Slave to the Game

New 'Xbox Experience' Too Much For Some 360s

2008-10-13T10:35:00.001-05:00

There's a lot to look forward to in the upcoming New Xbox Experience -- set to launch on November 19 -- but for those who own Xbox 360s without a hard drive or a 256MB memory card, you may have to go through a few headaches before you can download it.Speaking to Xbox360Fanboy, Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb revealed that the full download size of the NXE will be 128MB, which will make it

EA continues quest to buy videogame maker Take-Two

2008-07-27T15:55:00.001-05:00

US videogame giant Electronic Arts (EA) on Monday extended anew the deadline on its two-billion-dollar offer to buy "Grand Theft Auto" maker Take-Two Interactive.EA set August 18 as the new cut-off date for its offer but did not budge from its price of 25.74 dollars per share. Take-Two has repeatedly rejected the bid as too low.Take-Two's board of directors is urging stockholders to refuse to

Gamers Are Big Sellers On iPhone App Store

2008-07-27T15:54:00.001-05:00

Apple iPhone users just want to have fun, according to the latest download statistics from the Apple App Store.Video games dominated the paid application sales chart, capturing seven of the top 10 spots, including the top five slots.The most-downloaded paid application was Sega's "Super Monkey Ball." In this game, which is priced at $9.99, customers can guide a monkey through mazes using the

Microsoft Lets Xbox Live Users Build And Sell Their Own Games

2008-07-27T15:50:00.002-05:00

Xbox 360 fans who think they can make better games than what's available commercially now have a chance to prove it.Microsoft on Tuesday said it's opening up the popular console to games created by gamers using the company's XNA Game Studio software. "We're creating an opportunity for aspiring developers to start their careers on the world stage," said Chris Satchell, chief technology officer at

Microsoft Opens Xbox 360 To Outside Game Creators

2008-07-27T15:50:00.001-05:00

Microsoft is opening the Xbox 360 to third-party software creators in a bold attempt to dramatically expand the number of games available on its platform. The goal is to give gaming aficionados far more choices than rivals Sony and Nintendo are offering.Taking a page from the playbooks of social-networking sites such as YouTube and Facebook, which have long provided custom software from

Review: Pass on `NCAA Football 09: All-Play'

2008-07-27T15:48:00.001-05:00

If the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 versions of "NCAA Football 09" are the starting seniors, then Wii owners might feel like redshirt freshmen with EA Sports' first college football game for Nintendo's popular gaming console."NCAA Football 09: All-Play" ($49.99, Wii) marks EA Sports' debut of its new "All-Play" lineup, five Wii-specific sports games looking to bring more casual gamers into the

Rock titles drive revolution in games

2008-07-27T15:46:00.000-05:00

Record first-half sales of video and computer games got a big boost from Rockstar Games' "Grand Theft Auto IV" and Activision's "Guitar Hero III."Previewed at the E3 game industry conference July 16-18 in Los Angeles, music game titles due by year's end promise to kick annual sales to new highs, among them Konami's new "Rock Revolution," Harmonix/MTV/Electronic Arts' "Rock Band 2," Activision/Red

MIt's the Wii's birthday, but just what has it acheived?

2007-11-19T14:17:00.000-06:00

While most celebrating their first birthday have achieved very little during the preceding year bar the production of a variety of venomous smells and a lot of drooling, the Wii has had a pretty eventful time.With its radically new approach to control input (not to mention controversial attitude towards the console industry’s traditional generational horsepower boost), it was clear from the start

Sony slashes price of PS3 SDK to fix game problem

2007-11-19T14:10:00.000-06:00

The package now costs $10,250 in the US, 950,000 yen in Japan, and 7,500 euros in Europe. With lower prices now both for the consumer in the form of a system price cut, and for the developer in the SDK, it hopefully will mean higher sales and profits for the PS3.This is not the last of the price drops either. "As more and more new titles are developed for the PS3 format, SCEI will significantly

Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update revealed: download Halo December 2

2007-11-14T12:15:00.000-06:00

The Fall Xbox 360 dashboard update has now been officially revealed, and it's looks awesome with Xbox Classics and films on demand. December 4 is the date you'll need to watch out for; that's the day you'll be able to download and play Halo. Yes, Halo as in the Xbox game, through Marketplace, on your Xbox 360. Isn't technology great! Microsoft is introducing games it has published for the

Taiwan market: Microsoft takes tough line on Xbox 360 repairs

2007-11-14T12:14:00.000-06:00

Microsoft has been vigorously inspecting Xbox 360 consoles sent in for repairs in Taiwan which has resulted in the usual turnaround time of seven days being extended to as long as one month since October, according to retail channels in Taiwan.The sources commented that the tighter inspection was motivated by a need to see if game consoles have been illegally modified to use pirated games and a

PS3 DualShock 3 rumbles all compatible PS2 games

2007-11-14T12:11:00.000-06:00

Sony has confirmed to Eurogamer that all PlayStation 2 titles that support rumble and are compatible with PS3 will also rumble if you use the new DualShock 3 pad.During last week's hands-on with the new controller, we noted that PS2 rumble seemed to be disabled. Since then, PS3 firmware 2.0 has quietly introduced support.The news from Sony adds to anecdotal evidence from eager importers who

