There have been some recent earnings reports and some other chest thumping going on in the console industry so I thought i'd bring those to you.

The first deals with earnings.

Gamasutra is reporting that Nintendo saw their profits up 72% over last year. This dramatic increase was credited largely to the DS, with 10.9 million units sold in the first six months of this year alone.

Sony, on the other hand, has reported that their profits have dropped by 94% over this time last year. The company attributes this largely to the battery recall and PS3 start-up costs.

Now for the chest thumping reporting: According to Microsoft, operating incomes and revenue for the company were up 11 percent over the same July-September period last year. Microsoft claims there are six million Xbox 360s worldwide and boasts that Xbox Live membership currently stands at four million users.

Before we get to the power hungry money pit part, lets take a look at the PS3's latest ad which recently appeared on fox:

Kinda freaky hey? But wait, there's more...

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According to a post at Slashdot popular electronics vendor Lik-Sang has been forced to close.

A release on the Lik-Sang website goes on to explain:

"Lik-Sang.com, the popular gaming retailer from Hong Kong, has today announced that it is forced to close down due to multiple legal actions brought against it by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe Limited and Sony Computer Entertainment Inc."

Well. That just sucks!

According to this report (in Japanese) there could be some issues with the PS3's new wireless controllers.

that is because the controller will have to be paired to the console via the USB cable before play. This pairing process will be required each time the console has been shut down and turned back on, or - given the rough translation - possibly every time the controller has lost power.

However, it doesn't appear that going into standby mode will cause the same issues.

Oh, and if you were wondering about battery life, it appears the controller is expected to get about 30 hours of playtime out of one 2.5 hour charge. On the downside, the batteries don't appear to be replacable so when they start not holding a charge the controller will likely have to get sent in for repair.

Now, one would think that since the 360 has a year head start, it should have way more games than the to-be-released competition.

But here is where you'd be wrong.

You see, SiliconEra has a great report on the 3 main players and shows us what games each has now.

Here are some interesting facts:

Xbox has 58 exclusive titles, followed closely by Wii with 46 and PS3 with 35. What's interesting is that most of the 360's titles are still in development.

On the eve of the PS3 launch, Microsoft came out swinging. It says that it has updated it's Live data to reflect the fact that they no have over 4 million members. Microsoft 1, Sony 0.

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Remember the Signature PSP lineup Sony has? Well Sony teamed up with Coca Cola and made 1300 Coca Cola Special Editions PSP bundles. Each bundle comes with a PSP with the Coca Cola logo on it and a Hot Shots game complete with Coca Cola themes added throughout the game. There are advertisments throughout the game, clothes for the characters and even bottleshaped golf clubs.

These bundles were given out as part of a contest that is now over but you're still able to get your hands on one if you've got the money. Someone has posted one on ebay. You even the get the prize letter from Coke!

-iamsiam

There is an interesting interview over at GameIndustry.biz where Sony's worldwide studios boss Phil Harrison explains that they are already approaching the 25 GB limit on the blu-ray discs.

And no, it's not the movies causing this. In fact, according to Harrison, it's the games themselves.

It seems that the games are getting more complex and just plain bigger. Combine that with the graphics capacity needed and one can see how a 4.4 Gig DVD just won't cut it.

So what does that mean for the gaming industry. If 25 gig isn't enough for today's games, what's it going to be like in a year or 2 for now? Are we going to have (as in the past) multiple discs for popular games?

I remember when Shen-Mue came out for the Dreamcast and it was more than a single disc. How long did that one take to play? Can you imaging a 50 or 75 Gig game?

I came across a few interesting articles recently which are Nintendo and Wii focused but do a pretty good job of comparing the new console (and company) to other things; other consoles, other companies, and even those other company's strategies.

For example, Daily Game has a great article explaining how the Wii might just save the console game market. This is because unlike the PS3 and 360 whose audiences are generally older, hard core gamers, the Wii is aiming for a younger audience. The teens, tweens and even youngers. My take is this: Nintendo hopes to attract this "new" audience now and keep them through the hardcore gaming years with better and more advanced consoles over time.

And then there's the story on ArsTechnica.

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You know, it's amazing how infatuated we become with new stuff.

Take the Wii for example. Someone got their hands on a Wii box and took pictures of it:

Now at first glance you're probably saying "ya so what?" And that's what I thought too when I first saw it. But take a second look at the box and read through the list of what's included.

