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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Nintendo predicts combined Wii U and Wii console sales of 10.5 million by March 31, 2013]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-predicts-combined-wii-u-and-wii-console-sales-of-10-5-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-predicts-combined-wii-u-and-wii-console-sales-of-10-5-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/nintendo-predicts-combined-wii-u-and-wii-console-sales-of-10-5-m/#comments Nintendo isn't breaking out hardware or software sales predictions for the Wii U just yet, unlike its other consoles. Instead, it's masking said predictions by mixing them in with those of the Wii. Bizarre? Yes, bizarre.

Anyway, Nintendo's looking at a combined total of 10.5 million hardware units moved between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013 for the Wii U and Wii. While we can't parse the numbers, we can speculate based on the last fiscal year's Wii hardware sales. So! Nintendo sold 9.84 million Wii units in fiscal 2012, meaning the Japanese console manufacturer either expects a sharp dropoff in Wii sales (likely) or a not-so-hot holiday for the Wii U (less likely).

The same bizarre conflation applies to software sales, with Nintendo predicting approximately 70 million units sold across both the Wii U and Wii consoles. And last year? The Wii moved 102.37 million software units. Not too shabby! So, again, Nintendo either expects a massive dropoff in Wii software sales (likely), or for Wii U software to not do super great between the console's holiday launch and next March.

JoystiqNintendo predicts combined Wii U and Wii console sales of 10.5 million by March 31, 2013 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fiscal-year-2013hardwarenintendosalessoftwarewiiwii-uFri, 27 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Valve job listing points to hardware plans for 'whole new gaming experiences']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/valve-job-listing-points-to-hardware-plans-for-whole-new-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/valve-job-listing-points-to-hardware-plans-for-whole-new-gaming/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/valve-job-listing-points-to-hardware-plans-for-whole-new-gaming/#comments ImageYes, there are employees at Valve right now who are working on some form of gaming hardware. What that gaming hardware is, however, remains to be seen. A job listing discovered by Engadget this week offers more clues as to what that hardware could be, specifically pointing to job skills like "hardware design, prototyping, testing, and production across a wide range of platforms."

Getting more direct, the "electronics engineer" position entails working "with the hardware team to conceive, design, evaluate, and produce new types of input, output, and platform hardware." Wait, platform hardware? That sounds an awful lot like the Steam Box rumors we heard earlier this year (rumors that were later semi-shut down).

But don't get your hopes up just yet - just because Valve is experimenting with different types of hardware doesn't mean that it's looking to produce a piece of consumer hardware any time soon. We've reached out to Valve for further clarity, but aren't expecting much beyond silence.

JoystiqValve job listing points to hardware plans for 'whole new gaming experiences' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronics-engineerhardwarehiringjob-listingmacpcsteam-boxsteamboxvalvevalve-softwareFri, 13 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft goes baller with chromed out 360 controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/microsoft-goes-baller-with-chromed-out-360-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/microsoft-goes-baller-with-chromed-out-360-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/microsoft-goes-baller-with-chromed-out-360-controllers/#comments ImageWhen we're not busy ghostridin' the whip or gettin' that skrilla, we're making sure to accessorize with chromed out bling. We also spend quite a bit of time looking up how to awkwardly use terms from terrible rap songs.

Given that, you'll understand our excitement this afternoon over Microsoft's announcement of chromed out Xbox 360 controllers. Better yet, said controllers feature the updated D-pad that Microsoft added in a new 360 controller back in 2010.

As of now, the "Special Edition Chrome Series" wireless controllers will run $54.99 ($5 more than the usual wireless controller price) and are expected to be available at some point in "mid-May." Colors and availability vary by region, according to Major Nelson. Why anyone would want something other than what you see shining above, however, is beyond us.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Special Edition Chrome Series Wireless Controllers

JoystiqMicrosoft goes baller with chromed out 360 controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chrome-serieschrome-series-controllerscontrollerhardwaremicrosoftspecial-editionxboxxbox-360-controllerMon, 02 Apr 2012 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/battlefield-3s-rendering-architect-details-his-dream-specs-for/#comments During the Game Developer's Choice awards, DICE took home the prize of "Best Technology" for its Frostbite 2 engine. After accepting the award on behalf of his team, we asked DICE rendering architect Johan Andersson what the next generation of consoles would need to include for Frostbite 2 to work 'perfectly and as intended on high-end PCs.' To Andersson, the answer is "pretty easy to answer."

"There's two things: memory and processing power," he said. "We need lots and lots of processing power. The more you can cram into a machine, we'll take advantage of that." While 'more power' is the obvious answer -- both on the CPU and GPU side -- we wondered what wouldn't be 'enough' to work with.

"Two gigabytes would not be enough when it comes to RAM [random access memory]" Andersson said. "Four gigabytes would work. Eight gigabytes? Yeah. I think that would be perfect when it comes to memory." Recommended system specifications for Battlefield 3 call for 4GB of RAM.

Continue reading Battlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles

JoystiqBattlefield 3's rendering architect details his dream specs for the next generation of consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlefield-3dicefrostbite-2gdc-2012hardwareJohan-Anderssonnext-genFri, 09 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[February NPD: Hardware sales up over January, everything down year over year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/february-npd-hardware-sales-up-over-january-everything-down-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/february-npd-hardware-sales-up-over-january-everything-down-ye/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/february-npd-hardware-sales-up-over-january-everything-down-ye/#comments The numbers for February are in, and while hardware performance was better than it was in January, both hardware and software sales are seeing significant declines when compared to figures from February 2011.

With hardware and software combined, total new video-game sales rang up at $1.06 billion for last month; a 20 percent decline from the $1.33 billion spent during the same period last year. Breaking that total down, hardware sales accounted for $381.4 million of all moneys spent in February, down 18 percent year over year, while software sales accounted for $464.4 million (down 23 percent year over year) and accessories sales brought in $215.2 million, down 16 percent year over year.

Despite those year over year declines, hardware sales increased 62 percent over January, Vita sales notwithstanding. Factoring in Sony's new handheld boosts that figure all the way up to 87 percent.

On the software front, the Vita's best-selling launch title was Uncharted: Golden Abyss, earning a spot among the month's top 20 overall best-selling titles. The top ten best-selling titles for February can be found after the break, with Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning being the only new IP to make the list.