DivX coming to the PS3

2007-11-14T12:04:00.000-06:00

The PS3’s abilities just keep on expanding, and one of the newest future additions will be support for a popular video codec.DivX, Inc. announced a partnership with Sony that will let its video technology be integrated into a future, yet undetermined, PS3 system update. The obvious benefit is that owners of the PS3 will be able to access far more videos than previously capable. But as an

Nintendo warns of Wii shortages

2007-11-14T11:54:00.000-06:00

A chronic shortage of Nintendo's popular Wii console could mean disappointment for those putting it at the top of their Christmas list. The BBC has learned that high street retailers are struggling to keep up with demand for the console, which has been in short supply for months. Websites such as Wii-consoles.co.uk have been set up to help shoppers find out when stock becomes available. Nintendo

Update on facebook Arcade Application

2007-11-12T16:09:00.001-06:00

I mentioned a few days ago that I was working on a facebook application. Since then my application has now reached 22 users, and I have also added 12 more games!Oldschool Arcade ApplicationCurrently the games on my arcade application include:-Pacman-Duckhunt-Asteroids-Space Invader-Moon Patrol-Hexagon-Burger Time-Centipede-Snake-Frogger-Simon-Sonic-Bowling-Pool-Breakout-Pong-Tetris-Zelda...and

Life Imitates Games

2007-11-12T15:48:00.000-06:00

I always love it when network television uses video gaming as a plot device. Take this past week's episode of NBC's Life, for instance. Life is a cop show featuring a quirky police detective who just got out of prison after 14 or so years after being framed for a murder he didn't commit. It's an excellent show most of the time, I promise. Last week's show revolved around a family of Persians (not

God of War psp demo giveaway

2007-11-12T00:07:00.000-06:00

For those of you who didn't get in on the deal, there were free God of War demo's being given away starting a few months ago. I'm not fully sure if this deal is still going on or not, but we just recently received our copy.I personally was amazed by the demo. The graphics and the gameplay were both equally amazing, and I was surprised at how long the demo seemed.But since we've beaten the demo,

Likelihood of a pre-Christmas release suggested

2007-11-10T11:22:00.000-06:00

When the hell is Unreal Tournament III coming out on PS3? No-one, not even Epic, seems to know, but a 2007 release isn't completely out of the question just yet, according to Vice President of Epic, Mark Rein.UT III was originally scheduled to release in the latter end of this year before Midway said that there's every possibility it could be delayed into next year to ensure it's finished.When a

Nintendo Wii users get Mii voting channel

2007-11-10T11:20:00.000-06:00

Nintendo is launching an interactive Nintendo Wii channel to let users upload, view, and vote on the best Mii creations.The new feature will be available as a free download in the US from the Wii Shop Channel beginning 11 November and will give Wii owners the opportunity to submit, browse, and vote on bi-monthly popularity contests. "The Check Mii Out Channel lets people show off their Mii

Nintendo confirms Wii DVD support coming

2007-11-10T11:19:00.000-06:00

Any gamers hoping to cosy-up on the sofa this Christmas and watch films with their Wii are set to be disappointed. Nintendo has confirmed that DVD playback won’t be added to the console this year.Nintendo claims it’s postponing the release due to a need to secure enough production units in time for the Christmas rush. It broke the news on the Q&A section of its Japanese Wii website.The addition

Is Xbox 360 Getting DivX? [Rumor]

2007-11-10T11:17:00.000-06:00

Hot on the heels of a PS3 DivX rumor, DivX has pretty much pilled the beans on upcoming support on the Xbox 360. Here's the clip from a routine financial earnings call that's set the rumor mill ablaze:Coster - "Just a minor point here, but there was a recent Microsoft (MSFT) conference where I believe their media extender now incorporates the DivX codec on it, is that correct? Can you confirm

Young Xbox 360 Gamers Face Restrictions

2007-11-10T11:15:00.000-06:00

Forthcoming Xbox 360 controls will let parents limit the number of hours played by uoung gamers.In addition to restricting the type of games played, Xbox 360 will soon be able to limit the total number of hours played by younger gamers."As the customer base broadens, the demand for these kinds of capabilities does increase," said Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's entertainment and devices

Xbox 360 Beats PS3 in Weekly Japan Sales for 1st Time

2007-11-10T11:14:00.000-06:00

Sales in Japan of Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 video game console have exceeded those of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.'s PlayStation 3 for the first time on a weekly basis, a survey showed Friday.According to the survey conducted by research firm Media Create Co. <2451>, Xbox 360 sales came to 17,673 units in the week to last Sunday, against 17,434 units for PS3.Xbox 360 overtook PS3 as the

Sony PSP Deep Red announced

2007-11-06T15:16:00.000-06:00

Besides a new Sony PS2, Sony also announced a new color for the slim Sony PSP in Japan - Deep Red. The Deep Red Sony PSP (PSPJ-20000) will start selling on December 13th for 22,800 yen (~$198). Sony will also offer it in a bundle with the DMB TV tuner (PSPJ-20001) for 29,800 yen (~$260.)Sony also announces a new battery charger for all Sony PSP consoles. The PSP-330 is going to sell for 3,800 yen

NiGHTS to use Wii Weather data

2007-11-06T15:13:00.000-06:00

The new version of SEGA game NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams on Wii (see our hands-on preview) is set to use real-world data as part of its gameplay. More specifically, NiGHTS will use the Wii Weather channel to decide what the weather will be like in a specific area of the game.In NiGHTS, there is an area called My Dream where players will be able to interact with the A-Life creatures from the game.

