when i tried to go onto the wii shop channel today, it said: "The wii shop channel has been updated! please go to the wii menu to perform the update." so i went to settings and updated and went back to the shop. nothing new. no new looks or anything.

mabey this was just to block that "Hack" to get opera browser? ...

With Buena Vista as sponsors, Q Entertainment is having an online video mixer contest where you can put together an own track with loops, beats, and riffs; gameplay footage, dancers, and floating shapes.

Submissions will only be accepted until December 31, and the winner will head to Miami this spring for a Winter Music Conference and get to meet Junkie XL.

Only US residences are eligble to enter the contest, but anyone can create a track and show it off to friends.

Read more about the contest and make a track at Lumines Official Site

Does anyone want to share their tracks? ...

With Buena Vista as sponsors, Q Entertainment is having an online video mixer contest where you can put together an own track with loops, beats, and riffs; gameplay footage, dancers, and floating shapes.

Submissions will only be accepted until December 31, and the winner will head to Miami this spring for a Winter Music Conference and get to meet Junkie XL.

Only US residences are eligble to enter the contest, but anyone can create a track and show it off to friends.

Read more about the contest and make a track at Lumines Official Site

Does anyone want to share their tracks? ...

A new version of SBI Builder, an application created in order to generates SBI packs for Selfboot Inducer with Dreamcast binaries, was released today. It's the 3.2 version.

Two versions are available, a setup for newbies and a no install version. Choose your preferred release.

Changes :

Added :

• The name of the SBI pack is deduced from the name of the binary

Fixed :

• Great application SPEED UP !
• Scramble is invisible when it's used (useless but...)
• Fields of the internal comments editor are cleaned when restarting to build a new SBI pack
• "No screen" option in STEP 2 (add a screenshot)'s checked by default
• New bonus About Box ...
• Splash screen can be disabled
• New GFX and icons...
• Some others minor fixes...

Download it locally (no-install version only) or on the official website (both).

If you want to see SBI Builder in your own language, please contact me at sizious (at) dc-france (dot) com or sizious (at) dcemu (dot) co (dot) uk. Thanks ! ...

Take a look at this peeps Joe Stranger has made a awesome two analogue stick modification for the PSP. It does actually work but reaching the right trigger becomes a bit of a problem. Credit also goes to cybertrot from acidmods.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdeXsEdReIY&eurl= ...

Darkwolf released today an app that can make the PSP a sensor bar for the Wii, from what I can understand. It has not been tested yet, so Darkwolf can't guarantee it works, so please, if anyone has a Wii, can you test it and post results? Thanks.

This is from PSBs readme file:

• simply load psb from xmb, plce your psp on top of, or under your TV and point
• the ir port located at the top of your psp facing your holding your wiimote.
  
• THIS APP IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PSP-Wii FRIENDLYNESS
  
• this has not been tested with a wii console and is currently only a proof of concept basic design.
• may work better with 2 psp's scince there is only one IR led on each psp.
  
• anyhow this may not work with only one psp and the more the merrier.
  
• basic coding by me (DarkWolf)
• Graphics by me
  
• DEbug by OMAR_OMAR2
  
• special thanks to creators of luaplayer

PS: Can a moderator add Wii to the topic name?

Download via comments ...

Darkwolf released today an app that can make the PSP a sensor bar for the Wii, from what I can understand. It has not been tested yet, so Darkwolf can't guarantee it works, so please, if anyone has a Wii, can you test it and post results? Thanks.

This is from PSBs readme file:

• simply load psb from xmb, plce your psp on top of, or under your TV and point
• the ir port located at the top of your psp facing your holding your wiimote.
  
• THIS APP IS DESIGNED TO ENCOURAGE PSP-Wii FRIENDLYNESS
  
• this has not been tested with a wii console and is currently only a proof of concept basic design.
• may work better with 2 psp's scince there is only one IR led on each psp.
  
• anyhow this may not work with only one psp and the more the merrier.
  
