Nintendo DS lite
Japanese business news outlet Nikkei Net is reporting that Nintendo will release a successor to the DS Lite by the end of this calendar year. Highlights of the updated feature set include improved wireless functionality (probably for extra-curricular use--not necessary for gaming), an on-board camera, and music playback.
The report goes on to suggest that the internal camera could be used by certain titles, with pictures taken with it somehow incorporated into gameplay. While there are no specifics on pricing, Nikkei Net says the new handheld should go for less than 20,000 yen (approximately $189).
Like with the DS Lite, the new DS will see a Japanese-only release to start, with a worldwide release soon after. We'll have more information on the new handheld as it develops.
(Via Kotaku)
- Topics:
- Entertainment,
- Games and gear
- Tags:
- Nikkei Net,
- Nintendo,
- DS,
- DS Lite
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
(Credit: Kotaku)A leaked internal memo shows that Blockbuster will be lowering the price of the entry-level 40GB model PlayStation 3 this weekend. Kotaku was able to get a screenshot of the memo, which clearly shows a new price of $360. Also, the store-exclusive Spider-Man 3 Blu-ray/Transformers video game and HDMI cable bundle will drop to $460.
This may seem like a decent bargain, but remember that $40 more will double your hard drive capacity to 80GB. (Confusingly, the "old" 80GB model, which had four USB ports and flash media slots, has mostly disappeared from store shelves. The new "Core" 80GB model--two USB ports, DualShock 3 controller, and no flash media slots--has replaced the 40, which is why the old one is being discounted.)
In addition, we can't really advise anyone to opt for the HDMI bundle either, as we all know how cheap you can find one of those cables online.
A Sony-initiated price drop does seem likely in time for the holidays, especially after Microsoft recently lowered the prices of the entire Xbox 360 product line.
Note: this post was updated to clarify the difference between the old and new 80GB PS3 models.
- Topics:
- Entertainment,
- Games and gear
- Tags:
- Blockbuster,
- playstation 3,
- sony,
- 40gb,
- 80gb,
- HDMI,
- bundle,
- price drop,
- discount,
- xbox 360
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
(Credit: Amazon.com.jp)Hey, you there, seated to my left and across the cubicle. This one's for you guys. Lest you readers think I've found new pleasure talking to myself, I am actually dedicating this post to two of my Rubik's Cube-fixated colleagues. It is hilarious watching them trying to outdo each other on a rather frequent basis (mind you, they use timer clocks as well) before slamming down their cubes on the desk to signal the completion of the puzzle.
Enter the new Rubik's Mirror Blocks puzzle, which should up the ante a bit. No two blocks are identical, and instead of colors, each cube has a mirrored surface. So I guess the tried-and-tested formula of solving the puzzle no longer applies. The cube is supposed to be available in Japan in the next couple of weeks at about $20. Not too much to ask for a few more moments of hilarity, I guess.
(Via Crave Asia)
I love this DS carrying case--I'm just not sure who makes it.
(Credit: John Falcone, CNET)Recently, I had a chance to check out the Logitech PlayGear Pocket Lite, a carrying case for the Nintendo DS Lite. Basically, it's a perfectly good case made of durable hard plastic with space for carrying four additional DS games. It even allows you to add customized skins (protected on the inside of the clear shell). But the whole thing seemed somewhat superfluous to me, mostly because the DS Lite is already so well-designed: the clamshell enclosure keeps the unit's dual screens safe (unlike the PSP, which really does need a protective case). ... Read more
- Topics:
- Games and gear
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
Executives throughout the video game industry may be breathing a big sigh of relief. That's because it looks like one of the industry's biggest critics, Florida lawyer Jack Thompson, has had his voice cut off at the knees, to mix a metaphor or two.
According to a Thursday report on the popular video game blog Kotaku, Thompson has been disbarred by a Florida judge who ruled he has been guilty of some seriously unbecoming conduct.
Essentially, according to Kotaku, the court ruled that Thompson "made false statements of material fact to courts and repeatedly violated a court order...communicated the subject of representation directly with clients of opposing counsel...engaged in prohibited ex parte communications...publicized and sent hundreds of pages of vitriolic and disparaging missives, letters, faxes and press releases to the affected individuals...targeted an individual who was not involved with (Thompson) in any way, merely due to 'the position (the individual) holds in state and national politics'...falsely, recklessly and publicly accused a judge of being amenable to the 'fixing' of cases," and so on.
Thompson might best be known for his withering attacks of Rockstar Games for the sexual content that was hidden in its hit game, Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. But he has also been vocal in his criticism of countless other games for what he saw as too much violence and sexual content.
