DCEmu Featured News Articles

Memor32 USB Memory Card (PS2)
Manufacturer: Memor32
Site: Buy from ConsoleSource
Price: $69.95


Overview : The PS2 is certainly no stranger to a continuous flow of great games which is why every hardcore gamer will adore the Memor32. Featuring a unique USB based design, the Memor32 is an advanced memory card for use on any PS2 and PSTwo systems around the world. Unlike standard memory cards, the Memor32 will allow gamers to load and unload save games to and from the PC for use with the PS2. It’s compatibility is up there with the best, with over 1500 games tested and working perfectly.

Features :

• 100% MagicGate compatible powerful 32MB memory card
• Compatible with all PS2 and PSTwo systems worldwide
• Integrated USB connector
• Load and unload saves games to and from the PC for use with the console via software
• Unrivalled compatibility, over 1500 games tested and save compatible
• Perfectly plug and play device
• Two years in development

Quality/Usability : I admit that I usually dont completely unlock all the contents of the game. Then again, after I play the game, I stop playing it and move onto the next game and the game just sits there for months before its traded or sold. But there are also games that require updated rosters that you wouldnt be able to get elsewhere such as baseball, football, basketball, etc. Who wants to sit there and manually update the rosters when you can be playing the game?

Memor32 has released a USB memory card for the PlayStation 2. It does everything a normal PS2 memory card would do such as load and save game saves. What makes the Memor32 different is that it connects to your PC via USB port on the side of the Memor32. The only thing that I can think of off the top of my head that was similar to this was the SharkPort which was also known as X-Port.

The Memor32 was tested with the latest (at time of this review) Save Game Manager (SGM) v1.3. Save Game Manager allowed you to transfer downloaded game saves from your PC to the Memor32. Team Memor32 is greatly improving SGM each time there is an update. The first release was just to show that it was legit and that more was to come. 1.1 activated the IMPORT and EXPORT functions. 1.2 added the .max extension support. 1.3 added Windows Vista support but .max extension game saves was not available at time of review.

Setup is very very easy. First and foremost, format the Memor32 on your PS2. Once its formatted, download their latest Save Game Manager and driver file. Once the files are downloaded, extract and install SGM. You'll need a USB cable to connect the Memor32 to your PC. The same cable used for the PSP or digital camera will work fine. Unfortunately, Team Memor32 does not include a USB cable in order to keep costs down. However, some retailers may include a USB cable. Connect the Memor32 to your PC and Windows will recognize the Memor32 as a USB Serial Port. It may ask to search from drivers but DO NOT let Windows download it from the internet. Instead, remember that driver download I posted above, extract it and direct Windows to search for driver in that folder. It may require you to search for drivers twice so direct it to that folder.


Upon starting up Save Game Manager, the user interface is clean and straight to the point. The left window shows what files are on the Memor32 and the right window shows your computer. In between the two windows are 5 buttons:

• BACKUP - transfer game saves from memory card to PC
• RESTORE - transfer game saves from PC to memory card
• DELETE - delete game save
• IMPORT - load game saves from PC
• EXPORT - export game saves to PC

The bottom half shows different things. The bottom right displays Memor32 status. It lets you know if the Memor32 is connected or disconnected. It also tells how much space is available on the Memor32. Underneath is a button ERASE MEMOR32. This deletes everything on the Memor32 at once. The left side displays the Save game information such as file name, size, when it was created and modified and icon of game if available.

Every time a game save is transferred whether it be to the Memor32 or to the PC, a status bar is shown at the bottom. It does not take long to transfer game saves.

Conclusion : Overall, the Memor32 USB Memory Card (PS2) is a very useful accessory for the PlayStation 2. Unfortunately, its 2 years too late. The PlayStation 2 is on its last legs as publishers and developers are focusing on the new next gen consoles such as the Wii, Xbox 360 and PlayStation3. But this wont stop anyone whether or not you have beaten a game or dont even own any of the new systems. The Memor32 is great for updated sports roster or for those who like to cheat in a game or just to play through it with everything unlocked once they have beaten it...with no cheats of course. Price whoever is a bit pricey especially with no USB cable included. If this was $40USD or so, this would be the sweet spot for PS2 gamers.

