Showing posts with label Gaming. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gaming. Show all posts
Saturday, August 15, 2009
We may be feeling sour about the PSP Go’s hardware, but its software may end up putting a smile on our faces. According to Pocket Gamer, the upcoming handheld’s downloadable PlayStation Network (PSN) games will be priced at €1, €2 and €5 apiece ($1-$7), bringing them to the level of titles from Apple’s App Store for the iPod touch and iPhone. They also claim that Sony have been actively courting iPhone developers, in the hope that they will port their existing titles over to the PSP Go.
However unlike Apple, Sony will demand not only stricter technical testing – including a two week long “quality assurance” period – but control over when games are launched. This seems to be a throwback to the traditional games publishing model, and it remains to be seen whether developers prefer it or the perhaps more esoteric Apple process.
By reducing the cost of individual titles, Sony are obviously hoping to capture some of the casual gaming market that has buoyed the Apple App Store. The PSP Go is set to hit shelves in the US and Europe on October 1st.
However unlike Apple, Sony will demand not only stricter technical testing – including a two week long “quality assurance” period – but control over when games are launched. This seems to be a throwback to the traditional games publishing model, and it remains to be seen whether developers prefer it or the perhaps more esoteric Apple process.By reducing the cost of individual titles, Sony are obviously hoping to capture some of the casual gaming market that has buoyed the Apple App Store. The PSP Go is set to hit shelves in the US and Europe on October 1st.
Sony PSP Go new firmware emerges, plus further hardware disappointment
0 comments Posted by Hori at 9:31 PMMany have argued that Sony’s upcoming PSP Go is more a shameless marketing and cash-grabbing exercise, lacking the segment-shift that a truly innovative device might deliver. We’re holding off from judging until the review units come in, but hearing the latest feedback from pre-launch prototype models isn’t exactly putting us in the most positive frame of mind. Eurogamer got their hands on the early PSP Go, and found that not only does the new handheld require all new video cables but little things like the AV port have changed, too.
Where the full-sized PSP has a headset port that accommodates a microphone headset, the PSP Go apparently has just a 3.5mm headphones jack. That means no microphone and no useful in-line controls for media playback. It’s also worth remembering that the PSP Go uses newer M2 Memory Sticks rather than the older format of the existing PSP, so they won’t be transferable either.
As for the latest firmware, version 5.70, that has added more comprehensive Bluetooth controls, but strangely done away with the auto-adjusting backlight control under power management. Eurogamer also found that the handheld’s 14.74GB of user-accessible storage is formated in FAT32, meaning there’ll be a 4GB file size limit. It’s unclear if this is the version that will ship on the PSP Go when it launches in the US and Europe on October 1st.
Where the full-sized PSP has a headset port that accommodates a microphone headset, the PSP Go apparently has just a 3.5mm headphones jack. That means no microphone and no useful in-line controls for media playback. It’s also worth remembering that the PSP Go uses newer M2 Memory Sticks rather than the older format of the existing PSP, so they won’t be transferable either.As for the latest firmware, version 5.70, that has added more comprehensive Bluetooth controls, but strangely done away with the auto-adjusting backlight control under power management. Eurogamer also found that the handheld’s 14.74GB of user-accessible storage is formated in FAT32, meaning there’ll be a 4GB file size limit. It’s unclear if this is the version that will ship on the PSP Go when it launches in the US and Europe on October 1st.
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
You know who likes money? Razer likes money, and the gaming peripheral maker has decided that the best way to make it is to milk enthusiastic StarCraft II gamers with a range of new hardware and this “distinctive” messenger bag. As well as the bag, the company promises a tournament-grade keyboard, mouse and headset “specially designed” for Blizzard Entertainment’s StarCraft II.
Microsoft is well versed in saying that they plan to invade the “three screens”, which looks to be: TV, PC, and any and all mobile devices they can get their software onto. Of course, Windows Mobile is a well known Operating System on phones around the world, and Steve Ballmer said back in 2008 that the Zune Software would be integrating with WinMo, so maybe this is just one more step in that direction.
