Sony is funny.

I mean, they must have their heads in the clouds most of the time to think that the PS3 will sell good at its high price.

And then we here them snipe at Nintendo, saying "we didn't copy them."

Yet here they are now saying "Microsoft copied us."

What's that? how do you figure that?

Well, according to Sony says the following:

The question of the week comes from this posting about 2 million dollars worth of DS Lites being stolen in Hong Kong. So if one of these sweet little black beauties showed up on eBay or Craigslist would you go for it? Or would you be afraid Nintendo would invalidate your serial number? Leave us your comments to discuss...

- iamlegend

Well folks, it looks like the DS is going where no DS has gone before. Into the movies!

A new movie coming out this year title Stormbreaker will feature the Nintendo DS as a high tech tool for secret agent Alex Rider. This is the first movie adaptation of author Anthony Horowitz's teen book series that features Alex Rider.

The movie will be released in the UK around July and around October in the US. The story is basically about a 14 year old boy named Alex Rider who is recruited by MI6. He'll be using the Nintendo DS as his device of choice to do such things as eavesdrop, uncover wiretaps and even plant smoke bombs! The one he'll be using is the Hot Rod Red DS that was part of the Mario Kart bundle. It came out sometime last year. So I guess this means the DS that is used in the movie will be the older version and not the DS Lite.

Stormbreaker producer Peter Samuelson explained, "we asked ourselves how the Secret Service would get secret tools into the hands of a 14-year-old spy. Nintendo DS is the perfect fit: Alex's spyware hides in plain sight."

Now, I know you all are wondering if they'll have any of the DS spy-related functions available to us. Unfortunately, not. Nintendo has said they have no plans to make any of the functions available to the public. That stinks!

If you believe a "source" who talked to a "high ranking Nintendo employee" then you will believe that the Wii will be hitting stores at the end of October and into early November depending on which part of the globe you call home.

According to Cubed3, which references this French article, a Nintendo employee who was apparently drunk confirmed the Wii will ship in early November to North America.

This makes sense to me as Nintendo will want to hit the Christmas market early. And while earlier rumors said the Wii would launch after American Thanksgiving we feel early November is in fact a better time to do it.

So for those Canucks who like to start their Christmas shopping after their Thanksgiving in mid-October get ready and start saving those loonies cause you should see the Wii shortly after you finish off that left over turkey ;)

I dunno.

I think Sony is going ot have a hard time pushing the PS3. Not only have we already heard that it may not be fully functional out of the gate but now certian key developers are also saying that the PS3 isn't designed to be a game console.

We heard about this a while back - how the cell processor is geared more towards audio and video and less at gaming. And at the time we thought that could just be some negative press being generated by M$, but now to have a developer criticize the console, well that's a whole other field.

Yet through all this negative publicity Sony still insists the console is a value.

Continue reading »

Remember the good old days when we'd come home from school and turn on your Genesis to play awesome games like Shinobi, Sonic and my favorite, Altered Beast? Well soon, you'll be able to relive those memories thanks to the folks over at Sega. It seems they will be coming out with a game titled Genesis Collection for the Playstation 2 and PSP. This game will be available sometime in November.

Supposedly, the game will have 28 games and have additional games to unlock. Some of the games on the list that have been mentioned are:

Sonic the Hedgehog
Altered Beast
Golden Axe (All three baby!)
Ecco the Dolphin
Phantasy Star
Shinobi (I think II)
Virtua Fighter 2

The original

My favorite part!

Hopefully, these will be all originals and not remakes. Either, way. I can't wait to get my hands on this!

-iamsiam

Back in January we told you of a liquid cooling project for the 360.

And while that hack wasn't the prettiest (although we've seen worse since) we felt it was a great idea considering the heat these next gen consoles can generate.

So that becomes the dillema - sacrifice style for performance. But then along comes this gem. It's a complete 360 cooling system that is not only functional but meshes alright with the look of the console.

Now of course if you can afford to shell out clost to $400 then it's worth it, however if you are cost conscious then perhaps one of the other frankensteinish mods is more suited to your budget.

So, now that you have that sucker cooled and running sweet, what do you do if you drop it?

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Is this more hype or more proof that the Microsoft Machine will soon be putting out a handheld gaming system? We will let you decide. According to Next Generation a a new report from The Diffusion Group suggests that Microsoft will use the recognition of the Xbox brand to enter the portable gaming market by either licensing portable gaming software or creating Xbox brand portable gaming hardware in late 2007/early 2008.

