All About Video Games

The Wii won, but for how long?

2007-08-16T23:58:00.000-07:00

Fact: Wii of Nintendo is on the track in order to sell PS2 in greater amount diregolazione of Sony to 115 million sold units. That one is second the data comparative you of sales of NPD for both systems. Nobody other section commandos has sold more fastly in the relati to you first eight months of availability that the Wii.

In spite of relative undisputed the happened one it begins them, however, several pandit of industry remain unconvinced. “The will of Wii sbiad, „says, suggesting that to the movement-controls of the novel of the machine and the antiquated technology of the diagrams soon indurranno the system to wane in the popolarità.

They are probably of right, admitting one of two action plans. Action plan To: Nintendo and/or the third party-left relati ones to you is incapable of transport of the software forcing during the cycle of life of the Wii (for how much long that it can be). Or action plan B: That Nintendo will not free a successor of Wii before the duration to traditional quinquennial warehouse expires.

In spite of that gamers about nucleus they can think, Nintendo has introduced cargos on the market of forcing software up to now. To notice the use “of of marketing of „in transported contrast with “. „The posterior one is up to the gamer specific to decide, while the previous one is up completely to Nintendo. And they have made a job shining up to now that it says the world to that more they made the domestic section commandos amusing. The perception is all and Nintendo possesses it at the moment. Because of this, continuous people to swallow on Wiis and the editori of thirds party have games more I excluded to you next for the system that is Xbox 360 that PS3 consequently.

Just playing with my Wii

2007-08-09T04:05:00.000-07:00

I know that there is the art of Venice and the columns of Greece and beer of Germany awaiting you through the pond, but wonders pale to be tested over there compared to the disappointment which you will suffer when you return. If you left a friend behind, your whole voyage will be dirtied of mud in calls of telephone at the artificial hours of the day because it can never obtain the line of change of time, a fortune spent on the phone cards, and “hath of hell of no reaction fury” if you have temerity to turn over to the house without remembering each simple stop along the manner.

The weeks first will seem like any other hour with share. It will answer your calls of telephone, hold you with the current of all your back house of friends, of bitch about how much it hates to work, etc Bientôt, however, the calls of telephone will take longer with the answer, the conversation more moved away, and you will obtain the feeling which it does not lend really the attention to you. And it is because it is not - it plays part 8 of Mario and car profit of his of the lately rectified qualifications of masturbation in the mini-play where you must shake the can of noise until it bursts.

Thus, you choose to leave your man to the house for the summer while you it France and crossing Italy gallivant and these other countries by which gallivanting is popular, not to obtain the inversion when you turn over to the house to find it to make the sexy eyes with his new piece of material. After can't all, your vagina play Zelda, can now it?

RE 4 Gets Its Waggle On

2007-08-01T23:26:00.000-07:00

The resident edition of Wii of badly the 4 had something of a silenced advertising campaign in the E.E.U.U. One of the dominant components, nevertheless, was the first connection of the game.

The particular warning to the way pays that the movement that detects controls changes the game, repealing to the resident veterans and the “newbies” of the 4 to the license badly that love the movement of the Wii that detects controls. “The base of the advertising campaign was centered in giving a very simple message:

“The resident edition of Wii of badly the 4 gives a new way reciprocally to build with the superior license of acción/de the horror of the world.” The campaign itself pointed the ventilators of the newer base and gamers of the Wii. We focused to majority of ours we happened in line - no surprise there - and worked several programs through our site of the community, Capcom-Unity.com.

Totals, éramos very guessed right in reaching to players brandnew as well as those gamers of the base that had been exposed previously to the game. “He is hard to say if the Wii attracts mature games in the long term, but for now, the system has demonstrated that its hearing not hardly has taste of a variety of titles and of the variety of the “kiddie”. When it is asked if the success of the resident edition of Wii of badly the 4 demonstrates that the consumers wish more “madurarte” and “to clear the heart” to the titles in Wii, Symon responded, “that is our belief, and I create [is] the belief of Nintendo also. People describe generally the Wii like system of the “family”, who can lead to the impressions that are a system of the “kiddie”. The GameCube had a very similar opinion, and the resident evil series did very well in that platform also. Realist, the “family” means each one in the house, nonright cabritos underneath 17. The market of Wii can definitively support the titles that cover an ample variety with sorts and degrees.”

Wii Want High-Def (How About You?)

2007-08-01T02:44:00.000-07:00

Wouldn't it be nice if you could play Zelda: Twilight Princess in glorious 720 or 1080p instead of a blurry, jaggy 480? How about Metroid Prime 3? Super Mario Galaxy? Kitty Luv?

Okay, skip Kitty Luv. Or don't and mark your calendar. (Who names these things?) In any case, no one can really deny the fact that the Wii looks best when you're poised a half dozen feet away and paying as little attention to the visual trimmings as possible. Unless you're squinting or half-blind, close inspection of any Wii game reveals a lot of blah compared to the crisp organic fantasy-scapes in a game like Overlord (Xbox 360) or what I've seen so far of Factor 5's eye-boggling Lair (Playstation 3).

So how about a high-res version of the Wii?

I tease because I love, but seriously: Always provocative Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter suggests Wii-to-the-power-of-2 could in fact be zipping our way as early as 2009.

"Consumers may hope for improved graphics, and my guess is that Nintendo will comply," said Pachter in an email to GamePro.

"In two or three years, commodity prices for graphics processors and CPUs may decline to the point that a High Definition Wii could be introduced. If so, Nintendo will likely introduce one," he added.

Fans though we are, GamePro's not wrong to finger the contention dogging Nintendo's wunder-console that consumers will flock to better looking A-list games when the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 finally spit out more than an annual handful. What's more, the worldwide market for HDTV is expected to grow to nearly 148 million households over the next four years, spurred by demand for flat-screen TVs, sports-driven content, higher availability of HD content, and more competitive pricing for HD services. Consumers are going to want something that shows off their newest $1000-plus toy.

My own caveats about the value of an Xbox 360 or PS3 in terms of total ownership expenses only hold up so long, as each of us gradually pieces together Dolby 5.1 systems with high grade digital receivers, studio-quality speakers, and finger-thin organic light-emitting diode screen living room centerpieces. A high-definition Wii might make perfect sense in two years, when the HD market's not as dodgy and dithering between Blu-ray and HD DVD standards.

Imagine: A backward compatible Wii2 that enhances older Wii games (just as compatible Xbox games look twice as sharp on the Xbox 360), plays some form of high-def media, and can compete tolerably well CPU/GPU-wise with the Xbox 360 and PS3. I sometimes wonder if Nintendo, with its habit of introducing new Gameboy iterations every couple years, might not have the better philosophy by in essence giving us more of less.

Could it be another manifestation of the so-called "long tail" effect?

Vancouver Gym Using The Nintendo Wii

2007-07-29T23:56:00.000-07:00

Numerous gyms around the world are starting to embrace the Nintendo Wii as a legitimate way to get in shape. Although the Wii may not be the most effective form of working out, I think it’s a great option that could really give some people the added motivation they need. Anyone who has worked out before knows how important motivation is when it comes to getting in shape. They probably also realize how hard it is to keep motivation going. Nintendo has been tying in healthy living to video games for many years. Some of you may remember the fitness peripherals from back in the NES days when it all started. I’m a little surprised to see gyms embracing the Nintendo Wii, considering it could be easily purchased and used at home, but I am pleased to see that this gym in particular seems to be taking a responsible approach to fitting the Wii into an overall workout routine.

Studeo55 fitness center has just put a Nintendo Wii gaming system in their gym, where clients can challenge their personal trainers to sporty video games and feel the burn in a very high-tech way.

The Wii console offers simulated sports like boxing, tennis, and bowling, and gym owner Nathan Mellalieu says it’s been a big hit among his patrons.

But while having the latest Nintendo console in the gym may seem like a potential fitness distraction, Mellalieu says the use of the Wii comes with some healthy rules.

He explains, “We highly suggest our clients pick very physically active sports like boxing or tennis to play on the Wii because those ones get their heart rates up. Our clients use it in three minute intervals, which is just enough to have fun and burn calories, but not too long to get sucked into playing video games their entire workout.”

Exclusive Rockstar Game in Development for PS3

2007-07-29T23:55:00.000-07:00

Rockstar and Sony are up to their old exclusivity tricks with a brand new game franchise just for the PS3.

On the latest episode of Spike TV's GameHead, Sony teased a brand new PS3 exclusive franchise that Rockstar Games is doing. Michael Shorrock, Sony's director of 3rd Party relations, talked more about the game on Sony's official blog July 27.

Actually, he didn't blog about the game as much as the relationship between Rockstar and Sony. With Grand Theft Auto IV going cross platform, many have speculated that the two companies aren't as tight as they used to be. Not so, Shorrock says.

"We have had incredible success with the GTA franchise and are happy to continue to offer those titles on our platforms, and even more excited about what’s to come from the current and future relationship between our companies. Rockstar really wanted to make a game that you can truly only do on PS3, harnessing the power of CELL and Blu-ray disc and this deal lets them do just that.. This is really a win-win situation for both companies."

Shorrock said Sony promised Rockstar they wouldn't reveal too many details about the new game yet. He did make sure to mention it is not the previously seen 50's detective-movie themed game L.A. Noire, but an all new, as yet unseen franchise.

Tempus: Reinventing the Wii

2007-07-25T09:54:00.000-07:00

Nintendo's first-quarter net profits have soared five-fold as it aims its Wii products to a widfer audience

Putting differing accounting standards aside for a moment, last year Nintendo was more profitable per employee than Google. With Nintendo's profits soaring fivefold in the first quarter, to ¥80.25 billion (£326 million), and Google adding employees at a rate of knots, the gap might just widen this year.

The comparison shines a light on a part of Nintendo's success story that has perhaps so far been overshadowed by its mission to snare unlikely new gamers — older people and women — through snappy hardware and unusual games. Nintendo, it turns out, is a remarkably lean and thifty shop in an industry that has become renowned for flabby largesse.

For years, manufacturers have developed and sold consoles as loss leaders in order to profit from larger margins on software later. In that tradition, Sony committed itself, at a cost of hundreds of millions of dollars, to co-developing the PlayStation 3's powerful Cell processor from scratch. The engineers were let off the leash. Indeed, one rumour says that Howard Stringer, the Sony chief executive, was unaware of the cost of the PS3 until the last minute.

By contrast, for the Wii, Nintendo bought a much cheaper central processor off the shelf. The key chips that go into the now-famous “Wiimote” cost about £1.25 apiece. Again, they were bought in from outside.

The result: Nintendo is making a profit on every Wii sold — something in the region of $20 to $30 seems to be a fair guess. Sony, meanwhile, is losing as much as $200 on every PS3.

The cost differentials spill into software: developers can make as many as four Wii titles for the same price as one PS3 game, says one estimate. If Nintendo continues to command the attention of third-party developers in the way it is at the moment, the resulting library of games can only reinforce the appeal of its hardware — in turn creating a market for its own software.

Yes, the Wii could yet have a far shorter lifespan than the PS3. But the real fear for Sony is that Nintendo is not only reinventing gameplay with cute controllers, but that it is mangling the accepted economics of its industry.

Wii waves a magic wand for Nintendo

2007-07-25T09:52:00.000-07:00

Nintendo has raised its financial targets for this year after quadrupling quarterly profits on the back of strong demand for its Wii games console and DS handheld device.

The computer gaming giant recorded a pre-tax profit of 131bn yen between April and June, a 302% jump on the same quarter of 2006.

Nintendo has now raised its profits forecast for the current financial year, to March 31 2008, by 40%. Shares in the company rose by 3.6% today to a new high of 56,800 yen (£229).

Last month it overtook Sony to become the 10th most valuable Japanese company.

The motion-sensitive Wii console has been a surprise hit since launching in November 2006, leading to worldwide shortages. Nintendo sold 3.4m units in the last three months, taking its total sales to 9.27m.

The Wii has appealed to a non-traditional audience as well as typical gamers, with its wireless controller that can be simulate playing tennis or bowling as well as sword fighting or steering a truck.

Sales of Nintendo's DS console were also strong with almost 70m units sold, taking total sales to over 47m. One of its most popular games is "Brain Age", a puzzle game that aims to improve mental agility.

Madden NFL 08 New Nintendo Wii Screenshots and Details

2007-07-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

Anyone can play like a pro in Madden NFL 08, whether a new user or a long time fan. Play with only the Wii remote with EA SPORTS Family Play or use the Wii remote and nunchuck for more advanced controls; the decision is yours. Featuring an all-new Party Mode, play trivia or chose from 22 different mini-games. Break down plays and highlight key moments with all-new Madden NFL 08 telestrator. Bring the game online, play head to head with friends and keep up to date with the live sports ticker for the ultimate online experience.

Features:

FUN, ACCESSIBLE FAMILY PLAY: Now anybody can play using the new EA SPORTS Family Play mode. Simple Wii-remote-base controls and in-game feedback make this the most accessible Madden NFL ever.

JOIN THE PARTY: Enhance your skills, challenge rivals, or play against a group of friends for ultimate bragging rights in 22 adrenaline-pumping mini-games.
ALL-NEW READ AND REACT SYSTEM: Scan the field to identify individual strengths and weaknesses before every play. Read, react, and exploit mismatches to gain the upper hand.

SHOW ‘EM WHAT YOU GOT: Use the Wii remote to diagram key moments on the Madden NFL 08 telestrator, highlighting key blocks, moves, and more after each play.
ALL-NEW ONLINE PLAY: Challenge friends and rivals online for the first time on the Wii. Go head-to-head in Play Now mode, take aim at players atop the leaderboard, and get up-to-the-minute scores and updates with the sports ticker.

Nintendo consoles dominate software top ten

2007-07-23T05:12:00.000-07:00

Sales of the Nintendo Wii have now passed the 3 million mark in Japan, according to the latest figures from Media Create.

In the week ending July 15, just under 110,000 Wii units were sold. DS sales have now reached 18 million, with 142,000 sold during the same week.

PSP sales rose by 12 per cent to reach 37,500, while 15,800 PS2 units were sold. The figure for PlayStation 3 fell by 500 units to hit 13,500.

There was more success for Nintendo when it came to the software chart, with every title in the top ten published for either DS or Wii.

In at No. 1 was Wii title Dragon Quest Swords, of which more than 305,000 units were sold during its debut week. Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass was at two, followed by new entry My Housekeeping Diary in third place.

Wii Sports remains popular at No. 4, followed by DS Ganriki Training, Hajimete no Wii and Chikasete! Chibi-Robo! at seven.

The top ten was rounded out with three new entries - Kirarin Revolution, Monster Rancher DS and Rockman ZX Advent.

New PS3 controller set to have more new features

2007-07-21T02:46:00.000-07:00

In an interview on Kikizo, Sony Computer Entertainment's global President Kaz Hirai said that rumble is ‘obviously’ being looked at now that legal issues with Immersion are out of the way, but then added: "We're also looking at a variety of other things that we can incorporate with the controller, and we'll come out with announcements when we think we have the right mix of features."

Hirai pointed out that the PlayStation controller has always been an evolving peripheral, citing the original no-frills PS1 controller. "It's come all the way to this point... it's not the final model for a PS3 controller."

