The 1/Only Nintendo DS Discussion Thread
11-30-04 | 04:33 PM
#202
Today at EBGames was the ship date it's supposed to be on the shelf tomorrow. Will let you know I've had my pre-order since NDS launch day, of course partly becuase I've heard the 2,500 unit number too.
11-30-04 | 04:55 PM
#204
I had a co-worker who also mentioned the 2500 number, and he does not frequent DVDTalk, but of course whatever site he got his information from could have been relayed from here. 
It's all on PixyJunket's friend I guess, from page one of this thread.
I have a friend in the media, he got word that Namco was shipping like 2500 units nationwide for launch. - PixyJunket
To throw the discussion another way what's up with all the releases on 3/1/05 (EBGames.com) being $49.99? I'm hoping those were put up at an early date and they just set them at that price so when they got the actual MSRP from the vendor it could only go down. $49.99 is waaay to much for a handheld cartridge, which personally I don't think I'm willing to pay. It's just wierd they're all to be released the same day at that price point.
It's all on PixyJunket's friend I guess, from page one of this thread.
I have a friend in the media, he got word that Namco was shipping like 2500 units nationwide for launch. - PixyJunket
To throw the discussion another way what's up with all the releases on 3/1/05 (EBGames.com) being $49.99? I'm hoping those were put up at an early date and they just set them at that price so when they got the actual MSRP from the vendor it could only go down. $49.99 is waaay to much for a handheld cartridge, which personally I don't think I'm willing to pay. It's just wierd they're all to be released the same day at that price point.
Last edited by Edison; 11-30-04 at 05:01 PM.
11-30-04 | 05:22 PM
#205
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No word of 2500 in the official press release:
MR. DRILLER® DRILL SPIRITS AND RIDGE RACER® DS LAUNCH ON NINTENDO DS
Namco Franchise Favorites Ship to Stores Nationwide For Nintendo DS
SAN JOSE, Ca., (November 30, 2004) - Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that Mr. DRILLER® Drill Spirits has begun shipping to retail outlets nationwide exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Namco has also announced that another favorite franchise title, Ridge Racer® DS, will begin shipping the first week of December 2004. Taking advantage of the technology the new platform has to offer, both titles utilize dual-screen support and wireless connectivity to the fullest - providing players with the ultimate Nintendo DS gaming experience.
"The unique attributes of the Nintendo DS platform have allowed our designers to be truly innovative in developing these two launch titles," said Nobuhiro Kasahara, president and chief executive officer of Namco Hometek Inc. "We're thrilled to be able to offer Mr. DRILLER and Ridge Racer fans a completely new and exciting way to experience their favorite games."
Mr. DRILLER Drill Spirits allows players to utilize the innovative dual-screen interface and the new stylus for the ultimate in drilling action. Players are challenged to either rescue their fellow Drillers or collect power capsules to destroy the menacing Destroyer Drill. Supporting up to five players via Nintendo DS wireless capabilities, Mr. DRILLER Drill Spirits offers players various quick play modes and head-to-head races anytime and anywhere.
Ridge Racer DS, the popular arcade racing series, provides racing fans with all the tire-screechin' fast-paced action they can handle -- all in the palm of their hands on the Nintendo DS. By offering true analog steering through the Nintendo DS touch screen, players can experience a variety of single-player racing modes, multiplayer races supporting up to six players and much more.
Mr. DRILLER Drill Spirits is available now in North American retail outlets and Ridge Racer DS will be available in December 2004 exclusively on the Nintendo DS. For more information, please visit: www.namco.com.
Namco Franchise Favorites Ship to Stores Nationwide For Nintendo DS
SAN JOSE, Ca., (November 30, 2004) - Leading video games publisher and developer Namco Hometek Inc. announced today that Mr. DRILLER® Drill Spirits has begun shipping to retail outlets nationwide exclusively for the Nintendo DS. Namco has also announced that another favorite franchise title, Ridge Racer® DS, will begin shipping the first week of December 2004. Taking advantage of the technology the new platform has to offer, both titles utilize dual-screen support and wireless connectivity to the fullest - providing players with the ultimate Nintendo DS gaming experience.
"The unique attributes of the Nintendo DS platform have allowed our designers to be truly innovative in developing these two launch titles," said Nobuhiro Kasahara, president and chief executive officer of Namco Hometek Inc. "We're thrilled to be able to offer Mr. DRILLER and Ridge Racer fans a completely new and exciting way to experience their favorite games."
