Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.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[Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/29/sony-needs-more-than-sorcery-to-resurrect-playstation-move/#comments Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

The first time we saw Sony's PlayStation Move, it didn't even have a name: we only knew it as the PS3 motion controller. The newfangled prototype was Sony's response to the success Nintendo found in the Wii, a motion-sensitive "me-too" that hoped to one up the competition with better tracking, more "core" games and a curious glowing ball perched on its top. Its first outing showed a handful of tech demos, flaunting gameplay concepts that we'd eventually see in Sports Champions and Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest. Since then, the Move has seen its fair share of exclusive and compatible titles, but none quite engaging enough to make the peripheral a must-have accessory. With the next generation just around the corner and Sony's portable cards already on the table, E3 2012 is looking a little light on the hardware front. If Sony's going to give the Move one final push, now is the time.

Continue reading Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move

Editorial: Sony needs more than Sorcery to resurrect the PlayStation Move originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console gamesConsoleGamese3e3 2012E32012gamesgamingKazKinectmotion controlMotionControlmovemove controllerMoveControllerNintendoperipheralsplaystation 3playstation movePlaystation3PlaystationMoveps3ps4Sci/Techsony motion controllersony playstationSony Playstation 3SonyMotionControllerSonyPlaystationSonyPlaystation3Sorceryvideo gamesvideo gamingVideoGamesVideoGamingwaggleWiiTue, 29 May 2012 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo plans virtual wall of E3 coverage, wants no eyeball left behind]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/nintendo-plans-e3-coverage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/nintendo-plans-e3-coverage/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/21/nintendo-plans-e3-coverage/#comments Image

With E3 2012 right around the corner, Reggie and co. want to make sure your oft-distracted eyes catch every drip drop of the impending Wii U news flood. Much like it did last year, Nintendo's yet again taking to media outlets old and new for coverage of its All-Access Presentation, scheduled for June 5th at 9AM PST, that should prove an unavoidable must-see for any gamer bred on the house that Mario built. Whether you take your news via flat-screen or monitor, the gaming giant's got a solution to sate your preferred means of consumption, making its press conference available ad-free on Spike TV and MTV2, or online with a Facebook-hosted live stream. Of course, you can always set your browser to the Big N's own dedicated site on the big day to keep abreast of its next planned dive into the deep Blue Ocean. Check out the presser after the break for all the necessary informational bits.

Continue reading Nintendo plans virtual wall of E3 coverage, wants no eyeball left behind

Nintendo plans virtual wall of E3 coverage, wants no eyeball left behind originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 May 2012 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3 2012E32012facebookkeynoteminipostmtv2 sucker free awardsMtv2SuckerFreeAwardsNintendopress conferencePressConferencespike tvSpikeTvstreamingstreaming videoStreamingVideoWii UWiiUMon, 21 May 2012 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Kudo Tsunoda: 'Waiting for the next big thing isn't about waiting for the Kinect 2']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/kudo-tsunoda-on-kinect2/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/kudo-tsunoda-on-kinect2/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/kudo-tsunoda-on-kinect2/#comments Kudo Tsunoda: 'Waiting for the next big thing isn't about waiting for the Kinect 2'Last summer, try as we might, we couldn't get too much out of Microsoft's creative director for Kinect Games, Kudo Tsunoda, about what's next from the interactive peripheral. More recently, in an interview with Venture Beat, Tsunoda was a little more verbose about what he thinks the next big thing in Kinect is -- and it isn't a Kinect 2. The good news is, he believes that no new hardware will be required, and the innovations will likely come from developers, as they better understand and utilize the capabilities. A combination of voice, tone and facial recognition along with motion detection will likely be the tools that push the experience into the next era -- such as allowing users to participate in a game's story like an actor. Hit the source if you want to read the full interview, but you can be sure we'll be at E3 again this year to beat him, and others, with the question stick once more.

Kudo Tsunoda: 'Waiting for the next big thing isn't about waiting for the Kinect 2' originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 10:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developerdeveloperse3interviewkinectKinect 2Kinect2Kudo TsunodaKudoTsunodamicrosoftminipostxboxxbox 360Xbox360Sun, 20 May 2012 10:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Alternative Wii U controller design makes brief appearance on Twitter, goes into hiding]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/alternative-wii-u-controller-design-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/alternative-wii-u-controller-design-leaked/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/20/alternative-wii-u-controller-design-leaked/#comments Alternative Wii U controller design makes brief Twitter appearance, goes into hiding

Excited for Nintendo's new tablet-esque controller? So are the kids in TT Games' QA department. An over-excited tester tweeted out an image of a slightly different Wii U slab than the one we laid hands on at E3 2011, teasing "look we what we have at work!" Answering the call does indeed reveal something worth looking at -- a somewhat wider looking Wii U slate featuring two full-sized analog sticks (as opposed to 3DS-like circle pads), a pair of unmarked button-like squares, and a new starboard home for the controller's plus and minus buttons.

