with various Triple-A titles coming to the console, including Batman: Arkham Asylum.  A range of developers including EA and Ubisoft will be bringing titles to the new console – something that may convince Train2Game students that Nintendo really is looking at re-establishing its core audience.

The Wii U is set for release next year with no price confirmed as of yet.

In a further step that may convince Train2Game students that Nintendo is keen to focus on the hardcore, a range of new titles were announced for the 3DS handheld console. Core titles including Mario Kart 3DS, Starfox 3DS, Super Smash Bros and Luigi’s Mansion 2 were all revealed during the presentation.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Nintendo’s E3 conference? What do you think about the Wii U? Will Nintendo once again revolutionise the game industry? And can the newly announced 3DS titles revive the handheld console?

Leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Nintendo boss labels ‘cheap mobile games’ biggest risk to games industry

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Reggie Fils Aime Train2Game blog image

The Nintendo of America boss has labelled low price mobile phone games are one of the biggest risks for the games industry. Reggie Fils-Aime made the comments in an interview with GameTrailers TV.

“I actually think that one of the biggest risks today in our industry are these inexpensive games that are candidly disposable from a consumer standpoint,” said the Nintendo Executive.

“Angry Birds is a great piece of experience but that is one compared to thousands of other pieces of content that for one or two dollars I think actually create a mentality for the consumer that a piece of gaming content should only be two dollars.

“I actually think some of those games are overpriced at one or two dollars but that’s a whole different story.”

The comments could be seen as a direct attack on the Apple App store, which sells many games for less than £1…with each iOS owner downloading an average of 60 apps. The remarks come just weeks after Capcom suggested that mobile gaming is drawing people away from traditional handheld consoles. It’s an opinion that Train2Game forum users agreed with.

Nintendo themselves are preparing for the global launch of the 3DS, and you can find out about the device on the Thoughts of Train2Game blog. The price of Nintendo 3DS games is expected to be as much as £39.99, but the company still believe the device will have a ‘rocket start’

Meanwhile, it’s been predicted that the revenues of social media gaming will surpass $1 billion this year.

So Train2Game, what are your thoughts on Reggie Fils-Aime’s comments? Does he have a legitmate concern or is he just ‘trash talking’ one of Nintendo’s biggest rivals? Are the games too cheap? Or do you think the Nintendo 3DS titles are too expensive?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum. Alternatively, you can let us know what you think via Twitter.

Train2Game, in association with DR Studios and the University of Bedfordshire, will be holding a Game Jam at the end of March. For more information, see this Train2Game blog post or the Train2Game Game Jam Facebook page. Alternatively, keep an eye on the Train2Game Game Jam Twitter account.

Nintendo CEO sees ‘rocket start’ for 3DS

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The Nintendo President predicts the 3DS will have a ‘rocket start’ in the USA , boosted by high definition graphics and the games available for the handheld.

“There will be not only our own software, but also third- party titles, which have the photo-realism that will satisfy Western gamers,” said Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata “We expect the 3DS to get off to a rocket start, like the Wii’s debut.”

The latest handheld from Nintendo had its release date and price revealed during a press event in Amsterdam yesterday.  The 3DS is set for release on March 25th here in the UK with retailers setting prices around £220 to £230. Meanwhile the US will have to wait two days longer for the 3DS to be released on March 27th, and will be able to get it for $249.

When currency conversion is taken into account that means a Nintendo 3DS is £60 more expensive in the UK than it is across the Atlantic, a fact that has frustrated some Train2Game students.

For more news from yesterday’s Nintendo 3DS press event, see the Thoughts of Train2Game blog.

There is a huge desire for the 3DS, as evident on the Train2Game forum, and it’s reported to be the most demanded electronic device right now and analysts predict it’ll provide the game industry with a boom.

The 3DS launch should be a major catalyst for the game industry,” said Tony Wible, an analyst with Janney Montgomery Scott LLC.  “Polls have shown more pent-up demand for the product than any other consumer electronics device in the market.”

Meanwhile Michael Pachter says the 3DS will sell more than its rival the PSP2:

“I think that the 3DS will outsell the PSP2, because the 3DS is new and different, while the PSP2 is likely going to be a souped up version of the old PSP.  Thus, I think that 3DS will have greater success in capturing the consumer’s imagination.”

The 3DS may also receive some competition from mobile games on devices such as the iPhone, which the Train2Game blog recently reported have seen a massive increase user base in recent times.

Nintendo say they will ship over 4 million units of the device in its first month to prevent a shortage of stock, while it’s predicted the 3DS will bring Nintendo extra $1.8 billion dollars a year.

The Nintendo 3DS is set for release in the UK on March 25th 2011.

So Train2Game, do you agree with the Nintendo President that the 3DS will have a ‘rocket’ start? What are your thoughts on the pricing? And will you get one come March 25th?

As usual, you can leave your comments here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

[Source: Bloomberg]

European Nintendo 3DS announcement coming next month

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Nintendo 3DS

Good news for the Nintendo fans among Train2Game students!  The Japanese giants are set to reveal launch plans for the Nintendo 3DS at a launch event in Amsterdam next month.

MCV Online report that invitations to the gathering have been sent out to the press, and suggest that Nintendo will reveal a European launch date and price for the 3DS, along with a launch line up.

The Nintendo 3DS is not only the world’s first 3D handheld console, but it also offers the chance to play games in 3D without the need for special glasses. Train2Game students who wear regular glasses are no doubt pleased about this!

The Nintendo 3DS will be available in Japan from February 26th 2011, with a European release date expected to be in March. If that is the case, it’ll mean eager Train2Game students should be able to resist importing a 3DS from Japan!

