What Next Gen Console are you planning to buy?

Next Gen Console Mashup

We here at Geekoholics.com have been wondering, what your thoughts on the next gen are? Are you planning on picking up a new Console? Wait and See? PC only gamer? Wii U? Let is know in the poll below, and tell us your thoughts in the comments.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Super Mario 3D World is looking like the Super Mario we have all been waiting for

WiiU_SuperMario_scrn02_E3

Super Mario 3D World for the Nintendo Wii U is starting to look like the first innovative Mario game in quite some time. The mix of open area 3d style and platform style is impeccable. Not to mention, FINALLY a Mario in HD (It looks absolutely stunning BTW)

I have had a chance to get some hands on time with it a couple of times now, and I must say, I had a blast. Ether with friends or alone, it is a whole lot of fun. The new powers are great (I mean a cat suit?? YES PLEASE!) It controls wonderfully, and you can use the Wii U controller.  1080p Mario is a sight for sore eyes (please release a Super Mario Galaxy in HD, PLEASE) This is gaming fun at its purest form. I can’t remember the last time a game made me giddy while playing, just from the sheer amount of whimsy. But anyways, to get a better idea of what I am talking about, take a look at the trailer below, and prepare to get excited!

Super Mario 3d World is slated to be released on November 22, Exclusively on the Wii U.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

The Original Zelda: the Windwaker compared side by side with the new Zelda: the Windwaker HD.

wind-waker-HD

So the new VERY pretty version of The Legend of Zelda: The Windwaker HD comes out in the Nintendo e-Shop tomorrow for the Wii U, and is hitting stores on Oct 4. So we thought we would show you this video showcasing just how BIG of an increase this new one is in graphical fidelity over the original. The Video may be in Japanese, but we can look and see just how far from the original this new remake is. I don’t know about you guys, but I know what I will be playing once this is released.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Nintendo 2DS hands on Impressions and Video

Nintendo 2DS Box

So during PAX  (Penny Arcade Expo)  this past weekend in Seattle, we were able to go hands on with the new Nintendo 2DS system. So I thought I would write some quick impressions from my hands on time with it.

  • It is much lighter in the hand then I thought it would be, it appears to be quite heavy, but that is not the case at all, it is definitely lighter then both of its 3DS brothers.
  • It feels a lot like the original Gameboy advance. It’s sturdy, has a similar feel to the plastic, and feels solid, like you could easily give this to a child and not stress about it.
  • It is much nicer looking in person then I thought it would be. I actually really liked the hand feel when I was holding it and playing games on it. Because you are holding more of it in your hands, I could see this being easier to play over long periods of time then the 3DS Twins, as there is nothing weighing it down awkwardly on one side like you get when you have the 3DS open.
  • The screens are the same size as the regular 3DS, just not with the 3D. They seem to be the same nice screens that you expect.
  • You can still take 3D video/pictures and send them to your friends with a 3DS. They just can’t be displayed on the 2DS.
  • They have added a lock screen toggle switch in the bottom right corner, as well as the WiFi switch has been removed and is now a software toggle.
  • The new Home button looks really nice, I hope that it comes over to the 3DS in the future.
  • I managed to fit it in my back pocket. I think trying to get it in a front jeans pocket would be pretty difficult, but it did fit fine in my back jeans pocket. Just remember to remove it before sitting down.

So there you have it, those are my initial impressions of the new Nintendo 2DS. I must say I was a LOT more impressed with it once I was able to hold it, and see it in the flesh. This is a device for small kids, and to that end I think Nintendo nailed it.

Take a look at our video below where we show you the 2DS from all the angles. If you have any other questions about the 2DS, feel free to ask away.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Two New Pokemon Edition 3DS XL Systems coming soon to North America.

Pokemon 3DSXL Systems

Today, during Nintendo Direct, the company announced, two Limited-Edition Pokemon X/Y-themed 3DS XL models, one blue and one red, coming to North America on Sept 27th. These systems feature the likenesses of Xerneas and Yveltal, the two Legendary Pokemon that grace the covers of the Pokemonand Pokemon Y game boxes. The Pokemon X and Y games are not included in the package and will be sold separately.

Via Nintendo

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Nintendo Announces the Nintendo 2DS, No This is NOT a Joke.

Nintendo 2DS

This morning Nintendo announced, the Nintendo 2DS Handheld. It will play all of the DS and 3DS games, but only in 2D.

In the US it will be available in red or blue for $129.99 from 12th October, the same day Pokémon X and Pokémon Y comes out.

The Nintendo 2DS plays the entire library of packaged and downloadable games for Nintendo 3DS only in 2D, and features a fixed, slate-type form factor. Optional carry cases will be available in red or blue at launch for $12.99 a pop.

As for hardware features, the 2DS shares the Nintendo 3DS’ dual screens, gameplay controls and touchscreen features, and has backward compatibility with the existing library of over 2000 DS games. There’s also wireless connectivity for online multiplayer, Nintendo Video and access to the eShop.

Take a look at some screens of the 2DS below.