Of particular interest to me was #8 - the "Wii Startup Disc"

What do you suppose that is? Firmware to be loaded? Perhaps some other kind of system initialization?

Seems to me that if Nintendo throws out a console with holes people are going to find ways to exploit them. I can just see it now: "Before you insert your startup disc, do this:" followed by some instructions to allow you to play backups.

But that's just my theory.

There is a new gamers community out there, but not one you'll be familiar with.

It's a society which claims to protect gamers rights and it's called "The Entertainment Consumers Association" and it is a non-profit society set up to "serve the needs of those who play computer and video games." The society is formed by Industry veteran Hal Halpin.

I say verteran because prior to the ECA, Halpin founded the industry’s retail trade association, Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association (IEMA), which merged with the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) to form the Entertainment Merchants Association (EMA) in 2006.

The goal appears to be to ensure that consumers rights are represented when it comes to gaming. That means, whenever there is some legislature to be passed which could limit our access to games, the society may step in to represent those who buy games.

I think it's a great idea, lets hope it works out!

Check this out. Who needs a PSP when you can have a portable PS2? This little gadget runs every PS2 game excpet maybe for Guitar Hero or Final Fantasy XII. However as people pointed out it took a full day of sanding alone to get it to look like this and it's not for sale. Only thing I wonder is why is their no video of it running any of the PS2 games? Seems kinda weird. Maybe a story for the Console Conspiracy dudes....

- iamlegend

It's been a while since we heard about Gizmondo. In fact the last story we published on the doomed Company was back in May.

So it's good to see that others haven't given up on following up this story.

Wired has an incredible arcticle which takes us through the Giz saga. It is a long read, so be sure to take plenty of bathroom breaks, and for gods sake blink your eyes :).

I'm kidding, it's not really that long but it is chock full of interesting tidbits on how something as small as a fender bender (if you can call wrecking a priceless Ferarri a fender bender) can lead to the downfall of an up-and-coming tech company.

Granted the accident wasn't the end of the company. No that was bound to happen, but the article does highlight what went wrong. I definitely give it 2 big hair thumbs up.

We got this from here

"Team-XBMC and The XBMC Project is proud to announce the release of XboxMediaCenter 2.0.0. XBox Media Center (XBMC) is an award winning, free and open source media player for the Xbox™ game-console. The XboxMediaCenter 2.0.0 point-release source code has now been set in our CVS. We consider that the current code in the XBMC CVS is as stable as a point-release should be. All XBMC users are highly encouraged to upgrade to this stable Xbox Media Center 2.0.0 point-release. Remember, the XBMC source code needs to be compiled with the XDK, and requires a modded Xbox to run. Our thanks goes out to everyone who has tested, reported bugs, and helped fix them in order to make this release possible.

There are many new features and functions that have been introduced since the 1.1.0 point-release, that we cannot list them all here. A few that are especially worth mentioning are; the enhanced GUI/skin-engine, the Project Mayhem III skin, DVD-Video menu/navigation support (with ISO/IMG image parsing), RAR/ZIP archive parsing, a new audio/music-player (PAPlayer) with crossfade, gapless playback and ReplayGain support, Karaoke CDG-file display, Xored Trainer Engine (gaming-cheats), XLink Kai (online-gaming) front-end, iTunes 6.x DAAP and UPnP-clients, and two surprise features; read-only support for FAT12/16/32 formatted USB Mass Storage Devices up to 4GB in size, and a brand new "skinnable" 3D visualizer.

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If you've been watching Wii news closely you may have noticed that the Wii has a blue light that is sometimes on and sometimes off. So the folks over at Kotaku decided to find out why that is. According to the article "The final retail Wii will have the blue light, but not constantly during play. Instead, it will glow when the console is fired up, so players in pitch black rooms will be able to insert game discs. There will only be a green light on during play."

According to Digital Journal there are many analysts who feel the Wii will cause problems for Sony mostly because of the production numbers beginning to circulate. Nintendo has already stated that we should see more Wii consoles at launch than originally expected, and as many as 9 million more consoles available in 2007 than originally forecast. Compare that with Sony's ever decreasing release numbers and you can see why the Wii is going to be a headache for Sony.