Continue reading February NPD: Hardware sales up over January, everything down year over year

JoystiqFebruary NPD: Hardware sales up over January, everything down year over year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 19:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsFebruary-2012hardwaremicrosoftnintendoNPDpcplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsalessoftwaresonytop-10video-game-salesvitawiixboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 19:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo in February: Mario Galaxy passes 5 million, Wii and 3DS move more than 200K each [Update: corrected]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/nintendo-in-february-mario-galaxy-2-passes-5-million-wii-and-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/nintendo-in-february-mario-galaxy-2-passes-5-million-wii-and-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/nintendo-in-february-mario-galaxy-2-passes-5-million-wii-and-3/#comments With February's NPD numbers upon us, Nintendo's Super Mario Galaxy 2 has joined a prestigious club. The portly plumber's Wii title has now crossed the 5 million sales mark. Nintendo notes that the Wii has now amassed nine titles that have passed 5 million in sales, which it says is "nearly twice as many 5-million sellers as competing current-generation consoles combined." The company added that Just Dance 3 is quickly approaching the 5 million mark, with 4.61 million copies sold to date.

On the handheld front, two other Mario titles, Mario Kart 7 and Super Mario 3D Land, both moved more than 100,000 units. In addition, Nintendo notes that Pokemon Black and White have surpassed 4 million units in combined sales.

In hardware, Nintendo sold 228,000 Wii consoles, 262,000 3DS units and 135,000 DS units.

Update: It's actually Super Mario Galaxy, the first one, that just hit this sales milestone.

Continue reading Nintendo in February: Mario Galaxy passes 5 million, Wii and 3DS move more than 200K each [Update: corrected]

JoystiqNintendo in February: Mario Galaxy passes 5 million, Wii and 3DS move more than 200K each [Update: corrected] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshardwarenintendonpdsalessoftwarewiiThu, 08 Mar 2012 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft sold 426,000 Xbox 360s in February, 14th month in top console spot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/microsoft-sold-426-000-xbox-360s-in-february-14th-month-in-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/microsoft-sold-426-000-xbox-360s-in-february-14th-month-in-top/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/microsoft-sold-426-000-xbox-360s-in-february-14th-month-in-top/#comments Ahead of the NPD officially revealing its February numbers, Microsoft is already tooting its own horn. The console manufacturer claims to have sold 426,000 consoles in February, more than any other console. That makes for 14 consecutive months with the Xbox 360 maintaining the top sales position among consoles. Microsoft also notes that the console has maintained more than a 40 percent market share in the current generation of consoles for 12 straight months.

Additionally, consumer spending on hardware, software and accessories bested other consoles as well, totaling $383 million. According to Joystiq's resident financial analyst, the figure is "a lot." We'll have complete NPD numbers shortly.

Continue reading Microsoft sold 426,000 Xbox 360s in February, 14th month in top console spot

JoystiqMicrosoft sold 426,000 Xbox 360s in February, 14th month in top console spot originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 18:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessorieshardwarekinectmicrosoftnpdsalessoftwarexboxThu, 08 Mar 2012 18:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/sony-vp-in-uk-and-ireland-talks-vita-pricing-says-bigger-memory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/sony-vp-in-uk-and-ireland-talks-vita-pricing-says-bigger-memory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/sony-vp-in-uk-and-ireland-talks-vita-pricing-says-bigger-memory/#comments Sony's Vice President and Managing Director from the UK and Ireland, Fergal Gara, talked with Eurogamer at the PS Vita launch last night in London, and said there's a lot more in store for the new handheld console. The current pricing and memory concerns are the results of "early days."

On price, for example, Gara says that the system is priced as low as Sony could get it on launch day, "not a lot above an iPod and a hell of a long way below a good tablet." Given the hardware included, Gara says Sony "priced it as attractively as we could afford to, frankly," with an eye toward creating a lasting product over the next few years.

Gara also admitted memory is a concern, with hefty downloadable games filling memory cards up quickly. Having learned from the Japanese Vita release, he says, Sony is already securing memory, chips and deals to release bigger cards in the UK, and presumably in North America as well.

JoystiqSony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fergal-garahardwarememorymemory-sticksplaystationplaystation-vitapricingps-vitasonyukvitaWed, 22 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget evaluates Razer Blade performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/engadget-evaluates-razer-blade-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/engadget-evaluates-razer-blade-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/engadget-evaluates-razer-blade-performance/#comments Our fellow bloggers at Engadget have gotten their hands on the Blade laptop from Razer (the very first commercial fruits of that "Switchblade" concept seeded so long ago), and the unit gets some high marks, despite some significant flaws. The worst issue with the laptop seems to be the audio (the built-in speakers are so bad that Engadget suspected their unit was broken somehow), but in general the problem with the Blade seems that it's tuned for a mix of portability and performance, which means neither gets to be perfect.

Yes, the Blade is sleek and super thin for a PC laptop, but it trades on that build by being a "gaming" unit that doesn't play StarCraft 2 on its highest settings perfectly. (see update) For the sticker price of $2,799, Razer traded a little too much performance for the admittedly impressive form factor.

But while Engadget doesn't recommend the laptop wholeheartedly, the site does praise the Blade's "bright and delectably tactile" LED buttons. The article surmises we'll see those types of controls again soon, either in Razer hardware, or units from other device manufacturers.

Update: Engadget has discovered that they didn't have the latest drivers for the graphics card, and with those, apparently Skyrim runs much better. Engadget is working on updated benchmarks for all of the Blade's performance aspects.

JoystiqEngadget evaluates Razer Blade performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bladebuttonshardwarepcpc-gamesrazerrazer-bladerazer-switchbladereviewWed, 22 Feb 2012 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita torn down, deemed easily repairable due to modular design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/playstation-vita-torn-down-deemed-easily-repairable-due-to-modu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/playstation-vita-torn-down-deemed-easily-repairable-due-to-modu/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/playstation-vita-torn-down-deemed-easily-repairable-due-to-modu/#comments We here at Joystiq like modules quite a bit. As you'll see to your right, our website is adorned with more than a few of them, so we were glad to hear about just how modular the PlayStation Vita's design is, as discovered in a teardown of the device by iFixit. In fact, due to its modular design (among other things), the device was given an 8 out of 10 "repairability score" by the site.

