5 Virtual Boy Units (Faulty) for some Aussie - October 19 2004 @ 01:36 PM GMT+1billion ~ Iko Da

Hey guys, just a quick update to let you know Virtual-Boy.net are selling off a bunch of 5 Virtual Boy Bare units. All have some of those line faults (with the exception of 2) but the lot will be all sold as-is anyways. This is open for Australian bidders only as shipping overseas will be massive. If you do wish to purchase them and you are overseas email me for shipping rates.

Check the Ebay auction right here: http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8140176950

Also the Line Fault fixing FAQ here: http://www.virtual-boy.org/fixvblineserror.htm

Soon a new Main page will be arriving and some more great updates. Actually HUGE updates as ferry has 1000's of new items to put up! For now check all the previous updates HERE.

Memories of Gunpei Yokoi - October 04 2004 @ 12:00 PM GMT+1 ~ Ferry

As you may know today, many years ago a legend died, our thoughts are with Gunpey today. A while back www.video-fenky.com updated about Gunpei Yokoi's Game Boy 15 year old past. If you're too lazy to check out Fenegi's great site, I'll quote him here:

It sort of crept up on me, what with all the excitement about the Famicom's 20th and everything, but today (April 21) is the 15th anniversary of the original Game Boy's launch in Japan.

Just as with the Famicom six years before, Hiroshi had one very simple goal in mind for Gunpei Yokoi and the hardware team when he gave them the GB to design: "Make something we can sell for cheaper than the Famicom [14,800 yen]". Of course, this was far easier said than done -- a handheld system's got to have some sort of screen, and even a B+W one would eat up most of that figure by itself.

To deal with this, Nintendo teamed up with Sharp, which they worked with previously for the Game and Watch technology. The regular G&Ws used a TN-LCD screen, designed to be best viewed from a diagonal angle (that's why they're still used on calculators today), and Sharp's initial prototype used the same TN-LCD technology. Yokoi took a look at this prototype, gave it the OK, and so Sharp proceeded to spend the 4 billion yen necessary to build an assembly plant for the system.

Unfortunately, Yamauchi, upon looking at this prototype, wasn't so supportive of Sharp's attempt. "What is this?" Yokoi would recall him saying later. "How can you see this? We can't sell it if you can't even see it. I'm calling off the launch." Yamauchi was exaggering slightly, but he did have a point: since the screen was larger than the G&Ws Nintendo released, players would be forced to view it straight on, or only at a slight angle. TN-LCDs are very difficult to see clearly from straight on.

Yokoi was in big trouble. Not only was the president of Nintendo angry at him, but he was about to tell Sharp that they were blowing their money on a factory that wouldn't manufacture anything. So he came to a compromise: after buying some time from Yamauchi, he pleaded with Sharp to switch from to STN-LCD screens -- displays that lose out in refresh rate, but have far better contrast than the TN-LCDs they were using. You can view STNs directly without any problem, and while the low refresh rate resulted in blurring problems, it wasn't anything the human eye couldn't deal with.

Here's what Yamauchi had to say in a 1990 Mainichi Shimbun interview about the decision to go for a black-and-white screen:

"Many people thought that Nintendo was a little strange for releasing a monochrome product at a time when color is seen as a given. They figured it wouldn't sell all that much because of that. However, the thing with this product is that you can play it anywhere, anytime. You can take it on a train, a plane, to the beach, or up in the mountains; we were aiming for something you could play anywhere. We thought that such a product could sell not just in Japan, but in America and countries all over the world.

However, the technology behind current color LCD screens makes them hard to see when you go out under the sun. What's more, with AA batteries, it would last only a tenth as long as a monochrome screen would. It'd be impossible for users to be satisfied with a supposedly portable game system like that."

The GB went on sale for 12,800 yen alongside four games: Tetris, Super Mario Land, Tennis and Alleyway. It eventually became a monstrous hit, of course, and without it Nintendo would be in some pretty big trouble right now.

Taking a look at the original GB's STN-LCD display -- its shocking blurriness, its low contrast by modern standards -- it's easy to see exactly how far handheld technology's gone in the past 15 years. Still, with the PSP, DS, and dozens of 3D-ready mobile phones hitting the market soon, the pace has really only begun to accelerate.

The Joys Of Being a VB Board Mod (Or How I Learned To Stop Caring And Love Editing Tard's Posts) - September 26 2004 @ 12:02 PM GMT+47 ~ Peter Pantsless

With the VB approaching the magical Ten Year Anniversary, you would think a few people (Granted, us 80's Children) would remember it. And for the most part, we do. However, something that irks me to no end is the seemingly new "HAY GUYZ !11!" generation who know nothing of the past rise of games consoles: the history, the joy, the oldskool classics, the blood sweat and tears that went into finishing off the Grim Reaper in Castlevania or ploughing through the Dark World in The Legend Of Zelda - A Link To The Past. No, it's all "My Polygon Processor is better then your Polygon Processor" in an endless war amongst youngens who only know what came after the Nintendo 64, Playstation and Dreamcast era.