Zune would be getting their own games as well, called Indie Games, which was announced in June of this year. But as of right now, the only solid word of any Zune integration with the Xbox branch is Zune Video, which can be played via the Xbox 360 console, later in the year, but all of that might change with the release of the Zune HD. Might we see some kind of integration between video games, and the Zune HD, where gamers could potentially solve puzzles via their portable device, if not something more in depth?
Microsoft is well versed in saying that they plan to invade the “three screens”, which looks to be: TV, PC, and any and all mobile devices they can get their software onto. Of course, Windows Mobile is a well known Operating System on phones around the world, and Steve Ballmer said back in 2008 that the Zune Software would be integrating with WinMo, so maybe this is just one more step in that direction.Zune would be getting their own games as well, called Indie Games, which was announced in June of this year. But as of right now, the only solid word of any Zune integration with the Xbox branch is Zune Video, which can be played via the Xbox 360 console, later in the year, but all of that might change with the release of the Zune HD. Might we see some kind of integration between video games, and the Zune HD, where gamers could potentially solve puzzles via their portable device, if not something more in depth?
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Xbox 360 gets exclusive Netflix streaming: no other console allowed
0 comments Posted by Hori at 9:58 PMMicrosoft have begun to push out the Xbox LIVE update for their Xbox 360 console, and along with the games on demand, new avatar customization and UI improvements comes confirmation that the company has signed an exclusive deal with Netflix for instant streaming to a console. The partnership means that the Xbox 360 will be the only console on which Netflix streaming is possible, effectively cutting the PlayStation 3 and Wii out of the loop.
As well as the usual TV and movie streaming from Netflix’s catalog, there’s a new “Party Watch” feature which allows multiple groups to gather together and watch the same content simultaneously on different 360’s and in different locations. You’ll need to be a Netflix unlimited plan subscriber to have access through Xbox LIVE Gold, and use a separate computer to queue up titles as there’s no facility to do so through the 360 itself.
Xbox LIVE will be pushed out to users starting from today, offered as an upgrade when you restart your console. Later on in 2009, Microsoft have promised to add access to the Zune Video Marketplace – for 1080p content – together with integration with Facebook, Last.FM and Twitter.
As well as the usual TV and movie streaming from Netflix’s catalog, there’s a new “Party Watch” feature which allows multiple groups to gather together and watch the same content simultaneously on different 360’s and in different locations. You’ll need to be a Netflix unlimited plan subscriber to have access through Xbox LIVE Gold, and use a separate computer to queue up titles as there’s no facility to do so through the 360 itself.Xbox LIVE will be pushed out to users starting from today, offered as an upgrade when you restart your console. Later on in 2009, Microsoft have promised to add access to the Zune Video Marketplace – for 1080p content – together with integration with Facebook, Last.FM and Twitter.
If we had an “utterly awesome” tag here on SlashGear, you can bet I’d be using it for this. Pocket Lucho has a history of making incredible miniature arcade cabinets, and his latest fully-operational model is a Neo Geo cabinet complete with illuminated marquee and false coin slot.
The screen is courtesy of a PSone clip-on LCD attachment, which is held into place via magnets so as to make internal access more straightforward. A magnetically-latched door on the side gives access to the cartridge slot and more, while there’s also a port for attaching a second controller and a video output.
In the videos below he explains first how he made the cabinet, and then runs through a demo of it in action. No word on what sort of money he spent, but I bet he could find plenty of takers if he made these to order.
The screen is courtesy of a PSone clip-on LCD attachment, which is held into place via magnets so as to make internal access more straightforward. A magnetically-latched door on the side gives access to the cartridge slot and more, while there’s also a port for attaching a second controller and a video output.In the videos below he explains first how he made the cabinet, and then runs through a demo of it in action. No word on what sort of money he spent, but I bet he could find plenty of takers if he made these to order.
Friday, June 05, 2009
MAINGEAR announced Pulse today, a brand new gaming PC that’s supposedly the greenest computer for gamers around. Based on the NVIDIA ION, with the option to upgrade to GeForce, this computer is good on the earth and good for your gaming score.