There are no official launch titles yet, but earlier this year Nintendo revealed a software trailer that shows a wide variety of 3DS games in development. Big name titles include Super Street Fighter IV DS, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater, Dead or Alive Dimensions, and Mario Kart 3DS. This morning CVG has reported that The Sims 3 will also be coming to Nintendo’s handheld.  You can see the Nintendo 3DS software line up video here on the Train2Game blog.

While we have no official confirmation of what the launch titles will be, though this is likely to change after the Nintendo event! You can check out the Thoughts of Train2Game blog to see which games Gabe believes will be available with the Nintendo 3DS at launch. Of course, all will be revealed on January 19th.

Earlier this month on the Train2Game blog, we reported on how handheld consoles are losing the mobile gaming market to smartphones. Could the Nintendo 3DS help slow down this trend?

So Train2Game, do you want a Nintendo 3DS? Are you looking forward to the announcement? And which games do you expect to be launched with the handheld console next year?

As usual, you can leave your thoughts here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Nintendo 3DS release set for early 2011

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Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS is set to be available in Japan from February 26th 2011, with an American and European launch reportedly following in March. The 3DS will cost ¥25000, the equivalent to £188, said Nintendo during a conference in Japan. The 3DS will be available in two colours, Aqua Blue and Cosmo Black.

The release date will surprise some; with sources previously suggesting the Nintendo 3DS would be available before Christmas. Despite the announcement of a launch date for Japan, there is not yet a solid release date for the 3DS in North America and Europe. However, it’s thought that Nintendo will shortly confirm that the 3DS will be available in these regions mere weeks after the handheld is released in Japan. The estimated price of a Nintendo 3DS in Europe is £199.

Nintendo also showed off a 3DS Software trailer, including games such as Super Street Fighter IV DS, Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater, Dead or Alive Dimensions, and of course Mario Kart 3DS. You can see the Nintendo 3DS software trailer below.


In addition to brand new 3DS games, the Nintendo 3DS will also be able to play Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles thanks to a retro download service. Classic Nintendo games available to play on the 3DS will include Super Mario Land 1 & 2, Super Mario World, Zelda: Link’s Awakening, a large selection of Pokémon titles and many others.

So Train2Game, will you be getting yourself a Nintendo 3DS in March next year? Does £200 seem reasonable? What do you think of the 3DS games line up? And are there any retro titles you’d like to download?

You can leave your thoughts on the Nintendo 3DS here on the Train2Game blog, or on the Train2Game forum.

Ubisoft eye up 3D games

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As recently as six months ago, not a lot of people had an interest in 3D television. Then, on December 17 2009 a certain film called Avatar was released and suddenly 3D became the next big thing in the world of looking at screens.

Now it seems most big films that are released come with an option of seeing them in 3D and now you can even watch football in 3D if your local is one of the handful of pubs that are equipped to do this. As of last month, 3D televisions are now available to the average consumer…if they have £1,799 to spare that is.

Of course, the games industry was never going to pass up this growing opportunity, and now Ubisoft chief executive officer Yves Guillemot predicts that between 15 and 20 per cent of Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 games will support 3D in the next year. Ubisoft have already committed themselves to 3D with their release of Avatar: The Game which included optional 3D support. Other games including Batman: Arkham Asylum have had a 3D release, and even the upcoming 3DS will have a 3D function so it does indeed look like 3D will be the next ‘big thing’ Why, even just last week, Sony announced they’ll be releasing 3D patches for several PlayStation 3 games.

This makes the games industry an exciting place to be working right now and Train2Game student’s must be rubbing their hands with glee at all of the exciting gaming innovations, such as 3D,  they’ll be working on in the future. Perhaps one of them could go onto produce 4D games? Well, maybe …but the point is that the games industry is always changing, adapting and the prospect of entering it now as a Games Designer, Games Developer or Games Artist must be mouth-watering. Are you interested in going onto produce 3D games? Or would you rather stick to the conventional ‘2D’ versions?

Someone do me a favour though would you, and figure out a way to play 3D games without the need for the 3D glasses. I already have big enough spectacles of my own thanks.

Nintendo 3DS to have ‘enhanced anti-piracy measures’

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So, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has confirmed that the new 3D visuals of the upcoming 3DS handheld console will in fact be able to be turned off if the owner so desires. Apparently, the reasoning behind this is due to concerns the 3DS could have on people’s eyesight! Now, as someone who already has terrible eye’s this is somewhat of a relief, as is the fact the 3DS won’t actually require the user to wear special 3D glasses. Spectacle wearers are kind of shunned by 3D films and television aren’t they? As if the lives of the visually challenged aren’t hard enough with THAT crushing disappointment too.

But being able to easily turn off 3D wasn’t the only thing that was revealed by Mr Iwata, oh no… there’s more! He also revealed that the new machine will include enhanced anti-piracy measures, in order to combat the harmful effect illegal copies can have on software sales.  Now, I’m sure games developers, designers and artists worldwide are more interested in this little announcement than the being able to turn the 3D off thing.

Games piracy is more common than you’d think with millions of people illegally downloading games that the majority of us are more than happy to pay for. Unfortunately it costs the games industry billions a year. As a Train2Game student you wouldn’t want to work hard but then miss out on reaping the rewards of all your efforts now, would you? You’ll also need to make sure you copyright your work for a little bit of extra protection. Of course you may be more than happy to give away some of your games for free but only as a legal download in order to help you gain a foothold in the industry.

We don’t yet actually know what Nintendo will be doing to improve the anti-piracy capabilities of the 3DS and to be honest, nobody outside the company may ever find out. Mr Iwata didn’t explain any specifics, saying that by doing so he’d give “hints” to pirates…which is fair enough I suppose!

There’s no specific release date for the 3DS yet, but we can probably expect more to be revealed at next month’s E3 expo.