People are wondering, wheres the Memento ...

Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote
Manufacturer: Talismoon
Site:
Price: $105.00-$129.95


Overview : The HDMI SWITCHER is a HDMI HUB that allows you to connect your console or dvd player to a tv and easily switch from a device to another with a simple remote control press.

Simply pressing a button on the remote you can select your desired HDMI source to be routed to a high definition display. Switcher is tested to guarantee resolution up to 1080p without signal degradation.
HDMI repeater is built in to the switch for long output cables. If your cable if over 15ft distance then with regular switch you would get signal degradation. However with HDMI switch box signal can be amplified to go over 60ft!

Features :

• Approved by HDMI ATC lab
• Fully supports 1080P HDTV
• HDCP Compliant
• Supports DTS, Dolby 7.1 Channel Audio
• GOLD PLATED CONNECTORS
• IR Remote control
• Expand 4HDMI sources on your HDTV device
• Amplifier & Equalizer function enables longer HDMI cables
• Plug & Play, installs in seconds
• RoHS compliant
• 110v-240v auto switching power supply
• HDMI CABLE INCLUDED

Quality/Usability : The Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote is designed to allow you, the user, to toggle between four (4) HDMI sources. You may think why would you need or want something like this. If you havent noticed, as more and more devices such as HDTV's, HD cable, satellite boxes, DVD players (Blu-Ray and HD-DVD), they are now incorporating HDMI. As more people get into high def, they will have more and more devices but are only limited to a certain amount of inputs on their devices.

The HDMI Switcher measures approximately 7 inches wide by 3 inches deep and 1 inch high. The switcher is made of metal and not plastic. This makes the switcher very sturdy and a solid feel. The front houses four green LEDs and 1 red LED. The green LEDs are to let you know which HDMI port is in use and the red LED is to let you know that the power is on. To the right of the button is a SELECT button that lets you toggle between the HDMI ports. On the back, there are four HDMI inputs. To the left is one HDMI output and DC port to plug power adapter.

Setup is plug-and-play. Simply plug in the cables, select the port and you're good to go! If your device does not have HDMI but uses DVI, you can also use DVI devices so as long you use the appropriate adapter.

Testing with a Sony PlayStation 3, XBox 360 Elite and HD-DVD Player and a Dell PC that uses DVI, all devices switched without a problem. I did not notice any quality downgrade. Even upconverted DVDs worked without a problem. What I did notice was that there was no input for audio.

The included remote measures approximately 3.5 inches tall by 1.5 inches wide and 0.25 inches high. The face of the remote has a POWER ON/OFF on the top left with 1-4 in the middle to select your mode. There is also a forward and back button to control the input sources. The battery runs on a Lithium Battery CR2025 (watch battery).

Conclusion : Overall, the Talismoon HDMI Switcher with Remote worked without a hitch. The design is nice and sleek and built sturdy. I dont know if this is on all HDMI Switchers but the one I received said "HIDOZO" on top. Dont know what this means or what the purpose is but it looks tacky. The lack of audio ports can be a negative to those who want the best set up. Would of also been nice if it included a DVI to HDMI adapter. The expensive price tag may turn people away but if you're running out of HDMI ports or looking for a selector, I suggest taking a look at this.

Images via comments ...

News via PSPita

It's been a few days after the release of the official firmware 6:37 that, surprise, check out a new version of system software: the 6:39. As it has done to the firmware 6.36, this new 6:39, discovered by a user forum PSPKing, is included nell'UMD a Japanese game, but for which the title was not disclosed. For this reason, we present the news as a rumor, waiting to find out more details on this new firmware.

* UPDATE *
The same user PSPKing has recently updated his post, announcing that the FW is contained nell'UMD 6:39 Japanese edition of 3 Valkyria Chronicles released last January 27. ...

Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter
Manufacturer: Kingmax
Site: Buy from Brando
Price: $17.00

Overview : Transform microSD into Memory Stick Duo

Features :

• Ideal for use in small digital devices
• Transform microSD into Memory Stick PRO Duo format
• Compatible with Memory Stick PRO Duo device e.g. PSP

Specifications :

• Form factor:
• MS PRO Duo adapter: 31(w) x 20(H) x 1.6(D)mm
• Operating Voltage: 2.7V~3.6V
• Weight Aggrox. 1g

Quality/Usability : Some of you have probably heard about this unique adapter. The Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter allows you to use your microSD card, also known as TransFlash, in your electronic devices that uses Pro Duo such as Sony Ericsson cellphones and your Sony PSP.

Prices of microSD are fairly cheap and are the size of a thumbnail. If you can find the right deal, you can get a 1GB microSD card for free or for $10. The bigger the storage, the higher the price. This is a great alternative to having to buy a 1GB Pro Duo card.

Slipping the microSD card into the Pro Duo adapter is like any other adapter whether its Pro Duo to Memory Stick adapter, microSD to SD adapter and so on. Removing it is the same as well.

Once a microSD card is inserted, reading and writing is about the same as if it was a Pro Duo. I used Brando 55 in 1 Card Reader/Writer and the speeds of reading/writing to the card is fairly quick.

I tried the adapter both in my Sony PSP and Sony Ericsson w810i. I tested this with a SanDisk, PNY and US Modular 1GB microSD cards. In both devices, they both read the adapter without a problem. Listening to music and playing videos did not show any signs of slow down. With regards to playing games on the PSP, I didnt notice any slow downs or lags.

Conclusion : Overall, the Kingmax microSD to Pro Duo Adapter is great if you have microSD cards laying around the house. The speed of reading and writing is as fast as a normal Pro Duo card. Luckily, the price of microSD cards are cheap so it makes a good alternative to the Pro Duo card. Currently, the highest microSD card available is 2GB.

Images via comments ...

ZAGG invisibleSHIELD Macbook
Manufacturer: invisibleSHIELD
Site: Buy from invisibleSHIELD
Price: $54.95 (full body coverage); $39.95 (standard coverage); $24.95 (wrist rest coverage); $17.95 (battery coverage)


Overview : Your search for a(n) Apple MacBook 13 inch case, skin, or cover is now over. The invisibleSHIELD™ is an exceptionally clear and virtually indestructible film that will protect your MacBook 13 inch from unsightly scratches. Our exclusive nano-memory™ technology covers and shields your device, keeping it as pristine as the day you took it out of the box.

The precision pre-cut invisibleSHIELD applies directly to your MacBook 13 inch, providing the toughest, most durable protection you will find. The invisibleSHIELD has its origins in the military, where it was used to protect high-speed helicopter blades from dust, dirt and debris. Now you can use that same powerful technology to protect your MacBook 13 inch.

The invisibleSHIELD is only .2 millimeters thick making it the slimmest MacBook 13 inch skin or MacBook 13 inch cover of its kind. It is so tough that we back it with a lifetime guarantee. So, if it ever does wear or scratch, we will replace it for free, for the life of your device. And if you ever need to remove the invisibleSHIELD, no problem; it comes off clean and leaves no sticky residue.

If you're still not convinced, check out our demo video and see for yourself how strong the invisibleSHIELD™ really is.

Features:

• Full Body coverage: Top, bottom, wrist rest, track pad and mouse button(s).
• Standard coverage: Top, wrist rest, track pad and mouse button(s).
• Wrist Rest coverage: Wrist Rest only.
• Battery coverage: Battery only.

Quality/Usability : I thought I would spice up the reviews with something not gaming related.

