Another no brainer. Rumors have been swirling for months now about the next handheld product from Nintendo being a 3D version of the DSi. Today Japan gets a few new colors for it’s DSi XL along with a slash in the price.

Via kotaku.com

In conjunction with the new range of consoles, the DSi XL (or DSi LL as it’s known there) will have its price cut in Japan from ¥20,000 (USD$220) to ¥18,000 (USD$195). The DSi will also see a drop, from ¥18,900 (USD$200) to ¥15,000 (USD$165). And the DS Lite? It’s recommended price goes from ¥16,800 to whatever the hell retailers want to charge, so they can clear out their stock.

This is obviously to make way for the new console. Can’t have to old models cluttering up the shelves when the shiny new one comes out.

I am undecided about the 3DSi. I of course hate the idea of 3D gaming. I have always felt 3D is a cheesy lack luster effect that people often mistake for awesomeness.

But I heard a rumor that the 3D effect on the new 3DSi will be able to toggle on and off. But if the 3D effect is the only new addition to this same old handheld then I’m pretty sure I will save my money.

As will all of these rumors, it’s wait and see for E3.

Oh the memories I have from playing The Sims. Back before we had internet at my house and when our PC and PlayStation were my gaming devices. I played for hours sitting in front of the computer playing creating weirdo people with crappy houses (until we discovered the money cheat code). More expansion packs came out and out computer got slower until we just weren’t interested anymore.

Since those days The Sims have moved up and onward without us. Finally resting with today’s The Sims 3. With TS3 getting so much success on PC why not bring the party to the console players?

April 27, 2010 - Electronic Arts is taking one of its most popular PC franchises and moving it over to consoles. The company announced The Sims 3 will now be heading to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Nintendo DS this coming fall.  (via ign.com)

Apparently I have missed a lot between the original Sims and today’s TS3. So much has been added an improved from the same basic game I was addicted to in middle school. But PC gaming is not my thing anymore. Boom! EA announces The Sims 3 heading to console and DS. Will I buy it? Maybe. I have such fond memories of the original but I will need screenshots and gameplay video before making the final decision.

With that I leave you with one question…

What was your favorite original Sims moment?

That video couldn’t be more true. Nintendo did something amazing when they created the Pokewalker. Within seconds you can connect with another player and even get items from it in the process. PAX was the place to wear your Pokewalker proudly and meet new Pokemon enthusiasts.

Any time you walked past the handheld gaming lounge you were bound to find more than one person holding up their Pokewalker waiting for someone to connect. It was a good feeling to be able to walk around and not worry about people seeing that I have a Pokewalker on. In fact I had to make sure people could see it so I could get in on the Pokemon action.

But since PAX ended lat weekend I am back to hiding the little device under my shirt or jacket. So if you happen to cross my path, ask me what Pokemon I’m carrying along.

Since 1996 Pokemon has been a staple for Game Boys everywhere. That being said, you would think that there would be a few more changes in the gameplay since then. Yes and no.

While I would never want the basic premises of battling, catching, and winning badges to be changed. There are a few things that would make pokemon trainers lives easier.

My first issue that I’ve had since the days of Red and Blue is the fact that each pokemon has only four moves. This doesn’t become a problem until you want to give you pokemon an HM such as CUT, SURF, or FLY. Moves that can be used outside of battle and are essential in helping you complete the game. With each pokemon limited to four moves, it can be tough to decide who gets the HM and which move you decide to forget to make room for it. My solution, an HM slot for each pokemon. A slot that can only be held by an HM and does not interfere with the other moves that pokemon has.

Another thing that never seems to change is the Safari Zone. What a primitive way to catch pokemon! Throw some bait or mud (rock in older versions), throw your safari ball, and hope for the best. Sure its a challenge but is there no better way to catch pokemon in the Safari Zone? I’m guessing not since the only change has been from throwing a rock to throwing mud.

Oh Pokemon how I will always love you but I think you could be so much better in the future.

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Ok call me a huge loser if you want but I bought the new Pokemon Soul Silver yesterday. I spent my Sunday kicking back catching some Pokemon and earning some badges. What a flash back to my childhood it was.

Gone are the days of ye olde Pokemon Red or Blue and having only 150 Pokemon to deal with. As of 2009 there are now almost 500 different Pokemon. So much for the “gotta catch’em all attitude”. More like “gotta catch a fraction of whats out there”.

Anyway this new generation of Pokemon brings us all the same fun as all the others. Travel from town to town catching new Pokemon, battling other trainers, and winning badges at the local Pokemon gyms.

A little something new was the Pokewalker that was bundled with the game. Using infrared signaling between your DS and your pokewalker you may take one Pokemon with you anywhere you walk. It’s basically a pedometer that allows you to gain XP for the Pokemon that you choose to take.  Interesting way to get the children off the couch.

If you have a DS and fond memories of the good old Pokemon series, go pick it up. I promise it will give you the warm fuzzies and make you play until your vision is blurred.

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While my Xbox is off in Texas for repairs I’ve been giving my Nintendo DS some love. I tend to neglect my DS as I tend to focus my attention on my Xbox. I decided to pick up Scribblenauts over the weekend and give that a try. Popped it in for some playtime before bed and ended up glued to it for way longer than I had planned.

Scribblenauts is a side scrolling puzzle game that lets you create anything out of nothing to get the job done. You control the character of Maxwell through different problems that need to be solved. You can summon almost anything to come to your aid in your adventure. If a farmer need some animals just type COW or PIG, and there they are. Problem solved.

Simple as this might sound, not all are that easy. Sometime you do need your brain. I know I know, it’s a video game and you’re not supposed to need you brain. This game only make you use it a little to create fun new ways to solve your puzzle.

Now there are some rules when it comes to creating objects. They tell you right off the bat about profanity and trademarked items, they are no no’s. So get your mind out of the gutter. You can however make a dingo eat a baby!

There are so many things you can do and create in this game. It may be profanity free but you can still make some funny things happen. Explore every possibility.