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[Microsoft's Illumiroom demo frees gaming from its TV cage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/microsofts-illumiroom-demo-frees-gaming-from-its-tv-cage/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/microsofts-illumiroom-demo-frees-gaming-from-its-tv-cage/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/microsofts-illumiroom-demo-frees-gaming-from-its-tv-cage/#comments

Usually when a television screen bleeds, it's not cause for celebration, nor does it signify the cutting edge of new technology. Microsoft's Illumiroom challenges that thought, using Kinect and a projector to transpose relevant video and images around the TV, on walls and furniture, while playing games.

Illumiroom can add flickering lights, particles and ambiance to certain games, or expand the environment in others, though it's still a prototype for now. Microsoft showed off Illumiroom in a video at the Samsung CES keynote, and it looked something like the above film.

"IllumiRoom is a proof-of-concept Microsoft Research project designed to push the boundary of living room immersive entertainment by blending our virtual and physical worlds with projected visualizations," the Illumiroom YouTube description reads. "The effects in the video are rendered in real time and are captured live - not special effects added in post processing."

JoystiqMicrosoft's Illumiroom demo frees gaming from its TV cage originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2012illumiroomkinectmicrosoftxboxWed, 09 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Up close with Valve's Steam Box prototypes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/up-close-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/up-close-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/up-close-with-valves-steam-box-prototypes/#comments Up close with Valve's Steam Box prototypesEngadget had a photo shoot with Valve's lineup of Steam Box and living room PC prototypes today at CES. A few of the designs were straight out of Valve's hivemind, while a few existing products, such as the Alienware X51 and Bolt from Digital Storm were examples of the "Steam in your living room" initiative. Valve's display was meant to demonstrate a variety of form factors for living room-friendly designs, hardware engineer Jeff Keyzer said.

Check out the complete gallery over on Engadget, especially that one design that looks like the baby of an original Xbox and a Gamecube. Keep in mind that all of the controllers are stand-in Logitechs, not prototypes.

JoystiqUp close with Valve's Steam Box prototypes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESces-2012engadgetpcSTEAMsteam-boxvalveWed, 09 Jan 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Newell: Valve's own 'Steam Box' will use Linux]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/newell-valves-own-steam-box-will-use-linux/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/newell-valves-own-steam-box-will-use-linux/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/newell-valves-own-steam-box-will-use-linux/#comments Valve is in attendance at this year's CES festivities in Las Vegas, and while its primary mission is to meet with hardware partners like Xi3, founder Gabe Newell is still able to find the time to leak details about Valve's own illusive, as-of-yet still unannounced gaming hardware solution.

First and foremost is the fact that Valve's Steam Box will run Linux, regardless of what the company's various hardware partners install on their own machines. "We'll come out with our own and we'll sell it to consumers by ourselves. That'll be a Linux box," Newell told The Verge. "If you want to install Windows you can. We're not going to make it hard. This is not some locked box by any stretch of the imagination."

Newell also revealed that Valve's Steam Box will be a networked gaming solution for an entire home, not just the living room. "The Steam Box will also be a server," Newell said. "Any PC can serve multiple monitors, so over time, the next-generation (post-Kepler) you can have one GPU that's serving up eight simulateneous [sic] game calls. So you could have one PC and eight televisions and eight controllers and everybody getting great performance out of it. We're used to having one monitor, or two monitors - now we're saying lets expand that a little bit."

This all sounds very exciting, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. As we learned from Valve electrical engineer Ben Krasnow earlier today, Valve has "no current plans to announce anything in 2013."

JoystiqNewell: Valve's own 'Steam Box' will use Linux originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012linuxpcsteamsteam-boxsteamboxvalveTue, 08 Jan 2013 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer's 'Project Fiona' becomes 'Edge' tablet, available Q1 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/razers-project-fiona-becomes-edge-tablet-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/razers-project-fiona-becomes-edge-tablet-available-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/razers-project-fiona-becomes-edge-tablet-available-now/#comments Razer's 'Project Fiona' becomes $1000plus 'Edge' tabletRazer's 'Project Fiona' tablet is now the 'Edge,' a much more Razer-like name for the device. It's still designed to play recent PC games, with physical controls on the sides of the tablet. A version with an Intel i5 chip, 4GB of RAM, Windows 8 and a 64GB SSD is "available now" for $999, the company revealed at CES. A "Pro" model including a Core i7, 8GB of RAM, and either a 128GB or 256GB SSD is also available for $1299. This version is reportedly capable of running Dishonored at 59 frames per second.