I've been wanting to protect my 13.3" Black Macbook from scratches or marks and possibly give it that glossy look but still keep its cool black color. Since its black, its more visible and noticeable if it there was a blemish so I thought I'd give ZAGG's invisibleSHIELD for the 13" Macbook a try. You've probably have either heard of invisibleSHIELD or seen some form of their advertisement such as key scratching ipod, pen trying to go through invisibleSHIELD. They protect everything from your precious iPods, to cellphones to cameras and even your PSP.

invisibleSHIELD comes in a cardboard tube. Inside the tube are two complimentary bottled solutions (just water), squeegee, instructions and 3 invisibleSHIELD sheets. One sheet contains the cover, second sheet contains the battery and bottom and the third sheet contains the wrist rest, button and trackpad. All invisibleSHIELD products are clear giving you the ultimate protection without changing the looks.

I've installed numerous DecalGirl skins on consoles and those were easy. Even if you messed up, peeling and reapplying was easy. So I thought this would be a walk through the park....boy was I wrong. First, they suggest washing your hands so that your fingerprints arent all over the sticky side of the invisibleSHIELD. OK, I have no problem with that. Next, spray your fingerstips with the SHIELDspray (its just regular water) and peel the invisibleSHIELD off the paper backing. Once peeled off, hold the invisibleSHIELD in your hands with the adhesive side up. Lightly spray the front (instructions states to spray back also, why? I dont know) of the invisibleSHIELD. DO NOT spray on the laptop itself. Once you have applied water to the invisibleSHIELD. Apply it to your laptop and slide it into place. STOP! What they didnt mention is that this method is for glossy Macbook's. My Black Macbook is matte. Its not glossy like the white ones. Had it been glossy, installation would have been a lot smoother. So sliding into place on a matte surface would be very hard to do as the invisibleSHIELD grips onto the matte casing. Since I can not slide into place, I had to lift up the invisibleSHIELD. Use the squeegee to push the excess moisture and bubbles away from the center to the edges. Again, it was impossible with the Black Macbook.

Since I'm a perfectionist and a bit anal when it comes to things like this, I had to lift and re-align the invisibleSHIELD multiple times on the cover. Just when I thought I had it, it was uneven. So I had to take the whole part off and reapply. Doing this also stretched out the invisibleSHIELD. So when I finally had it aligned correctly on three sides of the cover. The fourth side was too long. No way for me to even it out.

The battery was easier as the invisibleSHIELD piece was small and easier to handle. Same goes for the rest of the bottom invisibleSHIELD. But you would think that the wrist rest, button and trackpad would be even easier. Wrong. The illustrated image at the top from invisibleSHIELD shows that the wrist/trackpad area should be four piece. The piece I received was one big piece. I couldnt even take the trackpad or button piece off. You can see the indentation or semi-cut out but was unable to remove ...

iSkin SOHO Macbook Sleeve Case
Manufacturer: iSkin
Site: Buy from iSkin
Price: $59.99 (For 13" MacBook or Similar Sized PC Laptop); $64.99 (For 15" MacBook Pro or Similar Sized PC Laptop)


Overview :
It's what's inside that counts.
On the go with your laptop means keeping it safe and the iSkin SOHO does just that. With elegant style and cool colors, SOHO features a multi-layered design to absorb the hits and dings that would normally damage your laptop.

MacBook, meet your match.
Made for the MacBook and Macbook Pro, the SOHO's distinguished good looks, coupled with legendary iSkin fit and finish, makes it the perfect accessory for your laptop and your outfit. It also fits PC's with similar dimensions.

Right down to the zipper.
Zipping around town means you need quick access to your computer. The SOHO features an iSkin designed ergonomic zipper that's easy to grab and pull. It also looks great!

Look good anywhere.
Combined with the iSkin ProTouch Keyboard Protector, the SOHO is ideal for students, business users and just about anyone who prefers to be anywhere but at a desk. It also makes a great heat barrier when using your MacBook on your lap.

