consoles

Xbox 360 Premium now includes HDMI

The Xbox 360 is getting to be a better deal all the time. Hot off the news of a price drop, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox 360 Premium--which now retails for $350--now includes an HDMI output. The confirmation comes after Shacknews posted photos of a newly purchased Xbox 360 with the telltale port, essentially proving that the rumored upgrade was already available in stores.

So what's the big deal? HDMI provides a single-cable, all-digital connection to compatible HDTVs and AV receivers, delivering far fewer wires, higher quality, and better 1080p compatibility than the combination of component video and … Read more

Xbox 360 price drops now official

After weeks of credible rumors, Microsoft finally made it official: the Xbox 360 will be cheaper as of August 8. The new price points are as follows:

Xbox 360 Core: The cheapest 360 drops just $20, to $280. But since it still doesn't come with a hard drive--which will cost you at least $100--you're much better stepping up to the Premium version (see below).

Xbox 360 Premium: The sweet spot in the Xbox 360 lineup drops $50, to $350. If you don't need HDMI output and you're not planning on downloading a lot of videos, … Read more

Console modding: Right or wrong?

In a recent blog on CNET News.com it was learned that modders in 16 states were brought down for allegedly selling and distributing "circumvention devices."

While federal agents, including U.S. Customs officials, are heralding the capture of these "criminals" as a mark of significant progress in the fight against modding, I'm not so quick to agree.

At its very core, what is so wrong with modding, or modifying, one's gadgets? While I admittedly don't know as much about the techniques involved, because I don't own any modded devices, I still … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week--I hear crickets

Not every week can be a great week for Wii virtual console gaming. Unfortunately, this is one of those weeks. Here are the less than spectacular Wii virtual console releases for the week of July 30.

Star Soldier (1988, NES, 500 Wii points)--A game that set the bar for vertically scrolling shooters, Star Soldier was the first in the Soldier series. Dynamite Headdy (1994, Sega Genesis, 800 Wii points)--Dynamite Headdy is a comic action game that will surely attract the attention of fans of classic platformers. Drop Off (1990, Turbografx 16, 600 Wii points)--Drop Off is an … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Nothing whetting your gaming appetite this week? Well, it's good to know that you can play the back nine with Kirby, attack hordes of monsters with a pinball, or conquer the forces of darkness with this week's three new virtual console releases for the Wii.

Kirby's Dream Course (1994, Super Nintendo, 800 Wii points)--This Kirby adventure has you hitting the links on a number of golf courses inspired from the series. Devil's Crush (1990, Turbografx 16, 600 Wii points)--Devil's Crush is an action pinball game and the sequel to Alien Crush. Instead of … Read more

Wii Virtual Console releases for this week

E3 has come and gone, but at least you can count on Mondays to deliver three new Virtual Console games ready for download on your Wii.

Paper Mario (2001, N64, 1000 Wii points)--A game that completely reinvented the Mario franchise, Paper Mario made way for games like the acclaimed GameCube title Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door and the more recent gem, Super Paper Mario on the Wii. Balloon Fight (1986, NES, 500 Wii points)--One of the most recognizable games in the history of the industry is now available for download. Few titles have been resurrected as many … Read more

The 'Wii Party Station' is our kind of gaming

We've never been into games all that much, so we've felt a bit left out with all that's going on at E3 this week. Then we saw it--the Nyko "Wii Party Station" (cue the angels' choir).

This heavenly contraption may not save you from the killer zombies of Resident Evil Umbrella Chronicles, but it may well help dull the pain from their undead doings. The reason: It has four cupholders that will keep your beers cool, as well as a fan to do the same with your hands, according to Technabob. It's kind of … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

Here are the virtual console releases for the week of July 9.

Yoshi (1992, NES, 500 Wii points) - Yoshi marks the first game solely devoted to Mario's dino friend. It's strictly a puzzle game, where you must match like objects in order to release Yoshi from his egg prison. Mach Rider (1985, NES, 500 Wii points) - Come visit the year 2112 as envisioned by a 1980s video game developer! Mach Rider drops you in the middle of an intergalactic battle for Earth and all you've got is your motorcycle. Air Zonk (1992, TurboGrafx 16, 600 … Read more

Wii virtual console releases for this week

As it does every Monday, Nintendo has released three new virtual console games to download via the Wii shop channel. They are:

Super Mario Bros. 2 (1988, NES, 500 Wii points) - Revisit this 1988 classic and play as Mario, Luigi, Toad, or the Princess, through seven different worlds. Dragon Spirit (1989, TurboGrafx 16, 600 Wii points) - This classic vertically scrolling shooter (they sure don't make 'em like they used to) takes you through eight levels on your mission to save Princess Alicia. Ecco: The Tides of Time (1994, Genesis, 800 Wii points) - The Tides of Time … Read more