Although specifics are yet to be revealed, we’re wondering if the next evolution of the controller could be one of the anticipated Leipzig announcements…

Wii and Xbox 360 Get Pushed Around By Rockstar's Bully

2007-07-21T02:41:00.000-07:00

By Tim Lyons

On the heels of Rockstar's announcement of Table Tennis for the Wii, comes the news of Bully being released later this year for the 360 and Wii. The game was previously released on the PS2 late last year, and was easily considered as one of those "diamonds in the rough" we gamers often hear about. The game, even before its release, was given a lot of slack for its content -- despite many of the critics making these claims without seeing or playing the game -- and was even considered for a potential retail ban in Europe. Silly critics and their sensationlistic tripe. In the end though, it actually all came down to no more than a name change and a "Teen" rating.

Bully follows the exact same structure as most other recent Rockstar games, insofar that gamers have a lot of choices, freedom, mini-games and options in how they play the game. It's actually quite contrary to the name of the game, which might prompt players to believe that it's all about being a bully. Primarily, gamers will try to fit in around school, whisper sweet nothings into girls' ears, and be the all around likable (or hated) guy. Given its open-ended structure, it's really all up to you.

The same goes for this re-release of Bully. Only this time around there will be new goals and more mini-games. Rockstar -- just like a lot of other publishers who are too lazy to make a new game based on a previous-gen formula -- has conspicuously promised gamers all new "exclusive" content for the Wii and 360 versions. And assuming Jack Thompson doesn't bomb their main headquarters with missiles fueled on hatred, the R-Star plans to release the revamped Bully this upcoming holiday season for the Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii. I, for one, missed this game the first time around. But since I have all the current gaming systems it's going to be re-released on, I'm definitely going to give this game a shot.

Jack Tretton: PS3 Is "Surf and Turf," Wii Is Candy On Stick

2007-07-18T08:05:00.000-07:00

This morning, as I was flying in my car eating breakfast, I was thinking about Sony Computer Entertainment America president Jack Tretton and why Wired wasn't offered interview time with him at E3 this year. It's disappointing, because you know he's going to say something like this:

I think the PS3 is the Surf 'n Turf. You want the lobster and steak and you're going to give yourself the treat of getting the best thing on the menu. The PS2 is your favorite burger restaurant -- you go there for comfort food and it's just always good and is a good value. [As for the other two consoles], one [Wii] is a lollipop, and I'm too old for lollipops. The other one [Xbox 360] I get sick from once in a while because the cook isn't always reliable.

Metaphor number one is a little shaky (isn't making the Nintendo=kids assumption how Sony got into this same mess with DS?) but that last one, boy, that is gold. Sick burn. He just earned whatever it is they pay him.

Microsoft's Peter Moore Takes a Jab at PS3 Sales in Japan

2007-07-17T09:35:00.000-07:00

When it comes to the current generation of gaming consoles, Microsoft's Xbox 360 is currently in the lead with the most units sold. Microsoft's lead can be attributed to the fact that the Xbox 360 was released a year ahead of its two Japanese rivals.

Microsoft's lead may not last long if the strong performance from Nintendo's Wii is any indication. The Wii has consistently outsold both the Xbox 360 and the PS3 in North America. The console's low price of entry and innovative control scheme has won over many gamers both young and old.

If current sales trends are any indication, the Xbox 360 could soon find itself in a strong second place position worldwide with the Wii taking over the top spot in total units sold. In Japan, however, the Xbox 360 is having a hard time finding an audience.

Microsoft Corporate VP of Interactive Entertainment Peter Moore was asked about the performance of the Xbox 360 in Japan -- where only 122,565 units were sold through the first six months of 2007. Instead of talking about the Xbox 360's weakness in Japan, Moore threw the ball in Sony's court.

"That's probably a better question for Sony who's getting outsold by what, 6-to-1? You can bet that Sony built a long-term business plan about being successful in Japan and that business plan is crumbling," Moore told GameDaily.biz. "I built a business plan [for Japan], but I don't think my expectations in Japan were anything close to what Sony's expectations are. They are failing. They're missing their plan by much more than I'm missing my plan."

Peter Moore is right that the Wii has dominated the PS3 in Japan, but the Xbox 360 hasn’t exactly set hearts ablaze either. Microsoft has always countered, however, that their sales expectations in Japan have always been set rather low whereas Sony was expecting the PS3 to dominate the sales charts from the beginning.

That being said, Microsoft still has a few tricks up its sleeve to boost sales performance of the Xbox 360 – at least in the United States. The company announced a new HDMI-enabled, Halo 3-themed Xbox 360 at E3 along with new accessories. Microsoft’s Shane Kim has also hinted at price cuts for the Xbox 360 in the coming months. Wedbush Morgan Securities analyst Michael Pachter projected that the prices would fall to $399, $349 and $249 respectively for the Xbox 360 Elite, Premium and Core.

Via :

E3 Hands on with Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles on Wii

2007-07-17T09:32:00.000-07:00

At last weeks E3, I was able to spend some time playing the new Wii version of Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles . Ever since the original Nintendo console launched way back in the day with Duck Hunt as one of the coolest games the light gun has been a big part of console gaming for me.

The gun has been missing from the next gen consoles, but Capcom is bringing back the light gun for Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles on the Wii. We can call it a light gun anyway, but in reality, it’s simply a plastic holder that you place your Wii remote into along with a nunchuck.

Then what you have is a light gun with some movement controls, I say some movement controls because on the version I played at E3 most of the movement was scripted and the nunchuck was used to shake the zombies off if you were unable to drop them with the gun before they got close to you.

Accuracy was as good as you could expect from the Wii remote which is to say I had to hold the gun at odd angles sometimes that didn’t feel like I was aiming at the right place on screen. The holder put a trigger right where you would expect one to be and it activated the trigger on the bottom of the Wii mote when you pressed it, thereby firing the gun.

A big red crosshair follows wherever you point the Wii gun and once I got used to holding it at the angle the sensor bar need for good tracking, the Wii gun was very accurate. It was great to shoot the zombies and I found there was enough accuracy to hit not only dead center on the zombie hoards, but you could pick head shots, groin shots or arm shots if you so desired. Reloading your on screen weapon was accomplished by flicking the light gun up, which sometimes took a few tries to get reload to activate for me.

Overall, Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles was a good game with graphics better than most Wii titles. The game play was certainly fun and it’s great to see a light gun back on a Nintendo console, even if it is just a fancy holder for the Wii remote and nunchuck. I think fans of the Resident Evil series will really like the Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles, I know I did.

Via : www.i4u.com

Square-Enix Interested In The Wii Fit Board

2007-07-16T21:47:00.000-07:00

Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings Producer Eisuke Yokoyama confesses his interest in making a game with the balance board.

In an interview with IGN's Mary Jane Irwin, Final Fantasy XII Revenant Wings' producer Yokoyama Eisuke revealed that he was interested in making a game that uses Wii Fit's Balance Board as a means of control. He gave no clue as to what the game might be, only referring to the possible title as "Final Fantasy Fitness". But when asked if there were any actual plans for a "Final Fantasy Fitness" he denied it outright, instead saying that he was very interested in how he could incorporate the balance board into future RPG titles on Nintendo's console. When asked about what his other projects might be, Yokoyama stated that Momotu Toriyama is working on FFXIII while he and his team are considering a sequel to Revenant Wings alongside entertaining the idea of a balance board controlled RPG.

Nintendo World Report will keep you posted on further developments concerning this balance board controlled RPG from Square-Enix. Stay tuned.

Via : www.nintendoworldreport.com

Square Enix Keen On Wii Fit Controller

2007-07-16T21:40:00.000-07:00

Wii Fit's Balance Board is an interesting thing. Very flexible. Yeah, for Nintendo it'll work for a fitness game, but the possibilities go waaay beyond that. EA would tell us you could skate. Or ski. Or even surf. Extremely. Square Enix? You'll never guess what they'd use it for. Never ever in a million billion years.

There are no actual plans to take Final Fantasy into the fitness genre, but that whole system and mechanism of using your weight and balance to control games is something we're interested in incorporating into future RPG titles.

That was Revenant Wingsproducer Motomu Toriyama, really breakin' the mould over at Squeenix. Expect +7 leaning in some future title.Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings Interview [IGN]

Via : kotaku.com

E3 2007: Time Shift PS3 And Xbox 360 Screenshots

2007-07-16T02:28:00.000-07:00

One of the most overlooked games at this year’s E3 would probably have to be Time Shift. It’s not that the game is bad or uninventive, it’s just that there were way too many big games and not enough time for this game to get the proper coverage it deserved. So that’s why we’re bringing you some of the screenshots from the E3 business and media summit.

For those who are unfamiliar with this game, it’s basically an entire game based on the conceptual physics of bullet-time: time can be slowed, stopped or reversed. But it’s not just about manipulating time, in this game. Players can also manipulate objects while manipulating time. Sounds cool, eh? Well you’ll probably need an example. All right, take for instance there’s three guys laying down suppression fire on you; another guy is priming a grenade opposite of the three flankers; and there’s a tank getting ready to aim its turret at your face. You’re unarmed...what do you do? Easy: Slow down time while the grenadier preps to throw his explosive device – snatch up his weapon and blast him down with his own gun, while the three flankers continuously shoot in a direction you’re no longer in. Now even though time is slow, the grenade has finally started to explode. So reverse time a bit before the grenade explodes...stop time altogether. Place the grenade under the tank and then shoot a bunch of frozen bullets at the three flankers. Unfreeze time and watch the magic. You just shifted time like a time lord.

Sadly, the following screenshots don’t do the game half the justice that the actual gameplay will do it. But they still show off the visual style and presentation of this next-gen shooter. I just wish it was in third-person, as opposed to being another FPS-centered action game.

Via : www.cinemablend.com

Dragon’s Lair Xbox 360 Game to be released in HD DVD Format by Digital Leisure

2007-07-16T02:25:00.000-07:00

The classic arcade game ‘Dragon’s Lair’ will now be coming out in a full High-definition version. According to Digital Leisure, the game that first appeared on Blu-ray earlier this year will now also be available for HD DVD owners.

Dragon’s Lair: Dirk the Daring will make its HD DVD debut in August 2007. This Xbox 360 game will come with an HD DVD add-on drive and will be playable on standalone HD DVD movie players.

According to Don Bluth, one of the original creators of Dragons Lair, “I’m amazed at the high definition video. Finally, the game looks as good as it did on film. And, the 5.1 audio sounds even better than the original. Now whether you have Blu-ray or HD DVD you can enjoy this terrific, high definition version of Dragon’s Lair.”

The High-definition version of Dragon’s Lair will include special features that are in full 1080p HD resolution. Features include interviews with creators Don Bluth, Gary Goldman and Rick Dyer and a full length visual commentary of the game.

In the future, Digital Leisure plans to release Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair II: Time Warp in the HD DVD format.

Dragon’s Lair HD DVD will be available on August 15, 2007.

Via : www.techshout.com

Sony confirms PS3 rumble controller

2007-07-16T02:14:00.000-07:00

A Sony representative has confirmed that controller rumble will make its way to the PS3 for the first time, after delays caused by several lawsuits surrounding the technology.

Kotaku's Brian Ashcraft is reporting that a Sony Computer Entertainment employee confirmed to him that SixAxis with rumble is on the way. No other details were provided, although rumour broke earlier this week that a rumble-enabled controller would appear with the release of the new 80GB PlayStation 3 in the US this August.
Digital Arts staff

Via : blogs.pcworld.co.nz

Rumor: Rumbling Sixaxis Confirmed, To Debut With 80GB PS3

2007-07-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

In news destined to be one of the biggest announcements since E3's conclusion, a Sony representative has apparently confirmed that the rumble feature will return to the PlayStation controller. And even more intriguing- there is an accompanying rumor that says the rumbling Sixaxis will make its debut with the new 80GB PS3 model, which is scheduled to arrive next month.

Kotaku is reporting that a SCE employee confirmed the new controller is "on the way," but no other details could be found. Further, the idea that this force-feedback Sixaxis will arrive with the 80GB PS3 is nothing more than a rumor at this point (this speculation dropped earlier last week). However, Sony and Immersion just recently settled their ongoing court battle concerning the rights to this technology, so the timing seems to make sense.

We'll see if Sony decides to make an official announcement at some point today, and if so, we'll be quick to let you know. In the meantime, let's hope this Sony employee knows what he/she is talking about...

Via :www.psxextreme.com

Wii Preview - 'Wii Fit'

2007-07-16T01:42:00.000-07:00

Wii Fit uses the Wii Balance Board, included with Wii Fit, for an extensive array of fun and dynamic activities, including aerobics, yoga, muscle stretches and games. Many of these activities provide a "core" workout, a popular exercise method that emphasizes slower, controlled motions.

Genre: Fitness/Mini-Games
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Release Date: TBA 2008

It must be an odd time to be a hardcore Nintendo fanboy. After a decade of playing second-fiddle to the likes of Sony (and more recently, Microsoft), Nintendo is flying high on the success of the Wii and Nintendo DS. But in crafting these blockbusters, the company is, in some ways, turning its back on the old guard of Nintendo fans.

Nowhere was this more evident than at the E3 Media & Business Summit in Santa Monica, where next month’s Metroid Prime 3: Corruption was kept out of the hands of Barker Hangar attendees and Super Smash Bros. Melee, the hugely anticipated sequel to the best-selling GameCube game of all time, was nowhere to be seen. Sure, we got some significant hands-on time with Super Mario Galaxy, and Mario Kart Wii was finally revealed, but the title that concluded Nintendo’s media briefing was none other than… Wii Fit?

As Nintendo’s response to the burgeoning fitness gaming craze explored by EyeToy Kinetic and Dance Dance Revolution, Wii Fit mixes the Wii Sports aesthetic with yet another new type of motion controller. The Wii Balance Board is a wireless, Wiimote-independent floor unit that uses the natural shifting of weight to interact with specific Wii games. As the first game designed for the Wii Balance Board, Wii Fit will include at least 40 distinct activities, including fitness exercises and creative mini-games.

Created (at least in part) by the legendary Shigeru Miyamoto, Wii Fit has been designed with the intention of bringing families together through the shared experience of fitness. Daily tests for Body Mass Index (BMI) and Wii Fit Age will be included, and the game will track ongoing results for multiple profiles. A user’s Wii Fit Age is determined by a combination of BMI, his/her center of gravity, and a handful of balance tests.

During the media briefing, Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime underwent a “body check” of sorts, which began with the Wii Balance Board determining the outspoken executive’s weight. To get a better sense of his actual size, Wii Fit asked Fils-Aime if his clothing was light or heavy (he deemed his three-piece suit “heavy”) and noted that he could put down the Wiimote to further reduce auxiliary measurements.

Finally, after determining his center of gravity on the Balance Board, Wii Fit displayed his BMI on-screen and called the man overweight. Either Wii Fit is insensitive or Reggie is a brave man; regardless, it was entertaining and fairly charming in its simplicity. To have a video game tell players that they need a little work is a curious turnaround, considering their scapegoat status as one of the reasons why so many Americans are overweight.

