So we've heard that Sony plans on releasing the PS3 within a few days before the Wii. In fact it sounds like the PS3 will hit store shelves just days before the Wii.

And while these 2 consoles will be aimed at different markets it will be interesting to see how the console wars play out this Christmas season.

For example, the Wii will have a fairly prominent place in most stores, as will Sony. Bloomberg is reporting that Sony will have five times the number of PlayStation 3 demo kiosks in the US and Canada compared to the number of units used for the PS2. the company will place 15,000 kiosks in the US and Canada during the holidays at a cost of $30 million. The PS2 only had 3,000 at its introduction.

Well that's the good news. The bad news, according to a recent survey is that gamers want their rumble packs back.

While this comes as no surprise to me it does indicate that Sony will have to do a lot to win people back to the PlayStation line. But what can they offer in exchange for controller vibration? Only time will tell.

Whew!! That's good!

Nintendo has bashed all rumors saying that Nintendo would only be shipping a paltry 1 million Wii consoles worldwide. In fact, that number is about 1/4 of what the company has annouced it will ship.

IGN is reporting that Nintendo has announced plans that it expects to ship 4 million Wii consoles by the end of 2006.

This is great news for those of us who want one. But wait there's more.
In an Interview with ABC, Nintendo U.S. boss Reggie Fils-Aime says he plans to be there personally handing out the first Wii consoles in NYC.

According to various reports, including this one Sony may be pricing it's games at between $75 and $84.

So the question becomes would you be willing to pay that much for a game? I mean, I can't remember if I've ever seen console game prices that high.

Hmm, maybe this is a way for Sony to recoup some of the losses it's expecting on the sale of the PS3 consoles?

If you are like me you are watching with eager eyes how the Wii release will play out.

That's because Nintendo is gambling it's future in a sense. Rather than taking the "more processing power = better graphics" road that Microsoft and Sony have taken with their new consoles, Nintendo has opted to release a console with less power, and significantly weaker graphics.

However Nintendo is also going after a different market - people on a budget. And my feeling is that this strategy will work out fine for them. Especially when there are reports that Nintendo will spend more on advertising for the Wii launch than any other console they've released.

My suggestion to you is, if you haven't pre-ordered you better do it fast cause I have a feeling that these are going to be the hottest selling consoles in a long while.

In other Wii news, the console hasn't even hit the market yet someone somewhere has managed to get their hands on the now famous nunchuk controller and ripped it apart. You can find complete details with pics here.

THANK YOU! I know you enjoyed that title as much as I did!

Well there is more news on Microsofts new music player, Zune. Microsoft has finally released the price for the device ($249.99) and a release date (November 14th). The music service will charge 99 cents a song and will also have a $14.99 monthly subscription plan.

So it looks like this is a direct plan to go for apple's audience. But the question is, what will make people switch to the Zune? Right now, Apple controls 80% of the hard drive mp3 player market. All the songs these Apple users have, are most likely purchased through iTunes and are theirs to keep. The Zune will most likely not be able to play the songs from iTunes which means to convert to the Zune player, owners would have to not only purchase the player priced close to a 30 GB iPod but either repurchase all their songs or find a way to convert them to a file capable of playing on the Zune. Sure there work arounds like burning the songs as an audio cd and then reimporting them onto your computer as an mp3 but that takes time and work which some might not want to do. Another method would be to do the montly subscription but remember that once the subscription is terminated, the songs are gone. So converting to the Zune does not only involve purchasing the player, it involves converting the music too. So, why would people go spend $250 on a player knowing that they will have to do some conversion work which will cost time and possibly more money when they can spend that $250 on a new iPod? Lets face it. Everyone likes the path of least resistance right? So it seems that the majority of the 80% will stay with Apple. They've got too much invested in it to just up and leave. The Zune will need to have a better incentive if they want to take a portion of the market away from Apple.

Furthermore, management for Zune has admitted that the player will not make any profits this year. That's basically telling me, that prices could go up in the future somewhere. Whether it be the monthly subscription, the single music download or the player itself. Something will be raised to make this a profitable venture. And that just means more spending on the consumer.

As of right now, I'm finding little incentives to want to buy a Zune if I was already an iPod owner. I guess we'll just wait and see what happens in November.

-iamsiam

Excited about the release of Grand Theft Auto on the PSP?!

Well good news my friends! There's a new official trailer out. So go ahead and head over for there website. Click here. The game will be due out this October. Until then, watch and enjoy!

