Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/06/nintendo_face_game/
Nintendo's creative department must be in overdrive as the Japanese console giant is poised to release software aimed at making users look younger.
The games package, called Otona no DS Kao Training, is being released along with a new camera for the Nintendo DS portable console. The camera video records a user's face as they play the game. The theory behind the game, which is based on a Japanese concept called "facening", is that by doing certain facial exercises, you can make your skin more elastic and have a prettier face.
The new device presents an interesting challenge to potential users. The DS is a portable device, but finding an appropriate setting to partake in face training exercises may prove difficult. Making weird and wacky faces while on a train or bus could potential help users to look younger, but other passengers might not react too favourably.
Face training is just the latest in a series of left-field ideas from Nintendo. Actress Nicole Kidman recently became the face of the Nintendo DS game More Brain Training from Dr Kawashima: How Old Is Your Brain? Kidman appears in advertisements for the game which is aimed at stimulating the mind through a series of exercises and challenges.
The most notable release in Nintendo's attempts to move away from the traditional concept of gaming was the release of the Wii console in 2006, which uses wand-like controllers.
The DS camera with Otona no DS Kao Training will go on sale in Japan on 2 August at a cost of ¥4,800 ($39/£19/€29).
Copyright © 2007 ENN (http://www.enn.ie)
Nintendo yanks Mario Party 8 - offensive language to blame? (17 July 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/17/nintendo_mario_party_8/
Nintendo to let Wii gamers go for their guns (12 July 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/12/nintendo_wii_gun/
Intel schemes to confound online gaming cheats (6 July 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/06/intel_fogs_cheats/
MS makes date for Xbox Elite Japanese debut (5 July 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/05/ms_names_elite_japan_debut/
Six Wiis sold for every PS3 purchased in Japan (3 July 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/07/03/wii_sales_outstrip_ps3/
Nintendo readies Wii game-making tool for all (28 June 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/06/28/nintendo_readies_wii_programming_tool/
Chip tech holder sues Nintendo (18 June 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/06/18/nintendo_sued/
Nintendo Wii widens sales gap with Sony PS3 (7 June 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/06/07/wii_beats_ps3_in_japan/
Nintendo dominates April US console sales (18 May 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/05/18/us_consoles_sales_april/
Nintendo pledges to pour out more Wiis (27 April 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04/27/nintendo_to_boost_wii_production/
Nintendo upgrades Wii web browser (12 April 2007)
http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/04/12/wii_internet_channel_updated/