Some 40 (or more) activities are planned for inclusion in Wii Fit and will be divided into four distinct categories: Aerobic Exercise, Muscle Conditioning, Yoga Poses, and Balance Games. On the aerobic front, the game will include several 10-minute exercise sessions to get the blood flowing, while the conditioning exercises will be all about controlled movements with the arms, legs, and torso. The sensitivity of the Wii Balance Board will be used to execute the yoga activities, which will task the player to simply hold a pose with minimal movement. On second thought, “simply” probably isn’t the right word.

Those familiar with Wii Sports and Wii Play should feel right at home with the mini-games included in Wii Fit, most of which utilize the user-created Mii avatars to act out the balance-based movements of players. Like those previous Wii-branded mini-game collections, the games in Wii Fit appear to lack depth or complexity, but with luck, the sheer number of included games will make that somewhat irrelevant. It is unclear just how many games will make the final cut, but four were available to play at the Barker Hangar.

We started with Ski Jumping, a self-explanatory exercise in… well, standing. As your Mii barrels down the slope, you must crouch and lean slightly forward to pick up speed before jolting upright at the apex (marked in red) to begin your lengthy descent towards the ground below. Despite its simplicity, Ski Jumping will succeed solely because of the one-upmanship that will come with trying to gain an extra foot (or inch) on successive attempts.

Soccer Heading was probably the most uproarious of the games we saw, with a constant stream of objects (roughly 100 in total) flying towards the player, including soccer balls, cleats, and plush panda heads. The goal is to put your virtual head on only the soccer balls by shifting your weight from left to right. Heading successive balls will earn the player more and more points, while each headed cleat or panda head will subtract points from the accumulated total. Doing well in Soccer Heading depends on keen visual recognition, as well as knowledge of the sensitivity of the unit. We put up some 50 points in our first attempt, but the demo operator claimed to have hit the 300+ mark earlier in the day.

Hoop Twirl is a sweat-inducing hula-hoop simulation in which players must sway their hips to keep the hoop aloft. The game tallies rotations of the hoop around the torso, and after several seconds, another Mii will toss a second hoop in your direction. As you continue to shake your moneymaker, you must toss up your hands and shift in the direction of the oncoming hoop, thus manning two (or more) concurrent hoops. It’s a fun diversion, but more importantly, it is physically taxing, potentially triggering beads of sweat within seconds of starting play.

The final game we played mines similar territory as Kororinpa: Marble Mania, with floating platforms, rolling balls, and cut out holes that serve as goals. However, instead of the Wiimote, players must use their bodies to shift the balance of the platform, thus guiding the ball(s) to the hole(s). While fairly easy at first, the addition of multiple balls and holes increases the challenge considerably, though allowing a ball to drop off the platform does not end the game. Once a puzzle is completed, the next will appear, along with 20 additional seconds on the game clock. Just eight stages were included in the playable build at E3, though more may be added to the final game.

Wii Fit and the Wii Balance Board are expected to ship together sometime in 2008, likely during the first half of the year. Aside from that, several questions remain concerning the pricing and continued utilization of such an accessory. Like the Wiimote, the Wii Balance Board works well and has a fairly nonexistent learning curve, but history has been unkind to the vast majority of non-essential console accessories. However, with the success of the Wii and the warm reception to waggle controls, we suspect that Nintendo will have more than just Wii Fit up its sleeve for its push into fitness-based gaming.

Via : www.worthplaying.com

Microsoft sued over scratched 360 discs

2007-07-15T00:19:00.000-07:00

There goes the bandwagon - care to jump on?

Microsoft just can't get a break with alleged 360 reliability problems. Even though they've dropped a cool billion through extending the warranty to three years globally, it's still not enough. Their latest issue is a class-action lawsuit on the grounds that the 360 damages game discs.

The Washington Post reports that approval was given early this week on Monday for a suit in the District Court of southern Florida. Jorge Brouwer, the plaintiff in the case, alleges that two of his games (Gears of War and Madden NFL 07) stopped working shortly after buying his brand new Xbox 360. Microsoft customer support allegedly would not acknowledge any potential issue with the console itself.

Being rather unhappy with the situation, he's now asking for $5 million in damages.

The suit also alleges that the problem is not isolated to the US - it references a Dutch television program earlier in the year that demonstrated scratched 360 discs through lab tests. Apparently he found the results on Wikipedia, but hasn't had a chance yet to verify them.

Microsoft's response was pretty direct, with spokesman Jack Evans saying, "Out of the millions of Xbox consoles in use, Microsoft has not received any widespread reports of Xbox 360s scratching discs." He also added that Microsoft would replace any first party games for US$20 and that Microsoft was more than willing to examine any Xbox 360 console for any manufacturing issues that may lead to scratched discs.

Via : palgn.com.au

Wii has momentum to top PS2 in Overall Sales

2007-07-15T00:15:00.000-07:00

Nintendo also passes Sony Corp. in Japan Market Capitalization.

Nintendo has become one of the top 10 most valuable companies in Japan topping Sony Corp., but that's not the big news.

Nintendo's President Satoru Iwata has an eye on a larger goal, breaking the PS2's record of units sold, which stands at more than 120 million.

The Wii has already outsold the PS3 and Microsoft's XBox 360 since it's launch last November, especially by targeting a different audience than the other two consoles. Where Microsoft's and Sony's offering are targeted toward hard-core gamers who are willing to pay a premium, the Wii appeals to the broader market, namely women, children, and the elderly. The $250 price tage also helps, as well as the innovative control options.

So far the Nintendo DS has already taken the record for fastest selling gaming system in the $30 billion gaming industry.

Nintendo has sold 5.8 million units of the Wii by March 2007, and is predicting another 14 million sold by March 2008.

Iwata has this to say about the recent Sony price cut and its affect on their target audience, "I wouldn't say there is no overlap between the group of customers Sony is targeting and the group of users that Nintendo is targeting. But that overlap is quite small."

Nintendo is already turning a profit on Wii hardware sales, something Microsoft and Sony have been unable to duplicate. Add this to the list of Nintendo successes as of late.

Source: Yahoo!

Via : www.laptoplogic.com

E3 2007: Legendary The Box Trailers For Xbox 360 And PS3

2007-07-15T00:11:00.000-07:00

Gamecock has been making some kick-butt announcements as of late. The veteran members that make up for this edgy publishing company have taken some serious risks and the payoff almost looks certain. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, just take a look at the E3 trailer for Legendary: The Box.

After a thief is contacted by a organization to steal a legendary box, he does so but only at the price of unleashing mythological creatures on the earth. Yep, that box he was supposed to steal...it was Pandora’s Box. Oh, I bet he was regretting the decision to take up thievery as his means of employment at that point. But Mr. Thief’s plight is the perfect opportunity to bring every kick-butt mythological creature, a trigger-happy fight. This first-person shooter is a step above the rest of the herd, aiming to focus more on story-telling and adventure, giving gamers the kind of change they deserve.

Via : www.cinemablend.com

60GB PS3 Price Cut Not Just a 'Fire Sale'

2007-07-15T00:07:00.000-07:00

Heffenfeffer writes

"Those excited about the $100 price cut that the 60 GB PS3 recently received should act quickly — according to an interview from SCEE president David Reeves: 'All they're doing is taking their stock in trade that they've got at the moment of the 60GB model, marking the price down and it will all be gone by the end of July.' When asked if the 60GB PS3 would be no more after the fire sale, he confirmed, 'In America, yes ... what the US are offering from the 1st of August is a USD $599 version with one game.'"

Meanwhile, the EU won't be getting the 80GB system at all. Instead, they'll be getting a new starter pack bundle pack with two games and an extra controller for the same cost as the current system on its own (£425, or $862). Update: 07/13 17:17 GMT by Z : Okay ... it's really challenging to understand what's going on when Sony as an entity is saying two different things. Despite the above coming from a Sony executive, it looks like this is completely untrue. Says a Sony of America spokesperson: "SCEA has reacted with puzzlement to the European perspective, suggesting that there may have been an incorrect interpretation. The spokesperson said, 'Those quotes from David Reeves are not accurate.'"

Via : games.slashdot.org

Are Sony PS3 Price Gouging ?

2007-07-15T00:05:00.000-07:00

3 days after the Managing Director of Sony Computer Entertainment in Australia Michael Ephraim said that Sony would be matching the 17% price cut afford the PS 3 in the USA no cuts have been announced. Nor have Sony Australia announced a new 80GB PS3.

In Australia and the UK Sony consumers are charged up to $400 more than US nationals for the PS 3 games console. With many consumers claiming that SCE in Australia are deliberatly "Price gouging" in an effort to make up for lost profits.

SHN has been told that Australian consumers could well get a starter pack with an extra controller and games similar to the UK market This pack is valued at around $125.00. However to

Via : www.smarthousenews.com.au

Sony rules out PS3 price cut in Europe

2007-07-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Sony has disappointed gamers by announcing that it will not be discounting the Playstation 3 (PS3) in Europe, despite knocking $100 (£50) off the price of the console in the US earlier this week.

The company said that instead of cutting prices, it was introducing a better value "starter pack" that will include an additional controller and two leading games such as Resistance: Fall of Man or MotorStorm.

As of next week, the PS3 will only be available in its bundled form, which Sony says will give purchasers £115 of additional content and hardware for free.

Sony's recommended retail price for the PS3 of £425 in the UK and \u20AC599 in Europe will remain on hold.

David Reeves, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe (SCCE), said: "We are confident that this amazing value starter pack will encourage many more keen gamers to join the PS3 community."

Sony hopes that the new bundle will help some of the UK's 9 million PS2 owners upgrade to the PS3. The company has sold just 1.2m PS3s across Europe since the console was launched earlier this year.

Although it is very technologically advanced, incorporating the latest Blu-ray high-definition DVD player, the PS3 is much more expensive than Mircrosoft's Xbox 360 and Nintendo's Wii.

The PS3 starter pack is on sale for around £100 more than the equivalent Xbox package and £200 more than the Wii.

In another blow to British gaming enthusiasts, Sony also confirmed today that it had no plans to introduce the new and enhanced 80 gigabyte version of the PS3 in Europe.

Despite the introduction of the 80 gigabyte console in the US this week, a spokesman for SCCE said that the current 60 gigabyte PS3 offered European players "everything they need". He added that to have two versions of the console on offer would cause unnecessary "consumer confusion".

By ; Ben Bland, Online City Reporter

Via : www.telegraph.co.uk

SCEE Announces PS3 Starter Pack News Sony refuses to drop the price of the PlayStation3 across Europe, but you can now get a little more extra valu

2007-07-13T08:00:00.000-07:00

Responding to the $100 price cut recently taking place in North America, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced a change to its pricing structure, though gamers waiting on the fence for a drop may have to be sitting uncomfortably for a little longer.

Confirming the PS3 Starter Pack, SCEE appear to have decided to add value to the current package on offer, bundling a PlayStation3, two SixAxis controllers and MotorStorm and Resistance: Fall of Man for £425/599 euros.

"With sell through of over 1.2 million units in the SCEE territories to date, PLAYSTATION 3 has proved to be an instant and huge success", said David Reeves, President of Sony Computer Entertainment Europe.

"The exceptional value of the new Starter Pack will bring the excitement of PlayStation(r) gaming to a much wider audience. Add to this a stellar lineup of software titles for the second half of the year and we are confident that this amazing value Starter Pack will encourage many more keen gamers to join the PLAYSTATION 3 community".

The PS3 Start Pack will be made available in the UK from July 18th, followed by all European territories by August 1st.

Via : www.totalvideogames.com

Value for Money PS3 Starter Pack announced by Sony for Europe

2007-07-13T07:56:00.000-07:00

Sony Computer Entertainment UK has just announced the availability of a Starter Pack for its PlayStation 3 console. This high value pack includes a PS3 console, two first party games and two SIXAXIS wireless controllers.

The all new PS3 Starter Pack is slated to include first part games such as top selling hits like MotorStorm and Resistance: Fall of Man.

These game titles have been chosen especially to showcase the stunning graphics and enhanced gameplay of High-Definition games on Blu-ray discs.

Besides, it sure is great that Sony’s PS3 starter pack includes an additional wireless SIXAXIS motion sensitive controller. Gamers will thus be able to battle it out with a partner in multiplayer modes.

According to David Reeves, President of SCE Europe, “The exceptional value of the new Starter Pack will bring the excitement of PlayStation gaming to a much wider audience.”

“Add to this a stellar lineup of software titles for the second half of the year and we are confident that this amazing value Starter Pack will encourage many more keen gamers to join the PLAYSTATION 3 community,” he added

The Sony PlayStation 3 Starter Pack will be available in the UK from July 18 onwards and across all European territories by August 1, 2007. It will carry a price tag of £425.

Via : www.techshout.com

E3 07: Sony builds new Home features on PS3

2007-07-11T22:10:00.000-07:00

Sony on Wed. detailed new features for the new online social networking program, Home, for the Playstation 3 home entertainment system.

New features to be included in the final product include the ability to launch multiplayer networked games from Home directly. The press demonstration featured a seamless transition from Home into the online racer MotorStorm, in which players were immediately inserted into an online game session.

Additionally, the program will feature a new Home Square that acts as a central hub for all players to move to the desired area. The open-air location is said to allow developers more freedom to build upon the community in the future.

Finally, Home will feature new personal spaces including a Beach House, Norwegian Cabin, Manhattan Penthouse and a traditional Japanese House.

When a user is mobile, certain mobile phone devices will be able to access limited Home functions, including uploading a cell phone picture to a personal space in the online network.

"After more than three years in development, we're preparing for a landmark global roll out of PlayStation Home in the fall," said Phil Harrison, president, Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios, "As an integrated service of Playstation Network, PlayStation Home will enable people to build connected communities around all of the entertainment experiences that PS3 has to offer."

Sony has sold 1.4 million PS3 units to date in the U.S.

By ; Marcus Lai

Via : news.punchjump.com

Vid-Games News: PS3 Price Cut; Xbox Woes

2007-07-11T12:02:00.000-07:00

News from the virtual world:

_ALL ABOUT THE BENJAMIN: Since last year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, when Sony announced that the PlayStation 3 would cost $599, gamers have been asking one question: When is Sony going to cut the price?

The answer: just before this year's E3, which is going on now in Santa Monica, Calif. The current model PS3, which has a 60-gigabyte hard drive, now costs $100 less. Just in case you have six Benjamins burning a hole in your pocket, Sony will be offering an updated version of the console, including an 80-GB drive and a copy of "MotorStorm," with the old $599 price tag.

_THIS IS AN EX-XBOX: It's called the "red ring of death," and it's the last thing you want to see when you're immersed in a "Halo" tournament. No, it's not some deadly alien weapon; it's the red lights that appear on an Xbox 360 when it's about to crash. Two years after the console's debut, it appears that more 360 users are getting stuck in the ring.

Internet chatter over the 360's failure rate has been increasing recently, although Microsoft won't reveal how many of its customers have sent their consoles in for repairs. But anecdotal evidence pointed to a growing problem, with one Web site reporting that Microsoft was running low on "coffins," the boxes that the company uses to ship broken and repaired consoles back and forth.

