Reuters reports that Nintendo president Satoru Iwata said the Wii U will arrive in the US, Europe, Australia and Japan by the end of 2012.

This will take advantage of the end-of-year shopping season, which Nintendo hopes will drive sales of the new console.

The Wii U will offer a touchscreen tablet-shaped controller and precision motion controls. The controller will display information that won’t appear on TV screens. The console itself will also offer HD graphics.

It will be the first of the next-generation games consoles launched, as rumours suggest the next Xbox – which many have dubbed the ‘Xbox 720’ thanks to the lack of an official name – will see a release by the end of 2013.

Reports have said it could be six times more powerful than the Xbox 360 and that developers will get development kits for the console in August of this year.

Kotaku reports that the next Xbox could be able to play Blu-ray discs but may include an “anti-used game system” which may mean the console won’t be able to play used games. It could be used to aid publishers who lose money from used games sold by gaming retailers, though this rumour is unconfirmed from Microsoft.

The next Xbox could also have a smaller controller and could ship with a new version of the Kinect hands-free motion sensor.

As for the next PlayStation, Kazuo Hirai, who is responsible for Sony’s video game division, believes the PlayStation 3 has a “10-year cycle” and that Sony will not stray from this. this could mean that the next PlayStation may not emerge until 2016.

Laura O'Brien | |

Nintendo kicks off next-gen battle, plans late 2012 Wii U launch

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(SkyNewswire.com) it was 10 years back on Nov fifteen when Microsoft attracted the attention of video game players with a video game system that would change the concept of video gaming. 10 years after Xbox release, Xbox 360 Pro remains a video gaming phenomenon in spite of of the huge competition. Although, Xbox 360 Pro isn’t a new game system release, it is still one of the most preferred choices among professional and amateur game players around the planet. A recent consumer poll disclosed that “Xbox 360 leads in consumer satisfaction in Japan,” with virtually 80% ahead of Sony’s PS3 and Wii. According to the same survey, Xbox 360 is the most played home video game system with virtually 30 hours of utilisation per week. “These findings are barely surprising,” said [name here], pro video game player and founding figure behind one of the hottest Xbox 360 web resources. “Each of the top 3 video game systems, Xbox 360, Play Station and Wii, provides special features and that is exactly what makes consumers’ choice less complicated. when it comes to Xbox 360 Pro, it’s a choice for people that want real value for their money” he explained. However, what makes Xbox 360 Pro stick out from other comparable products and even top some of the most recent releases? it seems the best virtue of Xbox 360 Pro is it has all a game player may want – wonderful graphics, extraordinary sound, ultimate gaming performance, excellent entertainment capabilities, at a particularly affordable price. another major virtue of Xbox 360 is that it’s completely simple to utilise and service. Thanks to the fact that it’s a model survived the test of time, users can nicely use it without the chance of any surprising problems or complex upkeep issues. Ultimately, Xbox 360 Pro is now usually sold with various free elements such as additional controllers, cables and such like, that ought really to be purchased separately in case you would go for another model. therefore, it seems that the way ahead for Xbox video game consoles may well be in their past. In spite of the huge number of newer video game system releases, Xbox 360 Pro stays one of the finest choices for both professional and greenhorn video game players worldwide because it features exceptional gaming and entertainment at exceptional cost.mark Hubbard is a professional Xbox game player and founder of http://xbox360prosystem.com, a leading online resource devoted to the most recent reports, events, guidance and hints that emerge from the arena of gaming.

SkyNewswire.com – Xbox 360 Pro: Turn Back to the Future of Gaming and Entertainment – Gadgets & Gizmo's – News

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Wii Rock Band 2, the sensational, musical Nintendo video game has arrived. So have the other versions for Xbox 360, PS2, Playstation 3 platforms. Rocking news indeed. When Guitar Hero came out for Wii, I couldn’t keep my hands off from the guitar. I thought, this was a nice surprise for a game. Especially since it is related to playing music, my biggest passion apart from tech stuff. When the version 1 came out for Wii, it was even better for everyone. Now for those of us who love the original version which allows us to be in the spotlights and rock a tune, is the new Wii Rock Band 2. This particular application is one that is definitely going to help in improving the abilities of playing superstar, even if only for a couple of hours.

As most of you may know, the Wii version has been released by the company Harmonix, just in time before last christmas and the new Year. This version of playing with the band has become available in stores since December 18, 2008. Included in this new and improved application is 20 free songs to Wii, as well as the option to download even more songs. With a total of 84 options to jam with, this is definitely something to begin rocking out about.

Multi-Platform Release - A huge Benefit

Not only does the Wii Rock Band 2 offers the downloads and plenty of options for music, but is gearing up to become a multi-platform release including Xbox 360, PS2 version and Playstation 3 Versions. This gives us a huge benefit of having this new release, as it is going to advance with each of the game stations, from the Wii to the Playstation. You can expect this specific version to have standalone software, drums, guitar and a special edition bundle that provides a complete set-up to take center stage.