Update: both configurations will actually ship in Q1, not "now," Razer told us, despite the press release's assertion that "both models are available now."

Those controllers have now become an optional (read: extra) dock, which can be swapped out for other accessories, like a keyboard dock and a dock with HDMI out and USB ports.

Engadget got some hands-on time with the Edge at CES; for more information, check out their extensive writeup.

Continue reading Razer's 'Project Fiona' becomes 'Edge' tablet, available Q1 [update]

JoystiqRazer's 'Project Fiona' becomes 'Edge' tablet, available Q1 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012mobilepcproject-fionarazerrazer-edgeTue, 08 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz's 'Gamesmart' peripheral line connects to phones, tablets, PCs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/mad-catzs-gamesmart-peripheral-line-connects-to-phones-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/mad-catzs-gamesmart-peripheral-line-connects-to-phones-table/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/06/mad-catzs-gamesmart-peripheral-line-connects-to-phones-table/#comments Some Mad Catz stuff that Engadget postedLast week, Mad Catz revealed its "Gamesmart" initiative, designed to create a standard for peripherals across mobile and PC platforms. Now, we have an idea of what that actually means.

Basically, the company is making new versions of its popular mouse, gamepad, and headset accessories that connect via Bluetooth to PCs, tablets, and mobile, with "a simplified setup process, longer battery life, and universal compatibility." The accessories are targeted for "early 2013," and will be shown at this week's CES, where all things that connect to phones live.

While we're dubious of yet another competing standard for mobile phone controllers, if this works, it will be a great money saver for consumers, and a potential standardized input method for developers.

JoystiqMad Catz's 'Gamesmart' peripheral line connects to phones, tablets, PCs originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012gamesmartmacmad-catzmadcatzmobilepcSun, 06 Jan 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Testing Kinect in Mass Effect 3 (plus, demo coming February 14) [update: more demo details]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/testing-kinect-in-mass-effect-3-plus-demo-coming-february-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/testing-kinect-in-mass-effect-3-plus-demo-coming-february-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/18/testing-kinect-in-mass-effect-3-plus-demo-coming-february-14/#comments "James, move. Liara, move.

Liara, Singularity.

James, Carnage.

Sniper rifle!

Liara, Stasis!

Concussive shot. Follow me. Activate. Open."

Yeah, that's pretty much how it works.

Continue reading Testing Kinect in Mass Effect 3 (plus, demo coming February 14) [update: more demo details]

JoystiqTesting Kinect in Mass Effect 3 (plus, demo coming February 14) [update: more demo details] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012immersionkinectmass-effectmass-effect-3microsoftvoice-commandsxboxWed, 18 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/17/mad-catz-shows-off-mlg-pro-controller-at-ces-for-the-discerning/#comments
A controller is a controller is a controller. The most innovative additions to console controllers these days usually involve an extra turbo switch, or maybe a fan in the handles.

Mad Catz' new MLG Pro Circuit Controller stands out, and was first shown off at CES 2012 last week. Mad Catz worked with Major League Gaming players and other gamers to figure out just what it is they wanted a controller to do, and rather than just add some new lights (or those fans), they took a few good steps forward.

The analogue sticks and D-pads are fully removable and customizable, and the controller comes with all sorts of possibilities. With this controller, you can implement the layout you want.

Continue reading Mad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher

JoystiqMad Catz shows off MLG Pro controller at CES, for the discerning button pusher originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buttonscesces-2012controllercustomizabledpadjoysticksmad-catzmadcatzmicrosoftmlgpcplaystationprops3xboxTue, 17 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer tests the waters with Project Fiona at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/razer-tests-the-waters-with-project-fiona-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/razer-tests-the-waters-with-project-fiona-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/16/razer-tests-the-waters-with-project-fiona-at-ces/#comments Razer's Project Fiona looks just like you'd expect a prototype to look. Despite a thick but standard tablet-style body and 10.1 inch touchscreen, it has some unfinished aluminum struts sticking out of either side, with not-quite-perfect joysticks and buttons placed unceremoniously on the top. In short, it's a manufactured idea and not a real product just yet. And Razer's purpose at CES last week was to judge, reps told me, just how good that idea actually was.