Beyond the thrilling news about the Vita's internal architecture, the site also points out that, despite needing a fancy baby screwdriver, the Vita's internal battery is "definitely serviceable by the average user." It also doesn't hurt that the internals won't cost a ton of coin to replace, if something does break. Should you be interested in all the gory details regarding the Vita's internals -- gory details that our dummy brains can't properly contextualize -- iFixit is more than happy to accommodate you right here.

[Image credit: iFixit]

JoystiqPlayStation Vita torn down, deemed easily repairable due to modular design originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batteryhardwarehardware-architectureifixitmodularmodular-designmodulesplaystationplaystation-vitateardownvitaFri, 17 Feb 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/09/january-npd-sales-down-without-big-launches-skylanders-a-hit-f/#comments Both hardware and software video game sales were down by a great deal in January, according to the latest report from NPD. Both categories dropped 38% year over year in the US, and video games sales in total dropped from $1.14 billion in January of 2011 to $750 million this past month. NPD's Liam Callahan attributes the drops to a lack of new launches: Last January, Microsoft's Kinect propped up hardware sales, and Dead Space 2, LittleBigPlanet 2, and DC Universe Online did the same for software, but there weren't equivalent launches in the market this year.

The full list of the top ten titles is after the break. Just Dance 3 held down the number two spot, again landing in front of the very popular Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. Zumba Fitness 2 also made it into the top ten, but Activision's Skylanders: Spyro's Adventure is likely the most important game for January.

In addition to landing on the list at 8th, Skylanders is seeing huge sales in the accessories category, making up 22% of total accessory sales overall. The game's single character pack was also the best selling accessory during the month of January, and these numbers should bode well for the series and its future iterations.

Finally, despite that big drop in hardware sales, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg points out that the Xbox 360 has remained the highest-selling console on the market, selling 270,000 units with a 49% market share.

Continue reading January NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories

JoystiqJanuary NPD: Sales down without big launches, Skylanders a hit for accessories originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwarejanuary-2012microsoftnpdplaystationps3salesskylanders-spyros-adventuresoftwaretop-10video-game-salesxboxThu, 09 Feb 2012 18:51:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita cost estimated at $160 in report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/playstation-vita-cost-estimated-at-160-in-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/playstation-vita-cost-estimated-at-160-in-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/playstation-vita-cost-estimated-at-160-in-report/#comments We've got a PlayStation Vita from Japan, sure, but we're not taking it apart all willy-nilly like some people. But if we did, and we also had a keen eye for the price of specific electronics components, we might have already realized the pieces comprising the device could add up to $160 in total.

Unsurprisingly, the display and touchscreens are said to account for the bulk of the estimated cost at $50, while no other piece of the device even crests the $20 mark. Of course, none of this pricing includes the cost of research and development, testing, shipping, manufacturing, marketing, etc., so it's not exactly a perfect representation of the investment Sony has made with its latest handheld.

It does, however, give the Japanese hardware giant approximately $140 of space to work with on making the more expensive Vita (the $300 3G one) profitable from the jump, not to mention the 3G-less $250 model.

JoystiqPlayStation Vita cost estimated at $160 in report originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwaremanufacturingplaystationplaystation-vitapricingteardownubmubm-techinsightsvitaFri, 20 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Wii Fit Plus bundle headed for UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/black-wii-fit-plus-bundle-headed-for-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/black-wii-fit-plus-bundle-headed-for-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/26/black-wii-fit-plus-bundle-headed-for-uk/#comments The blackest of bundles For years, you've been left out of the Wii Fit craze. Not because you're unwilling to put in the requisite physical effort, but because the Balance Board simply doesn't match the sleek black lines of your entertainment center. In a month, that all comes to an end -- in the UK, at least -- as Nintendo will soon release a black Wii Fit Plus console bundle, which looks to retail for £99.99 ($155), though Zavvi.com has it listed for £73.85 ($114).

Arriving October 7, the bundle includes a black Wii console with Wii Remote Plus, a black Balance Board and a copy of Wii Fit Plus. And, as an added bonus, new Balance Board adopters can soon belatedly take part in another fad: Never using the Balance Board again.

We've contacted Nintendo to see if the new bundle is headed to North America as well.

JoystiqBlack Wii Fit Plus bundle headed for UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balance-boardbundlehardwarenintendowiiWii-Fit-PlusMon, 26 Sep 2011 10:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Toys R' Us offering 320GB PS3 for $249]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/toys-r-us-offering-320gb-ps3-for-249/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/toys-r-us-offering-320gb-ps3-for-249/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/15/toys-r-us-offering-320gb-ps3-for-249/#comments Toys R' Us has quite the appealing offer for folks looking for a gaming console with an obscene amount of hard drive space. For an undisclosed amount of time, the 320GB PS3 is marked down to $249.99 at the giraffe-branded retailer.

Continue reading Toys R' Us offering 320GB PS3 for $249

JoystiqToys R' Us offering 320GB PS3 for $249 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Sep 2011 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolehardwareplaystationps3sonytoys-r-usThu, 15 Sep 2011 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony shares price and details on PlayStation certified Tablets S and P, coming later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/sony-shares-price-and-details-on-playstation-certified-tablets-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/sony-shares-price-and-details-on-playstation-certified-tablets-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/31/sony-shares-price-and-details-on-playstation-certified-tablets-s/#comments Sony tablets s and p Sony has confirmed prices and dates for its two PlayStation certified tablet computers, both coming out later this fall. The Tablet S is the more traditional tablet, with one screen and 16 or 32GB of storage, and will be out in September starting at $499. But the Tablet P is the more interesting option, offering two 5.5" display screens hinged together. Both tablets will use the Nvidia Tegra 2 chip architecture, sport dual cameras, and run Android-based software.

They'll also be fully compatible with Sony's services, including Video Unlimited and Music Unlimited, and they'll both play games from the Android Marketplace as well as run PSOne titles released for PlayStation-certified hardware. Both will come standard with Pinball Heroes and Crash Bandicoot ready to go, though the P will put controls on the bottom screen, leaving gameplay up on top.

The Tablet P will hit European shelves in November - North American details haven't been announced just yet. You can get a closer look at both devices in the gallery below and head over to Engadget for hands-on impressions of the Tablet S.