The tweet was summarily pulled, of course, but not before our friends at Joystiq nabbed a screenshot. Naturally, the rumor mill started right up, churning out speculation of developer specific slabs, early prototypes and late redesigns. The truth? We'll probably need to wait until E3 to find out, but we reached out to Nintendo for a comment all the same. We'll let you know if we hear anything more than the usual "Nintendo doesn't comment on rumors and speculation" line.

Alternative Wii U controller design makes brief appearance on Twitter, goes into hiding originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 20 May 2012 02:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerse3e3 2012E32012gamegolfgunleakleakedleaksnintendonintendo wiinintendo wii uNintendoWiiNintendoWiiUredesignvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesWiiwii remotewii uWiimoteWiiRemoteWiiUSun, 20 May 2012 02:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Spike TV airing Microsoft's 'Xbox: Entertainment Evolved' from E3, also coming to Xbox Live]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/spike-tv-live-microsoft-xbox-entertainment-evolved-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/spike-tv-live-microsoft-xbox-entertainment-evolved-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/04/spike-tv-live-microsoft-xbox-entertainment-evolved-e3/#comments Spike TV airing Microsoft's 'Xbox: Entertainment Evolved' from E3, also coming live to Xbox 360

Similar to last year's airing of Microsoft's E3 keynote, Spike TV's once again offering gamers who won't be making the trip to Los Angeles a quick way to enjoy a little bit of the show. The famed Major Nelson revealed the news that Spike TV will be showing the entire 90-minute Xbox: Entertainment Evolved event live on its network, which takes place on June 4th at 12:30PM Eastern time -- of course, we'll be there covering it. Unlike in 2011, though, now you'll also be able to check out whatever Redmond has in store for us as it airs on TV straight from your console via Xbox Live. Sadly, we know that won't be some new Xbox hardware...

Continue reading Spike TV airing Microsoft's 'Xbox: Entertainment Evolved' from E3, also coming to Xbox Live

Spike TV airing Microsoft's 'Xbox: Entertainment Evolved' from E3, also coming to Xbox Live originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 15:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Little did we know that, just two months after we were trying the Wii U for ourselves, Nintendo was busy patenting nearly everything its unique game console would have to offer. A pair of just-published US Patent Office applications filed last August get into the nuts and bolts of how the controller and the legacy Wii remote will play with the new device. It's clear that the patent work had started before Nintendo had redesigned the main system -- the box at the center of the patents looks like the existing Wii -- but it does show the nitty-gritty of things we only saw at last year's Nintendo E3 keynote, such as the gun attachment or playing golf with a combination of the Wii U controller and the traditional Wiimote. Nintendo also gave itself some wiggle room on the controller's screen size: although the LCD is officially 6.2 inches across, the patent allows that it might be "5 inches or larger." We're wondering how much of the overall look and technology will survive through to the finished Wii U design's unveiling at this year's E3. For now, though, you can explore the patents yourself at the links below.

Nintendo patent application lends a look at Wii U's core technology, add-ons too originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 04 May 2012 00:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>attachmentconsoleconsolescontrollercontrollerse3e3 2012E32012gamegolfgunnintendonintendo wiinintendo wii uNintendoWiiNintendoWiiUpatentpatentsUSPTOvideo gamevideo gamesVideoGameVideoGamesWiiwii remotewii uWiimoteWiiRemoteWiiUFri, 04 May 2012 00:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft says there will be 'no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon']]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/microsoft-says-there-will-be-no-talk-of-new-xbox-hardware-at-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/microsoft-says-there-will-be-no-talk-of-new-xbox-hardware-at-e3/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/microsoft-says-there-will-be-no-talk-of-new-xbox-hardware-at-e3/#comments Sony has already confirmed that we won't be seeing a next-generation PlayStation at this year's E3 trade show, and now Microsoft has also come out and dampened any expectations about a new Xbox possibly making its debut. In a statement published by Kotaku (following a report on Twitter from Bloomberg's Dina Bass), a Microsoft spokesperson says flatly that "while we appreciate all the interest in our long-range plans for the future, we can confirm that there will be no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon." The statement goes on to say that "2012 is all about Xbox 360," before rattling off a list of milestones and some of the big titles planned for release this year. That leaves Nintendo with the stage to itself hardware-wise, which will presumably be showing off more of its next-generation console, the Wii U.

