Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Razer's Switchblade looks real sharp on camera]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/razer-switchblade-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/razer-switchblade-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/razer-switchblade-video/#comments If you were disheartened by the news that Razer's miraculous, 7-inch PC gaming doohickey, the Switchblade, was just a concept, then G4's video demonstration is only going to sink you further into that dark, dark place.

Continue reading Razer's Switchblade looks real sharp on camera

JoystiqRazer's Switchblade looks real sharp on camera originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010pcrazerswitchbladeThu, 13 Jan 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox's Greenberg questions demand for at-home 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/xboxs-greenberg-questions-demand-for-at-home-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/xboxs-greenberg-questions-demand-for-at-home-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/xboxs-greenberg-questions-demand-for-at-home-3d/#comments Over the course of this year's CES, it was easy to get swept up in the fervor around 3D technology. Not Microsoft's Xbox team lead Aaron Greenberg though -- in speaking with G4TV, Greenberg said he thinks "there's a lot of challenges about 3D in the living room." To Greenberg, it's not a question of technology (or lack thereof) that's holding back 3D, it's the home environment. "I don't know about you, but when I play games or watch TV, I've got my phone, I've got all kinds of things going on. I get up, I get down, I'm looking outside at the weather and it's ... I'm not in a dark theater, wearing glasses, staring at a screen. I think it's just a different environment."

This isn't to say Microsoft isn't flexible when it comes to consumer demand -- quite the contrary! "As consumer interest for 3D grows, we'll grow with it," Greenberg admitted. "I think right now we're unsure what level of interest there is from consumers to really want a 3D experience in the living room."

Currently, only a handful of games ( Avatar, Invicible Tiger, and upcoming XBLA racer Scrap Metal, to name a few) support 3D on Microsoft's console. "If it becomes really important and people want to do more with it, we're absolutely happy to support it," Greenberg assured. Of course, with plenty of resources currently invested in the development and launch of Project Natal and its motion-based technology, Microsoft certainly has incentive to keep interest in 3D at arm's length.

JoystiqXbox's Greenberg questions demand for at-home 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d-games3dtvaaron-greenbergavatarbusinesscesces-2010microsoftproject-natalscrap-metalxblaXbox-360Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Ron Jeremy: games 'far worse' for kids than porn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/ron-jeremy-says-games-are-worse-for-kids-than-porn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/ron-jeremy-says-games-are-worse-for-kids-than-porn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/ron-jeremy-says-games-are-worse-for-kids-than-porn/#comments We should warn you guys: The subject of this story is ... well, he's a man named Ron Jeremy. We know you guys probably haven't heard of this man before, but ... well, he's an actor. You definitely haven't seen him in anything, because ... he does adult films. Yes, pornography. We're sorry we had to take this post in such a blue direction, but we felt it important for you to be informed.

Mr. Jeremy, the pornographic actor, recently appeared on a CES panel which debated the effects of adult entertainment in the Internet era. As a riposte to an attack on his industry, Mr. Jeremy said, "we don't want kids to watch porn, though if they do, there are far worse influences out there - like video games. Studies have found that violent video games are much bigger a negative influence on kids." Oh, yeah? Then why is it acceptable to enjoy video games in public venues? Game, set and match, sir.

JoystiqRon Jeremy: games 'far worse' for kids than porn originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010panelpornpornographyron-jeremyviolenceviolent-video-gamesSun, 10 Jan 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Savage Cycles unveils custom Resident Evil motorcycle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/savage-cycles-unveils-custom-resident-evil-motorcycle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/savage-cycles-unveils-custom-resident-evil-motorcycle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/10/savage-cycles-unveils-custom-resident-evil-motorcycle/#comments The badass chopper you see above was custom-built by the team at Savage Cycles for Capcom, and unveiled during the publisher's Dark Void launch party at CES this weekend. It's lovingly crafted, and comes equipped with a shotgun, grenade launcher, grenades, first aid spray and herbs -- all the essentials a zombie genocider needs. Check out this Capcom Unity blog post to see a few more pictures of this undead-slaying hog.

Now, that being said -- is a motorcycle really the best form of transportation in the middle of a zombie onslaught? We mean, it's not exactly secure, you know? It also kinda lacks that ramming power we expect from our apocalyptic means of travel. Give us a Volkswagen Type 2 over that two-wheeled crotch-rocket any day of the week -- this is about survival, folks!

JoystiqSavage Cycles unveils custom Resident Evil motorcycle originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2010custommotorcycleresident-evilsavage-cyclesvehicleSun, 10 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on: iGUGU Gamecore, 'the most powerful TV videogame console']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/hands-on-igugu-gamecore-the-most-powerful-tv-videogame-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/hands-on-igugu-gamecore-the-most-powerful-tv-videogame-consol/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/hands-on-igugu-gamecore-the-most-powerful-tv-videogame-consol/#comments
iCLICKCLICK to enlarge
The non-existent Ergos Magazine says it has "1000s of free online games." The not-a-real-site Arknet Gaming writes, curiously in the past tense, that it "... Unleashed the real power of your PC videogames." The not-in-Google Hardzone Online Reviews confusingly calls it "... the broken link between PC and TV." Lastly, the generic (and unknown to this writer) Gamers Magazine says truthfully, that it has "Better graphics than Xbox and PlayStation 3."

Of course, all of these prestigious (and not real) outlets are talking about the same groundbreaking product: the iGUGU Gamecore or, as you may better know it, "the most powerful TV videogame console." After being blown away by the announcement video (mostly from the hot air) we simply had to stop by iGUGU's booth at CES and experience this revolutionary technology for ourselves. You can imagine our delight hearing the same hyperbole mumbled by the booth's announcer (who, conspicuously, had his back to the crowd the entire time) and seeing it in the form of the above quotes on the product's box.