"While licensing the software is consistent with Microsoft's larger strategy, and no doubt Microsoft has endured many failures in regard to hardware plays, the success of the Xbox presents Microsoft with a unique opportunity," said Diffusion Group CEO and report co-author Michael Greeson. Coming soon to a Toys R Us near you?

- iamlegend

Joystiq has some interesting mockup pics showing what the Wii could look like in your home.

For example, did you ever want to know what the console would like like besides a GameCube? PS2? How about a DS?

I know, yawn, but someone thought it would be worthwhile.

For me - I'll just wait until I get the real thing in my hands.

Kotaku is floating rumors that Nintendo is out to change the name of it's new console again.

You know the one - it was called "Revolution" and then recently the name was changed to "Wii."

Well when they changed the name to Wii I went WTF??? After all "Revolution" sounds more grown up to me. "Wii" makes me think that it's a kids gaming console. Not only that but the name is kinda flaky overall.

Now Kotaku is saying that "Wii" may have been a big joke after all.

But according to Nintendo there is no impending name change. And really there shouldn't be.

Continue reading »

Yet another booooring PSP dock has been released by the folks over at 4gamers. Looks like this little docking station comes with 12 watt speaker system (Yawn) and a subwoofer. An IR remote along with a charging cord so your PSP can charge while it's in the dock. But really are you that lazy that you can't get up to use the PSP. They advertise this thing as a "Home Theatre" and maybe that's true for 1953 but 12 watts doesn't exactly cut it nowdays. Which leads me to my Question of the Week: Does anyone actually have a PSP Docking station? If you do what's the point?

- iamlegend

But what else is new?

They already own the desktop space and are making waves in search as well as online applications, so why not go after the console market.

Sure the Xbox is a good console, as is the 360 but now there are rumors that M$ wants a handheld as well??

Yes we've heard these rumors before, and this time the source may be no better, but if you believe the Inquirer's recent entry then you will believe that M$ really does have an agenda for a portable Xbox.

According to the article, M$ has tasked 30 Transmeta engineers as well as 1/2 of the current Xbox staff to work on the portable unit.

But wait there's more...

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Are you one of those gamers that used to mod your game systems?! Well now you can do the same to the PSP!

The folks over at Undiluted Platinum has come out with what's toughted as the first modchip for the PSP. The announcement about the chip came out along with diagrams to show the installation process of the chips. Each motherboard model has it's own set of installation process.

As of now they are only able to mod PSP's containing motherboards with model numbers TA-079, TA-080 and TA-081. The mod will not work on the new motherboard model TA-082. However, they are in the process of working on that as we speak.

And since the installation of something like this isn't an easy process, you might want to get some help. If you've got no experience modding then I recommend you spend the cash to get someone else to do it. It is better than having to buy a new PSP when you ruin it.

Now you're asking yourself, "Well, where can I get this chip and who's gonna install it for me?"

That's where ModChipStore.com comes in! You can a) buy the mod chip and install it yourself, b) have them install the chip professinally or c) buy a PSP with the chip already installed.

This is so awesome! I'm so excited, I might pee in my pants!

-iamsiam

So, if you want to get your hands on a PS3 and live in the UK you can preorder a console.

It's going to set you back over $1000 and there's no guarantee you will even get one before Christmas, assuming that's when you'd want it for.

So let's break this down: A PS3 which to me sounds like it will have problems and is built more as a media player than gaming console.

Plus you'll get a box that plays some obscure form of high definition DVD which some movie studios may not back, and you'll get a gaming console that may not properly play the games it is supposed to.

And to top it off, even if you pre-order and pre-pay you may not get it until 2007??

All that for a mere thousand bucks Sounds like a deal to me (NOT!!)

Not sure why these games are so big but they are. As iamsiam reported on earlier FInal Fantasy III is coming out soon for the Nintendo DS. Here is the trailer:

- IAMLEGEND

It seems like the in thing to do nowadays if your a government politician is pass a law banning the sale or rental of violent games to minors. After all, Oklahoma recently passed such a bill.

As I've said in the past, and I'll say it again, I dont' have a problem with this but what I do have a problem with is turning the vendors of these products into criminals if they don't enforce the laws.

I guess my point is this: why aren't the parents of these kids held more accountable? I have a son and I pay attention to what he's watching on TV or viewing on the computer as well as what games he plays online. Any games with violence or nudity are kept well away from him.

I don't feel the enforcement should fall solely on the vendor of these games. Sure they need to use common sense when selling the games - if 10 year old comes in looking for such a game them don't sell it, however where are the parents? Why aren't they monitoring what the 10 year old is dropping $50 or $60 on?

