n64iphone is available to jailbreakers in Cydia for $2.50—ROMs not included, obviously—which would be a fair price for a full-fledged N64 emulator, but feels a little high for what currently amounts to a very neat party trick. [EsferaiPhone]

For now, it's just a demo of the tech that Epic's put together, which relies on the OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics powah in the 3GS and latest iPod touch. But, the killer point is that Epic is planning "to make this available to licensees at some point in the near future," meaning we could one day see games running Unreal 3 on the iPhone. And since the engine will run on the 3GS only, it seems that tipping point with games we worried about, where iPhone and 3G users don't just get worse graphics, but are actually shut out of entire games, isn't so far away.

Epic tells Anand we're going to see Unreal running on another mobile platform at CES. Which, on a broader scale, shows that mobile gaming is about to get a lot more serious now that mobile chips are powerful enough to deliver legit gaming experience. Could we really be seeing the beginning of the end for dedicated handled gaming consoles, like the DS? It seems, for once, more possible than ever. We just need better controls. [AnandTech]

The front buttons are studded with 78 0.25 carats diamonds. Each of the three Nintendo Wii Supremes—yes, they are expecting three morons to buy them at $490,000 each—take six months to create. [Stuart Hughes]

Using the Wiimote and an LED light, William Luxemburg from the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands knocked together a water-level sensor, measuring evaporation. As you can see from the picture, a tub of water with a Wiimote pointing at a plastic boat is a simple and cost-effective way to achieve the same—or even better—results that pressure sensors costing $500 or more can produce.

Of course, it wasn't merely a Wiimote trained at a boat in a tub of water, which solved Luxemburg's dilemma. He re-programmed the Wiimote's output, and as it can sense movement better than a lot of other devices out there (closer than 1mm accuracy, as Wired points out), when it was connected wirelessly to a laptop he was able to receive real-time information on what the water level was doing in the tub.

Luxemburg doesn't sound like he's going to stop there however. He's intrigued by what else a Wiimote could be used on, if programmed the right way.

"If you have a structure that collapses and you have Wiimotes on the building, you could see how fast it falls"

That sort of information is priceless to the right party, and considering Wiimotes cost just $40, don't be surprised if you hear of plenty more innovative uses for Nintendo's little remote. [Wired]

Zhu Zhu Pets are, apparently, one of the hottest toys of the holiday season, and I should probably count myself fortunate that I was unaware of their existence. These tiny electronic replica hamsters have been flying off the shelves, regularly marked up 200-400% above their $10 retail price as parents struggle to get them under the tree for today's children, who'd off a real hamster in seconds flat if left unattended.

Activision Publishing and GameMill Publishing have entered into an agreement with toy company Cepia, LLC to produce games based on the adorable little androids, with the first Zhu Zhu Pets title coming to the Nintendo DS in spring 2010. I'm sure Ubisoft's Hamsterz team will be monitoring things closely.

"Zhu Zhu Pets(TM) success in 2009 speaks for itself and we're confident it will be even bigger in 2010," said David Oxford at Activision Publishing. Gary Miller, President, GameMill Publishing, stated, "It is our goal to expand this proven franchise in a way that fans of the wildly popular hamster toy line and video gamers alike will embrace and love to play."

I guess I'm just going to have to have children soon, if only to stay on the cutting edge of hamster robotics.

It was spotted on a trademarks database yesterday by the eagle-eyed Siliconera, who rightly points out that it "seems kind of late to protect Wii typos since the console is three years old." Perhaps it's that HD Wii which has been oft-rumored? Whatever it is, Creative won't be too happy. [Siliconera via Kotaku]

Sure, Japan got them first, but here in North America we get the pink and blue Wii remotes on a day perfect for spreading love through pleasantly colored video game accessories. The two new colors come packaged in Nintendo's unique protective sleeve, which brings to mind intimate toys while also serving as a reminder about safe sex, while the bundled Wii Motion Plus accessory is perfect for reminding your loved one that just swinging it around randomly is only fun until someone loses an eye.