40GB PS3 Still Using 90nm Chips

2007-11-06T15:09:00.000-06:00

That rumour about the new 40GB PS3s using the smaller, quieter 65nm chips? Yeah, no. Least, not yet. German site Heise Online managed to get in touch with SCEE regarding the matter, and were told that while consoles in the coming months would start to ship with the newer chips, those shipping now are still packing 90nm chips. Disappointed? Dry your salty tears with the knowledge that thanks to

ESPN and Microsoft Offer Sporting Events and Programming on Demand for Xbox 360

2007-11-06T15:05:00.000-06:00

ESPN and Microsoft Corp. today announced an agreement that will add high- and standard-definition full-length games, television shows and video game programming to Xbox LIVE, the online games and entertainment network on Xbox 360. Effective immediately, fans of all ages can access a growing catalog of marquee sporting events and timely programming, including full-length NCAA college football and

Changes, updates, and random news

2007-11-05T11:54:00.000-06:00

I apologize for the lack of posts this weekend, I was busy setting up one a new project of mine, which I will get into more detail about in just a minute.But first off there are some changes being made to the blog. I didn't like the way the blog looked before. It had a very unorganized feel to it which really bothered me, so I'm changing the template and re-arranging different items on the

Hackers spark new protests vs video game "Manhunt 2"

2007-11-02T20:09:00.000-05:00

Family groups renewed calls on Friday to clamp down on video game "Manhunt 2" after hackers accessed scenes of bloody killings that were scaled back to let the game go on sale in the United States.The feat involves modifying Sony Corp's PlayStation Portable device to run an altered version of "Manhunt 2" and led to calls for a more restrictive rating on the game.The Entertainment Software Ratings

New PS3 more energy efficient?

2007-10-31T15:02:00.001-05:00

A German tech site is reporting that the new 40GB PS3 console will include a 65nm version of the Cell processor, thus reducing the system's power usage.As previously reported, the new USD 399 model will be available in North America on November 2. It eliminates the PS2's Emotion Engine and graphics synthesizer chips and cuts two of the four USB ports.The new system should therefore output less

PS3 Remote Start Confirmed In PSP Update

2007-10-31T14:59:00.000-05:00

Mike was right, the PSP update itself, no big news. It was a barren, dusty dustbowl of interest. Except that once it hit, the British PlayStation site had to go and let slip that once the PS3's V2.0 firmware arrives, your v3.72 PSP will be able to power it up remotely.* Support has been added for [Remote Start]* of the PS3 system under [Remote Play].*To use this feature, the PS3 system software

Nintendo Snatches Software Sales Lead From Sony

2007-10-31T14:58:00.000-05:00

You may have heard that Nintendo is doing alright for themselves lately. They've sold a few Wiis, a handful of Nintendo DS handhelds, given themselves a little walking around money, put a new coat of paint on the headquarters. The company's good news alert comes today from analyst group iSuppli, via Gamasutra, who add up the software sales revenue numbers, putting third quarter sales at $1.2

Nintendo Hasn't Forgotten the Hardcore

2007-10-31T14:52:00.000-05:00

Sure, Super Mario Galaxy is coming. But even so, gamers feel slighted. Casual players make up a big portion of Nintendo's market, so the company's interests have shifted. Right? Nintendo UK general manager David Yarnton says:It's important to know that we're not ignoring the hardcore gamer. They're still very important to us... And Christmas alone we have already catered on the Wii with Metroid

Microsoft: Xbox 360 IPTV still coming--eventually

2007-10-31T14:46:00.000-05:00

Among the more talked-about but still unconfirmed features is a tool that would allow parents to limit the amount of time their children can play. Another rumor claimed the fall update would finally give the 360s the IPTV functionality Microsoft promised it would have back in January at the Consumer Electronics Show. On Tuesday, Microsoft confirmed one feature would not be included in the fall

Ohio parents consider warnings about new video game

2007-10-31T14:43:00.000-05:00

Some Ohio parents say they're heeding advice not to buy the new video game "Manhunt 2."Child advocates have called it senselessly violent. The game features characters who kill and torture using everything from glass and shovels to a fuse box and a toilet.At a Toledo GameStop location, where one couple said they would never let their children play the game, even store manager Jesse Sine is

"Simpsons" video game spoofs industry

2007-10-31T14:40:00.000-05:00

In the latest antics of "The Simpsons," Bart chases a giant ape through a video game factory, Lisa destroys a logging camp and Marge storms city hall with an angry mob. But don't look for those episodes on TV.They are levels in "The Simpsons Game" that hit stores on Tuesday amid praise from critics for its faithful recreation of the hit TV show's look, feel and humor."That was one of the big

PS3 Losses Could Double Initial Forecast

2007-10-29T12:35:00.000-05:00

Operating losses in Sony's video game unit for the year ending March 2008 could potentially exceed 100 billion yen ($876 million) -- twice as much as the 50 billion yen ($438 million) originally projected, a Sony spokeswoman told Reuters.In its recently-announced financial results, Sony posted an operating loss of 96.7 billion yen ($841 million) due to the cost of PS3 hardware, even though sales

Will Wright confirms that his much belated game of life will be released on Wii as well as PC...