Gallery: iGUGU Gamecore CES 2010

Continue reading Hands-on: iGUGU Gamecore, 'the most powerful TV videogame console'

JoystiqHands-on: iGUGU Gamecore, 'the most powerful TV videogame console' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2010iGUGUiGUGU-GamecoreSat, 09 Jan 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Natal focus on 'brand-new experiences' not 'little Natal components']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/project-natal-focus-on-brand-new-experiences-not-little-natal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/project-natal-focus-on-brand-new-experiences-not-little-natal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/project-natal-focus-on-brand-new-experiences-not-little-natal/#comments With the news that Project Natal would offload the image processing to the Xbox console - as opposed to handling those duties in hardware on the device itself - and consume as much as 10 to 15 percent of the console's overall "computing resources," we became concerned that the potential for "supplemental" input in core games would be blunted. When asked what percentage of the Project Natal-enabled games in development would be Natal-exclusive as opposed to Natal-enhanced titles, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg told Joystiq, "Our focus is on most if not all them will fall into that category of completely unique, brand-new experiences for Natal."

"We're going to manage the portfolio very carefully and our focus is going to be on bringing completely brand new original experiences to the market when we launch Natal," Greenberg said. "We're not looking at just adding little Natal components to games, we're looking at how do we actually bring an entirely new category of controller-free games and entertainment to the market so I think that's where we will continue to focus."

But that doesn't mean that other developers aren't able to supplement their game's input with Natal controls. After the release this holiday, "developers will have that out there at their fingertips if they want to enable those features," Greenberg told us. "But I can't speak to what that means from a game development standpoint. As far as I'm aware, there's no real sacrifice." But Greenberg wasn't just talking up "new games" and "new ways to navigate" the console, but Microsoft is mysteriously promising "new entertainment-like experiences that will be enabled" because of the new interface.

With the "focus" on "controller-free games" and not just adding "little Natal components to games" we're left wondering how Peter Molyneux's Fable 3 - which he confirmed will have Natal support - will implement that support. With a 2010 launch for both Fable 3 and Project Natal, we expect it will be one of the device's bellwether games.

JoystiqProject Natal focus on 'brand-new experiences' not 'little Natal components' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-Greenbergcesces-2010microsoftProject-NatalXbox-360Sat, 09 Jan 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Greenberg: 'millions of Natals in consumer's homes this holiday']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/greenberg-millions-of-natals-in-consumers-homes-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/greenberg-millions-of-natals-in-consumers-homes-this-holiday/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/greenberg-millions-of-natals-in-consumers-homes-this-holiday/#comments Discussing specifics of the company's forthcoming Project Natal, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg told Joystiq, "We think that there will be millions of Natals in consumer's homes this holiday." To put that number into context, Microsoft sold 2.3m Xbox 360 consoles and Nintendo sold 1.7m copies of Wii Fit with bundled Balance Board in the US during the months of November and December, 2008.

"Millions" of Natal units in a single holiday season is certainly an ambitious goal and one usually out of reach of most video game peripherals; however, Project Natal will be released with more than a year of hype behind it, not unlike the highly anticipated Wii Fit. With more than 39 million Xboxes worldwide, there's certainly a large enough platform footprint, and Greenberg (re)assures us that Project Natal will work on every Xbox 360 released to date, whether a hard drive is present or not. "As far as I'm aware, there is no requirement for a hard drive," Greenberg said.

There is a 50mb software package that powers some of Natal's magic, which raises concerns that original Xbox 360 Arcade units wouldn't have the storage availability to use Natal. Greenberg assuaged our concerns, reminding us of Microsoft's NXE outreach, offering a free 512mb Memory Unit or a discounted hard drive. "It's kind of like the digital TV conversion you know, [subsidizing] the box," Greenberg said. "We did that with the New Xbox Experience because it did require some space and so we feel like now we're in an environment where we feel like we're fine."

JoystiqGreenberg: 'millions of Natals in consumer's homes this holiday' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-GreenbergCESCES-2010MicrosoftNGEProject-NatalXbox-360Sat, 09 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Void Zero not DSiware exclusive; blasting onto iPhone and PC 'soon']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/dark-void-zero-not-dsiware-exclusive-blasting-onto-iphone-and-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/dark-void-zero-not-dsiware-exclusive-blasting-onto-iphone-and-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/dark-void-zero-not-dsiware-exclusive-blasting-onto-iphone-and-p/#commentsCapcom's aggressive digital distribution strategy has led to major releases on everything from WiiWare to Xbox Live Arcade to PlayStation Network to Windows to iPhone, but there's been one notable absence: DSiware. Nintendo's underpromoted service hasn't had the support of a major release, so its easy to understand why Capcom targeted the platform with Dark Void Zero, the "8-bit" tie-in game due for release later this month. But while Capcom has found great success on the console platforms - including its 8-bit Mega Man 9 - they don't have any plans to release Zero there.

However, they do have plans for some other platforms. "We are actually going to be releasing on iPhone and PC, can't say exactly when but I'll say 'soon,'" a Capcom producer told Joystiq. "Xbox Live, PSN, I don't know yet. I would love to do it on those consoles." And there you have it: If you want to try and play a "very hard" game (her words) on your iPhone, with no physical buttons, you're welcome to do that "soon." We'll stick to the DSiware and PC releases, we think.

JoystiqDark Void Zero not DSiware exclusive; blasting onto iPhone and PC 'soon' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CapcomCESces-2010Dark-VoidDark-Void-ZeroDSDSiDSiwareNintendoOther-OceanSat, 09 Jan 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scrap Metal rolls onto XBLA this Spring]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/scrap-metal-rolls-onto-xbla-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/scrap-metal-rolls-onto-xbla-this-spring/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/scrap-metal-rolls-onto-xbla-this-spring/#commentsAmidst the handful of CES 2010 bombs that Microsoft dropped we found a small fact sheet and a smattering of new media for upcoming XBLA racer Scrap Metal. First revealed back in August with a trailer and a handful of screenshots from developer Slick Entertainment (the folks behind the XBLA port of N+, a game that we hold dear to our hearts), we now know that the title will be hitting Microsoft's digital distribution platform sometime in "Spring 2010." While we anxiously await its arrival, we'll be furiously practicing with Rock n' Roll Racing and Super Off-Road -- two games that Scrap Metal clearly draws inspiration from.

