Warp Pipe Rumors
Nintendo DS Online
The Warp Pipe Project will provide the biggest online network in the world since the Internet...
Article by James Temperton [ tempo88 :: Sub Editor :: Head of PR ]
Cubed³ is never left in the dark, we refuse to hide away and let the rest of the industry run away with a story that we can’t keep tabs on. So, unlike a lot of sites we have done our own digging, talked to our own contacts and can now give you the facts, the most reliable information and hopefully give you a better picture of what is going on. Yes ladies and gents, we are talking about the Nintendo DS saga of the last few days.
The Internet is always a breeding ground for odd and fast-growing rumours, and much like the Megaton of many months ago, this Second Coming is no exception to overblown facts, idiotic speculation and taking things so out of context that they become entirely different statements.
This new all started off on a site that Cubed³ have always trusted and respected, N-Sider, thus we can certainly ascertain that these rumours are indeed based on facts and a few of the comments being made are true, if a little cryptic. Those of you familiar with the Warp Pipe project (that is making continuing moves to get the GameCube online) will know what the company are all about, for everyone else all you need to know is that they are a fan-run operation (in no way professional) that have been working on taking the GameCube online to some extent for the last couple of years. This project has had mixed success, but the general consensus of those that follow Warp Pipe closely, including Cubed³ is that they have done an excellent job, and continue to do so.
Warp Pipe however, are starting to get rather more serious. From somewhere they are getting masses of funding to work on a massive new project. We can confirm this will be on the DS and that there is a very high chance of the funding coming straight from Nintendo themselves. Simply put, the Warp Pipe team would not have the money to fund such a project themselves, and no other company than Nintendo would fund such a scheme.
One item we have been directed towards paying particular attention to is that the cost of the project will not be passed onto the end consumer, but that we should “simply purchase games with your favourite green logo on the box”. The Warp Pipe is green, and for it to be on a box definitely points to the company working in an official capacity with Nintendo. We shall say no more on the subject, our lips are sealed…
Three key images have come out of this story, released by one of the men at the centre of it all, Chad of Warp Pipe fame. We will go through and explain each one individually. These explanations are based on general simple interpretations, but also pointers made by insiders to Cubed³.
The best of the lot, and one that explains so much, some of which you need background knowledge of to be able to work it out. Obviously you have the boy with the Nintendo DS, in a wood, with a dog. Some people say this relates to Nintendogs, whilst this is quite a good guess, insider info seems to suggest that it is probably quite a way off the mark. May we point you in the direction of a certain game called Animal Crossing DS? We have reason to believe that Animal Crossing DS will be one of the most innovative games ever. How would you feel is where you were in Animal Crossing reflected directly on where you were in the world? Standing in London, and you’re in the city. Standing in the New Forest, and you’re in the woodland. Other characters would also be around you going about their business, and you would be able to interact and communicate in a whole new way. It may seem far-fetched and we’re not sure how much of it will turn out to be truth, but we have been assured that there is certainly some solid fact in this one.
http://www.cubed-3.co.uk/staff/tempo88/nintendods_warppipe_1.jpg
Slightly disturbing, we admit, but we have managed to unearth some very interesting news on this one. If you take a look at the face the DS replaces what should be eyes, nose, mouth etc. and what is most interesting is the text findsme, with the s being faded out. First off, the ds in the middle obviously links to the DS itself. As for the find me text, we have been told that this links to the DS being able to locate any other unit in the world that it is set to look for. Like an MSNm contact list you will be able to talk, game and interact with people from all four ‘corners’ of the globe. Another possible link we have been told to mention is that it could relate to GPS features, which could again link into the Animal Crossing DS idea and all sorts of other ceeerazy possibilities. We shall say no more…
Even more disturbing than the second image, this one seems to be putting across the same idea though. Anti-isolation is the text on the DS, and the lack of eyes points to one clear thing. Our sources contacted us to confirm that no matter where you are, with the DS you will never be alone. No mates on the same continent? Apparently no problem, with this new project being developed by Warp Pipe linking up with another DS will be simple.
http://www.cubed-3.co.uk/staff/tempo88/nintendods_warppipe_2.jpg
Does anyone remember Marionette? It was a ‘game’ mentioned by Shigeru Miyamoto quite a while back. We have considerable reason to believe that this was an idea for a feature…an online feature Mario NET. Tenuous? But it sounds very Nintendo. We have asked everyone who we think might have an idea about this one, and the amounts of no comment and wait and see responses we had back points to one thing: this is happening.
