Posts tagged nintendo

Algorithm creates vector art from pixels.

An algorithm created by Microsoft researchers upscales 8-bit graphics and converts it into vector graphics, able to be upscaled to any size.

The algorithm identifies pixel-level details to accurately shade the new image — but more importantly, the algorithm can create smooth, curved contour lines from only-connected-on-the-diagonal single pixels.

Check out their full gallery here.

Wii U rumoured to feature Android OS built in.

This is a pretty far out rumour which comes from a posting here back in February, but it would be an exciting one if true. The source claims that the Android OS will be integrated into the upcoming Wii U console, which would vastly expand not only the available library of games and apps for Wii, but would mean a larger potential user base for the new console due to the different functions it could bring to the machine.

I can see the handheld Wii U controller with the built in screen being perfect for mobile gaming, and with the huge array of games available in the new Google Play Store maybe Nintendo wouldn’t have the problems it had after launch of the 3DS, where only 16 games were available immediately (Many of them said to be half-finished and rushed out).

That’s ok, I never need to park my Mario Kart.

Play-Asia.com is having a classic gaming sale here at their online store.

There’s lots of classic titles for Super Famicom, Nintendo 64, Gamecube, GameBoy Advance/Color, NES, and Virtual Boy. Sure you might not have a console, and they might be in Japanese, but they’re still pretty awesome. 

The most viewed item there at the moment is this Star Fox 64 Box Set with Rumble Pack.

Photo: Bowser, IRL.

Looks like the King Koopa has a heir!

Wii U to incorporate Near Field technology.

With NFC technology starting to pick up speed as the ‘next big thing’ in tech, Nintendo has announced the technology will feature in its next generation console, the Wii U. NFC is already incorporated in new Mastercards, and is rumoured to be integrated in the next generation iPhone, along with already being featured in many new Android devices.

Presumably to be incorporated into the touch screen controller, NFC would let users take the controller with them (it will double as a portable gaming device) to tap and pay for small items like coffee or newspapers, with no pin number required. With Nintendo also storing your credit card information, it will make game downloads through the Nintendo online shop much easier than their present system of having to manually enter your credit card info using the Wii Remote.

A huge money earner for Nintendo is likely to come from tie-ins with physical toys. Imagine a real world Pokemon toy that you could tap against the controller to send that toy into a Wii game. The Wii U could spawn a new line of toys compatible with NFC, generating more much needed income for Nintendo.

The Wii U will be released in time for the 2012 Christmas Holiday season.

Photo: Driveway Bowser.

Some virgins cool guys made this picture of Bowser on their driveway from duct tape. Idiots. After making something this awesome there’s no way you’d want to risk ruining it by driving over it, so that garage is probably going to be out of use for a while…

SupaBoy looks super.

I discovered this awesome looking gadget today that makes me sad my birthday is still six months away. The SupaBoy lets you play Super Nintendo and Super Famicom games on a handheld unit that looks like an original Super Nintendo controller - and it takes the original game cartridges.

The unit has a 3.5 inch screen, and can also be plugged into a TV for big screen action. Two full sized SNES controllers can be plugged into the front ports for multi player action.

New Playstation and Xbox consoles to be revealed at E3?

Video game website MCV is reporting that next generation consoles from Sony and Microsoft will be shown off at this years E3 expo, alongside the new Wii U, which was announced by Nintendo last year.

Microsoft has long been rumoured to detail its next-gen plans at E3 2012, and MCV’s third-party publishing sources claim the firm had signalled to partners this will happen.

The 360 is one of the longest-serving games consoles in history. But the real surprise is an  early move from Sony. Execs at the PlayStation firm have made it clear to third-parties that they will not be left behind this time. 

E3 2012 will be held June 5-6 in Los Angeles.

The Louvre to hand out 3DS systems as tour guides.

The Louvre museum in Paris - home to the Mona Lisa - is to replace it’s audio tour guides with Nintendo 3DS units.

The current audio guides are used by only 4 per cent of the museum’s 8.5 million annual visitors. With the 3DS, visitors will be able to locate themselves within The Louvre, select themed tours including specialised guides for children, and listen to “hundreds of commentaries in seven languages about the works on display,” 

Nintendo has developed the content with guidance from The Louvre’s creators, and is also planning downloadable smartphone and tablet apps to enhance visitors’ experience.