Microsoft says there will be 'no talk of new Xbox hardware at E3 or anytime soon' originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 14:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It looks like you can officially put any hopes of a PlayStation 4 announcement at E3 to rest. In a roundtable with reporters at CES, Sony's Kaz Hirai responded to a question about recent comments attributed to gaming division head Andrew House by stating that "Andy is absolutely right in that we are not making any announcements at E3." As The Wall Street Journal reports, Hirai further added that he's "always said a 10-year life cycle for PS3, and there is no reason to go away from that." That ten-year life cycle would place the PS3's end-of-life around 2016, but as with the PS2 and PS3, we'd expect some overlap between the PS3 and its eventual successor.

Sony's Kaz Hirai: no PlayStation 4 at E3 originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012e3e3 2012E32012hiraikaz hiraiKazHiraiplaystationplaystation 3playstation 4Playstation3Playstation4ps3ps4sonyTue, 10 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Playstation 3D Display hits shelves November 13, Sony answers your burning questions]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/playstation-3d-display-hits-shelves-november-13-sony-answers-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/playstation-3d-display-hits-shelves-november-13-sony-answers-yo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/19/playstation-3d-display-hits-shelves-november-13-sony-answers-yo/#comments
We'd imagine come November 13th, the above will be the scene inside many a PS3 owner's house. That's when Sony's hot little 24-inch PlayStation 3D display will officially be available in the US, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia. Sony took to its US PlayStation Blog today with the news, along with a lengthy FAQ to keep your GAS at bay in the meantime. If you'll recall, the 240Hz 1080p display packs a single set of component inputs, two HDMI 1.4 ports, stereo RCA outputs, a headphone jack, an integrated subwoofer, and of course, 3D-capability with supported titles. For five hundred bucks you'll get the PS 3D Display, one pair of USB-rechargeable 3D Glasses ($70 for each additional pair), a copy of Motorstorm: Apocalypse and even an HDMI cable. Notably, its fancy (and exclusive) SimulView feature will let two sets of 3D shades grab either the left or right side feed in supported 3D games for a private 2D view. Disappointingly, this puppy isn't wall-mountable, but hey, that 24-inch panel surely makes it ideal for a desktop setup, no? Full details at the links below, along with a refresher shot of those 3D specs just past the break.

Continue reading Playstation 3D Display hits shelves November 13, Sony answers your burning questions

Playstation 3D Display hits shelves November 13, Sony answers your burning questions originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 19 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>24-inch display24-inch PlayStation 3D display24-inchDisplay24-inchPlaystation3dDisplay3D3D gaming3D Gaming Display3d glasses3d monitor3dGaming3dGamingDisplay3dGlasses3dMonitoractive 3dactive shutterActive3dActiveShutterdual viewdual-viewDualViewe3e3 2011E32011glasseshdmihdmi 1.4Hdmi1.4hdpostcrossmonitorMotorstorm ApocalypseMotorstormApocalypseplaystationPlayStation 3PlayStation 3D displayPLaystation blogPlaystation3Playstation3dDisplayPlaystationBlogPS3shutter glassesShutterGlassesSimulViewSonysony PlayStation 3D displaySonyPlaystation3dDisplaysplit screenSplitScreenWed, 19 Oct 2011 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Console vs. PC redux: how mobile gaming will reshape the industry (again)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/console-vs-pc-redux-how-mobile-gaming-will-reshape-the-industr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/console-vs-pc-redux-how-mobile-gaming-will-reshape-the-industr/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/console-vs-pc-redux-how-mobile-gaming-will-reshape-the-industr/#comments Console vs. PC redux: how mobile gaming will reshape the industry (again) They're a growing threat, these simple games with their simple designs, simple controls, and simple graphics. They don't offer the full, premium experience that the real gamers want. They aren't hardcore enough. They aren't serious enough. They're just too... casual.