• basic coding by me (DarkWolf)
• Graphics by me
  
• DEbug by OMAR_OMAR2
  
• special thanks to creators of luaplayer

Download via comments ...

News from Play Asia

Around two week after the US launch, Japanese gamers are much looking forward to Saturday, December 2nd - the official Nintendo Wii™ street date in Japan. Distributors and wholesalers have started to receive supply during this week. Our first shipment of Japanese accessories has arrived yesterday; the first consoles and games have followed today. Time for us to play around with the Japanese system a little bit, test region compatibility issues and more.

This news post is intended to give a general overview of this week's software & accessory lineup as well as some other useful information for anyone intending to purchase a Japanese Wii™ system.


Japanese Hardware & Software Launch Lineup

Hardware:

Nintendo Wii JPN US$ 399.00
Wii Remote Control JPN US$ 39.90
Wii Nunchuk Controller JPN US$ 19.90
Wii Classic Controller JPN US$ 19.90
Wii AC Adapter JPN US$ 29.90
Wii AV Cable JPN US$ 9.99
Wii S-Video Cable JPN US$ 24.90
Wii Component AV Cable JPN US$ 29.90
Wii SD Memory Card 512MB JPN US$ 37.90
Wii Points Prepaid Card (1000 Wii Points / for Japanese network only) JPN US$ 9.99
Wii Points Prepaid Card (3000 Wii Points / for Japanese network only) JPN US$ 29.90
Wii Points Prepaid Card (5000 Wii Points / for Japanese network only) + Wii Classic Controller JPN US$ 59.90

Note: As forecasted by our suppliers, we are expecting shortage on Wii Remote Controls, Wii Component AV and Wii S-Video Cables. We estimate to have a better overview about what is in stock and what is on backorder by end of this week as some suppliers have not yet given full quantity reconfirmations as of now. As possible substitution for the Wii Remote Control, we recommend the Hajimete no Wii: Your First Step To Wii pack (which includes a free remote).

Please also note that the Wii D-Terminal AV Cable has been postponed to a yet to be confirmed date. Also the Wii LAN Adapter is not a release date accessory and is currently expected to be released within December.

Japanese Wii Points can only be redeemed on a Japanese network using a Japanese Wii™ console (see further below for more details).

Also in stock is limited supply of US version consoles & accessories:

Nintendo Wii (incl. Wii Sports) US US$ 499.00
Wii Remote Control US US$ 49.90
Wii Nunchuk Controller US US$ 24.90

The Nintendo Wii™ is region encoded. Japanese software only runs on Japanese consoles, while US software only plays back on US systems (read further below for more details).

Software:

Caduceus Z: 2-tsu no Chou Shittou / Trauma Center: Second Opinion JPN US$ 59.90
Crayon Shin-Chan: Saikyou Kazoku Kasukabe King Wii JPN US$ 59.90
Elebits JPN US$ 59.90
Ennichi no Tatsujin JPN US$ 49.90
Hajimete no Wii: Your First Step To Wii (w/ Remote) JPN US$ 59.90
Kororinpa JPN US$ 49.90
Necro-Nesia JPN US$ 64.90
Odoru Made in Wario JPN US$ 59.90
Red Steel JPN US$ 64.90
SD Gundam: Scud Hammers JPN US$ 59.90
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz JPN US$ 59.90
Super Swing Golf Pangya JPN US$ 59.90
Tamagotchi no Pika Pika Daito-ryo-! JPN US$ 59.90
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess JPN US$ 64.90
Wii Sports JPN US$ 49.90
Wing Island JPN US$ 59.90

Note: Most software releases have already arrived and are in stock. More supply is expected to arrive within the next 1-2 days. As it currently appears, there's no shortage on any software release. Please be reminded that some interesting titles are not among the launch lineup, such as Pokemon Battle Revolution and Bleach: Wii Shiraha Kirameku Rinbukyoku, which are both scheduled for a December 14th release.