In Summary
# Warp Pipe are working on a massive project for the Nintendo DS that will make it one massive online social network, the biggest outside the Internet.
# The DS is not just constrained to Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communication. Whisperings in our ears point towards being able to play against / send a signal to someone else with a DS anywhere in the world, instantly.
# The DS will have a remote ‘daisy-chain’ feature, whereby on say a University campus or shopping centre, a number of DS’ can connect one to the next until all the DS consoles in the area are linked up and playing together. Almost like they are hooked in a giant loop.
# There is substantial support for the project from one key financial backer (Nintendo?) and numerous other companies working on software.
# The Warp Pipe service will launch this year, possibly with the DS.
# It will be announced on website N-Sider in the middle of October, but the full story might not be revealed for a little while longer.
We will leave you with one thought. Nintendo Europe, Nintendo of America and Nintendo Co Ltd. in Japan have always maintained the point that they do not want to have to charge for online gaming. They see it as one of the major hindrances. It is no secret that Nintendo are not online, but it is also no great secret that Nintendo are investing in online research. Could they be ready to spring on us the biggest easy to access, global communication tool since the Internet? Could all of this innovation come out of the book with the console? We will have more information, confirmations and speculations for you when we are allowed to comment or have more information to pass on. Stay tuned to Cubed³…
The information released in this article is done so on the understanding that the sources providing it are not revealed. Items stated as fact are, to Cubed³, known to be fact. Speculation is made clear. Any comments about the validity of our statements should be sent to the author of this article. Cubed³ hold no legal responsibility.
Update: I think this picture make reference to Animal Crossing, you have the dog crossing in front of the boy and Animal Crossing takes place in a forest so Im thinking Warppipe is doing something online with Animal Crossing.
It looks like hes lost or either hes having a ball playing Metroid Prime Hunters in the woods. But you say how can he do that Nintendo hasnt formally annouced any Online gaming plans. Another company wants to take the Nintendo DS elsewhere, read the article below.
Nintendo DS going WiFi without Nintendo??
Well it looks like that may be the case indeed, it looks like the guys behind Warpipe the outfit that puts the Nintendo Gamecube online may have some plans for the Nintendo DS. An outfit called XLink Kai will be behind this, does that mean that they have the blessings of Nintendo Im not sure but I suspect Nintendo is up to something.
DS Tunneling, GT4 Support and More..
Hi,Few items of news for today. Firstly, I've been discussing things with our mod crew, and it seems like we're gonna be supporting the new Nintendo DS handheld console on Kai. The DS has a built in 802.11b network adapter, which means that people with a wireless-enabled router will be able to play their DS games over Kai. We still don't have full details regarding Nintys own online plans for this console, but I would expect the usual chunk of games with 'LAN but no online' - so we'll just see how it all pans out.Secondly, Gran Tourismo 4 appears to be confirmed as 'No Online Mode' - but LAN seems almost certain to be in there. This means, as you've probably guessed, that when the game hits the shelves, it's highly likely that the only place you can play it online is here on Kai. We don't know this as a 100% fact yet, but as soon as we do, we're gonna create some custom content for this game (ladders, seasons, etc) - I think it could really help the PS2 side of Kai to get going.A bit more info about the Linux stuff - you're probably better asking ^S^ directly, but from what I can gather, things are progressing nicely. The new Kai Advanced Orbital Servers are complete, and are being tested with the kind help of SS and XR8D. These orbs, along with a lovely new client update will be with you as soon as I'm happy it's all working well.Lastly, the signup for the upcoming Kai vs. XBC clan season is nearly ready - you will be able to signup at the weekend, all things being equal.
Source: http://www.teamxlink.co.uk/
Nintendo DS Launches on Nov. 21 in North America -- At $149.99!
Finally the wait is over, after months of guessing what the MSRP on the Nintendo DS would be the almighty NOA told the world the price of the DS. Im totaly blown away by the price of the DS, I was expecting a price of $200 at least. It seems that to many on the Nintendo forums this price is very acceptable to them.
REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 20, 2004
New System Comes with Embedded PictoChat Feature, Strong Publishers Support
From the very start, Nintendo DS™ broke the existing rules of video game play. Two screens, not one. Wireless connection for game play and personal communication for the sheer entertainment of it. Flexible game control by voice and touch, not just with buttons. Nintendo's newest innovation, Nintendo DS, will make its worldwide debut in North American stores on Nov. 21, and then in Japan on Dec. 2. It will sell at an MSRP of $149.99, making it an immediate mass-market attraction. Nintendo DS will become the company’s first system ever to make its sales debut outside of Japan.
"Nintendo's mission remains unchanged: expand the game experience," says Satoru Iwata, president of Nintendo Co., Ltd. "Nintendo DS is the road map to the future of video games, and most clearly demonstrates the type of innovation that players demand."
Nintendo DS is the dual-screened, hand-held video game system redefining the idea of interactive entertainment. One screen allows for touch input using a stylus, while the unit includes both voice recognition and multiplayer wireless features. The sleek silver-and-black system sports a sharp, angular design.
Consumers immediately will be able to pick up and play the new system, as it comes with a free software feature, PictoChat, embedded in the system hardware. PictoChat allows DS owners to write messages with an on-screen keyboard or the stylus and send them wirelessly to other DS users nearby. Users can text chat, draw artistic messages or share secrets, all without saying a word. And a Nintendo DS in sleep mode will spring to life if it senses another DS in transmitting range, alerting users to each other’s presence and setting the stage for an impromptu conversation or game session.
More than 100 companies have signed on to create games for Nintendo DS, while Nintendo itself is already developing its first 20 titles. Electronic Arts, the world’s largest independent software developer and publisher, already has announced that its powerhouse franchises of Madden NFL, The URBZ: Sims in the City, Need for Speed Underground, Tiger Woods and GoldenEye will support Nintendo DS.
Each time Nintendo creates a hand-held, it introduces new elements of play and sets a new standard for mobile gaming,” says Larry Probst, EA's chairman and CEO. "The DS is no exception – Nintendo has another big winner with the DS."
The complete lineup of games planned for the launch of Nintendo DS will be announced in the near future. In effect, Nintendo DS already boasts a library of more than 550 games because it is compatible with single-player modes of games made for the world’s best-selling video game system, Game Boy Advance SP.
Nintendo chose the United States to lead the worldwide launch of Nintendo DS because of overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic reaction from consumers and to take advantage of the holiday sales season. After the subsequent launch in Japan, the system will be available in Europe and Australia in the first quarter of 2005.
Nintendo DS has a flip-top cover that protects both screens. Two speakers on the unit's face let users hear virtual surround sound, while its dual screens open games to a multitude of possibilities. Nintendo DS sits 148.7 millimeters (5.85 inches) wide, 84.7 millimeters (3.33 inches) long and 28.9 millimeters (1.13 inches) tall with the cover closed. The new media format for games means that Nintendo DS has no moving parts that could be misaligned if the unit is dropped or jarred.
Click here for more information about the Nintendo DS.
Touch the Nintendo DS
Check out the Japanese DS site its got lots of cool interactive stuff on it and a couple of DS commercials from Utada.
Click on the link below.
Nintendo DS invites free voice-over-IP chat
Analyst note: Nintendo DS invites free voice-over-IP chat
TNI Securities report says the DS handheld will enable free phone calls at wireless hotspots.
In its Electronic Entertainment Industry Update released today, TNI Securities reports that the recently revealed headset port on the Nintendo DS will be used in conjunction with the built-in wireless 802.11b networking capabilities to offer voice-over-IP chat--in effect, allowing gamers to use the DS to make free phone calls at wireless network hotspots.
The report, which is intended for investors in the electronic games industry, goes on to express TNI's opinion that this will "help drive adoption among the increasingly connected younger gaming audience."
Analyst Boris Markovich in his weekly memo said, "The headset will allow gamers to use the DS as a phone handset enabling free phone calls over wireless network hotspots. We think that this will be a very compelling application of the handset..."
Markovich adds that based on his research, the DS remains "on track" for a 2004 release in both the US and Japan.
