McDonalds wireless hotspots for Nintendo DS

On May 27th Nintendo, in cooperation with McDonalds, started a new wireless information and gaming service in 21 restaurants around Tokyo. This is part of the Nintendo Spot project to give DS gamers wireless access to the internet on the train and in McDonald’s restaurants.

Different to Europe and America it is hard to find a restaurant or bar in Japan offering a free WiFi hotspot to connect your computer or mobile gaming device to the Web. That is because Japanese usually use their mobile phones to connect to the internet, but also because of security concerns about open networks. Another important reason is that restaurant owners in Japan aren’t interested in having their customers lingering around in the often overcrowded spots in downtown.

McDonalds, which are always interested in being up-to-date with technology, (such as Felica RFID for Contactless Coupons), now are offering their customers more information and gimmicks through portable devices.

In 21 restaurants around Tokyo, Nintendo DS users can browse various campaign information from the McDonald’s Website, as well as download trial versions of games. So if you want to get the recipe for the new “Cheese Katsu” Burger or improve your Kanji knowledge just grab your DS and go hang out at McDonalds!

Tags: gaming, mcdonalds, Nintendo
Category: Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Press coverage

Space Invaders invades Tokyo retail

Taito has been gearing up for the 30th anniversary of Space Invaders for a couple of years, taking advantage of the retro gaming trend to release everything from alarm clocks to UFO catcher merchandise. Now they’re going all-out, making the classic game a fashion item for the masses.

While merchandise is fun, it’s not the kind of celebration they’re looking for. Their more interesting collaborations are in the retail space, particularly with HMV Shibuya, Taito game centers, and Harajuku’s Laforet department store. The game centers have been in full Invader-mode and include free anniversary “games” (seen above) that measure how quickly you can push a button, thus gauging your firing speed. Kind of like the carnival’s strong-man game, but for geeks.

Photo via Impress

Until August 22nd, Laforet is welcoming our classic alien overlords with an entire Space Invaders theme, including custom products from a variety of brands offering shirts, dresses, neckties, earrings, and the like. Even Tirol and Kit Kat are in on the game with special edition chocolates.

For digital content, Taito has also created branded Space Invaders World War online games for Diesel, HMV Shibuya, and Laforet, allowing gamers all over the world to compete on national levels. You can play each one by clicking below or, if you’re in Japan, scan the QR codes above to play the classic version on your phone. There are also special Space Invaders audio tracks and phone wallpaper available as free downloads.

Of course, the point of all this isn’t to promote a 30-year-old video game, but Taito itself. Amidst a retro trend, these are ideal conditions to give new life to a classic game. The older set can reflect on their teenage days, and the young ones can take a break from their PS3s to remember where it all came from.

Tags: Fashion, gaming, Retro, Space Invaders
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Technology & Gadget Trends
Other categories: Marketing & Ad Trends, Press coverage

Vitamin supplement for improved gaming

With game console sales in Japan up 13.4% last year (thank you Wii!), the gamer market is a profitable niche. So thought the Toyama-based Kyowa-yakuhin when they created a series of vitamin supplements, Game Suppli, designed specifically for gamers.

There are two varieties, one designed for long play with blueberry to improve eye stamina and one for improved concentration with DHA, an omega-3 fatty acid. Packets of 30 capsules, intended for twice daily intake, are available for ¥880 from Cyber Gadget.

If you can’t get the kids to play outside, you can now at least encourage a little healthier gaming.

Tags: gaming, health
Category: Fashion & Lifestyle Trends
Other categories: Technology & Gadget Trends, Marketing & Ad Trends, Press coverage

Monster Hunter Drink from Bandai

Seems like Square Enix won’t be the only ones making money off of tired, thirsty gamers these days.

Coinciding with the March 27th release of the much anticipated Monster Hunter Portable 2nd G game for PSP, Bandai is releasing an exclusive energy drink only to be sold in 7-11 convenience stores.

The Monster Hunter Drink is produced by Hino Pharmaceutical and contains royal jelly, vitamins, and fruit flavors. They expect to sell 50 million bottles before the limited run finishes at the end of April.

Bandai press release

Tags: Bandai, beverages, gaming, Monster Hunter
Category: Marketing & Ad Trends
Other categories: Technology & Gadget Trends, Fashion & Lifestyle Trends, Press coverage