Playing with the Project Fiona tablet doesn't feel quite right, but not because the games don't work. The Intel Core i7 processor powers a full Windows 7 installation (though it will eventually run Windows 8, says Razer), and the two prototypes at the show had full PC games on them, including the excellent Warhammer 40K: Space Marine. It ran quite well, but it was still difficult to play -- those joysticks and buttons just aren't fully in the right places. My thumbs did find and learn to use them after a few minutes of play, but it's unclear why, when Razer is already borrowing the "console controller" setup, the buttons are so strangely placed.

After about twenty minutes of handling and playing with Project Fiona, I came to the biggest question about the prototype: Why?

Continue reading Razer tests the waters with Project Fiona at CES

JoystiqRazer tests the waters with Project Fiona at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012gamingmobilepcpc-gamespc-gamingproject-fionarazertabletMon, 16 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget goes hands-on with the RetroDuo Portable NES/SNES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-retroduo-portable-nes-snes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-retroduo-portable-nes-snes/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/engadget-goes-hands-on-with-the-retroduo-portable-nes-snes/#comments We don't know if you guys realize this or not, but CES is a big show. Like, really big. So big, in fact, that our crack team of ground forces couldn't possibly see all that there is to see, no matter how efficient and devilishly handsome they may be.

Thankfully, our sister site Engadget was also at the show, and they got to spend some hands-on time with the RetroDuo Portable, an NES/SNES combo device from classic console fabricator Retro-Bit. Functionally, the device serves the same purpose as the SupaBoy released by Hyperkin late last year, albeit with a few catches. Hit the source link for Engadget's full write up, and ask yourself a very important question: Which is more valuable, $90, or memories?

JoystiqEngadget goes hands-on with the RetroDuo Portable NES/SNES originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2012engadgetNESretro-bitretrobitRetroDuoRetroDuo-PortableSNESSupaBoySun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nexuiz brings the twitch back to FPS on XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/nexuiz-brings-the-twitch-back-to-fps-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/nexuiz-brings-the-twitch-back-to-fps-on-xbla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/nexuiz-brings-the-twitch-back-to-fps-on-xbla/#comments It's circa 1999, and I'm in my freshman college dorm room, playing a game on my Windows 98 computer. It uses a clunky CRT monitor that takes up most of my desk, but on that monitor a series of images flashes by -- walls, a floor, a skybox overhead, more walls, more floors. Quickly, there's a flash of an colorful icon on the screen, and in first-person view I bound towards it. Just as I grab the quad-damage and jump off a cliff, an opponent appears in my peripheral. While falling through the air, I instantly move my mouse around just so, click the button, and my rocket lands perfectly alongside the enemy avatar, bursting it into a spray of gory red pixels.

A real-life cry of anguish is heard from down the hall, where my floormate has just had to click to respawn. I smile, and run off to look for more prey.

That's the feeling that made playing Quake 2 so magical back in the day, and Nexuiz is a direct descendant of that line. It was originally an open source shooter based off of the Quake engine, and developer IllFonic has now remade the game in CryEngine 3, set for release on Xbox Live Arcade next month. And though the Microsoft booth at CES 2012 is a long way away from my dorm room in both space and time, just a few minutes of gameplay pointed me right back to that formative experience.

Gallery: Nexuiz (CryEngine 3)

Continue reading Nexuiz brings the twitch back to FPS on XBLA

JoystiqNexuiz brings the twitch back to FPS on XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012illfonicmicrosoftnexuizpcquake-2retrotwitchxblaxboxSun, 15 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter IV HD on Android filmed at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/street-fighter-iv-hd-on-android-filmed-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/street-fighter-iv-hd-on-android-filmed-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/14/street-fighter-iv-hd-on-android-filmed-at-ces/#comments
Wondering how different Street Fighter IV's mobile version looks on Android's balkanized landscape of devices? You can start by seeing it on LG's exclusive Android devices for now.

