Worldwide Studios President Shuhei Yoshida said ” We’re more open about approaching and bringing services in to PS3 and PSP…We can’t support all the needs of the consumer and there are great companies providing services on the PC already – so we’re very open to provide the opportunity to those companies to reach our user base as well… We like to provide as many services as possible for free – we already provide our network access for gameplay for free – and the interesting thing about the network side and the Internet business is that there’s a variety of revenue sources”

So, Playstation owners can expect to keep getting network access for free, at least for now. Based on Yoshida’s statements we may also start seeing more free content show up as well.

[via PlaystationUniverse]

The instrument introduced today was the marimba. The video shows a model using the Wiimote an Nunchuck as mallets and then Wii Music footage of the same instrument. It’ll be interesting to see the videos as they are released over the next few days.

Releasing one instrument a day will certainly add a whole new layer of suspense to the games release. How many of you are looking forward to Wii Music?

Wii Music is currently slated to be released November 3rd.

[via NintendoWiiFanboy]

Making the cards more available is certainly going to help the Playstation Network. Currently in order to purchase things from the store you have to either have a pre-paid card, or input your credit card information.

The cards are going make it much easier for people like children, for instance, who don’t have credit cards to find the cards, and purchase items from the store. While the cards have been available for some time, having them in more locations will certainly make things easier.

Rumors have been circulating for a while about a silver version of the S, but until now no one had seen actual proof that the device was in production. Now that the silver S has popped up in a Best Buy ad we can be pretty sure that it does in fact exist, and will be released sooner rather than later.

Is the silver DS big news to you? How many of you get excited about consoles being released in new colors? Is anyone planning on picking one of these up?

[via GoNintendo]

The controllers, which are both pink (and both pretty obnoxious if you’re not a teenage girl) are expected to be released in mid-October. One of the guitars is heart shaped, and the other looks like the traditional Guitar Hero guitar, except with pink branding on it.

Both guitar controllers are compatible with both Rock Band and Guitar Hero and will cost you around $70 each once they make it to store shelves. Aly and AJ not for you? What rock bands would you like to see put out their own controllers?

[via WiiFanBoy]

The X-Fi Go! has ” EAX Advanced HD 4.0 and OpenAL support for gaming, in addition to X-Fi’s 24-bit Crystallizer enhancement and CMSS-3D processing”. The USB 2.0 device also has 1GB of flash storage which comes pre-loaded with applications like WaveStudio and Alchemy.

The Creative X-Fi mobile sound card is available in Singapore, no word yet on US pricing or availability. The device sells for around $56 US in Singapore, so we can more than likely expect similar pricing in the states.

[via Electronista]

In the statement to MTV a Nintendo spokesperson said ” “Nintendo had a substantial supply nationwide for launch, though some stores saw spot shortages due to unprecedented demand for this unique product. The consumer response to ‘Wii Fit’ at launch was historically exceptional when compared with peripheral-based video game products. We are providing retailers with a constant supply of ‘Wii Fit,’ so you should see a regular supply of ‘Wii Fit’ on store shelves as we move through the summer and into the holidays.”

The Wii Fot has been surprisingly popular. In July alone Nintendo sold a whopping 369,600 copies of the game according to the NPD sales tracking group.

That’s astounding. I see the draw of an active game, but then again DDR can also burn calories, has a workout mode, and can always be found on store shelves. What’s with the Wii and shortages? Do you think Nintendo really can’t keep up with sales, or are they intentionally producing only small numbers of their products?

[via MTV]

The “Shark Gun” is designed to work alongside your Wii nunchuck in shooting games and claims to bring a “you are there” feel and ” a sense of shark like invisible force.” I can’t imagine that any of us would really try to go out in word with a toy shark as a weapon, but none the les the controller is an interesting concept. Pick it up now from DealExtreme’s website.

Do you like the idea of the shark gun, or would you rather see video game controller weapons look like actual weapons?

Computers need to be using Windows Vista in order to take full advantage of DirectX 10.1, but DirectX is compliant with AMD’s 3000 and 4800 series cards. According to the companies public statement “Only AMD graphics offer top-to-bottom DirectX 10.1 support”.

This Ping Pong Demonstration can give you a good look at what sorts of new features you can expect from the new games. The demo “shows off a new lighting technique known as real-time global illumination, together with a scalable physics simulation optimized for multi-core systems.” Check it out here.

[via IGN]

The TV Cozy looks like a TV test screen, complete with bright color bars. While it might be a little loud for the average living room, the idea behind the cover isn’t such a bad one. I know my LCD seems to attract more dust than everything else in my home, it would be nice to have a way to cut down on the dust, and the amount of times I have to clean my set, even by just a little bit. What do you think about the TV Cozy, is it a good idea, or a waste of felt?

