A list of backwards-compatible Xbox titles for the 360 will go up on Xbox.com sometime next week, according to an interview with MS marketing VP Peter Moore (and J Allard) at GameInformer.com.

Moore had a lot of interesting things to say in the interview, but the things that stood out in our minds concerned 360 backwards compatibility. First, the list of BC titles will go up on Xbox.com and then get updated as more games “get through certification.” Also, auto-updates of newly compatible titles may occur in the background and you could possibly be notified via e-mail and/or the web. An ominous warning was given, however, that updates will continue ”[u]ntil consumers show lack of interest, then we will move on.”

Considering the deluge of similar-sounding interviews and roundtables last week (most trying to get J to say something negative about the 360 launch), we hope you’ll understandable how we missed this bit of info from X05, but we’ll definitely make a report when the BC list (or the more important official launch list) finally gets released. ...

source - http://www.joystiq.com/entry/1234000077063039/

was pleasantly surprised with Microsoft’s enthusiasm for the Xbox 360’s Live Arcade. The team is determined to do it right this time around—no hunting around for an installation disk. At launch, 12-15 games should be available, 15-20 by the end of the holiday season. Here’s a list of definite launch titles:

Hexic HD (original game from the makers of Tetris; comes pre-installed on the HDD)

Bankshot Billiards 2 (it’s pool)
Geometry Wars (upgraded port)

Joust (upgraded port)

Marble Blast Ultra (original title)

Mutant Storm (upgraded port)

Wiki: Fable of Souls (original title)
All of the Live Arcade games will feature HD (1080i) resolution—but for purists, most retro-ports will be available to play in their original glory. In addition, 75% of the titles will feature Live multiplayer modes, with quick match, optimatch, and create match capabilities. Plus, your progress in these games will count towards your “gamerscore”; you’ll also have the opportunity to earn achievements.

What’s most promising about the Xbox Live Arcade is its potential to breath new live into fading genres, as well as lend needed support to the indie scene. Hopefully, we’re going to see some exceptional 2D platformers, shooters, and other genres popping up that are too expensive for publishers to release on disc for next-gen platformers. Games like Wiki and Marble Blast are evidence that the Live Arcade is gonna offer a fresh, albeit retro-based, gaming experience—these are not just ports, folks. If Microsoft succeeds in pointing users at the Live Arcade, I think we’re gonna find a lot of fun for a bargain price—not to mention, this will encourage Microsoft to build the library and pursue garage developers.

The features are there and the launch support is strong. Add online multiplayer to most of these titles, plus the ability to jump in and out of games (autosave), and you’ve got something legit. This is a service that will attract all kinds of gamers, for all kinds of reasons. Don’t sleep on it. ...

News from SuccessHK that they are seling Homebrew Compatible DS Consoles (Some of the new DS`s wont play homebrew)

Compatible with Super Pass Key
The latest portable gaming console from Nintendo
Equipped with 2 LCD screens. Besides, the lower one features with PDA-like touch capabilities
Wireless multiplayer for up to 16 players
GBA backwards compatible

they also have new stock of the following:

Nintendo DS Jap ver. New Stock.
Nintendo DS Jap ver. - Candy Pink New Stock.
Nintendo DS Jap ver. - Red New Stock.
Nintendo DS Jap ver. - Turquoise Blue New Stock.
Nintendo DS Jap ver. - Graphite Black New Stock. ...

Source - Gamesradar

After bringing you the news back in July that the fantastically fast and furious racer Burnout Legends was on its way to Nintendo DS, we've now uncovered the first shots of the pocket rocket.

As with the PSP edition, Burnout Legends DS combines aspects of the first three console versions of the series and, with unashamed vehicle shunting, upended motors and flying bodywork all present and correct in the new shots, the DS version's smashanigans (You're fired - Ed) look set to be just as addictive as in previous outings.

Penned for release in December, the game's publisher EA has yet to release any detailed gameplay information, and it seems DS's touch-screen will not be fully utilised - these shots merely show maps and statistics on DS's bottom screen.

However, the handheld's WiFi capabilities will surely mean a bit of head-to-head racing and car swappery is on the cards.

Burnout Legends will be released for DS in December and is out for PSP now ...