In the '90s these were all complaints used to describe the strengthening console menace. Back then, a younger me squandered his meager income at the local Babbage's or Electronics Boutique, stores full of PC games in cardboard boxes -- console titles relegated to a few little shelves. It wouldn't take long for those consoles to take over those stores and, along the way, the entire industry. Between just 1998 and 2006 console software sales more than doubled, from $2.5 billion to $6.7 billion, while PC game sales dropped from $1.8 billion to $970 million. Even the FPS, once exclusive domain of the PC, is now a console enterprise, with Call of Duty: Black Ops launching on 4.9 million sales on the Xbox 360 and PS3. The PC version, meanwhile, sold less than 400,000 copies (the NPD lumped them in with sales of the Nintendo DS and Wii versions).

Who cares about ancient history? If you're a gamer you should, because it's happening again. This time, though, its console gamers lobbing the same lamentations at Angry Bird players, Words With Friends addicts, and ever-sneaky Fruit Ninjas. As smartphones and tablets get more powerful, the dedicated gaming machine looks more and more quaint. Where once software supported hardware in one big, happy family, it's all becoming rather more... disjointed. For a gamer like me, that's a little troubling. If app gaming does for consoles what those consoles did to the PC scene a decade ago, a lot of big game studios are going to be in trouble, and a lot of gamers are going to be pining for the good 'ol days.

Continue reading Console vs. PC redux: how mobile gaming will reshape the industry (again)

Console vs. PC redux: how mobile gaming will reshape the industry (again) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dse3editorialgamingmicrosoftnintendonintendo 3dsNintendo3dsplaystation suitePlaystationSuitesonywii uWiiUxperia playXperiaPlayWed, 15 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii U console shown off in its bright, minimalistic entirety]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/nintendo-wii-u-console-shown-off-in-its-bright-minimalistic-ent/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/nintendo-wii-u-console-shown-off-in-its-bright-minimalistic-ent/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/15/nintendo-wii-u-console-shown-off-in-its-bright-minimalistic-ent/#comments Nintendo hasn't been too keen on letting us mere mortals stroke the Wii U, as no amount of coins could unlock the console's cabinet at E3. Surprisingly though, Inside Games managed to get up close and personal to this white box outside its little cave, and then came home alive with a few clear shots. Mind you, there's hardly anything exciting here: we're just gazing at some air vents on the side and back, plus a few ports -- including HDMI -- on the latter. As pointed out by our brethren over at Joystiq, only time will tell whether this curvy Wii U will come with an attachment to imitate its predecessor's vertical standing. Check out the backside after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo Wii U console shown off in its bright, minimalistic entirety

Nintendo Wii U console shown off in its bright, minimalistic entirety originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Jun 2011 01:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AMDconsolee3e3 2011E32011eyes-ongame consoleGameConsolegamingHD4000NintendoRadeon HD4000RadeonHd4000wiiwii uWiiUWed, 15 Jun 2011 01:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony PlayStation Vita's removable memory looks like it's an SD card, but it isn't]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/sony-playstation-vitas-removable-memory-looks-like-an-sd-card/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/sony-playstation-vitas-removable-memory-looks-like-an-sd-card/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/14/sony-playstation-vitas-removable-memory-looks-like-an-sd-card/#comments Sony's seen fit to tell us many of the PlayStation Vita's specs, how much it'll cost ($249 for WiFi, $299 for 3G), and who gets it (everyone). Amidst all the hullabaloo at E3 2011, however, we missed seeing that Sony was showing off the new handheld's internal memory cards. Good thing an eagle-eyed member of the public snapped a pic of the 4, 8, 16, and 32GB cards on the show floor. They look awfully similar to garden variety SD cards, only there's a little notch in the side confirming they hew to Sony's unfortunate habit of using proprietary storage formats. The cost of the cards remains shrouded in secrecy, but life's more fun when a little mystery's involved, right?

