Launched in March across Europe and due for release in US territories at the end of the year, Tiger Telematics' Gizmondo is already being re-designed, with a new version due in 2006.

Speaking in an interview with Next-Gen.biz, Tiger Telematics CEO Mike Carrender stated that the company plans to better compete with Sony's PSP, which enjoyed the biggest launch weekend of any console in the UK, shifting approximately 185,000 units at retail in the first three days.

Based on a Samsung ARM9 400MHz processor and utilising an NVIDIA GeForce 3D 4500 graphics accelerator, the handheld incorporates gaming, MP3 functions, MPEG4 movie playback, digital camera, GPS chip plus Bluetooth, and GPRS for networked gaming and text messaging.

Described by the company as "a high-powered device with multiple features that aren't available elsewhere," the current version of the Gizmondo has a TFT screen which measures 2.8 inches - noticeably smaller than the 4.3 inches of Sony's PSP.

According to Carrender, "Gizmondo are looking at bringing out future generations early next year, a wide screen version of our device that's not dissimilar in the size to the screen of the Sony PSP." With a two-tiered pricing plan, the handheld will be available for USD 400 or USD 239 for an advertising subsidised model which displays up to three consumer adverts per day using Smart Ads.

Retailing at approximately USD 249 for the Value Pack, Sony's PSP would still seem to be a far more commercially viable system, although Carrender believes that 80% of consumers will opt for the ad-subsidised version and is convinced that the additional features of the Gizmondo will boost sales figures. ...

Nintendo's DS continues to sell extremely well in Japan despite an overall fall in software sales across all platforms, with the handheld console selling through a further 58,579 units last week and taking almost half of the market share.

The continued success of the console comes even as the Japanese game software market quietens down at the end of the summer holidays, with sales dropping by almost 40 per cent week on week and only one new title in the top ten.

Namco's PS2 RPG title Tales of Legendia continues to be the best selling title in the chart, followed by Nintendo's two "brain training" titles on the DS - DS Training for Adults: Work Your Brain at number two, and Gentle Brain Exercises at number three.

The only new entry is Sony's PSP beat 'em up title, BLEACH: Heat the Soul 2, which is based on the hugely popular anime and manga title BLEACH and follows on from a previous PSP title, launched earlier this year.

Three other anime licensed titles also make it into the ranking, with Bandai's Gundam Seed Destiny: Generation of CE action title on the PS2 at number four, Nintendo's DS title Jump Super Stars at number seven, and Bandai's PS2 game Naruto: Uzumaki Ninden at number eight.

In hardware terms, the PS2 and PSP continue to trail the Nintendo DS, managing sales of just 26,000 and 22,610 units respectively. The DS has now built a lead of over 360,000 units over the PSP in Japan this year alone, and leads the PS2 by over 200,000 units ...

Source - GI Biz

To encourage more consumers to purchase movies on the company's PSP specific Universal Media Disc (UMD) format, Sony has announced the forthcoming release of the first hybrid UMD containing a full movie and exclusive playable game.

Due for release on November 15th in the USA, Stealth will be the first movie released for the PSP which also includes a playable game on the same disc. Although a truncated version of the original, WipEout Pure will be included, featuring additional content which cannot be found elsewhere.

Dubbed WipEout Pure: Stealth edition, the UMD will contain three tracks, three crafts and three different modes, available for single player or up to four people in multiplayer games.

The tracks will include an exclusive level designed specifically for the Stealth package, and players will also be able to race using the Stealth aircraft from the movie as an added bonus.

Whilst Sony Pictures Home Entertainment president Ben Feingold heralds the release as "an unparalleled entertainment experience that marks the next phase in portable entertainment," concerns remain that consumers may not be as easily swayed into buying films on a format which can only ever be used on the PSP, as opposed to the universal DVD format - particularly given the pricing of the products in question.

Available from November 15th, Stealth UMD including WipEout Pure: Stealth edition will retail at USD 39.95 - considerably higher than the standard movie UMD price range of USD 19.95-29.95. ...

Source - GI Biz

To encourage more consumers to purchase movies on the company's PSP specific Universal Media Disc (UMD) format, Sony has announced the forthcoming release of the first hybrid UMD containing a full movie and exclusive playable game.

Due for release on November 15th in the USA, Stealth will be the first movie released for the PSP which also includes a playable game on the same disc. Although a truncated version of the original, WipEout Pure will be included, featuring additional content which cannot be found elsewhere.