2007-10-29T12:31:00.000-05:00

Speaking in an interview with The Guardian, Will Wright has stated that his upcoming and much delayed Spore title will come out on Wii as well as the previously projected PC release. This follows comments made recently by Wright where he said that the Wii is the only truly next-gen console.Wright said that what makes Nintendo's Wii a truly next-gen machine is its ability to appeal to a

Nintendo won't cut Wii price

2007-10-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

Fresh off bumper earnings, Nintendo Co. ruled out a price cut for its smash-hit Wii video game console Friday and announced the company will begin selling the Wii in China next year.Nintendo President Satoru Iwata also unveiled a gift-giving feature that will allow users to send each other games over the Internet.Profits at Nintendo have surged on the runaway success of the Wii and the portable

Microsoft Xbox 360 Team ready to race

2007-10-29T12:22:00.000-05:00

The qualifying event is over and 10 lucky winners have raced their way to form the Middle East’s first Microsoft Xbox 360 racing team. The team will compete in the upcoming 24 Hour Endurance Challenge Kart Race to be held on October 26 and 27at the Dubai Autodrome. The qualifying event tied up with the recent launch of Project Gotham Racing 4 on the 12th of October, exclusive to Microsoft Xbox

Man jailed in shooting over video game

2007-10-29T12:18:00.000-05:00

A Crandall Avenue man told police Saturday morning he shot another man to death after an argument over a video game because he wanted ‘‘to protect me and my family.’’Allen K. Frost, 37, 1012 Crandall Ave., is in Mahoning County Jail following the shooting death of a man who police would not identify to reporters.When police arrived at Frost’s home shortly before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, they found

Nintendo's profit soars on success of Wii, DS games

2007-10-25T19:32:00.000-05:00

Nintendo said Thursday profits more than doubled in the six months to Sept. 30 on the roaring success of its hit Wii and Nintendo DS game consoles.The Japanese manufacturer of Pokemon and Super Mario games said its group net profit surged to 132.42 billion yen ($1.16 billion) in its fiscal first half from 54.35 billion a year earlier Group sales also more than doubled to 694.80 billion yen ($6.07

Korn Record Single For Haze Video Game

2007-10-25T19:29:00.000-05:00

Korn have taken their love of video games one step further by recording an original song inspired by the upcoming Ubisoft game, Haze.The song, inventively titled "Haze," will be released as a single and video to coincide with the release of the Haze video game. It will also be made available for purchase at online music sites."This partnership with Korn is original in the video game industry in

Sony has "pleaded" with developers not to abandon PS3, says Dean Takahashi of The Mercury News

2007-10-24T12:02:00.000-05:00

Writing in his games blog, Takahashi states that Sony has abandoned the "arrogance of past years" following weaker than expected sales of its next-gen system. The platform holder has reportedly told developers that the PS3 will be a success, suggesting it's just a slow burner.One piece of news that came out this week was that Sony pleaded with third-party developers not to abandon its struggling

PS3 Firmware v1.94 Adding DualShock3 Support

2007-10-24T11:58:00.000-05:00

According to Shacknews, the new PS3 firmware version 1.94 will be adding DualShock3 support. Packaged with Ratchet & Clank Future: Tools of Destruction before it's available for download, the firmware update will allow DualShock3 owners (which is actually no one at the moment) to toggle rumble. By pressing the middle PS3 button, gamers will be able to access controller options—which we're

Nintendo DS outselling all other formats

2007-10-24T11:52:00.000-05:00

The Nintendo DS is officially the biggest-selling games platform in Europe after latest figures revealed how far ahead the handheld console is.For the week ending October 21, the DS sold 171,260 units, which is way in front of all other platforms on the market.In second place, the Nintendo Wii sold 70,322 units, then came the PlayStation 3 having shifted 64,087 consoles.The PlayStation 2 managed

Why you shouldn't buy an Xbox 360 Arcade

2007-10-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

And just when you thought there couldn't possibly be any more different trim lines for the Xbox 360, Microsoft goes and releases the worst kept secret in all of gaming, the Xbox 360 Arcade. While it's essentially just a souped-up version of the Core, the Arcade 360 does come with a few extras that may attract some uninformed buyers. Plus, the $280 price tag is awfully close to the Wii's cost of

Video game helps players beat stress

2007-10-24T11:47:00.000-05:00

Players found to have lower levels of stress-hormone, cortisolPlaying a newly developed social-intelligence game reduces stress hormone levels by 17 per cent, researchers reported today.The video game, designed by McGill University researchers to help train people to change their perception of social threats and boost their self-confidence, has now been shown to reduce the production of the

Review: Hot Pixel for PSP

2007-10-23T15:03:00.000-05:00

Hot Pixel is a collection of more than 100 mostly disconnected mini-games, which adds a casual title to the PSP’s generally core lineup.The games are kind of spastic and weird, blending arcade-style action with an urban sensibility, with little hint as to what’s coming next. The game is broken into 10+ categories, but the titles bear little to no resemblance to what’s inside. Inquiries with Atari

Nintendo raids Wii mod chip factory

2007-10-23T14:47:00.000-05:00

10,000 games console mod chips seized in Hong KongNintendo has raided a factory that it claims was making devices used to pirate games for its Wii and DS games consoles. Working with local authorities, Nintendo representatives seized more than 10,000 game copying devices and modification chips from the factory in Hong Kong two weeks ago, Nintendo announced in a press statement.Mod chips take the

