consoles

Sony's PSP 'virtual console' in the works

In a brief interview with MTV Multiplayer late last week, Sony's Director of Hardware Marketing John Koller says that Sony plans to expand its digital catalog to include non-PlayStation console titles as well as back-catalog games from the PlayStation One console.

"PSOne is included, but everything is on the table. We look for some of those big hits from all of the past games in their history and look for ways we can bring them over," John Koller says. "It's not always easy. There are obviously technical areas that need to be bridged. But when … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us an interactive board game for the whole family and a turn-based fantasy game from the Super Nintendo. WiiWare Family & Friends Party (Gammick Entertainment, 1,000 Wii points): Up to eight people can play along in this interactive board game. Compete in single challenges or events that require multiple simultaneous players. Virtual Console Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen (1993, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points): Take down the evil Empire in this turn-based strategy game. It's your duty to lead a group of rebels to destroy the Zetegenian using magic weapons and Tarot … Read more

Nintendo DSi gets three more colors--in Japan

Nintendo frequently relaunches its products in different colors, a fact we have gotten quite used to. And even before the new DSi makes its way out of Japan, the company has announced new colors. Behold the pink, green, and blue DSi gaming handhelds, which will be available only in Japan.

Launch dates for Europe (April 3) and Australia (April 2) have also been announced, aside from the April 5 rollout for the U.S. While the U.S. will get the DSi in black and blue, Europe and Australia will have it in either black or white. As for Asia … Read more

Get an Xbox 360 Pro bundle for $239 shipped

Good news, game fans! Dell just knocked another $20 off the Xbox 360 Pro Holiday Bundle, bringing the total price down to $239.20 shipped. (Use coupon code PLDWH47D$6BT2J at checkout to get the discounted price.)

This bundle includes two kid-friendly games: LEGO Indiana Jones (awesome, awesome game) and Kung Fu Panda (haven't played it).

As for the Xbox itself, it's the 60GB model with the highly desirable HDMI output--though you'll have to provide your own HDMI cable.

This is the lowest price I've seen yet on a new Xbox 360 Pro, and you get … Read more

Stream video to your PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360

Streaming video and other media to your Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 is a lot easier than you might think. You'll want to start weighing your options with the help of a very detailed feature from CNET sister-site Gamespot, which lays out all of your video streaming choices. Things may get a bit dicey during the configuration of these programs, so don't forget Google is your friend.

When you stream content to a console, you'll need to use a network-connected computer to serve the media. For best results, we really recommend a wired connection as you'll … Read more

Is Sega planning a return to the console market?

If you've read the Digital Home for the past two years, you probably know that I hold a special place in my heart for Sega. I was always a heavy Genesis user and subsequent to that, I owned every console Sega released. That's precisely why a report from Siliconera has me excited.

According to the publication, Sega has trademarked two names, "Ringwide" and "Ringedge," as well as a logo containing rings. The trademark clearly says that the names will be used for "arcade game boards...stand alone video game machines, [or] arcade game machines with built-in screens."

So what can this mean? Obviously it's too early to tell, but some are saying that it could be Sega's return to the arcade business. I'm sure they would get excited about that, but the arcade business is a shadow of its former self. Since console gaming became a mainstay, it has lost much of its importance. I just don't see Sega investing in the arcade business.

But what if this filing is for a top-secret console the company is developing to compete with the next-generation of hardware? Will Ringwide or Ringedge take on the Wii 2, PlayStation 4, and Xbox 720?

I certainly hope so.… Read more

Calculator puts value on emotional anguish

Count on the Japanese to tote up something like the Consolation Money Calculator. Despite its rather Toy "R" Us design, toy maker Wiz Inc's 2,415 yen ($30) offering has a sinister mode. Besides being a conventional calculator, it also tallies up the net worth, in yen, of any emotional anguish incurred.

Just enter your profile information and choose the relation of the perpetrator of your anguish from a list that includes boss or boyfriend. Fill in a few more details relating to your earlier selections, and hit the "mental damage" button to calculate the … Read more

Return of the $339.99 PlayStation 3

Seriously? Sony is still pricing the PlayStation 3 at $400? That was fine when Blu-ray Disc players were selling for about the same price (the PS3 doubles as one), but now that you can snag a standalone player for as low as $150 (and an Xbox Arcade for $170), it's time for Sony to seriously rethink the PS3's price tag.

In the meantime, the best deal going comes from Dell: an 80GB PlayStation 3 for $339.99 shipped (plus sales tax in some states). These are new consoles, not refurbs, and you don't need the usual Dell … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us an arcade platform for WiiWare and an adventure in Monster Land. WiiWare Niki - Rock 'n' Ball (Bplus, 500 Wii points): Niki - Rock 'n' Ball is a platforming game that approaches a classic game mechanic in a brand new way. Liberate villages by eliminating the enemies that have appeared. Virtual Console Wonder Boy in Monster Land (1988, Sega Master System, 500 Wii points): Weird box art aside, you'll take on the role of Wonder Boy as you battle fire-breathing dragons and other strange enemies. Use magic spells and weapons to make your quest a … Read more

'Guitar Hero' for Xbox or PS3, $39.99 shipped

Sorry about the bankruptcy, Circuit City, but thanks for the excellent deals while you're reorganizing.

The latest: Guitar Hero: Aerosmith Special Edition Wireless Bundle for Xbox 360, normally $69.99, is now $39.99 shipped. Got a PlayStation 3? No worries: same bundle, same price.

But wait, there's more: Circuit City also has Guitar Hero III: Legends of Rock with Guitar for PlayStation 2. Once again: $39.99 shipped.

I'll admit that I never got bitten by the Guitar Hero bug (perhaps because I'm past the age of 23--kidding!), but for $40, I might just splurge. … Read more