Just because Sega's hitting the reset button on the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise for next-generation systems, that doesn't mean the company is abandoning all of its Sonic efforts from this generation. As evidence of this, Sega announced today that it is publishing the Sonic Advance & Sonic Pinball Party Combo Pack for the Game Boy Advance.

Originally released in 2002, Sonic Advance brings Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy together to once again thwart the evil Dr. Eggman and his schemes in the series' traditional platform style. Sonic Pinball Party, on the other hand, was at once a departure from the series' formula and a throwback to Sonic Spinball on the Genesis. The combo pack is rated E for Everyone and will be released in November for $29.95. ...

Aside from frozen taquitos and bad wine, few parties come in a box. Nintendo is trying to change that with a new bundle set for release next month. Included in the deal is a Nintendo GameCube, Mario Party 7, and two controllers, for the celebratory price of $99.99.

The latest in the Mario Party series features 80 new minigames and comes with the GameCube Mic, a peripheral that accepts voice commands. If the party gets a little crowded, Mario Party 7 also has a board-game-style game that supports eight players.

Currently, $100 will get gamers only a GameCube and a controller. The reasons for the price break? Nintendo recently reported a dip in first-half earnings, with the main culprit being the decrease in interest in the GameCube.

Also, the next wave of next-generation systems is just over a month off, and Nintendo's own contribution to the new era is possibly more than a year away. With new GameCube owners, Nintendo could ease the difficult off-season with software sales.

Mario Party 7 is rated E for Everyone. Both the bundle ($99.99) and the game ($49.99 if purchased separately) will be released on November 7. ...

Puppy training simulator Nintendogs has racked up sales of over 160,000 units across Europe in its first weekend on sale, with the Nintendo DS title looking set to match its earlier successes in North America and Japan.

The highly unusual title - which allows players to interact directly with a puppy using the stylus and microphone on the Nintendo DS - launched last Friday in Europe, accompanied by new pink and blue editions of the DS console.

The enormous success of the game mirrors the situation in North America, where the title sold around 250,000 units in its first week on sale. So far 1.5 million units have been sold in North America and Japan alone.

"Nintendogs is clearly helping sell new Nintendo DS hardware," commented Nintendo's senior director of marketing Jim Merrick. "Nintendo DS sales are up between 400 - 700 per cent across Europe; this will further cement our position as leader in the portable market."

In Japan, Nintendogs sold strongly to female audiences and is fingered as a key title in helping to drive the DS console out beyond the traditional gaming demographic in that market, along with other software such as the Brain Training titles - which will appear in Europe in the coming months. ...

Nintendo is hoping to bump up Christmas sales by launching a new GameCube and Mario Party 7 bundle in the US and a Pokemon-branded Game Boy Micro in Japan.

From November 7, US shoppers will be able to pick up a GameCube, Mario Party 7 and two controllers for USD 99.99 - the same current price as a standalone console and controller.

The latest instalment in the Mario Party series features 80 mini-games and a multiplayer mode for up to eight opponents. It comes with the GameCube Mic, which allows users to command characters' movements vocally. The game will retail for USD 49.99.

The move follows poor sales for GameCube hardware and software in North America, as recently revealed in Nintendo's half-year financial results. The company's senior marketing director, Yoshihiro Mori, conceded that "The product's life is nearing its end."

So far no GameCube bundles have been announced for Japan, but Nintendo did confirm that a Pokemon edition of its diminutive new Game Boy Micro handheld will be hitting the shops on November 17. Designed in metallic red and black, it features a small white Pikachu silhouette above the A and B buttons.

Nintendo will distribute the product via Pokemon Online and Pokemon Mobile, and through Pokemon Centres across Japan. It will retail for 12,000 yen (USD 105) - the same price as the non-branded Micro.

Nintendo declined to comment on whether any GameCube bundles are planned for Europe, or whether the Pokemon GB Micro will make it over here. However, a representative did confirm that there will be announcements made regarding Christmas promotions over the coming weeks. ...

New DS Commercial release:



Meet Phoenix Wright, the rookie defense lawyer new to the scene with the wildest cross-examination skills in town! Take on five intriguing cases to reveal dramatic, stunning, and even comical court proceedings. Use both the dual and touch screens to investigate crime scenes, question witnesses and present shocking evidence. "Objection!" ...It's outrageous fun! You won't be able to put down this laugh-out-loud, riveting adventure!

http://www.yesasia.com/?/info.php?pro...1&lsaid=219793 ...