DUAL SHOCK 3 CONTROLLER COMING APRIL 15TH
Kotaku is reporting that Sony has announced they will be releasing the DualShock 3 controller for the PlayStation 3 on April 15th of this year. As the name implies, the controller (priced at MSRP $54.99) will finally bring vibration feedback to Sony's console, eliminating one of the bigger complaints about the system.
At the $54.99 price point, I certainly don't see myself replacing both of my Sixaxis controllers, but I'll certainly grab at least one to serve as my "main" PS3 controller shortly after they become available. How about you?
- DualShock 3 Dated For US – Kotaku
RUMOR CONFIRMED: XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE NOW $49.99
While no one at Microsoft is shouting this one from the rafters, if you take a look at the product page for the Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player over at Xbox.com, you'll notice that the official MSRP is now $49.99.
I'm guessing the lack of any kind of fanfare over this second price drop centers around the fact that Microsoft has officially discontinued the drive and would probably like nothing better than to never hear the words HD-DVD again. Regardless of the reason, if you've been considering grabbing one for either the cheap movies or collectible reasons, now may be the best time to grab one.
(Once again, just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.)
- Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player – Xbox.com
XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE NOW $49.99 NEW AT AMAZON
Well, I was planning on hitting the sack, but then I made one last stop in at Amazon.com to check on the Xbox 360 HD-DVD player and, as was the rumor this weekend, the drive is being sold (at least at Amazon right now) for $49.99 brand new. While I haven't seen the price drop at other retailers as of yet, I can't imagine Amazon will be the only one.
(Just in case you aren't aware, Toshiba has officially abandoned the format, and Microsoft has announced they are discontinuing the drive. You have been warned.)
- Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player – Xbox.com
- Xbox 360 HD-DVD Player $49.99 – Amazon.com
- HD-DVD Statement Issued – Gamescore Blog
UPDATE: 10:42AM – 2/25/08: It looks like the drive is now sold-out at Amazon.
XBOX 360 HD-DVD DRIVE PRICE DROP ANNOUNCED
According to Microsoft's in-house blog, Gamescore Blog, effective immediately the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive add-on will see a $50 price reduction, bringing it's cost down to $129.99.
"We’re happy to announce that we’re lowering the price of the popular Xbox 360 HD DVD player from $179 to $129 (estimated retail price) in the U.S. and Canada, effective immediately." – Gamerscore Blog
That's the whole text of the message – which makes me think that Microsoft isn't quite as happy to be making this announcement as they claim to be. I don't know about you, but this one has the smell of desperation written all over it. With the recent upswing in Blu-Ray's install base and the rumored departures of even more studios from the HD-DVD side, I do have to wonder if Microsoft will continue to produce the drives or if this is just their way of clearing inventory.
One thing is for certain, collectors should begin keeping an eye on the drive, because if history teaches us anything, it's that once the price bottoms out and the spare inventory is gone, the aftermarket cost will explode. It may not happen this month, next month or the even in the next six months depending on how the high-definition video format wars go, but I get the feeling at some point, the drive is going to wind up in the clearance bin.
- Xbox 360 HD DVD Drops Price to $129.99 in US and Canada – Gamerscore Blog
WIIMOTE TO SUPPORT MICROPHONE & VOIP?
Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo may have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve when it comes to the Wiimote. According to an article posted today, Nintendo has taken out the domain name “wiikaraoke.com” sparking rumors that in addition to there being a speaker built into the Wii‘s remote control, there will also be some type of microphone. From there, it’s only a short jump to the possibility that the Wii could offer Voice over IP features as well. To quote the Gamespot article;
“Besides karaoke games, the obvious application for a Wii-mote-mic would be a voice commands a la Nintendogs or Odama. However, some sites have gone one step further. A string of reports tracing back to a MegaGames.com article speculates that, with the Wii’s built-in wireless internet functionality, the Wii-mote could support voice-over IP. That would give it functionality like an Xbox Live headset and could allow it to be used like a phone. As Yanko notes, that would be a very big draw to non-gamers indeed.” – Gamespot
Click here to head on over to Gamespot and get the full story. The Wii saga certainly is getting more and more interesting.
WIIMOTE TO SUPPORT MICROPHONE & VOIP?
Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo may have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve when it comes to the Wiimote. According to an article posted today, Nintendo has taken out the domain name “wiikaraoke.com” sparking rumors that in addition to there being a speaker built into the Wii‘s remote control, there will also be some type of microphone. From there, it’s only a short jump to the possibility that the Wii could offer Voice over IP features as well. To quote the Gamespot article;
“Besides karaoke games, the obvious application for a Wii-mote-mic would be a voice commands a la Nintendogs or Odama. However, some sites have gone one step further. A string of reports tracing back to a MegaGames.com article speculates that, with the Wii’s built-in wireless internet functionality, the Wii-mote could support voice-over IP. That would give it functionality like an Xbox Live headset and could allow it to be used like a phone. As Yanko notes, that would be a very big draw to non-gamers indeed.” – Gamespot
Click here to head on over to Gamespot and get the full story. The Wii saga certainly is getting more and more interesting.
