Nintendo Of Europe Announces First New Colours For Nintendo DS: Pink And Blue
17 August 2005 - Add a splash of colour to your life with Nintendo DS - the revolutionary handheld console boasting touch-screen technology, wireless communication, online gaming, voice recognition and WiFi capability, all in the palm of your hand. The stylish new Pink and Blue editions of Nintendo DS will launch across Europe on 7th October 2005 joining the already best selling Silver edition.
The Nintendo DS Pink and Blue editions launch at the same time as the smash-hit pet simulator, Nintendogs, that has taken Japan by storm since it launched in April 2005. Nintendogs makes full use of the unique capabilities of the Nintendo DS - with the voice recognition feature, you simply call the Nintendog by the name you have chosen and using the touch screen you can stroke, pat and tickle your dog - making this sure to be the No.1 handheld game this Christmas.
Jim Merrick, Senior Director, European Marketing.
"Since launching Nintendo DS in Europe on 11th March 2005, over 1 million people across Europe have embraced this new way to play games. With three new colour choices now available and the launch of the groundbreaking Nintendogs in time for Christmas, we will continue to expand the handheld market and will be well on track to achieving sales of over 3 million Nintendo DS across Europe by the end of this year".
Click onto www.nintendo-europe.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
For further information please contact the Nintendo press office on 020 7303 3103
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario® and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda® and Pokémon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy - the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
Nintendo DS A Steal At $129.99; Nintendogs Barks Up A Storm
U.S. Fans Brace for Japan's Smash-Hit Puppy Simulation
REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 16, 2005 – Nintendo is announcing new pricing for the Nintendo DSTM of $129.99 MSRP, effective Aug. 21, in advance of the arrival of a critically acclaimed title for the dual-screened, hand-held video game system. The $20 price drop comes just ahead of the Aug. 22 U.S. launch of NintendogsTM, which has become a cultural phenomenon and a sales leader in Japan because of its innovative appeal.
"The new price and the arrival of a mega hit like Nintendogs give Nintendo DS a one-two punch that will thrill consumers," says Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of sales & marketing. "Consumers know Nintendo offers the best in the hand-held video game industry, and this news should make them very happy."
Nintendo DS has outsold all other hand-held and console video game systems in Japan for four months straight. Nintendogs recently went on sale in Japan, sparking a nationwide craze, as owners began raising, training and falling in love with their lifelike puppies; more than 700,000 copies of Nintendogs have sold since its debut. Weekly Famitsu, Japan's leading video game magazine, gives Nintendogs an extraordinary overall perfect score of 40.
Nintendogs is a puppy simulator made exclusively for Nintendo DS that lets owners name, train and play with a realistic puppy. The pups respond to their owners' voices with the built-in microphone, and react to praise and positive reinforcement via the Nintendo DS' touch screen. The sophisticated artificial intelligence simulates a real dog in every way. Nintendogs players pick from 18 breeds, then owners feed their pups, buy them new toys and take them for walks as they bond.
In addition to Nintendogs, Nintendo DS has a strong lineup of games arriving before the end of the year. These include Advance Wars®: Dual Strike on Aug. 22, Trace MemoryTM on Sept. 26, Metroid® Prime Pinball on Oct. 24 and Mario & Luigi 2TM in Q4. The new price for Nintendo DS also gives consumers another excuse to buy a Nintendo DS to be ready for the upcoming Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, the wireless gaming service to launch later this year with a Mario Kart® racing game and an Animal Crossing® community-building game.
The worldwide leader and innovator in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home and portable video game systems. Each year, hundreds of all-new titles for the best-selling Game Boy® Advance SP, Nintendo DSTM and Nintendo GameCubeTM systems extend Nintendo's vast game library and continue the tradition of delivering a rich, diverse mix of quality video games for players of all ages. Since the release of its first home video game system in 1983, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games and more than 353 million hardware units globally, creating enduring industry icons such as MarioTM and Donkey Kong® and launching popular culture franchise phenomena such as Metroid®, ZeldaTM and Pokémon®. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in the Western Hemisphere.
