via PS3 Fanboy


One of the regular posters on the official PlayStation Boards recently posted a supposed leak of the full list of updates for the PlayStation 3 release of firmware 2.00. The poster has a pretty high-level of 'forum street cred,' having released information on previous firmware releases that turned out to be valid, but we're still a little skeptical. After the initial posting, she and SCEA edited her post to nothingness - but SCEA has allowed the quoted firmware update features to stay up in the replies. The source of the list was suppose to have come from a Sony Press Site which required credentials - info not there anymore. Unfortunately, no time frame given for release of the update, but it's implied that it's soon.

Major updates:

• XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) is now accessible during gameplay. [No further information given.]
• Wallpaper feature has been added.
• Additional visualizations have been added. [Nice!]

A ton of little tweaks are also included, listed in the standard obtuse terminology Sony always uses for their firmware update lists. You can see the complete list below.



The PLAYSTATION®3 system software version 2.00 update includes the following:

• Users
  • You can now password-protect user accounts.
• Settings
  
  • [Dynamic Normalizer] has been added as an option under [Sound Settings].
  • [Energy Saver] has been added as an option.
  • [Equalizer] has been added as a feature under [Music Settings].
  • [Full] has been added as an option for [DVD Wide Display] under [BD / DVD Settings].
  • [Photo Settings] has been added as an option.
  • [PS / PS2 Settings] has been added as an option.
  • [RSS Channel Settings] has been added as an option.
  • [Sample Rate] has been added to [Audio CD Import] under [Music Settings].
  • [Screen Saver] has been expanded under [Display Settings].
  • The method of selecting an output resolution has been changed in [Video Output Settings] under [Display Settings].
  • [Theme Settings] has been added as an option.
  • [Zero Unused Disk Space] has been added as an option under [System Settings] > [Format Utility].
• Photo
  
  • Additional slideshows have been added.
  • [Photo Effects] have been added as a feature.
  • Wallpaper feature has been added.
  • [Zoom] has been added as a feature.
• Music
  
  • Additional visualizations have been added.
  • CD information can now be entered.
  • Three-speed fast forward and fast reverse has been added as a feature.
• Video
  
  • Files can now be played sequentially.
  • Three-speed fast forward and fast reverse has been added as a feature.
  • You can now select [Zoom] under [Screen Mode] when playing video files saved on the hard disk or storage media.*.
    *An appropriate USB adapter (not included) is required to use storage media with some models.
• Game
  
  • Support for PLAYSTATION®3 format software titles has been expanded.
  • XMB™ (XrossMediaBar) is now accessible during gameplay.
• Network
  
  • [RSS Channel] has been added as a feature.
• Friends
  
  • You can now have multiple chat sessions.
  • You can now select an image to use as your Avatar from [Photo].
• Other
  
  • Date & Time is now shown when the PS button is pressed.
  • File sorting has been changed.
  • [Help] has been added as a feature.
  • Playability status with the PS3™ system has changed for some PlayStation® and PlayStation®2 format titles.
    To check on the latest status, visit the search site for compatible titles.
  • [Secure Delete] has been added as an option.
  • Some PLAYSTATION®Network features have been revised.

Leave feedback via comments. ...

via Nintendo Wii Fanboy


Wii owners only get one title this week. Sad, we know, but at least it isn't the weeks and weeks of missing titles like it was back in January and February, so perhaps we can take some comfort in that? Regardless, if you're dying for a new game, Activision has you covered.

This week's release is:

• Shrek the Third

...

via PS3 Fanboy


Tom Clancy's GRAW2 is about to hit the PlayStation 3 and we've all been wondering a few things: any noticeable differences between this and the 360 version? Additional content? Will multiplayer function execute adequately, or fall short in matchmaking skills compared to Live? While we don't have all the answers to these questions, we can at least address some of them -- what's new for the PS3 version and what's been added. Let's list it up!

• SixAxis features: Controller features used for Mitchell and Cross-com control
• SP: Drive the supports (drone, M.U.L.E.) with the SixAxis
• SP/MP: Change Mitchell stances with the SixAxis
• SP: change the Rules of Engagement with the SixAxis
• Consistency increased between SP & MP: Scope, Movement, Aiming
• PS3 specific adaptation of controls: Menus, Shoot button
• 14 additional maps resulting in a total of 32 multiplayer maps
• 32 new adversarial multiplayer maps of up to 16 players, an expanded arsenal of multinational weapons, character customization options, new optimizing re-spawn system, new female operatives and hundreds of new game mode options are available.
• 2 new coop modes, "Evasion" and "Exfiltration", to vary the game experience in multiplayer.
• 6 missions co-op campaign with a fully immersive experience and storyline. Featuring open-ended play that rewards teamwork as you play with up to sixteen players.

So it seems there have been quite a few delicious changes to the basic frame of the title between then and its release on the PS3. Still a mystery, however, is if all will pan out and operate smoothly. Ports aren't kind to the PS3, but if they've put so much effort into adding stuff to the game, they should put the effort to make it work well, too. ...

via PS3 Fanboy


According to one of them fancy anonymous insiders over at Konami, we've got a tidbit of news that may interest the Sony loyalist in all of us. This insider posted on a Korean forum that the upcoming Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 will look drastically superior on the PlayStation 3 compared to its lovable rival, the Xbox 360.