Gallery: Scrap Metal (XBLA - CES 2010)

JoystiqScrap Metal rolls onto XBLA this Spring originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010gameplayMicrosoftscrap-metalscreenshotsslickslick-entertainmenttrailerxblxblaXbox-360xbox-live-arcadeSat, 09 Jan 2010 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alienware introduces teensy M11x gaming laptop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/alienware-introduces-teensy-m11x-gaming-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/alienware-introduces-teensy-m11x-gaming-laptop/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/alienware-introduces-teensy-m11x-gaming-laptop/#commentsFor those of you who want a high-end gaming experience, but don't want to develop totally ripped arms from lifting a standard "gaming laptop" or carry a computer that can double as a sail, Dell-owned Alienware has introduced the M11x, which combines power with tininess.

The M11x, basically Alienware's version of a netbook, features an 11.6-inch screen and an NVidia GT335M card that can be switched off to increase battery life when not gaming. Retailing for some unspecified sub-$1,000 amount (so $999.99?), the tiny computer can apparently run Crysis at 60 frames per second in 720p.

Check our gallery for more official images, and see some closeups of the device over on Engadget. The M11x is simply our pick for the most neato of the many new Dell and Alienware computers unveiled at CES.

Gallery: Alienware M11x laptop

JoystiqAlienware introduces teensy M11x gaming laptop originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwarealienware-m11xces-2010dellgaming-computergaming-laptoplaptopm11xnetbooknvidiaFri, 08 Jan 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Details, limitations of Xbox 360 Mediaroom 2.0 IPTV support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/details-limitations-of-xbox-360-mediaroom-2-0-iptv-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/details-limitations-of-xbox-360-mediaroom-2-0-iptv-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/details-limitations-of-xbox-360-mediaroom-2-0-iptv-support/#comments Three years after being unveiled at CES, Microsoft's Mediaroom software is finally coming to Xbox 360 (in the form of Mediaroom 2.0) "later this year" thanks to AT&T's U-verse service. But, that's all the details we had. Until today, when we spoke with Xbox's Aaron Greenberg as well as a Mediacenter spokesperson on the show floor who, between the two of them, managed to answer most of our questions.

First, we asked Greenberg to explain the three-year delay between the technology's 2007 debut and this announcement. "Well, the technology that we showed [in 2007] was brand new and showing that it worked," Greenberg said. "What we then did was we went out to the IPTV content providers and said, 'Hey, now this is an option for you.'" And that option was, of course, to use the Xbox 360 to deliver IPTV content. Greenberg said, "So the technology works ... the Xbox 360 can serve as a set-top box, be a DVR, and run Mediaroom." But not so fast! We got a tour of the service and found a few disappointing shortcomings to that nominally appealing feature-set.

Continue reading Details, limitations of Xbox 360 Mediaroom 2.0 IPTV support

JoystiqDetails, limitations of Xbox 360 Mediaroom 2.0 IPTV support originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-GreenbergATTCESCES-2010IPTVMediaroom-2MicrosoftU-verseXbox-360Fri, 08 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man 10 footage caught on tape]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/mega-man-10-footage-caught-on-tape/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/mega-man-10-footage-caught-on-tape/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/mega-man-10-footage-caught-on-tape/#commentsCapcom is showing off Mega Man 10 at CES. CES has possibly the highest concentration of video cameras of any location on Earth. You see where this is going.

After the break, we've embedded off-screen footage of the faux-retro downloadable game's stadium stage, captured and written up in preview form by The Mega Man Network. Capcom didn't allow the boss's name to be released, so it's just "the stadium stage" for now. The MM Network blogger managed to play, and record, the stage in both normal difficulty and the new Easy Mode, allowing us to see some of the differences. It's especially notable in the goal post mid-boss area: in normal difficulty, there's a spiked ball that constantly slams into Mega Man, but in Easy Mode that obstacle is absent, making the boss a fairly simple matter. At the end, the game announces that, like Mega Man 9, there will be DLC and a time attack mode.

Mega Man 10 will be available on Xbox 360, Wii, and PS3 as a download in March.

[Via GoNintendo]

Continue reading Mega Man 10 footage caught on tape

JoystiqMega Man 10 footage caught on tape originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2010mega-manmega-man-10MicrosoftNintendoWiiXbox-360Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No light lost in these Lost Planet 2 screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/lost-planet-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/lost-planet-2-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/08/lost-planet-2-screens/#comments
Click image for even bigger mechs and explosions

Just like Capcom has done for Super Street Fighter IV, the publisher's unloaded a healthy dose of new Lost Planet 2 media during CES 2010. In our gallery below, you'll find we've tactically placed seven new screens to study, each with the requisite number of explosions and gigantic metal killing machines. Oh, and light bloom. There's a lot of that.

If moving pictures are more your speed, head past the break to observe a group boss battle against Akrid X, courtesy of GameVideos.

Gallery: Lost Planet 2 - CES 2010

Continue reading No light lost in these Lost Planet 2 screens

JoystiqNo light lost in these Lost Planet 2 screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2010lost-planet-2MicrosoftscreensXbox-360Fri, 08 Jan 2010 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Nvidia shows off Unreal Engine 3 on Tegra]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nvidia-shows-off-unreal-engine-3-on-tegra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nvidia-shows-off-unreal-engine-3-on-tegra/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nvidia-shows-off-unreal-engine-3-on-tegra/#comments NVidia chose to show off the processing power of the new version of its mobile Tegra processor the same way many companies demonstrate their big-boy processors: with Unreal Engine 3. On stage at its CES presentation, NVidia demonstrated an FPS running on the processor -- the same processor the company demonstrated in several portable tablet-type devices.

