I think my life is going to be all 3DS and NGP news for the next few months. My number-one priority is to find out what the real name of the NGP is, because it can't be "NGP."
News Blips:
Nintendo will patch eShop functionality into the 3DS worldwide in May. "The first system update is scheduled for late May," said Satoru Iwata in a briefing for investors. "At almost the same time around the world." That first update will include the eShop as well as the web browser and a transfer application for DSi games. The eShop will include Game Boy titles and new 3DS software, along with "3D Classics" -- 3D versions of classic video games. I can't wait for Balloon Fight 3D! The balloons are coming right at me!
Nintendo explains how the 3DS' power-saver mode limits power use in the system's battery. The 3DS uses a lot of energy for a portable device. Not only does the screen have to render images twice to produce the 3D effect, but it also has to use a brighter backlight because the 3D process darkens the picture. The battery is essentially in a very abusive relationship with the 3DS. That is where the power-saver mode comes in and plays Social Services. This mode monitors the brightness of the scene in a game and actively adjusts the brightness of the backlight. If the screen dips to black, then the backlight will dip as well. This feature adds about 20 percent to the battery life, which makes all the difference when you are shoryukening on the bus.
A game adaptation of The Dark Tower is rumored to be joining the film and TV series. Director Ron Howard is adapting Stephen King's The Dark Tower for screens both big and small, so it makes sense that a game would be a part of that multimedia event. At least that's what a tipster related to movie-news website Ain't It Cool News: "There's also a very ambitious game component being planned that will further utilize elements from the books." No word yet on the type of game it will be, but based on current trends, I'm betting it's an Angry Birds clone.
Nintendo announces a new Kirby for the Wii. He's no longer made of yarn, but I don't have any information on the state of his epicness. A tiny video appeared on Nintendo's Japanese website showing a polygonal Kirby sucking up enemies and absorbing powers. According to the site (via Google translation): "New works Kirby this story Transforming vomiting breathe machine stationary game." I don't know what that means, but count me in.
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