Nintendo and Bakers Complete join forces for 'doggylicious' fun and games
Joint through-the-line promotion to support Nintendogs UK launch
Nintendo and Bakers Complete, the UK's number one complete dry dog food, are joining forces for the launch of the latest gaming craze to sweep the world – Nintendogs.
In the first ever video game / dog food partnership the joint through the line promotion will see Nintendogs featured on over 1.5 million packs of Bakers Complete from October this year. Money off vouchers for Bakers products will also be included in copies of Nintendogs for anyone who picks up the game at the UK launch on 7 October.
The Bakers Complete on-pack promotion features an on-line competition to win one of 100 Nintendo DS Nintendogs prize packs. Dog lovers will enter via www.bakerscomplete.co.uk and answer three dog related multiple-choice questions, with winners selected on a monthly basis. The promotion will feature across all the major supermarket chains, as well as major pet superstores, convenience stores and independent pet shops.
Bakers Complete will be official sponsors of the Nintendogs Zone at the remaining Nintendo All Stars 2005 Tour events through August and September. The tour will take place on selected weekends and half-term week in October and will feature the Nintendo Mutt Truck, sampling bone gazebo and a Bakers Complete product area.
Nintendogs will also be heavily promoted on the Bakers Complete website from August, with information provided on the game, plus footage, information on the Nintendogs tour and the competition area. Joint branded email newsletters will be distributed.
With three different versions available, Nintendogs lets owners choose a puppy from one of 18 breeds, then raise and train the pup. Nintendogs uses sophisticated artificial intelligence to produce incredibly realistic and cute puppies that respond to voice commands and petting on the touch screen. Owners can teach their puppies new tricks, compete in obedience trials and agility trials or compete in flying disk competitions. Successful trainers earn money and trainer points to use to buy additional breeds, new toys and accessories. Nintendogs is the pet for people who can't have the real thing.
Since its launch in Japan in April this year, Nintendogs has become a pop-culture phenomenon. Nintendo's kennel club represents a virtual "who's who" of best-in-show contenders.
In recognition of its technological achievements, the Nintendo DS has received the Edge magazine 'Hardware of the Year Award', as well as rave reviews across the UK, showing that the Nintendo DS has already delivered on its ambitious promise to bring a new gaming experience to gamers.
The Nintendo DS can be purchased from most good retailers for around £99. Software is available from around £29 and £19 depending on the game.
Click onto www.nintendo-europe-media.com for all of the most up to date official information on Nintendo.
-ENDS-
For further information, please contact Stephanie Moses or Sian Dobson at the Nintendo press office on 020 7307 3103
Notes to editors:
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario® and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda® and Pokémon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
Nintendo Joins Dogs Trust to Promote Responsible Dog Ownership Through Launch of 'Virtual Dog' Game
- Leading games brand embarks on association with Dogs Trust -
25th August 2005. To coincide with the forthcoming arrival of 'nintendogs', Nintendo's brand new virtual pet phenomenon, the video games brand and the UK's largest dog welfare charity, Dogs Trust, have announced a strategic partnership in celebration of the special role of man's best friend, and to encourage potential owners to recognise the time and commitment required to really care for a dog.
Dogs Trust, the organisation that never destroys a healthy dog, has been caring for dogs for 114 years and was formerly known as the National Canine Defence League. Its famous slogan "A Dog is for Life, Not Just for Christmas®" represents an inherent belief that the number of unwanted dogs in the UK desperately needs to be reduced. The charity's mission is to ensure that every dog enjoys a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction or abandonment. Today, Dogs Trust cares for over 12,500 dogs every year, and has over 400,000 supporters.