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So this is the Wii roundup, as the title suggests, and I've left this for last mostly because there seems to be more Wii news than anything, so let's get into it:

It should come as no surprise that Nintendo insiders think the Wii could move Nintendo from 3rd to 1st in the console wars, so This interview with Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime shouldn't come as a shock. In fact if I heard anything less from anyone at Nintendo just days before the console launch I'm sure that would be the last thing we'd hear from them as a company rep again.

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In Part 1 we brought you some of the news from early October for the PS3. In this part of the "mini-series" we hope to catch you up on all the latest PS3 news.

The week started strong, with NextGen reporting that Sony in Japan has announced the price for two of its upcoming launch titles for the PS3. Pricing wasn't too terrible for these 2 titles - at about $50 and $60. However our sources tell us that this is about as cheap as they are going to get. Unless you want recycled titles like "Sonic the Hedgehog" or "Sega Golf", be prepared to pay a lot more for new PS3 games.

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As promised last week, I am continuing my "wrap up" of PS3 news since the beginning of October. And there was a lot so without further delay let's get started.

Early last week, Gamespot Forums brought us photos of an incredibly large PS3 kiosk spotted in a store. No mention of which store however, but the size of the thing is impressive.

The, NextGen reported that Michael Denny, VP of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studio, commented how PS3 owners will use their PS3 as "a platform for user-generated content." What the heck does that mean? That the PS3 will be a glorified blogging machine? I highly doubt it. But with the addition of a cam, and internet connection one could see how the PS3 could be used for "user-generated content." However unless it also comes with an automatic login to MySpace or YouTube I don't really see how that could happen.

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No that's the actual name of the game. WTF. Although it doens't stand for what it should stand for. It stands for Work Time Fun. By playing minigames, or jobs on this PSP game, you earn paychecks. This unlocks new minigames - there are a total of 35 - and gives you money for gumball machines that will randomly give you collectible trinkets. Among the more than 400 trinkets are toy airplanes, fish sausage rings, and Judo Priest skulls. In addition to trinkets - no, they don't do anything - you'll sometimes get utilities for your PSP. These include a world clock, a Bingo number picker, a restaurant bill splitter, and Eye Spy, which lets you play with various pairs of eyes. Look around with the analog stick and blink with the shoulder buttons. There are robot eyes, cat eyes, and eyes of different genders and ethnicities.

But to really get a sense for WTF's weird vibe, you'll want to get the Ramen timer. You set the timer and then are treated to a full screen video of a man wearing nothing but a Speedo and cheap jewelry. "My Ramen muscles twitch," he says, badly dubbed. "Flex, flex." It makes no sense, but it will help you steep your noodles. That's not a euphemism...

- iamlegend

As promised, I have been (and still continue to) collect the latest console news.

Therefore I thought I'd start my wrapups with the 360. I did this because all M$ is doing at the moment is playing catchup and trying to soften the blow of not one but two new consoles coming out this Christmas season.

Therefore while there is 360 news, it's not all that earth shattering.

Because there is so much I'm going to make this an extended post, so be sure to click on the "read more" link to see the whole post!

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Hey all!

Found this great deal on a 1GB Memory Stick and just ordered it so it's legit!

A friend told me about this so here's what you do:

1. Create a Google Checkout account.
2. Go to Buy.com and add the memory stick to your cart. Should be around $35.
3. Make sure to use Google Checkout as your payment method and you'll be able to use the coupon that will take $10 off a $30 order which now makes your memory stick $25.
4. Fill out the mail-in rebate for $15 off which makes the memory stick $10.
DONE!

But hurry! The rebate expires on Oct 15. Don't worry! you can still send in the rebate up to Nov 15th. You just need to purchase it by Oct 15.

The rebate also works for other types of memory cards so check it out and see if you can utilize this great deal for something else.

Mine is on the way! I can't wait!

-iamsiam

No I haven't died, just been super busy - got a lot of project wrapping up right now.

But I have been collecting news, so I hope to make some monster posts soon. be sure to check back!

The new GPS software for the PSP is shaping up sweet. MAPLUS navigation system will ship in December and have GPS mapping and navigation functions tailored for folks walking, biking, or driving and will include points of interest. It appears that mapping information can be updated via the Web and be stored on the Memory Stick. Pricing for the software is currently undecided.