[via Gizmodo]

Jukka Makinen, Head of Futuremark Games Studio said “Shattered Horizon has a real space setting that offers gameplay, tactics, and freedom of movement that cannot be found in any other shooter…PhysX is essential in helping our game designers create a realistic and fun zero-gravity combat experience”

NVIDIA PhysX technology allows game makers to add an extra layer of reality to their games. The technology works on PC games as well as games for the Nintendo Wii, Playstation 3, and Xbox 360. The technology enables computers to “handle 10-20 times more visual complexity than what’s possible on today’s traditional PC platforms.”

[via IGN]

The Quad Charge Station can charge each remote in less than four hours. Each remote has four indicator lights that will let you know what the charge status is for your remote in 25% increments. Each set of batteries has up to 1000 recharge cycles, and includes 4 free color coded remote straps.

This is one of those must-have accessories if you have a Wii. With only 4 hours of charging for 13 hours of actual playtime you could literally be playing your Wii around the clock. Pick up one now for 44.99 from Pengiun United.

[via NintendoWiiFanboy]

If you play WOW then you know there is a TON of running involved in the game. While interesting in thought, there’s no way anyone could actually play the game hooked up to a treadmill for any significant length of time. Avatars in the game also run pretty fast, faster than you’re probably going to be able to on your treadmill.

You can check out some instructions on how to do the treadmill hookup in your own home here. The creators also posted this YouTube video of the process in action:

[via Gizmodo]

The iControlPad is anticipated to cost around $30 and will be a type of case that your iPhone can sit in with a Dpad, power LED, start and select buttons, and ABXY Action buttons. The case is expected to be glossy and smooth in its final production.

No word yet on when the device may become available. Would you play more games on your iPhone if you had the iControlPad available?

[via TouchArcade]

The Drum Rocker also has a metal-reinforced kick pad to keep you from destroying your drum set while you’re rocking out and overall looks quite a bit studier than the original (as well it should for that $300 price tag). The cymbals on the Drum Rocker work as doubles for colored game pads (you get to choose which one) which can make for better game play.

The Drum Rocker will be available around the time Rock Band 2 is released and is expected to be compatible with both the original Rock Band and Rock Band 2.

“The GameRigs team is proud to be delivering the Enemy Territory: QUAKE Wars and QUAKE 4 lineup alongside our fleet of gaming desktops, laptops and accessories,” said Darren Healy, Director of Business Development at GameRigs. “In partnership with NVIDIA, Intel, and Crucial, GameRigs is focused on function, design and aesthetics – and with the powerful excellence of our systems, gamers get hardware power to match the superior demand of next-gen gaming”.

Each of the systems come in a GameRig metal chassis and come with a gaming kit including their respective games, a mouse, and other accessories. The QUAKE Wars and QUAKE 4 desktops are available in three different configuration levels- HEX, EGO, and OMG start at $2199. Laptop systems come in two configuration levels CORE and Epic and start at $1999.

[via Coolest-Gadgets]

Reportedly only fifty employees were given the limited edition PSP. The Stella Artois PSP has a custom velvet drawstring bag with the Stella logo hand stitched on it, a Stella logo on the back of the PSP itself. The PSP has Stella Artois films and artworks built-into it and a Stella Artois logo on the home screen

This is a pretty interesting marketing idea. Would you consider creating your own branded PSP for your employees?

[via Kotaku]

While this hack isn’t exactly very functional, it is pretty fun to watch. The man posted a YouTube video of how to he did the hack, and then the Roomba/Wii Balance Board combination in action. Check it out for yourself here:

[via BalanceBoardBlog]

Just like your traditional SNES controller, the USB Metal Game Pad has an 8-way directional pad, star/select buttons, shoulder triggers, and four game buttons. The controller has a 6 foot USB cable, a rubber coated “base” for grip control

All the controller needs to work is a PC running Vista, 2000, or XP, 50MB of available hard drive space, a VGA of better resolution monitor, and a sound card. Check it out here on the developer, Dream Cheeky’s website. No word on pricing or availability.

[via Technabob]

Currently record companies receive licensing payments from game publishers, and a ton of free publicity. Games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero bring some music into peoples home that they might not have otherwise listened to.

Sales from music-based games is reportedly expected to hit around the 1.5 billion dollar mark this year. With CD sales failing it’s not surprising that record companies would be looking for a bigger piece of the pie as far as game sales are concerned. Currently they receive somewhere between 10k and 25k per song included in the game, record companies are now reportedly asking for 4 to 8 cents per game copy sold in addition to the initial royalty payment.

[via ChicagoTribune]

Xbox 360 Fanboy received a tip from someone “close to Microsoft’s marketing department” that claims the new Xbox 360 Arcade will come packaged with the motion controller as well as the motion controlled mini games developed by Rare.

