Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2
Manufacturer: Zoozen
Site:
Price: $19.95


Overview : If you have ever attempted any repair or improvement of any kind, you know that the right tools can make the difference between a good experience and a bad one. The Access Pro Toolkit by Zoozen has everything you need to get into your console and accessories. It is the only toolkit that includes tools for every console and handheld on the market today. And it includes unique and custom tools that are only available from Zoozen.

This tool kit includes the tools you need for the:

· Microsoft products, including: Original Xbox, Xbox 360 and accessories like the Xbox 360 wired controller, and the Xbox 360 wireless controller. Special tools: the OneSnap, the only one-piece Xbox 360 case separator, and a special long neck tamper resistant Torx bit.

· Nintendo products, including: the Nintendo Wii, GameCube, GBA, DS, DS Lite, and most accessories like Nintendo Cartridges, Gamecube controllers, and power supplies. Special Tools: Triwing bits in two sizes and two sizes of rare Linehead Nut Setters in hardened steel. Also has the correct tools for most of the retired Nintendo game machines (those not currently for sale in the marketplace).

· Sony Products, including: PS3, PS2, PStwo, and PSP and many accessories (for example: Sony controllers).

· The Access Pro Tool Kit also has the correct tools to open most third party products.

The tools are all housed in a convenient plastic case that keeps all the parts just where they belong. And, duplicates of most bits are provided, just in case you drop a bit behind your desk during a critical procedure.

Includes:

• 1pc Easy grip screwdriver handle
• 1pc Magnetic Tweezers
• 1pc "OneSnap" tool for opening Xbox 360
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (small size)
• 1pc Linehead nut setter (large size)
• 1pc Flathead bit, Long
• 2pcs Torx Size 6, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 8, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 10, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 15, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Torx Size 20, Tamper Resistant
• 2pcs Hex Size .05
• 2pcs Triwing Bit
• 2pcs Phillips #000
• 2pcs Phillips #0
• 2pcs Phillips #1
• 2pcs Slotted 7/64

Quality/Usability : Those who mod consoles or want to start modding, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 will help you out tremendously. The Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 has tools for Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo products ranging from console to games and accessories. This toolkit will open even the new nex-gen consoles.

Xbox 360 – Torx T8, T6, T8, T10, Hex 0.05, Slotted 7/64, OneSnap and a Long Slotted Screw Bit
Xbox – Torx T10, T15, T20
PS3 – Torx T10, Phillips 0, Phillips 1, Phillips #000
PS2/Two – Phillips 0, Phillips 1
PSP – Phillips #000
Wii – Triwing, Phillips 0, Phillips #000
Gamecube – Linehead Nut Setter #8
DS/DS Lite – Triwing #00, Tripoint #0, Phillips #000
Gameboy – Triwing #00, Tripoint #01
Nintendo Cartridges – Linehead nut setter #6

The screwdriver handle is made of a rubberized grip instead of plastic like some screwdrivers are made of. This allows for easy gripping. Each bit that was placed was held in place very tight.

Each bit unscrewed each screw nicely without stripping the screws. Screwing each screw back into place worked wonderfully as well.

Dropped a screw and cant reach it or need to hold a wire or LED in place? Zoozen also included a magnetic tweezer to help hold those thin wires or screws that may be too small to hold in your fingers.

Conclusion : Overall, the Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2 is a modders dream come true. Everything you need to help open your mod frenzy finger is all in this Zoozen Action PRO Toolkit v2. Add a dremel and a soldering iron and this would be the Ultimate modding tool! It would also have been useful if the bits were magnetic to pick up the small screws. The price of $19.95 is definitely well priced and worth it.

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Jimi Game Shell Case
Manufacturer: Mr Smith
Site: Buy from Jimi
Price: $9.95


Overview : Jimi™ Game Shell is compact, water resistant and shockproof, and you can attach it to your backpack, lanyard or keyring. Within its recyclable sanoprene liners, each case securely holds two Nintendo DS games, two Wii (SD) cards, or two PSP (ProDuo game or music) cards.

Jimi™ Game Shell's translucent outer skin is made from 100% recycled and recyclable polypropylene. Combined with the cushioning sanoprene lining in planet purple, gunmetal grey, or fire red this splash proof shell makes it ideal for storing your DS and PSP game cards, music or camera memory cards, and it looks really sweet to boot.

Quality/Usability : There have been a couple of vacations where I carried my PSP and DS around with me. Each portable system in its own dedicated case but no place to carry my extra games or memory sticks.