I make not a point to bitch or complain or point the finger (Oh who am I kidding), but merely just to wonder what happened to being interested in consoles of years gone by, even if you didn't live through their time? Is it just me feeling the scourge of getting old and dealing with being an 80's kid in this modern high-tech era? Or is it something more?

We watch on forums as wars explode between Users as they fire up, defending their console/brand and particular games against anothers...but in so many instances, they don't know the rise of their chosen side, the wars fought for supremacy, and the downfalls suffered in the quest for gaming dominance.

And this is where our good friend the Virtual Boy comes in. As a mod on the VB Forum over at www.vgchat.com (As some of you will know),
it just seems no matter how many times you place a Sticky at the top of the forum, and drop links in threads, people just can't seem to put the Magical 2 + 2T together and attain something even remotely close to 4. It's not too much to ask is it, just for people who go "Oh what's a VB" coming into the forum, to hopefully click on the "Click here to find out what a VB is" thread at the very top of the forum before posting "OmGWtFbBQ L0L!11 WhaTs A vB?"....is it?

Those of you who've recently been to the forum here and there will see I just take no tolerance anymore; you can only drop so many hints before you just have to smack a tard upside the head and tell it like it is by editing and deleting their posts with the occasional funny rewording of statements in their name. Harsh? Potentially Amusing? It put's a smile on my face. Something you learnt today? If you don't know what something is, Google it* before looking like a N00b.

Now, with /rant over, it's time to move onto some reader mail! Who's insightful statements of ponderings will be luckily picked ? Time will tell! Keep writing in to us and you will see! Only one for this update as Ferry seems to have blazed through all the mail and left me with...none!

>From Max Prower, who wrote the entire contents of his email in the Subject line: Re: Reguest for VirtualBoy Music section.

Well, if anyone feels generous and would like to help out and record some samples for us, we'd be happy to set up a little section somewhere on the site for them!

As for now, it's back to start another week of partying and drinking and working and university work; such is my nonstop hectic life! Get back to it now people! Make your VB proud! -Pete
*This has not been a paid for advertisment on behalf of the Google Corperation. We promise. Honest.

September 03 2004 @ 12:00 PM GMT+1 ~ Ferry

3 months ago on 3 June, Greg emailed me asking for some exposure, so in this update you'll get some more reader email:

Hi. I was thinking about remaking the plastic piece at the joint where the legs and stand piece, the one that has probably broken on countless VB's (at least it has on mine). Do you think that there would be many people who would be interested in purchasing one? Talking it over with some people we figure it would be cost prohibitive to have it done in injection-molded plastic, machined metal would be much cheaper. It would be nice if I could get the big N to bless it, maybe have it laser etched with their logo. :)

Anyway, this kind of thing is kind of far off at this point, so I am just gauging interest.
Say, $20-$30 a pop. Do you think people would buy it, and in what kind of numbers?
Cheers--Greg

Everyone who's interested let Greg know at megara@mac.com Excellent idea!

WE ARE ALIVE (But Ferry smells a bit dead) - June 29 2004 @ 06:36 PM GMT+1billion ~ Iko Da

Wow, it has been a long time since we have updated! Or should I say "Velcome to Noineteen Sheventy Fieav Ferry Powars".
I know a few of you out there were wondering if we would ever be back, if we would ever update BUT I am here to tell you Virtual-Boy.net will live on - through the arm of sum yung guy.

Enough incoherent babbling, how have you been? I have to apologize to all those who have recently or not so recently sent us an email. I just checked and it is overflowing like you wouldn't believe. So sit tight and I will work out with Ferry what is what and try get you all a response very shortly.

Anyway I would like to post an email we got recently regarding the Virtual Boy "demo" carts. To some of you it may be interesting, to the others well... you always have that pink vboy to look at for another 6 months.

Reader Email from Robin - Snipped vr:

"What I wanted to write you about is your examination
of the differences between the resale and demo
versions of Red Alarm and Wario Land. We can see the
only difference for Red Alarm is the last number on
the chip. That's very common in chip-land, because
it's most likely a date code. IC manufacturers print
the manufacturing date on their chips so they can keep
track of faulty batches etc. Number 9525 was probably
the 25th batch produced in 1995, and 9527 was the 27th
:-)
This doesn't explain the Wario Land case, but I think
it's possible that Nintendo get their chips from a
number of IC makers. If you look at the chips used in
different Nintendo systems (Game Boy, NES, SNES),
you'll find many different logos on them.
Keep up the good work, and may the VB live forever!"

Got any questions or comments? Think he is on the right track or do you have your own theory? Send them in to US! We appreciate reader emails and contributions.

Here is another one! I am going to reply to it here because it deserves it!

Reader Email from Will

"dude I would really like your virtual boy or atleast
some information on places where I can get one
repaired. e-mail me as soom as posible.
send as reply."