Mr. DRILLER Drill Spirits allows players to utilize the innovative dual-screen interface and the new stylus for the ultimate in drilling action. Players are challenged to either rescue their fellow Drillers or collect power capsules to destroy the menacing Destroyer Drill. Supporting up to five players via Nintendo DS wireless capabilities, Mr. DRILLER Drill Spirits offers players various quick play modes and head-to-head races anytime and anywhere.
Ridge Racer DS, the popular arcade racing series, provides racing fans with all the tire-screechin' fast-paced action they can handle -- all in the palm of their hands on the Nintendo DS. By offering true analog steering through the Nintendo DS touch screen, players can experience a variety of single-player racing modes, multiplayer races supporting up to six players and much more.
Mr. DRILLER Drill Spirits is available now in North American retail outlets and Ridge Racer DS will be available in December 2004 exclusively on the Nintendo DS. For more information, please visit: www.namco.com.
11-30-04 | 06:37 PM
#207
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From: Chicago, IL 60619
Originally posted by jeffdsmith
No word of 2500 in the official press release:
No word of 2500 in the official press release:
http://www.cube-europe.com/news.php?nid=7203
News: Mr Driller Shortage
By Dennis - Nov 17th 2004 18:50
If we're to believe our sources, it looks like it'll be hard to get Mr. Driller Drill Spirits in the US.
According to reliable sources from the online reselling business (who'd like to stay anonymous, due to business efforts), Namco converted Mr. Driller for North America as an afterthought. As a result, a major shortage of the game is expected and official suppliers state there will initially only be 2500 copies available to all North America.
Our source was also able to tell us that the majority of these 2500 copies will be delivered to the bigger stores, like Wal-Mart and EB Games.
By Dennis - Nov 17th 2004 18:50
If we're to believe our sources, it looks like it'll be hard to get Mr. Driller Drill Spirits in the US.
According to reliable sources from the online reselling business (who'd like to stay anonymous, due to business efforts), Namco converted Mr. Driller for North America as an afterthought. As a result, a major shortage of the game is expected and official suppliers state there will initially only be 2500 copies available to all North America.
Our source was also able to tell us that the majority of these 2500 copies will be delivered to the bigger stores, like Wal-Mart and EB Games.
This has also been reported on Cheapassgamer.
11-30-04 | 11:02 PM
#209
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From: CA
Scores of 6.5 from IGN and 6.6 from Gamespot are making me think twice about picking up Mr. Driller. Had the game been single-cart multiplayer, I probably wouldn't hesistate to pick it up. Since I've never played any game in the series, it seems to risky to pay full price for a game that didn't get good reviews. ~6 isn't awful, but it certainly isn't good. I hope I can control myself and not pick this up as an impulse buy, since I'm dying to play another game on my DS.
12-01-04 | 01:49 AM
#210
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From: Buffalo, NY
Originally posted by eatntae
I hope I can control myself and not pick this up as an impulse buy, since I'm dying to play another game on my DS.
I hope I can control myself and not pick this up as an impulse buy, since I'm dying to play another game on my DS.
12-01-04 | 11:50 AM
#212
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http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5731
Nintendo DS sells 500,000 units in US launch week
Rob Fahey 10:02 01/12/2004
Latest handheld proves an early hit, with around 90 per cent of stock sold out
The first sales figures from Nintendo's latest hardware launch are expected to be announced today, with half a million units of the Nintendo DS handheld sold in North America in the launch week.
That represents around 90 per cent of the stock which Nintendo shipped to retail stores across North America for the launch, and indeed many retailers have reported that the console has sold out at their stores.
Online auction site eBay has seen an upside from the early popularity of the console, with some bidders paying over twice the standard retail price of the DS in order to get their hands on one last week.
The 500,000 unit launch week puts Nintendo well on track to meet its target of selling a million units of the console in North America by the end of the calendar year, along with two million units in Japan - where the DS launches this week.
For the full calendar year, which runs through to March, the firm recently raised its shipment target for the DS to five million units worldwide, a figure which includes the European launch in Q1 2005.
According to the Seattle Times, which reported the half-million sell through figure this morning, Nintendo also sold some 800,000 units of the Game Boy Advance SP hardware last week, making it into the single biggest sales week for handheld consoles ever.