Microsoft launches new family-oriented Xbox 360 bundle

2007-10-23T14:44:00.000-05:00

Microsoft said on Monday it is launching a reworked low-end version of its Xbox 360 in a bid to widen the game console's appeal to a broader audience that has flocked to rival Nintendo's Wii.The new Xbox 360 Arcade costs $280 and comes with five games previously available only for download over the Xbox Live online service. It does not have the hard drive found on more expensive Xbox models, but

Imagine PS3 as a digital media center

2007-10-22T12:21:00.000-05:00

I had written off Sony's PlayStation 3 game console as a flop, but it may be time to reconsider.One reason is Sony finally brought the price down, with a $400 model announced last week. But what's really interesting, especially here in the hometown of Microsoft, RealNetworks and Amazon.com, is the way Sony is accelerating plans to position the PS3 as a digital media center. Those companies are

Changes are few in PSP update

2007-10-22T12:16:00.000-05:00

Sony seems to have taken the easy way out with its latest PlayStation Portable. You could feel the excitement drain out of last summer's E3 conference after Sony touted TV output atop its amazing new features. Now we can watch all those games and Universal Media Disc movies scaled onto a giant TV screen.On the upside, the new PSP comes with double the original 32 megabytes of internal memory, a

Graffiti, evolution and infection pitched as video game fodder

2007-10-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - Imagine a video game in which characters evolve from primordial ooze, acquiring speed, claws, wings or other traits needed to survive. Picture a "Glass Cutter" murder mystery game in which a hero gleans psychic clues from graffiti etched into subway windows, barroom tumblers, taxi mirrors or other depicted glass surfaces.Envision defending their "colonies" by spreading or

PS3 Eye digicam to arrive next week

2007-10-20T19:13:00.000-05:00

Sony has finally announced that its PS3 Eye camera will hit European shop shelves next week, bundled with an interactive board game.The Eye will be sold with game Eye of Judgment for around £65 (€90/$125) in the UK on 26 October, three days after its US release. There it will cost a mere $65 - the equivalent of £32 and €55 at today's exchange rates. Want to pay only £25 for the Eye? Then wait a

Xbox 360 to get Built in HD DVD drive in late 2008?

2007-10-20T19:06:00.000-05:00

This certainly isn't the first time we've heard this rumor, but SmartHouse is reporting that Microsoft and Toshiba are working on an updated Xbox 360 with a built-in HD DVD drive. If that were all, we wouldn't bat an eye -- it's gotta happen sometime -- but there are some other, crazier aspects to this version of the rumor that set off some red flags: SmartHouse also claims that the new box will

Burglars target video game stores; resell their booty on the black market

2007-10-20T19:05:00.000-05:00

HPD has issued a crime alert after a rash of burglaries at Game Stop video stores. That's because suspects are breaking into Game Stops all over town, from the southeast side to way out west. 11 News aired some surveillance video of a burglary in progress earlier this year. You could see the crook drop in from the ceiling. He used a crowbar to open the closet and took off with dozens of games

Special vest lets players feel video game blows

2007-10-20T19:02:00.000-05:00

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - A US surgeon working on a "tele-health" breakthrough has devised a way for video game warriors to feel shots, stabs, slams, and hits dealt to their on-screen characters.A vest designed by doctor Mark Ombrellaro uses air pressure and feedback from computer games to deliver pneumatic thumps to the spots on players' torsos where they would have been struck were they actually on

Britain to recruit spies from video game

2007-10-18T18:52:00.000-05:00

LONDON, England (AP) -- GCHQ, the surveillance arm of British intelligence, said Thursday it hopes to attract computer-savvy young recruits by embedding job ads within video games such as "Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell: Double Agent." GCHQ, which stands for Government Communications Headquarters, said it was looking to reach "an Internet-savvy generation of graduate groups."In a statement, GCHQ said

Sony to sell PS3 chip fabs to Toshiba

2007-10-18T18:49:00.000-05:00

In a move that has been rumored since the time of Kutaragi's tenure as CEO, Sony has announced that it will sell a pair of its semiconductor fabrication facilities. These two fabs, one in Oita and another in Nagasaki, make the Cell processor and GPU for the Playstation 3, and their sale marks the end of Sony's days as an integrated device manufacturer (IDM). Reuters is reporting rumors that the

Okami Confirmed for the Wii

2007-10-18T18:48:00.000-05:00

The highly unique PlayStation 2 title Okami will see new life as a title for the Wii console. Boasting a beautiful visual style and a 'drawing' game mechanic that would seem to presage the Wii's motion control, it will almost certainly fit in well with the Wii's existing stable of games. Eurogamer also note that "the game lends itself rather well to the potential of Nintendo's Wiimote for

Japanese are bored of Wii

2007-10-17T17:16:00.000-05:00

During his usual annual forecast for the games industry, Hirokazu Hamamura, president of Japanese publisher Enterbrain, which publishes Famitsu magazine, has cast doubts on the current popularity of Wii.In his speech, he said that market research figures had found that 67% of Wii owners in Japan had not been using their Nintendo console recently. The reason for the Wii not being used is said to