Jimi may be your solution and even mine as well. Jimi is made of durable plastic with sanoprene lining (rubber). You can attach the Jimi to your keyring, bag or string for easy portability. The Jimi is small enough to fit in your pants pocket and light weight that you wont notice it. Jimi comes in three colors of sanoprene lining: Red, Grey or Purple. The plastic shell is all the same clear color.

The sanoprene is removeable. The mold of the sanoprene allows you to hold up to two Pro Duo memory sticks or two SD cards (one on each side) or one of each. Above the memory cards, you can hold two DS games. The memory sticks and DS games are held in place securely. Even if you only had one DS game and the other slot was open and was holding either a Pro Duo or SD, they wont come out unless it was banged on hard.

Conclusion : Overall, the Jimi Game Shell Case is a nice solution to holding your memory sticks and DS games at once and together. I'm not sure if it was my shipment only but it did not come with a keyring like the Jimi Multi-Media Memory Case as that came with a keyring. The price of the Game Shell Case is fairly reasonable as well.

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Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has defended the company's performance in the wake of a 74% year-on-year profits slump.

Observing that following a difficult nine months of hardware sales, he told investors that "Few people in the industry were able to anticipate that Wii would regain its momentum at the end of the year."

In Nintendo's home nation of Japan, "In the latter half of December, Wii sold twice as much as PS3". The US had seen similar resurgence, although sales had not returned to 2009's record-breaking levels: "Wii sold more than 2,350,000 units of hardware in December 2010, which was better than December 2008, when Wii was selling very well.

"As a result, Wii was able to establish another record in the U.S. home console market by selling more than seven million units in the U.S. in three consecutive years."

In Europe during October 2010, "Wii was in the lowest position among all the consoles, so when I told you that I believed Wii would make a comeback in the year-end sales season, it might have sounded like nothing but a mere dream.

"Wii sales rose sharply to the top in the 43rd week, which is when we released the red Wii hardware. The sales pace picked up even more speed during the year-end sales season, and Wii went back to holding the largest market share.

"I think that few people could have expected that in the peak week of the year-end sales season, Wii hardware would be selling almost twice that of other consoles." Across Europe's major territories during week 50 of last year, the Wii sold around 450,000 units, compared to around 300,000 for PS3 and 250,000 for 360.

The red Wii was repeatedly mentioned as contributing to the year-end resurgence. However, Iwata felt that the entire market was suffering. "Overall the home console market in 2010 could not create the excitement that the industry had experienced in the 2009 year-end sales season."

The handheld DS range had performed well in Japan, primarily due to combined sales of Pokemon Black & White becoming the highest-selling game of the year there, but Iwata admitted things were not so rosy in other territories.

"While the home console software market has been able to maintain a similar market size over the past two years, the handheld software failed to do the same in Europe. It's been said that the illegal copies of software have had significant impact in Europe.

"In addition, we analyze that another reason for the declining market size is the low active-use ratio of Nintendo DS hardware for the lack of new software titles selling very well.

"Although Nintendo DS has kept its high market share, we are far from satisfied with the current handheld software market." The 3DS would be part of "various efforts" to "revive" the handheld market.

For software, Iwata singled out certain titles as major contributors. Wii Party was revealed to have sold more than five million units worldwide, though as European sales were so far higher than in the US, "We believe that this software still has potential in the U.S., so we are planning to further promote it."

DS drawing title Art Academy was revealed to have sold more than 1.5 million units worldwide, while further sales data held that combined lifetime sales of Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort had hit 102 million units. Around 22 million of these occurred during the last nine months of 2010.

The strongest worldwide performer of the year for Nintendo was Super Mario Galaxy 2, which shifted 6.15 million units across 2010. In total, 18 Nintendo titles passed one million worldwide sales between April and December last year.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...nt-profits-dip ...

Nintendo believes its history of multiplayer gaming features predates and is equivalent to the current interest in social network games.

President Satoru Iwata told investors last week that "It has been reported that social entertainment is the key to video games... Nintendo has been developing social entertainment in the field of video games for a long time.

"Social elements tend to be narrowly associated with human relationships through computer networks. We believe, however, that the essence of social entertainment is that the relationships with other human beings add a social nature to the play and make it more interesting.

Although Iwata appeared to be addressing the growth of titles such as FarmVille and Japan's phone-based MobageTown, he saw parallels with Nintendo in that "NES had two controllers from the start and Nintendo 64 was the first home console system to make four controllers available.