If you get the NVIDIA ION-based Pulse, then you can expect an Intel Core 2 45nm processor with a 300W power supply with 80% efficiency. The GeForce 9800 GT ECO, on the other hand is more powerful but still 40% more efficient than regular GeForce 9800 GT and comes with a 65W Core 2 Quad processors.
Other features include Wi-Fi, eSATA and optional Blu-ray and a TV tuner. This computer is a great option for those seeking a higher-powered gaming machine without the serious power draw. You can get the MAINGEAR Pulse now for starting at $799.
If you get the NVIDIA ION-based Pulse, then you can expect an Intel Core 2 45nm processor with a 300W power supply with 80% efficiency. The GeForce 9800 GT ECO, on the other hand is more powerful but still 40% more efficient than regular GeForce 9800 GT and comes with a 65W Core 2 Quad processors.Other features include Wi-Fi, eSATA and optional Blu-ray and a TV tuner. This computer is a great option for those seeking a higher-powered gaming machine without the serious power draw. You can get the MAINGEAR Pulse now for starting at $799.
Nintendo have announced that they will begin selling a black Wii in Japan come August, shortly after their new red DSi goes on sale there in July. The black console will be the first time the Wii has been available in a color other than white, though Nintendo did initially demonstrate it in various hues.
Accompanying the black Wii - which will be officially known as the KURO Wii - are matching black peripherals. The red DSi will join the white, black, pink, lime green and metallic blue versions already available in Japan.
The Nintendo Red DSi will go on sale in Japan on July 11th, priced at 18,900 yen ($197). Meanwhile the Nintendo KURO Wii will land in Japan on August 1st, priced at 25,000 yen ($260); the matching black Wii Remote, Nunchuk and Classic Controller Pro will be 3,800 yen ($40), 1,800 yen ($19) and 2,000 yen ($21) respectively. No word on a US/European release.
Accompanying the black Wii - which will be officially known as the KURO Wii - are matching black peripherals. The red DSi will join the white, black, pink, lime green and metallic blue versions already available in Japan.The Nintendo Red DSi will go on sale in Japan on July 11th, priced at 18,900 yen ($197). Meanwhile the Nintendo KURO Wii will land in Japan on August 1st, priced at 25,000 yen ($260); the matching black Wii Remote, Nunchuk and Classic Controller Pro will be 3,800 yen ($40), 1,800 yen ($19) and 2,000 yen ($21) respectively. No word on a US/European release.
MAINGEAR announced a new gaming PC today that’s sure to please the most discerning gamer. It’s called the ePhex Elite and this thing sports top-of-the-line features and ensures your gameplay experience will be fast and accurate.
As far as specs go, the ePhex Elite has an Intel Core i7 975 Extreme processor, the option to include three GTX 285 or three Radeon HD 4890 processors, an Asus X58 motherboard and up to 24GB of RAM. Plus there’s a liquid cooling system that ensures all the components stay cool.
The cooling system actually cools the processor and the GPUs. This system is easy to upgrade, is super fast and allows you the best gaming performance possible. What more could you ask for, really? M.A.R.C. laser etching is also available. You can get the MAINGEAR ePhex Elite gaming PC now for a base price of $5,660.
As far as specs go, the ePhex Elite has an Intel Core i7 975 Extreme processor, the option to include three GTX 285 or three Radeon HD 4890 processors, an Asus X58 motherboard and up to 24GB of RAM. Plus there’s a liquid cooling system that ensures all the components stay cool.The cooling system actually cools the processor and the GPUs. This system is easy to upgrade, is super fast and allows you the best gaming performance possible. What more could you ask for, really? M.A.R.C. laser etching is also available. You can get the MAINGEAR ePhex Elite gaming PC now for a base price of $5,660.
Friday, May 22, 2009
Publicists know how to attract attention and THQ’s latest attempt will mostly hit the target. To commemorate the launch of Big Family Games on Wii, THQ sent a gold-plated Wii to the Queen along with the first copy of the game. The Royal family is one of the most looked upon families and when someone gifts them something unique, we have to notice.Big Family Games, as the name implies, is meant for family which involves 24 games including Football, Golf, Tennis, Ladder Golf, Lawn Darts, Horseshoes, Bocce etc.