Gallery: Sony Tablet S and Tablet P

JoystiqSony shares price and details on PlayStation certified Tablets S and P, coming later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwareplaystationps3psonepspsonysony-tablettablet-ptablet-sWed, 31 Aug 2011 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita's Near, LiveArea and other social features outlined]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/playstation-vitas-near-livearea-and-other-social-features-outl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/playstation-vitas-near-livearea-and-other-social-features-outl/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/26/playstation-vitas-near-livearea-and-other-social-features-outl/#comments Between its Near, Party, LiveArea and Activity social features, there's a whole lot going on under the hood of the PlayStation Vita. SCEE R&D exec Phil Rogers broke down those capabilities at Develop last week: Near, for instance, will allow Vita owners to look at the favorite games of nearby players, and allow players to drop and pick up "gifts," which could range from special in-game items to high score challenges.

Rogers explained that Party will give players cross-game chat capabilities, allowing them to invite friends to groups and launch games directly through the UI, which all party members will be invited to. The LiveArea is a tad more esoteric: it will display information about software as it is launched, and will allow users to "comment on people's activities within the game as well as publish your messages." Sounds like the perfect receptacle for smack talk.

Finally, the Activity feed will show the in-game accomplishments of friends (including high scores and Trophy unlocks) in real time. The feed can also be updated by publishers and developers, though Rogers suggested, "it's important not to spam users too much and to use it sensibly." We pray that Rogers' advice is heeded.

JoystiqPlayStation Vita's Near, LiveArea and other social features outlined originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activitycross-game-voice-chathardwareliveareanearpartyphil-rogersplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitapspsonyvitaTue, 26 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Target offering $100 gift card with purchase of Xbox Kinect bundle this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/target-offering-100-gift-card-with-purchase-of-xbox-kinect-bund/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/target-offering-100-gift-card-with-purchase-of-xbox-kinect-bund/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/24/target-offering-100-gift-card-with-purchase-of-xbox-kinect-bund/#comments Target is offering up a pretty solid deal on an Xbox 360 Kinect bundle, if you need one for the garage (you know, the one place in your house where you actually have enough room for the thing to work). For this weekend only, you can get the standard Kinect setup for $299, and the Targe will throw in a $100 gift card as a bonus.

Unfortunately, that bundle only includes 4GB of memory, so you might have to pay out for an upgrade if you want to download a lot of XBLA titles. But perhaps that extra Benjamin you'll have picked up can help with that.

Continue reading Target offering $100 gift card with purchase of Xbox Kinect bundle this weekend

JoystiqTarget offering $100 gift card with purchase of Xbox Kinect bundle this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gift-cardhardwarekinectmicrosoftsaletargetweekendxboxFri, 24 Jun 2011 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita's rear touch panel almost got bumped]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/playstation-vitas-rear-touch-panel-almost-got-bumped/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/playstation-vitas-rear-touch-panel-almost-got-bumped/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/playstation-vitas-rear-touch-panel-almost-got-bumped/#comments It seems as if Sony wasn't quite feeling the PlayStation Vita's rear touch panel at first. Speaking to Famitsu (as translated by Andriasang), Sony's president of worldwide studios, Shuhei Yoshida, revealed that the portable's most groundbreaking feature was nearly stricken from the final design due to cost concerns. Specifically, Sony wasn't sure that the effect it would have on gameplay was worth its part of the sticker price.

That changed, though, after people actually got their hands on it; it went from questionable to being a must-have feature. Yoshida said in the same interview that while the touch panel is definitely a keeper, some small elements of the Vita's design are still subject to change. We're guessing he means minor cosmetic tweaks, since the hardware we saw at E3 seemed pretty much final. Whatever gets altered, it'd better not involve removing the ultra-spiffy PlayStation icon pattern on the touch panel.

JoystiqPlayStation Vita's rear touch panel almost got bumped originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwareplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitashuhei-yoshidasonytouch-panelvitaWed, 22 Jun 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[These are the Old Republic Razer peripherals you're looking for]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/these-are-the-old-republic-razer-peripherals-youre-looking-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/these-are-the-old-republic-razer-peripherals-youre-looking-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/these-are-the-old-republic-razer-peripherals-youre-looking-for/#comments Razer has announced that it will be producing four peripherals tailored for Star Wars: The Old Republic. The peripherals come packing the (ahem) sharp design that Razer is known for, along with a few slick technical features. The neatest of the bunch is the keyboard, which features a multi-touch LCD panel with a set of adaptive keys similar to those seen on the Razer Switchblade device. The backlit keys can even be converted to the Star Wars language of Aurebesh, which is neat, if not exactly useful.

The SWTOR Gaming Mouse features seventeen programmable buttons, twelve of which rest directly under the thumb. A 5.1 surround sound headset is also in the works. Finally, there's the mouse pad, which features "performance-grade" surfaces and a "non-slip, anti-reflective, abrasion-resistant hard coating." Presumably, you can drag a mouse on it real good. All can be customized to show either the Sith or Republic faction insignia as well.

The mouse and headset will run for $130, while the keyboard will command a hefty $200 price. If you just need something Old Republic, the mouse pad is the cheapest option at $50 but, then again, it's a mouse pad. All the peripherals will be available when The Old Republic launches, which remains as much of a mystery to Razer as it does to everyone else.

Check out pics of the hardware in the gallery below and a trailer after the break.

Gallery: Razer Star Wars: The Old Republic Gaming Gear (Hardware)

Continue reading These are the Old Republic Razer peripherals you're looking for

JoystiqThese are the Old Republic Razer peripherals you're looking for originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2011eahardwarepcperipheralsrazerStar-Wars-The-Old-RepublicThe-Old-RepublicWed, 08 Jun 2011 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take a closer look at the Wii U's crazy controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/take-a-closer-look-at-the-wii-us-crazy-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/take-a-closer-look-at-the-wii-us-crazy-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/take-a-closer-look-at-the-wii-us-crazy-controller/#comments You've seen the press conference, you've read all about the games in development for the Wii U, and now we've got our first hands-on with the Wii successor's enormous, crazy controller. We'll have a full writeup for you as the day goes on, but we figured you might wanna take a closer look at the pseudo-tablet right now.

Gallery: Wii U Controller (E3 2011 - Hardware)

JoystiqTake a closer look at the Wii U's crazy controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllere3-2011hardwarenintendotabletwiiwii-uTue, 07 Jun 2011 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Now hear this: Sony's wireless PS3 stereo headset arrives in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/now-hear-this-sonys-wireless-ps3-stereo-headset-arrives-in-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/now-hear-this-sonys-wireless-ps3-stereo-headset-arrives-in-sep/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/now-hear-this-sonys-wireless-ps3-stereo-headset-arrives-in-sep/#comments If you've found the official PlayStation 3 Bluetooth headset a little too monaural (or small) for your liking, listen to this. Sony will be releasing the PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset this September, offering one more audio channel and a much larger, over-the-ear form factor for a cool $100.