JoystiqStreet Fighter IV HD on Android filmed at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcapcomcesces-2012gameplaymobilestreet-fighter-iv-hdSat, 14 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Remedy: Alan Wake's American Nightmare campaign lasts 4-5 hours]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/remedys-hakinnen-alan-wakes-american-nightmares-campaign-las/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/remedys-hakinnen-alan-wakes-american-nightmares-campaign-las/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/remedys-hakinnen-alan-wakes-american-nightmares-campaign-las/#comments
GameTrailers has posted a handful of new videos on Alan Wake's American Nightmare. In the first video (embedded above), Remedy's Oskari Häkinnen discusses the game and its creation. One of the more interesting tidbits he revealed is that the average run through the campaign should last around four to five hours, depending on how much of the optional content you choose to pursue.

You'll find two more videos after the break. The first is a walkthrough of Ghost Town, one of American Nightmare's 'Fight till Dawn" (i.e. Horde Mode) maps. The second is a campaign walkthrough which we refuse to watch because, frankly, we don't want to spoil a single moment before the game launches during Microsoft's Xbox Live House Party event.

Continue reading Remedy: Alan Wake's American Nightmare campaign lasts 4-5 hours

JoystiqRemedy: Alan Wake's American Nightmare campaign lasts 4-5 hours originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alan-wakes-american-nightmareces-2012microsoftremedyxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeFri, 13 Jan 2012 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine's Happy Action Theater conjures up Kinect magic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/double-fines-happy-action-theater-conjures-up-kinect-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/double-fines-happy-action-theater-conjures-up-kinect-magic/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/double-fines-happy-action-theater-conjures-up-kinect-magic/#comments Double Fine's next project, Happy Action Theater, just appeared on the floor of CES, right on time according to Tim Schafer's Twitter account. The game, available in February for what a Microsoft rep called a "reasonable" price, is basically a collection of 18 different minigames, featuring sandbox-style fun for the younger audience.

But don't let that tame description fool you: Happy Action Theater isn't just a standard minigame collection made for kids. Instead, it appears to be one of the best experiences on Kinect yet, and a perfect marriage of Double Fine's expertise at finding almost instant fun, and its skill at wringing some impressive feats out of that Kinect camera.

Continue reading Double Fine's Happy Action Theater conjures up Kinect magic

JoystiqDouble Fine's Happy Action Theater conjures up Kinect magic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012double-finedouble-fine-happy-action-theaterdouble-fine-productionshappy-action-theaterkinectmicrosofttim-schaferxboxThu, 12 Jan 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Street Fighter IV HD coming to Android Marketplace in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/street-fighter-iv-hd-coming-to-android-marketplace-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/street-fighter-iv-hd-coming-to-android-marketplace-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/street-fighter-iv-hd-coming-to-android-marketplace-in-may/#comments The Android OS version of Street Fighter IV we originally caught wind of back in September is now Street Fighter IV HD. As per the original announcement, the game will initially be exclusive to the LG Spectrum, which launches on Verizon January 19.

After LG's limited exclusivity blackout expires, however, Street Fighter IV HD will hit the US Android Marketplace in May for $12.99. A Wifi-enabled VS. mode allows for local multiplayer, although it's unclear whether wireless VS. will require two of the same handsets. Also no word yet on system requirements for non-LG devices, although since the Spectrum is launching with Gingerbread and not Ice-Cream Sandwich, any dual-core Android device seems like a good bet.

JoystiqStreet Fighter IV HD coming to Android Marketplace in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid-marketandroid-marketplacecapcomCESCES-2012LGLG-Spectrummobilestreet-fighterstreet-fighter-4street-fighter-iv-hdWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/gaikai-coming-to-lg-tvs-playable-onlive-coming-to-googletvs/#comments If you're someone whose hatred of physical media and cluttered entertainment systems is rivaled only by your passion for contemporary gaming and universal controllers, your next television purchase may have just become as conflicted as your eccentric little heart of hearts.

Gaikai and LG have announced plans to place Gaikai's cloud-based game-streaming services inside of LG's upcoming 2012 line of Cinema 3D TVs. The service will use Gaikai's middleware to power an LG-branded gaming portal within the company's existing Smart TV app ecosystem. No information has yet been given regarding how these games will actually be played, but we're hopeful it will involve a controller of some kind, rather than creative use of the TV's remote.