-iamsiam

Gee, M$ is full of good news lately. You think all these announcements are because of the competition set to hit the stage in the next couple months?

I'm referring to the recently announced "upgrade" which lets you get close to 1080i resolution, and the news about Platinum set to launch very soon.

Now comes word that M$ is going to offer free repairs to any 360 console purchased before January 1 of this year according to a post on the official Xbox forums. further, customers who have already paid for repairs will receive checks in the mail within 5-8 weeks to cover their costs.

Well it's good to see that M$ is willing to fork out to fix its own screwups. Kinda nice that they are agreeing that there were problems early on, in a roundabout way, by offering to pay for these repairs.

This is kind of a fun site to check out.

N-Sider.com not only has a countdown timer politely informing us of when the Wii is due to hit store shelves, but they've also created a calculator to help you budget for the impending date.

Simply click this link to go to the site and price out a Wii in your area.

My cost came in at over $1000. Guess I better start saving :)

There was a lot of news out of the Tokyo Game Show relating to the PS3. My guess is that Sony realizes they have lots of damage control to do so they are making more of a public effort. But I'm very cynical about the PS3 so my judgement may be a little clouded in this instance :) .

In any case our first news comes from Engadget. One of their contributors was quick enough to capture some pics of what the PS3 will look like, packaging and all. These are actual pics from the TGC.

Meanwhile, elsewhere at the convention, both Slashdot and Kotaku are reporting the Sony has announced that HDMI ports will be included on ALL models of the PS3, not just the ultra expensive models. That means if you want to buy the cheaper version and still get HDMI you will now be able to.

But wait, it gets better. Sony also announced a price drop on the console. Sure the price drop is for Japan only currently, but what do you want to be that they will be announcing a similar price cut for North America in the coming weeks?

Well folks, it looks like the long awaited GPS receiver for the Playstation Portable is here! At Sony's TGS Booth, the product debuted for the first time and will be available in Japan around December. The receiver was available for everyone to see but unfortunately, no one was able to get a hands on experience.

From the pictures, you can see that it is not that big at all. And that means the weight has got to be pretty light as well which is great news. And it looks like you'd just be able to plug it in up top and let the receiver do its magic!

As for software, it doesn't look like there was any new software with the new GPS receiver but Sony did announce some titles that will support the GPS unit.

One software, that will supposedly utilize the GPS unit is Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. The game will allow you to use the GPS unit to "recruit new soldiers". Wow! That's so cool!

You think that's it? Oh no sir! There's more! Sony also added some new colors to the PSP. Sony displayed at the TSG, PSPs in red, blue, silver and camo. So far there aren't any official news from Sony about the release of these yet. I guess we'll have to wait and see. Until then, enjoy the picture!

-iamsiam

First let me apologize for not posting lately - between trying to get caught up from a few days away and various computer problems I've been swamped.

But now that things are back to normal let's get to it.

M$ has announced a new program called Xbox Platinum which is actually going to be a re-release of popular titles in a budget line.

There will only be 4 titles to start: Perfect Dark Zero, Project Gotham Racing 3, Kameo: Elements of Power and Need for Speed Most Wanted, and M$ plans to sell these at a much lower price than before.

Xbox 360 Platinum Hits titles will retail for $29.99. Microsoft said that this is just the first wave of games, and the second is to hit in spring 2007.

Sales should begin around Mid-October.

Ewww sicko! Thats not what I meant. I meant which game company. Is it Sony? Or are you a DS kinda person. Check out Wired Magazine quick review of who and what is making each system shine. They have reviews of Star Fox Command, Ultimate Ghosts and Goblins and the PSP's LocoRoco. Enjoy!

- iamlegend

A couple of days ago Microsoft announced that a 360 software update would enable 1080p resolution on the console, putting it on par with the PS3.

At least that's what M$ says. The software update will be for Xbox 360 consoles worldwide in fall, and will allow for 1080p game and video output. It's not clear which future games will support the highest resolution.

This update, along with the rumored HD-DVD will provide a competitor to the PS3 which, up until now, was the only console to offer HD by means of the controversial Blu-Ray system.

Well today Sony responded via Kotaku and as you'd expect they are downplaying the upgrade, referring to it as "just a compatibility feature -- upscaling lower-resolution content does not make it Full HD (1080p), something that PS3 can do out of the box.."

You know, for once I think Sony is right.