Dubbed WipEout Pure: Stealth edition, the UMD will contain three tracks, three crafts and three different modes, available for single player or up to four people in multiplayer games.

The tracks will include an exclusive level designed specifically for the Stealth package, and players will also be able to race using the Stealth aircraft from the movie as an added bonus.

Whilst Sony Pictures Home Entertainment president Ben Feingold heralds the release as "an unparalleled entertainment experience that marks the next phase in portable entertainment," concerns remain that consumers may not be as easily swayed into buying films on a format which can only ever be used on the PSP, as opposed to the universal DVD format - particularly given the pricing of the products in question.

Available from November 15th, Stealth UMD including WipEout Pure: Stealth edition will retail at USD 39.95 - considerably higher than the standard movie UMD price range of USD 19.95-29.95. ...

Source - GI Biz

To encourage more consumers to purchase movies on the company's PSP specific Universal Media Disc (UMD) format, Sony has announced the forthcoming release of the first hybrid UMD containing a full movie and exclusive playable game.

Due for release on November 15th in the USA, Stealth will be the first movie released for the PSP which also includes a playable game on the same disc. Although a truncated version of the original, WipEout Pure will be included, featuring additional content which cannot be found elsewhere.

Dubbed WipEout Pure: Stealth edition, the UMD will contain three tracks, three crafts and three different modes, available for single player or up to four people in multiplayer games.

The tracks will include an exclusive level designed specifically for the Stealth package, and players will also be able to race using the Stealth aircraft from the movie as an added bonus.

Whilst Sony Pictures Home Entertainment president Ben Feingold heralds the release as "an unparalleled entertainment experience that marks the next phase in portable entertainment," concerns remain that consumers may not be as easily swayed into buying films on a format which can only ever be used on the PSP, as opposed to the universal DVD format - particularly given the pricing of the products in question.

Available from November 15th, Stealth UMD including WipEout Pure: Stealth edition will retail at USD 39.95 - considerably higher than the standard movie UMD price range of USD 19.95-29.95. ...

So what do we think will the Blue Ray be the wall to stop the modifying of the ps3 i know a lot of people are questioning looking at the 360 and ps3 and truelly wondering what the ahem future holds in playing copied games I mean backed up games ...

News from Lik Sang



Back in 1987, Gunpei Yokoi and his R&D team at Nintendo of Japan wanted to combine the 'limitless' cartridge system with the portability of their successful Game & Watch handhelds. Knowing they were onto a winner with the new Gameboy, sales were predicted to hit around 25 million in three years. An impressive goal, although even that was an underestimation for the success of the console. Along with topping all sale expectations, back in the late 80s, who would have thought we'd still be playing on a Gameboy in the year 2005? Although obviously a more powerful edition than the original, Gameboy Advance titles are still in 2D, and aside from the addition of two shoulder buttons, still retain the controls of the original Gameboy, or even further back, the original Famicom.

Now, a few days before its Japanese release date, we have the next evolution of Gameboy, the Gameboy Micro. With interchangeable face plates, the console comes in black, blue, purple, silver, and Famicom color. The Famicom edition is of course a Japan special, and the back is adorned with the Mario 20th Anniversary logo. Being a tiny 10 cm (4") by 5 cm (2"), and a stunning 1.7 cm (.7") thin, the Gameboy Micro is around the same size as an iPod Mini, but just two thirds of the weight. This is something that you can just slip into the pocket of your jeans, and at under 80 grams (2.8 ounces), it's half the weight of a GBA SP, or just for a fun comparison, 1/5 the weight of the original Gameboy.

Further comparing it to the Gameboy Advance SP, the units 5 cm (2") screen has adjustable controls that go far brighter and display colors much more vividly than in the past, and as such Nintendo claims this is best looking Gameboy screen ever, more akin to that of the NDS. While the size is reduced to match the machine, because the resolution remains the same, your games should look even clearer. Heading under the hood, there's the usual GBA processor, with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and much to the rejoicing of fans, a standard headphone port. Nintendo have also stated that all of the GBA's 700+ titles will run just fine.