The claim stems from the extra capacity afforded to the game thanks to Blu-ray, allowing for additional content and supposedly graphical superiority. It is rumored that the game currently takes up 18GB on the Blu-ray disc, but is smooshed down to 7GB on the 360's dual-layer DVD. An added perk will be the 60fps claim -- not just that PES '07 will have it, but the PS3's rendition of it will top the competition.

While this should be marvelous news, we aren't buying it. The PlayStation 3 just recently got a launch date in Korea, so of course there's going to be some skeptical stuff popping up on Korean forums that's supposed to build up expectations. Chances are the games will look mostly identical. But it's nice to dream. We'll figure it out when we get some of those nifty comparison videos running. ...

via PSP Fanboy




Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions is officially coming to American and European territories. Ten years after its original release on PS1, this remake will feature brilliant cinematics, new jobs, new multiplayer modes, and new characters and story elements. The game will launch simultaneously in both North American and European markets this October. ...

via Pocket Gamer

Sony is reporting that since chopping £20 off the PSP's suggested retail price on Friday May 4th, the company has seen a 60 per cent increase in sales for the handheld in its opening weekend.

Now at £130 for the basic pack (though easily found for £120 at online retailers such as Play.com and Amazon), Sony is confident the new price should see a continued positive effect on the platform's retail performance through the rest of the year as it attracts a wider demographic.

"The price realignment was about passing on manufacturing cost savings to customers. This new price point opens up a new wave of consumers to the PSP experience," said Sony's sales director Andrew Howsen, speaking in the strange language of sales directors to industry publication MCV.

Obviously we'll have to wait and see if that's the case but the timing does seem apt, coinciding with some very strong recent and imminent releases for the platform, such as Ratchet & Clank: Size Matters, Burnout Dominator, Driver 76 (expect a review soon), and Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops. ...

Microsoft have today released a new 120GB Hard Drive for those owners of the Core or 20GB versions of the Xbox 360.

Heres a screen:



features
Fusion color: The 120 GB Hard Drive matches the style of the original Xbox 360 console and 20GB Hard Drive (the black 120GB Hard Drive is only available as part of the Xbox 360 Elite console package).
Game saves: Even the most dedicated of gamers could spend a lifetime trying to fill up 120GB with game saves.
Music: Rip CDs to the hard drive with reckless abandon and no concern for space constraints.
Videos: Xbox Live Marketplace offers a wide variety of video content from gaming and movie trailers to television programs and HD movie rentals.
Pictures: Download gamer pics and dashboard themes from Xbox Live Marketplace or create your own with the Xbox Live Vision Camera. Keep a huge assortment on hand to suit any mood and whim.
Gaming demos: As gaming demos become deeper and more detailed with stunning HD graphics, they also take up a lot more space … no longer a problem with the 120GB HDD.
Xbox Live Arcade games: New games are being released weekly. Have no fear of owning them all with the massive storage option of the 120GB HDD.

description
The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive is the best option for media enthusiasts who game on Xbox 360™. It is the largest storage option for Xbox 360. Expand your Xbox 360 experience with downloadable content. Save your game progress, Xbox Live® gamer profile, game demos, and custom soundtracks from your own music collection. Download movies and television shows from Xbox Live Marketplace. Play original and retro games in Xbox Live Arcade.

The Xbox 360 120GB Hard Drive includes a data transfer kit to easily migrate all of your saved data from your 20GB HDD to your 120GB HDD. It comes preloaded with great HD game demos, videos, and an assortment of Xbox Live Arcade game trials.

Buy from Play Asia for $199.99 ...

New from Play Asia



features
Up to 25 hours of play per full battery charge
High-performance NiMH rechargeable battery cell
Batteryfuel gauge through the Xbox 360 dashboard
Charger required (sold separately)

description
Do you have multiple Xbox 360 Wireless Controllers and only one Play and Charge Kit? No problem. With the new black Rechargeable Battery Packs, you can juice up additional wireless controllers with the Play and Charge Kit you already own. Match the style of Xbox 360 Elite with the black Rechargeable Battery Pack. ...

New from Play Asia



features
The way you like it – Never seen before non-linear game play in a completely open environment, delivering an experience unlike any other inside a fully realized living city, where anything can happen and undoubtedly will.
Be who you want to be – Create your character from 1000’s of options and outfit him with the latest threads as you rise up in the ranks. Knuckle up or pop a glock to shape your street cred and build an increasingly feared gang.
Clunker to a Classic - Use money to collect, customize and trick-out your cars gaining ‘much respect’ in the process.
Smokin’ tunes – Whether in a stolen ride or one bought through racketeering, chill to any of 12 radio stations to hear dope tracks and pick up tips that could help you on your rise to the top.
Multiplayer mayhem – Recruit gang members or take out rival gangs online in several different modes of play. Use the money gaffled to maintain your growing need for cars, women and gear.

description
Welcome to Stilwater, an open-world city with attitude, a city controlled by rival gangs, a city you are about to take over in Saints Row. As a low-level thug in the Third Street Saints, do what it takes to get the money and build the respect and power you need to muscle your way to the top.

Be careful. Your actions have consequences and around every corner lurks a new threat.

REGION FREE GAME ...