The announcement didn't specifically mention price, but we can assume they'll be in line with the current Wii remote / Motion Plus bundles at $49.99, or $54.99 at GameStop. Where's the love, GameStop?

Dead Space 2: Multiplayer, Bigger World, Space-Floating
This could be both fun and nauseating!

Ever Wonder How Much Money Has Been Sunk Into America's Army?
You don't want to know.

Five Steps to Total Pwnage of a Gamer Girl's Heart
In case you didn't have the attention span to take all 10 prerequisite steps.

Xbox 360 Game Helps You Talk To Girls
No it doesn't.

Pokemon Teaches Your Children To Worship Satan
No no, Pokemon IS Satan.

Blizzard Patches Diablo II, Beta Test It Now
My old discs are about 5 feet away...

PlayStation Home Director Wants "Mini-MMOs" On The Service
Interesting idea.

Frankenreview: The Legend Of Zelda: Spirit Tracks
Spoiler: the reviews deem it excellent.

EA CEO: "I Think Of Pirates As A Marketplace"
A marketplace that's just been robbed.

Not only does it play your Mario soundtrack out loud, but it also charges your DSi when it's plugged in. There's even a little hole on the top half of the case so you can continue using the camera. It's like they thought of everything—except how to continue using the shoulder buttons. On sale in Japan now, it's ¥3,990 (around $45). [Datel Japan via Tiny Cartridge]

According to a recent poll (results above/translation below) of Japanese children 12 and under, they really want...

1. Video game software (over 450 kids said this)
2. Pretty Cure goods (over 100 kids said this)
3. Anpanman goods
4. Books (picture book, book, illustrated encyclopedia)
5. Kamen Rider goods
6. Bicycle
7. Toy car
8. Clothes
9. Stuffed animal
10. Video game console

Since many kids have consoles, they just want video games now—that's fair. But clothes? What self-respecting child under 13 wants clothes?? And have you actually ever seen a picture of Anpanman?

As translated by the esteemed Brian Ashcraft over at Kotaku. [はちま起稿 via Kotaku]

I always liked the Wicked Game Boy of the West a lot more than that stupid Dorothy. Some frenchies thought otherwise and have desecrated a few of Nintendo's mighty handhelds to honor its 20th Anniversary. Art, schmart. Leave the poor Game Boys alone, and go read the definitive 20th Anniversary of Nintendo's Game Boy timeline instead. [Flickr via Tiny Cartridge via Kotaku]

Purported to be one of the world's smallest portable N64 mods at 120 x 200 x 50mm, it's being sold on eBay now for $205 after 26 bids, with all buyers safe in the knowledge that the modder likes his food extra spicy. [eBay via Ben Heck Forums via Engadget]

Released in Japan in late November, the Nintendo DSi XL features 4.2 inch screens that are 93 percent larger than the DS Lite's screens. It is also bundled with an extra (and larger) 5 inch touch pen. The redesign comes at the request of customers who said they wanted a larger screen — however, the pixel count is the same. Nintendo claims that the bigger screens make it easier to watch others play.

The DSi XL is available in three colors: Dark Brown, Wine Red and Natural White. While the handheld has been announced for The West, the colors have not yet been announced. The Japanese version is also packed with three DSiWare titles pre-installed: Two brain training games (one for humanities, the other for sciences) and DS Easy Dictionary.

Loved
The Big Screens: Even though Nintendo is touting the DS XL's screen as making it easier to watch others play, the most refreshing about the new, bigger screens is how they breathe life into old titles. While the graphics are the same, old favorites like Mario Kart look wonderful (and not blown out) running on the XL's screens. The extra size both adds to the experience and creates an entirely new experience. The screen size is also well-suited to younger players who often stare over each other's shoulders when watching a friend play. Brain Age also feels surprisingly fresh on the XL — a larger touch screen means a larger space to write. That, certainly, is a welcome addition.