So to all the politicians I say - perhaps you should shift your focus a bit - maybe instead of putting the shop owner in jail, the parents should be made to take part of the blame whatever that may be.

It seems like it's been a while since there was any Wii news, then, all of a sudden, theres a bunch.

Well maybe not a bunch but I did come across a couple interesting posts on the Wii.

The first comes from Arstechnica and it explains, in broad terms, now the Wii controller will work. For example the auther wonders how the controller can keep itself oriented without some "control strip" as a point of reference. According to Nintendo it isn't as hard as it used to be and the technology is getting much less costly to implement.

The only drawback, however, seems to be that if you are too close or too far away from the console this calibration seems to cause some "drift" which games may have to compensate for. So what's "too close" or "too far away"? We don't know yet.

So, now that you know how it works we thought we'd give you a list of some of the games that have taken advantage of this motion.

Getwiid (cool name) has some games listed along with how the controller will be used with them. For example, with Excite Truck, "steering" the controller will cause the vehicle to turn. That's cool.

Tired of looking at the same font, background, and boot sounds on your PSP? Well here's something for you!

Looks like PSPupdates has a nice little application for you to use. It's titled "ThemePSP" and it allows you to change the themes on your PSP.

Go here to download the app.

Customize away my friends!

-iamsiam

We came across this simple mod so thought we should share it.

If you can solder and read simple instructions and don't mind modding your controller then you too can have continuous rapid fire on your Xbox. So what's worse? a hacked controller or wrist problems later in life?

If you said wrist problems then this hack is for you. It gives schematics and a short parts list (you can probably get the parts for around $10) and instructions on how to put the thing together and then add it into your controller.

A worthwhile hack that isn't going to break the bank or your Xbox.

Seems as if everyone these days wants to knock the PS3 a little.

It was just a few days ago we told you of a report in the Enquirer which talked about a Sony insider saying how the console was "slow and broken."

Now, believe it or not, M$ has got into the mudslinging, calling Sony ot the mat over the Cell processor.

According to Microsoft engineer Matt Lee, who works in Microsoft's Game Technology Group, the Cell processor isn't a gaming processor.

Continue reading »

Now that M$ has rolled out it's backwards compatibility update they've been kind enough to let us know which games are now playable, via the Major Nelson blog.

According to this post almost another 2 dozen games have been added (for a complete list, download this PDF, or visit this link to get the list of games available.

It's good to see M$ doing this. After all, what's the point of getting the "latest and greatest" console if your old games are useless?

I found this funny entry at Kotaku and had to share it.

According ot the site, Sony has made mistakes in spelling key words on the PS3.

The site has pictures taken showing the controller with a "Serect" button instead of "Select."

Seems kinda odd to me - after all you'd think they'd be a little more careful with somethin so important.

Of course we don't know if these are photoshopped either. But in any case it's pretty funny and worth the look.

There isn't much to say about this so I'll just link to it.

I thought it was kinda neat - check it out - some guy put an old NES controller on his phone so it looks like he's talking into the back side fo the controller

It was earlier this month when we heard about an "anonymous source" at Sony saying the PS3 was slow and broken.

At the time we rebuked this as bunk but apparently it may be true.

The folks at Kotaku have an interesting conversation with someone who is also supposed to be inside Sony who confirms that the PS3 has issues.

Now, this could be the same guy pulling some elaborate hoax, or it could be legit, but if Kotaku ran with it we're pretty sure it's legit.

So the lowdown? The PS3 sounds like it is slow and broken after all - components don't run to specs which could lead to a delay in the consoles release. Not only that all the hardware apparently doesn't fit in the case. Currently the only running PS3s out there are dev kits which come in a, shall we say, less than glamorous case.

And the units they proudly displayed at E3? Well they were dev kits too, but still they ran at 400 MHz less than expected.

Sony announce the new Playstation Signature brand a couple of weeks ago and this week they launched the official website. The site is available in both English and Japanese but unfortunately, Sony has no indications of offering this line outside of Japan.

If you wanted to visit the store then head over to Sony Computer Entertainment's headquarters in Japan Tokyo. There, you will find the products sold in the first floor. And you might want to hurry because they close at 4pm everyday. And they don't open on the weekends.

I wonder if they'll start coming out with things like this?

Imagine saying "PSP" instead of "LV" or the Sony game buttons on it. Classy.

-iamsiam

Well yet another state has passed a law making it illegal to sell video games to minors.

Bill HB3004 is due to take effect on November 1st 2006 and makes it illegal to sell or rent video games deemed "harmful to minors" which means the store or rental place will be obliged to check ID's before letting these games out the door.

