The next generation Xbox console, rumored to be named Xbox 720, will be sporting a GPU based on the Radeon 6000 series, according to a rumor from IGN. The Radeon 6000 series was launched last year, and the Xbox 720 version will reportedly be close to the Radeon HD 6670 — a mid-range GPU. Despite being a mid-range GPU in 2011, it’s still said to be 6 times more powerful than the current Xbox 360 ATI GPU. Mass production of the chip is said to start in late 2012, which could mean a new console launch at the very end of 2012 or the beginning of 2013. Compared to the Wii U, another new console that’s launching this year, the Xbox 720 GPU will be around 20% more powerful.
The Nintendo 3DS has been on the market for a little while not garnering positive reception pretty much across the board. While there are many different titles currently on the market the console’s library is sure to expand with high quality games as time goes on.
One title gamers have been earning for information on is the 3DS’ Harvest Moon. Dubbed Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Tales, this new addition to the game will allow gamers to do all of the things they’ve come to know and love in previous games including tending to a farm and interactive with members of society.
Another important thing to make note of is the fact that regardless of if you have a Nintendo 3DS or DS you will be able to get down on this game the reason being that Harvest Moon: The Tale of Two Tales will see a simultaneous release on both consoles. Expect the game to be out sometime this summer and we’ll keep you posted as more information is made available.
While we can go off and tell you about the important of digital distribution we’ll most likely bore you as you’re sure to be well aware of it. Regardless of all of the hype surrounding these various outlets they continue to deliver of their promise of phasing out physical distribution. In fact, according to a recent report it seems that 50% of console gamers purchased a digital game in 2010. This, quite obviously, refers to online services like Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and the Wii’s various methods of digital distribution.
In comparison, EEDAR suggests that in 2009 just 43% of gamers purchased a digital game which means things are noticeably on the incline with no signs of slowing. Of course, most of these purchases were most like the cheap (yet great) independently developed titles available in these various digital outlets. On that note, I’d be interested to see how many gamers actually purchased a full fledged $50+ game through one of these outlets.
Are you a console gamer who has purchased a digital game within the last year? If so, let us know.
If you’re any sort of self respecting gamer you’ve undoubtedly heard of Blizzard. This game company is one of the most successful currently on the market with titles like World of Warcraft and StarCraft 2 gaining positive reception across the board. However, the outfit also has another title coming to market (hopefully this year) that has been generating a ton of buzz dubbed Diablo 3.
While Diablo and 2 have been PC games, there have been some rumors that Diablo 3 would be making the jump to consoles. While Blizzard has yet to speak of the matter, they have just posted a job listing seeking potential candidates for a Diablo title that have a background in console development. Below is said listing:
Blizzard Entertainment is looking for a highly organized individual with outstanding communications and project management skills for the Diablo team. The ideal candidate has prior experience in console game development and has a keen knowledge of how each discipline operates and interacts. Self-direction and follow-up skills are a must, as well as the ability to anticipate production issues and find effective solutions. The candidate must be fully committed to seeing projects through from inception to completion, and delivering games on time with the highest quality.
Of course, this doesn’t official confirm that Diablo 3 will be coming to consoles it would make a bit of sense considering it would allow Blizzard to reach a whole new audience with their game.
via gamasutra
Sony came forward not too long ago to show off their second generation dedicated portable video game console codenamed the NGP or otherwise referred to as the PSP 2. This device features things like touch panels on the front and rear, true joysticks, a quad-core processor, 3G connectivity and much more. Considering this is the successor to the PSP it’s to be expected that it wold phase the device out, right? According to SCE worldwide President Shuhei Yoshida, no the two consoles will co-exist with one another.
He elaborates by blaming it on the price of the NGP which, quite obviously, wont’ be priced anywhere near that of the PSP. Below is a direct quote:
“In terms of pricing, we can’t sell the NGP for the same price as a PSP. I think the NGP needs time to mature and get adopted by users. So, for the time being, both platforms will coexist.”
If anything, this vurtally confrims that the NGP will be priced out of range for most gamers. Here’s to hoping that price tag drops at a rapid pace.
via joystiq
While console gamers can more than happily enjoy their favorite titles with not much more than a standard television and their console of choice, there are many different ways to dive deeper into enjoying your games. Upgrading your television, sound system and getting a big comfy chair may be such things that come to mind. However, some gamers may overlook the importance and practicality of headphones designed for console gaming. I don’t know about you, but I’ve caused more than enough racket in the wee hours of the morning thanks to my all night gaming sessions and I’ve definitely pissed off more people than I’m proud to admit. However, had I gotten a pair of headphones perhaps that all would have been avoided.
But what headphones am I supposed to get? you may be asking yourself. That’s a good question, but one that may be made easier in the near future thanks to a partnership between MadCatz and Microsoft. That’s right, love them or hate them MadCatz is teaming up with Microsoft to push out Xbox 360 branded headphones. MadCatz, of course, is no stranger to headphones as their have had their positively received Tritton line up of headphones on the market for some time.
When these headphones will be out is anyone’s guess but we’ll keep you posted.
Press release after the break.
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It’s no secret Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are the three big video game console manufacturers with the Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii, respectively, but one company is looking to give the three a run for their money. This company is none other than OnLive which is working to give consumers the ability to stream games over a high speed broadband connection for a cheap price.
However, in order to actually get the streaming games off your computer and onto your big screen youo’re going to need to pick up the OnLive game console pictured above. Complete with a built-in HDMI port, the OnLive game console is compatbile not only with the standard OnLive controller but any other controller that works through USB including the official Xbox 360 controller.
Normally this device sells for $99 but in lieu of CES 2011, OnLive will be dropping the price of the game console $33 down to just $66. If you’re looking to get down on this deal you better do so fast as it only runs through January 9th.
via joystiq
Yesterday we let you in on a rumor that a Black Wii Console would be coming to the United States. Well, now we have some concrete evidence to support that as a poster from GameStop has turned up.
As you can see, just like the rumor said, the console will be $199 and come with both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort.
I wish I could trade my white Wii in for this.
via kotaku
Ever since the Wii was called the Nintendo Revolution we’ve known that Nintendo has been cookin’ up some colored consoles but have yet to see any in the United States. Luckily, CVG recently got in touch with various US retailers that have said a black Wii console will arrive in the United States next month.
News comes from Frys who tells our source that the console will arrive at the $199 price point complete with black Wiimote, Nunchuck, MotionPlus in addition to Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort.
Anyone holding out until one of these hits stores?
With the release of 250GB hard drive touting Xbox 360 consoles, one would only believe that Microsoft would release a standalone version of the 250GB hard drive for users who aren’t looking to purchase a new console. Well, if you thought this, you’d be wrong as it was recently made known today that Microsoft has no intentions to release the hard ware.
Of course, with the 120GB hard drive priced at $150, you could only assume a 250GB hard drive would be $300 or more. And who would want that, right?
via kotaku
