The successor to the popular Wii console will integrate a popular touch-card technology into its controllers. Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said the device will use NFC, or near field communication, standards that are widely employed in tap-and-go train passes and other payment systems worldwide.

“It will become possible to create cards and figurines that can electronically read and write data via noncontact NFC,” Iwata said in a speech, a copy of which was posted on Nintendo’s web site.

“Adoption of this functionality will enable various other possibilities such as using it as a means of making micropayments,” he added.

The Nintendo chief said final details about the Wii U will be announced at the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, a major annual game exhibition to be held this year in June in Los Angeles.

The Wii U has a large controller that is similar to a dedicated handheld console, with a touchscreen, motion detection and camera. Its small screen can be used to supplement games played on TVs or replace the larger display entirely.

Speaking about related Nintendo technologies, Iwata added that Nintendo is working to expand StreetPass and SpotPass, the peer-to-peer platforms of the device, which let users communicate and compete via their 3DS consoles. The company is also working to expand its fledgling online shop for the device.

Looks like I may have an original Wii up for sale soon.

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

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Check out the video below showing some of the extensive possibilities of the game console which is scheduled to hit store shelves next year.

Me, being a bits-and-bytes technology guy  focused on the fact that IBM will be providing the micropocessors underneath the hood of the console.

The relationship between IBM and Nintendo dates to May 1999, when IBM was selected to design and manufacture the central microprocessor for the Nintendo GameCube system. Since 2006, IBM has shipped more than 90 million chips for Nintendo Wii systems.

“IBM has been a terrific partner for many years. We truly value IBM’s commitment to support Nintendo in delivering an entirely new kind of gaming and entertainment experience for consumers around the world,” said Genyo Takeda, Senior Managing Director, Integrated Research and Development, at Nintendo Co., Ltd.

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Best Buy has announced the presale of the eagerly anticipated Nintendo 3DS system, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 19, at all Best Buy stores and online at www.BestBuy.com.

“Our customers have been buzzing about the new Nintendo 3DS and we’re excited to give them the opportunity to be one step closer to owning this innovative new product,” said Chris Homeister, senior vice president and general manager of Home Entertainment for Best Buy. “With all of the hottest games and Nintendo 3DS accessories on the way, we’re the one-stop shop for anyone from the casual player to the gaming enthusiast.”

Crowned the “Best in Gaming” by the CNET “Best of CES 2011” awards, the Nintendo 3DS is one of the hottest electronics launches of the new decade, allowing users to have a 3D portable entertainment experience without the need for special glasses.

Key features of the Nintendo 3DS:

• Compact, portable size that only weighs approximately 8 ounces
• 3D screen with an adjustable 3D Depth Slider
• Touch-screen controls
• One inner camera and two outer cameras that can take 3D pictures
• Motion sensors to detect movements during games
• An analog Circle Pad and traditional video game button controls

The Nintendo 3DS can be pre-ordered for $249.99 and will be available on March 27, 2011.

For additional information or to see more Best Buy gaming offers, please visit www.bestbuy.com/3ds.

[via Best Buy]

James Hicks

James is the Founder and Chief Technologist of HicksNewMedia, a technology consulting and digital publishing firm providing effective and relevant solutions to individuals and businesses looking to utilize all things on the interweb. Follow him on Twitter | about.me | Facebook | Google+

Website - Twitter - Facebook - More Posts

Back in May 16, 2005, Sony officially released the much-awaited PS3 the first time at the E3 conference and demonstrated the console’s specifications through sample games such as Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots and a sample video footage of Final Fantasy VII, using the latest graphics available.

The first product has the specification of as follows: HDMI ports, three Ethernet ports and six USB ports though this was changed a year later to just one HDMI port, one Ethernet port and four USB ports to minimize cost. It was initially introduced in Japan last November 11, 2006 and then in North America that same year.

These are the 20 GB and 60 GB model costing around $499. It includes an HDMI port, Wi-Fi internet, flash card readers and a chrome trim with the brand logo coated in silver and over 81,639 PS3 consoles were sold within that same day it was introduced.

Sadly, due to some unforeseen events, the global launch was delayed until March that is why Sony advised their clients about the refund eligibility for prepaid orders. On the other hand, they can still push through their pre-orders. Though this is not a good start for Sony’s newest product, Sony was still confident about the console’s capability to gain the favor of clients. Aside from these mishaps, PS3 also received unfavorable reviews in terms of games and the prices. This resulted in an unfavorable marketing position against its console counterparts namely the XBOX and the Wii wherein, both systems have a more economical price, complimented by various games with quality. Also, some even said that it was not compatible and developers find it difficult to program. Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick also mentioned that Nintendo’s XBOX and Wii are doing great in terms of sales rate. However, despite all these negative feedbacks from around the globe, there are still some who believe in the capability of the PS3 and what it CAN do rather than what has happened in the past. The fact remains unchanged that PS3 has reamarkable quality as expected by gamers and through time, there would be also great games to be released. Even so, there are a lot who believe that the PS3 is one of the must have gadgets of this time despite the limited availability of good games. In the end, Sony still developed newer series of PS3 to backup the falling sales of their first product. The new product is called the PS3 slim which has received more favorable reviews compared to it’s predecessor, the same with an increase in sales in less than a day after it was first released. Due to the low-power consuming system plus a reasonable price, clients and gamers find PS3 more efficient now to their gaming needs and the only negative thing about it is its “ugly” appearance, comparing it to the more well-suited appearance of the actual PS3. Overall, the repackaging of the PS3 proves to be one great countermeasure by Sony and if things continue to go well with it, then Sony should be able to gain back their lost revenue with the prior model. Great computer electronics are here and software resources for good software products.

Guest

Contributing authors on the cutting edge of technology reporting.