Japanese secondhand shops selling the double-screened handheld at more than double the retail price. Survey shows no signs of waning interest.

Despite being just a redesign of an existing console rather than a new machine, the Nintendo DS Lite sold out quickly in Japan on its first day of release yesterday. Hundreds of customers were seen in line outside stores across the country, and the handheld sold out within hours of its morning release. When GameSpot checked out stores in Tokyo, employees were turning away patrons before the stores were even open for business, already having more people in line than handhelds to sell. The desire for the new DS wasn't limited to just Japan's tech-hungry capital; similar reports were heard from various other regions including Osaka, the second-largest city in the country.

Today, GameSpot went through a number of major shopping districts including Akihabara, Ikeburuko, and Shinjuku, but no retailer had any units available. However, secondhand shops were selling DS Lite units at nearly 40,000 yen ($343), which is more than double the handheld's official price of 16,800 yen ($144). Prices at online auction sites are lower, with deals closing around an average of 26,000 yen ($233).

Gamers who missed out on yesterday's launch will either have to pay a premium to purchase their DS Lite secondhand, or wait until Nintendo makes its next big shipment on March 11. On that date, Nintendo will release the Ice Blue and Enamel Navy color models of the DS Lite, which were delayed due to problems in manufacturing.

The popularity of the DS shows no signs of fading, especially with the new announcements that Nintendo made late last month. The company unveiled a number of new add-ons that will make the handheld function more as a multimedia device, including a Web browser and digital TV tuner.

The latest issue of Famitsu features a report of a survey taken from its official site, and it shows that gamers are looking forward to the handheld's extended capabilities.

When asked about the DS's Web browser, 245 surveyed gamers answered that they look forward to using it, doubling the 121 that had no interest. Among the reasons given by interested users were the use of the two screens for browsing (216 votes), convenient controls with the stylus (180 votes), and the handwriting-recognition software when browsing (155 votes). On the other hand, a significant number of users had no idea the DS's web browser will cost money (3,800 yen/$33--Sony's PSP comes with one for free).

When asked about the 1seg digital broadcast TV tuner, 38.2 percent of the surveyed gamers said they are looking forward to the TV tuner, while only 9.8 percent said they have no interest. A little over half (52 percent) still weren't sure about it. The 1seg broadcast service is still relatively new, with the general public mostly unaware of its capabilities.

For its final question, Famitsu asked gamers who don't own a DS whether they're now interested in picking one upon learning of the handheld's new functions. 58.1 percent said yes, 31.1 percent said they're still thinking, and 10.8 percent said no.

Nintendo has still not announced a release date for the DS Lite in North America.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6145349.html ...

Japanese secondhand shops selling the double-screened handheld at more than double the retail price. Survey shows no signs of waning interest.

Despite being just a redesign of an existing console rather than a new machine, the Nintendo DS Lite sold out quickly in Japan on its first day of release yesterday. Hundreds of customers were seen in line outside stores across the country, and the handheld sold out within hours of its morning release. When GameSpot checked out stores in Tokyo, employees were turning away patrons before the stores were even open for business, already having more people in line than handhelds to sell. The desire for the new DS wasn't limited to just Japan's tech-hungry capital; similar reports were heard from various other regions including Osaka, the second-largest city in the country.

Today, GameSpot went through a number of major shopping districts including Akihabara, Ikeburuko, and Shinjuku, but no retailer had any units available. However, secondhand shops were selling DS Lite units at nearly 40,000 yen ($343), which is more than double the handheld's official price of 16,800 yen ($144). Prices at online auction sites are lower, with deals closing around an average of 26,000 yen ($233).

Gamers who missed out on yesterday's launch will either have to pay a premium to purchase their DS Lite secondhand, or wait until Nintendo makes its next big shipment on March 11. On that date, Nintendo will release the Ice Blue and Enamel Navy color models of the DS Lite, which were delayed due to problems in manufacturing.

The popularity of the DS shows no signs of fading, especially with the new announcements that Nintendo made late last month. The company unveiled a number of new add-ons that will make the handheld function more as a multimedia device, including a Web browser and digital TV tuner.

The latest issue of Famitsu features a report of a survey taken from its official site, and it shows that gamers are looking forward to the handheld's extended capabilities.