Microsoft has finally acknowledged the issue. Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices division, said: "We don't think we've been getting the job done. In the past few months, we have been having to make Xbox 360 console repairs at a rate too high for our liking." The company is extending 360 warranties to three years, and estimates the repairs could cost over $1 billion.

What went wrong? Microsoft wouldn't give specifics, but did say it had made some manufacturing changes so that newer Xboxes don't have the same problems. Most bloggers think overheating is the issue, and have suggested all sorts of solutions, from the obvious (don't leave it running too long) to the fanciful (suspend your Xbox from the ceiling).

_BATTLE OF THE BANDS: Beatles vs. Stones. Nirvana vs. Pearl Jam. And now, perhaps the greatest rock rivalry ever: "Guitar Hero III" vs. "Rock Band."

The champion of music games returns later this month with "Guitar Hero Encore: Rocks the '80s," while "Guitar Hero III" is due in October. To keep up the momentum, publisher RedOctane (now part of Activision) is sending the franchise on the road as part of Korn's Family Values tour.

The traveling hard-rock festival will now feature a "GH" competition in which eight local finalists at each stop will face off onstage. Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis, who has admitted to playing a lot of "GH" on the band's bus, said, "We are stoked to have them on the tour."

Meanwhile, buzz has been building for MTV Games'"Rock Band," from the same development team that created the original "Guitar Hero.""Rock Band" adds bass, drum and guitar to the formula, and it's probably the hottest title at E3.

Both companies are promising the best set lists ever. "Guitar Hero III" has the Rolling Stones and Smashing Pumpkins; "Rock Band" has the Who and David Bowie. Oddly enough, each game has a different Weezer song.

_NEW IN STORES: Square Enix revives a classic outer-space shoot-'em-up in "Project Sylpheed: Arc of Deception," for the Xbox 360. ... Atlus' Game Boy adventure "Riviera: The Promised Land" gets a graphics upgrade on its way to the PlayStation Portable. ... Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova and 14 other pros go portable in Namco Bandai's "Smash Court Tennis 3," for the PSP.

By ; LOU KESTEN, Associated Press Writer

Via : www.sfgate.com

Sony plays price war games with its PlayStation 3

2007-07-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

Sony has sparked a video games console price war by cutting the cost of the PlayStation 3 in America by $100 (£50), or 17 per cent, after fierce competition from Microsoft and the Nintendo Wii.

PlayStation 3, complete with a 60-gigabyte hard drive and Bluray high-definition DVD player, will now cost $500 in the United States. This is $20 more than the Microsoft Xbox 360, but still double the cost of the bestselling Nintendo Wii.

It is understood that on Thursday the Japanese group will introduce a similar cut in Britain, where the PS3 costs £425.

The price reduction in the United States was scheduled to be announced this week during the annual E3 trade show in Santa Monica, California, but it leaked out early.

In America, both the Xbox 360 and the Wii are outselling the PS3 several times over, despite its popularity elsewhere in the world.

Jack Tretton, the chief executive of Sony Computer Entertainment America, said that he expected the price cut to double sales “at a minimum”. He added: “We’ve gotten production issues behind us, reaching a position to pass on the savings to consumers.

“We’re especially proud that the PlayStation 3 has the lowest failure rate of any PlayStation product. It’s absolutely the gold standard.”

Industry experts had expected the price cut, despite comments last week from Ryoji Chubachi, the president of Sony, that there were no immediate plans for such a move.

By ; Steve Hawkes

Via : business.timesonline.co.uk

No PS2 chip in 80GB PS3

2007-07-10T05:32:00.000-07:00

With news of Sony's 80GB model PlayStation 3 comes word that the new console will eliminate the PS2 "emotion engine' chip, GamesIndustry.biz is reporting.

"The current 60 GB model utilizes a hardware and solution for backwards compatibility, namely the Emotion Engine chip," said SCEA's Kimberly Otzman. "The new 80 GB PS3 will use a software solution for backwards compatibility, similar to that currently found in the PAL model."

Nintendo's Wii hardware is backwards compatible with GameCube software. Microsoft has handled backwards compatibility for original Xbox titles through periodic Xbox 360 updates. Until now, PS3 owners in the US did not have to download updates to play their PSOne and PlayStation 2 games on the new hardware.

Although the 60GB model still includes the "emotion engine" chip, consumers who purchase the new 80GB PS3 in August will likely need to download system updates to ensure backwards compatibility.

Via :www.eurogamer.net

Backward Compatibility Scaled Back In 80 GB PS3

2007-07-09T23:44:00.000-07:00

There had to be a catch, right? GamesIndustry.biz reports that the just-announced 80 GB model of PlayStation 3 won't have the hardware-based backward compatibility of the current model. Says Sony spokesperson Kimberly Otzman:

The current 60 GB model utilizes a hardware and solution for backwards compatibility, namely the Emotion Engine chip. The new 80 GB PS3 will use a software solution for backwards compatibility, similar to that currently found in the PAL model.

What this means is that they've eliminated a piece of hardware from the 80 GB model, driving the cost down. I imagine this means they'll be phasing out the 60 GB model, which still has the Emotion Engine chip, as soon as they can.

It isn't known to what extent this will affect the machine's backward compatibility when it launches in August. Any European PS3 owners want to comment on how their box handles PlayStation 2 games?

Via :blog.wired.com

Sony To Offer Movie Downloads With New PS3 Service

2007-07-09T23:40:00.000-07:00

In a brief video package posted to PlayStation Dot Blog this morning, SCEA president Jack Tretton said that Sony will be launching "a new download service" for PlayStation 3 that will allow users to download movies. Expect more on this at E3. Tretton didn't say much else in the video, but concludes with this:

It's amazing how far it's come in very, very short order. For the first time, you've got something that appeals to all consumers: young and old, male and female, whether they're hardcore gamers, casual gamers, or not even interested in games at all.

I was nodding my head in agreement there, until I realized he was talking about PlayStation 3.

Via : blog.wired.com

PS3 price cut

2007-07-09T10:10:00.000-07:00

Perhaps not the biggest surprise ever but Sony's PS3 price cut has to be welcomed. UK details will be revealed later this week but anything less than the equivalent - around 50 quid - will be disappointing. And if they can get it to say 349.99 UKP then suddenly the PS3 will be in touching distance of mainstream consumer consciousness.

The launch of an 80gb version - for $599 - in the US makes less sense though. Be honest - is it really the "lack" of hard drive space that is stopping you from getting a PS3? No, thought not. I'll be very surprised if the 80gb version comes to Europe this year and certainly not without some major content partnership announcements. But the price cut is good news - how low does it (realistically) have to go before you'll be getting your PS3?

By ; Greg Howson
Via : blogs.guardian.co.uk

Facing stiff competition in the gaming market, Sony introduces new 80GB PS3 and cuts $100 off its 60GB model.

2007-07-09T10:08:00.000-07:00

The limited amount of top game titles yet available for the Playstation 3, as well as stiff competition from Nintendo's Wii and Microsoft's Xbox 360, have forced Sony into lowering its original price for the 60GB PS3 from $599 to $499. The price cut is effective immediately.

In addition, Sony also introduced a new 80GB model. Aimed at online gamers and entertainment enthusiasts, the 80GB model will ship in August for $599. The online-enabled racing game MotorStorm will be bundled in the sales package.

Both the 80GB and 60GB PS3 models come with Cell Broadband Engine, Blu-ray player, HDMI port, Wi-Fi connectivity and SIXAXIS wireless controller.

According to Sony, game titles such as Grand Theft Auto IV, NBA '08 and SingStar will be available later this year along with more than hundred other game titles.

Via : www.infosyncworld.com

Microsoft to launch Xbox 360 Elite in Japan in Oct

2007-07-08T01:24:00.000-07:00

TOKYO (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp. said on Thursday it would launch the advanced version of its Xbox 360 game console, Xbox 360 Elite, on October 11 in Japan, a country where sales of its game gear trail far behind rival machines from Nintendo Co. Ltd. and Sony Corp. ADVERTISEMENT

The Elite's 120-gigabyte hard drive, six times bigger than the regular Xbox 360's hard drive and twice as big as that of Sony's PlayStation 3 console, can store thousands of songs as well as a library of high-definition TV shows, movies and arcade games. It will sell for 47,800 yen ($390), compared with 29,800 yen for the most basic version of the Xbox 360.

Although popular in the United States, the Xbox 360 has seen slow sales in Japan. Microsoft sold 122,565 of the consoles in the first half of this year in Japan, the home turf of Sony and Nintendo, according to data from game magazine publisher Enterbrain.

Nintendo sold 1.78 million units of its Wii and Sony sold 503,554 of its PS3 consoles during the same period.

The basic model of the PS3 sells for 49,980 yen in Japan, while the Wii sells for half that.

The Xbox 360 Elite is already sold in North America for $480.

($1=122.71 Yen)

Via ; news.yahoo.com

Funcom Unveils New PC/360 MMO

2007-05-13T07:31:00.000-07:00

Taking place in the modern day, Funcom today lifted the wraps on its latest MMO currently in development for the PC and Xbox 360. Casting players in a sinister world of conspiracies, inspired by history and mythology, The Secret World tells the tale of a world within ours, one where magic exists, monsters roam and ancient forces are vying for control over the earth.

"We started envisioning this contemporary online world more than ten years ago, and as the years passed the ideas grew and improved," said Ragnar Tørnquist, Producer and Director on 'The Secret World'. "We always wanted a different kind of online world, something scary and contemporary, something deeper and closer to our reality. Our goal now is to create a detailed world where players feel empowered and part of something big, something mystical and epic."

"We believe there are millions of gamers out there who want to explore something beyond traditional fantasy and sci-fi games," said Trond Arne Aas, CEO of Funcom. "'The Secret World' is just that - a fantastic new setting that will fuel the imagination of online gamers, and keep players busy for years. We have a golden opportunity to bring something fresh and exciting to the genre, and we firmly believe the game is an ideal extension of Funcom's MMO portfolio."

In development since last summer, The Secret World is in a relatively late stage of development and is currently in a playable state. Unfortunately, Funcom is refusing to confirm a release date, or hint towards when a beta will begin; although a series of web-based mysteries could provide further information - www.darkdaysarecoming.com/.

Playstation Network Pre-Paid Cards Finally Coming

2007-05-08T10:08:00.000-07:00

Sony is finally releasing pre-paid "Playstation Network Tickets" which can be used to purchase PSN items. It will likely work in much the same way as Wii pre-paid cards work right now. According to Sony they will be available at over 52000 locations throughout Japan in four varieties. 1,000 Yen, 3,000 Yen, 5,000 Yen, 10,000 Yen. For reference 120 Yen is about $1 US dollar.

No word on a US release but they're set to hit Japan in early June.

Japan is so Rad, I wish I could buy PSN Tickets at my local Circle K.

The Ultimate Console: PSWii60

2007-05-04T07:18:00.000-07:00

In a perfect world; you would only have to buy one console to play the games you want to play. Would Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo make more money if they made one console? Maybe, maybe not.

Everyone has thought of it once; Only having to buy one console. The term PsWii60 is not new, and it has been used many times. Why make the releases of 3 great consoles into a war between companies? How about we play Victor Frankenstein and put together the greatest console to ever sit in our house.

Xbox 360 vs. PS3: Multiformat Face-Off, Round Two

2007-04-30T20:29:00.001-07:00

It's early days in the great next gen console war, and the commercial reality of development is very simple - the cost of making games on more advanced hardware has skyrocketed meaning that publishers get the best returns from their investment with multiformat development. Eurogamer typically reviews these games on the lead platform (more often than not, the Xbox 360) but we've got plenty of love for the PlayStation 3 - enough to bring you the all-important info on any differences between the versions, even when review code arrives somewhat belatedly.

In comparing the games we concentrate first and foremost on the gameplay experience, with objective commentary on new game modes and control methods that have been added or tweaked since the initial review. And as there is such a large cost difference between the two gaming platforms, we think it's fair game to point out any differences between versions on a technical level too. This makes these ongoing features as much a commentary on cross-platform development as they are aiding in a purchasing decision.

Complementing each piece is a series of screenshot galleries at full HD resolution 24-bit RGB using the PS3's HDMI digital output and the Xbox 360's precision VGA display mode, both professionally calibrated and captured losslessly using state-of-the-art grabbing equipment - indeed the only kit available that can handle full colour-depth and 1080p when required. Console analists can then debate the minutiae we expose and exercise the full unbridled talkback POWER of the Internet to give voice to their thunderous displeasure.

Top 10 Playstation 3 missteps

2007-04-30T20:29:00.000-07:00

The Playstation 3 has had a bumpy ride thus far. Over the past few months I've opined about various wrong turns and I even offered Sony a piece of my mind, for free (I'm still waiting for that 32" Bravia as a thank you...geez), called How to save the PS3.

Today, however, I figured I'd come up with a nice, easy-to-read top 10 list of the missteps Sony has made. So, without further adieu, here we go...

10 - The "Spiderman" font. Why choose a font that already stands for something? It only serves to distract the gamer and make him/her think about Spiderman when they should be thinking about the PS3. On another note, I'm very excited about this week's debut of Spider-Man 3. See, I'm already thinking of something that's not the PS3 by just mentioning the font. My spidey senses are tingling...in a bad way.

9 - Lack of force feedback (vibration) in the controller. Much was made about Sony's decision to emulate the Wii's tilt motion controls. Whether or not you think Sony ripped it off is beside the point. The fact that they couldn't figure out how to get vibration and motion control into the controller, and then, as cover, came out and said vibration is overrated and not necessary, really rubbed a lot of people the wrong way.

8 - Lack of HD cables. Yet another poor decision by Sony who ostensibly claimed that the true HD buff would want to purchase their own cables when it seems Sony was just too cheap to throw in the very cables that would make the PS3's highly touted HD visuals come to life. This is an example of how being cheap actually ended up costing Sony money.

7 - Underestimating the Wii. Sony should have been more prepared for a battle for the hearts and minds of gamers, which Nintendo has definitely won. The $250 Wii should have been on Sony's radar as a potential threat, but their hubris allowed them to ignore it and put it down. Sony, therefore, effectively put down the gamers who would buy a Wii, thus making many of us not want to buy a PS3, just out of principle.

6 - The constant putting down of the customer. Number 7 leads into this one. Sony, throughout much of last year, continually put down their customers, saying, and I'm paraphrasing here, that they should shut up about the price and stop complaining. The PS3 is a good value, they constantly reiterated. Then, there are a variety of classic quotes including one referring to US gamers as "cheap".

Blu-ray Disc Sales Surpass One Million Mark

2007-04-23T12:40:00.001-07:00

HOLLYWOOD --(Business Wire)-- Blu-ray Disc has become the first high definition format to sell more than one million discs, a milestone it has achieved in less than a year. Blu-ray Disc sales also accounted for 70 percent of the high-definition movies sold during the first quarter of 2007, according to sales figures published today by Home Media Research.

Blu-ray Disc titles accounted for eight of the top ten selling high definition titles in the first quarter of this year and since the introduction of both high definition formats, seven of the top ten selling high definition movies are on Blu-ray Disc.