It's not actually a Bluetooth device -- the headset comes with a USB dongle needed to make it work, so getting that USB hub you've been thinking about would be a good idea if you want these cans. In addition to delivering "virtual" 7.1 surround sound and a fold-away boom mic, the rather hefty-looking accessory appears to include a PS2 Slim console over either ear. Weird, right?

JoystiqNow hear this: Sony's wireless PS3 stereo headset arrives in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwareheadphonesheadsetplaystationps3q3-2011release-datesceasonywirelesswireless-stereo-headsetFri, 27 May 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 sees record fiscal Q3 sales, Kinect sold 2.4M units in quarter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/xbox-360-sees-record-fiscal-q3-sales-kinect-sold-2-4m-units-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/xbox-360-sees-record-fiscal-q3-sales-kinect-sold-2-4m-units-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/xbox-360-sees-record-fiscal-q3-sales-kinect-sold-2-4m-units-in/#comments Microsoft reports results were up across the board in its fiscal-year third quarter (ending March 31, 2011), with the Redmond giant's Entertainment & Devices Division (EDD) -- that's Xbox and other stuff -- one of the standouts, enjoying 60 percent growth year-over-year. The group generated $1.94 billion in revenue and saw $225 million in profit in Q3, up 50 percent from the same period last fiscal year.

2.7 million Xbox 360 units were sold during the quarter, a new record for the console in Q3 sales (and up 70 percent over last year). Kinect sales followed suit with 2.4 million units sold in the quarter -- and passed the 10-million mark to boot. Microsoft expects revenue growth of at least 25 percent for the EDD during Q4, with "more to be shared at E3 in June."

Overall, thanks to strong sales of Windows 7, Microsoft recorded Q3 revenues of $16.43 billion and a net income of $5.23 billion.

JoystiqXbox 360 sees record fiscal Q3 sales, Kinect sold 2.4M units in quarter originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earningsfinancialfinancialsfy-2011hardwarekinectmicrosoftq3salesxboxFri, 29 Apr 2011 10:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Wii 2 codenamed Project Cafe, controller includes built-in touchscreen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/rumor-wii-2-codenamed-project-cafe-controller-includes-built-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/rumor-wii-2-codenamed-project-cafe-controller-includes-built-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/15/rumor-wii-2-codenamed-project-cafe-controller-includes-built-i/#comments The towering pile of rumors regarding Nintendo's next generation console, supposedly to be announced at E3, continues to grow today with a report from French news site 01net (which divined the hardware specs of the NGP before its official unveiling). Citing unnamed sources, the site claims the system is currently codenamed "Project Café," and adds that it does feature hardware resembling that of the Xbox 360, such as a three-core IBM PowerPC CPU.

The real meat of the report isn't in the specs of the console, but rather, its controller. According to 01net, the peripheral will feature a six-inch single-input touchscreen -- which corroborates a similar report published by CVG yesterday. The French site also says the controller features a standard set of buttons, a front-mounted camera (what?) and can even function as a Wii sensor bar, should the player choose to indulge in the console's built-in backwards compatibility. That's actually pretty believable -- after all, the same effect can be achieved using a pair of candles.

We'll keep an ear to the ground for any additional reports of a touchscreen-infused remote for the heavily rumored console. At the very least, we can be certain that over the course of the next few nights, visions of Final Fantasy: Crystal Chronicles and Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures will be dancing through our heads.

JoystiqRumor: Wii 2 codenamed Project Cafe, controller includes built-in touchscreen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>01netcontrollerhardwarenintendoproject-cafesystem-specstouchscreenwiiwii-2Fri, 15 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP overtakes 3DS in weekly Japanese hardware sales ranking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psp-overtakes-3ds-in-weekly-japanese-hardware-sales-ranking/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psp-overtakes-3ds-in-weekly-japanese-hardware-sales-ranking/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/psp-overtakes-3ds-in-weekly-japanese-hardware-sales-ranking/#comments The 3DS launched in Japan a little over a month ago, but already, the handheld seems to be losing a bit of steam. The deep-screened device slipped to second place in the weekly Media Create rankings, falling behind the PSP by a margin of about 15,000 units. What's more, according to a report from Japanese news site Inside Games, only around 836,000 3DS units have been sold in Japan so far -- a little over half of the initial Japanese shipment.

The earthquake and tsunami that devastated Japan on March 11 are likely a huge contributing factor to the device's slow start, and could be tied to the lack of a strong post-launch software lineup, which is certainly hurting sales. Only one 3DS title, Namco's Pro Baseball Famista 2011, made it into the Top 10 in software sales for the week of March 28, compared to six PSP games.

JoystiqPSP overtakes 3DS in weekly Japanese hardware sales ranking originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshardwareindustryjapanmedia-createnintendosalesFri, 08 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[3DS sales reach 113K units during UK launch weekend, 330K across EU]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/3ds-sales-reach-113k-units-during-uk-launch-weekend-330k-across/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/3ds-sales-reach-113k-units-during-uk-launch-weekend-330k-across/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/01/3ds-sales-reach-113k-units-during-uk-launch-weekend-330k-across/#comments Following its announcement of the 3DS's record US launch, Nintendo has revealed that the device was pocketed by roughly 113,000 UK buyers this past weekend, and by about 303,000 eager adopters across all of the European Union; and this despite the delay of the much-anticipated launch title Super Celery Man: 4D3D3DS.

According to Nintendo, the 3DS is now the fastest-selling handheld the company has ever released in the UK. As Nintendo was keen to point out, the 3DS even beat "the number achieved by Nintendo's market-leading home console Wii" in the region. Apparently, the third dimension resonates deeper with consumers than waggle tech. Who knew!

But even with all these record-breaking launches around the world, the 3DS seems unlikely to reach Nintendo's stated goal of 4 million units shipped by the end of March (which is to say, "by yesterday").