Though Epic's Tim Sweeney classified it as the "same engine" that runs on PC, Engadget described it as "A lot like the iPhone demo we saw recently. Certainly impressive, but this isn't an Xbox 360 yet." And, in fact, the environment bears a resemblance to that from the iPhone demo. Nonetheless, the demonstration prove that Tegra is quite powerful for a chip designed for handheld devices -- and one that's rumored to be part of a future DS system.

JoystiqNvidia shows off Unreal Engine 3 on Tegra originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010epicmobilenvidiategraunrealunreal-engine-3Thu, 07 Jan 2010 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Here's Muay Super Street Fighter IV media to Thai you over]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/heres-muay-super-street-fighter-iv-media-to-thai-you-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/heres-muay-super-street-fighter-iv-media-to-thai-you-over/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/heres-muay-super-street-fighter-iv-media-to-thai-you-over/#commentsCapcom's brought its A game to CES 2010, unloading everything but the proverbial kitchen sink (and the full roster list) for Super Street Fighter IV. There's some new fight sticks to look forward to, new screens and two new gameplay trailers -- which have oddly low volume, for some reason -- showing off those sweet new Ultra Combos.

You can check out the new screens in our gallery below, but you'll have to jump past the break for the conclusion of this two-part combo of fresh gameplay clips. It's totally worth it, we assure you.

Gallery: Super Street Fighter IV - CES 2010

Continue reading Here's Muay Super Street Fighter IV media to Thai you over

JoystiqHere's Muay Super Street Fighter IV media to Thai you over originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2010fightingMicrosoftscreenssuper-street-fighter-ivvideoXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer wants cut of Xbox 360 peripheral business]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/razer-wants-cut-of-xbox-360-peripheral-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/razer-wants-cut-of-xbox-360-peripheral-business/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/razer-wants-cut-of-xbox-360-peripheral-business/#comments
Click to cut to a bigger image

Peripheral manufacturer Razer is dipping its shaved toes in the console market, announcing "preliminary approval" from Microsoft to produce an Xbox 360 controller and headset. The $50 wired Onza -- that's the controller -- will have Razer Hyperesponse technology that'll "give faster actuation and a crisp, tactile feel." What's that now? Oh, oh, we pressy the buttons and they make the things happen? Gotcha! Why not just say that? That's what we want from a controller.

The Razer Chimaera headset, which will retail for $130, features 5.1 channel virtual surround sound. The headset also allows "multiple Razer base stations to be connected to create a direct, private communication channel for in-game team conversations" -- or the rest of us can just start a party chat? Best part, though, the "circumaural design of the headset allows for optimum noise isolation for long-hours of comfortable gameplay." Thus allowing gamers to totally tune out their parents, spouse, or crying and hungry child.

[Via GX]

Gallery: Razer Xbox 360 peripherals CES 2010

JoystiqRazer wants cut of Xbox 360 peripheral business originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010Microsoftperipheralsrazerrazer-chimaerarazer-onzaXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Palm adds 3D gaming to webOS, gets big EA franchises]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/palm-adds-3d-gaming-to-webos-gets-big-ea-franchises/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/palm-adds-3d-gaming-to-webos-gets-big-ea-franchises/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/palm-adds-3d-gaming-to-webos-gets-big-ea-franchises/#comments One of the biggest players in the battle against Apple's ubiquitous iPhone is Palm. webOS, introduced in the Pre, is an attractive mobile operating system, but has sorely lacked the one thing gamers are most interested in: booth babes games. That's about to change, as Palm has announced a significant update to the webOS platform at CES today.

Seven 3D games from EA, Gameloft and Glu have been announced for the Palm App Catalog, including Need for Speed Undercover, The Sims 3, Let's Golf! and X-Plane. Best of all for Pre and Pixi owners, these games can be downloaded right now. Engadget noted that the games "integrate seamlessly in webOS," allowing users to automatically pause a game to respond to a text message.

The Palm App Catalog is still in its infancy, with approximately 1000 apps currently available to download. Who knows? Perhaps today's announcement will encourage the billions of fart app developers for Apple to start looking at multi-platform flatulence programming.

JoystiqPalm adds 3D gaming to webOS, gets big EA franchises originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010ces2010eaElectronic-Artsgameloftglupalmpalm-app-catalogwebosThu, 07 Jan 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Natal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/natal-to-use-10-15-percent-of-xbox-360-cpu-power/#comments A few details about Project Natal's technical capabilities slipped out alongside the holiday 2010 release window at Microsoft's CES press conference. The most revealing of these specifics is that the hardware will only siphon 10 to 15 percent of the 360's computing resources, according to a statement from Natal lead developer Alex Kipman. "Natal has to work on the existing hardware without taking too much hardware processing away from the games developers," Kipman added.

However, according to a report obtained by GamesIndustry, the processing power could have been further reduced. The original build for Natal included a chip that processed the "bone system," assumed responsible for creating a skeleton of the player in front of the device's glossy eye. However, in an attempt to lower costs, the chip was removed from the device's final build, putting that processing onus on the software that will utilize Natal.

In other words, it's extremely unlikely that any software will be able to have Natal support patched into it -- a fact that Digital Foundry's Richard Leadbetter says could help "serve to focus developers on Natal-specific concepts as opposed to revisiting old classics."

Update: Updated language to reflect that of the original source -- Natal will use 10 - 15 percent of the 360's overall computing power, not just its CPU.