Chris
Nintendo DS sells 500,000 units in US launch week
Rob Fahey 10:02 01/12/2004
Latest handheld proves an early hit, with around 90 per cent of stock sold out
The first sales figures from Nintendo's latest hardware launch are expected to be announced today, with half a million units of the Nintendo DS handheld sold in North America in the launch week.
That represents around 90 per cent of the stock which Nintendo shipped to retail stores across North America for the launch, and indeed many retailers have reported that the console has sold out at their stores.
Online auction site eBay has seen an upside from the early popularity of the console, with some bidders paying over twice the standard retail price of the DS in order to get their hands on one last week.
The 500,000 unit launch week puts Nintendo well on track to meet its target of selling a million units of the console in North America by the end of the calendar year, along with two million units in Japan - where the DS launches this week.
For the full calendar year, which runs through to March, the firm recently raised its shipment target for the DS to five million units worldwide, a figure which includes the European launch in Q1 2005.
According to the Seattle Times, which reported the half-million sell through figure this morning, Nintendo also sold some 800,000 units of the Game Boy Advance SP hardware last week, making it into the single biggest sales week for handheld consoles ever.
Chris
12-01-04 | 12:28 PM
#213
I picked up Mr. Driller this morning haven't got a chance to play it yet. I got it from EBGames they had received 6 copies (with 4 pre-ordered). I believe the newest issue of Famitsu had reviews of the DS japanese launch titles, they gave scores of 8/7/7/7 to Mr. Driller.
12-01-04 | 07:13 PM
#216
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Picked up one last night. Haven't had a chance to play it yet. Will post impressions later...
Picked up the DS version today. Ill post impressions later.
My thought is this, rather then post telling us you have a game/system, why not give it a go? OR in the very least keep me from having to read a meaningless post?
I know, I'm being anal. I await the replys asking the obvious question: "Why post meaningless posts about meaningless posts?" I get it.
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
12-01-04 | 07:18 PM
#217
DVD Talk Special Edition
Originally posted by jeffdsmith
No offense to "you all" but what is the point of letting us know you have something and you will share your feelings about it later?
My thought is this, rather then post telling us you have a game/system, why not give it a go? OR in the very least keep me from having to read a meaningless post?
I know, I'm being anal. I await the replys asking the obvious question: "Why post meaningless posts about meaningless posts?" I get it.
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
No offense to "you all" but what is the point of letting us know you have something and you will share your feelings about it later?
My thought is this, rather then post telling us you have a game/system, why not give it a go? OR in the very least keep me from having to read a meaningless post?
I know, I'm being anal. I await the replys asking the obvious question: "Why post meaningless posts about meaningless posts?" I get it.
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
12-01-04 | 10:21 PM
#218
DVD Talk Hall of Fame
Originally posted by jeffdsmith
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
Wait, now this post is useless too! Damnit.
12-02-04 | 02:34 AM
#219
DVD Talk Limited Edition
Well not to sound useless but my store ended up with three copies of Mr Driller Spirits. One was sold and two remain, one of which is mine. This is going to be tough seeing as how I have to wait til Christmas to open my DS at all. But I do have a useful question, did anyone buy a screen protector for their DS? and if so is it working out well?
-zero
-zero
12-02-04 | 04:01 AM
#220
Thread Starter
Suspended
Originally posted by jeffdsmith
No offense to "you all" but what is the point of letting us know you have something and you will share your feelings about it later?
My thought is this, rather then post telling us you have a game/system, why not give it a go? OR in the very least keep me from having to read a meaningless post?
I know, I'm being anal. I await the replys asking the obvious question: "Why post meaningless posts about meaningless posts?" I get it.
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
No offense to "you all" but what is the point of letting us know you have something and you will share your feelings about it later?
My thought is this, rather then post telling us you have a game/system, why not give it a go? OR in the very least keep me from having to read a meaningless post?
I know, I'm being anal. I await the replys asking the obvious question: "Why post meaningless posts about meaningless posts?" I get it.
Seriously, am I the only one that dislikes reading a thread to see the only addition is a post about nothing? How do you feel after reading this post? I'm not trying to pick on anyone here at all, I just see it a lot and have always wondered, "Why?"
12-02-04 | 10:37 AM
#221
DVD Talk Godfather
Got it yesterday. Never played a Mr. Driller game in my life, and went to EB yesterday to grab it as they were taking it out of the boxes... befroe I saw any reviews, of course. Damn this board!