With this new release are positive reviews that show this specific new game is something you will want to work on playing. The major advantage that is being seen with this new release is that the musical concept no longer includes individual downloads and settings for guitar or singing. instead, it has become an all-in-one package, including the ability to download extra information. This also includes an online arena to get into the spotlight with. Not only that, but Wii Rock Band 2 is taking it up a notch by making the guitar chords and drum patterns a little bit more difficult. if you want to be even more versatile, then you can combine instruments and trade characters for a full experience.

The initial release prices are as follows available across two platforms (standalone instruments for the PS2 are already available)

• Rock Band 2 Standalone Software (Wii) $49.99 MSRP
• Rock Band 2 Standalone Software (PlayStation 2 System) $49.99 MSRP
• Rock Band 2 Standalone Drums (Wii) $89.99 MSRP
• Rock Band 2 Standalone Guitar (Wii) $69.99 MSRP
• Rock Band 2 Special Edition Bundle (Wii) $189.99 MSRP

So if you are ready to get the crowds shouting and want to take your show on the road, then you can step up with the new Wii Rock Band 2. This particular game is getting rave reviews and is showing that it is able to offer a new way of virtually rocking out. For anyone who wants to spend even more time enjoying rock and roll, the Wii version is definitely your next pit stop.

Wii Rock Band 2 Review – Xbox 360, PS2, Playstation 3 Version Releases

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When it comes to the console war, we think of fanboys and girls going at it. we think negatively of each console and always brag to our friends how much better our consoles are than next person. although, things are getting better and people are becoming more and more diverse in terms of owning video game consoles by owning multiple consoles rather then just one single console. Nintendo Wii gets left out of the category most of the time, and has its own fan base (families, non-gamers, etc) which strays away from the hardcore gamer.

Playstation 3 and Xbox 360, have been pushing each other for more than 4 years now. with the technology becoming more advance and powerful, the video game industry is making lots of money from demanding consumers.video games are coming to the point where its topping most major movies. with that said, everyone wants a piece of the pie and major movies seem to always rush a game to release with their console. which most of the time ends up becoming a flop.

The hardcore gamer is a growing community which is becoming more and more known as more and more people begin to play games. both Sony and Microsoft push each other to the limits to have the better game of the season. Halo vs Uncharted or Metal Gear vs Gears of War. these are all games that push each other to the graphical limits and who knows where it will go from there. The competition is growing fierce – meaning this is the best time to be a gamer.

Playstation 3 and Xbox 360

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I’ve always enjoyed how the Wii has got more people playing games in our family. Not just because they are engaging with my hobby, but because I hope that as they grow up we will continue to share this, rather than the kids gravitating towards their bedrooms.

Driver San Francisco is an interesting game in this respect. I mentioned how we got on better with the 360/PS3 game than the 3DS version – particularly when the age rating got me into hot water with my youngest son. but it’s only recently that I’ve spent time with the Wii game, and although it’s not perfect by any means it offers some very significant features here for family gaming.

The best of these is the way you can introduce a second player to assist via a Wii Remote. I know there’s nothing hugely unusual there we have seen this in various games from Mario Galaxy to call of Duty Modern Warfare Reflex, but in Driver this is combined with the ability to also include a third player via the DS…

The real novelty is the Wii game’s use of the DS. It’s a little like Batman brave and Bold (Wii) that used the related DS title to enable players to control a third character, but here you don’t need a DS cartridge to play it. you can download the game from the Wii to the DS so that a second (or third) player can use the handheld to check the map and place roadblocks to surprising pursuers.

Playing this way is actually one of the most involved family games I’ve played on the Wii. With my oldest in control of the car, me taking charge of the shooting using a second Wii-mote and my younger son checking the map on his DS it felt like the whole family was involved in the cleanup of San Francisco. you do have to bear in mind that this is ESRB: Teen (not quite as blue, or aggressive as the 3DS version which is ESRB: Mature), but by turning the sound down we avoided most of the bad language.

This is rounded off on the Wii by a two player co-operative story mode where you play in split screen, and a four-player split screen party mode. these combine with the single player campaign to offer a very comprehensive set of ways to play.

With the Wii U around the corner, it’s good to see big publishers like Ubisoft still willing to take risks like this.

Driver San Francisco Offers Many Ways to Play

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Console gaming is fast becoming the biggest pastime, most households own at least one games console. More and more new technologies become available all the time, with so many different systems on the Market which one is the best? that can only be decided by you as each console has its own strengths and weaknesses, and each one could be suitable for one household and not another. As an avid gamer and owner of most consoles I hope to shed a little light on the answer for you.

Nintendo have been making game consoles for many years, their latest creation the Wii is an amazing piece of kit which on release was ahead of its time. The motion sensor method of controlling your game has revolutionized the way lots of people get their exercise these days, with the creation of the Wii fit.

Nintendo in my opinion make some of the best family games, with characters like super Mario it is all good clean wholesome fun. While the Wii does have some more adult titles it is the kid friendly ones it is best known for.