... Read more- Topics:
- Games and gear
- Tags:
- Video games,
- Jack Thompson,
- Grand Theft Auto
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
Sure, a gamer of independent means can drop several grand on a fully loaded Alienware Area-51 m15x, but what about the rest of us?
Asus seems to have budget-minded gamers in mind with its $1,699 G50V. The 15.4-inch laptop has many of the same features as the Alienware (and then some), but economizes on components, stocking the LED-decorated case with a slightly lower-end processor and GPU. However, its frame rates were not all that far behind the Alienware's--which is to say, they were entirely playable. That's a sacrifice we're willing to make in order to save $1,500.
It's true that the 17-inch Gateway P-7811FX is still our top pick for budget gaming, but the Asus G50V comes in a close second. And its smaller form factor makes it preferable for those who want a more mobile gaming rig.
For more details, read our Asus G50V review.
I smell a hint.
While nothing has been confirmed by Microsoft, a suspicious Xbox Live in-dash ad definitely points to November for the long-awaited dashboard relaunch. CNET sister site GameSpot reports that an ad for Rock Band 2 blatantly claims to "Check out the New Xbox Experience coming in November!"
We first learned details about the brand new Xbox Live dashboard at this summer's E3 2008 press conference, where it was also announced that the new interface would support personal avatars--think Nintendo Mii characters--and Netflix streaming capabilities. Other new features offered by the update will include the ability to completely install a game onto the system's hard drive, which will drastically reduce the strain on the console's DVD drive and potentially decrease loading times.
The Xbox 360 recently saw a price drop, making the entry-level system the lowest priced next-generation console on the market. We hope to have more information on the highly anticipated dashboard update when Microsoft makes an official announcement.
- Topics:
- Entertainment,
- Games and gear
- Tags:
- microsoft,
- xbox live,
- dashboard,
- update,
- experience,
- xbox 360,
- Rock Band 2
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
This week brings us a brand-new Mega Man game sticking true to its 8-bit roots and a classic Dodge Ball game from the NES era.
- WiiWare
- Mega Man 9 (Capcom, 1,000 Wii points): Mega Man 9 is truly an homage to the original classic 8-bit series. Even though the game is brand new with unique stages and bosses, the game has the traditional graphics and gameplay from that of the NES classic franchise.
- PLÄTTCHEN twist 'n' paint (Bplus, 1,000 Wii points): PLÄTTCHEN twist 'n' paint is a self-described puzzle-shooter that requires you to paint certain tiles in a row to advance to the next level. The game offers up to 300 levels and a maximum of eight simultaneous players.
- Virtual Console
- Super Dodge Ball (1989, NES, 500 Wii points): Super Dodge Ball lets you take control of the USA Dodgeball team in a race for world title as you travel the globe attempting to knock each team out of the tournament. A classic to anyone who remembers the NES era, this game is sure to bring back some face-pegging memories.
- Vectorman (1995, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points): Vectorman is a classic platformer that has you complete various worlds and levels ultimately destroying WarHead, an evil robot overlord. Upgrade your weapons with power-ups and save Earth in this futuristic Sega Genesis game.
What games do you think are missing from the Wii Virtual Console? Sound off here!
- Topics:
- Entertainment,
- Games and gear
- Tags:
- wii,
- nintendo,
- wiiware,
- virtual console,
- capcom,
- mega man 9,
- super dodge ball,
- nes,
- sega,
- genesis,
- PLÄTTCHEN twist 'n' paint
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
(Credit: POC)Wearing the Torso Armor Jacket by Swedish company POC will make you look like a Marvel comic hero--and for good reason. The support provided by this product may save a skier from being permanently paralyzed in the event of a bad fall. The white portion protects the spine from being snapped like a twig when someone rolls down a snowy mountainside. It isn't for everyone, but if you need something like it, contact POC to find out where you can buy one.
(Via Crave Asia)
.JPG)
Dong and Sam Jackson share a common duplicitous trait.
(Credit: New Line Cinema)Dong recaps his NY trip and his newfound adoration of Dan Ackerman--and it's not even spring yet. WTF?
Eric talks a bit about sexy graphics card testing and Dong bores us all with hard drive tests. Also, we discuss nerds (or geeks), girlfriends, and the ties that bind them.
Also, a shout out to all three or four of our female fans! Enjoys! To subscribe to this podcast, visit us at our main page and click the link on the right.
Listen now:
Download today's podcast
- Topics:
- Entertainment,
- Games and gear
- Tags:
- Inside CNET Labs Podcast
- Bookmark:
- Digg
- Del.icio.us