Joystiq3DS sales reach 113K units during UK launch weekend, 330K across EU originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Apr 2011 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdseueuropehardwarelaunchnintendopre-ordersalesukFri, 01 Apr 2011 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie: Nintendo's next home console unlikely to feature 3D]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/reggie-nintendos-next-home-console-unlikely-to-feature-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/reggie-nintendos-next-home-console-unlikely-to-feature-3d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/29/reggie-nintendos-next-home-console-unlikely-to-feature-3d/#comments Nintendo believes strongly in glasses-free 3D. The company wouldn't be able to achieve this feat on a home console, short of shipping an innovative TV in the box, so ... it's probably not going to do that.

"I think at Nintendo, we realize that any sort of goggle-type 3D technology was not going to work," 3DS hardware producer Hideki Konno told CNN. "In order to make 3D technology viable with video games, we thought we needed to have glasses-free 3D." Konno and his team at Nintendo did experiment with a 3D display tethered to a Wii before development of the 3DS began, but purely as a proof-of-concept for glasses-free 3D.

Echoing Konno's remarls, Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime told CNN, "Glasses-free is a big deal. We've not said publicly what the next thing for us will be in the home console space, but based on what we've learned on 3D, likely, that won't be it." It probably won't be 4D either -- that's been done.

JoystiqReggie: Nintendo's next home console unlikely to feature 3D originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3dsconsolehardwarehideki-konnonintendoreggie-fils-aimewiiwii-2Tue, 29 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: 3DS components cost about $100]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/report-3ds-components-cost-about-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/report-3ds-components-cost-about-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/24/report-3ds-components-cost-about-100/#comments UBM TechInsights has done a teardown of the Nintendo 3DS and marks the total cost of the system's hardware at $101. That's $15 more than the DSi was reportedly made for, though the 3DS also includes a 3D screen and a gyroscope, along with other enhancements.

Retailers are selling the 3DS for $250, but that's not all markup -- there are marketing, research and other charges associated with a console release, and everyone in the supply chain has to take their own cuts, of course. Still, Nintendo is likely making a profit on every unit sold, which is exactly as expected (and what it did with the Wii). Even before you start talking about games and licensing, Nintendo is making sure there's some money rolling back its way from day one.

JoystiqReport: 3DS components cost about $100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscomponentscostsdesigndshardwarenintendoUBM-techinsightsThu, 24 Mar 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Move creator suggests Sony won't abandon traditional controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/playstation-move-creator-suggests-sony-wont-abandon-traditional/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/playstation-move-creator-suggests-sony-wont-abandon-traditional/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/playstation-move-creator-suggests-sony-wont-abandon-traditional/#comments The chances that the PlayStation 4 will ship with a Move-like motion controller instead of traditional gamepad got a little slimmer, thanks to an interview with Sony R&D wizard Dr. Richard Marks. "I said that pretty much from the beginning that we're not trying to get rid of the gamepad," he told Gamasutra, saying of the idea that Sony might go motion-only for PS4: "I don't think that makes sense."

"The gamepad is a really good abstract device," Marks explained. "It can map to so many different things. It doesn't map one-to-one to those things, but it doesn't need to for a lot of game experiences."

Of course, Marks is no doubt tinkering on some future iteration of the Move technology, but there's one gameplay interface he apparently has no interest in exploring: brain waves. "I think the brain interface thing is too far," he admitted when the topic was broached. "When you play some of the experiences like Rock Band where you break into a sweat playing the drums, those things are good. I like those things. I don't want to remove all of that."

JoystiqPlayStation Move creator suggests Sony won't abandon traditional controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerhardwaremotion-controlplaystationplaystation-moveps3richard-markssceasonyThu, 17 Mar 2011 20:10:00 EST<![CDATA[The Nintendo 3DS: Unboxed!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/nintendo-3ds-unboxing-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/nintendo-3ds-unboxing-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/15/nintendo-3ds-unboxing-video/#comments Today, Nintendo showed up outside of Joystiq's NYC offices with seven women, all to hand deliver its newest portable system, the 3DS, in one large box. Join us in video form just after the break as we crack open the box and explore its three-dimensional contents.

There's even a sweet cameo from Nintendo of America prez Reggie Fils-Aime! Okay, okay -- it's just his signature. But he totally wrote us a letter!

Continue reading The Nintendo 3DS: Unboxed!

JoystiqThe Nintendo 3DS: Unboxed! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Mar 2011 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshardwarenintendounboxingTue, 15 Mar 2011 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 has biggest non-holiday month ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/xbox-360-has-biggest-non-holiday-month-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/xbox-360-has-biggest-non-holiday-month-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/xbox-360-has-biggest-non-holiday-month-ever/#comments Amongst all the NPD celebration, Microsoft arguably had the most reason to party: Xbox 360 sold 535,000 units in February of 2011, its biggest non-holiday month ever, up 27 percent over last year.

"We attribute it to Kinect momentum, as well as getting stock back in. People who wanted one in December are finally able to get one," Microsoft spokesperson David Dennis said.

Continue reading Xbox 360 has biggest non-holiday month ever

JoystiqXbox 360 has biggest non-holiday month ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-dennishardwaremicrosoftnpdsalesxboxThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[160GB PS3 with Killzone 3 bundle coming Feb. 22 for $300]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/160gb-ps3-with-killzone-3-bundle-coming-feb-22-for-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/160gb-ps3-with-killzone-3-bundle-coming-feb-22-for-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/160gb-ps3-with-killzone-3-bundle-coming-feb-22-for-3/#comments Sony is hoping you'll find its latest hardware bundle a killer deal. It's at least a Killzone deal -- the $300 package includes a 160GB PS3 console and a copy of its latest sci-fi FPS, Killzone 3. Considering that this PS3 model usually costs the same price by itself, it's technically a $60 savings. Y'know, if you don't have a PS3 and want Guerilla Games' new shooter.

If you're in that camp, visit your store of choice on February 22 -- the same day Killzone 3 hits shelves -- since that's when the pack goes on sale.

Joystiq160GB PS3 with Killzone 3 bundle coming Feb. 22 for $300 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleconsoleguerilla-gameshardwareKillzone-3playstationps3release-datesceasonyTue, 15 Feb 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crysis 2 minimum PC system requirements revealed, and a new trailer too [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/crysis-2-minimum-pc-system-requirements-revealed-and-a-new-trai/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/crysis-2-minimum-pc-system-requirements-revealed-and-a-new-trai/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/03/crysis-2-minimum-pc-system-requirements-revealed-and-a-new-trai/#comments The original Crysis was notable not only for its impressive graphics, but also for the beefy hardware required to produce those tropical landscapes. Today, the hardware specifications for the game's sequel were posted -- and strangely enough, they're extremely reasonable! We'd be willing to bet that even older, last-gen computers host the required components within their cold, rotting chassis. Don't believe us? Check out the full list of minimum specs for Crysis 2 after the jump, along with a new trailer (which probably wasn't recorded with a minimum-specs rig, but still -- check it out).

