German newspaper BILD has claimed that the Nintendo 3DS will launch on 11th November in Japan for the equivalent of 200 Euro (£170).
The report went on to say that the 3DS would arrive in Europe next spring with Mario Kart 3DS, Professor Layton and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D.
Nintendo has not officially said when the 3DS will launch in Japan, Europe or North America, but it is planning to date and price the new handheld on Wednesday 29th September.
Third parties have hinted at a spring launch for Europe while a Japanese peripheral manufacturer recently tweeted a 20th November date.
Last week the technical specifications for the 3DS were reportedly leaked. Digital Foundry rifled through them to make sense of the new dual-screen, 3D-enabled handheld.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
MadCatz details locked-out PS3 pads
Peripheral manufacturer Mad Catz has assured users that the vast majority of its PlayStation 3 controllers continue to function after Sony's recent 3.50 firmware update.
The controversial update reportedly shut out a number of third party peripherals, including some Mad Catz add-ons. The company has just issued a statement detailing the extent of the problem.
"With the exception of a small quantity of controllers sold before 2008, we believe that all Mad Catz products will continue to function as they did prior to the 3.50 Firmware update including high profile products such as our range of Street Fighter IV FightSticks and Wireless FightPads; our range of controllers and accessories for Call of Duty; our Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 Wireless FlightStick; our wired and wireless control pads; and our range of Rock Band accessories."
The controllers that no longer work are the 2008 wireless PS3 GamePad, the 2008 wired PS3 GamePad and the PS3 wireless MicroCon.
Prior to issuing the 3.50 firmware update, Sony had warned, "SCEA does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates."
If you are experiencing a problem with any of its controllers, Mad Catz has advised getting in touch with its customer services department to organise a replacement.
The controversial update reportedly shut out a number of third party peripherals, including some Mad Catz add-ons. The company has just issued a statement detailing the extent of the problem.
"With the exception of a small quantity of controllers sold before 2008, we believe that all Mad Catz products will continue to function as they did prior to the 3.50 Firmware update including high profile products such as our range of Street Fighter IV FightSticks and Wireless FightPads; our range of controllers and accessories for Call of Duty; our Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 Wireless FlightStick; our wired and wireless control pads; and our range of Rock Band accessories."
The controllers that no longer work are the 2008 wireless PS3 GamePad, the 2008 wired PS3 GamePad and the PS3 wireless MicroCon.
Prior to issuing the 3.50 firmware update, Sony had warned, "SCEA does not support continued functionality of counterfeit or unlicensed controllers in system software updates and these devices may cease to function in the future because of system software updates."
If you are experiencing a problem with any of its controllers, Mad Catz has advised getting in touch with its customer services department to organise a replacement.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Wii Remote Plus spotted
A new Wii controller that appears to be a fusion of the Wii Motion Plus accessory and the standard Wii Remote has popped up on US shop Gamestop's website.
It's called Wii Remote Plus, and comes bundled with Nintendo's game FlingSmash .
The box art that reveals the new Wii Remote does not appear to be on UK website listings for FlingSmash, which is without a European release date.
What is FlingSmash anyway? Well, since you asked...
"FlingSmash combines the hands-on fun of tennis with the nonstop action and instant gratification of pinball. When the tropical Suthon Island is invaded by the evil Omminus, the ball-shaped hero, Zip, is summoned to save the day. Using the Wii Remote™ controller with the Wii MotionPlus accessory, you'll fling Zip at targets to smash your way across eight colorful worlds. Use the Wii Remote controller like a racket and watch Zip bounce around like a pinball to smash through oncoming barriers and enemies in this action sidescroller."
A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed to Eurogamer that Wii Remote Plus "is real" but added, "We have nothing to announce on this at the moment."
It's called Wii Remote Plus, and comes bundled with Nintendo's game FlingSmash .
The box art that reveals the new Wii Remote does not appear to be on UK website listings for FlingSmash, which is without a European release date.
What is FlingSmash anyway? Well, since you asked...
"FlingSmash combines the hands-on fun of tennis with the nonstop action and instant gratification of pinball. When the tropical Suthon Island is invaded by the evil Omminus, the ball-shaped hero, Zip, is summoned to save the day. Using the Wii Remote™ controller with the Wii MotionPlus accessory, you'll fling Zip at targets to smash your way across eight colorful worlds. Use the Wii Remote controller like a racket and watch Zip bounce around like a pinball to smash through oncoming barriers and enemies in this action sidescroller."
A Nintendo spokesperson confirmed to Eurogamer that Wii Remote Plus "is real" but added, "We have nothing to announce on this at the moment."
Acekard 2.1 For Nintendo DS / DS Lite + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
The Acekard 2.1 adapter is the latest development in flash cartridge technology made specifically for the Nintendo DSi. The card is also fully backwards compatible and works on the Nintendo DS &Nintendo DS Lite .The Ak2 is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card (up to 32GB) with your Nintendo DS this allows you to store much more and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
Features:
Package includes:
Where to buy:
Acekard 2.1 For Nintendo DS / DS Lite + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
- Watch movies
- Play music
- Browse pictures
- Read E-Books and more...
Features:
- Never lose save data
- Perfect compatibility
- Supports SDHC MicroSD card
- Support any brand of MicroSD card
- Support Action Reply cheats. Build-in editor
- Built in "Trimming" Function
- Fully touch screen operation
- Build-in file operation
- Support Multi-language
Package includes:
- 1 x Acekard 2.1 Card (Slot-1)
- 1 x USB microSD memory card reader / writer
- 1 x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card
Where to buy:
Acekard 2.1 For Nintendo DS / DS Lite + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
Netflix Launches Disc-Less On Canadian PS3
Canadians are getting a sneak preview today of the disc-less Netflix hitting North America next month as the streaming video service goes live up north. PS3
Our Canadian brothers and sisters have been without the comfort of streaming Netflix on their video game consoles until today. Not only does America's Hat get their first taste of Netflix streaming console goodness today, they'll do so in a way that us U.S. residents will be waiting another month for.PS3
Instead of popping in the Netflix disc, Canadians can simply navigate to the Netflix icon under the video section of the cross media bar, press the X button, and prepare for a whole new way to watch people doing stuff on their television sets.
Let us know how that goes, Canada, okay?PS3
Wii owners can order a disc through Netflix.ca to stream Netflix as well, while Xbox 360 owners will have to wait until the application is made available.PS3
Our Canadian brothers and sisters have been without the comfort of streaming Netflix on their video game consoles until today. Not only does America's Hat get their first taste of Netflix streaming console goodness today, they'll do so in a way that us U.S. residents will be waiting another month for.PS3
Instead of popping in the Netflix disc, Canadians can simply navigate to the Netflix icon under the video section of the cross media bar, press the X button, and prepare for a whole new way to watch people doing stuff on their television sets.
Let us know how that goes, Canada, okay?PS3
Wii owners can order a disc through Netflix.ca to stream Netflix as well, while Xbox 360 owners will have to wait until the application is made available.PS3
This iPhone Case Packs a QWERTYriffic Flip-Out Keyboard
If you're clinging to your BlackBerry because of physical keyboard, you just lost your last excuse: this TK-421 iPhone 4 case includes a physical keyboard that flips out whenever iPhone 4 you need some thumb-tapping typing action.
The keyboard case from ThinkGeek—also available for iPhone 3GS—connects iPhone 4 to your phone via Bluetooth and is compatible with its email, browsing, notes, and calendar apps. When you flip your phone out, it's supported by the hinge, so all you need to do is hold on to the keyboard and type away iPhone 4 in portrait mode like so:
All apologies to 3G owners, but without Bluetooth support this becomes nothing more than chunky accessory. For those who've upgraded iOS phones in the last couple of years, though, you can pick up the TK-421 for $50 starting in late November.
WRC demo on Xbox Live now
A demo of Milestone's new WRC rally game is available to Xbox Live Gold subscribers now.
Silver subscribers and PC owners must wait until Friday, and PS3 owners until next Wednesday.
The demo - skinny at 571MB - offers up the dusty landscape of Jordan and gravelly roads of Finland. You'll race against the clock in a single stage mode. Well-known racers such as Xbox Citroen's Sebastian Loeb and BP Ford's Mikko Hirvonen will be playable.
The officially licensed WRC 2010 Xbox hopes to bring authentic simulation back to rally racing games. Eurogamer played the game in July and concluded that fans have "every right to be optimistic".
WRC 2010 will be released for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on 8th October.
Silver subscribers and PC owners must wait until Friday, and PS3 owners until next Wednesday.
The demo - skinny at 571MB - offers up the dusty landscape of Jordan and gravelly roads of Finland. You'll race against the clock in a single stage mode. Well-known racers such as Xbox Citroen's Sebastian Loeb and BP Ford's Mikko Hirvonen will be playable.
The officially licensed WRC 2010 Xbox hopes to bring authentic simulation back to rally racing games. Eurogamer played the game in July and concluded that fans have "every right to be optimistic".
WRC 2010 will be released for PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 on 8th October.
Nintendo 3DS tech spec exploration
Last night's leak of the Nintendo 3DS tech spec reveals a lean, power efficient device assembled from a relatively mediocre set of components. Once again, the platform holder has used a selection of established, cheap, off-the-shelf chips and made it feel fresh and new thanks to the implementation of a game-changing concept: in this case, glasses-free stereo 3D.
According to IGN's anonymous source, 3DS is powered by twin ARM11 CPUs clocked at a relatively meagre 266MHz, while overall system storage (sans SD card) is 1.5GB. Onboard RAM is 64MB, with 4MB of video memory. DMP's PICA-200 graphics chip is said to be running at a relatively lightweight 133MHz.
First things first, let's address the plausibility of the source. IGN has a reputation for outing notoriously secretive Nintendo specs and in its previous stories on DS and Wii, history has proven them to be entirely correct. With a track record like that, it would be unwise to bet against the veracity of this story assuming it comes from the same source. More than that, there are other elements to the spec which clearly corroborate with other little-known, recently unearthed facts about the system - and we'll get to that a bit later. In short, the story appears eminently credible.
Assessing the hardware set-up, it's obvious that the assembled components represent a massive step-up from the existing DSi, while measuring up badly against the latest in smartphone technology. The 64MB of RAM is particularly disappointing, bearing in mind that the PSP has shipped with the exact same amount of memory since the launch of the PSP-2000 (the first "slim" model). On the plus side, there is no smartphone OS required to tax RAM resources, but regardless, it's still a surprisingly low amount.
The 4MB of video RAM may seem particularly appalling (and is equal to the amount found in PlayStation 2), but bearing in mind that the 3DS only has to deal with an 800x240 framebuffer it shouldn't cause undue concern. What the RAM would actually be used for is also a prime concern - is that 4MB for textures only, or is it akin to the 10MB of eDRAM attached to the Xbox 360 graphics chip? The original story is, alas, short of details.
Graphically impressive, the best of the 3DS titles seen to date show how much can be done with a fairly limited spec. Metal Gear Solid looks remarkably similar to the PS2 original but works beautifully in stereosopic 3D. The PICA-200 GPU is also capable of features like per-pixel lighting and self-shadowing, helping to make games look more modern still.
The ARM11 architecture is rather long in the tooth now, with noted tech site AnandTech likening it to a very highly clocked 486-level CPU, while the new A8 Cortex is more akin to a Pentium. The original iPhone ran a single ARM11 core at 412MHz, so overall CPU capability is probably very similar indeed to the 3DS - the difference being that the full power of the twin cores can be deployed on games without the meaty iOS overhead that the iPhone needs to maintain while running any application.
Nintendo's decision to run the PICA-200 GPU at a mere 133MHz is again surprisingly low. The chip itself can run at up to 400MHz, but the vendor itself quotes specs at 200MHz. Here, PICA-200 maxes out at 800 million pixels per second and 15.3 million polygons per second – so we can most likely expect 66 per cent of that general performance on Nintendo's down-clocked version of the chip.
Despite the lowered clock speed, the chip loses none of its bespoke technology: DMP says that PICA-200 supports per-pixel lighting, procedural textures, refraction mapping and self-shadowing - in the absence of programmable pixel shaders, it's exactly the sort of thing that makes graphically impressive 3DS titles like Resident Evil look as good as they do.
This just leaves the rather curious 1.5GB of on-board flash RAM, and this can be effectively confirmed by analysis of the 3DS development hardware we've seen so far - lending further credibility to IGN's specs.
Regular readers of Digital Foundry will probably recall our story on the Nintendo CTR Target Board - basically this is the development kit for the 3DS, and Nintendo submitted it to the FCC for testing its WiFi component. Recent images of an older CTR Target Board have recently been unearthed by Daniele Brigliadori of Nintendo3DSItalia, who painstakingly searched FCC filings for any use of the Mitsumi antenna used in all the Nintendo DS handhelds thus far.
Close-ups of the board in the FCC filing clearly show that the development kit possesses a 2GB moviNAND flash chip supplied by Samsung. This suggests that Nintendo is making 1.5GB of that RAM available to the user, while reserving an impressive 25 per cent for the operating system. Reserving a mammoth 512MB suggests that Nintendo has serious plans for the functionality of the unit over and above what we have seen so far.
The board is also fascinating as a piece of evidence in the history of the 3DS's development. Last year, rumours circulated that Nintendo was using NVIDIA's Tegra hardware for its upcoming DS replacement. There were even rumours of a sighting at gamescom 2009, behind closed doors.
In November, Digital Foundry upped the ante still further by revealing that the Tegra 2 system-on-chip (SoC) would be powering the "DS2", most likely in a custom flavour designed by Nintendo. Flash forward to June 2009 and suddenly NVIDIA was out of the picture. Bearing in mind that we typically double-source before publishing a rumour (and in this case, the NVIDIA connection was actually triple-sourced), NVIDIA being dumped was a bit of a surprise. Were all of our sources wrong?
Just about all the detachable components on the CTR Target Board are labelled TEG2, highlighting the NVIDIA connection. Did Nintendo have two competing 3DS designs on the table, or was NVIDIA dumped relatively recently for Japanese vendor DMP?
The newly discovered FCC filing, dated to December 2009, clearly shows an older version of the Target Board, dubbed CTR-TEG2: firm evidence that Nintendo was indeed closely involved with NVIDIA and that Tegra IP was still being used until relatively recently.
It's clearly still a 3DS - there's the exact same arrangement of widescreen and 4:3 screens, though there are a number of changes, not least of which is just a single external camera, suggesting that the full stereoscopic 3D capabilities of the unit were still being worked on, or remained a closely guarded secret within Nintendo itself at that point in time.
Quite why Nintendo decided to switch suppliers and go with DMP remains something of a mystery, especially bearing in mind just how much more modern and capable the Tegra IP is compared to the much older PICA-200. Perhaps it was a cost issue, perhaps it was a power consumption issue: Nintendo likes cheap parts and lots of battery life. Maybe, similar to the Dreamcast, there were two competing designs using graphical IP from different suppliers.
Bearing in mind how secretive Nintendo is about its technology and its relationships with external IP vendors, the chances are it'll be years until we find out what actually
According to IGN's anonymous source, 3DS is powered by twin ARM11 CPUs clocked at a relatively meagre 266MHz, while overall system storage (sans SD card) is 1.5GB. Onboard RAM is 64MB, with 4MB of video memory. DMP's PICA-200 graphics chip is said to be running at a relatively lightweight 133MHz.
First things first, let's address the plausibility of the source. IGN has a reputation for outing notoriously secretive Nintendo specs and in its previous stories on DS and Wii, history has proven them to be entirely correct. With a track record like that, it would be unwise to bet against the veracity of this story assuming it comes from the same source. More than that, there are other elements to the spec which clearly corroborate with other little-known, recently unearthed facts about the system - and we'll get to that a bit later. In short, the story appears eminently credible.
Assessing the hardware set-up, it's obvious that the assembled components represent a massive step-up from the existing DSi, while measuring up badly against the latest in smartphone technology. The 64MB of RAM is particularly disappointing, bearing in mind that the PSP has shipped with the exact same amount of memory since the launch of the PSP-2000 (the first "slim" model). On the plus side, there is no smartphone OS required to tax RAM resources, but regardless, it's still a surprisingly low amount.
The 4MB of video RAM may seem particularly appalling (and is equal to the amount found in PlayStation 2), but bearing in mind that the 3DS only has to deal with an 800x240 framebuffer it shouldn't cause undue concern. What the RAM would actually be used for is also a prime concern - is that 4MB for textures only, or is it akin to the 10MB of eDRAM attached to the Xbox 360 graphics chip? The original story is, alas, short of details.
Graphically impressive, the best of the 3DS titles seen to date show how much can be done with a fairly limited spec. Metal Gear Solid looks remarkably similar to the PS2 original but works beautifully in stereosopic 3D. The PICA-200 GPU is also capable of features like per-pixel lighting and self-shadowing, helping to make games look more modern still.
The ARM11 architecture is rather long in the tooth now, with noted tech site AnandTech likening it to a very highly clocked 486-level CPU, while the new A8 Cortex is more akin to a Pentium. The original iPhone ran a single ARM11 core at 412MHz, so overall CPU capability is probably very similar indeed to the 3DS - the difference being that the full power of the twin cores can be deployed on games without the meaty iOS overhead that the iPhone needs to maintain while running any application.
Nintendo's decision to run the PICA-200 GPU at a mere 133MHz is again surprisingly low. The chip itself can run at up to 400MHz, but the vendor itself quotes specs at 200MHz. Here, PICA-200 maxes out at 800 million pixels per second and 15.3 million polygons per second – so we can most likely expect 66 per cent of that general performance on Nintendo's down-clocked version of the chip.
Despite the lowered clock speed, the chip loses none of its bespoke technology: DMP says that PICA-200 supports per-pixel lighting, procedural textures, refraction mapping and self-shadowing - in the absence of programmable pixel shaders, it's exactly the sort of thing that makes graphically impressive 3DS titles like Resident Evil look as good as they do.
This just leaves the rather curious 1.5GB of on-board flash RAM, and this can be effectively confirmed by analysis of the 3DS development hardware we've seen so far - lending further credibility to IGN's specs.
Regular readers of Digital Foundry will probably recall our story on the Nintendo CTR Target Board - basically this is the development kit for the 3DS, and Nintendo submitted it to the FCC for testing its WiFi component. Recent images of an older CTR Target Board have recently been unearthed by Daniele Brigliadori of Nintendo3DSItalia, who painstakingly searched FCC filings for any use of the Mitsumi antenna used in all the Nintendo DS handhelds thus far.
Close-ups of the board in the FCC filing clearly show that the development kit possesses a 2GB moviNAND flash chip supplied by Samsung. This suggests that Nintendo is making 1.5GB of that RAM available to the user, while reserving an impressive 25 per cent for the operating system. Reserving a mammoth 512MB suggests that Nintendo has serious plans for the functionality of the unit over and above what we have seen so far.
The board is also fascinating as a piece of evidence in the history of the 3DS's development. Last year, rumours circulated that Nintendo was using NVIDIA's Tegra hardware for its upcoming DS replacement. There were even rumours of a sighting at gamescom 2009, behind closed doors.
In November, Digital Foundry upped the ante still further by revealing that the Tegra 2 system-on-chip (SoC) would be powering the "DS2", most likely in a custom flavour designed by Nintendo. Flash forward to June 2009 and suddenly NVIDIA was out of the picture. Bearing in mind that we typically double-source before publishing a rumour (and in this case, the NVIDIA connection was actually triple-sourced), NVIDIA being dumped was a bit of a surprise. Were all of our sources wrong?
Just about all the detachable components on the CTR Target Board are labelled TEG2, highlighting the NVIDIA connection. Did Nintendo have two competing 3DS designs on the table, or was NVIDIA dumped relatively recently for Japanese vendor DMP?
The newly discovered FCC filing, dated to December 2009, clearly shows an older version of the Target Board, dubbed CTR-TEG2: firm evidence that Nintendo was indeed closely involved with NVIDIA and that Tegra IP was still being used until relatively recently.
It's clearly still a 3DS - there's the exact same arrangement of widescreen and 4:3 screens, though there are a number of changes, not least of which is just a single external camera, suggesting that the full stereoscopic 3D capabilities of the unit were still being worked on, or remained a closely guarded secret within Nintendo itself at that point in time.
Quite why Nintendo decided to switch suppliers and go with DMP remains something of a mystery, especially bearing in mind just how much more modern and capable the Tegra IP is compared to the much older PICA-200. Perhaps it was a cost issue, perhaps it was a power consumption issue: Nintendo likes cheap parts and lots of battery life. Maybe, similar to the Dreamcast, there were two competing designs using graphical IP from different suppliers.
Bearing in mind how secretive Nintendo is about its technology and its relationships with external IP vendors, the chances are it'll be years until we find out what actually
Sign up to test new Xbox dashboard
Microsoft is looking for willing guinea pigs to test its new Xbox Live dashboard update.
Want to be the first to check out those controversial new Zune features? Microsoft's Major Nelson has called for willing participants to head on over to a sign-up page for the preview program. You'll have to hand over your Windows Live ID and fill in a short survey.
Microsoft is looking for a few thousand testers, Xbox with the preview open to users in any region. Priority will go to Gold members though.
Just in case you were wondering,Xbox the preview will not include any Kinect features so, "You will not be receiving a Kinect sensor if you are chosen to participate," Major Nelson points out. What a scrooge.
The new Xbox Live dashboard will go live later this year.
Want to be the first to check out those controversial new Zune features? Microsoft's Major Nelson has called for willing participants to head on over to a sign-up page for the preview program. You'll have to hand over your Windows Live ID and fill in a short survey.
Microsoft is looking for a few thousand testers, Xbox with the preview open to users in any region. Priority will go to Gold members though.
Just in case you were wondering,Xbox the preview will not include any Kinect features so, "You will not be receiving a Kinect sensor if you are chosen to participate," Major Nelson points out. What a scrooge.
The new Xbox Live dashboard will go live later this year.
Let's Not Talk About The PSP2
In 2005, Sony released the original PlayStation Portable. Five years have passed, and the handheld has seen various iterations, including a digital-download-only version. It's about time for a new PSP.
You know, a PSP2. There have been rumors that the device exists, but it is still too early for Sony to show it. During this year's Tokyo Game Show, I asked Sony Computer Entertainment exec Shuhei Yoshida about it. The exchange was as follows:
"Another thing I wanted to ask you about was the PSP2."
"Okay," Yoshida replied.
"What's the difference between a PSP and a PSP2?"
"What's a PSP2?" he asked, laughing.
I explained that it would be silly of Sony not to make another PlayStation Portable.
"You mean," he asked, "like another portable gaming device?"
Yes.
"Personally, I cannot see Sony not making another portable gaming device. I completely agree."
No doubt Sony will make another PlayStation Portable. The platform has been successful, especially in Japan. But what will it be digital-download-only like PSPgo or will it have Sony's UMD format?
"Of course, I am not answering that question," Yoshida replied, all grins. "But as technology and infrastructure improves, digital devices will become a larger part of people's lives."
Yoshida pointed out that it takes time for hard drive prices to go down and internet to speed to go up. "Then it becomes easier and easier to handle game files."
When Sony launched the original PSP, it was competing with the original Nintendo DS. Now there is the 3D-glasses-free Nintendo 3DS and the iPhone 4. What can Sony do so that it can compete with the iPhone 4 and the Nintendo 3DS?
"Of course, you know, I won't answer that question. But, if you were to imagine you were part of Sony Computer Entertainment, that you were in our shoes. And you were in the position to give input to the company for a new platform, don't you think that would be a fun job?"
You know, a PSP2. There have been rumors that the device exists, but it is still too early for Sony to show it. During this year's Tokyo Game Show, I asked Sony Computer Entertainment exec Shuhei Yoshida about it. The exchange was as follows:
"Another thing I wanted to ask you about was the PSP2."
"Okay," Yoshida replied.
"What's the difference between a PSP and a PSP2?"
"What's a PSP2?" he asked, laughing.
I explained that it would be silly of Sony not to make another PlayStation Portable.
"You mean," he asked, "like another portable gaming device?"
Yes.
"Personally, I cannot see Sony not making another portable gaming device. I completely agree."
No doubt Sony will make another PlayStation Portable. The platform has been successful, especially in Japan. But what will it be digital-download-only like PSPgo or will it have Sony's UMD format?
"Of course, I am not answering that question," Yoshida replied, all grins. "But as technology and infrastructure improves, digital devices will become a larger part of people's lives."
Yoshida pointed out that it takes time for hard drive prices to go down and internet to speed to go up. "Then it becomes easier and easier to handle game files."
When Sony launched the original PSP, it was competing with the original Nintendo DS. Now there is the 3D-glasses-free Nintendo 3DS and the iPhone 4. What can Sony do so that it can compete with the iPhone 4 and the Nintendo 3DS?
"Of course, you know, I won't answer that question. But, if you were to imagine you were part of Sony Computer Entertainment, that you were in our shoes. And you were in the position to give input to the company for a new platform, don't you think that would be a fun job?"
PlayStation Move Controller is a Cheap Cellphone, Minus Calling Capabilities
On one hand, the Move controller is a very priceyPS3 gaming controller. On the other paw, iFixit's tear-down revealed "it's quite the bang for the buck," with a processor, accelerometer, gyroscope, Bluetooth, vibrating motor and MEMS compass tucked inside.
iFixit's rip-apart didn't reveal much PS3 that we didn't already know about the spec, but apparently it was dead easy to open it up—good news for home-tinkerers. While the vibrating motor can be peeled off somewhat, it's still fastened down to the motherboard, along with the LED, PS3charge contacts and EXT cables. The 1320mAh lithium-ion battery, however, can be disconnected.
Supercard DSTWO ( DS TWO ) + GBA & SNES Emulator For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + MicroSD 4GB
The Supercard DSTWO, with its beautiful Evolution (EOS) operating system and a powerful on-board processor offers unique and exciting features that you won't find anywhere else. Features such as full GBA emulation, a powerful new GUI, a real-time guide, an integrated auto-patch database, as well as being one of the few flash carts that allows users to upgrade the core firmware. Utilizing the CPU, DSTWO can emulate orginal cartidgecan, pass through and bypass any anti-piracy measures which is the first cart to do so. Most of the games will never need to be patched to run. If you're in the market for a sleek and feature-rich flash cart for the Nintendo DS, DS Lite, DSi or DSi XL, the Supercard DSTWO is the one for you.
Features:
1. RealTime Functions: RealTime Save, RealTime Game guide(txt,bmp,jpg) & RealTime Cheat. (More stable, more easy to use, cheat code compatible with R4 and TT now)
2. Multi Saves (Up to 4 slot), Easy to backup and restore saves.
4. Unlimited MicroSD storage space support. SDHC support. FAT or FAT32.
5. Multiple languages (English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Spanish)
6. Built-in GBA/SNES Emulator.
7. Action Slow Motion (4 levels,).
8. File Management System (Copy, Paste, Cut and Delete, long file name support).
9. eBook (BMP, JPEG, JPG, PNG, TIF, GIF, TXT, PDF).
What's included?
• 1 x Supercard TWO Card (Slot-1)
• 1 x Firmware Writer
• 1 x USB micro SD memory card readers/writers
• 1 x microSD 4GB
Where to buy:
Supercard DSTWO ( DS TWO ) + GBA & SNES Emulator For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + MicroSD 4GB
Features:
1. RealTime Functions: RealTime Save, RealTime Game guide(txt,bmp,jpg) & RealTime Cheat. (More stable, more easy to use, cheat code compatible with R4 and TT now)
2. Multi Saves (Up to 4 slot), Easy to backup and restore saves.
4. Unlimited MicroSD storage space support. SDHC support. FAT or FAT32.
5. Multiple languages (English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, French, Italian, Korean, Japanese, Spanish)
6. Built-in GBA/SNES Emulator.
7. Action Slow Motion (4 levels,).
8. File Management System (Copy, Paste, Cut and Delete, long file name support).
9. eBook (BMP, JPEG, JPG, PNG, TIF, GIF, TXT, PDF).
What's included?
• 1 x Supercard TWO Card (Slot-1)
• 1 x Firmware Writer
• 1 x USB micro SD memory card readers/writers
• 1 x microSD 4GB
Where to buy:
Supercard DSTWO ( DS TWO ) + GBA & SNES Emulator For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + MicroSD 4GB
Monday, September 20, 2010
Privates too sexual for Xbox 360
Zombie Cow has canned the Xbox 360 version of shoot-em-up Privates after Microsoft deemed the game's "sexual nature" too much for the console.
"The guys at Xbox have been amazing," insisted Dan Marshall of Zombie Cow Studios.
"They've been really supportive and helpful throughout, but ultimately have advised that the game wouldn't pass the Indie Games Peer Review process, purely due to its inherently sexual nature.
"As a result, if you want to play as a tiny little man blasting away inside someone's innards, the only place to do it is privatesgame.com."Xbox 360
The decision comes as no surprise. In May Microsoft warned it was unlikely to approve the twin-stick shooter.
Microsoft spokesperson David Dennis said at the time: "We have guidelines in place that closely track requirements of content ratings boards worldwide and, among other things, prohibit the publication of strong sexual content.
"While we haven't seen this game, we can confirm that if it is consistent with the description we have seen on the Internet, this game would not pass peer review and would not be permitted to be distributed on Xbox Live."
In Privates you play a gang of condom-hatted marines that enters peoples' vaginas and bums. Really.
"It's rude, funny, bitingly satirical and technically pretty accurate if you don't count the tiny people or the germs with teeth," Zombie Cow says.
The idea behind the game is to provide a bit of sex education as well as some laughs. It was funded by Channel 4 and designed to fit in with the Personal, Social and Health Education guidelines of the National Curriculum.
"The guys at Xbox have been amazing," insisted Dan Marshall of Zombie Cow Studios.
