Later in the day on Monday, Nintendo will make your holiday shopping just a little bit easier. If some people on your gift list have visions of classic video games dancing in their heads, you're in luck. Starting this week, Wii Shop Channel patrons can use a new Gifting feature to send games to other Wii owners with whom they've traded Friend Codes. It's an easy and inexpensive way to give your fellow Nintendo buffs the gift of a classic game - no wrapping paper required. And don't worry about duplication. If your friend already has the game you're trying to give, you'll get a simple message and be bumped back into the catalog to continue shopping.
Pokemon Snap (Nintendo 64, 1 player, Rated E for Everyone, 1,000 Wii Points): As one of the most unique games in a renowned series, Pokemon Snap was the first truly 3-D Pokemon game and introduced the phenomenon to the Nintendo 64. Travel to Pokemon Island and meet Professor Oak to begin a safari, taking the best possible photographs of 63 different Pokemon as they exist in the wild, undisturbed by humans. This is not as easy as it sounds�the island has many types of climates and environments to explore, along with secret activities and hidden passages to discover. Plus, some of the Pokemon can be a little shy and won't pose for the camera unless you tease them with special items. After you're done, submit one picture of each Pokemon to Professor Oak, and he'll judge it based on size, pose, technique and number of Pokemon captured.
Ghosts'n Goblins (NES, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone�Mild Animated Violence, 500 Wii Points): Ghosts'n Goblins was a popular arcade game before it made the leap to the NES in 1986. Like later games in the series, Ghosts'n Goblins presents quite a challenge to players brave enough to take on the role of Arthur and delve into the realm of demons and monsters to rescue the kidnapped princess. Choose your weapons wisely and take advantage of their strengths to deal with the situation at hand. Pass through the six gates that stand between you and Astaroth, and teach him a lesson in chivalry he'll never forget. Demonstrating a high level of technical prowess for a game of its era, Ghosts'n Goblins presents a unique and unforgettable universe. The stage for adventure is set. Are you up to the test?
BASEBALL STARS 2 (NEOGEO, 1-2 players, Rated E for Everyone, 900 Wii Points): Lace up your cleats and step onto the diamond with the pros of BASEBALL STARS 2. You'll find everything you'd expect in a classic game of baseball, but with an arcade feel and intense action that distinguish it from the pack. Pick one of six unique teams from cities around the world, then get ready for nine innings of excitement, whether you're taking on the computer in a 15-game tournament or squaring off against a friend. There are two modes of game play, so even the most inexperienced player can compete at the major-league level (with a little computer-aided fielding). Watch as the game develops through split-screen views and close-up shots worthy of any highlight film, and see if you can catch the numerous over-the-top animations of the large and detailed player models. Think you have what it takes to win the pennant?
Xbox LIVE is experiencing problems to those of you who are lucky enough not to experience them. And the problems are rather big, such as not being able to sign in, problems with matchmaking, and account recovery. While everyone is not affected by this, it is still a widespread problem. Here are the words from Xbox LIVE's Major Nelson:
