Key elements of the technology for PlayStation 3 - including the PlayStation Network Platform and the software to enable back-compatibility with PS and PS2 games - are being worked on at Sony's UK studios, GamesIndustry.biz has learned.

Sources at Sony Computer Entertainment Europe have revealed that technology for the PlayStation Network Platform is being developed at Sony's London studio, under the internal name of "PlayStation HUB".

This tallies in with our earlier report about the progress in developing a billing system for the platform with the Royal Bank of Scotland, with testing on that aspect of the network system due to begin next month.

However, as yet it's not clear whether PlayStation HUB is the final name for the system which will be used in the company's marketing, or if a more consumer-friendly name will be chosen before the PS3 launches in November.

Elsewhere in Sony's UK division, other teams are working on the backwards compatibility for the PlayStation 3 - which, one programmer on this project has revealed to GamesIndustry.biz, will be accomplished in software rather than by building the PS2 hardware into the PS3 console, as was the case with the PS2's emulation of the PSone.

Sony has already pledged that all PS2 games which adhered to the company's TRC (technical requirements checklist) will be playable on the PS3 - and according to our source, the software emulation system is progressing well and may indeed meet that lofty goal.

He claimed that a surprising number of PS2 titles are already working on PS3 prototype hardware, and revealed that the emulation tricks being used to mimic the behaviour of the notoriously complex PS2 processors are getting whole swathes of game titles up and running on an ongoing basis.

While our source was positive about the progress being made on backwards compatibility, the team is undoubtedly working under fierce deadline pressures - as if the vast, vast majority of the PS2's software library is not up and running by November, it will be hugely embarrassing for Sony in the wake of the company's frequent touting of compatibility with an existing software library as one of the key features of PS3, and one of its key advantages over the Xbox 360.

http://www.gamesindustry.biz/content_page.php?aid=16310 ...

News from Divineo China

We have received a brand new (now even BETTER quality) batch of Xeno GC chip. And the good news is price is now lower (although quality is higher)!
A great low price GC chip and alternative to Viper GC.

Heres some info about the Gamecube Modchip:



The Xeno GC is a low cost Gamecube modchips with the all the basic features you need!

- Supports multi-disc and AR
- compatible with all regions & all versions
- region free loading
- super easy wireless install
- no need to remove mainboard
- PAL/NTSC region force
- installation control LEDs
- switchable read setting adjustment / error retry (left joystick toggles upon booting)
- switchable audiofix (right joystick toggles upon booting)
- anti-static packaging
- THIS PRODUCT IS NOT UPGRADABLE

Buy at Divineo China ...

Critical of GP2X Fame has released the worlds first Emulator for the Gizmondo Console, heres the release details:

GizNester 0.2.0
---------------

Gizmondo port by critical of PocketNester 0.7, which in turn is based on nester.

It emulates a Nintendo Entertainment System console, complete with sound.

PocketNester is licensed under GNU Generic Public License(GPL), as is GizNester.
The original licence files and documentation may be found in the doc directory of
the zip file that this readme file came in.

Contact: [email protected]

Installation
------------

Put GizNester.exe in the root of your SD card, along with the included gx.dll
if you don't already have it.


Usage
-----

Multiple NES ROMs are now supported. They must be in a directory called:

GizNester

in the root of your SD Card.


Buttons
-------

The joypad does what you'd expect. The other buttons are:

<< SELECT
[] START
|> B
>> A

During emulation, the home key toggles main menu on and off, which will also
pause/resume the emulator.

Whilst in the main menu, the [] key exits back to the Gizmondo system.

Up and Down on the joypad in the main menu select the ROM, |> starts

Tests
-----

I've tried it with Super Mario Bros. 2 and 3, and they seem to work fine.

Awesome Release Critical and Download and Give Feedback Via Comments ...

Several gallons of fuel have be chucked onto the Xbox 360 E3 gossip fires today, OXM.co.uk, is reporting, sending the worldwide renowned 'What the hell is Microsoft to announce at E3 2006?' rumour-cum-speculation-o-meter into red as the major videogame event creeps closer.
According to OXM.co.uk, the Xbox 360 pre-E3 rumour overload originated in a post in the forum of Spanish-language website MeriStation.com, with the source - apparently said to be "very trustworthy" - providing the details claiming that the info will be made official at E3, which kicks off with Microsoft's press conference on May 8 in Los Angeles.

None of what's been 'revealed' has been confirmed officially by Microsoft naturally, but the source has detailed such Xbox 360-related E3 happenings as price cuts for Xbox 360 Core and Premium packages to be announced, Halo 3 being shown in video form and an unveiling of Rare-developed Kameo 2.
In fact, there's so much rumour that's dropped out the internet bomb bay doors that, even it's all actually been constructed by a hyper eager fanboy, it's possible some will strike true.

Obviously, have that truckload of salt to hand, but below is the tastiest of what's being whispered in darkened corridors about Microsoft's Xbox 360 E3 announcements (and many thanks to the OXM.co.uk chaps for their opinions on the rumours whipping around).

Rumour: Microsoft is planning to slash the price of the Xbox 360 Premium Pack and Xbox 360 Core Pack by around 80 Euros (55).

Truth or bollocks?: It's very soon for Microsoft to be cutting console prices, especially by around 25%. But the price of the original Xbox was cut by a similar amount only months after it was released in 2002, and a 150 Xbox 360 would be a real problem for Sony when they launch the PS3 in November...

Rumour: Halo 3 will be at E3 in video form, but will not be available until March 2007.

Truth or bollocks?: The whispers we've heard point to Halo 3 definitely putting in a non-playable appearance at E3, and although Microsoft would love to get it out in time to spoil the PS3 party we reckon a March 2007 release is pretty realistic.

Rumour: Microsoft is planning to cut the cost of a subscription to Xbox Live Gold, or make it totally free if you agree to receive advertisements on your dashboard. This is expected to happen in October.

Truth or bollocks?: Waiving the cost of Xbox Live Gold in exchange for receiving adverts is a business model the games industry wants to move towards - Tiger's ill-fated handheld Gizmondo tried it, but that's a bad example. And cutting the cost of Gold? Seems like a good idea, especially in the month before Sony's new and untested online service goes online.

Rumour: Rare has been working on Kameo 2 since before the first game was even launched. It will take better advantage of the Xbox 360's power and will be fully Xbox Live.

Truth or bollocks?: Kameo has sold very well on Xbox 360, so a sequel isn't a surprise. Plus, the original game is more or less a straight port from the old Xbox version, so we imagine Rare would like to build a new game from the ground up to stretch the Xbox 360 fully. Rare also recently released a coop Xbox Live patch for the original game.

Rumour: The external HD-DVD drive will be available in September, will connect to the console via USB 2.0, and will be priced at around 95 Euros (65).

Truth or bollocks?: Microsoft Europe exec Chris Lewis said last week that the drive would be at E3 so that's looking good. USB 2.0 (a much faster connection than standard USB) makes sense too. And that attractive price line up with the price of the first PC HD-DVD drives, so it's not out of the question.

Rumour: The Xbox 360 Camera will be called "My Eye On You", will be available in September, and will cost 47 Euros (30) on its own or 77 Euros (50) with a game.

Truth or bollocks?: We were expecting the Camera to be at E3 and to be available around September. The pricing is just about in line with Sony's EyeToy camera, so that also looks good. But that name? It's not very good, and it's a bit creepy...

Rumour: Microsoft has signed a partnership with US TV network NBC to broadcast Xbox Live games and tournaments on television as if they were spectator sports.

Truth or bollocks?: Recent Xbox Live updates have moved towards this kind of service, and Microsoft is planning far more Xbox Live tournaments in the future (the Xbox Cup and the Project Gotham Racing 3 Global Tournament are two current examples). Broadcasting these tournaments on television like sport could be a good way to reach a more mainstream audience.

Rumour: Before October you'll be able to play classic arcade games from companies like Sega on a 'virtual console'.

Truth or bollocks?: This sounds a bit daft considering the Xbox Live Arcade system is already in place (and is already delivering classic games like Smash TV and Joust). Sega has mentioned to us that it has plans for Xbox Live Arcade too, so we reckon something's ...

doesn't take a genius to work out that we'll be seeing plenty of Revolution returns for Nintendo's biggest franchise characters when the next-gen system strikes later this year. Now, alongside confirmed new iterations of Mario and Zelda, it looks like we'll be seeing Donkey Kong making another console splash.
According to internet reports, the latest issue of Japanese mag Famitsu has confirmation from Shigeru Miyamoto himself, stating that the infamous monkey/ape thing is primed for unleashing on the Revolution.

It seems that development duties have been handed to the Donkey Kong: Jungle Beat team and that this time around the GameCube's bongo peripherals will be ditched in favour of a new control scheme, designed to make the most of the Revolution's unique features.

Whether this will be another platform/rhythm action title in the vein of Jungle Beat is currently unclear but, with the drumming potentional the Rev controller throws up, it wouldn't be a surprise if that's what we end up with.
More news on the game as and when it rolls out of the jungle - hopefully, we'll know more come E3 this May.

http://www.computerandvideogames.com....php?id=138296 ...

The Northwest Games Festival is an annual one-day event filled with showing off games, workshops, sessions, an expo, awards, and networking. The intent of the Festival is to give industry professionals and aspiring individuals an opportunity to exchange valuable resources and ideas free of cost. The participants mainly consist of industry developers, independent developers, scholars, and students interested in helping the growth of game development in the Northwest region. The Northwest region includes Alaska, British Columbia, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, western Montana, northern California, and northern Nevada.

http://www.nwgamesfestival.com/ ...

Success HK have posted this new Commercial Release :



The game features new player motions, with particular attention having been paid to movement for when players shoot. The cursor change now reacts more sensitively when selecting your active players as well as less yellow & red card issued by the referee. The CPU’s A.I. has been improved further, giving each team a more characteristic touch. Further, a Pitch Reporter is now joining the game in addition to the usual commentary.
The master league mode now allows you to switch between having a player with age or stay the same as the default settings. Also, new is a Quick Start option, where by pressing R1 and L1 together when prompted, you can make the match start immediately. Newcomers will appreciate some of the optional simplifications WE10 makes. A new ‘Simple Setting?automates some tasks, letting the computer handle team formation and substitutions.
Further, two new modes of play have been added. The new International Challenge mode lets you select a national team from around the world and aim for top world status. This mode starts off with regional tournaments set in Asia, North America, South America and Europe, each with different regulations. The other new mode of play revealed so far is Random Selection Match mode, where you make use of a team comprised of randomly selected players. ...

Success HK have posted this new Commercial Release :



SEGA's wild drift-happy racer comes to PS2 with this follow-up to the arcade and Xbox Outrun revival. The enchanting draw of the open road has never been so appealing with the choice of one of 12 fully licensed Ferrari models, featuring the all-new F430 and the dazzling Superamerica. Gamers will feel the throaty whine and that distinctive Ferrari exhaust tone as they power their way across 30 glorious stages from the best of the OutRun2 original and the follow-up OutRun2 SP arcade experience. Race from coast to glorious coast with a fresh new mission structure, a license mode and online play with up to 6 players for a thrilling head-to-head journey. Stack up the OutRun miles from the sun-drenched sands of Palm Beach to the charms of Cape Way to unlock new tracks, cars and much more!

...

Success HK have posted this new Commercial Release :



In this Metal Max RPG follow-up, you play as a hunter who's out for the big prize money given to those who successfully hunt down strange creatures that threaten the world. The playable cast includes Mika, a career hunter who's been your friend since youth, and Kiria, a mechanic who accompanies you on your journey. Collecting new weapons and machines is a big part of this game. In addition to a number of pre-made tanks and cars, the game lets you modify vehicles to your liking using new parts that you acquire with the money earned from monster hunting. You can even paint your vehicle to your liking and design your own logos. Battles are fought by selecting commands from a menu. You can use items and make the vehicles in your group perform special skills as you attempt to defeat enemies that you encounter. You'll also find a number of mini games -- thirteen in all.

...