Features:

• Specifically made for Apple MacBook / MacBook Pro
• Works with similar sized PC laptops
• Slim two-tone design
• Colored stitching
• Simulated premium leather finish
• Reinforced, durable, outer shell
• Color-matching, plush padded lining
• Sure-grip custom iSkin designed zipper pull
• Clam-shell design for easy access to laptop
• Inner elastic screen straps
• Multi-layered construction
• Stylish yet elegant
• Reinforced spine
• Available in a variety of color styles

Specifications:
For MacBook or similar PC
Length: 13" (33cm)
Width: 9" (23cm)
Depth: 1" (4cm)

For MacBook Pro or similar PC
Length: 14.1" (36cm)
Width: 9.6" (25cm)
Depth: 1" (4cm)


Available in a variety color combinations:

• Amazon: Black with Pink
• Graphite: Black with Grey
• Magnum: Black with Red
• Sahara: Black with Orange
• Azure: Black with Blue

Quality/Usability : I have been on a hunt to find that perfect notebook sleeve to carry my Macbook instead of lugging around my North Face laptop backpack. I didnt want anything too bulky and simple but at the same time, being stylish. iSkin's SOHO seems to fit the bill. iSkin is known for the iPod cases and their PSP carry cases.

The iSkin SOHO is made of black "premium synthetic leather" with colored stitching and colored lining all around. The outer hard shell and inner lining protects your precious laptop from everyday hazards such as minor scratches, bumps and spills. The sides where the zipper is located does not offer much protection like the outer hard shell but dont worry, the zipper does not touch laptop either as it is also lined. The zipper contains a iSkin logo but it would have been nice if it included two zippers instead of one. The SOHO also protects your lap from the heat coming from the bottom of your notebook.

What I also like about the SOHO compared to some other sleeves on the market is that you can use your notebook while its in the sleeve since it has two elastic bands on the top of the case. So when you open the SOHO, the lid of your notebook also opens at the same time. The inner lining is the same color as the zipper and stitching and also has "iSkin" imprinted all over.

The SOHO fits perfectly around the Macbook without adding much bulk but still giving ample protection at the same time. You can also place this into a carry bag or backpack without a problem. But I feel that the SOHO is mainly aimed towards Apple laptops rather than PC laptops.

CAUTION: Remove the laptop from the SOHO while connected to an external monitor or when used for extended periods of time. iSkin is not responsible for damage caused to your laptop when used with this product.

Conclusion : Overall, the iSkin SOHO Macbook Sleeve Case is great for any college student or a freelancer like me who meets clients every so often. Its elegant and nothing too flashy or fancy on the eyes. Since this is a sleeve case, there are no additional pockets and no strap, so holding it may cause you to drop it. So if you carrying a mouse, charger and other accessories with you, you'll need to carry a bag with you. I no longer have to expose my Macbook to potential damage and its easier to use on public transportation. Its so convenient...just unzip and open. No more removing laptop from sleeve and having to shove it back in when I'm done or rushing to get off train/bus. Just close and zip it up. Although its probably the best looking and best protecting case, the price will hurt your wallet compared to others out there. Its either spend a little bit extra and know you're getting protection or take the risk of buying something cheaper and potentially damaging your laptop and having to buy a new one later on.

Images via comments ...

News via Wololo

Two days ago Sony revealed the NGP, PSP’s successor. The NGP is an impressively powerful portable gaming device, that will be available at the end of the year. The device looks awesome, but after giving it some thought, I think I won’t be buying it. Here are a few reasons why:

The browser will suck
The browser on the PSP sucked. It had poor flash support, memory issues, close to no javascript support… All these problems were probably because of the hardware limitations of the PSP itself but…have you seen the internet browser on the ps3? Do you like it? Youtube half works on it, and when it does work, the interface is slow as hell. Sony showed lack of ability to adapt a browser to their devices twice, I don’t see why it would be different this time. Unless they migrate to a “better” browser, maybe using Webkit (Safari), or something based on Chrome.

God knows I hate Apple, but going from the browsing experience on an iPhone/iPad to that of the PSP/PS3 is always extremely painful.

Hopefully the gyroscope + the touch screen will allow for a good “vertical” browsing kind of stuff. Otherwise the wide screen will mean more wasted space on the screen, because most sites won’t provide a “NGP enhanced” version of their site.

