Entertainment Electronics Blog

Remember the hot new Wii Vitality Sensor that was announced back at E3? Nintendo president Saturo Iwata has confirmed that it will reach the market sometime in 2010, as he put it, “not too late in the year next year”.

As this new accessory was first revealed at E3, it has been met with a very harsh, possibly unfair reception. Now, Nintendo is getting a little defensive about their upcoming new game peripheral. Satoru Iwata discussed the device during a recent investor Q & A, and here’s what he had to say about it:

“What we are trying to propose first is a videogame with a theme of relaxation, which is completely opposite from traditional ones, to enrich the users’ lives. Especially among those who are constantly busy … I am sure you have experienced not being able to go to bed even when you are so tired after a busy day at work. What if you were able to visualise how to unwind and relax, or check the condition of your automatic nerve by simply inserting your finger in the device once a day?”

And Nintendo’s North American President Reggie Fils-Aime explained that the Vitality Sensor is just the latest in a chain of products that are first misunderstood and ridiculed, gaining acceptance after having a chance to prove themselves, like the DS, or the Wii, or the Balance Board.

Gamers could surely accept the DS and Wiimote concepts, as they could easily see how a touchscreen handheld or a console motion controller could be awesome. But they also have specific ideas in mind for the Vitality Sensor that, the Wii’s not a fun console any more but accelerating change to some kind of distinctly un-fun health device.

Anyway, the answer is getting clear soon. Then we will see if this new health device could be fun.

Activision confirmed the release of a Modern Warfare game on Nintendo DS, titled “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized”. Developed by n-space, the game will hit DS to coincide with the release of Modern Warfare 2 on 10 November.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare: Mobilized will feature its own storyline and narrative, along with six-player online multiplayer that lets you host your own server. Additionally, Activision promises “an arsenal of cutting-edge weaponry, vehicles, tactics, arming players with precision controls for battle across the world’s most dangerous hotspots” through building-to-building combat.

Activision hasn’t provided details on how the game will function using the DS touch screen and stylus. But the November 10 is coming soon, just have your patience, or you can also dress up your DS for this new game!

Monster Hunter Tri has been out in Japan for some time now, and it gets a really good reception, with its day one shipments exceed 1 million units. Now Capcom has confirmed that Monster Hunter Tri will be making an appearance on the Wii in Europe and North America in early 2010.

Monster Hunter Tri will feature brand new underwater environments, two player split-screen co-op play as well as four player online co-op play. Capcom has full confidence that it will be another hit. But will it really works out? Most MH fans hope to play MH3 on PS3, never on Wii! Capcom needs to release it on multiple consoles otherwise they’re losing more and more fans as dedicated Monster Hunter players.

Michael Jackson was the “King of Pop”, and his songs have come through the world. And soon you’ll get the chance to sing with your beloved idol in your beloved Wii game. Recently, video game publisher Konami has announced that they will develop a version of “Karaoke Revolution” for Nintendo’s Wii featuring songs from the Jackson 5. The company said it has secured the rights to such titles as “I’ll Be There”, “ABC”, and “I Want You Back” for use in a “Revolution” update set for release this fall. It was with this band Michael Jackson scored his first number one hit by singing lead vocals on “I Want You Back”. At the time, Jackson was aged just 11.

“Revolution” with J5 features an expanded multiplayer mode to create karaoke parties with friends or develop a solo singing career. The songs will come from the Jacksons’ master recordings, and the title will have numerous custom options for the performance venues as well as the in-game characters.

So, prepare yourself a good set of karaoke microphone for this new game to sing with the “King of Pop”!

Sega announced this morning, a new Super Monkey Ball is scheduled to be released in early 2010. The game titled Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll will make use of the Wii Balance Board and have players navigating the cute little monkeys by shifting their weight.

Super Money Ball is a popular and challenging game and its popularity in Japan, North America, and Europe has led to several sequels and ports, including the Super Monkey Ball iPhone application which was released on 2008.

In addition, Nintendo’s Wii Balance Board has also its own fans, from young to old. With a peripheral shaped as a household body scale, players can play exercise games like yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance games. It brings people recreation and also fitness.

Combining with these two popular features, Super Money Ball Step & Roll will sure be a hit.