"They've been really supportive and helpful throughout, but ultimately have advised that the game wouldn't pass the Indie Games Peer Review process, purely due to its inherently sexual nature.
"As a result, if you want to play as a tiny little man blasting away inside someone's innards, the only place to do it is privatesgame.com."Xbox 360
The decision comes as no surprise. In May Microsoft warned it was unlikely to approve the twin-stick shooter.
Microsoft spokesperson David Dennis said at the time: "We have guidelines in place that closely track requirements of content ratings boards worldwide and, among other things, prohibit the publication of strong sexual content.
"While we haven't seen this game, we can confirm that if it is consistent with the description we have seen on the Internet, this game would not pass peer review and would not be permitted to be distributed on Xbox Live."
In Privates you play a gang of condom-hatted marines that enters peoples' vaginas and bums. Really.
"It's rude, funny, bitingly satirical and technically pretty accurate if you don't count the tiny people or the germs with teeth," Zombie Cow says.
The idea behind the game is to provide a bit of sex education as well as some laughs. It was funded by Channel 4 and designed to fit in with the Personal, Social and Health Education guidelines of the National Curriculum.
Japan-only PS1 titles could head to Europe
American PS3 owners will be able to enjoy select Japan-only PSone games for the first time next week with the launch of a new Imports service for the PlayStation Store.
San Jose-based MonkeyPaw Games is behind the initiative and will be bringing the games over in their original untranslated state.
Speaking to Eurogamer, a MonkeyPaw spokesperson said, "We would very much like to have the games spread across Europe but we'll need to have some cooperation from Sony Europe."
At this stage MonkeyPaw is concentrating on titles that are "easy to navigate".
"You may wonder why some of the great Japanese titles you hear about in the press never make it to Western markets," said MonkeyPaw president John Greiner on its website.
"There are numerous reasons, but the biggest is translation. A lot of cost goes into translation thus profitability becomes tenuous for many titles. Remove that barrier and a world of Japanese wonder comes rushing to your screen."
Or in the case of Cho Aniki, one of the first games to appear on Imports, high-kicking naked body-builders. You can also expect to see super-rare side-scroller Gaia Seed.
Currently the titles are only confirmed for the US PlayStation Store and the MonkeyPaw spokesperson said that Sony Europe "would need to approve a Euro version".
"Hopefully they see the response from this and will want to give European gamers the same treatment."
As for what other titles to expect, MonkeyPaw told us, "The wish list is long indeed. We do have quite a line-up already so don't worry about us turning off the spigot. Unfortunately, we haven't announced the other games yet but please keep your eye on us. We hope to release games every two weeks."
Cho Aniki and Gaia Seed arrive on the US PlayStation Store on 21st September priced $5.99 each.
San Jose-based MonkeyPaw Games is behind the initiative and will be bringing the games over in their original untranslated state.
Speaking to Eurogamer, a MonkeyPaw spokesperson said, "We would very much like to have the games spread across Europe but we'll need to have some cooperation from Sony Europe."
At this stage MonkeyPaw is concentrating on titles that are "easy to navigate".
"You may wonder why some of the great Japanese titles you hear about in the press never make it to Western markets," said MonkeyPaw president John Greiner on its website.
"There are numerous reasons, but the biggest is translation. A lot of cost goes into translation thus profitability becomes tenuous for many titles. Remove that barrier and a world of Japanese wonder comes rushing to your screen."
Or in the case of Cho Aniki, one of the first games to appear on Imports, high-kicking naked body-builders. You can also expect to see super-rare side-scroller Gaia Seed.
Currently the titles are only confirmed for the US PlayStation Store and the MonkeyPaw spokesperson said that Sony Europe "would need to approve a Euro version".
"Hopefully they see the response from this and will want to give European gamers the same treatment."
As for what other titles to expect, MonkeyPaw told us, "The wish list is long indeed. We do have quite a line-up already so don't worry about us turning off the spigot. Unfortunately, we haven't announced the other games yet but please keep your eye on us. We hope to release games every two weeks."
Cho Aniki and Gaia Seed arrive on the US PlayStation Store on 21st September priced $5.99 each.
Supercard DSONEi ( DS ONEi ) For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Card
The SuperCard DSONEi is the new version of the Team DSONE Supercard compatible with the DSI. It now comes with its own program that connects to the USB port of a PC. This accessory allows you to reprogram the flash card in case of firmware update without requiring a console.
Features:
• Support for RESET cheats and codes
• Works on DS, DS LITE, DSi & DSi XL
• 100% compatibility with frequently updatedWhe
• Plug 'n' Play
• Uses microSD card, FAT16 and FAT32
• Support SDHC TF card high capacity
• Backup Hardware and support of many backup
• Support for Real-Time Game Save (backup in progress)
• Supports MP3, Video, text files and images via Moonshell integrated!
What's included?
• 1 x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card
• 1 x Supercard DSONEi Card (Slot-1)
• 1 x Firmware Writer
• 1 x USB micro SD memory card readers/writers
Where to buy:
Supercard DSONEi ( DS ONEi ) For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Card
Features:
• Support for RESET cheats and codes
• Works on DS, DS LITE, DSi & DSi XL
• 100% compatibility with frequently updatedWhe
• Plug 'n' Play
• Uses microSD card, FAT16 and FAT32
• Support SDHC TF card high capacity
• Backup Hardware and support of many backup
• Support for Real-Time Game Save (backup in progress)
• Supports MP3, Video, text files and images via Moonshell integrated!
What's included?
• 1 x 4GB Micro SD TransFlash Memory Card
• 1 x Supercard DSONEi Card (Slot-1)
• 1 x Firmware Writer
• 1 x USB micro SD memory card readers/writers
Where to buy:
Supercard DSONEi ( DS ONEi ) For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Card
Japan-made Xbox 360 exclusives revealed
Microsoft announced three Kinect-enabled Xbox 360 exclusives and two Xbox Live Arcade titles - all created by Japanese developers and due out in 2011 - at the Tokyo Game Show this morning.
The headline new game is codename D, from No More Heroes creator Suda51. Fresh from his appearance at EA's TGS conference, Suda51 described the Kinect title as a "very core action game" without guns and swords.
"You must fight for your life to survive an evil amusement park filled with twisted and eerie creatures," said Microsoft. "With codename D for Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller as you unleash devastating effects to destroy enemies and objects.
Microsoft had asked Suda51 to make Kinect games for the hardcore, which were punky, but also suitable for casual players.
"I wanted to work with Microsoft for many years," Suda51 said. "It took a long time though. It was a very long dating period. But we got along well with them, we both like David Bowie."
Microsoft also announced a Kinect project from Vib Ribbon and PaRappa creator Masaya Matsuura. It's a a first-person horror game called Haunt that's "also fun and innovative".
"Gather friends and family to delve deep into a haunted house dripping with mystery - you'll need every ounce of your wit and cunning if you hope to unravel the veil of rumours that hide its darkest secret. Dodge traps and outwit ghosts, ghouls and frights that lurk with glee around each and every corner. Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in Haunt, spooky fun for Kinect for Xbox 360," reads the fluff.
On stage, Microsoft Game Studios boss Phil Spencer said Haunt was "just the start of a long and rewarding relationship" with Matsuura.
Project Draco is a 3D flying Kinect shooter from Grounding Inc. that reminded us of Sony's The Last Guardian.
It's headed up by Phantom Dust and Panzer Dragoon director Yukio Futatsugi, who took to the stage to say: "What I want to do most in my games is to fly. Not with my joystick. But imagine if you could ride a gigantic creature, hold the reins, point at an enemy to attack - that's how you could ride in the sky and fight."
"With the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, you will be able to nurture and learn to communicate with your dragon as you develop its skills and train it as a partner in combat. Then join friends on Xbox Live to feel the rush of flight as you take to the skies together and experience breathtaking vistas and engage in thrilling battles." It's out next year.
The first of the two new XBLA games is sure to please shmup fans: a high def version of cult Japanese hit Radiant Silvergun from Ikaruga developer Treasure.
It's the first time the SEGA Saturn classic will be released internationally. Microsoft mentioned improvements, such as the addition of a new system to enhance the original chain system. The XBLA version will improve on the games visuals as well, and introduce online co-op play. Radiant Silvergun is slated for a Spring 2011 launch.
"With titles like Gunstar Heroes and Ikaruga under its belt, Treasure deserves its reputation," said Spencer.
And finally, Microsoft announced a partnership with Spike, best known for its work on a long-running series of wrestling games in Japan, to release a new XBLA Fire-Pro Wrestling game next year.
It's all about avatars, and features avatar customisation with new costumes and all sorts. There's offline and online competitive play, as well as single match and tag team modes.
"This will become a highly entertaining new way for our 25 million Xbox Live users to enjoy their avatars," Spencer enthused.
Rounding up, Spencer said: "Microsoft has never been more committed to Japanese developers, the heart of innovative gameplay, thrilling stories and iconic heroes. To date, Japanese games have already grossed more than $2 billion on Xbox 360, and today's announcements signal tremendous opportunities for Japanese developers to deliver the future of gaming with Kinect."
The headline new game is codename D, from No More Heroes creator Suda51. Fresh from his appearance at EA's TGS conference, Suda51 described the Kinect title as a "very core action game" without guns and swords.
"You must fight for your life to survive an evil amusement park filled with twisted and eerie creatures," said Microsoft. "With codename D for Kinect for Xbox 360, you are the controller as you unleash devastating effects to destroy enemies and objects.
Microsoft had asked Suda51 to make Kinect games for the hardcore, which were punky, but also suitable for casual players.
"I wanted to work with Microsoft for many years," Suda51 said. "It took a long time though. It was a very long dating period. But we got along well with them, we both like David Bowie."
Microsoft also announced a Kinect project from Vib Ribbon and PaRappa creator Masaya Matsuura. It's a a first-person horror game called Haunt that's "also fun and innovative".
"Gather friends and family to delve deep into a haunted house dripping with mystery - you'll need every ounce of your wit and cunning if you hope to unravel the veil of rumours that hide its darkest secret. Dodge traps and outwit ghosts, ghouls and frights that lurk with glee around each and every corner. Take a deep breath and immerse yourself in Haunt, spooky fun for Kinect for Xbox 360," reads the fluff.