JoystiqNatal to use 10-15 percent of Xbox 360's computing resources originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010compatibilitycpudevicehardwaremicrosoftnatalperipheralproject-natalXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 11:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko reveals Wii Wand with built-in MotionPlus, more at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nyko-reveals-wii-wand-with-built-in-motionplus-more-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nyko-reveals-wii-wand-with-built-in-motionplus-more-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/nyko-reveals-wii-wand-with-built-in-motionplus-more-at-ces/#comments
Last year at CES, Nyko unveiled the Wand, its take on Nintendo's Wiimote. This year, the peripheral maker's big item is ... abracadabra ... the Wand -- with one exciting addition! The $40 Wand+ is a single, self-contained unit that includes MotionPlus compatibility. The device still supports the crazy Trans-Port stuff, like the original Wand does, which means that Wiimote buttons can be automatically remapped to buttons on other Nyko accessories, including its gun controller.

Nyko has also introduced two variants of its cookie-inspiring Charge Base IC remote charger: a version of the original in black and a new one that can accommodate four Wiimotes.

For PS3, the company has designed a new version of its Intercooler made to bulk up Sony's Slim model, and the Media Hub Slim, a combination of a tiny remote control and a USB hub.

The Wand and Charge Base Quad IC are due in stores this March. The Intercooler will be available next month for $19.99, and the Media Hub Slim will retail for $19.99 when it's released in April.

Gallery: Nyko CES 2010 lineup

JoystiqNyko reveals Wii Wand with built-in MotionPlus, more at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010charge-base-iccharge-base-quad-icintercoolerintercooler-slimmedia-hubmedia-hub-slimmotionplusNintendonykonyko-wandwand-plusWiiThu, 07 Jan 2010 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-game-room-pricing-partners-detailed/#comments The pricing structure for Microsoft's newly announced Avatar-occupied Game Room has been detailed in an online fact sheet, and we'd suggest you stock up on Microsoft funny money. Players have three options: 400 ($5) grants a dual-platform license for one game (for unlimited play on Xbox 360 and PC), 240 ($3) gets you the virtual arcade cabinet on one platform (Xbox 360 or PC), or, for the old-fashioned types, 40 ($0.50) is just "two quarters" worth of playtime on a select title -- for the authentic arcade experience, minus the sticky floors. Additionally, when visiting friends' game rooms, you can "try" their games before you pump in Microsoft Points of your own.

The Game Room itself -- developed by third-party outfit Krome Studios (Viva Piñata: Party Animals, Star Wars: Republic Heroes) -- will be free for users to download. Customization options are mentioned in the fact sheet, but pricing for these features is not addressed. At launch the service will include 30 original arcade titles -- with "over 1000" planned for the future -- from multiple publishers, including Atari, Activision, Intellivision, and Konami. (A list of 31 confirmed titles is posted after the break.)

Games will be presented in 1080p (because that's why you bought that HD set) and will support multiplayer for up to two players, as well as cross-platform leaderboards and Achievements. Microsoft's Home Game Room is slated to launch this spring.

Gallery: Xbox Game Room


Source - "Game Room" Fact Sheet [.doc]

Continue reading Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed

JoystiqXbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsarcadeavatarsces-2010game-roomgames-for-windowsgfwgfwlivekrome-studiosMicrosoftpricingxblaXbox-360xbox-game-roomxbox-liveThu, 07 Jan 2010 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 getting Mediaroom IPTV 'later this year' via AT&T U-verse ... just three years late]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-360-getting-mediaroom-iptv-later-this-year-through-atandt-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-360-getting-mediaroom-iptv-later-this-year-through-atandt-u/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/07/xbox-360-getting-mediaroom-iptv-later-this-year-through-atandt-u/#comments Just three short years after the CES 2007 announcement that Microsoft's Mediaroom software would turn your Xbox 360 into an IPTV set-top box, Microsoft is finally ready to deliver on that promise (and no, the 2008 BT rollout doesn't count). "I'm happy to announce that later this year AT&T will also enable subscribers to U-verse to enjoy [the new Mediaroom 2.0] service on their Xbox 360 consoles," Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer told his keynote audience. This was in addition to U-verse support for Windows 7 and Windows Mobile, though the details on all three platforms end there.

We'll be digging for more details at CES this week, but this is certainly promising news for the country's 2 million U-verse subscribers (and the "more than 20 million living units" that the service is purportedly available in).

JoystiqXbox 360 getting Mediaroom IPTV 'later this year' via AT&T U-verse ... just three years late originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ATTCESCES-2010IPTVMediaroomMediaroom-2MicrosoftU-verseXbox-360Thu, 07 Jan 2010 00:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-playstation-3-sales-exceed-3-8-million-worldwide-over-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-playstation-3-sales-exceed-3-8-million-worldwide-over-the/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-playstation-3-sales-exceed-3-8-million-worldwide-over-the/#comments On the heels of its CES 2010 keynote speech, Sony released a chest-pounding press release declaring worldwide sales "exceeding 3.8 million" of the PlayStation 3 during the 2009 holiday season. According to the company, "during the five weeks following the last week of November 2009" (ending on January 3, 2010), the console sold more than during any previous holiday season -- a 76 percent increase over last year's numbers.

Alas, the PSP and the PSP Go were neglected a mention in the presser, though Sony did reiterate the 38 million PSN user number we'd heard a bit earlier. We'll have a clearer picture of what exactly the sales shook out to for North America when the latest NPD numbers arrive next week.

JoystiqSony PlayStation 3 sales 'exceed 3.8 million' worldwide over the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010holiday-2009holiday-salesplaystation-networkpsnpsp-gosalessonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake will stay up late with post-launch DLC 'episodes']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/alan-wake-will-stay-up-late-with-post-launch-dlc-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/alan-wake-will-stay-up-late-with-post-launch-dlc-episodes/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/alan-wake-will-stay-up-late-with-post-launch-dlc-episodes/#comments Remedy's Xbox 360-exclusive Alan Wake, described as "the TV show Lost, as written by Stephen King, and filmed by David Lynch," by Microsoft Entertainment & Devices head Robbie Bach will -- much like Fable II -- be expanded upon via additional downloadable episodes. Bach made the announcement concerning the long-in-development title during the company's CES 2010 keynote this evening, saying, "story-driven like a TV series, Alan Wake will be told in episodes with even more episodes available on Xbox Live after its launch this year."