As for the 'hood' itself, like a cell phone, the Gameboy Micro features removable and customizable face plates. Beyond the many available with the consoles launch, more choices will continue to flood in for ever after, ensuring your console always looks unique. Upon powering on the system too, the start and select buttons glow a cool blue, and all buttons along with the d-pad have been re-designed with a much softer feel than that of the GBA SP. So not only does the Gameboy Micro look good, but it feels good too.

All those who pre-ordered the Gameboy Micro can rest easy knowing yours are already on the way, but for everyone else, new orders are welcome anytime. We also have a range of accessories coming up soon, including the new link cable, Micro Wireless Adapter, and something surely even Gunpei Yokoi couldn't have imagined being used in his handheld, the Play-Yan Micro, unlocking the ability to play movies and music on the go.

Please note that Nintendo has changed the power connector on the Gameboy Micro, making all power cables from previous generation GBAs incompatible with the unit. The Gameboy Micro Japanese edition comes with a 110V power cable, and you should consider buying a separate Stepdown Converter, if you are in a 220 Volts country. ...

News from Lik Sang



Back in 1987, Gunpei Yokoi and his R&D team at Nintendo of Japan wanted to combine the 'limitless' cartridge system with the portability of their successful Game & Watch handhelds. Knowing they were onto a winner with the new Gameboy, sales were predicted to hit around 25 million in three years. An impressive goal, although even that was an underestimation for the success of the console. Along with topping all sale expectations, back in the late 80s, who would have thought we'd still be playing on a Gameboy in the year 2005? Although obviously a more powerful edition than the original, Gameboy Advance titles are still in 2D, and aside from the addition of two shoulder buttons, still retain the controls of the original Gameboy, or even further back, the original Famicom.

Now, a few days before its Japanese release date, we have the next evolution of Gameboy, the Gameboy Micro. With interchangeable face plates, the console comes in black, blue, purple, silver, and Famicom color. The Famicom edition is of course a Japan special, and the back is adorned with the Mario 20th Anniversary logo. Being a tiny 10 cm (4") by 5 cm (2"), and a stunning 1.7 cm (.7") thin, the Gameboy Micro is around the same size as an iPod Mini, but just two thirds of the weight. This is something that you can just slip into the pocket of your jeans, and at under 80 grams (2.8 ounces), it's half the weight of a GBA SP, or just for a fun comparison, 1/5 the weight of the original Gameboy.

Further comparing it to the Gameboy Advance SP, the units 5 cm (2") screen has adjustable controls that go far brighter and display colors much more vividly than in the past, and as such Nintendo claims this is best looking Gameboy screen ever, more akin to that of the NDS. While the size is reduced to match the machine, because the resolution remains the same, your games should look even clearer. Heading under the hood, there's the usual GBA processor, with a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and much to the rejoicing of fans, a standard headphone port. Nintendo have also stated that all of the GBA's 700+ titles will run just fine.

As for the 'hood' itself, like a cell phone, the Gameboy Micro features removable and customizable face plates. Beyond the many available with the consoles launch, more choices will continue to flood in for ever after, ensuring your console always looks unique. Upon powering on the system too, the start and select buttons glow a cool blue, and all buttons along with the d-pad have been re-designed with a much softer feel than that of the GBA SP. So not only does the Gameboy Micro look good, but it feels good too.

All those who pre-ordered the Gameboy Micro can rest easy knowing yours are already on the way, but for everyone else, new orders are welcome anytime. We also have a range of accessories coming up soon, including the new link cable, Micro Wireless Adapter, and something surely even Gunpei Yokoi couldn't have imagined being used in his handheld, the Play-Yan Micro, unlocking the ability to play movies and music on the go.

Please note that Nintendo has changed the power connector on the Gameboy Micro, making all power cables from previous generation GBAs incompatible with the unit. The Gameboy Micro Japanese edition comes with a 110V power cable, and you should consider buying a separate Stepdown Converter, if you are in a 220 Volts country. ...

Hi, I'm new here!
I'm totally new to this, so please be understanding if this sounds dumb

I wanna buy an Xbox 360 as soon as it's out in November (never had a gaming console since PSX), and I understand it will need mod chips just like old Xbox does. When I go and choose what chip to buy, what should I take into consideration? What are the things that one chip can do (or can do better) while another chip can't do (or can do worse)?

I'm sorry for being a n00b, but I can't seem to understand why aren't all chips equally useful.

I will appreciate help very much! Even a link that explains this would be enough, because I can't seem to find one.

Thanks,
Fishos ...