If you're like me and love the game Wipeout Pure, then you're in for some bad news. Sony just announced that they will end the download service for the Japan version of Wipeout Pure on October 31. Speculation leads us to believe that the US version's site will do the same in the future. So get downloading and get everything from the site you can so you'll have it when you need it.

For those who don't know much about Wipeout Pure, let me tell you! It's a futuristic racing game where you race very fast hovercrafts through tracks carved out in the city! It's all about speed and winning baby!

-iamsiam

So I'm back now.

Just wanted to give you a head's up. I was away for a few days. I had a high school reunion to attend. It was a day drive to where I grew up and a day back. Driving through snow (yes you read right - snow) wasn't fun, but the reunion was great.

Anyways I just wanted to do a quick post to let you know that I will be returning to active duty now :)

Nintendo is touting its Wi-Fi Connection figures once again, as the online gaming service has just passed the two million unique players mark.

ImageNintendo of America senior VP of marketing George Harrison said confidently, "Our handheld leadership will continue unabated with today's launch of Star Fox Command and the anticipation of our upcoming Wi-Fi titles."

The shooter Star Fox Command earned an 8/10 from IGN and a 7.5/10 from GameSpot, and will offer online dogfighting.
Nintendo also boasted of the 70 million individual game sessions logged during the service's nine months of operation. The company expects that figure to rise as more titles utilize Wi-Fi Connection capabilities.

- iamlegend

So, you were probably wondering (as was I) with all the PS3 "concerns" lately, how would Sony deal with online gaming?

Well, it was recently announced during a Viacom earnings call (Viacom is the company which bought Xfire in April for $102 million) that "Xfire just signed a deal with Sony to create a version of their platform for the new PS3, which will now enable Xfire to extend its reach further into the huge console gaming market."

So why would Sony do this? Well, for one thing, Xfire is a proven service. This will allow Sony to compete much more quickly with the more established Xbox Live service offering.

With the recent problems hindering the PS3, I think this is a wise move. I don't know what Sony would do if they had problems with their own online platform in addition to what they've had to deal with lately.

Yes you read right.

Some enterprising individual has completed the ultimate mod - he's modded his Xbox 360 into a laptop. Well not any old Windows laptop but one that still functions as a 360. Guess you could call it a portable 360??

It still have all the same connectors to go out to your video source but it also includes an LCD screen and keyboard. Best of all it's less than 3 inches thick!

Here is page 1 of the journey. Be sure to follow all the links through to Page 5 - the finished product!

Today, Apple introduced a new version of the fifth generation iPod. The new model has a larger storage capacity as well as a long battery life. Another add on is, support for video games! The new 30GB will have 14 hours of battery life for music playback and 3.5 hours of video playback. The 80GB will have 20 hours for music playback and 5.5 hours for video playback. The display is also 60% brighter as well!

The games will be sold through iTunes for $4.99 each. Right now, these are available: Bejeweled, Cubis 2, Mahjong, Mini Golf, Pac-Man, Tetris, Texas Hold’em, Vortex and Zuma. All that needs to be done is to download the game from iTunes (which works on its own after you pay for it) and then sync the ipod up and you're ready to go!

Here's the link to the official site.

-iamsiam

Ubisoft has been making some headlines this past week with announcements on some games to come and Sony unveils more accessories for the PSP.

Rainbow Six meets Vegas

Looks like the popular squad-based game is going to Sin City. Last week, Ubisoft announced it's venturing towards the PlayStation Portable. This game will be similar to console version but will have some slight changes. The game will have a parrallel storyline to the console game version and there will be new characters to play.

In single mode, you'll be playing the role of either assault specialist Armstrong or sniper Rivers. You'll be able to flip back and forth between the two and between first person and third person views. Playing in multiplayer will allow six players.

Look for this game to be in stores near christmas time!

Prince of Persia back to PSP

Ubisoft announced this week that Prince of Persia: Rival Swords will be making its debut on the PSP in 2007.

The same crew that created Prince of Persia Revelations for the PSP will be doing this project and looks like it will follow in the same format, meaning it will build on Prince of Persia: The Two Thrones.

Some new additions to this game will be more exclusive levels and multiplayer modes geared towards us portable gaming fans. There's a versus mode pitting the Prince in timed races with the Dark Prince (not to be confused with Ozzy who's the F-ing Prince of Darkness).

Now on to Sony gear!