According to the source the motion controller is expected to work with other Xbox 360 consoles, and will be sold separately, as well as bundled with more motion controlled games. The Xbox 360 Arcade bundle is expected to be released this holiday season for around $199. Assuming the rumor is true, would you purchase the bundle instead of a Wii?

[via Xbox360Fanboy]

Accessories offered by the company include a Nintendo Card Holder for $3.99, several game and Memory Card wallets for $10.99 and a variety of different Nintendo DS pouches for $45.00.

The cases have soft padded sides to protect your Nintendo DS and have three pouches to store your Nintendo game and memory cards.

All of the pouches and accessories look like they’re pretty girly for the most part. If you’re a girl, and you own a DS, then you’ll definitely want to check this site out.

Check out the full catalog of accessories available here.

[via GoNintendo]

Originally the mod was done as just wires and batteries. While functional, wires and batteries aren’t exactly the nicest thing to look at, so they tried it again with a remote control case.

Stacy, who made the modified sensor bar with her dad, said “We took one of the remotes and cut off part of the Circuit board and then drilled holes in the side for the IR LED’s and used the battery box already on the remote and made a sensor bar that is sort of “Incognito”.

Pretty cool idea, and it certainly looks less conspicuous. What’s the best Wii mod you’ve seen?  Let us know in the comments.

[via GoNintendo]

According to the ad, the Xbox 360 Pro (60GB) and Elite units will both drop $50 in price, taking them down to $299 for the 60GB Xbox 360 Pro and $399 for the Xbox 360 Elite. The entry-level Xbox 360 Arcade bundle will drop a whopping $80, taking it down to $199.

We’ve been hearing rumors about an Xbox 360 price drop from a variety of sources over the past few weeks. If you’re in the market to buy an Xbox 360, or upgrade your current system, you might be well served to hold out until the 7th and see if the drop actually happens.

[via Joystiq]

As you may have noticed from the picture, with the exception of the display the PSP-3000 looks for the most part exactly like the PSP-2000. The PSP-3000 is reported to have an LCD with five times the contrast ratio, double the gamut, and double the response time. In addition to the improved screen the device will also have a built-in microphone, with better quality than the previous add-on mic.

The PSP-3000 is expected to arrive in Europe on October 15th for an MSRP around $291. No US release date or pricing has been announced.

[via PSPFanboy]

The Wii maracas are designed to be used with the game Samba de Amigo. The Amazon listing had the maracas becoming available on September 23rd at the reasonable price of $14.99. The Samba de Amigo game will come with the maracas bundle.

I’m really excited to start seeing all of these different controllers becoming available for the Wii. Do you think Samba de Amigo is a game you would be interested in purchasing? The maracas almost sell it for me.

[via NintendoWiiFanboy]

The idea behind the EyePet is similar to other virtual pet software. You’ll have a pet, and that pet will exist only on your Playstation. Playstation takes the virtual pet to anew level however by adding functionality with the camera attachment.

According to Sony you’ll be able interact with your pet by moving your hands in front of your Playstation’s camera, and you’ll be able to do things like roll a real ball on your table and have your virtual pet chase after it. Look for the EyePet to become available in late 2009.

[via Wired]

The rumor started with a flyer that started making its rounds on the internet yesterday. The flyer, which was supposedly sent to German Xbox Live Gold members indicates that the starter pack will be available in November for around 79 Euros.The starter pack is expected to include a 60GB hard drive, a wired headset, and then 3 months of Microsoft’s Xbox Live service.

If the bundle turns out to be true, it will offer new users an exceptionally good deal. Currently a 120GB hard drive for the Xbox 360 runs around 129 Euros, the 79 Euro price tag for the bundle marks a pretty significant price drop by including the headset and Live access in the deal.

[via Xbox360Fanboy]

Right now the straps are slated to only be released in Japan, although we imagine they’ll make their way over to Europe and the US soon enough.

Currently the straps which come in green, blue, pink, and white are expected to sell for $3 each, or $10 for a four pack with all four of the colors included.

Do you think there’s a market for colored Wii controller straps? Obviously Nintendo thinks they will sell well, but are they something that you would consider buying, or do you like your Wii remote just the way it is?

[via GoNintendo]

The Speed Force Wireless racing wheel has a once-piece design with built-in gas and brake controls located on the wheel itself. The wheel has an expandable lap rest so you can adjust the wheel for how you like to play your games. The wheel uses 2.4 GHz wireless technology to allow to gaming up to 30 feet away from the actual Wii console.

Ruben Mookerjee, the director of product marketing for gaming at Logitech said in a press release “Logitech has been at the forefront of force feedback technology for more than a decade, and we’re confident that our driving platform will be an indispensable part of the racing experience on Wii as more titles that support it become available.”

Look for the wheel to become available in the US and Europe in November for an MSRP of $99.99.