Let's just hope Remedy isn't taking cues from The Sopranos when deciding how long it will be between the release of the game's episodes.

JoystiqAlan Wake will stay up late with post-launch DLC 'episodes' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakeces-2010dlcmicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiosRemedyRobbie-BachXbox-360Wed, 06 Jan 2010 23:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox by the numbers: 20m Xbox Live users, 10m nongaming, 39m Xbox 360 consoles worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-by-the-numbers-20m-xbox-live-users-10m-nongaming-39m-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-by-the-numbers-20m-xbox-live-users-10m-nongaming-39m-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-by-the-numbers-20m-xbox-live-users-10m-nongaming-39m-xbo/#comments While Microsoft's CES announcement that Xbox Live "is now an active community of over 20 million people" is somewhat blunted by Sony's claim of 38 million PlayStation Network accounts (though if our dozens of collective PSN accounts are any indication, some of us have more than one), Redmond did have some other numbers to share regarding Xbox and Xbox Live during tonight's CES keynote. First, "Nearly 10 million people have logged into Xbox Live's nongaming applications" including "Facebook, Twitter, Netflix, Last.fm, Sky, Canal and Zune." We'll do the math for you: that's 50% of the Xbox Live audience, and those are all paying Gold users.

More numbers: "Between Christmas and New Years Day, Xbox Live experienced its busiest week ever, adding a new member every second and a record of more than 2.2 million concurrent members online." And not a network failure in sight! Congrats, Microsoft! Lastly, "there are now over 39 million Xbox 360 consoles around the world," "more than 500 million games have been sold" and "$20 billion spent in retail." Feel free to bookmark this post for frequent consultation in your comment debates.

JoystiqXbox by the numbers: 20m Xbox Live users, 10m nongaming, 39m Xbox 360 consoles worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010MicrosoftXbox-360Xbox-LiveWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft says Project Natal coming 'holiday season 2010']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-says-project-natal-coming-holiday-season-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-says-project-natal-coming-holiday-season-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-says-project-natal-coming-holiday-season-2010/#commentsAccording to a press release summing up Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote that dropped just before Ballmer took the stage, the company will be releasing Project Natal in "holiday season 2010." We heard earlier today about what year the future controller would be arriving, but now, folks, now we know during which group of months it'll be arriving at retail.

The release explicitly states that the still-codenamed Natal project is "scheduled to be available in holiday season 2010," adding that Natal "is only the most recent example of Microsoft's work creating natural user interfaces." With any luck, by E3 we'll have an actual name and maybe even a specific month for when we'll get to check it out at home! Until then, we'll have to get by with the inspirational video about Natal's origins created for today's release, embedded above.

JoystiqMicrosoft says Project Natal coming 'holiday season 2010' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010ces2010microsoftnatalproject-natalrelease-datesteve-ballmerXbox-360Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/xbox-game-room-bringing-arcades-back-to-xbox-360-and-games-for-w/#comments
Update 3: An online fact sheet [.doc link] from Microsoft reveals that the Game Room itself will be free, while games will range in price from 400 ($5) for a dual-license purchase of arcade classics, 240 ($3) for a single-platform license or 40 ($0.50) for "two quarters" worth of play. Users can try arcade titles for free within a friend's room. For full details, check out our follow-up post.

Update 2: According to Major Nelson, Game Room users will have the ability to purchase games for their virtual arcade and play them on both their Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Additionally, new Game Room titles will be made available every week. Users will be able to invite Xbox Live friends into their respective (and customizable) rooms to show off their arcade collection. Stock up on Microsoft Points, kids.

Update 1: During its CES 2010 keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach announced 30 arcade titles will be available in the Xbox Game Room when the service launches this spring for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live.

Original: Hours following a leaked interview featuring Robbie Bach, Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a virtual arcade room for Xbox Avatars via this trailer unveiled at CES 2010. The Xbox Game Room is slated to hit the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live this spring, allowing players to visit a virtual room filled with classic arcade titles. According to the video, users will be able to customize their arcade rooms (presumably for Microsoft funny money) and challenge friends to a plethora of original arcade versions of games such as Centipede, Outlaw, and Star Raiders.

The news that Game Room will also launch for Games For Windows Live raises the question, will the service see Avatars added in the near future? As the upcoming arcade is centered around entertainment for your virtual identity, we'd hope the service would see an interface upgrade bringing it closer to the Xbox's current NXE, rather than locking our poor Avatars up inside of an executable program.

JoystiqXbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsces-2010game-roomgames-for-windows-livegfwlgfwliveMicrosoftXbox-360xbox-game-roomWed, 06 Jan 2010 22:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom teases Super version of SFIV Tournament Edition joystick [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-teases-super-version-of-sfiv-tournament-edition-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-teases-super-version-of-sfiv-tournament-edition-joystick/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/capcom-teases-super-version-of-sfiv-tournament-edition-joystick/#comments
click to embiggen
Update: Capcom's Twitter feed got a bit more informationey later on this evening, showing off the Capcom suite at CES, complete with "new hotness from Mad Catz." Though the shot is significantly more blurry, it certainly seems to indicate a new arcade stick coming from Mad Catz for Super Street Fighter IV.

Considering the Consumer Electronics Show is happening right this minute in Las Vegas, it's no surprise that Capcom's Twitter account is busy teasing pictures of yet-to-be-revealed arcade sticks for the upcoming sorta-sequel Super Street Fighter IV. As you can see in the image above, an inky outline of Ryu overlooks a more colorful button set than the previous game's stick. Additionally, the shape of the controller's box certainly bears a striking resemblance to the Street Fighter IV Tournament Edition joysticks from Mad Catz that were in such short supply last year. We've followed up with Capcom but were told there's no official comment just yet.