Oh, wait! That's right. We're writing this post from the year 3215, where things like "ATI 3850HD 512MB RAM" cards are as common as the air we breathe. Back in your pre-Robot Revolution era, they might be a little bit harder to come by.

Update: An EA representative emailed us, saying "These minimum specs are not official or final, we'll have an announcement about this soon."

Update: Okay, the specs posted after the jump are "official" now. They're both "official" and "final," and though they're nearly identical to the specs we posted last night, we feel very enthusiastic about their officiality and finality.

Continue reading Crysis 2 minimum PC system requirements revealed, and a new trailer too [update]

JoystiqCrysis 2 minimum PC system requirements revealed, and a new trailer too [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Crysis-2crytekeahardwarepcsystem-requirementsThu, 03 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS 'power save mode' illuminated]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/nintendo-3ds-power-save-mode-illuminated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/nintendo-3ds-power-save-mode-illuminated/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/28/nintendo-3ds-power-save-mode-illuminated/#comments The 3DS is a power-hungry device, a fact that Nintendo isn't hiding in the latest issue of Iwata Asks. Nintendo's Ryuji Umezu noted that the 3D display mode not only requires the device to render each image twice, but requires brighter brightness than a flat image. "In order to make it look just as bright as usual, you have to increase the brightness of the backlight, which increases the power used by even more," Umezu pointed out.

Thankfully, there are still some steps users can take to increase the longevity of the 3DS battery, such as turning off the wireless functionality (when it's not needed). Perhaps the most important of the power-saving options, though, is the system's "power save mode." Employing a technology called "active backlight," this feature "precisely controls the brightness of the backlight according to the brightness of the screen being displayed," Umezu explained. "When the screen as a whole is dark, the backlight itself gets darker, which saves power."

The energy savings offered by the power save mode should make it a requisite for every 3DS player. "With the backlight set to the brightest level and the power save mode turned off, battery duration was about three hours," Umezu said. "But if you use the power save mode under the same conditions, it gets about 10-20 percent longer." That's almost an extra half hour you could spend grooming your Nintendog ... or cat!

JoystiqNintendo 3DS 'power save mode' illuminated originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Jan 2011 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdshardwarenintendopower-save-modepower-savingFri, 28 Jan 2011 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony wants NGP hardware to be profitable and affordable]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/sony-wants-ngp-hardware-to-be-profitable-and-affordable/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/sony-wants-ngp-hardware-to-be-profitable-and-affordable/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/sony-wants-ngp-hardware-to-be-profitable-and-affordable/#comments The more responsible gaming hardware enthusiasts among you have probably reserved your excitement over the recently announced NGP until you learn the device's ever-important launch price. Given the impressive specs of the handheld -- as well as Sony's infamous tendency to overcharge for its new gaming hardware at launch -- we wouldn't blame you for worrying. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss Andrew House recently provided Eurogamer with the first potential hints about the console's MSRP, saying, "I can't put a ballpark on it in terms of figures, but what I would say is that we will shoot for an affordable price that's appropriate for the handheld gaming space."

However, Sony's not going to be giving the things away; House also shot down a Eurogamer source who claimed Sony would be selling the device at a loss. House explained, "we would want to have our hardware be profitable, in addition to our software," later adding, "We've experienced both sides and we know which one we like to be on!" That seems like a tricky balancing act: How exactly is Sony planning on introducing new (assumedly high-investment) technology at an affordable consumer price point and still hope for the NGP to remain profitable? Wizardry? Alchemy? Both?

As far as a firm number, Game Informer was the only outlet able to get anything out of Sony's biggest wigs -- when GI brought up the enormous launch price of the PS3, Sony Computer Entertainment president of worldwide studios Shu Yoshida laughed, and replied, "It's not going to be $599." We're glad events unfolded in that order -- had he said "It's not going to be $599," then laughed maniacally, we would have started to get really nervous.

JoystiqSony wants NGP hardware to be profitable and affordable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-househardwarelaunchngpplaystationplaystation-meeting-2011playstation-vitapriceprofitabilitypspshu-yoshidasonyvitaThu, 27 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP successor is official, codenamed 'NGP' (Next Generation Portable)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/psp2-ngp-next-generation-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/psp2-ngp-next-generation-portable/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/27/psp2-ngp-next-generation-portable/#comments Mock it up, talk it up and leak it out all you want, only Sony has the power to actually bring the so-called "PSP2" into the world -- and that moment has come. The "sequel" to the PlayStation Portable was made official today (like, just now!) during a press event in Japan, looking every bit as -- well, that thing looks like the PSP, doesn't it?

Codenamed "NGP" -- that's "Next Generation Portable" Entertainment System -- the device has been designed with five core tenets buzz phrases in mind, according to Sony: Revolutionary User Interface; Social Connectivity; Location-based Entertainment; Converging Real and Virtual; and PlayStation Suite Compatibility.

But what does that mean? For starters, the new hardware features dual analog sticks; a 5-inch OLED display (with 960x544 resolution -- four times the PSP's); a front touchscreen and rear touchpad (woah!); 3G, WiFi, Bluetooth and GPS; and, for good measure, the same six-axis motion system that propels the Move, plus a three-axis compass -- oh, and we can't forget the front and rear cameras (those come standard these days). Of course, the NGP plays games, too, which will be offered on new flash memory-based cards (so long UMD!) that feature added storage for DLC and game saves.

The NGP is coming this holiday season.

Update: Complete hardware specs, provided by Sony, are posted after the break.

Continue reading PSP successor is official, codenamed 'NGP' (Next Generation Portable)

JoystiqPSP successor is official, codenamed 'NGP' (Next Generation Portable) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codenamehardwarenext-generation-portablengpplaystationplaystation-meeting-2011playstation-vitapsppsp2sonysony-computer-entertainmentspecsvitaThu, 27 Jan 2011 01:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Too many pictures of the 3DS and its built-in software]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/too-many-pictures-of-the-3ds-and-its-built-in-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/too-many-pictures-of-the-3ds-and-its-built-in-software/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/too-many-pictures-of-the-3ds-and-its-built-in-software/#commentsIf you're ready to get a closer look at the 3DS and its accessories -- without actually holding one (sorry!) -- check out these new images. We've got lots of pictures of the hardware itself, along with the charging cradle, that cool extending stylus thing, and, um, the AC adapter. We also have screens of all the built-in software: Activity Log, Mii Maker, AR Games, Face Raiders, and more.