Nintendo is supporting the Dogs Trust's mission with the launch of 'nintendogs', set to bound into the country on October 7th, 2005. Following a phenomenal reception worldwide reception since its launch, Dogs Trust and Nintendo hope the product will encourage potential dog owners to test their ability to care for a dog before making the commitment to own one. Thousands of dogs are abandoned and destroyed in the UK every year simply for want of a loving home. Dogs Trust believes that the responsible dog ownership message behind 'nintendogs' may help encourage dog lovers to consider the commitment required in owning a real dog.
Available exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld console, 'nintendogs' is a brand new way to play and develops the concept of the virtual pet by adding a whole new dimension of interaction. Players can actually touch and speak to their dog which, will in turn react realistically to this attention. This interaction is unlike any other seen before on a games console. 'nintendogs' is an ideal pet for people who can't own a real dog, it makes no mess, will never die and definitely won't molt all over your sofa!
Adrian Burder, Dogs Trust Marketing Director, said: "Dogs Trust is pleased to be associated with 'nintendogs'. The philosophy behind the game has a lot in common with our own aims of ensuring that every dog is a happy and loved pet. Despite the fame of our A Dog is For Life slogan, thousands of dogs are still abandoned and unwanted every year, so it's great that there's a game that is not only fun to play, but supports the message that responsible dog ownership means more than giving your dog an occasional stroke."
The Dogs Trust partnership will see joint through-the-line marketing activities taking place from August to December including on-pack branding and fund raising initiatives. Further barks of joy will be heard as Nintendo appeals to its league of fans, hounding them to support Dogs Trust and sponsor one of its 26 sponsor dogs at one of its 15 rehoming centres nationwide.
-ENDS-
For further information on 'nintendogs', please contact Stephanie Moses or Simon Watts at the Nintendo press office on 020 7307 3103
For further information on Dogs Trust, please contact the Dogs Trust press office on 020 7837 0006 or email pressoffice@dogstrust.org.uk.
Notes to editors:
What is 'nintendogs'?
Available exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld console, 'nintendogs' is a brand new way to play and develops the concept of the virtual pet by adding a whole new dimension of interaction. Players can actually touch and speak to their dog which, will in turn react realistically to this attention. This interaction is unlike any other seen before on a games console. 'nintendogs' is an ideal pet for people who can't own a real dog, it makes no mess, will never die and definitely won't molt all over your sofa!
'nintendogs' will come in three different packages – Labrador Retriever, Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua - each with six different breeds of puppies to begin with, giving a total of eighteen breeds to choose. Each breed will have a litter of three different puppies to choose from, giving players a chance to pick the sex and characteristics of their puppy.
Since its launch in Japan, the Japanese have been going barking mad for 'nintendogs'. Not only do the media love it, but the general public can't get enough either – so much so that sales of the Nintendo DS console have rocketed to five times the average amount during the 'nintendogs 'launch week.
Visit http://ms.nintendo-europe.com/nintendogs for more information on 'nintendogs'.
About Dogs Trust
Dogs Trust is the UK's largest dog welfare charity. It cares for over 12,500 dogs every year, through a network of 15 Rehoming Centres across the country. Dogs Trust's mission is to reach the day when all dogs can enjoy a happy life, free from the threat of unnecessary destruction. It seeks to achieve this through rescue and rehoming, reduction of the stray dog population, and promotion of responsible ownership. Educating the dog owners of tomorrow is an essential part of the work of Dogs Trust, and the charity runs an Education Programme which provides free schools materials for young people aged 6-11, Dogs Trust never destroys a healthy dog.
For more information visit www.dogstrust.org.uk or call on 020 7837 0006
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 350 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario® and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda® and Pokémon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy – the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 180 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
Virtual Puppies Help With Human Touch
Who wouldn't want to own a real puppy? They're cute, they're cuddly and best of all they're always pleased to see you. But owning a pet just isn't a realistic option for many people, either for practical or financial reasons. The thought of 'walkies' every morning and evening doesn't always sit well with modern lifestyles.
