Nintendo Has another Banner Year!
April 24, 2008
Nintendo Co., Ltd., has announced record revenues and profits for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2008. Nintendo posted sales of more than 1.67 trillion yen, an increase of 73 percent over the prior year. Nintendo also reported FY08 operating profits of more than 487 billion yen, a year-over-year increase of 115.6 percent.
The company also increased projected shipments of the popular Wii™ home video game console for the current fiscal year. During the 12 months ending March 31, 2008, Nintendo shipped 18.61 million Wii console to its distributors and retail customers globally, bringing the worldwide total to 24.45 million since its debut in November 2006. For the fiscal year that began April 1, 2008, Nintendo forecasts global Wii console shipments increasing to 25 million.
Nintendo also forecasts shipment of 177 million Wii software units for FY09, while the FY08 shipment was 119.6 million units. Through March 31, 2008, Wii enjoys a life-to-date tie ratio of 6.07 games per system worldwide.
During the 12 months ending March 31, 2008, Nintendo shipped 30.31 million Nintendo DS™ systems worldwide, bringing the total worldwide shipment to 70.6 million. By March 31, 2009, Nintendo forecasts shipments of an additional 28 million Nintendo DS systems. Nintendo also forecasts shipment of 187 million Nintendo DS software units for FY09, while the actual FY08 software shipment was 185.62 million. Through March 31, 2008, Nintendo DS enjoys a life-to-date tie ratio of 5.24 games per system worldwide.
The company announced a full-year dividend for Nintendo shareholders of 1,260 yen per share (including the interim dividend of 140 yen already paid), 570 yen higher than the annual dividend of 690 yen paid one year ago.
All FY09 financial projections are based on an anticipated ratio of 100 yen to the U.S. dollar, and 155 yen to the euro. For complete details, please review the attached financial statement and forecast*.
Nintendo and the Seattle Mariners Team Up to Offer Baseball-related Content via DS
April 22, 2008
Nintendo is giving Seattle Mariners fans a gift at every home game this year: free access to the Nintendo® Fan Network. Fans who bring a Nintendo DS™ to Safeco Field can log on wirelessly to the Nintendo Fan Network to access a wide variety of baseball-related content. Some of the many features include access to player statistics, scores from other MLB games in progress, current team standings, chat with other fans and the ability to compete in trivia and other mini games. Additionally, fans can watch the in-stadium live broadcast video and use the Nintendo DS touch screen to order ballpark food and beverages delivered right to their seats.
The Nintendo Fan Network made its debut at Safeco Field during the 2007 season. Thousands of fans tried the Nintendo Fan Network for a minimal fee during the 2007 season trial, but fans attending Mariners home games during the 2008 season can access an even wider variety of features for free, just by bringing a Nintendo DS to Safeco Field. Fans can download the Nintendo Fan Network at one of the two kiosks located near sections 127 and 143 or at one of the 15 download stations throughout the stadium.
The Nintendo Fan Network will get an additional workout this week, when the Mariners begin a six-game home stand. Nintendo is always adding new features, so every time fans download the service, they might see something new and experience a whole new way to enjoy the game.
For more information about the Nintendo Fan Network, please visit the Nintendo Fan Network kiosks at Safeco Field.
Rock Band Coming to Wii on June 22, 2008
April 18, 2008
When Rock Band came out the hardest system to find it for was the Xbox360. PS3 copies were everywhere. The Wii? It was left out in the cold, until now.
On June 22, 2008 The Wii version of Rock Band will hit stores. Expect it to sell out just as quickly as Guitar Hero did back in December!
Before you get your hopes up about rocking against people all around the world I need to break the news to you. There is NO online play for the Wii version of Rock Band. There is some good news. Well sort of.
Shipping at the same time as the game will be the following:
- Wii Software
- Wii Special Edition (Includes software, guitar, drum kit, USB hub, & mic peripherals)
- Wii Wireless Guitar
- Wii Drums
The Wii version also ships with 5 “bonus” songs and white drums.
Yeah, let’s not all rush the store at once.
DS Preview: My Weight Loss Coach
April 18, 2008
Not to be outdone by Nintendo and its forthcoming Wii Fit title Ubisoft is preparing to release a title for the Nintendo DS to help you loss weight while outside of the house.
While Wii Fit can give you a short regimen to use in the house what do you do when you go out? You can’t exactly take your Wii with you but you can take your Nintendo DS. Now that Nintendo has established itself as the system for non-gamers it makes perfect sense for developers to start catering to that market.
Who would have though when the DS was released it would become a sort of personal assistant device?