It will suck as a Media Player
The PSP and PS3 were advertised as not only gaming devices, but Media Centers. A machine on which you could play your videos and music easily. They both dramatically fail at that.

The psp: proprietary video format (UMD) with region locking, blocking “high def” videos in mp4 format to artificially increase the sales of UMD videos, no DivX/Xvid/ogg/… support, crappy mp3 player (abysmal playlist support, no “random play all my files” support, some perfectly fine mp3 files just won’t play, no freedom to organize your folders as you want, lack of “good” visualization plugins, no ogg support, etc…). In all fairness, one HUGE good point of the PSP mp3 player was that it played mp3s without the need for additional crapware such as iTunes for the iPod. No ebook reader (all smartphones have at least 10 of those now)

The Ps3: region locking, no support for PAL DVDs if you live in a country where NTSC is the norm, no support for divx/xvid/mkv (seriously? At least for the PSP there was the excuse of CPU power and Ram limitations…), region locking, no possibility to skip ads on DVDs/Blu rays, insanely crappy music player (same issues as the psp, bad playlist support, no possibility to play my library randomly, give me winamp dammit), region locking (did I mention this one already?).

Overall, Sony cripples their perfectly good hardware with attempts at pimping their proprietary formats, and their own stores. They don’t provide you with a way to enjoy your media files, but with a way to buy media from them. I expect the NGP to provide “rental, will work for 48h” types of videos. Fine, but clearly not what I want from a “media player”. The offer will be limited to whatever contracts Sony is able to sign, and usually for me as a foreigner in Japan, this will mean I’ll have to deal with a massive amount of pain to get my French or American movies to work.

The NGP probably won’t have a convenient TV output, unless you pay for some super expensive hardware accessory that won’t even give you HD.

It will be expensive.
Sure, we’re all excited now, as this is clearly the most powerful portable device we’ve ever heard of. Except, it will be released in 10 months. In 10 months, will we accept to pay the same price as a smartphone for something that does less?Will you pay a 3G subscription for something that’s not a phone? Technically, the NGP will compete against the 3DS (which will be way cheaper and will have a larger library of games by the end of 2011), tablets (that will handle medias – ebooks, movies, music – way better), and smartphones (on which the GPS allows you to find where you are and where you want to go, rather than what games are being played in Shibuya…).

By the end of 2011, it will be easy to find a 3DS for 200$. Smartphones can go up to 600$ but the price go down when you take a carrier subscriptions. I believe that by the end of 2011, some tablets will have most of the technical specs of the PSP, for a similar price, and less crapware. Sony officials said the NGP would be sold at an “affordable price that’s appropriate for the handheld gaming space”, and my current guess is that it will be more than 400$.

The games will not be as good as you expect, because your expectations will change in 10 months.
Is that me, or does playing a high quality graphics hardcore game make no sense on a 5 inch screen? I’d rather play an awesome game on the PS3(PS4?), in my couch, on my 40 inches TV, than the same game in direct sunlight, in a crowded train, on a 5 inches screen. In general, People who play action games in public areas are disturbing other people, and not even playing in good conditions. Portable gaming for hardcore games is an ersatz ...

News via Wololo

Two days ago Sony revealed the NGP, PSP’s successor. The NGP is an impressively powerful portable gaming device, that will be available at the end of the year. The device looks awesome, but after giving it some thought, I think I won’t be buying it. Here are a few reasons why:

The browser will suck
The browser on the PSP sucked. It had poor flash support, memory issues, close to no javascript support… All these problems were probably because of the hardware limitations of the PSP itself but…have you seen the internet browser on the ps3? Do you like it? Youtube half works on it, and when it does work, the interface is slow as hell. Sony showed lack of ability to adapt a browser to their devices twice, I don’t see why it would be different this time. Unless they migrate to a “better” browser, maybe using Webkit (Safari), or something based on Chrome.

God knows I hate Apple, but going from the browsing experience on an iPhone/iPad to that of the PSP/PS3 is always extremely painful.