WIIMOTE TO SUPPORT MICROPHONE & VOIP?
Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo may have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve when it comes to the Wiimote. According to an article posted today, Nintendo has taken out the domain name “wiikaraoke.com” sparking rumors that in addition to there being a speaker built into the Wii‘s remote control, there will also be some type of microphone. From there, it’s only a short jump to the possibility that the Wii could offer Voice over IP features as well. To quote the Gamespot article;
“Besides karaoke games, the obvious application for a Wii-mote-mic would be a voice commands a la Nintendogs or Odama. However, some sites have gone one step further. A string of reports tracing back to a MegaGames.com article speculates that, with the Wii’s built-in wireless internet functionality, the Wii-mote could support voice-over IP. That would give it functionality like an Xbox Live headset and could allow it to be used like a phone. As Yanko notes, that would be a very big draw to non-gamers indeed.” – Gamespot
Click here to head on over to Gamespot and get the full story. The Wii saga certainly is getting more and more interesting.
WIIMOTE TO SUPPORT MICROPHONE & VOIP?
Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo may have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve when it comes to the Wiimote. According to an article posted today, Nintendo has taken out the domain name “wiikaraoke.com” sparking rumors that in addition to there being a speaker built into the Wii‘s remote control, there will also be some type of microphone. From there, it’s only a short jump to the possibility that the Wii could offer Voice over IP features as well. To quote the Gamespot article;
“Besides karaoke games, the obvious application for a Wii-mote-mic would be a voice commands a la Nintendogs or Odama. However, some sites have gone one step further. A string of reports tracing back to a MegaGames.com article speculates that, with the Wii’s built-in wireless internet functionality, the Wii-mote could support voice-over IP. That would give it functionality like an Xbox Live headset and could allow it to be used like a phone. As Yanko notes, that would be a very big draw to non-gamers indeed.” – Gamespot
Click here to head on over to Gamespot and get the full story. The Wii saga certainly is getting more and more interesting.
WIIMOTE TO SUPPORT MICROPHONE & VOIP?
Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo may have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve when it comes to the Wiimote. According to an article posted today, Nintendo has taken out the domain name “wiikaraoke.com” sparking rumors that in addition to there being a speaker built into the Wii‘s remote control, there will also be some type of microphone. From there, it’s only a short jump to the possibility that the Wii could offer Voice over IP features as well. To quote the Gamespot article;
“Besides karaoke games, the obvious application for a Wii-mote-mic would be a voice commands a la Nintendogs or Odama. However, some sites have gone one step further. A string of reports tracing back to a MegaGames.com article speculates that, with the Wii’s built-in wireless internet functionality, the Wii-mote could support voice-over IP. That would give it functionality like an Xbox Live headset and could allow it to be used like a phone. As Yanko notes, that would be a very big draw to non-gamers indeed.” – Gamespot
Click here to head on over to Gamespot and get the full story. The Wii saga certainly is getting more and more interesting.
WIIMOTE TO SUPPORT MICROPHONE & VOIP?
Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo may have a few more tricks up it’s sleeve when it comes to the Wiimote. According to an article posted today, Nintendo has taken out the domain name “wiikaraoke.com” sparking rumors that in addition to there being a speaker built into the Wii‘s remote control, there will also be some type of microphone. From there, it’s only a short jump to the possibility that the Wii could offer Voice over IP features as well. To quote the Gamespot article;
“Besides karaoke games, the obvious application for a Wii-mote-mic would be a voice commands a la Nintendogs or Odama. However, some sites have gone one step further. A string of reports tracing back to a MegaGames.com article speculates that, with the Wii’s built-in wireless internet functionality, the Wii-mote could support voice-over IP. That would give it functionality like an Xbox Live headset and could allow it to be used like a phone. As Yanko notes, that would be a very big draw to non-gamers indeed.” – Gamespot
Click here to head on over to Gamespot and get the full story. The Wii saga certainly is getting more and more interesting.
CLOSE UP PICTURES OF THE WII AND IT’S PERIPHERALS
Kotaku has come great close-ups of the Wii and it’s controllers from the Nintendo E3 booth, why not head on over and take a peek? Click here to head on over to the Kotaku article.
CLOSE UP PICTURES OF THE WII AND IT’S PERIPHERALS
Kotaku has come great close-ups of the Wii and it’s controllers from the Nintendo E3 booth, why not head on over and take a peek? Click here to head on over to the Kotaku article.