Video Download: Odoru Made in Wario (3:46min)
Further Nintendo Wii™ preorders.
US Version Nintendo Wii™ software lineup.

The Nintendo Wii™ is region encoded. Japanese software only runs on Japanese consoles, while US software only plays back on US systems (read further below for more details).

Region encoding - Freeloader/Action Replay compatibility

To make it short, Nintendo Wii™ consoles and software are region encoded. We have tested a large variety of games from different publishers on our systems and are confident to confirm that a full region lockout exists. This applies to Nintendo Wii™ as well as Gamecube™ software alike.

Partially good news though for users that wish to play back import Gamecube™ games on their Wii™ system. Datel's Action Replay has been tested and allows playback of US/JPN Gamecube™ games on a foreign Wii™ system. Though we have read reports about older Freeloader versions to be running as well, the current version (1.06B) has been tested by us and is not working. An updated version of the Freeloader is likely to appear but we will post an update as soon as it happens.

Compatibility/Language Overview
Japanese Wii™ US Wii™
Wii™ Software NTSC/J only (Japan/Asia) NTSC/U/C only (USA/Canada)
GameCube™ Software NTSC/J only (Japan/Asia) NTSC/U/C only (USA/Canada)
Language Option Japanese only English, French, Spanish

Video Download: Action Replay works on Wii™ (0:53min)
Video Download: ...

News from Play Asia

Welcome to this week's Games & Toys update, our weekly summary in which we are sumarizing all new products listed at Play-Asia.com from the last 7 days.

It's been another fantastic release week, rounding up the November month with plenty of interesting games, toys and accessories. Starting with a short notice, we have received our first Japanese version Nintendo Wii™ consoles, games and accessories shipment and have started processing the first preorders. The Japanese Wii™ launch will be covered in a separate news post later today with an update of all items stocked so far.

Concentrating again on this week, next generation console highlights have been Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas, Bionicle Heroes (Asia) and Super Robot Taisen XO for Xbox360™ and Need for Speed: Carbon (Asia) for PlayStation3™.

Top PlayStation2™ sellers in this week have been Namco's RPG game Tales of Destiny (Japanese / Asia), Kamen Rider Kabuto and Summon Night 4. Two popular Sega releases were also published this week. For Gamecube™ we have stocked a budget edition of Sonic Riders and for PC the strategy hit Medieval II: Total War.

Interesting new handheld releases this weeek have been Asphalt: Urban GT 2, Yu-Gi-Oh GX: Spirit Summoner (NDS™), Final Fantasy VI Advance, Super Robot Taisen: Original Generation 2 (GBA™) and Pump It Up EXCEED Portable, Sega Genesis Collection as well as Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Portable (Asia / Japanese / Japanese Limited) for PSP™.

As usually, here's a summary of all new releases from this week. Also make sure to scroll down for a preview of coming week's hits.

Xbox360™:
Bionicle Heroes ASIA US$ 39.90
Super Robot Taisen XO JPN US$ 64.90
Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six: Vegas ASIA US$ 49.90
Xbox 360 Faceplate (Halo) Euro US$ 29.90
Xbox 360 Faceplate (Viva Pinata) Euro US$ 29.90

PlayStation3™:
D Terminal Cable HG Metal JPN US$ 24.90
Multi Card Reader/Writer US$ 24.90
Need for Speed: Carbon ASIA US$ 49.90
S Terminal Cable HG Metal JPN US$ 22.90
Sony HDMI Cable (1 meter / 3.3 ft) US$ 39.90
Sony HDMI Cable (2 meters / 6.6 ft) US$ 44.90
USB Cable Portable US$ 5.99
USB Cable Portable (Rolling-Up Type) US$ 6.99