If this picture is to be believed, we’re looking at the much rumored PS3 Slim alongside PS3 in a Chinese factory. Given its plasticky finish this could be a prototype or maybe some PS3 wannabe able to play 100,000 games off the cartridge. We’re not sure yet. Maybe the upcoming E3 will have some answers.Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Just a month away from the actual release, Amazon US is now taking up preorders for Nintendo’s Wii MotionPlus accessory. It goes for $19.99 apiece which is a tad expensive if you’re buying it along with a game.The MotionPlus accessory when attached helps Wii to get a 1:1 gaming response resulting in better accuracy of its motion sensing capability.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
MSI has let the cat out of the bag, and it's only 14" across. For a full list of specs, read on.
The GX403 is a 14.1" gaming laptop. It will come equipped with an Intel Core 2 Duo and a GeForce GT 130M 256MB dedicated GPU. It'll have 4GB DDR2 RAM and a generous 500GB HDD.
The resolution is hardly groundbreaking at 1280x800, but that should be fine for most games. There is also an optional Blu-ray player for watching movies, though again, you won't get close to full HD.
Other specs include an integrated webcam, 802.11b/g/n, HDMI, VGA, eSATA/USB to go along with 2 regular USBs, a card reader, and an ExpressCard. It weighs in fairly light at 4.8lbs with a 6-cell battery and has a special "Color Film Print" finish for "more texture and brightness".
MSI has packaged it's own "Turbo Drive Engine" tech for overclocking when the laptop is plugged in, which should help with gaming. The machine will run Vista Home Premium, and there's no word yet on pricing or availability.
The resolution is hardly groundbreaking at 1280x800, but that should be fine for most games. There is also an optional Blu-ray player for watching movies, though again, you won't get close to full HD.
Other specs include an integrated webcam, 802.11b/g/n, HDMI, VGA, eSATA/USB to go along with 2 regular USBs, a card reader, and an ExpressCard. It weighs in fairly light at 4.8lbs with a 6-cell battery and has a special "Color Film Print" finish for "more texture and brightness".
MSI has packaged it's own "Turbo Drive Engine" tech for overclocking when the laptop is plugged in, which should help with gaming. The machine will run Vista Home Premium, and there's no word yet on pricing or availability.
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
MSI presents new G series and E series gaming notebooks at the CeBit 2009. First of all, the GX622 and GX733 of the GX line. MSI doesn’t any technical details of these two laptops but we do know that they have a brushed aluminum finish on the chassis and red accents around the edges. We can expect them to pack Core 2 Duo processor.
Next are the GT628 and GT725 of the GT line. Powered by Intel’s Core 2 Duo processor, MSI GT628 has a NVidia Geforce GTS 160M graphics card with 1GB of video RAM, while the GT725 gets an ATi Mobility Radeon HD 4850 with 512MB memory. The former has a 15.4-inch display and the latter has a 17-inch LCD screen.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
MSI presents the GT725 gaming machine, which is the first gaming laptop to have ATi Radeon HD4850 graphics card. Powered by an Intel Core 2 Duo P9500 2.53GHz processor, MSI GT725 has up to 4GB of RAM, 320GB hard drive, a 17-inch WUXGA Anti-Glare LCD display and a Blu-ray drive,
The GT725 supports WiFi 802.11b/g/n, Bluetoothmag-glass_10x10 Laptop : MSI GT725 Gaming Notebook with ATi Radeon HD4850 2.0, Ethernet connectivity. It has a 2 Megapixel webcam, a 4-in-1 card reader, an eSATA/USB combo port and an HDMI port. Bundled with a 9-cell battery, MSI GT725 includes ECO Engine Management function for better energy efficiency.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Microsoft has finally released its SideWinder X8 wireless mouse that comes with BlueTrack technology that produces up to 13,000 frames per second. However, this mouse cannot be used on glass. This gaming mouse also uses the 2.4GHz wireless spectrum. Its battery is able to supply enough juice for up to 30 hours of non-stop gaming. Microsoft says the SideWinder X8 should be available this week at retailers at a suggested price of $99.95 each.
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