NINTENDO SHOWS OFF WII ZAPPER
While "Wii Zapper" just doesn’t sound right, it looks like Nintendo has an attachment for the Wii that holds both the remote and analog stick in a gun configuration. Gamespot is reporting that Nintendo is showing off this device at their booth and calling it the "Zapper" – in apparent homage to the old NES light gun. Can R.O.B. be far behind? C’mon Nintendo, bring back R.O.B.! Check out the Gamespot article here for more details and join with me in hoping that everyone’s favorite little unemployed Robotic Operating Buddy can find work again!
Just to be perfectly clear, Nintendo is showing off a light gun form factor for the Wii that would hold the standard Wii controls. They have said absolutely NOTHING about bringing R.O.B. back. The R.O.B. thing is just part of my twisted thinking.
MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES XBOX 360 PERIPHERALS
Microsoft announced today that they will be releasing several new accessories for the Xbox 360. The items include a wireless racing wheel with force feedback, the previously announced Xbox 360 camera, a wireless gaming receiver that will allow Xbox 360 wireless accessories to work on Windows PCs, and a wireless headset. MIcrosoft did not reveal a price for any of the items, and only gave the Xbox 360 camera a release date. That release date is September 19th. This article was gathered from multiple sources.
MICROSOFT FORMALLY ANNOUNCES HD-DVD DRIVE FOR XBOX 360
Microsoft’s E3 page has been updated with an article explaining the benefits of HD-DVD, highlighting the problems with Blu-Ray and confirming that a USB based HD-DVD player add-on will be coming to the 360. The big question for most Xbox 360 owners is of course, at what price? Albert Penello, Director of Global Marketing for the Xbox stated the following;
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“Stay tuned. We decided to save that good news for another day, but we’re clearly out to make this an affordable option for Xbox 360 owners” – Albert Penello
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What does that mean? Well, it means Microsoft is bracing for the inevitable statements that the PS3 is the only console that can play HD movies. It also most likely means that Microsoft is waiting for Sony to put a price on the PS3 before they commit to a price of their own, presumably allowing them to closely match the PS3 in terms of overall cost for the ability to play HD format movies.
DATEL RELEASES MAX MEDIA PLAYER FOR NINTENDO DS
Well, it looks like Datel is at it again. As I posted in an earlier news bit, recently Datel has been coming out with some truly innovative products. The latest to down the pipeline is the MAX Media Player for the Nintendo DS. Simply put, it’s a 4 gigabyte hard drive and software package that will allow you to listen to MP3’s, watch videos, view pictures on your DS and uhm… run executable files. It’s a bit expensive at a suggested retail of $189.99, but if you want a device with those features, such is the price you’ll pay – besides, a 4 gigabyte Ipod Nano has a suggested retail of $249.99. How well does it work? That I couldn’t tell you, but I’d be interested in hearing from anyone who’s picked one up.
XBOX 360 QUICK CHARGE KIT NOW AVAILABLE
The Xbox 360 Quick Charge kit, a stand alone 2 battery charger, hit store shelves today at a price of $29.99. The device plugs into a standard outlet and allows you to charge up to 2 batteries in about 2 hours. The kit comes with the charging unit and one rechargeable battery. For those who can’t stand how slowly the Play & Charge kit charges, this device was made for you.
THE LAST XBOX 360 FACEPLATE YOU’LL EVER NEED?
Nyko has just announced they have released the GameFace 360, a blank faceplate that will accept printed inserts. The faceplate will come with the software needed to make your own designs, 15 blank inserts and 6 Nyko designed inserts. It’s already in stores apparently (Gamestop has it listed as in stock and available for $19.99)
Got a good printer? Let the trademark infringement begin!
Seeing how I’ve already bought 2 additional faceplates and a few skins, I think this product should be right up my alley – now I just have to get ink for my printer.
THE LAST XBOX 360 FACEPLATE YOU’LL EVER NEED?
Nyko has just announced they have released the GameFace 360, a blank faceplate that will accept printed inserts. The faceplate will come with the software needed to make your own designs, 15 blank inserts and 6 Nyko designed inserts. It’s already in stores apparently (Gamestop has it listed as in stock and available for $19.99)
Got a good printer? Let the trademark infringement begin!
Seeing how I’ve already bought 2 additional faceplates and a few skins, I think this product should be right up my alley – now I just have to get ink for my printer.
DATEL TO MAKE XBOX 360 HEADSET ADAPTER
With such great ideas as the XSATA Xbox 360 to PC/PC to Xbox 360 Hard Drive transfer device, a 4 gigabyte USB Hard Drive and the Memory card to PC transfer kit, Datel is certainly making a name for themselves in the land of Xbox 360 peripherals. Word over at Maxconsole.net is that the next item to come down the Datel pipeline will be a headset adapter that will allow Xbox 360 users to connect their old Xbox headsets to the 360 controllers and use the mute/volume features. Definitely something to keep an eye on. More info at Maxconsole.net.
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