New Game Releases for the Week of April 23, 2007

2007-04-23T12:40:00.000-07:00

Things are starting to pick up a bit this week, as the big news is the release of Pokemon (Diamond & Pearl) for the Nintendo DS. All three next generation consoles have a release, while PC gamers look forward to the highly anticipated Lord of the Rings Online: Shadows of Angmar.

Check out the latest list of new video game releases (USA) for the week of 4/23/2007 on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 (PS3), Nintendo Wii, Sony PS2, PSP, Nintendo DS, and PC (USA)!

DOWNLOAD THE LATEST GAMES, DEMOS, ADD-ONS, CHEATS, AND MORE

2007-03-28T12:00:00.000-07:00

Whether you’re looking for Free Games, Music, Movies ; We will expose you to all of the latest downloads. Download anything you want, any time you want. Over 4 million people are constantly connected, sharing over 800 million files!

Imagine Using Your New PSP Not Just For Games, But to Watch Movies and TV Shows!

2007-03-28T11:39:00.000-07:00

At PSP Blender you will have access to millions of DVD quality movies and TV shows ready for you to download and watch.

Download Full DVD Quality movies, video clips, music videos plus more! You can transfer films from your computer to your PSP with ease! Copy your own DVD collection or download from our existing database of movies already available online.

Not only can you play the movie and television show downloads on your PSP you can play them on your computer, a compatible media player, or your DVD player. All movies and television show downloads are fully compatible with all major DVD players.

PLAYSTATION 3 Upcoming Releases Updated

2007-02-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

IGN has updated their chart of big releases for the PS3 in 2007.

Via IGN

Will Sony keep afloat in 2007?

2007-02-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Although it's been predicted that Sony Corp. (NYSE:SNE) would have to lower the price of its new PlayStation3 game console to reap the benefit of mass adoption, the company may have to do that way before it was ever planned.

True, technically, the Sony PlayStation 3 is quite a bit ahead of the Nintendo Wii and possibly even ahead of the Microsoft Xbox 360 (debate rages on here). But Sony can't rest on as an excuse that all but a few extremely avid gaming fans are going to care. The processor, graphics, pixel shading and other technical benefits are lost on most of the gaming audience who would rather feel an immersive gaming experience in totality -- not a few more millions of polygons being drawn a second. And yet it seems that Sony is placing its future the entire company's turnaround from a disastrous past few years in the hands of the tiny minority who do care about the technical features.

Case in point here -- the Nintendo Wii (half the price of the PlayStation 3) is outselling Sony's unit 4-to-1 and even a 5-to-1 in some countries, including the U.S. and Japan. Most likely, this is due to Nintendo's capability to price the unit at the correct mass adoption price point -- $250 -- while delivering an experience that is good as or better than Sony's (not just graphics, but total experience).

There will be some who argue about Sony's high price killing its early sales -- and there's quite a bit to that too -- but can Sony even afford to drop the price in 2007? I hope Sony's future doesn't rely on that or SNE investors may see a partial Titanic scenario coming.

Via Bgs

INTERVIEW: EA, Pandemic Talk Mercs 2 Deal

2007-02-06T10:39:00.000-08:00

EA announced last week that it would be publishing Pandemic’s Mercenaries 2: World in Flames for PS3. Pandemic president Josh Resnick (pictured) tells Next-Gen that his company will be maintaining complete control over the IP; more within…

Resnick says that Pandemic was in talks with a variety of publishers regarding Mercenaries 2, but EA was the “best fit.”

He adds, “Part of the business as a developer is constantly talking to different potential publishers, but the deal with EA lets us maintain control of the development and the IP, which is really important to us.”
BioWare/Pandemic is an independent development entity, funded by private equity firm Elevation Partners. The two studios came together under a deal in 2005 valued at over $300 million.

LucasArts had published the original Mercenaries and the game was the best-selling original console IP of 2005. Mercenaries 2 is currently a PS3-exclusive.

Pandemic is also responsible for developing Destroy All Humans!, Full Spectrum Warrior and Star Wars Battlefront.

EA Partners VP and general manager David DeMartini also says that the megapublisher has been a fan of Pandemic for years. “When the opportunity for our two companies to work together came up, the terms of the deal were right for everyone and we both jumped on the chance," he states.

The partnership with EA is likely to open up new sales opportunities for Pandemic, thanks to EA’s massive resources and global reach. Last week, EA reported sales of $1.28 billion for the quarter ended December 31, beating expectations. Operating income was $215 million for the period.

DeMartini adds, “We’re all focused on giving the game the blockbuster global launch that it deserves.”

By Kris Graft

Via Ng

Sony Crowns Blu-ray Disc as Winner Over HD DVD

2007-02-06T10:27:00.000-08:00

Sony Computer Entertainment America issued a press release today announcing that since the release of the PlayStation 3, with more than two million units shipped worldwide, Blu-ray Disc has experienced "tremendous growth in consumer adoption."

Using data provided by consumer research firm Nielsen VideoScan, Sony found out that:

Blu-ray has surpassed HD-DVD in cumulative sales.
Blu-ray titles outsold HD-DVD titles by more than a two-to-one margin during the first week of January (47.14 HD DVD titles for every 100 Blu-ray titles)
Blu-ray titles outsold HD-DVD titles closer to three-to-one during the second week of the month (38.36 HD-DVD titles for every 100 Blu-ray titles)

We expect to hear back from Toshiba soon but, in the meantime, it looks like Sony finally got one right.

By: César A. Berardini - "Cesar"

Via Tb

SplitFish Clarifies January 30 Sony PlayStation 3 Force Feedback System News Release

2007-02-03T11:46:00.000-08:00

SplitFish GameWare, a leader in video game hardware innovation, today responded to the growing interest and speculation stemming from their January 30 press release regarding their SensorFX force feedback system that they have developed for the PlayStation 3 and other next-generation video game consoles.

According to SplitFish president, Ken Tetterington, “SplitFish is devoted to bringing our controller technologies such as the SensorFX and EdgeFX to the PlayStation 3 and other next generation gaming systems so that consumers can have the most exciting, immersive gaming experience possible. We have met recently and continue discussions with Sony Computer Entertainment of America specifically related to SplitFish’s up coming PS3 gaming technology portfolio. However, SCEA have not, as they have stated, yet seen our very recent force feedback technology.”

“We have a very amiable relationship with Sony,” continued Tetterington, “Our goal is to work in cooperation with Sony to provide a win-win situation for PlayStation 3 owners.”

The new SplitFish dynamic force feedback system was designed to insure compliant operation with the new tilt, motion and directional sensor technologies currently found in the next generation consoles. While the SplitFish EdgeFX uses a mechanical feedback system, this new technology produces a whole new aspect of force and tactile feedback.

This low power consumption force feedback technology uses no moving parts to produce meaningful sensory feedback. A broad range of intensity and sensation compliment the ability to derive feedback sensations from isolated areas on the controller, one side or the other, movement from front to back or all areas at the same time. As an example, a gamer playing a racing game can feel variations in pulse, strength and location allowing them to feel intensity differences between a smooth guardrail swipe and a full frontal slam into a wall.

The patent pending SensorFX has two modes, one for games that have force feedback support already built in and the other mode that relies on motion tilt sensing and button use and other actions to trigger the SensorFX tactile feedback. SplitFish plans to work with video game publishers and next-generation hardware manufacturers in an effort to establish standard support for this full directional force feedback technology.

Via Dtg

PS3 FW 1.51 - more info

2007-02-03T11:42:00.000-08:00

Just a little over a week after we last heard from the company, Sony has released yet another version of its PS3 firmware. This latest update now brings it all up to version 1.51, and according to the System Software Update section of the PlayStation website, this new version contains the following additions:

The PLAYSTATION®3 system software update may include security patches, new or revised settings and features and other items, which will change your current operating system. We encourage you to check this page from time to time for software updates and to always maintain your system to use the latest version of the system software.

An update to the PS3™ system software was released on February 2, 2007. If you update your PS3™ system, the system software will be version 1.51.

English | Español | Français
Notices
Do not perform updates using any data other than the official update data provided by Sony Computer Entertainment over a network or on disc media, and do not perform updates by methods other than those described in the product documentation. If an update is performed using data from another source or by another method, there is no guarantee of proper operation and Sony Computer Entertainment will not be responsible for repairs or service under warranty.
The system software included within this product is subject to a limited license from Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. Refer to http://www.scei.co.jp/ps3-eula for details.
This update is for customers who own PS3™ systems sold in North America. DO NOT update your PS3™ system through this Web site if you purchased your system outside North America. There is no guarantee of proper operation with other models sold outside North America.
If your PS3™ system software version is 1.51 (or later), you do not need to perform this update. To check the version of your system software, go to (Settings) > (System Settings) > [System Information]. The information is shown in the System Software field.
If you have not updated to system software version 1.50, features and other items (listed below) not yet installed on your system will also be installed as part of this update.
If you have already updated to system software version 1.50, only the feature revisions from version 1.51 will be added.
Depending on the software title, you may not be able to play without first updating the system software.
Depending on the system software version, screen images shown here may be different from the actual product.
The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 1.51 update (with 1.50) includes the following:

Users
You can now select an image to use as the User icon from [Photo].

Settings
[Key Tone] has been added as an option under [Sound Settings].
[Delete Backup Data] has been added as an option under [System Settings] > [Backup Utility].
WEP 128, WPA-PSK (TKIP) and WPA-PSK (AES) have been added as security methods that can be used with [AOSS™] under [Automatic].*
* If you have already set up for AOSS using an earlier version of the system software, you must perform AOSS setup again to use the security methods listed above.
* When [Automatic] is selected, the security method to be used is automatically set.
* AOSS is a trademark of Buffalo, Inc.

Game
New for 1.51: Support for PLAYSTATION®3 format software titles has been expanded.

Friends
The method for saving your password / signing in automatically under PLAYSTATION®Network has been changed. There are now two separate options.
Other
You can now enter text in Korean using the on-screen keyboard.
You can update your system software by any of the following methods:
System Update »
Update using the PS3™ system's System Update feature.

Update using a PC »
Download update data using a PC and save on storage media* or a USB Mass Storage device. Copy the update data to the PS3™ system's hard disk and perform the update.
*An appropriate USB adaptor (not included) is required to use storage media with some models.

Update using disc media »
Update using update data that is included on a game disc.

Read Full Story >> Via (us.playstation.com)

Rumble company admits to Sony negotiations

2007-02-03T11:33:00.000-08:00

In a report by GameDaily Biz, Canadian company SplitFish GameWare Inc. has admitted to initiating discussions with Sony over its new SensorFX technology, according to the company's president, Ken Tetterington. The company maintains that its new dynamic force feedback system would operate successfully without interfering with the motion and directional sensor technologies found in consoles such as the PS3's SIXAXIS controller.

Yet in an earlier report, Sony spokesman Dave Karraker denied being in contact with SplitFish, and furthermore, stated that Sony has no immediate plans to implement any sort of rumble function into the PS3's controller.

Tetterington respectfully disagrees, informing the reporter that, "SplitFish is devoted to bringing our controller technologies such as the SensorFX and EdgeFX to the PlayStation 3 and other next generation gaming systems so that consumers can have the most exciting, immersive gaming experience possible. We have met recently and continue discussions with Sony Computer Entertainment of America specifically related to SplitFish's up coming PS3 gaming technology portfolio. However, SCEA have not, as they have stated, yet seen our very recent force feedback technology."

Irresistible force, say hello to immovable object.

Via N4g

220,000 PS3’s At UK Launch

2007-02-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

eSony Computer Entertainment UK’s managing director, Ray Maguire, has put a figure on the number of PlayStation 3 machines (PS3) that will be available at its UK launch, on 23 March.

Towards the end of an interview with SPOnG (the Super Players On-line Gamebase), he revealed his estimation to be 220,000 units, with the hope of getting a few more units if, “he goes down on bended knee.”

His rough maths to get to this figure is based on one million units being delivered to Europe as a whole for launch, and the UK having a 22% slice of that, making it the single largest market in Europe.

Maguire was keen to point out that it will be the largest launch the games industry has had to date, “Probably over four times PlayStation One, and close to double the amount of PS2s. So, it’s going to be a logistical nightmare – that’s a lot of trucks to get around.”

PS3 fanboys will also be excited to hear that, “Product is already on its way, on ships, at the moment, and there is more being generated every single day.”

The other point of interest will be the confirmation that the UK price for the 60Gb will be £425, despite the wails from prospective UK owners. There will be no lesser model (20Gb) sold in the UK, as there are in other places around the world.

The success of the PS3 is not a done deal however. The xBox 360 has been selling well for over a year and the Nintendo Wii has done pretty well too. Our observations at the GameOn exhibition recently saw much of the public interest directed towards the Wii rather than the PS3.

Via Dgl

PSM: PS3, 360 are even

2007-02-01T11:21:00.000-08:00

Next-gen console war a draw, according to US mag
Words: Ben Richardson

PlayStation-centric US magazine PSM has put PS3 and Xbox 360 through a series of rigorous tests in a "definitive head-to-head comparison," and has come out with what must be a surprising result for subscribers: the next-gen console war is a dead heat.

PSM offers a balanced case for pledging your allegiance to either platform, even roping in the editor-in-chief of the US Official Xbox Magazine to defend Xbox 360. Although, with one section pointing out that "PS3 wins if... You're a loner who doesn't plan to use community features much," it seems the barbed comments have been reserved for PS3.

After admitting that "360 is more impressive [in terms of having 'big' games]" and the Xbox interface "offers a lot more functionality than PS3's," we had to double check the flannel panel to make sure that Peter Moore hadn't sneaked a spot as the month's special guest writer.

Via Grd

Sony picks club promoters, artists and fashion industry to push PS3

2007-01-31T10:50:00.000-08:00

Sony has chosen 12 individuals and organisations to help fuel the PlayStation 3's marketing push in the UK, Media Guardian reports.

According to the paper the 12, who range from club promoters, artists, fashion industry insiders, Dazed & Confused magazine and the BBC's 1Xtra, have been given a free hand by Sony to "create original content inspired by key characteristics of the PS3."

Each of Sony's chosen 12 will then distributed content digitally across a wide range of outlets including social networks such as MySpace, websites, blogs, e-mail and their own contacts.

According to SCE UK marketing man Alan Duncan, 'traditional' avenues of avertising and PR aren't enough to communicate the PS3's appeal: "The idea is to use physical space, blogs and other forms of digital networking to inform, entertain and encourage interaction and debate about all the different things the PS3 can do."

Of course Sony recently used the same strategy to market the PSP - the infamous 'all I want for Christmas is a PSP' campaign comes to mind - which didn't exactly manage to send Sony's handheld flying off the shelves.

Rana Reeves, director of Shine Communications which developed the digital strategy with Sony, tells the Guardian "Traditionally, brand communication with consumers has been channelled via an ad agency. The explosion of social networks and blogging, however, has created a seismic shift. Brands wanting to enter this world have to be prepared to trust consumers to talk about them whether the comment is good or bad."

via cvg

PS3 UK/EU Launch CONFIRMED - 23 March 2007

2007-01-31T10:29:00.000-08:00

Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced that PLAYSTATION®3 will be launched in the PAL territories including the United Kingdom on 23rd March 2007 at a price of £425.