When asked about the DS's Web browser, 245 surveyed gamers answered that they look forward to using it, doubling the 121 that had no interest. Among the reasons given by interested users were the use of the two screens for browsing (216 votes), convenient controls with the stylus (180 votes), and the handwriting-recognition software when browsing (155 votes). On the other hand, a significant number of users had no idea the DS's web browser will cost money (3,800 yen/$33--Sony's PSP comes with one for free).

When asked about the 1seg digital broadcast TV tuner, 38.2 percent of the surveyed gamers said they are looking forward to the TV tuner, while only 9.8 percent said they have no interest. A little over half (52 percent) still weren't sure about it. The 1seg broadcast service is still relatively new, with the general public mostly unaware of its capabilities.

For its final question, Famitsu asked gamers who don't own a DS whether they're now interested in picking one upon learning of the handheld's new functions. 58.1 percent said yes, 31.1 percent said they're still thinking, and 10.8 percent said no.

Nintendo has still not announced a release date for the DS Lite in North America.

http://www.gamespot.com/news/6145349.html ...

1up has an expansive piece up exploring everything they know about the PlayStation 3. They cover rumours, prices, technology, and the limited information currently out there on upcoming games. From the article: "While the hard facts are still tough to nail down, the general consensus is that the PlayStation 3 is the most powerful of the three next-generation systems, although probably not by as much of a margin as Sony would like us to think. The arguments for the technical strengths of the PS3 go into CPU floating-point capabilities and the difficulties surrounding programming for parallel architectures, but the long and short of it is that whether or not the advantages of the PS3 are apparent will depend on developers' ability to utilize the PlayStation 3's unique architecture. ...

+ T + released a new version of FBA-xxx Pro.

What's new:

* Replaced 'Auto Unibios' option with 'Auto Neo-Bios'. Can be set to MVS, AES, Debug, Universe, Off.
* The following sets have been added: kof96pls
* Updated some ROMsets based on the latest information. (thanks to Ferchogtx and iq_132)
* Fixed extra button press when entering Diagnostics Mode.
* Fixed reversed controls on Black and White buttons.
* The following sets have been added: jgokushi, hsf2, hsf2j (XORs for these CPS2 sets are not yet available so for the time being they are non-working)
* Fixed dipswitches in msword. (bug from PC version)
* Fixed X-Arcade control configuration not saving.
* Cleaned up UI menus.
* Also I understand that the correct (non-fake) samsho5 M1 ROM is now available.
* NOTE: You should delete your old FBA-XXX Pro savefile from the MS dashboard or the folder E:\TDATA\ffff0504 before running this release.

More info --> http://www.1emulation.com/forums/ind...howtopic=17031 ...

Source CVG:

Last year, Nintendo's DS Metroid outing was shoved back to the murky depths of 2006, with only the promise of online play and voice chat consoling bereaved Nintendo fans. Now that Metroid Prime Hunters is finally approaching release, a stream of exciting new game details have reached our ears.
In an interview on the official Nintendo Europe website, NST's game director Masamichi Abe and game designer Richard Vorodi give the full run-down on Metroid Prime Hunter's enticing multiplayer modes. Revealed in the interview are seven deathmatch flavours, including the standard 'battle' and 'survival' modes, as well as a Capture the Flag-style mode among others.

Also mentioned is Hunter's interesting 'Rival Radar' feature, which allows players to set their DS to seek out rival Bounty Hunters in public, much like the similar Bark Mode in Nintendogs. Also new to our ears is talk of a 'Hunter License' which will track your game statistics, such as how often you use a certain weapon. Be warned though: Hunter Licenses can be freely viewed over Nintendo's Wi-fi Connection service so, if you're a rubbish deathmatcher, we advise you to start practicing sharpish.
Metroid Prime Hunters morph balls into the stores on May 5. ...

Source CVG:

Last year, Nintendo's DS Metroid outing was shoved back to the murky depths of 2006, with only the promise of online play and voice chat consoling bereaved Nintendo fans. Now that Metroid Prime Hunters is finally approaching release, a stream of exciting new game details have reached our ears.
In an interview on the official Nintendo Europe website, NST's game director Masamichi Abe and game designer Richard Vorodi give the full run-down on Metroid Prime Hunter's enticing multiplayer modes. Revealed in the interview are seven deathmatch flavours, including the standard 'battle' and 'survival' modes, as well as a Capture the Flag-style mode among others.

Also mentioned is Hunter's interesting 'Rival Radar' feature, which allows players to set their DS to seek out rival Bounty Hunters in public, much like the similar Bark Mode in Nintendogs. Also new to our ears is talk of a 'Hunter License' which will track your game statistics, such as how often you use a certain weapon. Be warned though: Hunter Licenses can be freely viewed over Nintendo's Wi-fi Connection service so, if you're a rubbish deathmatcher, we advise you to start practicing sharpish.
Metroid Prime Hunters morph balls into the stores on May 5. ...

Source CVG:

Last year, Nintendo's DS Metroid outing was shoved back to the murky depths of 2006, with only the promise of online play and voice chat consoling bereaved Nintendo fans. Now that Metroid Prime Hunters is finally approaching release, a stream of exciting new game details have reached our ears.
In an interview on the official Nintendo Europe website, NST's game director Masamichi Abe and game designer Richard Vorodi give the full run-down on Metroid Prime Hunter's enticing multiplayer modes. Revealed in the interview are seven deathmatch flavours, including the standard 'battle' and 'survival' modes, as well as a Capture the Flag-style mode among others.

Also mentioned is Hunter's interesting 'Rival Radar' feature, which allows players to set their DS to seek out rival Bounty Hunters in public, much like the similar Bark Mode in Nintendogs. Also new to our ears is talk of a 'Hunter License' which will track your game statistics, such as how often you use a certain weapon. Be warned though: Hunter Licenses can be freely viewed over Nintendo's Wi-fi Connection service so, if you're a rubbish deathmatcher, we advise you to start practicing sharpish.
Metroid Prime Hunters morph balls into the stores on May 5. ...

Natsume, long-time comrade of Nintendo and developer of the insiduously addictive Harvest Moon series, has confirmed that it has a game in the works for the Revolution. As is the way with these things, the company declined to comment on the nature of the game itself, so it could be anything from a new Harvest Moon to an balloon animal simulator, for all we know. Apparently, the game - whatever it turns out to be - might get a behind-closed-doors showing at this year's E3.
So there you go - another game publisher in mystery Revolution title shocker. We're sure more will be revealed come this year's E3 - which you're probably sick of hearing by now. ...

Play Asia are offering the following games at a discounted price, (might be a chance to snag a game your missing)

Heres the listing

PlayStation2™ Games:

Breath of Fire V - Dragon Quarter JPN US$ 6.90
Code Age Commanders ASIA US$ 8.90
Critical Velocity ASIA US$ 8.90
Death by Degrees Tekken: Nina Williams (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 6.90
Dororo (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 5.90
Drag-On Dragoon 2: Love Red, Ambivalence Black ASIA US$ 8.90
Gacha Mecha Stadium Saru Battle (Chinese language version) ASIA US$ 6.99
Gran Turismo 4 Prologue (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 4.90
Heavy Metal Thunder ASIA US$ 7.90
Koukyoushihen Eureka Seven - TR1: New Wave JPN US$ 24.90
Mahjong Party: Swim Suit Beauty ASIA US$ 5.90
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny: Generation of C.E. JPN US$ 19.90
Monster Farm 5: Circus Caravan JPN US$ 16.90
Prince of Persia: Warrior Within ASIA US$ 9.90
Radiata Stories ASIA US$ 6.90
Rez JPN US$ 12.90
Sakura Taisen V Episode 0: Samurai Girl of Wild (Chinese version) ASIA US$ 6.90
Sega AGES 2500 Series Vol. 14 Alien Syndrome JPN US$ 12.90
Simple 2000 Series Ultimate Vol. 28: The Gaidou! Genocide Grand Prix ~Drive to Survive~ JPN US$ 12.90
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 87: The Senko JPN US$ 12.90
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 89: The Party Games 2 JPN US$ 5.90
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 91: The All Star Fighting Festival JPN US$ 9.90
Simple 2000 Series Vol. 92: The Game of a Curse JPN US$ 12.90
Sonic Heroes JPN US$ 14.90
Soul Calibur III (English language version) ASIA US$ 22.90
SuperLite 2000: Youkoso Hitsuji-Mura JPN US$ 9.90
Tekken 5 (English language version) ASIA US$ 9.90
Tekken 5 (Japanese language version) ASIA US$ 9.90
Tenchu Kurenai (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 5.90
Time Crisis 3 (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 7.90
Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Chaos Theory JPN US$ 14.90
Virtua Fighter Cyber Generation: Ambition of the Judgement Six JPN US$ 9.90