OnLive has also announced further integration of its cloud-based game-streaming service into Google's GoogleTV platform, by way of Vizio's "next generation" of "Internet Apps Plus" devices. Vizio TVs equipped with Internet Apps Plus and GoogleTV 2.0 will allow users to connect their Universal Controller and stream games normally. This is a big leap from OnLive's current GoogleTV presence, which is currently limited to a "Player" app that allows GoogleTV users to spectate OnLive games happening on other devices. No word on whether full OnLive functionality will come to other devices running GoogleTV 2.0.

Continue reading Gaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs

JoystiqGaikai coming to LG TVs, playable OnLive coming to GoogleTVs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2012Cloud-gaminggaikaiGoogle-TVGoogleTVLGonliveSmart-TVstreamingTVvizioWed, 11 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Double Fine Happy Action Theater premieres in February]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/double-fine-happy-action-theater-premieres-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/double-fine-happy-action-theater-premieres-in-february/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/double-fine-happy-action-theater-premieres-in-february/#comments
To say we were taken aback when Double Fine unveiled its Kinect-exclusive Xbox Live Arcade game, Double Fine Happy Action Theater, is an understatement. It was due in 2011 but saw a delay, and now it's gearing up to launch next month.

Our man on the ground at CES 2012, Mike Schramm, confirmed the news with a Double Fine representative. Yet, with a February launch planned, why wasn't the game part of next month's House Party promotion? "I would've loved to see it in House Party," the rep told Joystiq. Seems like a perfect fit to us, though the representative went on to say that the target audience for Double Fine Happy Action Theater is between ages 2 and 12, and the target demographic for the House Party promotion is a bit older. We should hope so -- best not to let your kids play Alan Wake's American Nightmare.

Double Fine Happy Action Theater features 18 different mini-games, including some clones of classic titles Space Invaders and Breakout. Mike was able to spend some time with the game and will be posting a preview soon, so keep your eye out for that. In the meanwhile, we suggest watching the debut trailer about a hundred more times.

JoystiqDouble Fine Happy Action Theater premieres in February originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012double-finedouble-fine-happy-action-theaterkinectmicrosoftxblaxboxWed, 11 Jan 2012 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz unveils a suite of Street Fighter X Tekken sticks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-unveils-a-suite-of-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-unveils-a-suite-of-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/mad-catz-unveils-a-suite-of-street-fighter-x-tekken-sticks/#comments Mad Catz's Street Fighter X Tekken FightSticks have changed since we last saw them. Not only has the company abandoned the red-and-white colorway, there are now more sticks in the line.

The now-black FightStick Pro is the next evolution of the Tournament Edition stick, with Sanwa parts and internal cable storage. The Arcade FightStick VS. Edition seems to be similar in design, but two of them can be connected with an optional attachment to create a continuous arcade machine-style panel. And the new FightPad SD is 15% smaller than previous FightPads, "inspired by the gaming preferences of legendary Street Fighter producer Yoshinori Ono."

No prices were given for any of these new accessories, but Mad Catz did offer the expected release window: concurrent with the game's March 6 debut.

Gallery: Street Fighter X Tekken FightSticks (Xbox 360, PS3)

JoystiqMad Catz unveils a suite of Street Fighter X Tekken sticks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcade-stickcesces-2012fightstickfightstick-promad-catzmicrosoftplaystationps3street-fighter-x-tekkenxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Nyko shows off PS Vita accessories at CES 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/nyko-shows-off-ps-vita-accessories-at-ces-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/nyko-shows-off-ps-vita-accessories-at-ces-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/nyko-shows-off-ps-vita-accessories-at-ces-2012/#comments Nyko's showcasing its latest line of accessories at this year's Consumer Electronics Show, and we're sad to report nothing there is as insane as the Nyko Zoom Case.

The most exciting item at first glance is the Power Grip for PS Vita, pictured above. It promises to triple battery life for Sony's upcoming handheld -- and considering what Nyko did for 3DS battery life, we're willing to look past the ugly appendages. Other Vita accessories include a speaker stand and an all-in-one case, charger and USB cable combo.