Screens:

Via Press Release

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody
@DayneCody

Nintendo Drops Wii U Price to $299.99 on 9/20!

wiiu299

In a surprise move this morning Nintendo announced that they’re finally dropping the price of the Wii U Deluxe set to $299.99. This new Wii U bundle will include The Legend of Zelda Wind Waker HD and be available on September 20. Also if you notice the Wii U gamepad now has some cool Zelda themed artwork for this special bundle. Is this enough to make you consider the Wii U or is it too little too late?

via Nintendo Twitter.

Wii U $199 this Weekend at Walmart

wiiu$199

If you were on the fence or even thinking about getting a Wii U, now may be the right time to run out and get one. This long weekend Walmart Canada has the basic set for $199, which is in my opinion a fantastic deal. Don’t have a Walmart in your area? No problem, we have confirmation that Futureshop will price match this promotion. Our very own writer Dayne just picked up his own Wii U for $194 after getting Futureshop to price match and beat Walmart’s price. Your mileage may very, so if $5 isn’t worth the hassle just head down to your nearest Walmart and take advantage of this wicked deal.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
@RicF

Nintendo, what they need to do to get back on track.

nintendo-logo

Ok, lets get something straight right now. This is not another doom and gloom post about how Nintendo won’t be around in a few years. This is a post to remind people and maybe even Nintendo about what they seem to be forgetting. I thought I would write my opening post here at Geekoholics by saying they are not nearly as far off mark as everyone is claiming. But I understand that they have somehow gotten a little off course since the Wii U.

I think the first issue that Nintendo has with the Wii U is the name. Instead of the Wii 2 or something completely different they chose the Wii U. I feel that this doesn’t do enough to send a message to people that this is in fact a new console and not just another Wii. Even in the original E3 press conference no one was sure if this was a new controller for the Wii or if in fact it was a new console. I feel that if they do want to get people buying the Wii U they need to do a better job of educating people that this is in fact a whole new HD Wii 2!

The Second issue that Nintendo needs to address is the games. Now I think this is a twofold issue at the moment. Firstly, they need to get some good games on the way from their own first party studios. We want a new 3rd person Mario game in HD!  We want a new more grown up Zelda in HD! People buy Nintendo consoles for the great first party Nintendo games, but we don’t just want rehashes, we want something new from Nintendo that pushes the new hardware, something that we haven’t seen for a while. Maybe a new Starfox in HD? Or what about a new Fire Emblem in HD on your TV, that is not a 3DS port?  Or what about a new third person Donkey Kong? These are the kinds of games that they need to be developing.
Secondly, They have to get third party developers excited and developing for their system. We are already hearing about too many games that are bypassing the Wii U. Without that support the Wii U will always struggle. For whatever reason Nintendo seems to be scaring away developers instead of embracing them and helping them to develop for their system. Third Party Support is key here.
Thirdly, I think it is very important to land some 3rd party exclusives that make sense for that system. As great as i think it was getting Bayonetta 2 as an exclusive, it really is not the kind of game that they should be aiming for as a Wii U Exclusive. They did great with the Lego City Undercover, they need more of these kinds of creative games that work to the strength of their system. They need to start working with 3rd party developers to get unique content for their system instead of just the quick hash of current gen games. Without these no one is going to feel the need to buy a Wii U. Give me a reason to buy your console over the other guys!

The Third issue that for whatever reason seems to scare Nintendo is online. They need to get their online strategy figured out and fast. They have so much potential with so many great games, and backlogs and yet they have far and away THE WORST online out of all the current gen consoles. What happens when the PS4 or Xbox 720 come out and change the rules even further then they already are in regards to online? Nintendo needs to stop being so terrified of the Internet and embrace it like everyone else has. The next gen is ONLINE! They need to realize this and make changes to address it. They need a unified account structure for all 3DS, Wii and Wii U under one account, not linked to the actual consoles.

Lastly, as much as it pains me to say this, they need a price drop. Not even because i think the Wii U is overpriced, but they need people talking about it again. I think so many people can smell it in the air that they are not buying because even though Nintendo says they won’t do one, they feel that they are going to soon, some people just need that little nudge. If they price dropped and get some good content out/on the way, i know they would start selling again.

I think Nintendo isn’t that far off track, but if they don’t start implementing some of these, they are going to veer off a course that will be very hard to recover from.

By Dayne “Anjel” Cody

@DayneCody

Insane 30 Year Old Videogame Collection on eBay

insane collection

A collector in Italy has decided to part with his massive video game collection, words can do no justice to the size of this collection and Museum of Gaming would be a much better fit. Check out the auction for hundreds of pictures including rare systems, games and collectables. Check out some of the items included below but definitely have a look at the auction for a trip down memory lane. Oh one more thing, the bidding starts at a reasonable $550,000.

-The games count over 6850 pcs. with about 6780 boxed and 70 loose, and are in various format NTSC Japan or Usa and also PAL.
-The consoles are over330, with 307 system boxed and 24 loose, and even in this case we have all the different standards.
-The controllers are about 220 with 167 boxed and 52 loose. I included all the kind of controller, from the simple joypad to the special controller like all the konami bemani to the densha de go train controller, and the arcade joystick as well.
-The accessories are about 185, and in this category I put the ac adapters, the various av cables, the rumble packs, the memory cards, battery packs, the converters for the region locked games, and various other items like screens, printers etc.

via Over 30 Years of Videogames Collection The History of Videogames | eBay.

By Ricardo “Rico” Ferreira
 @RicF