Sony collaborated with Puma and has come out with some cool bags for their new PS Pictogram line. Some are just messenger like bags or backpacks but there's also cases for the PSP. Check out some of the products coming out:

-iamsiam

As we get closer to the Wii launch, more and more buzz is getting generated.

And in response to last weeks announcement that Sony has been forced to downgrade PS3 shipping estimates, Nintendo has come along to say they are doing just fine thank you very much.

That's right, according to Next-Gen "Nintendo of America said in an official statement, "Wii is on track to ship in Q4. Nintendo plans to ship 6 million systems to retailers around the world between its launch in the fourth quarter of 2006 and the end of its fiscal year on March 31, 2007."

Hot on the heels of that announcement, we find out from our friends at Kokatu that some outlets have begun advertising the Wii at $150 while Lik-Sang is now taking pre-orders with no deposit!

So if you were in the market for a Wii, now may be the time to get it. Because even at 6 million units this is going to be the hottest console out this year.

So the boys over at CNET came up with a PSP Wishlist of everyting that should of been added to the PSP but for sure better make it into the PSP2. I agree wholeheartedly on their list:

Wish-list of items for the existing PSP:
1) Skype support to make Internet calls (includes accessory headset).

2) Support for Slingbox. Yes, I know you sell Location-Free TV, but why bother selling the hardware when you can make more money teaming up with Sling and selling a PSP-version of its Slingbox mobile application for $34.95?

3) Built-in instant-messaging applications. In addition to Mylo's Yahoo Instant Messenger and Google Talk, let's see AIM as well.

4) Better e-mail integration. How 'bout some quick ways to check Yahoo Mail and Gmail. I know Microsoft properties (MSN, Hotmail, Live Mail) are off limits, but why not some e-mail apps from popular companies that you aren't competing with? Say, Google Desktop for PSP?

5) Keyboard accessory (see above).

6) A video-output cable so I can watch videos and play games on TV. Come on, it doesn't have to be digital or anything. Gimme some crappy analog video output, so I don't have to resort to one of those awful camera hoods. (The developer versions of the PSP have video output, by the way.)

7) Connect me. And by that, I mean your Connect music/video service that's supposed to give iTunes a run for its money. I know, it's been delayed. But the PS3 isn't the only horse in the race, and there are millions of content-hungry PSP owners already out there.

- iamlegend

by now you've already heard this, but since we were moving our site we felt we should report on it anyways.

There are numerous reports out confirming that the European launch of the PS3 will be sometime in the spring of 2007 - some 4 months later than the original November launch.

Sources explain that due to Sony's inability to build the units, mostly due to shortages in various components, Sony has been forced to cut back on it's production forecasts.

This lowering of forecasts has forced Sony to rethink it's global launch plans.

At this point shipments to the US and Asia aren't affected, but I guess we'll have to wait and see if that changes.

Yet another reason to love your Nintendo DS. Check out this great page with all the Nintendo DS Linux apps you can think of. It's basically a 26 page PDF introducing you on how to hack your Nintendo DS to use Linux on it released under the Creative Commons license. Sweet!

- iamlegend

There are many in the gaming world who hack or mod their console to play ripped games or homebrew.

And while we here at consoleconspiracy don't have an opinion one way or another about the legality of such extra-curricular activities we do find it refreshing to see a useful hack.

Engineers at Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, have modified an Xbox console to assist stroke patients, according to this press release.

From the release:

"The Rutgers hand rehabilitation system is an example of virtual rehabilitation, which combines virtual reality – computer-generated interactive visual environments in which users control actions in a lifelike way – with traditional therapy techniques. Virtual rehabilitation gives therapists new tools to do their jobs more effectively and engages patients who may otherwise lack interest or motivation to complete normal exercise regimens."

Way to go Rutgers Engineers!!

Now if they can only bypass security on the 360 they'd have an upgrade path for their new instrument :)

You know, as a new console gets closer and closer to launch date you expect there to be more news.

And generally there is, however you also expect it to be good news. But in the case of the PS3 that doesn't seem to be the case. After you read the following you too will begin to wonder how the heck Sony figures they are going to pull it off.

So let's get to it. The news started out ok when Gizmodo reported that the PS3 will help with the Folding @ Home project. While it was only a demonstration of the PS3's abilities we hope it will make it into production. For those who don't know, Folding @ Home is an innovative project that is desiged to use unused processor cycles to help with things like mapping the human Genome (DNA).

While that was all fine and good, the bad news started to trickle in...

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