JoystiqCapcom teases Super version of SFIV Tournament Edition joystick [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcom-unitycesces-2010mad-catzmadcatzMicrosoftstreet-fighterstreet-fighter-ivsuper-street-fighter-ivtwitterXbox-360Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/microsoft-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/#comments Just like Sony earlier this evening, we're not going to be detailing all of Steve Ballmer's 2010 CES press conference, that's really Engadget's thang. Instead, we'll be bringing more details on all things gaming (think: leaked Xbox Game Room and Project Natal deets, anyone?) right back here. If you want the total experience, including lots of non-gaming stuff, venture forth, dear reader.

Engadget - Live from Steve Ballmer's CES 2010 keynote

JoystiqMicrosoft 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010MicrosoftSteve-BallmerXbox-360Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony confirms expansion of PlayStation Network ID, wallet to other Sony devices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-confirms-expansion-of-playstation-network-id-wallet-to-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-confirms-expansion-of-playstation-network-id-wallet-to-oth/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-confirms-expansion-of-playstation-network-id-wallet-to-oth/#comments Chances are you represent one (or 12) members of the 38 million-strong PlayStation Network community. At CES in Las Vegas, Kaz Hirai confirmed Sony's intention to expand the PSN well beyond the PS3 and PSP. As the above slide shows, Sony's premium video offerings will expand to some of Sony's other products, including Bravia televisions and VAIO laptops. Taking a page from Microsoft's Live Anywhere philosophy, a single user ID and password will work across all Sony products and services. Going a step further, the PSN virtual wallet can be used universally across Sony's services.

To help facilitate the cross-proliferation of content across Sony's multiple devices, Hirai also announced the creation of a new division within Sony: the not-very-creatively named Sony Network Entertainment, Inc. With this new initiative, expect the PSN logo to be far more ubiquitous than ever before.

JoystiqSony confirms expansion of PlayStation Network ID, wallet to other Sony devices originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2010ces2010kaz-hiraiplaystation-networkpsnsonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 20:11:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psa-watch-microsofts-ces-keynote-online-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psa-watch-microsofts-ces-keynote-online-tonight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/psa-watch-microsofts-ces-keynote-online-tonight/#comments If your interest in all things Microsoft extends to a barely gaming related keynote address, then we've got some good news. Major Nelson tipped us off that Microsoft will be streaming its 2010 Consumer Electronic Show keynote -- hosted by the zany Steve Ballmer and and Robbie Bach -- tonight at 9:30PM EST. Sadly, tonight's viewing has been sullied by the fact that we pretty much know what we're going to hear in the way of Xbox news. But, like our marathon sessions of Titanic, we won't let our prior knowledge ruin our enjoyment of tonight's big show.

Also, the fine folks at Engadget will be liveblogging the entire event, if you'd prefer to read about all the excitement. Get some popcorn ready, and let's hope for more of this... oh, and this.

Source: Watch Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote live, at 9:30PM

JoystiqPSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsces-2010game-roomproject-natalpsasteve-ballmerxbox-liveWed, 06 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/sony-2010-ces-press-conference-live-at-engadget/#comments While we're camped out right next to them, we won't be liveblogging the entirety of Sony's mostly-not-game-related 2010 CES press conference - we'll leave that duty in the capable hands of our friends at Engadget. Head over there to follow along minute by minute or stick around at the 'stiq while we break off just the tastiest bits of gaming news for you here (spoiler alert: There will be discussion of 3D gaming, if Sony's booth is any indication). Either way, you're the big winner.

Engadget - Live from Sony's CES 2010 press event

JoystiqSony 2010 CES press conference, live at Engadget originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010pspSonyWed, 06 Jan 2010 19:05:00 EST<![CDATA['Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/rumor-xbox-game-room-and-2010-project-natal-launch-leaked-in/#comments [Update, 5:30pm: And off comes the rumor tag! Microsoft may have pulled the post but the original video is still live on its own servers, which you can find right here! We'll scrub through it for more information. Update, 5:47pm: Full transcript after the break.]

Microsoft's Channel 9 developer community site accidentally posted a video interview with Robbie Bach, President of the Entertainment & Devices Division, several hours before the company's annual CES press conference. Initially tweeted by @ch9, the video was pulled, as evidenced by this tweet from none other than @microsoft: "Sorry, spoke too soon, or, tweeted too soon. This video later tonight."

Vigilant tipster Iced_Eagle wrote us just after the video was pulled, giving us a quick breakdown. "Go to the 11:53 mark in the video to hear them start discussing Game Room," our tipster writes. "They aren't totally concrete on the details, but they talk about how this is supposed to bring back that retro fun to gaming." That sounds an awful lot like that consumer survey we spotted in October for a virtual Avatar arcade, one of the potential titles of which was "Game Room." You don't say ...

Iced_Eagle also unsurprisingly reports, "In the video they confirm Natal is on for this year." Considering everyone from Ubisoft's Yves Guillemot to Microsoft's own Steve Ballmer have alluded to a 2010 release, we're not the least bit surprised. But if they're still calling it Project Natal in this video, that means we're probably looking to E3 for an official reveal, with branding and all.

Microsoft's CES keynote begins at 9:30pm Eastern and we'll be delivering all the news straight from Las Vegas.

[Thanks for the great tip, Iced_Eagle!]

