Speak Up!

Ahead of the release of both anticipated Wii title Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City and microphone-based peripheral Wii Speak, Nintendo has confirmed how it will be pricing its range of SKUs in the UK.

Eurogamer reports that those wishing to pick up the game bundled with Wii Speak, which will allow gamers to chat to those on their friends list, will be able to do so for £59.99.
However, punters will also be able to snap up the Wii Speak microphone in a solo pack for £25.
In addition, those who want a piece of the Animal Crossing action but hate talking to people will be able to pick up the game for £39.99.

As well as its use in Animal Crossing, Wii Speak will also be compatible with Nintendo’s upcoming dedicated channel that will allow Wii owners to use their machine for cross-console digital chin wagging.

Both Animal Crossing: Let’s Go to the City and Wii Speak are scheduled for release in the UK on December 5th

Top 10 Games

This week’s official GfK-ChartTrack/ELSPA listings are out – and Konami’s Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 has taken the top spot ahead of its bitter rival FIFA ’09. While EA’s mega-selling football franchise takes second spot, it’s an impressive first week for THQ’s gangster title Saints Row 2, which is the second highest entry of the week. The release of Bioshock on PS3 boosts 2K’s critically-acclaimed thriller back up the charts to 14, while Wii exclusive De Blob makes it first appearance in the ELSPA/GfK-ChartTrack top 40 at number 29.So, the top ten sellers for the week ending October 18th, courtesy of ELSPA/GfK-ChartTrack, are as follows:

1. Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 (Konami)
2. FIFA ’09 (EA)
3. Saints Row 2 (THQ)
4. LEGO Batman: The Videogame
5. Wii Fit (Nintendo)
6. Mario Kart Wii (Nintendo)
7. Star Wars: The Force Unleashed (LucasArts)
8. Wii Play (Nintendo)
9. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2009 (EA)
10. Brothers in Arms: Hells’ Highway (Ubisoft)

Nintendo confirms new software will only work with territory-specific hardware

Nintendo has confirmed that new downloadable and boxed software for its DSi console will be region-locked.

A spokesperson for the firm said "DSi software (software that is only compatible with DSi) is region locked, eg: European DSi software can only be played on European DSi consoles."Nintendo DS software however is region free so you can play any DS software on DSi from any region.

You can also browse the Internet on your DSi wherever you are in the world and exchange your photos with friends from around the world."The spokesperson continued: "DSi is region locked because DSi embeds net communication functionality within itself and we are intending to provide net services specifically tailored for each region. Also because we are including parental control functionality for Nintendo DSi and each region has its unique age limit made by different independent."

The new DS from Nintendo is unveiled

Nintendo has officially revealed its new DS SKU, the DSi

The new console is similar in design to the DS Lite, but features two cameras, larger screens, improved speakers, and an SD memory card slot.

The machine is also said to be 12 per cent thinner than the DS Lite, and features an SD memory card slot so gamers can take images with the handheld and view them on Nintendo’s Wii. As a trade off, the GBA cartridge slot has been removed

Reports from Nintendo’s press conference, which took place in the early hours, also points to internal memory for applications, a built in web browser, and the ability to download DSi software using Nintendo Points, which are set to replace Wii Points. The DSi will be available in Black and White, and is set for release on November 1st in Japan, with the console expected to hit Europe in Spring 2009.

Look's like a New DS is definately on the way!

Nintendo will announce a new, updated version of its DS console at a press conference tomorrow morning .According to an impeccable source in Japan, Satoru Iwata will make the announcement at 5am UK time.Little is known about the machine's exact extra functions, but we do know the product will be the ‘multimedia’ model with an MP3 player and camera function.

The launch date and price of the machine is still unknown – but it will be a surprise to see its arrival delayed until after Christmas. It is thought that Nintendo is particularly keen internally to give the system a boost in Japan, where it has been trailing PSP in recent months.

New DS Coming?

Nintendo will release a new model of its DS handheld later this year that can take pictures and play music.That’s according to a report in the Japanese business daily Nikkei (via Reuters), which says the system will also be equipped with advanced wireless communications functions. The price for the new machine, which will also be equipped with advanced wireless communications functions, is expected to be below 20,000 yen ($189) in Japan, compared with 16,800 yen for the current model, the Nikkei said.

This weeks 10 Top Games

The full top ten reads:

1) Star Wars: The Force Unleashed – LucasArts

2) Wii Fit – Nintendo

3) Mario Kart Wii – Nintendo

4) Warhammer Online: Age Of Reckoning – EA

5) Tiger Woods PGA Tour 09 – EA

6) Mercenaries 2: World In Flames – EA

7) Wii Play – Nintendo8) Carnival: Funfair Games – 2K Play

9) TNA Impact! – Midway

10) Spore – EA