Wow yeah dude, here is my Virtual Boy... take it. Meet you at around 7, maybe do lunch too? Seriously though, Ebay is your dad. Just click here and take a pick at all those lovely little Red and Black babies!

That is it from me for tonight! Expect some updates of some "interesting" Virtual Boy news soon as well as lot's of email replies and a lucky emailer may get a nude ferry poster*

(*May be a doctored David Hasselhoff body with a ferry head attached. No refunds, all sales final.)

New System Discovered!  - April 01 2004 @ 00:05 PM GMT+1 by Sitestaff

Ferry says: I got send this from Akihabara in Tokyo, Japan, via a source of mine. He stated it's an unreleased second VB colour, meant to be released as a special edition girl unit.
Ikoda says: The pink is really awesome!

Pete says: Strange reports of the virtual girl are confirmed, as there was a definite increase of sightings seen in Sydney Australia during and soon after Mardi Gras weekend.

Dissapointed About Wario Ware GameCube  - January 22 2004 @ 01:00 PM GMT+1 ~ Ferry

Oh, Tartar Sauce! Updated sections still offline, this'll have to do - January 21 2004 @ 12:00 PM GMT+1 ~ Ferry

You know just when you think the game press is growing a brain, they show you how shallow and narrow-minded they can be. You got all these people at ign & 1up talking about how bad an idea it is, this Nintendo Dual Screen. But they haven't played it yet, no one knows what all the features will be, and not a single game has been displayed & shown how it uses the 2nd screen. They don't even know what it'll look like! But their all comparing it to the Nintendo Virtual Boy just the same. Which makes only sense as no one used the fields at which the VB innovated, but to say likewise the NDS will be gimmicky at best is just retarded. Why? Because it's different from a GameBoy? Maybe they are just secretly afraid Nintendo will make the same support mistake again and their inner nostalgic gamer doesn't want that. But I guess giving ones sceptic set opinion as random thoughts in a roundtable allows them to eat their hat later on. Two things I think we can all agree on: 1. Stop freaking comparing the DS to the VB, we all get it ok, stop already; 2. Let's hope Nintendo can get 3rd parties excited about the uses for the 2nd screen. That's really what it'll come down to, that's what the past taught us. If they can get developers like EA, Square-Enix & Sega to use their brain and pump out something that actually uses the features, then their golden. E3 can't come soon enough for Nintendo to show all their cards... I just want to give the world gaming press these thoughtful words: SEE THE POTENTIAL. It's easy see. I'm not going to compare two different gaming systems, but the Nintendo essence is the same. Last time you, the world gaming press, destroyed a fantastic INNOVATIVE new system before you even tried it. Sure you had your reasons no doubt, but nay-saying sadly got the best of you all. Don't repeat the mistakes you made in 1994, show you've grown in the past ten years. Ferry out.

Two displays?! Sounds familiar - January 20 2004 @ 11:00 PM GMT+1 ~ Ferry

(BUSINESS WIRE) An unprecedented approach to video game play -- holding two separate game screens in the palm of your hand -- hits the scene later this year when Nintendo introduces a new portable game system, code-named Nintendo DS.

>From information made available today, players can look forward to being able to manage their game progress from two different perspectives, enhancing both the speed and strategy of the challenge. For example in a soccer game, users can view the whole game on one screen while simultaneously focusing on an individual soccer player's tackle or goal on the other screen.

Players will no longer be forced to interrupt game play to shift perspective, such as moving from a wide shot to a close up, or alternating between a character's ongoing battle and a map of the environment. Nintendo DS makes it possible to perform the tasks in real time by simply glancing from one screen to the other.

Today's announcement is but a glimpse of the additional features and benefits that will be shown in full at the Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles in May. Once fully revealed, players will see innovative advances in game interaction.

"We have developed Nintendo DS based upon a completely different concept from existing game devices in order to provide players with a unique entertainment experience for the 21st century," explains Satoru Iwata, Nintendo president.

Nintendo DS features two separate 3-inch TFT LCD display panels, separate processors, and semiconductor memory of up to 1 Gigabit. It's scheduled to launch worldwide before the end of 2004.

In addition to Nintendo-developed software, the company is in discussions with third-party game developers around the world.

Nintendo DS will be marketed separately from the company's existing Nintendo Game Boy(R) Advance portable system and Nintendo GameCube(TM) home console.

If you're anything like me, you freaked out at the "two separate displays" bit hehe, but it seems to be a larger (vertically) double-screen GBA :)
- To be shown at E3 2004 in the US, next May
- Planned release at the end of 2004, global
- Will stand alongside GC and GBA as a third main product
- Although not a direct successor to either the GBA or the GC, it will give some indication of the direction their successors will follow
- For some time it will be sold alongside the current machines
- It is a new type of game machine
- It will include wireless communication, built-in
- They have successfully made a test model
- It will enable players to experience a new kind of gaming, not dependent on high-spec technology

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