The GPS attachment will also be used for games, including the upcoming golf title Everybody's Golf Course, a spin off of the Minna no Golf series. Using real world golf courses, the GPS functions can be used during your real life golf game to give you location feedback while on the links. Metal Gear Portable Ops will also take advantage of the GPS attachment to give you location specific maps. This new gameplay mode will require you to go to specific locations to interact with enemies.

Finally a good use for your PSP....just kidding iamsiam!

- iamlegend

This is great. Check out the Nintendo DS ripoff from China it's called The Neo Double Games. Here's some of the great review from the site:

It isn't until you heft it that the differences become apparent. The Neo Double Games Lite feels very cheap and light, like there's nothing in it. But when you open it up, it almost falls out of your hands. It's incredibly clunky and awkward to hold. The hinges aren't very tight, so the heavy top screen keeps flopping around. The D-pad is more akin to the Playstation D-pad, and the X, Y, A, and B buttons have been replaced by two big arrows: A and B.

- iamlegend

Nintendojo apparently has sources in Nintendo who have confirmed that some Wii games will offer GameCube controller support. Not only that but if you have a WaveBird wireless controller these too may also work.

Some more tips from the article:

• WaveBirds and GameCube controllers can be used with all GameCube games and select Wii Disc games.


• WaveBirds are used as Nintendo GameCube controllers, so they need to use the receivers.


• The WaveBird receiver does indeed fit into the top of Wii.


• WaveBird and GameCube controller compatibility with Virtual Console games has not been announced. Nintendo will release more details about Virtual Console games and controls closer to launch.

So there you go - don't go getting rid of that GameCube just yet.

Here's some news that will get you drooling!

This is big news for anyone who has a PSP and plans to purchase the PS3 whenever it does come out.

At CEATEC JAPAN 2006, Sony was showing some of the cool features the PS3 will have. One thing to take notice is on the Cross Media Bar which all PSP owners know what I'm talking about. If not, then let me tell you. It's sort of a menu for you to choose from songs, internet acces to playing games.

The demo showed that Sony added "Remote Play" under the "Network" icon and you can tell it's shaped like a PSP. Furthermore, Sony confirmed that by integrating the WiFi function on the PS3, you'd be able to view the game on your PSP. Unfortunately, only the 60GB PS3 has the integrated WiFi so it looks like this cool function will not work with the 20GB verson.

There's been some speculations that this cool function will also allow you to use your PSP to control PS3 games! But wait! There's more!!! You'd be able to view PS3 games on your PSP! Wow!!! That would be so cool! But what would be cool is if you were able to have the view geared towards the player. For example, in games like Madden you'd be able to use your PSP screen to choose which plays to run without letting your oponents see. Or in shooting games you'd have a first person POV without having to share the screen! Imagine the possibilities!!!

Furthermore, there's been other speculations that the PSP can be used to view movies that are played on the PS3s using the new Blu-ray technology.

So I guess we'll just have to wait and see what Sony will do with this new function. Can't wait!

-iamsiam

Our friends over at Kotaku have found out some interesting information.

According to this entry on their site, which was captured from a forum, Bestbuy has huge plans for marketing both the Wii and PS3.

It's interesting to see where BestBuy wants to put their emphasis. Look at the documents closely and you will see that those who want to try out the PS3 will get to sit on comfortable lazyboy's while Wii players get lawn chairs.

Nice!

Love rockin on the guitar but realize you have no talent to play for real? Like playing Guitar Hero? Well in '92 the Playstation 2 had Gitaroo Man which had a character use a magical guitar to save the world and is now making a comeback on the PSP!

Title, Gitaroo Man Lives!, this is basically the orginal game revamped with new songs, duet mode and versus mode which will utilize the PSP's wireless capabilities.

Look for it in stores nationwide November 14 for the price of $39.99!

-iamsiam

In a recent article posted on Vnunet it is reported that M$ has decided to upgrade the 360 in 2007. However the article also goes on to say that the company has made no guarantees that they would take advantage of the faster processors.

While one would think that a faster processor means that the 360 would ultimately perform faster it appears that this may not be the case. Guess we'll have to wait and see.

And if you were waiting for details on the HD-DVD, wait no longer. Kotaku is reporting that the new drive will sell for less than $200 in the US starting in "mid-November." It will come with an HD disc (King Kong) and a remote. M$ expects to see 150 movies by the end of the year in the HD-DVD format.