On stage, Microsoft Game Studios boss Phil Spencer said Haunt was "just the start of a long and rewarding relationship" with Matsuura.
Project Draco is a 3D flying Kinect shooter from Grounding Inc. that reminded us of Sony's The Last Guardian.
It's headed up by Phantom Dust and Panzer Dragoon director Yukio Futatsugi, who took to the stage to say: "What I want to do most in my games is to fly. Not with my joystick. But imagine if you could ride a gigantic creature, hold the reins, point at an enemy to attack - that's how you could ride in the sky and fight."
"With the magic of Kinect for Xbox 360, you will be able to nurture and learn to communicate with your dragon as you develop its skills and train it as a partner in combat. Then join friends on Xbox Live to feel the rush of flight as you take to the skies together and experience breathtaking vistas and engage in thrilling battles." It's out next year.
The first of the two new XBLA games is sure to please shmup fans: a high def version of cult Japanese hit Radiant Silvergun from Ikaruga developer Treasure.
It's the first time the SEGA Saturn classic will be released internationally. Microsoft mentioned improvements, such as the addition of a new system to enhance the original chain system. The XBLA version will improve on the games visuals as well, and introduce online co-op play. Radiant Silvergun is slated for a Spring 2011 launch.
"With titles like Gunstar Heroes and Ikaruga under its belt, Treasure deserves its reputation," said Spencer.
And finally, Microsoft announced a partnership with Spike, best known for its work on a long-running series of wrestling games in Japan, to release a new XBLA Fire-Pro Wrestling game next year.
It's all about avatars, and features avatar customisation with new costumes and all sorts. There's offline and online competitive play, as well as single match and tag team modes.
"This will become a highly entertaining new way for our 25 million Xbox Live users to enjoy their avatars," Spencer enthused.
Rounding up, Spencer said: "Microsoft has never been more committed to Japanese developers, the heart of innovative gameplay, thrilling stories and iconic heroes. To date, Japanese games have already grossed more than $2 billion on Xbox 360, and today's announcements signal tremendous opportunities for Japanese developers to deliver the future of gaming with Kinect."
Blu-ray 3D support hits PS3 next week
PlayStation 3 will be upgraded next week to support 3D Blu-ray movies as part of a package of new features to be introduced in firmware 3.50, Sony has announced.
While 3D gaming and the displays themselves have been available for several months now, the volume of 3D movie content is surprisingly lacking, with tent-pole titles such as Avatar being delayed until closer to Christmas. The new firmware for PS3 is a welcome shot in the arm however, as all 38 million units on the market worldwide can be software-upgraded to support the new standard.
The move to support Blu-ray 3D comes at a price, however. According to specs dug up by HomeTechTell, and now removed from the source, 3D Blu-ray movies are unable to simultaneously support the BD-J Java programming language while running stereoscopic content.
This may impact the creativity and ingenuity of Blu-ray 3D authors looking to add bonus content to their discs, and also suggests the latest DRM systems manufacturers have in place running via BD-J will need to be scaled back in order to make their discs compatible with the PlayStation 3.
Additional features over and above the 3D support are promised, with the platform holder revealing specifics in the run-up to the firmware's release on September 21.
While 3D gaming and the displays themselves have been available for several months now, the volume of 3D movie content is surprisingly lacking, with tent-pole titles such as Avatar being delayed until closer to Christmas. The new firmware for PS3 is a welcome shot in the arm however, as all 38 million units on the market worldwide can be software-upgraded to support the new standard.
The move to support Blu-ray 3D comes at a price, however. According to specs dug up by HomeTechTell, and now removed from the source, 3D Blu-ray movies are unable to simultaneously support the BD-J Java programming language while running stereoscopic content.
This may impact the creativity and ingenuity of Blu-ray 3D authors looking to add bonus content to their discs, and also suggests the latest DRM systems manufacturers have in place running via BD-J will need to be scaled back in order to make their discs compatible with the PlayStation 3.
Additional features over and above the 3D support are promised, with the platform holder revealing specifics in the run-up to the firmware's release on September 21.
There's A New PSP Coming With A New Piece of Hardware
Sony Computer Entertainment Japan isn't done with the PlayStation Portable. In fact, it's releasing an updated version of the PSP alongside Monster Hunter Portable 3rd, introducing a new analog stick.
The special edition Monster Hunter styled PSP will feature an analog stick that's slightly modified to make those epically long loot-gathering sessions more comfortable for Japanese thumbs. The black and gold Monster Hunter PSP also features the good old extended battery pack, for making those extended Monster Hunter Portable 3rd games last even longer.
That means a battery cover that sticks out a little further than the standard PSP does, which Sony might argue makes for a more comfortable grip.
The Monster Hunter Portable 3rd limited edition PSP will ship in Japan on December 1 and cost 19800 yen.
US God of War PSP pre-orders detailed
Sony has revealed what's in store for anyone who pre-order the forthcoming PSP title God of War: Ghost of Sparta in the US.
According to the US PlayStation Blog gamers who order the title from PSP GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy or digitally through PSN will receive a special code which gives them access to six chunks of exclusive content.
You'll get a Kratos PSN Avatar, PSPthe original game soundtrack, a Legionnaire skin, a PSP theme, a creative directors' commentary and a PS3 Dynamic Theme.
No confirmation of whether the offer will extend to UK pre-orders but we've been in touch with Sony to find out.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta cuts a swathe onto American PSPs from 2nd November 2010, with a UK date as-yet unconfirmed.
According to the US PlayStation Blog gamers who order the title from PSP GameStop, Amazon, Best Buy or digitally through PSN will receive a special code which gives them access to six chunks of exclusive content.
You'll get a Kratos PSN Avatar, PSPthe original game soundtrack, a Legionnaire skin, a PSP theme, a creative directors' commentary and a PS3 Dynamic Theme.
No confirmation of whether the offer will extend to UK pre-orders but we've been in touch with Sony to find out.
God of War: Ghost of Sparta cuts a swathe onto American PSPs from 2nd November 2010, with a UK date as-yet unconfirmed.
Will The Nintendo 3DS Be Out This November In Japan?
![Will The Nintendo 3DS Be Out This November In Japan? [Update]](https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/blogger_img_proxy/AEn0k_uJgRU1O_ZFGCdnZLITk9hs01Cwj82ixi_KgdAQQfsyneVOq8ElMtU_zrVT9fRRF8u0_Bwpmc31n_pvjGAcI36mFEV2w81iQtuTcy7WF-yFauTN95t-HK58h2OGLonwGxleN7VR5RjFWyBOmuEpjqnV1WeIkOTbaSsdo0g=s0-d)
Nintendo has not officially given the Nintendo 3DS a release date. The company has only stated that the Nintendo 3DS will be out before April 2011. It could be out a lot sooner.
Takahiro Amano, who is apparently an employee at peripheral company KeysFactory, has tweeted:
"On November 20, eleven 3DS products that we designed will go on sale all at once. People who are buying the 3DS, buy it at the same time! There will be more details on our home page." He then provided a link.
Nintendo is planning on making the portable's release date public on September 29. It is perhaps worth nothing that Microsoft is releasing the Kinect on November 20 in Japan and that until Nintendo reveals the release date publicly, it is possible that it could change.
While November 20 does seem soon (much sooner than Nintendo of America's "next year" claim), the day is a Saturday. Let's see how it stacks up against recent Nintendo release dates for Japan. The Nintendo DS XL was released on November 21, 2009. That was a Saturday. The Nintendo DSi was released on November 1, 2008. That was a Saturday. The Nintendo Wii was released on December 2, 2006. That was a Saturday.
There are some anomalies. The Nintendo DS was released December 2, 2004 in Japan. That was a Thursday. The Nintendo DS Lite was released on March 2, 2006. That also was a Thursday.
Amano's Twitter page has since been deleted as has his original tweet. (At the time of posting, it is still possible to view his Tweetlog.) Random tweets are certainly not viable sources of information.
KeysFactory, however, has designed a slew of DS, DSi, and DS XL peripherals, so there could be something to Amano's tweet. That is, if Amano is exactly a KeysFactory employee. On his Tweetlog, he claims to be based in Shizuoka, which is where KeysFactory is located.
Kotaku is following up with both KeysFactory and Nintendo and will update if either comments.
Update: A spokesperson for KeysFactory has told Kotaku that Amano was an employee, but left the company at the end of August. What's more, the spokesperson added that the company has not been informed of the Nintendo 3DS's release date.
SNES Wii controller gets UK release
The Wii-compatible classic SNES pad only available in Japan since 2007 will finally be released in the UK through Club Nintendo.
The pad, which plugs into the Wii Remote and acts as a Classic Controller, will set Club Nintendo members back 7000 Star Points.
If you want one, you'd better hurry – these things don't hang around for long.
For the uninitiated, Club Nintendo is a customer reward service that allows gamers to trade Star Points harvested from special codes included with first-party games and hardware for various exclusive Nintendo goodies.
You earn 100 points for registering a DS title and 200 points for a Wii title. You do the maths, but this one could be for serious game hoarders only.
The pad, which plugs into the Wii Remote and acts as a Classic Controller, will set Club Nintendo members back 7000 Star Points.
If you want one, you'd better hurry – these things don't hang around for long.
For the uninitiated, Club Nintendo is a customer reward service that allows gamers to trade Star Points harvested from special codes included with first-party games and hardware for various exclusive Nintendo goodies.
You earn 100 points for registering a DS title and 200 points for a Wii title. You do the maths, but this one could be for serious game hoarders only.
Wi-Fi iPad Hits China This Friday
The iPad's international expansion continues, and this time they're going after big game: at 10am this Friday, Sept. 17th, the Wi-Fi iPad will be available in China. They'll retail at CNY3988 for 16GB, CNY4788 for 32GB and CNY5588 for 64GB. That's about $590, $708, and $826 respectively. At those prices, and with the kind of volume potential China represents, you're looking at big business for Apple.
