Nintendo's unenthusiastic approach to DSiWare continues with Mario Clock and Calculator
How long does it take to count a million dollars?
Really, what is going on with DSiWare? During E3, we expected to hear a lot more from Nintendo about its strategy for the new version of the DS that's already sold one million units in both Europe and North America.
But with the exception of a download-only remake of Mario vs Donkey Kong: March of the Minis we didn’t.
Instead the interesting news is dripping out from other publishers. Mobile and iPhone smash Car Jack Streets is coming thanks to developer Tag Games and publisher I-play, while an ex-USC student team, Intrinsic Games, is bringing its quirky Reflections over to DSi thanks to Konami.
In contrast, Nintendo America has just announced the release of Mario Calculator and Mario Clock.
Both priced at 200 Nintendo Points ($2, €2, £1.80), these utilities seem very similar to the Animal Crossing Calculator and Clock released a while back. Re-skin job for the interns anyone?
But instead of getting all huffy, we're just going to cut and paste the press releases... and sulk.
Mario CalculatorMario and Luigi take a break from their normal adventures to dedicate their heroic talents to working with numbers. Mario Calculator features the full functionality of a traditional calculator, including a Memory key and the ability to display up to 13 digits, and adds a layer of atmosphere reminiscent of the original Super Mario Bros.
Use the Unit Converter to turn one unit of measure into another (such as length, weight, volume, age and others), or track the history of calculations you've performed with ease. Listen to the Mario-related sounds and watch the coins fly as calculations are performed. Now, back to adding up those high scores...
Mario Clock
Turn back time and enjoy a bit of classic game play based on the original Super Mario Bros with Mario Clock. Help Mario and Luigi collect more coins than ever (POW block anyone?) while they run through a variety of stages. Gather enough coins and you'll be treated to another scene bound to bring back fond memories for many.
Mario Clock includes both analog and digital clocks that use the system's internal clock or allow you to offset the time however you like. Program up to three alarms (with snooze functionality for those that need it) and assign them a Mario-related sound or use one created in the Nintendo DSi Sound application. You'll find yourself thinking "Just a few more coins..." in no time!
We bet Reggie Fils-Aime is already preparing to count "Just a few more coins..." in no time too!
Mario Calculator and Mario Clock are out in North America now. And presumably in Europe at some point in the future, whenever Kyoto’s a bit low on Euros and Sterling.