But the life skills that can be learnt from looking after a pet can be crucial to human physical and creative development which is why "nintendogs", a new dog rearing game on the Nintendo DS, has caused such a stir in Japan and is set to do the same in the UK when it bounds into the country on 7th October. But is there any science behind the gameplay? Relationship psychologist Susan Quilliam has reviewed the implications of the virtual puppy and found that it can not only help develop our attention spans and motor skills, but also improves our ability to solve problems and think creatively
The "nintendogs" concept is easily grasped - you're responsible for a pet, and must offer regular food, exercise and entertainment if you want to keep it happy (however, the good news is that the pet never dies). Susan Quilliam found that the game teaches us how to bond and provides us with a sense of nurture and responsibility. But it can also have emotional effects, helping to raise self-esteem and develop strategic thinking. This is supported by research to coincide with the report, which reveals that nearly half of parents believe that owning a pet can teach the owner about a variety of emotions.
The survey asked dog lovers what they think are the positive benefits of a virtual pet. Forty three (43) per cent said lower vet bills (!), 39 per cent said it was because they wouldn't have to go for a daily walk and 35 per cent thought it would be tidier. Is it finally time to replace your household pet with a virtual one?
What is 'nintendogs"?
Available exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld console, "nintendogs" is a brand new way to play and develops the concept of the virtual pet by adding a whole new dimension of interaction. Players can actually touch and speak to their dog which, will in turn react realistically to this attention. This interaction is unlike any other seen before on a games console. "nintendogs" is an ideal pet for people who can't own a real dog, it makes no mess, will never die and definitely won't moult all over your sofa!
"nintendogs" will come in three different packages - Labrador Retriever, Miniature Dachshund and Chihuahua - each with six different breeds of puppies to begin with, giving a total of eighteen breeds to choose. Each breed will have a litter of three different puppies to choose from, giving players a chance to pick the sex and characteristics of their puppy.
Since its launch in Japan, the Japanese have been going barking mad for "nintendogs". Not only do the media love it, but the general public can't get enough either - so much so that sales of the Nintendo DS console have rocketed to five times the average amount during the nintendogs launch week. It could be the best £30 you've ever spent.
For further information, please contact Stephanie Moses or Gary Bradshaw at the Nintendo press office on 020 7307 3103
Notes to editors:
About Nintendo
Nintendo Co., Ltd of Kyoto, Japan, is the acknowledged worldwide leader in the creation of interactive entertainment. To date, Nintendo has sold more than 2 billion video games worldwide and more than 336 million hardware units globally, creating such industry icons as Mario® and Donkey Kong and launched franchises like The Legend of Zelda® and Pokémon. Nintendo manufactures and markets hardware and software for its popular home video game systems, including the Nintendo 64, NINTENDO GAMECUBE, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, and Game Boy - the world's best-selling video game system which has sold over 190 million units. As a wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of Europe, based in Grossostheim, Germany, was established in 1990 and serves as headquarters for Nintendo's operations in Europe.
Metroid Prime Hunters Will Be Wi-Fi Ready
Since the Nintendo DSTM first launched with demo versions of Metroid® Prime Hunters, fans have been clamoring for the completed version of the game. Their patience has paid off. Metroid Prime Hunters will launch in the first quarter of 2006, complete with access to Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection, Nintendo's upcoming online gaming service. Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will debut before the end of the year with a Mario Kart® and an Animal Crossing® game, and will let players connect wirelessly with one another as easily as if they were sitting in the same room.
For the first time, fans can get their hands on a trial version of the new single-player mission of Metroid Prime Hunters this weekend at the Penny Arcade Expo in Bellevue, Wash. Attendees also can see three previously unreleased bounty hunter characters in the game. These include Sylux, a ruthless sharpshooter who harbors an intense hatred for Metroid heroine Samus Aran; Trace, a young outcast who seeks power and a planet to invade; and Weavel, a cyborg Space Pirate assassin. For more information and videos of the bounty hunters in action, visit www.metroidhunters.com.