I wouldn't expect this law to last though. Similar statues in Michigan, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Washington State and Illinois were found unconstitutional.

In fact, the Entertainment Software Association issued a statement shortly after this news was confirmed that they have filed suit in Oklahoma federal court to overturn this law.

Think cute girls playing video games are hot? Then be prepared to follow in Paris Hilton's footsteps and say "That's hot"!

Goo Game has posted a whole lot of pictures of girls in bikinis playing PSPs. Similar to those cuties at the game conventions we all drool at. Well some of us. Not me of course! Seems like they are playing the new puzzle game, "Korokoro Kollen", which comes out in the near future.

There are also videos at the top of the page. It's the purple and green buttons under the top pic. Scroll down further and you'll find the pictures.

All I have to say is "GENIUS!" Wish I thought of this.

Here's a sample. Enjoy!

THAT'S HOT

It seems as if everyone these days is comparing the 360 to the PS3. Even Yahoo! Videogames is getting into this "battle" over who has the best console.

And really, I don't think there is one best console. Each of the 3 top consoles this year offer unique advantages.

Really, these types of comparisons bug me on many levels. Do we really care which console gets more bang for the buck? I mean sure, if one CPU is a 1.2GHz and another is a 2.4GHz then we're going to care. But if one console can render 220,000 polygons while another can do 225,000 is that enough of a difference?

Continue reading »

In this third part in our series on interesting PS2 ads, we look at the ones I've chosen as the best.

These are just my personal favorites. While one of these did win an award, it's still my choice only. You may feel differently but that's your choice.

In part one of this short series we looked at some of the more interesting ways the PS2 has been pushed.

In part 2 I brought you what I thought were some of the more disturbing ones.

So, to round it all out I bring you this part - part 3 - with my picks for the top 3 creative ads for the PS2.

Continue reading »

In Our last entry we showed you some of the more interesting PS2 ads which have recently turned up.

While some are creative, there are some which are disturbing. In this article we have some more of those disturbing ones.

While some may call this art, or symbolism, I don't really think I see it. After all, you are selling a game console.

Continue reading »

It takes a lot to get our attention these days. When we watch TV or read a magazine or newspaper we tend to skip over the advertising. This is why advertisers need to get creative. They need to catch our attention with something risque or non-mainstream.

I think some of the PS2 ads do this quite well. In fact in some of the images you are about to see you will understand what I mean. The imagery is as subtle as the message behind it.

Be warned though, some of these images can be a little disturbing. Of course if you're a gamer not much disturbs you anymore ;)

Continue reading »

In a somewhat racy move Nintendo has just launched its "Touch Something New" Web Site. This whole Web Site is basically about people who like to touch and how the Nintendo DS is the perfect way to make that happen. It highlights their most "touchy" games and promotes some other weird stuff as well. Even the artwork is a little racy. It's not your childhood's Mario site.

View image

- iamlegend

Well that depends on if you believe what Sony Computer Entertainment president and CEO Ken Kutaragi says about the PS3.

He claims the PS3 is a computer because it will be upgradable. "If someone is familiar with PC building, he or she can upgrade easily PS3’s HDD."

Upgrading the hard drive is one thing, just as the ability to upgrade other drives. And the fact that it has standard PC ports doesn't necessarily make it a computer.

To me, a computer that you can upgrade gives you the ability to add or remove cards, upgrade ram, even upgrade the processor. However I find it highly unlikely that you will be able to pull out the PS3's processor and upgrade it when newer faster model processor comes out.

While Kataragi has a vision that the PS3 could be custom built to order, that doesn't mean that you'll have full control over the options.

It's just like your favorite vehicle. Some things are standard (like the CPU on the PS3) while some are optional (like the size of hard drive). They can't afford to build too much flexibility into the unit because that would leave to many potential exploits available. And you know what exploits means - a hacked or modded console that plays ripped games.

While Sony may delude itself into believing the PS3 is not a gaming console, don't let them fool you - because that's all it is. A console that thinks it is a computer.

According to Nintendo president Satoru Iwata, the company doesn't anticipate heavy losses on the Wii hardware.

At a recent news conference in Tokyo, Iwata said that while he doesn't expect huge losses, he also doesn't expect the console to break even. But considering that the DS is doing so well globally, with sales ever increasing, I don't think the Wii's loses, whatever they are, will hurt Nintendo.

By comparison, Sony has predicted an almost billion dollar loss for its games division for the current fiscal year, because of the cost of launching the PlayStation 3 while Microsoft recently admitted that costs for launching the Xbox 360 were "higher than expected."