In addition to that, there's a fanny pack to hold games (why?) and a battery pack for the Kindle Fire. Images of each item can be found in our gallery below; a price list is available past the jump.

Gallery: Nyko Accessories (CES 2012)

Continue reading Nyko shows off PS Vita accessories at CES 2012

JoystiqNyko shows off PS Vita accessories at CES 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcesces-2012microsoftmobilenykoplaystationplaystation-vitavitaxboxTue, 10 Jan 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tiny gamepad connects to PC, tablets, or phones over Bluetooth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/tiny-gamepad-connects-to-pc-tablets-or-phones-over-bluetooth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/tiny-gamepad-connects-to-pc-tablets-or-phones-over-bluetooth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/tiny-gamepad-connects-to-pc-tablets-or-phones-over-bluetooth/#comments It would appear the "thing" at CES this year is iPhone/iPad controllers. Following the announcement of three such devices from iCade, SteelSeries has revealed the Ion Mobile Controller, a tiny control pad designed to work over Bluetooth with PCs, tablets, or phones. It has a full suite of buttons and analog sticks, and a rechargeable battery for up to 20 hours of use.

As is unfortunately the trend with these things, no list of compatible software has been announced. More details, including pricing, will be revealed as its Q3 release approaches.

Other accessories featured in SteelSeries' lineup include an "ultra-portable" headset and a bunch of different mice. It's CES! That's prime "here's a list of accessories" season.

Gallery: Steelseries CES lineup

Continue reading Tiny gamepad connects to PC, tablets, or phones over Bluetooth

JoystiqTiny gamepad connects to PC, tablets, or phones over Bluetooth originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidcesces-2012ion-mobile-controlleriosipadiphonemobilepcsteelseriesTue, 10 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 sells 3.9 million units during the holidays (and other sales data)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/playstation-3-sells-3-9-million-units-during-the-holidays-and-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/playstation-3-sells-3-9-million-units-during-the-holidays-and-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/playstation-3-sells-3-9-million-units-during-the-holidays-and-o/#comments This holiday season has been kind to Sony, the company revealed today, specifically the PlayStation line of gaming consoles. The PS3 was the front-runner for Sony's parade of prosperity, invading over 3.9 million homes during the company's unspecified "holiday sales season" worldwide. On paper, it's impressive, but not quite as much when compared to the competition -- the Xbox 360 managed to outperform the PS3, selling 10 million consoles since the last tally back in late October.

Other top earners for Sony include the PlayStation Move, which managed to -- wait for it -- move 1.7 million units off store shelves, and the PSP, which sold 1.6 million. The PlayStation Vita, which launched in Japan just last month, was snatched up by 500,000 gamers in the region, while the PS2 also sold a half-million worldwide.

JoystiqPlayStation 3 sells 3.9 million units during the holidays (and other sales data) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012moveplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsales-datasonyvitaTue, 10 Jan 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect for Windows leers at February 1 launch date]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-leers-at-february-1-launch-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-leers-at-february-1-launch-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/kinect-for-windows-leers-at-february-1-launch-date/#comments Microsoft chief Steve Ballmer narrowed down the "early 2012" launch window for Kinect on the Windows PC during Microsoft's CES 2012 keynote today: February 1, 2012. The software development kit has been available to programmers and designers since back in June, but of course people have been doing interesting things with Kinect and PCs since the peripheral's launch back in November 2010.

Ballmer didn't divulge pricing, but Amazon is currently pegging Kinect for Windows at $249.99, a full $100 more than the current price of Kinect on Xbox 360 -- hey, there's a different camera in the Windows version, remember?

Microsoft's Major Nelson says Kinect for Windows will only work with computers running the SDK. Neither have commented on compatibility with Windows 8, but we've got troops on the ground in Las Vegas and will try to find out more.

JoystiqKinect for Windows leers at February 1 launch date originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012kinectkinect-for-windowspcwindowsxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Newscorp app adds Fox, IGN, the Wall Street Journal and Fox News to Xbox 360 in 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/newscorp-app-adds-fox-ign-the-wall-street-journal-and-fox-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/newscorp-app-adds-fox-ign-the-wall-street-journal-and-fox-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/newscorp-app-adds-fox-ign-the-wall-street-journal-and-fox-news/#comments Microsoft's Craig Davison had some surprise news during the company's CES 2012 keynote this evening, bringing out word that Rupert Murdoch's Newscorp is developing an application for the Xbox 360. Several Newscorp content providers will be pushing out news and commentary via the free application, including the Wall Street Journal, Fox News, and IGN. Beyond "2012," Davison didn't allow any more specific a date to slip out.