The Big Pen: The XL's new Touch Pen feels like, well, a pen. The DS Stylus, traditionally, has been on the small size — not so great for games that require writing. To overcome this issue, players have, in the past, had to find third party solutions. For those looking for a larger pen that's easier to grip, the XL has that. But if you are happy with the traditional DS Stylus, the portable is bundled with that as well. The smaller stylus slides into the DSi XL's body, while the larger pen does not.

The Buttons: As with the regular DSi, the buttons are clicky — in a good way. They're responsive and certainly don't feel mushy.

The Finish: The top of part of the DSi XL's clamshell has a glossy, smart finish. Looks great. However, the rest of the portable has a matte finish, making it practical. It's easy to hold and isn't a fingerprint magnet. The contrast works well, too.

Hated
Not So Portable: Yes, yes. The DSi XL is big. That's the point! And while it works great playing it at your kitchen table or sitting on the sofa, it's heavy and less great to lug it around outside of the house.

Nintendo, it often seems, makes reiteration after reiteration of its products. The DSi XL might simply be that — the latest iteration until the next one comes along. As customers, it's hard not to feel that we are directly involved in Nintendo R&D process (more so than with other companies), that the company sometimes releases products just to see if they catch on with consumers (ditto). In Japan, the DSi XL does seem to be catching on as the product posted strong initial sales. The extra large DSi could very well be here to stay — which means that this must be one of the first examples in which a Japanese company has released a bigger version of its products to commercial success.

The larger screens are great. If only Nintendo could shave a bit off the DSi XL's thickness, making a slightly slimmer and lighter DSi XL, if only. DSi XL Slim anyone?

The DSi XL was released in Japan on November 22 for ¥20,000 (US$222). It is scheduled to be released abroad in early 2010. A unit was purchased by Kotaku for review.

Confused by our reviews? Read our review FAQ.

In other words, it gives the balance board a bit more wobbability (but less wobbability than Tony Hawk's Ride board). Again, not worth the asking price as far as I am concerned, especially since the "reviews" on the product page seem canned and their "sale price" uses some crazy math I am not familiar with. [Switi via Joystiq via GoNintendo]

The idea is to put it in your pocket, and the accelerometer will detect your movements and play the appropriate Mario sound effect. Jump, and it'll make the distinctive Mario jump sound; crouch, and it'll make the "worp worp worp" sound as if you're entering a green pipe. Also included are brick hits and Goomba-stomping, among other noises, tunes and a few choice Mario catchphrases. It's available now (hopefully) for a buck. [iRwego via CNET]

According to a report on Nikkei, Nintendo partner manufacturers Mitsumi and Hosiden have suffered a drop in net profits of more than 50% due to waning demand. So steps are being taken to scale back Wii production appropriately.

But you have to wonder, after Nintendo went through multiple holiday seasons without enough Wiis on store shelves, did such hype solely help the system, or did Nintendo eventually lose sales that they'd never get back? [Nikkei via Kotaku]

The video has since been pulled from Youtube, but the screen grab above shows how Nokia went out of their way to demonstrate how well SNES emulators run on the N900. The rub here isn't the emulator itself; as Nintendo Life points out, Android features a bunch of emulators in its app catalog. As long as those emulators don't come with ROMs, everything is peachy.

The problem was that Nokia actually showed video of Super Mario World and Super Ghouls and Ghosts running within that emulator. They even acknowledged that "some emulators require separate ROM images to play games," and claimed that "[m]ost publishers allow individual title usage provided that the user is in possession of the original title." Yeah... pretty sure Nintendo doesn't like that idea.

So now Nintendo's got its claws out for Nokia. Pretty bold of you to push emulators now that N-Gage is no longer with us, Nokia, but really, you must have seen this coming. [Edge Online via Nintendo Life, Thanks Nintenboy01.]