Then again, I thought China had the iPad months ago, didn't they? Regardless, Apple promises that "many more" countries will get the iPad "later this year." So hold tight, Moldova! Your time will come.
iPad Wi-Fi Models Available in China on September 17
CUPERTINO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Apple® today announced that the Wi-Fi models of its magical iPad™ will be available to customers in China from Apple Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers, on Friday, September 17 starting at 10:00 a.m.
iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad's revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad Wi-Fi models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.5 pounds - thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook - and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web.*
Apple Retail Stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store℠, and more. Apple Retail Stores in China are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product.
Pricing & Availability
iPad Wi-Fi models in China will be available for a suggested retail price of CNY3988 for 16GB, CNY4788 for 32GB and CNY5588 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in China through Apple's Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
iPad will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.
Then again, I thought China had the iPad months ago, didn't they? Regardless, Apple promises that "many more" countries will get the iPad "later this year." So hold tight, Moldova! Your time will come.
iPad Wi-Fi Models Available in China on September 17
CUPERTINO, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Apple® today announced that the Wi-Fi models of its magical iPad™ will be available to customers in China from Apple Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers, on Friday, September 17 starting at 10:00 a.m.
iPad allows users to connect with their apps and content in a more intimate, intuitive and fun way than ever before. Users can browse the web, read and send email, enjoy and share photos, watch HD videos, listen to music, play games, read ebooks and much more, all using iPad's revolutionary Multi-Touch™ user interface. iPad Wi-Fi models are just 0.5 inches thick and weigh just 1.5 pounds - thinner and lighter than any laptop or netbook - and deliver up to 10 hours of battery life for surfing the web on Wi-Fi, watching videos or listening to music, and up to nine hours of surfing the web.*
Apple Retail Stores will offer a free Personal Setup service to every customer who buys an iPad at the store, helping them customize their new iPad by setting up their email, loading their favorite apps from the App Store℠, and more. Apple Retail Stores in China are also hosting special iPad workshops to help customers learn more about this magical new product.
Pricing & Availability
iPad Wi-Fi models in China will be available for a suggested retail price of CNY3988 for 16GB, CNY4788 for 32GB and CNY5588 for 64GB. iPad will be sold in China through Apple's Retail Stores, and select Apple Authorized Resellers.
iPad will roll out to many more countries later this year and Apple will announce availability and local pricing for these additional countries at a later date.
With the release of PSJailbreak, is the return of Other OS round the corner?
With the PSjailbreak and its clones sweeping the gaming scene in the last one month, can we expect the return of Other OS, namely Linux, on the PS3 Playstation 3? The following is from PCWorld:
Although I never found much utility in Other OS, a Playstation 3 feature that could turn the console into a basic computer running Linux, my heart went out to people who used Other OS before Sony scrapped it.
Sony said it removed Other OS in March to “protect the integrity of the console,” possibly because one hacker came too close to exploiting the feature in a way that would allow piracy. But now, OzModChips claims to have the first PS3 modchip on a USB stick. In theory, this allows people to play bootleg and homebrew games and make disc backups. Supposedly, it can also bypass firmware updates that Sony might use to banish the hack.
If Sony’s piracy safeguards have indeed fallen, I propose that Sony should bring back Other OS. After all, once the integrity of the console is lost, there’s no point in protecting it at the expense of users who did no harm.
A typical argument against draconian anti-piracy measures goes like this: Such attempts are pointless, because they eventually fail, and the only people who suffer are paying customers who have to jump through hoops. That argument didn’t apply to the Playstation 3, because it was rock solid against hackers for almost four years, and legitimate customers were none the wiser.
With the removal of Other OS, everything changed. A feature was lost, and now it appears that Sony’s previously unhackable machine is defeated through unrelated means. I’m skeptical of OzModChips’ solution, which costs $170, until it’s verified by an independent source, but if it’s legitimate, why should Sony pretend that removing Other OS keeps the Playstation 3′s integrity intact?
via PS3HAX
Although I never found much utility in Other OS, a Playstation 3 feature that could turn the console into a basic computer running Linux, my heart went out to people who used Other OS before Sony scrapped it.
Sony said it removed Other OS in March to “protect the integrity of the console,” possibly because one hacker came too close to exploiting the feature in a way that would allow piracy. But now, OzModChips claims to have the first PS3 modchip on a USB stick. In theory, this allows people to play bootleg and homebrew games and make disc backups. Supposedly, it can also bypass firmware updates that Sony might use to banish the hack.
If Sony’s piracy safeguards have indeed fallen, I propose that Sony should bring back Other OS. After all, once the integrity of the console is lost, there’s no point in protecting it at the expense of users who did no harm.
A typical argument against draconian anti-piracy measures goes like this: Such attempts are pointless, because they eventually fail, and the only people who suffer are paying customers who have to jump through hoops. That argument didn’t apply to the Playstation 3, because it was rock solid against hackers for almost four years, and legitimate customers were none the wiser.
With the removal of Other OS, everything changed. A feature was lost, and now it appears that Sony’s previously unhackable machine is defeated through unrelated means. I’m skeptical of OzModChips’ solution, which costs $170, until it’s verified by an independent source, but if it’s legitimate, why should Sony pretend that removing Other OS keeps the Playstation 3′s integrity intact?
via PS3HAX
R4i Ultra Karte für Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Speicherkarte
Manufacturer: www.r4ultra.com
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
Features:
Package includes:
Where to buy:
R4i Ultra Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
- Watch movies and videos
- Play music files
- Browse picture files
- Read E-Books and much more...
Features:
- Same size as an original DSi game cartridge
- Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart./passcard etc.)
- Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage
- Touch screen control and robust skinning support
- No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card
- Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch
- Supports WiFi, DS rumble pack and DS browser
- Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)
- Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play
- Standard FAT system support
- Supports different speeds of micro SD cards
- Supports HC memory cards
- Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )
- Compatible with the 1.4 firmware-13th Sept 09
Package includes:
- 1 x R4i Card (Slot-1)
- 1 x USB memory card reader / writer for micro SD
- 1 x 4GB Micro SD Card
Where to buy:
R4i Ultra Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
Friday, September 10, 2010
A Wii Remote Suited For Doctor Who
Playing a Doctor Who Wii game with a Wii-Remote could be fun. This is better.
This fall, the British sci-fi series is getting a Wii title called Doctor Who: Return To Earth. The BBC has teamed with a peripheral maker to create a Sonic Screwdriver Wii controller.
A Sonic Screwdriver stylus will also be released for DS game Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth.
As the Official Nintendo Magazine UK points out, actor Matt Smith, who currently plays the doctor, is lending his likeness to the game as is Karen Gillan, who plays his cohort Amy Pond.
This fall, the British sci-fi series is getting a Wii title called Doctor Who: Return To Earth. The BBC has teamed with a peripheral maker to create a Sonic Screwdriver Wii controller.
A Sonic Screwdriver stylus will also be released for DS game Doctor Who: Evacuation Earth.
As the Official Nintendo Magazine UK points out, actor Matt Smith, who currently plays the doctor, is lending his likeness to the game as is Karen Gillan, who plays his cohort Amy Pond.
A new PSP game is coming out
Sony's PSP is getting a new game, and it's called Ace Combat Joint Assault.
It launches on 24th September for the PlayStation Portable and PSPgo, and has gone gold.
Ace Combat's got 40 "state of the art aircraft, fast-paced dogfights, fantastic new visuals, real-world locations and the most robust multiplayer options seen yet from the series".
Competitive and team-based multiplayer works through the PSP's ad hoc or infrastructure modes. You can play with up to three friends in campaign mode, or eight can dogfight each other in competitive multiplayer.
Joint Assault is developer Project Aces' second attempt on PSP after Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception in 2006.
It launches on 24th September for the PlayStation Portable and PSPgo, and has gone gold.
Ace Combat's got 40 "state of the art aircraft, fast-paced dogfights, fantastic new visuals, real-world locations and the most robust multiplayer options seen yet from the series".
Competitive and team-based multiplayer works through the PSP's ad hoc or infrastructure modes. You can play with up to three friends in campaign mode, or eight can dogfight each other in competitive multiplayer.
Joint Assault is developer Project Aces' second attempt on PSP after Ace Combat X: Skies of Deception in 2006.
New PS3 update increases security
UPDATE: Digital Foundry's Rich Leadbetter had this to say on the latest PS3 update:
"Yes, people have tried it and the Jailbreak no longer works.
"3.42 is the only way to access PSN, so in Sony's world you have to upgrade. However, for now it looks like people who have the Jailbreak are sticking to 3.41 and using a proxy server bypass to remain online.
"Going forward, the hackers will be attempting to reverse engineer future firmwares and producing custom versions that keep the exploit working."
ORIGINAL STORY: A new update for the PlayStation 3 released this morning may combat the PSJailbreak hack.
Version 3.42 is described as "minor" by director of hardware marketing John Koller, but "includes additional security features".
While Sony is yet to reveal the intention of the update, many speculate it combats the high-profile PS3 crack which exploded onto the internet in August.
Earlier this month an open source alternative to the PSJailbreak hack, called PSGroove, was released.
The open source version of the jailbreak is effectively a clone of the commercial hack, which has yet to make it in volume to the modchip suppliers.
The crack allows PS3 users to copy all the games they own - and any they don't - onto hard disk.
"Yes, people have tried it and the Jailbreak no longer works.
"3.42 is the only way to access PSN, so in Sony's world you have to upgrade. However, for now it looks like people who have the Jailbreak are sticking to 3.41 and using a proxy server bypass to remain online.
"Going forward, the hackers will be attempting to reverse engineer future firmwares and producing custom versions that keep the exploit working."
ORIGINAL STORY: A new update for the PlayStation 3 released this morning may combat the PSJailbreak hack.
Version 3.42 is described as "minor" by director of hardware marketing John Koller, but "includes additional security features".
While Sony is yet to reveal the intention of the update, many speculate it combats the high-profile PS3 crack which exploded onto the internet in August.
Earlier this month an open source alternative to the PSJailbreak hack, called PSGroove, was released.
The open source version of the jailbreak is effectively a clone of the commercial hack, which has yet to make it in volume to the modchip suppliers.