I find the Wii a great console encouraging you to get up out of your chair and immerse yourself in the experience, but graphically I feel it can’t keep up with the Xbox 360 or playstation 3.

This truly is an excellent game console; it has nearly everything you could possibly want. Xbox live is a really effective portal to online gaming that is easy to use, within minutes you could be playing your favourite games with someone the other side of the world.

Initially it did not have motion sensor capabilities, but that is about to change with the kinect system being released shortly.

There is a great mix of games available for all members of the family. The Xbox does have HD capabilities and as such is in my opinion graphically superior to the Wii; the ability to download movies and games direct to the hard drive is awesome. all these reasons make the Xbox an exciting addition to any home entertainment set up.

For me though it has to be a playstation 3. it has everything online games, huge hard drive for the mass of downloadable content. The catalogue of games available for the ps3 is immense, with great shooters and family games too.

HD gaming on the ps3 has to be seen to be believed and with more great titles coming the future is looking good. one of the main reasons I enjoy my playstation 3 so much is not only will it play games but it is a very decent blu ray player too.

All the reasons above are from my personal experiences, playing games with friends and family. Ultimately you will choose the game console that suits your situation best, so enjoy all it has to offer and have many years of happy gaming.

Xbox 360 Vs Playstation 3 Vs Nintendo Wii – Which is the Right Console For You?

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With BlockBuster almost entirely out of the picture when it comes to neighbor hood rentals after filing for bankruptcy late last year, Redbox has picked up the much of the slack. their famous $1 DVD rentals are a hit and the company even began offering HD content on Blu-rays for $1.50 last year. Today, Redbox announced that it would now begin offering rentals for the latest video games for just $2 a day. the company has apparently tested this in select locations since August 2009.

“Redbox will increase consumers’ access to video game rentals by leveraging our incredible technology and business model to keep rental prices low for consumers,” said Mitch Lowe, president, redbox. “with more than 21,000 redbox locations slated to feature video game rentals alongside movies this June, redbox will be the one-stop shop for entertainment.”

Over 21,000 of the 27,000 Redbox locations will offer Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, and the Xbox 360 titles at launch on June 17th, 2011. Considering that nearly 64% of people in the United States own a gaming console, according to the press release, it sounds like a great move.

I think that a game for $2 is a pretty reasonable price to pay for those who only want to play a game few times a year. however, I would suggest checking out GameFly if you plan on renting more than four games a month. For about $8, you can get access to as many titles as you want by mail. Emerging solutions such as OnLive, which streams games over the internet without needing physical media, is also a possible option for those with fast network connections.

So here is the big question, would you rent a video game from redbox? is one day enough to beat an entire game? two bucks a day quickly begins adding up.

Links: redbox

Redbox Announces Video Game Rentals For $2

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It’s Easter as you may have gathered, and while there is a big wedding coming up this weekend, which means another four days off for most of us, that’s not stopping publishers, especially SEGA from bringing us some new games.

The two big titles hitting this week both come from SEGA, in the form of Virtua Tennis 4 for PS3, Xbox 360, DS and Wii, and also Thor, which also hits the big three consoles, in addition to the Nintendo DS.

The only other titles of note really are Persona 3 for the PSP, and if you are a PS3 fitness fan, Zumba Fitness.

So a quiet week, no doubt in preparation for May, which is bringing us some rather big games.

Here is this week’s releases:

Remember, just click on the format of your choice to order.

Share and enjoy:

The week ahead, New Releases: 25/04 – 29/04

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And robots.

But after the panel discussion, I also had a chance to go tour some additions to AT&T’s research lab in Austin. I first wrote about the lab last year, but I was excited this week to go see new Home Reference Lab and the latest efforts by the U-verse TV team to optimize 3-D video signals.

The home reference lab is basically the world’s most awesome man cave.

The researchers had to build the room from scratch, transforming a one-time conference room into the most fun laboratory outside the Krispy Kreme test kitchen.

The goal is to study what sorts of issues might pop up in an AT&T’s subscriber’s home as they add new devices and services to their network.

Since the AT&T lab building is a massive generator of wireless interference, the researchers had sheets of metal foil built into the walls to block outside signals, and then installed just about every imaginable piece of home theater gear. There are nine HD televisions, eight U-verse set top boxes, Wii, PS3, Xbox 360 and OnLive game consoles, a Blu-ray player, surround sound, Apple TV and more.

Also, the chairs are very comfy.

Sophisticated diagnostic equipment measures network performance, and the team can track which apps and devices are putting the heaviest loads on the network. Streaming video obviously is a big burden, but performance by device and source varies.

That info is helpful when a customer calls to complain about a slowdown in their browsing speed. a tech can examine the draw on the customer’s bandwidth and suggest perhaps having Jr. dial back the BitTorrent downloads if dad needs to access a video presentation for work.

Once I’d wiped up my drool, I went to speak with Pierre Costa, who heads up the video encoder lab.

At South by Southwest in Austin, ‘Connected future’ envisioned for electronic devices

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