Responding to retail and consumer demand, SCEE confirmed that initially only the 60GB model would be available, with the 20GB model to follow later in the year dependent on demand.

An expected one million PS3 units will be made available during the initial launch period to all SCEE territories.

SCEE also announced a stellar launch line-up of over 30 game titles for PS3, including eagerly awaited titles published by SCEE such as Resistance: Fall of Man™, MotorStorm™, Genji™: Days of the Blade, FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION and Ridge Racer™ 7. An exceptional range of titles in every genre will also be available at launch from the world’s leading third party publishers, including Electronic Arts, Activision, Namco Bandai, Sega, Take 2, Ubisoft, Vivendi Universal, and Sony Online Entertainment.

In addition to games on disc, an exciting range of fully-featured downloadable games
will debut on the PLAYSTATION®Network. These will include gaming icons such as Tekken®: Dark Resurrection and Gran Turismo® HD Concept; the fully-featured PS3 debut of the best-selling franchise Gran Turismo, realised with full HD (1080p) visual quality. Created by Polyphony Digital Inc and published by Sony Computer Entertainment, Gran Turismo® HD Concept has been downloaded by more than 350,000 users since it was released in December 2006 in North America and Japan.

Also available on the PLAYSTATION®Network will be brainteasers such as Go! Sudoku and Go! Puzzle, and innovative games such as Blast Factor™ and flOw™, designed exclusively for PLAYSTATION 3 and delivering on the promise to provide original content created by non-traditional developers and publishers.

Concurrent with the European launch, a new System Update to further enhance the entertainment potential of PS3 will be issued.

Announcing the launch details, Ray Maguire, SVP and MD of SCEUK said, “Following the hugely successful launches of PS3 in Japan and North America, we are absolutely delighted to be able to bring significant numbers of PS3 to the UK. To be able to launch with over 30 titles including retail versions and great downloadable gaming experiences across every genre shows that this is our strongest launch line-up in the history of PlayStation, and is what PlayStation fans in the UK have been crying out for.”

PLAYSTATION 3 LAUNCH TITLE LINE-UP

Resistance: Fall of Man™ - SCEE - Disc
MotorStorm™ - SCEE - Disc
Genji™: Days of the Blade - SCEE - Disc
FORMULA ONE CHAMPIONSHIP EDITION - SCEE - Disc
Ridge Racer™ 7 - SCEE - Disc
Tekken®: Dark Resurrection - SCEE - Network
Lemmings™ - SCEE - Network
Go! Sudoku - SCEE - Network
Go! Puzzle - SCEE - Network
Blast Factor™ - SCEE - Network
flOw™ - SCEE - Network
Super Rub’a'Dub - SCEE - Network
Call of Duty 3 - Activision UK Ltd - Disc
Marvel: Ultimate Alliance - Activision UK Ltd - Disc
Tony Hawk’s Project 8 - Activision UK Ltd - Disc
Gundam – Target in Sight - Namco Bandai Games - Disc
Full Auto™ 2: Battle Lines - Sega®Europe Ltd - Disc
Sonic the Hedgehog™ - Sega®Europe Ltd - Disc
Virtua Fighter™ 5 - Sega®Europe Ltd - Disc
Virtua Tennis™ 3 - Sega®Europe Ltd - Disc
World Snooker Championship 2007 - Sega®Europe Ltd - Disc
NBA 2K7 - Take 2 International SA - Disc
NHL 2K7 - Take 2 International SA - Disc
Blazing Angels Squadrons of WWll - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
Enchanted Arms - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell: Double Agent - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
The Elder Scrolls lV: Oblivion - Ubisoft Entertainment SA - Disc
Def Jam: Icon - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
Fight Night Round 3 - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
NBA Street 4 Homecourt 2007 - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
Need for Speed Carbon - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
The Godfather: The Don’s Edition - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2007 - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
Untold Legends: Dark Kingdom - Electronic Arts Ltd - Disc
F.E.A.R. Vivendi - Universal Games Intl SA - Disc
Gripshift - Sony Online Entertainment - Network

PLAYSTATION 3 Peripherals Available at Launch

Peripheral - RRP in £ Sterling

SIXAXIS™ Wireless Controller - £34.99
Blu-ray Disc Remote Control - £17.99
HDMI Cable - £17.99
AV cable - £17.99
Component AV cable - £17.99
S Video cable - £12.99

Source: Sony via Threespeech

Xbox 360 Live: Massive Multiplayer Online

2007-01-24T09:42:00.000-08:00

By Mark Robins

In the days of Pong, it would have been hard to imagine all the video games we take for granted these days. Handheld, high-tech, dancing on a mat that's recorded by the TV. It would have seemed surreal.

Well, the surreal has become real and the newest addition to the video game revolution is Xbox 360 Live, a truly multimedia, multiplayer experience that surpasses anything we've previously understood about video games.

Though many people like to play video games with a friend, it is largely seen as a singular, solitary activity. But with the addition of Xbox 360 Live to the video game lineup, things are socially kickin' now.

Simply put, Xbox 360 Live is an online gaming service using your Xbox or Xbox 360 video console. You subscribe to the service, and then can play games with or against friends or other players around the world. There are more than 100 Xbox games that are enabled for this service, and all Xbox 360 games are at least "Xbox 360 Live aware".

What's most striking about Xbox 360 Live is the method by which you communicate with others. Through a headset that's either bundled with your gaming system or purchased separately, you can voice or text message your friends or other players. While you are signed on, you can see what your friends are doing, even to the extent you can tell what game they are playing and what level they are on.

Truly, this is not your dad's Atari.

So, how do you get in on this interesting form of play? First, you should own an Xbox 360 video gaming system. Then you have to subscribe to the service, and given the features, it is surprisingly affordable.

There are a variety of ways to subscribe to Xbox 360 live. If you choose the gold package (most popular), you can get:

- Access to online multiplayer games
- Ability to download Xbox 360 content and access to other downloads
- Enhanced ability to manage your list of friends

How do you purchase these services? There are a few ways. You can purchase a bundle at a store (currently available with rebates) and install. You can also purchase cards with time on them.

For example:

- You can purchase a 12-month Xbox 360 Live subscription card for about $50 or a 3-month subscription card for around $20.

- If you purchase the 3-month premium gold pack, you receive a headset, a 3-month gold membership, 100 Microsoft points, and the Xbox Live arcade game, Joust. This costs about $40 but currently has a $10 rebate.

- Go for the big daddy and purchase the 12-month premium gold pack. This will get you a 12-month membership, the Xbox 360 headset, the Xbox Live arcade game, Bankshot Billiards, and 200 Microsoft points. This costs about $70, but currently has a $20 rebate.

If you're not sure you want to pay for a membership, there is a free 48-hour trial offer, which allows you to try the service before deciding if you want to subscribe. Like any free trial, this is a great way to decide if this is the right service for you.

About the Author: Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on the xbox 360 console, Gameboy Advance game cheats, and PC game cheats.

The Top Ten Xbox 360 Games For Teens

2007-01-24T09:40:00.000-08:00

By Mark Robbins

When the Xbox 360 was first released there were a large number of individuals who waited for hours in hopes of being able to purchase one. In fact, Xbox 360s are so popular that is likely that you have one inside your home right now. No matter how old you are it is always fun to play video games on an Xbox 360.

Despite the fact that individuals of all ages play Xbox 360 games, the majority of players are teenagers. Teenagers love video games and the Xbox 360 is one of the most popular ways to play those games. Many teens and parents of teenagers wonder which Xbox games they should purchase. Below is a list and summary of ten of the most popular Xbox 360 games for teens.

1. The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion

The Elder Scrolls: IV Oblivion is the sequel to The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind. The third game in the series won multiple awards and it is apparent with Oblivion's popularity that the fourth installment is just as good, if not better. The Elder Scrolls is role playing at its best. This one player game allows players to choose exactly who they want to be, whether it be good or evil.

2. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter

Set in the future, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced allows teen players to use new weapons to avoid the traps that are set for soldiers. Standard Xbox 360 setup allows one to four players, but Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighters is also compatible with Xbox Live. Xbox Live makes it possible for up to sixteen players to play a game together, even when they are located on opposite sides of the world.

3. Call of Duty 2

Call of Duty 2, the sequel to the original Call of Duty, is an amazing war game with outstanding visuals. The game is based around World War II and players must overcome enemies and other obstacles. Due to a split screen feature, Call of Duty 2 can be a multiplayer game. Up to eight players can play together via Xbox Live.

4. EA Sports: Fight Night Round 3

Sports fans will enjoy playing the popular game from EA Sports that is titled Fight Night Round 3. Fight Night Round 3 allows players to become their favorite boxer. Boxers can be customized and fights from the past can be reenacted with changed outcomes. EA Sports: Fight Night Round 3 is designed for one or two players; however, it is also compatible with Xbox Live.

5. Project Gotham Racing 3

Unlike the above mentioned Xbox 360 games, Project Gotham Racing 3 is not rated T for Teen. The game is rated E for Everyone, but it still has teenagers in mind and is a great alternative for those who dislike fighting games. Players are able to select and customize their own cars to race around the world in multiple race settings. Project Gotham Racing 3 is a one or two player game, but it also works with Xbox Live. In addition to more players, Xbox Live also introduces new racing challenges that are not available offline.

6. Battlefield 2: Modern Combat

In Battlefield 2 Modern Combat players are literally dropped into the middle of disaster. Players must decide which side they want to be on and then fight to win. The game is designed for one player, but additional players can be added with the use of Xbox Live. In fact, up to twenty-four players can compete with or against each other online.

7. Burnout Revenge

A large number of teenagers are unable to drive, but even if they were there are some things that you just can't do in a car that is unless you are playing Burnout Revenge. In Burnout Revenge players select the car of their choice and set up car crashes. With Xbox Live four drivers can pit their cars against each other and with offline play up to two players can compete. Burnout Revenge is rated E for Everyone.

8. Kameo: Elements of Power

Kameo: Elements of Power is a game that combines action, adventure, and fantasy all into one. Players become Kameo. The goal of the game is to help save her family from an evil troll king. Players can change their character in to multiple monsters to defeat enemies. Kameo: Elements of Power is a one or two player game that can be played on or offline.

9. NBA 2K6

NBA 2K6 is rated E for Everyone, but it is a game that is highly popular among teenagers. At first glance, NBA 2K6 appears to be another sports game, but the reality is that it is so much more. In addition to playing basketball, it is the player's responsibility to generate extra income through product endorsements. Once money is made players can use to it purchase new items for their homes. NBA 2K6 can be played with one or two players.

10. Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie

Players, whether they enjoyed the King Kong movie or not, are sure to love playing Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie. When playing the game, players are able to be the human character, Jack, or the gorilla, Kong. Whichever player a character chooses to be there is excitement, battles, and enemies waiting on the other side. Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie is a one player Xbox 360 game.

All of the above mentioned Xbox 360 games are highly rated among teenage gamers. Do you need a gift for a teenager or do want to purchase a game yourself? If so, then check out the large collection of Xbox 360 games designed for teens.

About the Author: Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on the xbox 360 console, Gameboy Advance game cheats, and PC game cheats.

Replace Your Wedding DJ With An iPod

2007-01-15T11:09:00.000-08:00

Whether its true or not, most everyone agrees that wedding DJs are expensive. A popular tip circulating the net is to replace your wedding DJ with an iPod and DJ your reception yourself. While this may sound like a great idea, there are some things to consider. Just as with any do-it-yourself project, you must be aware of all facets before you start.

The first most important job for a good DJ is to play music that the crowd enjoys. A simple shuffle has no way of knowing who is dancing to what. A person does need to run things, but not just any person will do. Putting your 12 year old nephew won't do you any good. The person in charge of the music needs a large amount of music knowledge. A good DJ should have this knowledge. A good DJ should be able to identify a song based on a few bars hummed out of tune or a snippet of lyrics that are slightly incorrect. Your DJ must not have a fear of speaking in front of a crowd, and this is not as easy as it sounds. One simply has to think of all the Best men who have hemmed and hawed their way through a wedding toast with the microphone held at waist level. Also, does he/she know how to auction off a garter or any of the other traditional reception activities? If not, will the bride and groom want to do these things while they should be enjoying their guests? Oh, and just like you would give your wedding singer or officiant a tip for performing your ceremony, don't forget a gratuity for your impromptu DJ.

Unless you're a music collector, chances are you don't have a music library with waltzes, polkas, old country, new country, oldies, classic rock, new rock, soft rock, hard rock, hip hop, dance, etc. And, unless you want to subject your guests to your musical tastes, you should probably buy a selection of these songs. If you're not up on popular waltzes and polkas, or don't know which songs are currently topping the country Top 40, search the web. $25 dollars should buy you enough music on iTunes to cover enough various musical tastes that most guests will enjoy themselves.

Another task for a good wedding DJ is one who is covered by insurance. Sure, your homeowners policy *might* cover it, but I'd hate to see your premiums next year if an accident does occur. Don't think accidents will happen to you? Are you serving alcohol at your reception? If you're telling yourself, "All the drunk people I know never act like fools!", stop and think about that again. Besides, many venues require proof of insurance because they don't want to see their premiums raised because your grandma tripped on a speaker cable and broke her hip. Searching the web for "wedding event insurance" will yield a whole crop of insurers who will give you a $1 million dollar policy for around $200.

Equipment is of course another important factor a good DJ brings to your reception. Do you know where to get speakers? Or mics? Or Mixer?? Larger cities will have rental companies that can provide these things. You can even find many such companies by searching the web for "dj equipment rental". Most wedding sized systems rent for anywhere from $250 to $500 dollars per day. In most cases, you must provide a truck or van to transport the equipment. Now, do you know how to set these things up? If not, will the rental company give you a tutorial? Some rental companies will give you a tutorial when you pick the equipment up, but make sure to take notes, because if you have to call them later they will likely charge you for a service call. Some equipment rental companies will deliver, setup, and test their equipment as well as pick up later, but this is extra.

That being said, if you KNOW your group will interact without being prompted (or just don't care if they interact or not), and if you've got a person with an encyclopedic knowledge of music that will run your iPod (instead of enjoying your reception), and you have adequate insurance to cover any accidents that occur due to your iPod setup, and you have a large enough music library to make sure everyone gets to hear the music they want, and you're able to get your hands on adequate dance lights and speakers, and will be saving money by spending $550 to $700 then by all means use an iPod. You honestly have no need for a DJ.

If planning and organizing all this sounds like just one more hassle, you'd probably do better to hire a professional so that you can enjoy your reception and spend your first day as husband and wife doing something besides returning rental equipment. For a few dollars more you'll get professional equipment, professional knowledge from someone who has planned and performed at hundreds of weddings, peace of mind that any glitches will be resolved quickly, no hassles about tearing down equipment when the reception is over, and no worries about getting it back before you owe another day's worth of rental fees.

by Tim and Tammy Smith own and operate By Request DJ & Karaoke Company in Fargo, ND. They have been providing exceptional entertainment at weddings, proms, and parties since 1991. Visit their website at http://www.byrequest.dj.