The crack allows PS3 users to copy all the games they own - and any they don't - onto hard disk.
R4i SDHC Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
Manufacturer: www.r4i-sdhc.com
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
Features:
Package includes:
Where to buy:
R4i SDHC Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
- Watch movies and videos
- Play music files
- Browse picture files
- Read E-Books and much more...
Features:
- Same size as an original DSi game cartridge
- Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart./passcard etc.)
- Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage
- Touch screen control and robust skinning support
- No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card
- Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch
- Supports WiFi, DS rumble pack and DS browser
- Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)
- Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play
- Standard FAT system support
- Supports different speeds of micro SD cards
- Supports HC memory cards
- Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )
- Compatible with the 1.4 firmware-13th Sept 09
Package includes:
- 1 x R4i SDHC Card (Slot-1)
- 1 x USB memory card reader / writerfor micro SD
- 1 x 2GB Micro SD Card
Where to buy:
R4i SDHC Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
PS3 to get 3D Blu-ray update soon
Sony has announced a release date for the firmware update which will enable PS3 to play 3D Blu-rays.
The announcement came during a conference at big old technology fair IFA, as attended by Engadget. According to Sony, the update will be released this October.
So what will you be able to watch in 3D? Well, Sony also unveiled 3D bundles of Alice in Wonderland (terrible) and Michael Jackson's This Is It (worth it for the bit where he tells someone off "with love").
An exact release date has yet to be announced. Still, good to know there's just a few weeks before we can peel those red and green sweet wrappers off our specs. And you can never have too many firmware updates.
The announcement came during a conference at big old technology fair IFA, as attended by Engadget. According to Sony, the update will be released this October.
So what will you be able to watch in 3D? Well, Sony also unveiled 3D bundles of Alice in Wonderland (terrible) and Michael Jackson's This Is It (worth it for the bit where he tells someone off "with love").
An exact release date has yet to be announced. Still, good to know there's just a few weeks before we can peel those red and green sweet wrappers off our specs. And you can never have too many firmware updates.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars HD will be released for iPad next Thursday, 9th September.
Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars HD will be released for iPad next Thursday, 9th September.
The game will cost £5.99.ipad
High-definition visuals are the key feature, hence the name. But there are now over 50 missions, "countless" side activities and the chance to ipad customise your in-game soundtrack with your iTunes library of Britney songs.ipad
Chinatown Wars adopts an old-style, ipadtop-down GTA presentation, but adds various new-age touches Rockstar has picked up over the years. The result is a superb game.
Rockstar released the DS version of GTA: Chinatown Wars first in early 2009, followed by a PSP conversion and eventually an iPhone game.
The game will cost £5.99.ipad
High-definition visuals are the key feature, hence the name. But there are now over 50 missions, "countless" side activities and the chance to ipad customise your in-game soundtrack with your iTunes library of Britney songs.ipad
Chinatown Wars adopts an old-style, ipadtop-down GTA presentation, but adds various new-age touches Rockstar has picked up over the years. The result is a superb game.
Rockstar released the DS version of GTA: Chinatown Wars first in early 2009, followed by a PSP conversion and eventually an iPhone game.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
Energizer's New Inductive Charger For iPhone 3GS & Blackberry Curve 8900 Is the First To Use the Qi Standard
Energizer's New Inductive Charger For iPhone 3GS & Blackberry Curve 8900 Is the First To Use the Qi Standard
Inductive chargers have iPhone 3GS been kicking around for a while now, but Energizer's new charging platter is the first to utilize Qi technology—the new universal standard for inductive charging. That's one small step closer to total freedom from cables.iPhone 3GS
Qi, which was recently approved as the inductive standard by the Wireless Power Consortium, will allow any Qi-equipped gadget that requires less than 5 Watts to power up on any Qi charging surface. Energizer's new charger is the first to support the new standard, but eventually the idea is that you'll be able to toss your phone or MP3 player on a charging station at iPhone 3GS your friends' house, even one made by a different manufacturer, and they'll just work, no fuss.
Energizer's New Inductive Delivers easy, convenient, cord-free charging for any Qi-enabled device. Charges iPhone® 3G and iPhone® 3GS with the Energizer® Qi-enabled sleeve and BlackBerry® Curve™ 8900 with the Energizer® Qi-enabled door (both sold separately).
PSN to get cloud-based music service
Sony has announced plans to launch a cloud-based digital music service for PlayStation 3.
According to a post on the PS blog, "The service will give you access to millions of songs that are stored and synchronised through the cloud and can be accessed via PS3, BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theatre systems and VAIO computers, with one single account and without the need to manage digital files.
The service is called Qriocity.PS3
Qriocity.
"We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony's network-enabled devices," said bossman Kaz Hirai.
"Services 'powered by Qriocity' will revolutionise the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content."
Qriocity will launch later this year.PS3
According to a post on the PS blog, "The service will give you access to millions of songs that are stored and synchronised through the cloud and can be accessed via PS3, BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theatre systems and VAIO computers, with one single account and without the need to manage digital files.
The service is called Qriocity.PS3
Qriocity.
"We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony's network-enabled devices," said bossman Kaz Hirai.
"Services 'powered by Qriocity' will revolutionise the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content."
Qriocity will launch later this year.PS3
Monday, September 6, 2010
PSN to get cloud-based music service
Sony has announced plans to launch a cloud-based digital music service for PlayStation 3.
According to a post on the PS blog, PlayStation 3."The service will give you access to millions of songs that are stored and synchronised through the cloud and can be accessed via PS3, BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theatre systems and VAIO computers, with one single account and without the need to manage digital files.PlayStation 3.
The service is called Qriocity.
Qriocity.
"We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony's network-enabled devices," said bossman Kaz Hirai.
"Services 'powered by Qriocity' will revolutionise the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content."
Qriocity will launch later this year.
According to a post on the PS blog, PlayStation 3."The service will give you access to millions of songs that are stored and synchronised through the cloud and can be accessed via PS3, BRAVIA TVs, Blu-ray Disc players, Blu-ray Home Theatre systems and VAIO computers, with one single account and without the need to manage digital files.PlayStation 3.
The service is called Qriocity.
Qriocity.
"We are excited to offer our customers high quality, cloud-based entertainment experiences across many of Sony's network-enabled devices," said bossman Kaz Hirai.
"Services 'powered by Qriocity' will revolutionise the way that users play, listen, watch, share, communicate, learn, discover and create their digital entertainment content."
Qriocity will launch later this year.
R4i RTS Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
Manufacturer: www.r4rts.cn
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
Features:
Package includes:
Where to buy:
R4i RTS Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
- Watch movies and videos
- Play music files
- Browse picture files
- Read E-Books and much more...
Features:
- Same size as an original DSi game cartridge
- Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart./passcard etc.)
- Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage
- Touch screen control and robust skinning support
- No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card
- Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch
- Supports WiFi, DS rumble pack and DS browser
- Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)
- Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play
- Standard FAT system support
- Supports different speeds of micro SD cards
- Supports HC memory cards
- Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )
- Compatible with the 1.4 firmware-13th Sept 09
Package includes:
- 1 x R4i RTS Card (Slot-1)
- 1 x USB memory card reader / writer for micro SD
- 1 x 4GB Micro SD Card
Where to buy:
R4i RTS Card for Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + 4GB Micro SD Memory Card
iPhone Game Center Released Next Week to Rival XBOX Live & Playstation Network
Steve Jobs has claimed iPod Touch is "the number one portable games player in the world", outlining Apple's growing ambitions in the games space with new hardware, an iOS update, an Unreal Engine 3 demo and Game Center reveal during a press conference.
Speaking on stage in San Francisco – streamed live online and broadcast at a separate Apple event in central London which Eurogamer attended – Jobs announced that "the biggest change in the iPod line ever" and the new operating system update would be released next week.
The new iPod Touch, noticeably slimmer than the current model, adds iPhone 4's retina display and gyroscope, plus a front-mounted camera and HD video capture. The device will be available in 8Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb versions, priced at £189, £249 and £329 respectively.
Game Center – a new feature launching with iOS 4.1 – is Apple's answer to Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Jobs said it was "all about multiplayer games", and walked the audience through a demo of its social features. These include leaderboards, matchmaking and achievements.
Taking a swipe at Apple's gaming rivals, Jobs boasted that 1.5 billion "games and entertainment" titles had been sold via App Store to date - claiming iPod Touch "outsells Nintendo and Sony handhelds combined".
A TV ad for the new model Touch confirmed the company's focus, with the first two-thirds of it focused entirely on gaming.
Epic President Mike Capps was then invited on stage to demo Project Sword – an impressive-looking Unreal Engine 3-powered RPG with a visual style reminiscent of Lionhead's Fable. Jobs confirmed the title for a "holiday" release on iPod, iPhone and iPad.
A demo of the tech, Epic Citadel, was released by Epic last night for iPhone and iPad as a free download.
Jobs, whose session wrapped with a surprise three-song acoustic performance from Coldplay's Chris Martin and featured a video message from Lady Gaga, also teased iOS 4.2, bringing Game Center, multitasking and other iOS 4.1 features to the iPad this November.iPhone
After the session, Eurogamer went hands-on with the new iPod Touch, with iOS 4.1 and Game Center installed, but the demo units did not allow connection to the latter's servers. In the absence of a fully-functioning version of Apple's "social gaming network", reps focused on showing off iPod Touch's gyro-functionality in Gameloft's Halo-esque Nova,iPhone
An Apple spokesperson said the company was not prepared to add anything on Game Center beyond what was in the conference.iPhone
Elsewhere, Jobs announced updates to the iPod Shuffle and Nano lines, plus a new version of the company's Apple TV platform.
Speaking on stage in San Francisco – streamed live online and broadcast at a separate Apple event in central London which Eurogamer attended – Jobs announced that "the biggest change in the iPod line ever" and the new operating system update would be released next week.
The new iPod Touch, noticeably slimmer than the current model, adds iPhone 4's retina display and gyroscope, plus a front-mounted camera and HD video capture. The device will be available in 8Gb, 32Gb and 64Gb versions, priced at £189, £249 and £329 respectively.