Continue reading 'Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview

Joystiq'Xbox Game Room' and 2010 Project Natal launch leaked in CES interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeces-2010game-roomMicrosoftProject-NatalretroRobbie-BachXbox-360xbox-360-game-roomXbox-Game-RoomWed, 06 Jan 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Memorex unveils line of Wii, Wii Fit, DSi gaming accessories at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/memorex-unveils-line-of-wii-wii-fit-dsi-gaming-accessories-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/memorex-unveils-line-of-wii-wii-fit-dsi-gaming-accessories-at/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/memorex-unveils-line-of-wii-wii-fit-dsi-gaming-accessories-at/#comments
Click to enlarge
We're not sure what the tagline will be - "Is it first-party? Or is it Memorex?" - but the storied consumer electronics company best known for its blank cassette tapes (remember those?) has been busy branching out, and a new series of video games accessories targeting Nintendo's various products is its latest endeavor.

The company has taken the opportunity at CES to unveil a Wii racing wheel, a Wii wireless sensor bar, some sleeves for everything from your Wiimote to your Wii Fit balance board, a charging kit for your Wiimotes, a rechargeable battery pack for Wii Fit, and some DSi goodies as well. Like most of these offerings, there isn't much you'll find exciting here. Check out the full specs in the press release after the break, or, if you're a visual learner, flip through the gallery for some eye candy.

Gallery: Memorex Wii, Wii Fit, DSi accessories

Continue reading Memorex unveils line of Wii, Wii Fit, DSi gaming accessories at CES

JoystiqMemorex unveils line of Wii, Wii Fit, DSi gaming accessories at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2010DSdsimemorexNintendoperipheralsWiiWii-FitWed, 06 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[KOR-fx: It's a rumble pack for your chest!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/kor-fx-its-a-rumble-pack-for-your-chest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/kor-fx-its-a-rumble-pack-for-your-chest/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/kor-fx-its-a-rumble-pack-for-your-chest/#comments We have a blast writing goofy CES-timed gadget announcement posts like this one, but why should we have all the fun? C'mon commenters, we'll tell you how to write your own, using the newly-announced rumbly, necklacey KOR-fx as an example:

1. Post a goofy picture of it in action -- you can see we've taken care of this already.
2. Make fun of the company's name -- the company behind this tech is Immerz. Have fun.
3. Kind of explain what it does -- i.e., KOR-fx is like the 3rd Space immersive vest, but somehow less stylish.
4. Doom it to failure -- we'd suggest touching on the $189.99 price point, but feel free to highlight a different flaw as you see fit.
5. Put a final nail in the coffin -- we're going to do it by posting the company's own marketing video after the break, but this is such a personal choice that we wouldn't dare kibitz.

Enjoy.

Continue reading KOR-fx: It's a rumble pack for your chest!

JoystiqKOR-fx: It's a rumble pack for your chest! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accousto-hapticcesces-2010immerzkor-fxWed, 06 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[iGUGU Gamecore puts PC games on your TV!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/igugu-gamecore-puts-pc-games-on-your-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/igugu-gamecore-puts-pc-games-on-your-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/igugu-gamecore-puts-pc-games-on-your-tv/#comments We're old, angry men now, so it's hard for us not to mock new stuff with only the slightest provocation, but we're going to try to give the iGUGU Gamecore a fair shake. So, for $79.99 you'll get a controller with a trackball and keyboard on it that's been specially designed to play your PC games from the couch. The second part of the system is that it allows you to put your PC games on your TV, but the exact methodology for doing that (and the associated cost) is unclear, since the "Accessories" part of the company's website is broken.

The Gamecore will be shown off during CES this week, so hopefully we'll have a little more information soon.

Okay, that's the objective take. Now, follow us after the break and check out the most astonishingly terrible, misleading promotional video in recorded history.

Continue reading iGUGU Gamecore puts PC games on your TV!

JoystiqiGUGU Gamecore puts PC games on your TV! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2010iGUGUigugu-gamecoreTue, 05 Jan 2010 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Capcom takes its Fight Club to Las Vegas]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/capcom-takes-its-fight-club-to-las-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/capcom-takes-its-fight-club-to-las-vegas/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/30/capcom-takes-its-fight-club-to-las-vegas/#commentsIf you weren't lucky enough to be in New York for the last Capcom Fight Club, you'll have another opportunity on January 7 to play Super Street Fighter IV, win prizes, and maybe -- just maybe -- see Seth Killian from a distance. Capcom is bringing its exclusive fighting celebration to Las Vegas for CES, filling its Planet Hollywood suite with as many hadoukenthusiasts as it can.

Which, it turns out, is not many. If you want to try out Guy, Cody, or Adon in a tournament, the only way to get in is to follow the instructions in this post and hope you're one of the few chosen to attend. We feel bad for all those people in Las Vegas that day who won't be at the video game party. What are they going to do?

JoystiqCapcom takes its Fight Club to Las Vegas originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomcapcom-fight-clubces-2010Microsoftseth-killianstreet-fightersuper-street-fighter-ivXbox-360Wed, 30 Dec 2009 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2010's Gaming Showcase to have more showcase, not much more gaming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/ces-2010s-gaming-showcase-to-have-more-showcase-not-much-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/ces-2010s-gaming-showcase-to-have-more-showcase-not-much-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/26/ces-2010s-gaming-showcase-to-have-more-showcase-not-much-more/#commentsFrom the on-site report of last year's Gaming Showcase at the Consumer Electronics Show, it wouldn't take anything more than two video games to dramatically expand upon what was previously available in the dedicated games area. And despite the Consumer Electronics Organization' announcement of double the floor space for the Showcase, only one game is named specifically as a feature: Lego Universe.

The PC Gaming Alliance will be there, and Microsoft and Sony should be showing games in their own respective areas, but the exhibitor list for the Gaming Showcase focuses almost entirely on peripherals, middleware, hardware, and other things that aren't games. But there will be a lot of space for you to try out Wii controller shells, DDR mats and chairs with speakers in them!

CES takes place in Las Vegas from January 7-10 and, as always, Joystiq will be reporting from there with the latest, breaking news on games you control with your mind.

JoystiqCES 2010's Gaming Showcase to have more showcase, not much more gaming originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2010gaming-showcaselego-universeMon, 26 Oct 2009 20:00:00 EST