Anyway, it seems like a pretty fun game, though it's probably much like earlier versions. The dual screens do let you view a lot more of the blocks that are above you, but I honestly don't look at the top that much, I'm more concerned with things that are going to crush me. Oh, and I stink at the game, I barely passed the first level. I guess I'm just not used to the game yet, as I rely on dumb luck to get huge chains, and sometimes drill down as fast as I can hoping that something above me will catch the falling pieces before they crush me.
Also, I can't see using the touchscreen to control Mr. Driller... much too cumbersome, and I much prefer the standard controls. Is this why the game got such low scores, because it really doesn't utilize much of what makes the DS unique?
Anyway, it seems like a pretty fun game, though it's probably much like earlier versions. The dual screens do let you view a lot more of the blocks that are above you, but I honestly don't look at the top that much, I'm more concerned with things that are going to crush me. Oh, and I stink at the game, I barely passed the first level. I guess I'm just not used to the game yet, as I rely on dumb luck to get huge chains, and sometimes drill down as fast as I can hoping that something above me will catch the falling pieces before they crush me.
Also, I can't see using the touchscreen to control Mr. Driller... much too cumbersome, and I much prefer the standard controls. Is this why the game got such low scores, because it really doesn't utilize much of what makes the DS unique?
12-02-04 | 01:11 PM
#222
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http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=5762
Nintendo hails successful DS launch in Japan
Rob Fahey 15:14 02/12/2004
Japanese giant ships half a million units in its home territory
Half a million units of the Nintendo DS have been shipped in Japan for the system's launch today, with reports indicating strong early sales as many stores opened several hours early to sell the console.
Nintendo had originally planned to ship 300,000 units of the console, but increased its manufacturing capacity after pre-orders far exceeded expectations and raised its day one shipments to 500,000.
Over two million units were pre-ordered by retail across the US and Japan, a figure which Nintendo hopes to match with its supplies by the end of the year, keeping it on track to ship five million units of the console worldwide by next April.
"Sales seem to be off to a good start despite the fact that we are launching on a weekday," Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa told Reuters this morning, while other reports suggested that large queues had formed outside key retailers who opened their doors up to three hours early to sell the console.
Late last month, Nintendo sold out 90 per cent of its initial launch allocation of the DS in North America, giving it first week sales figures there of around half a million units, and suggesting that the system will have a million user installed base once the dust has settled on both the US and Japanese launches.
The console is expected to launch in Europe in the first quarter of next year, with Nintendo UK promising to release details of its date and price plans in early January.
Chris
Nintendo hails successful DS launch in Japan
Rob Fahey 15:14 02/12/2004
Japanese giant ships half a million units in its home territory
Half a million units of the Nintendo DS have been shipped in Japan for the system's launch today, with reports indicating strong early sales as many stores opened several hours early to sell the console.
Nintendo had originally planned to ship 300,000 units of the console, but increased its manufacturing capacity after pre-orders far exceeded expectations and raised its day one shipments to 500,000.
Over two million units were pre-ordered by retail across the US and Japan, a figure which Nintendo hopes to match with its supplies by the end of the year, keeping it on track to ship five million units of the console worldwide by next April.
"Sales seem to be off to a good start despite the fact that we are launching on a weekday," Nintendo spokesman Yasuhiro Minagawa told Reuters this morning, while other reports suggested that large queues had formed outside key retailers who opened their doors up to three hours early to sell the console.
Late last month, Nintendo sold out 90 per cent of its initial launch allocation of the DS in North America, giving it first week sales figures there of around half a million units, and suggesting that the system will have a million user installed base once the dust has settled on both the US and Japanese launches.
The console is expected to launch in Europe in the first quarter of next year, with Nintendo UK promising to release details of its date and price plans in early January.
Chris
12-02-04 | 01:25 PM
#223
DVD Talk Godfather
"Despite being launched on a weekday"?
I thought most launches were done on a weekday. Isn't that where we get all those stories about Japanese kids skipping school to pick up the latest Dragon Quest game? Or do consoles usually get released on a Sunday or something?
I thought most launches were done on a weekday. Isn't that where we get all those stories about Japanese kids skipping school to pick up the latest Dragon Quest game? Or do consoles usually get released on a Sunday or something?
12-02-04 | 01:33 PM
#224
DVD Talk Legend
Not sure, but I do know there is a law restricting high profile games being released on school days since about 1988, or whenever Dragon Qest III was released. Speaking of that.. where the hell is my Dragon Quest VIII?!