New Wii Box Ignores Slip Covers

2007-10-17T16:09:00.000-05:00

It looks like the new Wii SKU box, and as Maxconsole points out, has no love for the new anti-slip jackets—the whole point for the new SKU in the first place. Why didn't they include the jacket on the cover? Because it's ugly as sin and destroys the understated aesthetic of the Wiimote. The console has a brilliant design, in that even though it's essentially the shape of an external optical

Mad Catz Pledges Support to National Breast Cancer Foundation with Release of Joytech Nintendo DS Lite Pink Tech Pack

2007-10-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mad Catz Interactive, Inc. (Amex: MCZ; TSX), a leading third-party interactive entertainment accessory provider announced today a partnership with the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Inc. by which the charity will receive 10% of the net wholesale price from the sale of the Nintendo DS Lite Pink Tech Pack sold within the continental United States of

T-Mobile Get Charitable With PSP Hotspots

2007-10-16T15:55:00.000-05:00

This is easy. Buy a PSP. Or take your existing PSP, either or. Make sure you're running the latest firmware update. Get yourself to the nearest T-Mobile hotspot. Flick your little WLAN button to "on". Jump online via "Use Wireless HotSpot". And that's it. You've now got six months of free T-Mobile hotspot use. Easy. Harder part is finding somebody to then play against, and neither myself nor

PS3 Finally Gets Shivering Isles

2007-10-16T15:14:00.000-05:00

Tomorrow sees the release of the PlayStation 3 version of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Game of the Year Edition, which marks the first time that the Shivering Isles expansion will be available to PS3 gamers. While this is excellent news for those who waited to purchase Oblivion on the console, but those of us who already purchased and completed the main quest are still waiting for a solution.

Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis for the Wii

2007-10-16T15:09:00.000-05:00

New York, NY - October 16, 2007 - Rockstar Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), is pleased to announce that Rockstar Games presents Table Tennis for the Wii™ home video game system from Nintendo is now available at North American retail stores for the suggested retail price of $39.99. Developed by Rockstar Leeds in collaboration with Rockstar San Diego,

DS reclaims top position in Japan charts

2007-10-15T12:24:00.000-05:00

After three weeks at the top, the PSP is knocked down by Nintendo's handheld in an almighty tussle.With the launch of the new PlayStation Portable Slim in Japan, along with the release of Crisis Core: Final Fantasy VII, a PSP-exclusive title, Sony's handheld has been enjoying some time at the top of the Japanese charts. However, this week it was just pipped to the post by the Nintendo DS Lite,

PSP Store Still Coming, Now With Exclusive Games and Content

2007-10-15T12:11:00.000-05:00

Don’t get too excited just yet, as there still is no date attached to the PSP’s PlayStation Store, which has seemingly been in the works for years. (Next year is about as good as dates go for it.) But it is coming, and with it will be exclusive games that are being designed for the PSP. Sony is currently at work on seven downloadable PSP games which are basically full retail games. These range

Konami's Payton: Over 200 Developers Working On Metal Gear Solid 4

2007-10-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Talking as part of an in-depth interview published on Gamasutra today, Kojima Productions' Ryan Payton has revealed that there are over 200 developers working to complete Metal Gear Solid 4 for PlayStation 3, also commenting on the game's use of DualShock 3.Discussing the eagerly awaited Metal Gear Solid franchise continuation, which was one of the most high-profile titles at the recent Tokyo

LucasArts to wield Wii Light Sabre in UK next week

2007-10-15T11:56:00.000-05:00

British fans of Nintendo Wii and Star Wars will get a first glimpse of the console’s upcoming Light Sabre peripheral at a gaming festival being held later this month. LucasArts will be exhibiting the peripheral alongside its forthcoming Wii title Lego Star Wars: The Complete Saga, at the GameCity festival, due to be held between 24 and 28 October. Unfortunately, gamers will only be able to get in

Shock and Awe, Gabe Newell Doesn't Like PS3

2007-10-15T11:52:00.000-05:00

It's hard to say what exactly Sony's console did to get Valve head honcho Gabe Newell's bad side. Did it lose his dog? Hit on his wife? Get drunk and embarrass itself at a party he hosted? Whatever the reason, Newell does not like the PlayStation 3, and he reaffirmed his feelings in an interview with Next-Gen.When asked whether he still thought Sony needed to do a "do-over," Newell responded: "

Nintendo Wii Game Release Schedule for Holidays 2007 and Spring 2008

2007-10-15T11:49:00.000-05:00

Nintendo released this week their game line-up for the Nintendo Wii and Nintendo DS for the Holidays and into Sprint 2008.By the end of 2007, Nintendo expects the library of Wii games to grow to 140, not counting nearly 200 downloadable Virtual Console titles, while the Nintendo DS library should be nearly 450. It is a pity that Mario Kart for the Wii is so far out (Sprint 2008), I really think

New Wii System Software Adds USB Keyboard Support

2007-10-11T14:47:00.001-05:00

Those who have noticed their Wii sporting a glowing blue light (or no light at all for a non-Internet connected console) will be pleased to know that a new system firmware has been released.New in version 3.1 of the firmware is expanded USB keyboard support, improving greatly over keyboard implementation in previous firmware versions. Hyperlinks may now be included in messages, which can be

Wii Web Browser Finally Takes Shape

2007-10-11T14:46:00.001-05:00

With the latest Wii firmware update a couple months ago, one little-known feature added support for USB keyboards. The reason most people didn't notice was because it was missing from the spot it would be most useful: the Internet browser. That changed today, however, as Opera announced a new update of the Internet Channel. The biggest new feature is USB keyboard support, allowing you to write