After the break, indulge your 3DS hardware fetish even further (or just see more about the system, if you prefer) with a video demonstration of the system and some "Lifestyle" shots.

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS (Hardware)

Gallery: Nintendo 3DS (Built-in software)

Continue reading Too many pictures of the 3DS and its built-in software

JoystiqToo many pictures of the 3DS and its built-in software originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-launchbuilt-in-softwaredshardwarenintendosystem-demoWed, 19 Jan 2011 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo comments on 3DS region locking]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/nintendo-comments-on-3ds-region-locking/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/nintendo-comments-on-3ds-region-locking/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/nintendo-comments-on-3ds-region-locking/#comments Nintendo has offered vague confirmation to VG247 of last week's report that 3DS hardware and software would include regional lockout programming. "Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian," clarified a company statement, which added that "there is the possibility that Nintendo 3DS software sold in one region will not function properly when running on Nintendo 3DS hardware sold in another."

Nintendo cited obvious language differences, as well as regional age ratings, parental controls and "local laws" as factors in the manufacturing of (subtly) different hardware models. Additionally, the variations of the handheld are designed to provide "network services" that are compatible with regional technology. Like the DSi Shop before it, the 3DS's digital distribution channel is likely to be only stocked with region-locked content.

As for physical products, Nintendo assured that "guidance" would appear on all 3DS hardware and software packaging. (NTSC-coded Wii game boxes, for example, include the note: "For sale, rental and use only in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Latin America.") "If you are in doubt," the statement concluded, "Nintendo recommends that you only purchase Nintendo 3DS software in the region where [you] purchased your Nintendo 3DS system."

Tomorrow, you'll find out how to purchase that system in your region of choice -- and for how much.

JoystiqNintendo comments on 3DS region locking originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdrmdshardwarenintendoregion-lockedregion-lockingsoftwareTue, 18 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[China's Kinect-like eBox console launch delayed for 'improvements']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/chinas-kinect-like-ebox-console-launch-delayed-for-improvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/chinas-kinect-like-ebox-console-launch-delayed-for-improvement/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/18/chinas-kinect-like-ebox-console-launch-delayed-for-improvement/#comments PC maker Lenovo had planned to launch its China-exclusive eBox games console this month, but has decided to delay its release until sometime after February, a report by ITworld says. The hardware, which is said to have integrated motion-tracking technology similar to Microsoft's Kinect, is being held back for "improvements," according to the article.

The eBox is being built by Lenovo subsidiary Beijing Eedoo Technology to be a "family" device not reliant on high-end graphics. The company claims it will have 30 titles for launch, some from US and French developers. If one of them is Ubisoft and the game is Fighters Uncaged, the eBox is sure to be a hit.

JoystiqChina's Kinect-like eBox console launch delayed for 'improvements' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaconsoledelayeboxhardwarekinectLenovoTue, 18 Jan 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 and PS3 dominated UK in 2010, game market sales totaled £2.875 billion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/xbox-360-and-ps3-dominated-uk-in-2010-game-market-sales-totaled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/xbox-360-and-ps3-dominated-uk-in-2010-game-market-sales-totaled/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/xbox-360-and-ps3-dominated-uk-in-2010-game-market-sales-totaled/#comments The UK video game market withstood a 13 percent sales decline in 2010 from 2009, according to The Association for UK Interactive Entertainment's annual report. UKIE put total software and hardware sales at £2.875 billion ($4.8 billion) in the territory last year, with console games alone accounting for £1.45 billion ($2.26 billion) of the total gross.

The Xbox 360 and PS3 were the only hardware platforms to see sales growth, with the 360 accounting for £232 million ($361 million) in sales from 18.2 million consoles sold (thanks price break!), and the PS3 just below that figure with £229 million ($357 million) in sales from 13.8 million units. UKIE didn't share specific numbers for handhelds or the Wii, though its report notes the total revenue for console hardware sales amounted to £800 million ($1.25 billion) in 2010.

Of course, key product releases helped sell those consoles -- the biggest undoubtedly being Call of Duty: Black Ops, which smashed UK sales records upon launch. Kinect and PlayStation Move presumably aided sales growth for their respective consoles, too, though UKIE didn't detail the specific fiscal impact of either in its report.

JoystiqXbox 360 and PS3 dominated UK in 2010, game market sales totaled £2.875 billion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessCall-of-Duty-Black-Opsdshardwaremicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsalessoftwaresonyukukiewiixboxTue, 04 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 speeds past 430K sold to top weekly sales in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gran-turismo-5-speeds-past-430k-sold-to-top-weekly-sales-in-jpn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gran-turismo-5-speeds-past-430k-sold-to-top-weekly-sales-in-jpn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/01/gran-turismo-5-speeds-past-430k-sold-to-top-weekly-sales-in-jpn/#comments Not quite Pokémon numbers, Gran Turismo 5's launch week sales were still plenty enough to land the long-awaited racing sim firmly in first place atop Japan's bestsellers list for the week ending November 28. With 430,707 units sold (by Media Create's count) in its first four days at Japanese retail, GT5 is well on its way to recouping development costs that were estimated at $60 million a year ago and becoming a commercial success for Sony.

But slow down, tiger -- Yamauchi's latest "game" is still far from topping the series' standout entry, Gran Turismo 3: A-Spec, which has amassed lifetime sales of 1.89 million units in Japan (14.89 million worldwide), according to developer Polyphony Digital.

Back to the present: Sony also enjoyed a tremendous spike in PS3 hardware sales last week in Japan, with 68,840 units sold -- nearly a 140-percent increase from the previous week. Complete Japanese software and hardware sales for the GT5 launch week are listed after the break.

Gallery: Gran Turismo 5 Racing Pack (Japan)

Continue reading Gran Turismo 5 speeds past 430K sold to top weekly sales in Japan

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 speeds past 430K sold to top weekly sales in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5hardwareJapanlaunchmedia-createplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3salessoftwaresonyWed, 01 Dec 2010 19:30:00 EST