Game Center – a new feature launching with iOS 4.1 – is Apple's answer to Xbox Live and PlayStation Network. Jobs said it was "all about multiplayer games", and walked the audience through a demo of its social features. These include leaderboards, matchmaking and achievements.
Taking a swipe at Apple's gaming rivals, Jobs boasted that 1.5 billion "games and entertainment" titles had been sold via App Store to date - claiming iPod Touch "outsells Nintendo and Sony handhelds combined".
A TV ad for the new model Touch confirmed the company's focus, with the first two-thirds of it focused entirely on gaming.
Epic President Mike Capps was then invited on stage to demo Project Sword – an impressive-looking Unreal Engine 3-powered RPG with a visual style reminiscent of Lionhead's Fable. Jobs confirmed the title for a "holiday" release on iPod, iPhone and iPad.
A demo of the tech, Epic Citadel, was released by Epic last night for iPhone and iPad as a free download.
Jobs, whose session wrapped with a surprise three-song acoustic performance from Coldplay's Chris Martin and featured a video message from Lady Gaga, also teased iOS 4.2, bringing Game Center, multitasking and other iOS 4.1 features to the iPad this November.iPhone
After the session, Eurogamer went hands-on with the new iPod Touch, with iOS 4.1 and Game Center installed, but the demo units did not allow connection to the latter's servers. In the absence of a fully-functioning version of Apple's "social gaming network", reps focused on showing off iPod Touch's gyro-functionality in Gameloft's Halo-esque Nova,iPhone
An Apple spokesperson said the company was not prepared to add anything on Game Center beyond what was in the conference.iPhone
Elsewhere, Jobs announced updates to the iPod Shuffle and Nano lines, plus a new version of the company's Apple TV platform.
DSi And DSi XL Get Price Drops
Starting Sept. 12 Nintendo will be dropping the price of the DSi to $150 and the price of the DSi XL to $170. The DS Lite will remain $130.
The price drops lower the two systems by $20 each, down from $170 and $190 respectively.
"We know shoppers want to get the maximum value out of every dollar they spend," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "Our new Nintendo DSi prices make it easier than ever for consumers to access the tremendous variety of games, applications and social tools on the Nintendo DSi and Nintendo DSi XL systems."
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Ultimate Guide To The PlayStation Move
This is your guide to everything you need to know about the PlayStation Move: how it works, what it costs, and what games you can play on it.
What Is The PlayStation Move?
The PlayStation Move is a motion-sensing game controller platform for the PlayStation 3. It consists of a wand-shaped controller the player holds in his or her hand topped with a plastic orb that emits light in various colors.
How Does The PlayStation Move Work?
The PlayStation Move works in conjunction with the PlayStations Eye camera to track the movement of the controller in the player's hand. The orb at the tip of the controller emits light that can easily be tracked via the camera, while the orb's particular shape and size help facilitate distance calculations. In layman's terms, the PlayStation Eye can determine how far away the orb is by gauging its relative size.
The Move also contains a pair of inertial sensors that allow the controller to sense motion and rotation.
Check out Kotaku's full PlayStation Move review for our opinion on how well the controller performs.
When Does The PlayStation Move Launch?
The PlayStation Move will be released in North America on September 19, 2010. It launches in Europe and most Asian markets on September 19, and the Japanese release is scheduled for October 21.
How Much Does The PlayStation Move Cost?
The cost of the PlayStation Move depends on what equipment you already possess. We'll be using North American pricing for this guide. International pricing may vary.
If you do not own a PlayStation 3, then you'll want to pick up the PlayStation 3 Sports Champions Move Bundle, which includes a PlayStation 3 console, a PlayStation Move controller, the PlayStation Eye camera, and a copy of the Move game Sports Champions. Retail price is $399.99.
If you already own a PlayStation 3 but nothing else, you'll need the PlayStation Move Bundle. Retailing for $99.99, it includes the PlayStation Move controller, a PlayStation Eye camera, and a copy of Sports Champions.
If you already own a PlayStation Eye, which was sold on its own as well as being packaged with the PlayStation 3 game Eye of Judgment, then all you will need is a PlayStation Move controller, which will run you $49.99.
It bears noting that many Move games will require the PlayStation Move Navigation Controller, a wireless handheld device featuring several buttons and an analog thumb stick that costs $29.99. Note that you can use the normal PlayStation 3 controller as the Navigation Controller, though it's not optimal.
What Games Are Launching With The PlayStation Move?
Sony and third-party developers have come together to create a strong lineup of launch titles for the PlayStation Move, both as retail releases and downloadable games on the PlayStation Network. Here's a look at what to expect when the PlayStation Move hits store shelves.
What Existing Games Will Work With The PlayStation Move?
Many existing titles will work with the PlayStation Move controller either right out of the box or via a downloadable patch.
Heavy Rain: A Move edition of the game will be released at retail, while a path will make sure existing owners can join in the motion controlled fun. Read our impressions.
Resident Evil 5: A downloadable patch will grant Move support to owners of all versions of Resident Evil 5 for the PlayStation 3. Read our impressions.
Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11: Move support is built in. Read our impressions.
Toy Story 3: PlayStation Move support is built right in, making this an excellent title for families with younger children. Downloadable mini-games will take advantage of the Move controller.
Should I Buy The PlayStation Move?
Will you love the PlayStation Move or hate it? That all depends on you, but you can check out what we loved and hated right here to help you decide.
Xbox Live Price Increase Coming November 1
Xbox Live Gold subscribers might want to renew before November 1, when the price of a yearly subscription to the service jumps $10 in North America.
According to a post on Major Nelson's blog, after eight years' of Xbox Live at the $50 a year price point, the service is finally seeing a price hike. Starting on November 1, a year Gold subscription to Xbox Live will run $59.99, versus the current price of $49.99. One month subscriptions will jump from $7.99 to $9.99, while three month subs will rise from $19.99 to $24.99.
Other regions will be seeing increases as well. In the UK the price of one month will jump from 4.99 GPB to 5.99 GPB. The price of a month in Canada rises a dollar to $9.99. Finally, a year subscription in Mexico rises from 499 to 599 pesos.
Microsoft is running a special deal right now for North American U.S. customers, allowing them to lock in a year at $39.99, $20 less than the new rate. For details, visit the deal website.
Jesse Divnich with industry analyst EEDAR sent out a statement accompanying the news, insuring consumers that $60 is still "an incredible value."
"When originally launched in 2002, a Gold subscription cost the same as an AAA video game, $49.99. When taking into account for inflation ($50 in 2002 is roughly $60 in 2010) and the additional services available to Gold subscribers in 2010, such as ESPN, Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm and Video Kinect, a $10 price increase still represents an incredible value to consumers"
Whether or not $60 a year is an incredible value is Xbox ultimately up to consumers. What say you, consumers?
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Hyper R4i SDHC For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + MicroSD 4GB
Manufacturer: www.hyper4i.com
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
DSi Features:
Package includes:
where to buy:
Hyper R4i SDHC For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + MicroSD 4GB
R4i Adapter is the newest development in flash cartridge technology for Nintendo DSi. R4i is an adapter so you can use a microSDHC card up to 32GB with your Nintendo DSi which allows you to store a lot more on your DSi and allows you to benefit from all the following features:
- Watch movies and videos
- Play music files
- Browse picture files
- Read E-Books and much more...
DSi Features:
- Same size as an original DSi game cartridge
- Built-in PassMe (NO need for any boot cart./passcard etc.)
- Uses microSD memory card (Trans Flash) as storage
- Touch screen control and robust skinning support
- No battery needed, back up the save file directly into the microSD card
- Homebrew support , IO lib available on launch
- Supports WiFi, DS rumble pack and DS browser
- Boot clean dump images (downloadable from internet)
- Very simple to use: drag and drop files to the microSD card and play
- Standard FAT system support
- Supports different speeds of micro SD cards
- Supports HC memory cards
- Upgradable Firmware ( OS / Bios / Kernel )
- Compatible with the 1.4 Firmware (13. September 09) & 1.5 Firmware
Package includes:
- 1 x R4i Hyper Card (Slot-1)
- 1 x USB memory card reader / writerfor micro SD
- 1 x 4GB Micro SD Card
where to buy:
Hyper R4i SDHC For Nintendo DS / DS Lite / DSi / DSi XL + MicroSD 4GB
New Xbox 360 controller with twist-up D-pad coming Nov. 9, bundled with charge kit for $65
Reported by Joystiq, Microsoft has announced a redesigned Xbox 360 wireless controller. The new gamepad will debut in a matte silver color with gray-toned face buttons and analog sticks with a more dramatic concave shape. Xbox 360 Key to the new design is a "transforming" D-pad that changes from a semi-flush disc to a pop-out plus sign by twisting the D-pad clockwise. Xbox 360 When one rotates the D-pad ninety degrees on this new controller, it'll raise up about a quarter of an inch -- a modification apparently revealed to be targeted at fighting game fans.
Microsoft offers this suggestion for how you might use the two D-pad configurations: "Select the traditional plus for distinct cardinal direction movement in games like Halo: Reach to change weapons and perform complicated combinations and deadly finishing moves in Street Fighter games, or rotate the D-pad to the disc format for sweeping motions in games such as Pro Evolution Soccer 2011."
The redesigned controller will only be available with the Play & Charge Kit. The bundle will launch on November 9 for $64.99.
Now the question is: is it going to outperform the Mad Catz Street Fighter IV FightPad?
Quotes by Gizmodo:
the fantastic floating D-Pad and arcade-style six-button layout crush the regular Xbox 360 controller when it comes to fighting games. The FightPad makes my game so much better, so much more precise, I don't think I could go back to using the old pad. Here's what I mean: With the old pad, on average, I would successfully execute Fei Long's rising dragon kick (or insert any dragon punch-based maneuver) about 5-7 times out of 10 tries. With the FightPad, it's like 9 times out of 10. Moves requiring 720-degree motions, like Zangief's super, come off much easier as well, and exactly when I want it to (when someone's up in my face—PILEDRIVER). Back, forward, back forward style specials, like with Honda or Blanka, aren't noticeably easier to perform, though.
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