Capcom: PS3 Dev Costs Pushed Monster Hunter To Wii

2007-10-10T11:31:00.000-05:00

Following the revelation at Nintendo's recent press conference that the Wii will receive the next iteration of Capcom's hit action title Monster Hunter 3, the company's managing corporate officer has been quoted as saying the PS3's high development costs directly influenced the decision.A report from Thompson Financial News quotes Capcom's Katsuhiko Ichii as saying, "Due to high development cost

Xbox 360 secrets: After Falcon comes Jasper

2007-10-10T11:28:00.000-05:00

Microsoft didn’t want you to know about Falcon, and it certainly doesn’t want you to know about its successor Jasper. But that’s another secret we have to unveil.Jasper is the code name for the next motherboard for the Xbox 360. It will becoming next August, in time for next year’s holiday season. Jasper is going to have a 65-nanometer graphics chip from ATI Technologies, as well as smaller

Nintendo to launch Wii workout board in December

2007-10-10T11:21:00.000-05:00

MAKUHARI, Japan (AFP) - Couch potatoes beware: Wii owners will be able to get an even more vigorous workout from December when Nintendo launches a new fitness balance board for its hit video game console. The "Wii Fit" board and software can be used for exercising, sports and games including yoga, virtual snowboarding, ski-jumping and aerobics to help users battle the bulge in their living

PS3 price slashed by a third

2007-10-08T09:18:00.001-05:00

The maker of exploding batteries and expensive entertainment consoles that few wanted, Sony has finally cut the price of its PS3 - sort of. The firm has released a new version of the PS3 which is only $399 but cannot play PS2 games, lacks a memory card reader and reduces the number of USB ports from four to two. Its hard-drive is shrunk from 60GB to 40GB.According to Associated Press the machine

Wii Woe: Holiday Shortages Seen

2007-10-08T09:14:00.000-05:00

Nintendo will be offering up nothing but disappointment to tens of thousands of kids this holiday season. The red-hot video game company, whose stock has more than doubled this year on the runaway strength of the Wii game console, said it cannot keep up with demand and that U.S. consumers should expect shortages this holiday season. Reggie Fils-Aime, the president of Nintendo of America, didn't

Lite-On lands order for Xbox 360 DVD-ROM drives

2007-10-08T09:12:00.001-05:00

The Xbox 360 DVD-ROM drive has been a big issue for Xbox 360 owners, certain versions of the drives were reportedly making scratches on Xbox 360 discs and Microsoft has admitted that some drives did, but said it was a minor issue.Lite-On can now make up for it and produce some great drives for the console as it has landed an order from Microsoft to manufacture DVD-ROM drives for the Xbox360. And

Xbox Rewards Buyers this Holiday with Two Free Games

2007-10-08T09:10:00.001-05:00

Hot on the heels of a price reduction for all Xbox 360 consoles, Microsoft is now giving holiday buyers even more value by including two great games with every Xbox 360 console and Xbox 360 Elite, a retail savings of $90 for consumers. The acclaimed “Forza Motorsport 2” (Microsoft Game Studios) and “Marvel Ultimate Alliance” (Activision) will both be included for the recently reduced prices of

Educational video game simulates drunk driving

2007-10-08T09:07:00.000-05:00

A University of Calgary fine arts professor has created a video game designed to tackle the problem of drinking and driving. Dr. James Parker developed the game "Booze Cruise," which was developed with the help of students, challenges players to get their cars home within a certain period of time without hitting anyone. "This game is not like any other racing game you've played," student Nathan

Creators of 'Halo' video games leaving Microsoft

2007-10-06T01:59:00.000-05:00

The team behind the "Halo" series, one of the all-time top video game franchises, said Friday that it was splitting from parent Microsoft Corp. and eventually might develop titles for consoles that compete with Microsoft's Xbox.Though both sides described the spinoff as amicable, it shows the difficulty faced by the 32-year-old software behemoth in fostering the creative environment necessary to

Controversial Wii Giveaway

2007-10-04T11:41:00.000-05:00

Soooooooooo scary. With all that Manhunt 2 controversy, it's nice to see Rockstar focus on the important things — like giving away a Wii covered in blood splattered stickers. (That's not all, the company is also giving away a 50 inch plasma TV.) The toned down and M-rated reworked Manhunt 2 is out in the U.S. on Halloween. Click below to enter Rockstar's contest.Enter to win!from: kotaku.com

The softer side of the Wiimote

2007-10-04T11:38:00.001-05:00

Nintendo's Wii remote is getting soft. The wandlike, motion-sensing joystick, which Wii owners use for fishing, golfing, tennis and other video games, will get a custom cushion that the Japanese company hopes will prevent accidents and soften possible blows. Nintendo is shipping for free rubbery silicone covers for the handheld devices - just in case overly excited players lose control and have

He quit his job to become an Xbox pro

2007-10-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

An Ulster Xbox fan who quit his job and sold his belongings to play in a major TV tournament has won a $30,000 contract and become one of the UK's first full-time professional gamers.Jason Holmes, from Seaforde, Co Down, took the dramatic step in order to " make his dream come true" and travel to the Championship Gaming Series in Birmingham.For 10 days, the 23-year-old was one of hundreds of