JoystiqNewscorp app adds Fox, IGN, the Wall Street Journal and Fox News to Xbox 360 in 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012foxignmicrosoftnewscorpthe-wall-street-journalwall-street-journalwsjxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 now at 66 million worldwide, Kinect at 18 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/xbox-360-now-at-66-million-worldwide-kinect-at-18-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/xbox-360-now-at-66-million-worldwide-kinect-at-18-million/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/xbox-360-now-at-66-million-worldwide-kinect-at-18-million/#comments
Microsoft's Xbox 360 has had quite a year. According to a 2011 roundup video released by the company just ahead of its final CES keynote (prepare for Ballmer-age), the Xbox 360 now sits at a total of 66 million units sold worldwide. In case you're keeping track, that means nearly 10 million more were sold over the holiday season since the last check-in with Microsoft in late October.

Meanwhile, the Xbox 360's motion-detecting peripheral, the Kinect, is close to doubling its install base year-over-year, with 18 million units now attached to consoles the world over. This does mean that sales have slowed compared to its bombastic launch, however.

Adding more chest-pounding stats to the pile, the video also notes that the Xbox 360's Live service counts "nearly" 40 million users now, putting the tie-in percentage close to 60. We expect to hear some of these statistics -- and potentially more -- directly from Microsoft head honcho Steven Ballmer in tonight's keynote.

JoystiqXbox 360 now at 66 million worldwide, Kinect at 18 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012kinectmicrosoftsalesxboxMon, 09 Jan 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Music Unlimited available day one on PlayStation Vita, PlayMemories Studio confirmed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/music-unlimited-available-day-one-on-playstation-vita-playmemor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/music-unlimited-available-day-one-on-playstation-vita-playmemor/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/music-unlimited-available-day-one-on-playstation-vita-playmemor/#comments Sony's cloud-based music service, the aptly titled Music Unlimited, has been destined for the PlayStation Vita since before it was called a PlayStation Vita. Today, Kaz Hirai revealed during Sony's annual CES keynote that the service would be available on day one for PlayStation Vita users.

Also of significance to the Sony product owners of the US is the confirmation of PlayMemories Studio, the leaked editing application first seen this past weekend. It will allow users to manipulate photos and videos directly through the PS3.

JoystiqMusic Unlimited available day one on PlayStation Vita, PlayMemories Studio confirmed originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012music-unlimitedplaymemories-studioplaystationps3Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:18:00 EST<![CDATA[iCade unveils new iPad arcade stick, $80 iPhone gamepad, tiny arcade cabinet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/icade-unveils-new-ipad-arcade-stick-80-iphone-gamepad-tiny-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/icade-unveils-new-ipad-arcade-stick-80-iphone-gamepad-tiny-ar/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/icade-unveils-new-ipad-arcade-stick-80-iphone-gamepad-tiny-ar/#comments Ion Audio is following up on its tiny iCade arcade cabinet with two new iOS controller options, announced just in time for CES, when people get totally excited about electronics accessories. The iCade Core is a less arcadey-looking iPad arcade stick, with eight buttons and a joystick, designed to allow the iPad to operate in either portrait or landscape. It interfaces via Bluetooth, using the iPad's physical connection to charge.

The iCade Mobile is a gamepad attachment for iPhone and iPod touch that adds a for-real d-pad, four face buttons, and four shoulder buttons to the sides of the device. Once cradled, you'll be able to position the phone in either portrait or landscape. Both the Core and Mobile are due in 2012; the Core hasn't been priced, but the iPhone gamepad will retail for $80, which seems like rather a lot for some buttons.

Engadget also discovered a prototype at iCade's CES booth for the "iCade Jr.," a teensy, tiny arcade cabinet for iPhones. The release details for this are still undetermined, but how fun! It seems really impractical to play games with a minuscule arcade stick and tiny, tiny buttons, but it's still far more practical than no buttons.