Gamecube™ Games:

Auto Modellista U.S. Tuned JPN US$ 14.90
Biohazard JPN US$ 14.90
Biohazard 0 JPN US$ 14.90
Capcom Vs. SNK 2 EO JPN US$ 14.90
Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat JPN US$ 12.90
Eternal Darkness: Sanity's Requiem JPN US$ 12.90
Gold Gashbell!! Friendship Tag Battle JPN US$ 19.90
Gold Gashbell: Yuujou Tag Battle 2 JPN US$ 19.90
Kururin Squash JPN US$ 29.90
Metroid Prime 2: Dark Echoes JPN US$ 39.90
Mobile Suit Gundam: Senshitachi no Kiseki JPN US$ 14.90
Mr. Driller Drill Land JPN US$ 29.90
Naruto JPN US$ 29.90
Naruto: Gekitou Ninja Taisen 2 JPN US$ 29.90
Nintendo Puzzle Collection JPN US$ 29.90
Pokemon Box Ruby & Sapphire (incl. Link Cable) JPN US$ 9.90
Product Number 3 (P.N.03) JPN US$ 12.90
Resident Evil 4 US US$ 29.90
Super Mario Sunshine (English language version) KOR US$ 14.90
The Legend of Zelda: The Four Swords JPN US$ 14.90
Wave Race Blue Storm JPN US$ 6.90

Xbox™ Games:

Blinx 2: Battle of Time and Space ASIA US$ 10.90
Conker: Live & Reloaded ASIA US$ 10.90
Dead or Alive Ultimate Double Disc Collector's Edition ASIA US$ 14.90
Fable ASIA US$ 10.90
Genma Onimusha JPN US$ 5.99
Jade Empire ASIA US$ 10.90
Jet Set Radio Future JPN US$ 9.90
MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf ASIA US$ 10.90
Rallisport Challenge 2 ASIA US$ 10.90
Street Fighter Anniversary Collection JPN US$ 19.90
Winning Eleven 8 International ASIA US$ 10.90

Sony PSP™ Games:

Fukufuku no Shima JPN US$ 9.90
Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex - Territory of Hunter ASIA US$ 12.90
KuruKuru Chameleon (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 14.90
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner ASIA US$ 22.90
Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner JPN US$ 24.90
Shinseiki Genso: SSII Unlimited Side ASIA US$ 12.90
Space Invaders Galaxy Beat ASIA US$ 12.90
Yarudora Portable: Double Cast (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 14.90
Yarudora Portable: Kisetsu o Dakishimete (Chinese Version) ASIA US$ 14.90

Nintendo DS™ Games:

Bouken-Ou Beet: Vandal vs. Busters JPN US$ 19.90
Croket! DS: Tenkuu no Yuusha tachi JPN US$ 19.90
Danshaku / Nanostray JPN US$ 19.90
Futari wa Precure Max Heart: Danzen! DS de Precure o Awasete Dai Battle JPN US$ 19.90
Iron Feather JPN US$ 19.90
Kenshuui Tendo Dokuta 2: Inochi no Tenbin JPN US$ 24.90
Kouchuu Kakutou: Mushi 1 Grand Prix JPN US$ 14.90
Kouchuu Ouja Mushi King: Greatest Champion e no Michi DS JPN US$ 14.90
Kyouryuu Ouja Ketteisen: Kyouryuu Grand Prix JPN US$ 19.90
Kyouryuu Taisen Dino Champ: Saikyou DNA Hakkutsu Daisakusen JPN US$ 19.90
Lunar Genesis JPN US$ 24.90
Mega Man Battle Network 5: Double Team US US$ 29.90
Rockman EXE 5 DS Twin Leads JPN US$ 29.90
Scratch! Viewtiful Joe JPN US$ 29.90
Super Black Bass: Dynamic Shot JPN US$ 16.90
Super Monkey Ball DS JPN US$ 29.90
True Swing Golf US US$ 24.90
Viewtiful Joe Double Trouble US US$ 29.90
Zoids Saga DS: ...