Nintendo Wii takes a murderous turn

2007-10-03T09:28:00.000-05:00

In a video game universe, the pairings do not get much stranger than this: family-friendly Nintendo and controversial video game developer Rockstar.The horror title Manhunt 2 ($30-$40) will hit stores on Halloween for Nintendo Wii and Sony's PlayStation 2. Since the Wii version uses the motion-sensitive controllers, it literally gives players the hands of a killer. Manhunt 2 was originally rated

New Xbox 360 Arcade Console Appears on Amazon, Toys "R" Us Websites

2007-10-03T09:24:00.000-05:00

Upcoming Xbox 360 Arcade console set to replace the Core modelDespite the Xbox 360’s seeming need for a hard disk drive, Microsoft will continue to sell an entry-level model of its console without any such magnetic storage. A new, unannounced Xbox 360 Arcade console was found listed on Amazon.com and Toys “R” Us websites.Both retailers price the new Xbox 360 Arcade console at $279.99 – the same

Video game shows teens the perils of driving drunk

2007-10-03T09:22:00.000-05:00

CALGARY -- Lori Shyba says the death of a young family friend in an alcohol-related motorcycle crash was the inspiration behind Booze Cruise, a video game designed to let young teens simulate the experience of driving drunk. Shyba, a grad student at the University of Calgary, and a team of six others spent the last 10 months building a game that would demonstrate all the hazards of getting behind

How hardcore are you?

2007-10-03T01:21:00.000-05:00

Everybody knows what happens when you get killed.... you get T-bagged! Show how hardcore you are with this t-shirt or hat!

His & Her Xbox 360 Controllers

2007-10-02T16:01:00.001-05:00

Xbox 360 is adding a splash of color to the holiday season with the release of new Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers in pink and blue on Oct. 2, each offered for an estimated retail price of $49.99 (US). The whole family can enjoy Xbox 360 with these bright additions to the “chill” and black Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers. The pink and blue Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers will make a great gift this

Video game cheating spurs crime fighters

2007-10-02T15:58:00.000-05:00

Some players give themselves the ability to magically see and shoot through walls. Others find a way to fly, making them nearly impossible to defeat.Cheating like this in video games has a long and even respected tradition. Games have often slyly included ways — intentionally or not — for sophisticated players to hack into the software and then skip levels or take on supernatural powers.But these

PlayStation 3 getting holiday makeover: $399 PS3 rumor has legs

2007-10-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

Sony clearly doesn't have an issue with trying a few different pricing levels for its flagship PlayStation 3. The PlayStation 3 debuted with both a $500 and $600 price tag, but since that time much has changed. With sales staying modest, Sony initially nixed the $500 PS3 and then announced an 80GB unit, then they dropped the price of the 60GB unit, and then revealed that the 60GB unit was "

MS makes, sells 65nm 'Falcon' Xbox 360s

2007-10-01T09:29:00.001-05:00

Microsoft has begun selling Xbox 360 consoles equipped with 65nm chips - parts that pump out less heat than the 90nm silicon found in older 360s - according to buyers who've been poking around inside their new machines.The first 65nm consoles? The Halo 3 limited edition, it seems. A poster on the official Xbox forum, JWSpeed, took his apart and found a much smaller heatsink than previous 360s

Rock Band PS3 and Xbox 360 Pricing lower than anticipated

2007-10-01T09:26:00.000-05:00

It was reported in August about the Rock Band Special Editions for Xbox 360 and Sony PS3. Back then the price on Amazon $199.99. Now the official pricing has been announced and it is only $169.99. The Rock Band special edition contains the game, a guitar, drum-set and microphone. The shipping date for the Rock Band game is November 23rd. Rock Band for the Sony PS2 will ship on December 10th for

Video-game makers aim products at girls too

2007-09-29T13:46:00.000-05:00

Whenever I noted the best video games coming out in the past, none was for girls. But as a father of three girls, I'm paying more attention these days.This year is the first that I remember in which some of the most interesting games are actually created with girls in mind. The game publishers either target the girls directly or create games that would appeal to girls as well as everyone

Despite enormous hype, 'Halo 3' is not the best video game ever

2007-09-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

"Halo 3" is a lot of things: an exciting science fiction action adventure, a rich online first-person shooter and the end of a popular trilogy. But let's cut through the enormous hype: It's not the best video game ever."Halo 3" (Rated M, $59.99, $69.99 or $129.99) does refine many aspects of the first-person shooter genre on the Xbox 360 console. And new multiplayer features make it the most

Video game developer to go into space

2007-09-29T13:42:00.000-05:00

MOSCOW, 29 (UPI) -- U.S. video game developer Richard Garriott is paying $25 million to become the sixth space tourist to spend a few days on the International Space Station.Garriott, whose father is former NASA astronaut Owen K. Garriott, is to travel to the space station aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft next year, said U.S.-based Space Adventures.Garriott, who developed the Ultima computer

2007-09-27T12:43:00.001-05:00

Several weeks ago we reported on the rumor that Sony would release a new model of the PS3 in time for the holidays, with a smaller, 40GB hard drive and a price point of $399.99. Now an FCC filing has been discovered for a new PlayStation model number, the CECHG01. While technical details and pictures are not present, the FCC report shows a diagram on pages 8 and 9, showing what had been tested on