Latest Psp Mp4 Ipod Video Converter

2007-01-15T11:05:00.000-08:00

Some video software on the internet help you to convert your DVD file to iPod/PSP/MP4 format! You can convert any video DVD, commercial or not, original or copy, and also ISO files or DVDs copied on your hard-disk (VIDEO_TS folders). Some converter supports all major formats (NTSC, PAL). No matter where the DVDs are published (US, Europe or Asia) ? the 99bytes tool converts them all!

Personal PSP MP4 iPod Video Converter Software helps you watch music video and movies on your IPod or PSP Player with easy. With variable settings and fast converting speed to convert IPod and PSP movies, with high quality, which enables you to enjoy your favorite movie on your IPod/PSP anywhere and anyway.

Ultra iPod Movie Converter enables you to convert most popular video formats to iPod Movie MP4 (MPEG4/H264) format. It supports a wide variety of input formats, including DivX, XviD, AVI, WMV, MPG, MPEG, MP4, M4V, FLV, 3GP, ASF, RM, RMVB, MOV, ASX, MKV, OGM, SVCD, VCD, and VOB. The program also allows you to pick a specific scene from the video, using the built-in video editor that allows you to select a custom start and end time. Ultra iPod Movie Converter offers several conversion profiles based on the desired quality of the output as well as the option to customize frame rate, audio/video bit rate and resolution. The trial version adds a watermark and is limited to 5 minutes per video.

Moyea 3GP PSP iPod Video Converter is a media converter that allows you to convert video and audio files to 3GP (Cell Phones), MP4 (iPod and PlayStation Portable) and MP3 format. It offers ready-to-use profiles based on the device type, and also allows you to preview and customize output settings, including aspect ratio, start/end frames, contrast and brightness. You can convert a single file or batch process multiple files, and optionally join them into a single output file. The program supports most popular video formats including AVI, MPEG, MPG, WMV, MOV, RM, RMVB, MP4, DV and more.

A-one iPod PSP 3GP Converter is the most powerful Video to MP4 All Converter software. It automatically converts almost all formats of video files that are already on your computer such as DivX , XviD , AVI , WMV , MPG, MPEG , ASF , MOV , ASX , SVCD , VCD stream formats into iPod mp4 format.

Aplus Video to iPod PSP 3GP Converter is able to convert almost all kinds of video files such as rm, divx, xvid, avi, wmv, asf, mpg, mpeg, vob, mov, qt, vcd, svcd to Apple iPod MP4 files,Sony PSP MP4 files,Cell Phones 3GP files,X-box MPEG2 files,PMP files ,PDA files, SD Video ASF files etc. with quick speed and hight quality.

MadZ DVD to iPod-PSP Video Converter will automatically convert your DVD into the appropriate format for uploading and viewing on your Apple iPod Video or Sony PSP, Just press one button. Once the files are converted, just connect your iPod Video or PSP to your computer as you normally do, and instantly the converted files will be uploaded to your player. It's that simple! Convert commercial DVDs, original DVDs, DVD copies, even downloaded DVDs. Also convert encrypted DVDs for personal use. CSS encryption is no problem for Madz DVD to iPod / PSP Video Converter. Input video can be in either NTSC or Pal format. For multilanguage DVDs, you can even choose which soundtrack language to convert. Choose and preview which titles and chapters to convert. Full control over the output format -- custom sample rate for audio, custom resolution and bit rate (quality vrs. size) for video.

Ultra PSP Movie Converter is the best PSP video converter software which can convert almost all popular video formats to PSP Movie and PSP Video (MP4/MPEG4) formats. No other program can convert so many video formats including DivX, XviD, AVI, WMV, MPG, MPEG, MP4, M4V, FLV, 3GP, ASF, RM, RMVB, MOV, ASX, MKV, OGM, SVCD, VCD, VOB to PSP Movie / PSPVideo format.

Today, You can convert movie and video clip on your iPod/PSP as a portable DVD Player. All these Video Converter, with variable settings and fast converting speed to convert, offers a powerful way to convert all popular video files to iPod & PSP movies, helps you watch music video and movies on your video iPod with easy.

by By Robert Snoog IPod Video Converter Software Ultra PSP Movie Converter

Why Would a Baby Boomer Need an iPod?

2007-01-11T10:56:00.000-08:00

If you're a Baby Boomer, you'll know if you are one, your life is full. Busy is a word we use often. Your lives are busy with family, work, chores and errands. Frantic, might be a better description. It's called life in the fast lane.

Baby Boomers want to have it all, and get it all done now, if not sooner. Have you taken notice of what you are doing? Why you are so busy? Are you sitting in the doctor's waiting room? Are you stuck in traffic? Do you spend time on your lunch hour doing busy work for your boss?

With a new iPod, you can fill those lost minutes and hours with guilt free time spent on yourself. The New York Times can be read to you each day.

You can listen to the latest bestseller listed in Oprah's book club. Music without commercials is available anytime. The latest podcasts are accessible anywhere.

Baby Boomers might think that the iPod technology is too advanced or may only be for the teen scene. The concept, that Baby Boomers are slow to get with the times, can be pervasive. Portable Mp3 players are easy to use. If you have a computer and a high-speed connection, you will have your digital player ready in no time.

If you love to cook, why not listen to your favorite author's latest while waiting for the pasta water to boil? Have an inspirational podcast ready when you are stuck in traffic. Why not listen to your favorite tunes at work? Tons of options are available for you who can get past the technology paralysis.

If you wish you had more time to read, this is your answer. Do something for yourself, without feeling the guilt. You can cook dinner, clean up the dishes and get a load of laundry started, all while getting in another chapter of the newest mystery. You can charge up your Mp3 player every night, at the same time it is loading with the latest podcasts. This process only takes about an hour and then it's ready to go.

Do you have someone that is visually impaired in your life? An iPod would be a fantastic gift. The best would be one you loaded up with hours of books, music and podcasts. This would be a gift that would last a long time. How about loading it with more goodies every year? I paid a neighborhood teen to find tons of things online and then download them to my father-in-law's player. I plan to do the same for many years on his birthday. What a treat for for an active Baby Boomer!

Don't let this technology pass you by. You can do it!

by: Debra Conrad Baby Boomers: What are the many benefits of an mp3 player? Visit http://www.portable-mp3-player-guide.com.

Microsoft's Xbox 360 vs. The Sony's Playstation 3

2007-01-11T10:54:00.000-08:00

Microsoft has tried to catch up with some of the titans of the gaming world, such as Sony with the release of the Xbox 360. The Xbox 360 offers many new features that players will love:

Free limited subscription to online gaming - This allows players who have not been participating in online gaming a chance to see what is available at no charge. All Xbox 360s come with Live-aware - This means you can get a friend invite or see who is online and what they are playing from your Xbox 360. The button in the middle of the controller makes all this very easy.

It offers great media features including listening to music while you play games, the ability to create custom playlists and your own custom soundtracks, the ability to rip songs from original CDs to your Xbox 360 and stream music from your MP3 player to your Xbox 360. You can also create slideshows of photos to share with friends and family. Xbox 360 has a wireless controller. No more tripping over the wires, although it can support two wired controllers through USB ports in the front. The game console is not only great for gamers, but developers as well. It is a powerful machine with an unprecedented amount of RAM - a feature added on the request of developers.

But, Xbox 360 still has some problems that need to be worked out:

Their Japanese third party support is lacking - While some Japanese developers offer software for the Xbox, it is small in number when compared to what the same developers offer for Playstation. While the controller is wireless, it eats batteries rather quickly. Standard alkaline batteries only last about thirty hours, so if you buy Xbox 360, invest in rechargeable batteries to save yourself some money in the end. When they were set up in WalMart stores before days before the launch, many suffered what is known as the Xbox "360 screen of death," an error screen. The Xbox 360 had also had some problems with overheating. Some report the Xbox 360 system as being very noisy when playing an Xbox 360 disc.

Many people are eagerly awaiting the release of Playstation 3, which may occur as soon as November of this year. It has been said that the Playstation 3 has an outward feel (which allows it to stand vertically or horizontally on its own), as opposed to the Xbox 360's inward feel. It is a much larger console than the Playstation 2 and closer to the original size of the Xbox. Game discs slide into the console like CDs slide into a car player.

Here are a few attractive features of the Playstation 3:

It is always on, so you can access your Playstation 3 from anywhere as long as you have an Internet connection. With a Playstation Portable, you can connect to your Playstation 3 and transfer media such as music and movies. The Playstation 3 appears to be much more powerful than that Xbox 360, Ninetindo Revolution, and Playstation 2. Initial reports say it will be twice as fast as the Xbox 360. Developers and publishers of over 230 games have announced titles for Playstation 3 games.

Here are a few reported cons and problems with the Playstation 360:

Comes with only 256 MB, less than the 512 MB the Xbox 360 will come with. Their Playstation Network Platform (the online service) is still in development and may not be ready by the time Playstation 3 is released.

The launch of the Playstation 3 has already been delayed due to disk problems.

Both the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3 are incredible gaming consoles. It seems that although the Xbox 360 came out first, the best bet is still the Playstation 3. The strongest point of the Xbox 360 is its online functionality, but Sony may be working on something similar to Xbox Live right now. However, Microsoft is closing the gap with Xbox 360 and probably will eventually catch up with Sony in gaming consoles. For some users, it may come down to something as simple as which one is more compatible with the games they already own.

By Mark Robbins is a gamer providing valuable tips and advice on video game systems, game cheats, and giving new game reviews.

Xbox 360: Which Core Bundle is Right for You?

2007-01-07T12:16:00.000-08:00

If you've lived under a rock since May then you'd be surprised to learn that Microsoft has released their second Xbox titled XBOX 360. Upon your emergence it wouldn't take long for you to figure out that this is no regular system; the XBOX 360 will lead the next generation consoles by including some of the latest wireless and graphic technology to-date. What some of you may not know is the fact Microsoft will release TWO different systems. They were concerned about the price of all the gadgets so they made a second, cheaper system. What's the difference? This article will explain some of the must knows before buying the XBOX 360.

First off, what do the systems hold that are the same? Both hold a DVD-ROM so you can play DVD's, CD's, all XBOX 360 games. You can plug into one of the 3 USB ports to access iPOD's, video, cameras, MP3 players, etc. pretty much the generic gaming experience will be available on both systems. But now for the fun stuff. Should I shell out the extra $100 for the more expensive system?

You'll be surprised about the differences between the two bundled systems so consider these things before buying. In no particular order here are some CONS of buying the CHEAPER system. (Believe me, I wouldn't pump the more expensive system if it wasn't a big deal, I'm here to save gamers money.)

First off, remember backwards compatibility? Your ability to play 200 XBox games on the next generation XBOX 360? Well you NEED to download patches for most games and those patches stay on the hard drive. The cheaper system does NOT come equipped with the 20GB hard drive.

What's the difference in cables? The cheaper version comes complete with AV cables for your TV, the expensive version comes complete with cables for HD-TV hook up. BUT get this: the graphic difference of the Xbox to Xbox 360 will be marginal if you have an old TV. This is what we've been told, and if you experience otherwise post it in our Xbox forum. It seems that you need a new TV to really experience the bells and whistles of the new system.

If you want to save games then you NEED to buy a 64MB memory unit (for the cheaper system) which will cost 40 bucks. That bumps up the price of the original to $340 from $299. For an extra $60 bucks you can have EVERYTHING in the better system. (As an aside, the Canadian companies are going to make a bundle (well not a bundle since Microsoft will likely loose money to start off with.) But, the US price for the basic system is $299 while the Canadian counterpart is $399. The current exchange rate does not warrant a $100 increase to adjust. The price should be closer to $350. Just a thought.)

The one controller that comes with the new cheaper bundle is wired, whereas the more expensive bundle will come complete with a single WIRELESS controller. Enough said. You be the judge regarding its value.

Judging by looks, the Xbox 360 games will typically be sharper and crisper, but not an all out blow out. I'll say that Microsoft BETTER get some more games going than the initial 18 or risk losing market share and interest in a hurry. This article concludes that for the extra $60 bucks (you need the 64 MB card to save games so that's why it's $60,) you shold go out and place an order for the more expensive system. Why Xbox made two different ones when the prices would be so close is beyond me. Mind you, coupled with game packages, the price does climb up there. That's my take, now back to gaming.

About The Author

Barry Games

Visit DiscussVideoGames for online Xbox 360 video game forums that includes all gaming systems. Dedicated Halo 2 forum, Xbox 360, Xbox live, and Xbox cheat code forums for your enjoyment.

discussvideogames.com

Should You Upgrade to an XBox 360

2007-01-04T05:52:00.000-08:00

The XBox 360 is going to be one of the most sought after gifts of this upcoming holiday season. However many people want to know is it worth upgrading now, or should you wait, here are some factors you may want to consider.

The base price for and XBox 360 is $300, the most common accessories are the 20GB hard drive ($100), wireless controllers ($50) and headsets ($20). Many vendors are offering packages with a variety of options with prices of $500 or more. While some of these options depend on your gaming style and preferences the hard drive is the one option we recommend you get right away. The hard drive allows you to save games to play back later and install updates that make many older games compatible on the new platform.

One of the advantages the XBox 360 will have over other game systems is graphics. The graphics of other gaming systems are top notch but on newer games like Project Gotham Racing 3, NFL 06 and Call of Duty 2 which were written for this platform, there simply is no comparison. When you compare the specifications the XBox 360 to any of its competitors, it's anywhere from 2 to 10 times more powerful. If you are lucky enough to own and HDTV you will really notice the difference, although it will work on standard TV's as well.

With this console Microsoft is also making a concerted effort to make the Xbox part of your media center. It can connect to any other windows networked computer in your house. It can be used to play movies, slideshows of pictures, and MP3 files. If you own and IPod or digital camera you can also connect them directly to the USB port located on the front game console.

Lastly you'll want to think about Xbox Live. This is a paid online membership that allows you to get free trials of new games and play in head to head action against other players over your high speed internet connection. You also have access to updates and patches as they become available.

For hard core gamers there is no choice, they will do practically anything to get their hands on the newest and latest systems available. For others it may be worth waiting until 2006 when Playstation 3 is released to see how platforms compare.

© Copyright.Gamer411.net, All Rights Reserved.

About The Author

Colette Ianieri

This article was written by Colette Ianieri who runs http://www.Gamer411.net which features news and reviews of video games, game systems, and portable video games.

2007-01-02T10:11:00.000-08:00

Xbox 360: A Revolution in Console Gaming

It wasn't so long ago that kids who got the "new" Nintendo 8-bit gaming console or the Sega system for Christmas were the envy of every less fortunate and burned out Atari owning neighborhood playmate. As time elapsed, Super Nintendo, Sega Genesis, and NES's Turbo Graphix 16 became all the rave. Anyone now in their twenties can recall being impressed by the awesome advancements in playability and graphic display of the Nintendo 64 and Sega's Dreamcast system, and even more recently (only five or so years ago) the advent of Microsoft's Xbox, Nintendo's Game Cube, and the Play Station by Sony. The Video Gaming industry has made great strides in the past twenty years: from slow-moving, barely recognizable forms on screen in original Atari games such as Pac-Man, Calga, and Tron, to the extremely vivid and life-like graphics of Tomb Raider, Splinter Cell, and Tekken; available for the Xbox and Play Station. Now, just in time for Christmas 2005, Microsoft has made the next move in the continuing race for Video Gaming Supremacy with the introduction of the Xbox 360. The result is truly phenomenal.

