via Eurogamer


Konami has released patches for the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions of Pro Evolution Soccer 2008.


That's good news, because as you may recall the PS3 version of PES 2008 is a bit shonky. A recent Konami FAQ update revealed that you could circumvent some of the problems by running it off the Blu-ray disc rather than the hard disk, and that you could sort out some of the stuttering problems by, er, buying an HDTV.

Early reports from the relevant threads in our Xbox 360 and PS3 forums suggest that it's at least had some effect. ...

via Computer and Video Games


A new anti-piracy system revealed by the French government will work to block anyone who's busted downloading or uploading copyrighted material.

The new system comes as part of an increased effort in France to crack on the growing problem of internet-related piracy, lead by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry.

The system will apparently warn users first, giving them a notice that illegal file sharing has been detected and threatens to suspend or terminate their internet connection if they don't stop.

According to Techtree, music and audio-visual producers, as well as internet service providers and public authorities have signed a Memorandum of Understanding in support of the campaign.

Could this initiative make the jump over the English Channel? Quick, stop the torrents! ...

via Computer and Video Games


Sony will release a new battery for the PSP Slim in the US next month that will last twice as long as the standard battery sold with the new version of the handheld.

The Extended Life Battery Kit will retail for $44,99 (£21) and will include a new 2200 mAh battery pack that Sony says will keep your PSP's juices flowing for twice as long. So it might actually last the length of a plane flight, at last.

The kit also comes with a new battery dock cover, available in silver and black, to allow your PSP to accommodate for the slightly thicker dimensions of the new battery.

For owners of the older, fatter PSP, Sony notes: "Those of you with the original PSP (PSP 1000) may recall that we offered an extended life battery pack (the stamina battery) previously, and this battery remains compatible with that system as well."

This would lead us to presume that the new battery will not be compatible with the old PSP, although it doesn't appear to say that on the packaging (pictured).

"Mid-December" Sony's current release plan for US. A UK release is yet to be announced. ...

via Eurogamer


PSP and PlayStation 3 title GripShift is heading to Xbox Live Arcade next month.

Developed by Sidhe Interactive, GripShift is a mixture of racing and puzzling somewhat akin to TrackMania except floatier.

Players zoom around levels suspended in the sky, collecting stars and hidden "GS" logos while trying to beat a target time. Wacky physics and track design mean there are lots of shortcuts to be uncovered, and per-track leaderboards mean there's a lot of ground to be fought over.

It's already available as a downloadable title for PS3 owners, and the Xbox Live Arcade version will offer 120 challenge mode levels, updated graphics, leaderboards, four-player online modes and the usual unlockable Achievements.

No price has been set just at the moment, but we're told to expect it in December, which - given that Sensible World of Soccer is due out on 19th December, presumably means either 5th or 12th, since it's probably not coming out on Boxing Day.

Xbox 360 owners who want to know more can always hold their noses while they check out our GripShift PS3 review, and can expect to find out more for sure soon. ...

via Games Industry


Nintendo of America has set a new sales record by selling more products during the Thanksgiving week than at any other time in the company's history.

During the period November 18 to November 24, over 653,000 DS units were sold, smashing the previous record of 600,000 Game Boy Advance consoles sold in 2005.

A further 350,000 Wii home systems were also snapped up by Christmas shoppers, along with "millions of games and accessories".


"Wii and Nintendo DS offer something for every member of the family. They're the most fun video game experiences at the most affordable price." ...

via Games Industry


Nintendo and telecoms operator NTT announced that they would cooperate to promote the broadband Internet access of the Wii in Japan.

According to a Reuter's report, Nintendo and NTT's two regional units, NTT East and NTT West, will start operating call centers jointly this week to provide consultation and support for the Wii's Internet connection.

They will also offer a start-up package which provides equipment for Web access, on-site set up, and other services for Wii users.

"I hope our fibre-optic service becomes as popular as the Wii," NTT East senior executive vice president Tetsuo Koga told a news conference on Wednesday.

"I think we have won a powerful ally to hit our target to boost fiber-optic subscribers to 20 million by the year ending March 2011."

Nintendo plans to launch WiiWare in Japan next March, allowing users to purchase new titles via the Internet. The company has sold 13.2 million Wii consoles worldwide as of the end of September.

NTT's two regional units had 6.1 million fibre-optic subscribers as of March 2007. ...

via Computer and Video Games


US DS-loving types mostly see mobile games as running on underpowered processors with rubbish buttons, and don't give them the time of day. Yet, shockingly, EA is making more money from mobile games than both the PS3 and PSP.

In a recent financial report for the third quarter of this year, figures revealed that EA made $37 million (around £18m) from mobile gaming, beating by a large margin PS3 profits of $17 (£8m) million. Even the equally portable PSP couldn't match up to mobiles, making EA $21 million (£10m) in the same period.

Clearly, the sheer size of the mobile user base has a lot to do with it, but it's surprising nevertheless.

Xbox 360, meanwhile, has no problems, raking in a massive $218 million (£106m) of EA's total $640 million (£311m) profit. PS2 comes in second ($73m, £35m), Wii third ($59m, £29m), and DS fourth ($47m, $23m).

These figures, on the not-so-good side of things, only show a 5.7 percent growth for EA, compared to its fast-growing rivals Gameloft (51 percent) and Glu (34.5 percent), according to Pocket Gamer. ...

via Eurogamer


Sony has said that PAIN - Idol Minds' quirky game about flinging people into a city and watching them get knocked silly by skyscrapers - will be released on the PlayStation Store this Thursday in the US.

What of Europe? According to associate producer Jason Coker, "Looks like our friends in Europe are ready for PAIN, and I'm happy to report that we are working on getting the European release out ASAP."

So that's the non-answer answer. And it may well be that we don't see it immediately, as Sony's most recent announcement of upcoming European Store content listed the game as December.

Update bit: Sony UK has now gotten back to us and explained that the game has actually slipped a bit in Europe, and won't be with us until "early January", so watch out for it then (or buy it with a US credit card). Updatey bit ends.

When it launches in the US, we also know it will cost USD 9.99. Senior producer Travis Williams, in a separate post, commented that he believes PAIN "is a lot of game for that price".

According to the official website FAQ, there will also be "new content monthly and quarterly".

Check out our PAIN PS3 gamepage for more, including screenshots and trailers. ...

via IGN


With MX Vs. ATV Untamed's December release looming in the distance, THQ has released a list of riders, music and sponsors moto fans can expect in the racing game's final build.

Twenty racers, more than 20 songs and close to 30 sponsors will be included in the title that features a new "X-Cross Tournament," which merges eight racing series such as Endurocross, Opencross, Supercross, Waypoint and SuperMoto into one offroad championship.

There will also be monster trucks. Rock!


More information here ...