Hopefully the gyroscope + the touch screen will allow for a good “vertical” browsing kind of stuff. Otherwise the wide screen will mean more wasted space on the screen, because most sites won’t provide a “NGP enhanced” version of their site.

It will suck as a Media Player
The PSP and PS3 were advertised as not only gaming devices, but Media Centers. A machine on which you could play your videos and music easily. They both dramatically fail at that.

The psp: proprietary video format (UMD) with region locking, blocking “high def” videos in mp4 format to artificially increase the sales of UMD videos, no DivX/Xvid/ogg/… support, crappy mp3 player (abysmal playlist support, no “random play all my files” support, some perfectly fine mp3 files just won’t play, no freedom to organize your folders as you want, lack of “good” visualization plugins, no ogg support, etc…). In all fairness, one HUGE good point of the PSP mp3 player was that it played mp3s without the need for additional crapware such as iTunes for the iPod. No ebook reader (all smartphones have at least 10 of those now)

The Ps3: region locking, no support for PAL DVDs if you live in a country where NTSC is the norm, no support for divx/xvid/mkv (seriously? At least for the PSP there was the excuse of CPU power and Ram limitations…), region locking, no possibility to skip ads on DVDs/Blu rays, insanely crappy music player (same issues as the psp, bad playlist support, no possibility to play my library randomly, give me winamp dammit), region locking (did I mention this one already?).

Overall, Sony cripples their perfectly good hardware with attempts at pimping their proprietary formats, and their own stores. They don’t provide you with a way to enjoy your media files, but with a way to buy media from them. I expect the NGP to provide “rental, will work for 48h” types of videos. Fine, but clearly not what I want from a “media player”. The offer will be limited to whatever contracts Sony is able to sign, and usually for me as a foreigner in Japan, this will mean I’ll have to deal with a massive amount of pain to get my French or American movies to work.

The NGP probably won’t have a convenient TV output, unless you pay for some super expensive hardware accessory that won’t even give you HD.

It will be expensive.
Sure, we’re all excited now, as this is clearly the most powerful portable device we’ve ever heard of. Except, it will be released in 10 months. In 10 months, will we accept to pay the same price as a smartphone for something that does less?Will you pay a 3G subscription for something that’s not a phone? Technically, the NGP will compete against the 3DS (which will be way cheaper and will have a larger library of games by the end of 2011), tablets (that will handle medias – ebooks, movies, music – way better), and smartphones (on which the GPS allows you to find where you are and where you want to go, rather than what games are being played in Shibuya…).

By the end of 2011, it will be easy to find a 3DS for 200$. Smartphones can go up to 600$ but the price go down when you take a carrier subscriptions. I believe that by the end of 2011, some tablets will have most of the technical specs of the PSP, for a similar price, and less crapware. Sony officials said the NGP would be sold at an “affordable price that’s appropriate for the handheld gaming space”, and my current guess is that it will be more than 400$.

The games will not be as good as you expect, because your expectations will change in 10 months.
Is that me, or does playing a high quality graphics hardcore game make no sense on a 5 inch screen? I’d rather play an awesome game on the PS3(PS4?), in my couch, on my 40 inches TV, than the same game in direct sunlight, in a crowded train, on a 5 inches screen. In general, People who play action games in public areas are disturbing other people, and not even playing in good conditions. Portable gaming for hardcore games is an ersatz ...

News via http://www.nintendomax.com/viewtopic.php?t=12895&f=54

Titmouse offers version 0.34 of its Shoot 'em up space for the Wii, " Bolt Thrower ".

See 0:34 - GAME - 29/01/2011

* Added more sounds
* Added probe mines
* Added missile trails
* Added probe mine trails
* Added player ship thruster trail
* Added player collision
* Added blue (ok) to red (overloading) shields
* Added 'Well Done' message once everything (including satellites) are destroyed
* Added 'You are very Dead' message
* Added XML configuration, data used to store graphic positions,sizes, frames & other game data like 'AmountStars'
* Added more types of explosions

http://wiibrew.org/wiki/BoltThrower ...