The Xbox 360, as with all video game consoles, is basically just a computer with hardware and software dedicated to the function of running video games. The original Xbox was pretty much just a Microsoft PC with a modified Pentium III processor, some powerful graphics and audio capabilities, and a modified version of the Windows 2000 operating system, all packaged in that distinctive black box.

This year Microsoft has released two versions of the Xbox 360: the Xbox 360 and Xbox 360 Core System. The Xbox 360Core System is "plug and play", that is, that in addition to the console, it includes an integrated controller and an AV cable. The Xbox 360 (not the "Core system") comes with a wireless controller, an HD AV cable, an Ethernet connectivity cable, a headset, a media remote, and a removable 20-GB hard drive.

For anyone who thought the original Xbox was a technological marvel, you must try this out! As amazing and realistic as the play on the first Xbox was, the Xbox 360 makes its predecessor look tired and worn-out. Microsoft has rebuilt the Xbox from the ground up. From the name to the look, from hardware to features, the Xbox 360 is a radically different and more powerful machine than the original Xbox. Far more than a video game console, the Xbox 360 is a total media center that allows users to play games, network with other 360 owners; rip, stream and download all types of media, including high-definition movies, music, digital pictures and game content, as well as play DVD movies and audio CD's.

The Xbox 360 will revolutionize the gaming world. Microsoft has definitely set the new standard in video game technology.

About The Author

Mitchell Medford is an author and product development consultant for several consumer electronics manufacturers. Visit his websites for more information on the Xbox 360 and satellite TV:

http://www.newtechnologytv.com

http://www.1stboard.com

2007-01-02T10:08:00.000-08:00

Thinking Of Buying A Ps3, Think Again

Do you want to buy a ps3? If so, it is safe to say that you are in the same boat as millions of other people. Not only are people in the United States ready to buy a ps3 the second that they hit stores, but this is also happening all over the world. The fact of the matter is that the new ps3 by Sony may be the most hyped gaming console of all time. So as you can probably imagine, if you want to buy a ps3 you are going to be up against high demand, and in most cases low supply. So, what does this mean for you?

Generally speaking, if you want to buy a ps3 you are going to have to put in a lot of time. And even if you do this you may not end up getting what you are ultimately after. Your best bet may be to get on a list that reserves a ps3 for you when a store finally takes shipment. In order to do this you will not only have to find a list to put your name on, but you will also have to put down a deposit. And the bad part is in many cases this does not even mean that you will receive your unit in the first shipment.

Another option that you may want to consider is waiting for the ps3's to arrive so that you can be first (or close to the front) in line. That's right; believe it or not there will be plenty of people who will be waiting in line nice and early so that they can be ensured of getting a ps3 from the first shipment. Unfortunately, this can be tough to do if you have other responsibilities such as having to go to school or work a full time job.

Finally, your last option to buy a ps3 may be to check the second hand market. You can do this by searching for ps3's at online auction sites or in your local newspaper. There are many people all over the world who will be buying these units in bulk and then selling them to consumers at a marked up price. Even though this is not fair to the many people who want to buy from the store at the regular price, it is simply the way that the industry works. If you absolutely must have your ps3 right away, sometimes the only option that you have is to pay extra on the secondary market.

You can buy a ps3 if you are willing to spend the money and put the time into finding one. But if you think that this is going to be an easy task you are sadly mistaken. You may have to stand in line for hours on end, or give in and pay a few hundred dollars extra online.

As you can imagine, it is going to be a crazy scene during the couple of months after the ps3 is released to the public.

About the Author: Gditeam has the only guide on getting the playstation 3 for free which can be read online here buy a ps3

2006-12-24T09:27:00.000-08:00

iPod Radio ? Well Maybe

Apple recently announced the release of the iPod Radio Remote. This little accessory combines a wired remote control with a FM radio receiver. It works with the iPod nano and the most recent generation (fifth) of iPods.

The iPod Radio Remote is a convenient way for music lovers to control their iPod and add FM radio for a reasonable price point. Using the remote, you can skip tracks and adjust the volume of your iPod even when it's in a pocket or backpack. It's main feature - lets you and listen to FM radio stations while it displays station and song information on the iPod's screen.

"The iPod Radio Remote combines two great features in one elegant product," Greg Joswiak, Apple's iPod Marketing guy said recently. "The iPod Radio Remote is both the best remote control and the best FM radio listening experience for iPod."

If you search the Apple iPod store online, you will also find a couple of competitors that launched similar products ahead of Apple. But I must admit, the Apple Radio Remote is a cleaner package. If you live in the city and get good FM reception, this is a nice little add-on. If you live in the burbs and are looking for great sound - similar to the quality that you get from your iPod, then forget about the iPod Radio Remote. Why, because it is like any other small FM radio, it needs a strong signal to give you decent sound.

But don't give up, there is quite a lot happening in the real time audio market and you will have more choices in the coming months.

There were several rumors in 2005 about Apple and satellite radio for instance. "The iPod is the biggest, baddest thing around and satellite radio is this small, cool device," said Steve Mather, an analyst with Sander Morris Harris. "Put them together and it's the ultimate."

But there has been no evidence that such a dream machine is in the works. Earlier this year, Sirius Satellite Radio CEO Mel Karmazin said he had approached Steve Jobs, the chief of iPod maker Apple Computer, about a possible deal but said Jobs wasn't interested.

Sirius didn't sit on its butt. They created their first portable device called the S50, a small, sleek device used with a docking port in your car. It is like a TiVo for radio. It automatically stores music for later listening. You can schedule recordings from both music and talk stations (with a firmware upgrade), save favorite songs, and link up to a PC to load music files. But? you can't see the song list for recorded music. The S50 is available only with a car kit and the controls are hard to use.

Not to be left out, XM recently unveiled a new satellite radio for spring ?06. Like their initial radio, the new receiver will pick up satellite signals as you are walking around outside. No docking station is needed, which is a huge advantage over the Sirius S50. It also has 1 gigabyte of memory so that you can record 50 hours of radio play. Out doing the S50 - there are no restrictions on how or what you can record. In fact, XM has made it even easier to capture individual songs.

The new XM player also provides a "tag" feature that let's you immediately purchase any song you hear from Napster's online store. When you reconnect the player to your computer, you can get those MP3's that you just purchased to create a mix of MP3's and radio content on the player.

XM now appears to be ahead of Sirius and Apple in the radio wars. To prove it they announced the XM Passport, a small card that can be plugged in and out of future XM enabled devices. With the passport card, you need only buy one subscription to XM radio to power a number of satellite receivers; just plug in your passport card.

About The Author

John Thomas is an author and business consultant who works with entrepreneurs and business owners. He takes time to pursue his passion for iPods at iPod-Tips.com.

2006-12-24T09:20:00.000-08:00

The Best Features Of The Psp Console

By Jamie Watts

The Sony Playstation has gone from strength to strength and they have not disgraced themselves at all by releasing the PSP. This amazing hand held gaming device has revolutionized the market, making it one of, if not the best ever, hand-held consoles in the world.

The Amazing Features the PSP Brings With It

The amazing thing about the PSP is that even with all of the technology, graphics and great features that come with it, it is still small and light, weighing less than a pound. This makes it absolutely ideal to carry around with you!

The PSP has been designed for the serious and devoted gamers and it has an excellent range of features, making it a brilliant purchase for anyone with a media oriented mind. It is not only cutting edge for gaming, it is also a hand held video player and music device, too. This makes it so much more than a simple console ? it is a revolutionary entertainment device!

The battery life is generally three to six hours, but the average tends to be more like four hours. Also, it has built-in stereo speakers in order to give you that extraordinary gaming experience. No game would be the same without great sound effects and boy does it sound great with the PSP.

The console itself comes readily equipped with its own usb2.0 port, an infrared port and even a memory stick pro duo slot. It also gives the user a wireless LAN connection. Another great feature is the 4.3-inch display screen and the buttons are laid out exactly like they are on the Playstation controllers, which makes it easier to learn how to play.

The UMD drive is situated at the back of the PSP. With this, you can view movies designed by Sony on a disk with the UMD format. This hand held gaming device is designed to be able to go anywhere, whether it is for a very long drive, a plane journey or whether you just want to play it at home. Having this will really get you through those boring times!

To customize your PSP, you can always change the background color and you can even have it set to change automatically each month. You can also have your favorite wallpapers on your PSP, too. So it is definitely one of the best consoles for personalization.

Not only is the PSP a great multifunctional entertainment device, it is stunning to look at as well. You get so much for your money and it can be carried around wherever you go. What more could you ask for from a game console?

About the Author: Luke Perry is a writer and administrator for PSP Compare Prices, a site that specializes in PSP consumer reviews

2006-12-08T10:26:00.000-08:00

Getting the Best Deal on PSP Games

by: KC Yap

The demand for PSP games keeps on growing. With so many customers to serve, every reseller wants in on the action. Whether you prefer to shop for your PSP games online or offline, you definitely have plenty of sources to choose from.

How can you be assured you're getting the biggest selection of PSP games at the best value? You've got to shop around. You've got to compare not only price, but availability. It's also advisable to make your purchases from a reputable source. Once you've made this effort and selected a source you're comfortable with, you'll know right where to go every time you need to purchase more PSP games.

Going right to the source at www.us.Playstation.com is the best way to keep current with the latest new releases, upgrades to previous releases, and news regarding upcoming PSP games titles and events. You can shop there too, but you won't find much in the way of discounted prices. If price isn't an issue, then you'll be guaranteed an easy and secure purchasing process. Another benefit of shopping right at the source is that you can shop for PSP-related gear including carrying cases, backpacks, clothing and apparel, accessories and more.

If you prefer to shop in person, either because it's more convenient or because you don't have a credit card, you're in luck. All the major stores that carry electronics carry a wide assortment of PSP games. You'll likely find what you need at Wal-Mart, Target, K-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, KB Toys or Toys R Us and at the stores specializing in electronic games such as EB Games and GameStop. The assortment at each outlet will vary and you won't find much difference in pricing. These stores all want your business and in order to get it, they've got to remain competitive.

If you're a PSP games enthusiast, your best deal might be to locate an online source that allows unlimited downloading of PSP games for one price. These "membership" sites offer a great selection of fully-functioning games that members download right to their computers. These games are not demo versions, although many demos are available so you can try before you buy, which is another great benefit.

Deals on PSP games exist, but it's up to you to find them. Membership clubs, retail and online sources, and special multi-PSP games package deals are all worth investigating.

About The Author

KC Yap

2006-11-28T10:50:00.000-08:00

Nintendo Wii Priced To Outsell The Ps3 And X Box 360

The price for the new Nintendo Wii is quite competitive to say the least. In fact, the word competitive does not do this system any justice. The bottom line is that the Wii beats the competition in price across the board. If you are in the market for one of the newer gaming systems there is no better option than the Wii. Of course you can opt for another like the Playstation 3 or Xbox 360, but if you do this you will have to pay as much as $300 more. Are you willing to do this for a system that many believe is not better than the Wii?

In September 2006 Nintendo began to release information about the seventh generation gaming console known as the Wii. Many people may have been surprised to learn at that time that the Wii is being priced at the low cost of $249.99. To the amateur gamer or somebody who is not in the know, $249.99 may seem like a lot of money; and for good reason. But when you look at Wii prices compared to those of other systems you will be happy that you are interested in what Nintendo has to offer. A new Microsoft Xbox 360 will set you back about $400, whereas the Playstation 3 is being price at $600. So for less than half the cost of the newest Playstation you can pick up a brand new Nintendo Wii.

Overall, Wii prices are something that the industry should be excited about. In today's day and age of technology it is easy for manufacturers to get carried away when it comes to pricing. The fact of the matter is that Nintendo could have easily gotten away with pricing the Wii at $300 or more. But instead of doing this they wanted to stay true to their roots and offer a gaming system that is top notch, for a price that the majority of people could justify spending. About the Author: Gditeam has research gaming consoles and the pricing for the last few months and developed a guide on getting the new nintendo wii for free which can be found on his site here wii prices

2006-11-22T11:06:00.000-08:00

Sony Ps3's Are Overpriced Now You Can Fight Back

When you compare Playstation 3 prices to other gaming consoles there is one thing that is going to stand out in your mind; that being the fact that the ps3 is much more expensive than other systems. When it comes down to it the new ps3 is offered at two different distinct price levels. The basic version is going to set consumers back $499, and if you want to opt for the premium you will have to pay $599. So as you can probably imagine it is not pretty when you compare ps3 prices to the competition.

When you compare ps3 prices you should remember that you do not have to be in a hurry to buy. Sure, you want to get the ps3 when it is released so that you can recognize the benefits before anybody else, but with that in mind you must remember that this is not always conducive to your pocket book.

Overall, when you compare ps3 prices to the competition you will notice that the cost is much more expensive. Are the extra few hundred dollars worth it to you? If so, forget comparing prices and go out and get what you want!

2006-11-19T06:23:00.000-08:00

Can the Playstation 3 Help Sony and Friends Win The HD Format War?

Quiet as things have been, it'd actually be hard to tell that there is a format war going on right now for high definition discs. There's Toshiba (among others) on one side with its HD-DVD format and then there's Sony (among others) with its Blu-ray format. Both offer far higher disc capacity than standard DVD players and much high quality images and sound.

However, that's all about to change.

With the release of Sony's third generation gaming system, the Playstation 3, millions of homes will have a Blu-ray player in them. Sony made the decision to include its new Blu-ray player in the Playstation 3 rather than go with a PS3 proprietary format or a DVD player that it included with the PS2. Although Sony's decision to include a Blu-ray player in their new PS3 has caused them many problems, including forcing the company to take a much higher loss on each unit than expected* and with production problems due to shortages of the blue diodes needed to make the players, this strategy will likely pay off in the long run for Sony.

Given what's likely to happen, it would seem that the answer is no. So far neither format has really shown to be leaps and bounds better than the other. In fact, both are about equivalent. Are consumers who already have a Blu-ray player with their PS3 really going to go out and buy an HD-DVD player from Toshiba? Not likely. However, many owners of one of Toshiba's players will likely go out and buy a Playstation 3 to keep up with the latest gaming technology. It would seem as if Toshiba's HD-DVD format is destined to be another technology relic like betamax and DVD-Audio.

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*It is customary for game system manufacturers to take a loss on the sales of the gaming units when they're first released in order to allow more people to purchase the system. The companies know they can make there money back when consumers purchase games for these systems. Also, over time, the prices of the components to make the systems come down so that eventually the manufacturers do make a profit on each system sold.

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About the Author: Gary Ruplinger is the editor of PS3ASAP.com and Bluraytips.com. If you want to learn how to get a PS3 before Christmas without having to pay $2,000 on eBay or camp out for 2 days at a store, then be sure to visit PS3ASAP.com right away.