You’re So Genesis

Nintendo and Sony have cornered the handheld gaming market for some time, Sega has decided to gasp for its share of the pie.

The Retro Gen is a handheld console that plays old Sega Genesis cartridges. Even those who have not saved up their genesis cartridges can still enjoy the console with 20 pre-loaded games and the possibility of future downloads.

The success of Innex’s Retro Gen is up in the air, just as most other handheld consoles have failed to make a dent in the market. Yet, at a price of $59 the Retro Gen will be the cheapest console on the market when it is released. So it’s definitely got that going for it.

Back in Black

The Wii is the game console of the moment. With its motion controls and Nintendo only games the likes of Mario, the Wii’s latest innovation is less revolutionary and more aesthetically focused. The Wii has finally taken a new look. This summer (August to be precise) the Wii will be coming out in black. The new look was announced in June.

If you don’t already own a Wii now you’ll have a choice. It’s not quite the variation we see in other consoles or MP3’s, but it’s a step in the right direction. We all love variation. There’s no word on if the black Wii will come with any hardware upgrades, but don’t worry, the Wiimote and the Nunchuck will match the black console as well.

Playful Design

Nintendo is a Japanese video game company, so it makes sense that some of its most creative games would start off on the other side of the world.  Made in Ore is just such a game.

Made in Ore is a game for Nintendo Gameboy DS.  The game is especially cool because it’s not just a game you play it’s a game you create.  Ore lets you create any number of mini games, comics, and music you can then share them with friends, play them on the Wii, or upload them to Nintendo online.  Creativity is key in the gamin market and this doesn’t seem like a bad place for people to start.  Hey, whichever kid plays Ore and loves it may end up creating the next Halo or Guitar Hero in a couple years.  Unfortunately, at the moment, the game is only available in Japan.

Wii’re in Motion

The Wii continues to revolutionize gaming in its own right.  Wii MotionPlus, released at the E3 media briefing is an accessory to that will make any Wiimote motions more accurate.  This means that in Wii Bowling you better be very careful how you flick your wrist.

The accessory is a small white block that attaches to the base of the Wiimote in the same port the nunchuck usually fits.  With the continued success of the Wii console, and its accessories, it’s nice to see this particular add on go directly back to basics.  The original draw of the Nintendo Wii was it’s one of a kind controller and game play, the Wii MotionPlus should simply enhance what we loved so much in the first place.

One Small Step for Nintendo

White is the gadget color (or lack of color) of our time.  From the origins of the most recent Apple products to the Nintendo Wii.  Yet, in the footsteps of Apple and its ipods Nintendo too is answering the call for personalization and a more diverse spectrum.

It’s a small step, but a step none the less.  Nintendo is releasing green, blue, and pink Wiimote wrist straps.  That’s right, they’re starting small.  You can get all three (plus an extra white one) for about $10, but only in Japan.  No word yet on when (or if) the United States will be seeing this new light any time soon.  Now the question is if this new colorful perspective will be making its mark on the rest of the Wii as well.

Wii can all Play

Odds are you’ve heard about the Nintendo Wii by now.  If you’re lucky you’ve tried one too.  It’s virtual reality meets you’re average at home gaming system.  My favorite game so far is Wii Sports where you can swing your wireless remote at your television screen (using a safety strap around your wrist of course) to play your favorite sports like baseball, boxing, and bowling the digital way. So how has Wii improved gaming even more?

Besides the recent release of Wii Fit (an exceptional idea on the part of Nintendo to cross the gaming gap once again and make play not only family friendly but health conscious as well) Wii has taken a step to work for the greater good in a more specific way.  The University of South Carolina is using the Wii as part of a research project considering how Wii games could help stroke victims regain motor skills.  

Sure, I’ve heard snickers about “playing down” to consumers, but hard core gamers have other systems they can go to if the idea of their grandmother learning to play on a console is so repulsive.  Me, I like it.  I like not having to know twelve secret combinations and angles to pass one level, I just want to play.  The fact that Nintendo is working towards available play for everyone despite age, experience, or ability is surely a far more commendable goal than graphics and complexity.  

The Digital Generation Gap

Why does technology intimidate my parents? They’re both educated and well-read. And they’re certainly not timid. So why can’t they remember how to transfer photos from their digital camera to their PC?

My Dad was always the type of guy who would never back down from doing major home improvement projects himself. He wasn’t afraid of starting up a rented chainsaw or firing up a blow torch. He taught himself how to install a full underground sprinkler system. He built wall units, a bar and all sorts of structures with a few quick sketches and without a moment’s doubt in his own abilities. So why can’t he retrieve voicemail from his mobile phone?

They won’t use their credit card online. When they need to buy plane tickets online, they call me and ask me to do it for them, using my credit card - then they write me a check for the cost. I’m not sure whether they don’t know how to do it - or if they are scared to use a credit card online. If they’re afraid of identity theft, why do they think it’s ok to put mine at risk?

High-speed Internet connection? Not for my folks. Their dial-up AOL account is all they need. And when they get into that slow lane on the Information Superhighway, do you think they know where they’re going or how to get there? Not a chance! When my mom somehow deleted the shortcut to Hotmail, she had no idea how to get there on her own.

I truly thought it was a lost cause until I watched my father play against his grandchildren on a Wii gaming system. He bowled in perfect form and swung a bat like a pro. My sisters and I wondered if this would be an awesome thing to buy him. We could envision him gathering his 70-something golf buddies for Wii tournaments in the clubhouse. But then we realized someone would have to know how to turn it on…