The bundle will include the 160GB Playstation 3, the game Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, a Playstation Network voucher for PAIN, and a DUALSHOCK 3 wireless controller.

The new 160GB PS3 will have the exact same functionality as the new 80GB PS3 that has just started to become available at stores. The only difference between the two gaming systems is their hard drive space, the 160GB version offering twice the space for users to store games, music, and videos from Sony’s new video delivery service.

The 160GB PS3 The Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune bundle will be available in November for an MSRP of $499.99.

In addition to the obvious keyboard feature, the keypad will also have a mode that will turn the main area of the keypad into a touchpad. The touchpad mode will allow users to slide their finger on the area to move the cursor on the screen.

The keypad will also have two short cut buttons that will allow users to go directly to the “Message Box” and the XMB’s “Friends” icon during gameplay.

The keypad is also a Bluetooth device that can be used with any other Bluetooth enabled device that has keyboard functionality. That means you could theoretically use the keypad with something like your smartphone or GPS as well as your Playstation.

Look for the PS3 Wireless Keypad to hit stores sometime in November.

[via Playstation]

Sony unveils wireless PS3 keypad is written by Emily Price & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 - 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved. ]]> http://www.slashgear.com/sony-unveils-wireless-ps3-keypad-2114379/feed/ 2 http://www.slashgear.com/japan-runs-out-of-xbox-360-consoles-2014304/ http://www.slashgear.com/japan-runs-out-of-xbox-360-consoles-2014304/#comments Wed, 20 Aug 2008 14:21:56 +0000 Emily Price http://www.slashgear.com/?p=14304 Japan is completely sold out of Xbox 360 consoles. The unexpected shortage is attributed to the recently released game Tales of Vesperia, which caused Xbox 360 sales to spike in the country.

Microsoft issued an apology to potential customers on their Japanese site stating that they “deeply apologize for this inconvenience to our customers” and hopes to have the consoles back in stock soon.

I’m amazed that Japan of all countries would run out of the consoles. What do you think?

[via XBox360Fanboy]

Creating the lunchbox only required a rotary tool, two small hinges, glue, and some help from Alpha Flight’s Sasquatch. You can get instructions on how to do it yourself over at Instrucatables.

This is a pretty cool way to use your old NES. My favorite so far is the man who turned his old NES into a computer.

[via Kotaku]

Microsoft told Eurogamer.net “The new limited edition green wireless controller offers enhancements to d-pad functionality, which will add to the experience of playing games where the d-pad is the primary control mechanism.”

No additional information or release date is available for the controller.

[via GamesIndustry]

According to a report on the Capcom blog it looks like the Nerf gun will actually work as your typical Nerf gun and shoot darts as well as work as a Wii controller (obviously not at the same time). No word on a release date or pricing.

I’ve always been a fan of Nerf products and think this is a pretty great idea. How many of you are going to buy one?

[via Capcom]

The Sidewinder X5 has nine buttons with vertical side buttons, 5 customizable buttons, and a quick-launch button to instantly launch Windows Vista Games Explorer. The mouse also has an adjustable sensitivity up to 2,000 DPI.

The Sidewinder X5 will be available in September for an MSRP of $59.99.

The SideWinder X6 keyboard has a switchable keypad that can be attached to the left or right side of your keyboard. The backlit keyboard also has the ability to store up to 90 macros per game.

Kevin Flick, user researcher for Microsoft Hardware said “We know that consumers don’t want to pull out and set up a second keyboard for a gaming session, so we created a device that was perfect for both gaming and regular computer use…With the switchable key pad, gamers will have a fantastic, customizable experience whether they’re playing their favorite game or creating Microsoft Office PowerPoint presentations.”

The keyboard also has a cruise control feature to allow users to continue an action without holding down a particular key, and a macro record option that allows gamers to record a sequence of keystrokes including typical chat messages. The quick-launch key on the keyboard allows video game players to easily access Windows Vista Games Explorer and their video game library.

The Sidewinder X6 keyboard is expected to be released in Septmeber for an MSRP of $79.95.

A few weeks ago NVIDIA attempted to explain the GPU issues by saying the issue was “a weak die/ packaging material set, which may fail with GPU temperature fluctuations.” The company released a few BIOS updates to help combat the issue, but apparently has decided to go a step further and offer longer warranties on the GPUs as well.

No details have really been released about the warranty extension except the fact that it exists.

[via Engadget]

Nyko’s Cord-Free Wireless Adapter for Wii is exactly what it claims to be, a wireless adapter for your Wii remote and nunchuk. You attach one end of the device to your controller, another to your Wii and you’re ready to play.

The device runs on AAA batteries and reportedly runs through a lot of them, so you’ll have the added expense of batteries, but of course with added pleasure of wireless gameplay.

[via NintendoWiiFanboy]