PlayStation2™:
Armored Core: Last Raven (PlayStation2 the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Digimon Savers: Another Mission JPN US$ 64.90
Hisshou Pachinko * Pachi-Slot Kouryoku Series Vol. 8 JPN US$ 54.90
Hokenshitsu e Youkoso JPN US$ 64.90
Hokenshitsu e Youkoso [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Homura (Taito Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Jissen Pachi-Slot Hisshouhou! Salaryman Kintarou JPN US$ 49.90
K-1 World Grand Prix 2006 KOR US$ 49.90
Kagero 2: Dark Illusion (PlayStation2 the Best) JPN US$ 34.90
Kamen Rider Kabuto JPN US$ 59.90
Need For Speed: Carbon ASIA US$ 39.90
Pachi-Slot Kanzen Kouryoku: Slot Genjin JPN US$ 59.90
REC * DokiDoki Seiyuu Paradise JPN US$ 64.90
REC * DokiDoki Seiyuu Paradise [Limited Edition] JPN US$ 79.90
Summon Night 4 JPN US$ 64.90
Summon Night 4 Memory Card 8MB US$ 36.90
Tales of Destiny JPN US$ 64.90
Tales of Destiny ASIA US$ 59.90
Tales of Destiny Memory Card 8MB US$ 36.90
Tourist Trophy (PlayStation2 the Best) JPN US$ 34.90

Nintendo DS™:
Animal Crossing Carabiner Pouch DS Lite (Bouquet) US$ 8.90
Animal Crossing Carabiner Pouch DS Lite (Sally) US$ 8.90
Animal Crossing Carabiner Pouch DS Lite (Tanu Kichi) US$ 8.90
Animal Crossing Carabiner Pouch DS Lite (Tota Keke) US$ 8.90
Asphalt: Urban GT 2 US US$ 34.90
Futari wa PreCure: Splash Star Panpaka Game de Zekkouchou! JPN US$ 48.90
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de: Mai-Ichi-Yoru JPN US$ 48.90
Harukanaru Toki no Naka de: Mai-Ichi-Yoru [Kamiko Box] JPN US$ 69.90
Headphone DS Lite US$ 9.90
Kokoro ni Shimiru: Mouhitsu de Kaku - Aida Mitsuo DS JPN US$ 39.90
Magical Case Pokemon (black) US$ 7.90
Magical Case Pokemon (orange) US$ 7.90
Tank Beat JPN US$ 48.90
Tokyo Friend Pack II DS JPN US$ 48.90
Tomb Raider Legend Euro US$ 34.90
Yu-Gi-Oh GX: Spirit Summoner JPN US$ 48.90
Zoids Battle Colosseum JPN US$ 48.90

Sony PSP™:
Akudaikan Manyuuki JPN US$ 48.90
Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 (PSP the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Bleach: Heat the Soul 2 (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Bokujou Monogatari: Harvest Moon Boy and Girl (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Bokujou Monogatari: Harvest Moon Boy and Girl (PSP the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Clear Case Portable (crystal) US$ 9.90
Clear Case Portable (graphite) US$ 9.90
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Portable JPN US$ 48.90
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Portable ASIA US$ 42.90
Disgaea: Hour of Darkness Portable [First Print Limited Edition] JPN US$ 69.90
FM Transmitter Portable US$ 39.90
Geki Sengoku Musou (PSP the Best) JPN US$ 29.90
Gunpey US US$ 34.90
Hot Shots Golf: Open Tee (English language version) (PSP the Best) ASIA US$ 24.90
Ore no Dungeon JPN US$ 48.90
Power Stone Portable JPN US$ 48.90
Pump It Up EXCEED Portable KOR US$ 49.90
Sega Genesis Collection US US$ 34.90
Sony Computer Science Kenkyuusho Kenmogi Kenichirou Hakase Kanshuu - Nou ni Kaikan: Minna de Aha Taiken! JPN US$ 29.90
Tony Hawk's Project 8 US US$ 49.90

Gameboy Advance™:
Bionicle Heroes Euro US$ 29.90
Final Fantasy VI Advance JPN US$ 48.90 ...