Nintendo recently announced that Wii Sports Resort has reached 500,000 units sold between July 26 and August 3rd in the U.S. and 600,000 in Europe since July 24th. Add in Japan’s 828,000 and you have one of the most successful titles in Wii history. The question will be whether Wii Sports Resort can continue a strong sales pace into the holiday season.
Nintendo has recently applied for a patent on a peripheral device for the Wii that is similar to an inflatable kiddie horse, complete with a set of reins. It is a small inflatable cushion reminiscent of the “Hoppity Hop” that has a dock for the Wii remote. When you bounce or move, the controller registers the movement. Nintendo cites in their patent, the ability to ride bulls, whales, dragons, griffons, unicorns and giant eagles through the use of the inflatable cushion.
Although it is only just a patent with no guarantee of production, I really, really hope they make them if only for the entertainment value - think of all the YouTube videos just begging to be made
On July 23, Nintendo will be transforming a slice of New York City into an island getaway to celebrate the launch of the much anticipated Wii Sports Resort™. From 9AM to 3PM, anyone who visits this Military Island in Times Square will be treated to a mini “vacation” courtesy of Nintendo, complete with a sandy beach, swimming pool and tropical (nonalcoholic) lounge — all smack dab in the middle of the city — plus a chance to play Wii Sports Resort before its official U.S. July 26 release date.
Adding to the excitement, actor Chace Crawford will be making an appearance.
Adults, kids, seniors, families, tourists, New Yorkers and consumers of all kinds are welcome to attend.
Wii Sports Resort is a new collection of fun sports games that anyone can pick up and play. This sequel to the popular Wii Sports™ makes use of the Wii MotionPlus accessory, which is intended to give players a more responsive and realistic experience. The Wii MotionPlus accessory, which is included with Wii Sports Resort, plugs into the base of the Wii Remote™ controller and, combined with the accelerometer and sensor bar, provides an experience that gives players an even greater sense of immersion.