JoystiqiCade unveils new iPad arcade stick, $80 iPhone gamepad, tiny arcade cabinet originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2012icadeicade-coreicade-mobileiosipadiphonemobileMon, 09 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 video-editing app PlayMemories Studio potentially leaked ahead of CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/ps3-video-editing-app-playmemories-studio-potentially-leaked-ahe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/ps3-video-editing-app-playmemories-studio-potentially-leaked-ahe/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/ps3-video-editing-app-playmemories-studio-potentially-leaked-ahe/#comments A covert operative nestled deep inside the Sony booth at CES (also known as a regular guy with a cell phone) has produced two blurry-yet-insightful photos of what may very well be PlayMemories Studio, a video-editing suite for the PS3. Originally sent to our sister site Engadget, these photos (one more after the break) appear to show the user applying a slow-motion effect to stock footage of a child about to lose at Jenga.

According to a trademark filing for the title, PlayMemories Studio is "computer software for viewing, organizing and editing digital photos and videos." A Facebook page for the app has also been discovered, however there is no information there at this time. We'll know more about PlayMemories Studio (or whatever this is) once CES officially opens on Tuesday.

Continue reading PS3 video-editing app PlayMemories Studio potentially leaked ahead of CES

JoystiqPS3 video-editing app PlayMemories Studio potentially leaked ahead of CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appCESCES-2012film-editingphoto-editingpicture-editingPlayMemoriesPlayMemories-Studioplaystationps3PSNvideo-editingSun, 08 Jan 2012 16:35:00 EST<![CDATA[MasterImage 3D to debut glasses-free 720p 3D tablet and smartphone at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/masterimage-3d-to-debut-glasses-free-720p-3d-tablet-and-smartpho/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/masterimage-3d-to-debut-glasses-free-720p-3d-tablet-and-smartpho/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/31/masterimage-3d-to-debut-glasses-free-720p-3d-tablet-and-smartpho/#comments Glasses-free 3D is hardly anything new (how are you guys digging the 3DS?) but how about high-def 3D without the frames for your peepers? That's a bit more impressive, especially considering this isn't an expensive television set we're talking about. It's an expensive phone and tablet line from MasterImage 3D.

The company's 4.3 inch smartphone and 10.1 inch tablet will be on display at this year's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, a representative told Joystiq earlier today. Each device will showcase full 720p high definition in 3D and utilizes MasterImage 3D's Cell-Matrix Parallax Barrier Technology to produce "brighter images, reduced moiré effects (or rippled appearance) and the ability to work in any orientation -- portrait or landscape." We imagine it'll also play Angry Birds.

We've contacted MasterImage 3d for more information on the company's new tablet and smartphone.

JoystiqMasterImage 3D to debut glasses-free 720p 3D tablet and smartphone at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d720pces-2012glasses-free-3dhigh-defiintionmasterimage3dmobileSat, 31 Dec 2011 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii U making its second appearance at CES 2012]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/wii-u-making-its-second-appearance-at-ces-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/wii-u-making-its-second-appearance-at-ces-2012/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/wii-u-making-its-second-appearance-at-ces-2012/#comments Nintendo's Wii U hasn't exactly been hanging out around paparazzi, getting its picture snapped and accidentally showing too much leg. Rather, it's been totally absent from the spotlight since its initial unveiling at E3 2011 back in June, but that's about to end. "Nintendo of America, working with the 2012 International CES management, will offer demos of the upcoming Wii U console to members of the media who did not see the system at the 2011 E3 Expo," Nintendo told Joystiq in a statement this morning.

But even though the unreleased console is making its second public debut next month, it looks like what's being shown off isn't different from what we peeped at E3 2011. "Nintendo will not have a booth at CES, nor does it plan to include any games, experiences or information beyond what was available at the 2011 E3 Expo," the statement continues. So, a handful of tech demos and Zelda HD, then. Unsurprisingly, Nintendo also noted that the console remains on track from a launch sometime "between the start of the 2012 E3 Expo in June, and the end of 2012." We're gonna go ahead and call that "the second half of 2012," if you don't mind.

JoystiqWii U making its second appearance at CES 2012 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2012nintendowii-uMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:30:00 EST