"The link cable for GameBoy allowed two players to compete in Tetris and later enabled the trades and competitions of Pokémon, and gradually these features were made available wirelessly. To Nintendo, social elements are nothing new at all."

He observed that "When you hear the term 'social network,' it generally means a service taking advantage of social human relationships through a constantly connected network with smart phones and PCs. In contrast, Nintendo appreciates real human relationships among people."

The 3DS' StreetPass and SpotPass features, which automatically arranges and even plays games with passers-by, played a part in Nintendo's ongoing social game strategy, he claimed, as well as "further expand[ing] the gaming population."

The company perhaps seems a little less interested in fuelling its social systems with download-based gaming however, having just announced that its eStore for 3DS has been pushed back to May.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...ing-new-at-all ...

XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

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XCM Multi-Console Component Cable v2
Manufacturer: XCM
Site: Buy from Play-Asia / Buy from Divineo US / Buy from Divineo China
Price: $22.99

Overview : XCM Multi-Console Component Cable V2 (PS2, PS3, Wii, Xbox 360). Not compatible with Xbox 1.

Features :

• Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system.
• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/1080p) technology.

Quality/Usability : XCM has released their multi-console component cable that supports Xbox360, Wii, PS2 and PS3. This is pretty much an all-in-one cable for your whole entire entertainment center. Like always, XCM impresses us with their quality of products.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. On the "switcher" itself, you have four switches: 360HD, 360 Y/Pb/Pr, Wii and PS2/PS3. Of course, which ever system you are playing, you'll have to switch to that system. For those that dont know, 360 Y/Pb/Pr is like a standard component cable.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system. When switching to a difference system, there is a 2-3 second delay.

The cable itself is fairly long so you dont have to worry about having the systems close to the TV but you will have to have your systems near each other in order for the cable to reach each console.

Conclusion : Overall, the XCM PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is a neat product. Those looking to cut down on cables may want to look into this. It would have been nice if XCM had added a few inches more to the console cables so that the systems dont have to be so close to each other and for those who put their systems into entertainment centers. It would have been also nice if the 360HD and 360 Y/Pb/Pr had swapped places.

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Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable
Manufacturer: Penguin United
Site: Buy from Penguin United
Price: $21.99

Overview : Fully Compatible with Xbox 360™, Wii™, PS3™ , PS2™ and any TV system with component input. The Final High-Definition Solution for all your Next Generation Gaming Consoles. Avoid the Hassle of switching cables behind your television or dealing with tangled cables from all your Consoles, not to mention the saving from buying 1 cable instead of 3. Support D2 (480i/480p); (720i/720p) & D4 (1080i/ 1080p) technology. Actual resolution displayed will be determined by the technology supported by the Console in use.

The three AV plugs for each console should NOT be connected to their respective consoles simultaneously. Only one console should be connected for the cable to function properly. If more than one consoles are connected, even if it is set to "off" loss of audio or video may occure, but there will not be any damages done to the console.

Cable is 8 foot long or 2.4 meter in length.

Features :

• Support Component Signal (Stereo Function)
• Support AV Signal (Stereo Function)
• High Quality and High Speed for Transfer Signal.
• Support Dolby Prologic.
• Support DTS 5.1 Channel System.
• Support DOLBY Digital and Surround Sound
• Support Stereo Sound
• Support Optical Signal (Xbox 360)
• Compatible with Surround Receiver or Integrated Amplifier
• Support CRT, Plasma, LCD or any HDTV System
• Support D2 (480i/480P); (720i/720P) & D4 (1080 i/1080 P) technology.

Quality/Usability : This is the second multi-console component cable we will be reviewing. The first review coming from XCM. We have reviewed a couple of Penguin United's Wii Component Cables already (Regular / Gold / Premium). All of them were pretty good for a new 3rd party peripheral manufacturer.

There are three plugs for your console: Xbox360, Wii, PS2/PS3. On the other end are the AV inputs that connect to your TV. Unlike the XCM multi-console component cable, there is no switch on the cable that allows you to switch to whatever system you are going to play with. You will have to plug each plug into the system if you want to play with the console.

The visual quality of each system is pretty good when connected one by one. I didnt notice much of a difference between this cable or the standalone component cable that you purchase separately for each system.

The cable itself is fairly long measuring approximately 8 feet long. The cables for each console once split from the cable itself is fairly long enough but you will still have to have your consoles near each other.

Conclusion : Overall, the Penguin United PS2/PS3/Wii/Xbox360 Multi-Console Component Cable is another alternative to those looking to eliminate cables and is looking for a all-in-one source. The quality of the product is great just like all of the other products Penguin United offers. My only complaint was having to insert the plug into the console I want to play each time. Would of been nice if there was a switch of some sort where I can easily switch back and forth without having to keep on removing the cables.

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Moxia USBCell Rechargeable Battery
Manufacturer: Moixa
Site: Buy from Moixa
Price: $17.00 (2 pack)


Overview : This NiMH AA cell can be used like a normal battery and can be recharged simply by plugging into a USB port.

With over 15 billion Alkaline batteries made and thrown away each year - wasting resources, C02 and creating toxic Landfill - USBCELL offers a eco-friendly alternative as can be re-used hundreds of times as no charge adaptor or cable is needed, saving you money, hassle and waste.

Features :

• Rechargeable AA NiMH Battery 1.2v 1300mah
• 90%+ Charged after 5 Hours by powered USB
• Built in Intelligent Charger
• Charge by powered USB
• Also can be charged in approved NiMH Chargers

Quality/Usability : Majority of today's electronics such as digital cameras, portable devices such as MP3/CD players, remotes, flashlights, and controllers all use alkaline batteries.

No more need for disposable batteries. Yes, there are lots of rechargeable batteries on the market but in order to recharge them, you will need a charger. What happens if you dont have a charger on your? USBCell is similar that it is rechargeable but to recharge them, its different. The name of the product can give you a hint as to how it would recharge...USB. But you can also charge in any rechargeable battery charger as well

The design of the USBCell is unique. With USB ports on PC, laptops and even game consoles, it is fairly easy to find USB ports to recharge. To charge, you simply, pull of the green cover. The green cover is attached to the battery with an elastic band so you wont lose the cover by accident. Once the cover is off, a USB plug is explosed. Pull back on the cover and insert the USB plug into any USB port.

Once inserted into a USB port, a green LED light is lit up to inform you that it is charging. When the battery is fully charged, the LED will turn off.

Having charged the USBCell batteries for the recommended 5 hours, I was about to get a little more than 20 hours with the Wiimote before the battery died. Although a Xbox 360 controller is pictured with the USBCell, I was unable to fit both batteries into the Xbox 360 wireless controller but I was able to fit one into the plastic holder. Even with the one battery, it felt a little snug.

Conclusion : Overall, the Moixa USBCell Rechargeable Battery are probably the most unique product we have reviewed. There are some problems that I see. If you have a USB port that is recessed or further in to your device, the USBCell may not reach. Another problem is the mAh. Although 1300mAh is perfect for devices that doesnt draw a lot of power but when used with devices such as digital cameras, people prefer 2000mAh or higher for high powered devices. But these would come in handy as a temporary backup solution. Other sizes are are planned to be released but no further information has been mentioned.

Price of the USBCell is a bit pricey. For maybe double the price or less (depending if there is a deal), you can probably get a charger, four batteries and a higher mAh battery such as 2500mAh.

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Dead Space 2, the dismembering space horror sequel from EA and Visceral Games, has taken the top spot on the UK chart in a week of few releases, knocking LittleBigPlanet 2 into second after just a week at the top.

Dead Space 2 is the only new entry in a reshuffled top twenty which sees Black Ops slip to its lowest position yet of fifth. FIFA 11 and Assassin's Creed Brotherhood both gain a place at Activision's expense, sitting at third and fourth respectively.

Interestingly, the addition of Dead Space Extraction: Move to the PS3 bundle didn't quite manage to tip the sales of Dead Space 2 in the favour of Sony's machine - 56 per cent of sales were for Xbox 360, with 40 per cent on PS3 and the remaining 4 on PC.

Leisure software charts compiled by Chart Track, (C)2010 UKIE Ltd.

Last Week This Week Title
New Entry 1 Dead Space 2
1 2 LittleBigPlanet 2
4 3 FIFA 11
5 4 Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood
2 5 Call of Duty: Black Ops
3 6 Just Dance 2
10 7 Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit
6 8 Wii Fit Plus
15 9 Art Academy
11 10 Just Dance
7 11 Mass Effect 2
8 12 Kinect Sports
12 13 The Sims 3
9 14 Gran Tursimo 5
16 15 Wii Party>
13 16 Dance Central
20 17 WWE: Smackdown Vs. RAW 2011
17 18 Read Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare
Re-Entry 19 EA Sports Active 2
18 20 Wii Sports Resort

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/article...op-of-uk-chart ...