Sony PlayStation Vita's removable memory looks like it's an SD card, but it isn't originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 05:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011memorymemory cardMemoryCardngpplaystationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitapsp 2Psp2PsVitaremovable storageRemovableStoragesd cardSdCardsonystoragevitaTue, 14 Jun 2011 05:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 3DS has resistive touchscreen for backwards compatibility, what's the Wii U's excuse?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/nintendo-3ds-has-resistive-touchscreen-for-backwards-compatibili/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/nintendo-3ds-has-resistive-touchscreen-for-backwards-compatibili/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/13/nintendo-3ds-has-resistive-touchscreen-for-backwards-compatibili/#comments In case it somehow snuck in under your radar, E3 just happened. The LA-based gaming extravaganza is where Nintendo introduced its next generation of home console, the Wii U, also served as the location where our buddies from Joystiq caught up with Hideki Konno, the company's 3DS hardware chief. When queried as to why the 3DS uses the same, nowadays archaic, resistive touch technology as in the original DS, Mr. Konno answered candidly that "it's all about the backwards compatibility. We have to play DS games on this and we want to make sure they work." Not an unreasonable assertion by any means, however those same Joystiq sleuths also determined pretty conclusively that the Wii U's bodacious 6.2-inch controller also uses a resistive touchscreen -- could the primeval tech be getting recycled again for similar reasons? Nintendo's made no announcements about game compatibility on the Wii U beyond confirming that it'll play all Wii titles, but this at least it gives us some extra food for rumination (and speculation) while we wait for the new console's 2012 release.

Nintendo 3DS has resistive touchscreen for backwards compatibility, what's the Wii U's excuse? originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Jun 2011 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscontrollere3e3 2011E32011hideki konnoHidekiKonnonintendonintendo 3dsnintendo wii uNintendo3dsNintendoWiiUresistivescreenspeculationtouchtouchscreenwii uWiiUMon, 13 Jun 2011 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft talks Xbox Live integration in Windows 8, says service will be 'pervasive' across devices]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/microsoft-talks-xbox-live-integration-in-windows-8-says-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/microsoft-talks-xbox-live-integration-in-windows-8-says-service/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/microsoft-talks-xbox-live-integration-in-windows-8-says-service/#comments Microsoft's already brought Xbox Live integration to Windows Phone 7, and it looks like you can count on some similar, if not deeper, integration in Windows 8 as well. Speaking to The Seattle Times, Microsoft VP Mike Delman said that "Live has been successful on the Windows Phone," and that "Live will be built into the PC. It will be the service where you get your entertainment." Delman went on to add that "Xbox Live will the pervasive media service across devices," and that "whether it's us or Apple or anybody else, people want to be able to navigate through multiple devices in a certain ecosystem very seamlessly so we're committed to that." As you might expect, however, he was still fairly light on any further specifics, but he did say that assets like Live and SkyDrive will be unified, and he promised that Microsoft will have plenty more to show at next year's E3 -- according to Delman, "you will not just see consoles and handhelds at this show next year, this show's going to morph into other devices."

Microsoft talks Xbox Live integration in Windows 8, says service will be 'pervasive' across devices originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 14:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2008integrationmike delmanMikeDelmanwindowswindows 8windows phonewindows phone 7 seriesWindows8WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Seriesxboxxbox 360xbox liveXbox360XboxLiveFri, 10 Jun 2011 14:43:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011 wrap-up: Wii U, PS Vita, and a whole lot of motion gaming]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-wrap-up-wii-u-ps-vita-and-a-whole-lot-of-motion-gamin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-wrap-up-wii-u-ps-vita-and-a-whole-lot-of-motion-gamin/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-wrap-up-wii-u-ps-vita-and-a-whole-lot-of-motion-gamin/#comments E3 2011 wrap-up: Wii U, PS Vita, and a whole lot of motion gaming This year's Electronics Entertainment Expo was pretty amazing, featuring plenty of fresh new hardware and some... innovative titles for serious consoles. Sony renamed its NGP to PlayStation Vita, while Nintendo unveiled its Wii successor, designated only by an extra vowel: U. Despite the (now even more) goofy name, the Wii U stole the show, its 6.2-inch touchscreen controller opening the door to a world of potentially awesome games -- and to what will surely be a whole new generation of shovelware. The show may be over, but the our coverage still burns -- just like our hearts after one last night at Daikokuya.

Liveblogs Major announcements
Impressions
But that's only the beginning! Be sure to check out our E3 2011 event page for the full suite of news.

E3 2011 wrap-up: Wii U, PS Vita, and a whole lot of motion gaming originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 10:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011microsoftnintendosonythats a wrapThatsAWrapwrapwrap-upFri, 10 Jun 2011 10:07:00 EST<![CDATA[SteelSeries Diablo III headset and mouse: demon slaying flair for your skull and desktop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/steelseries-diablo-iii-headset-and-mouse-demon-slaying-flair-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/steelseries-diablo-iii-headset-and-mouse-demon-slaying-flair-fo/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/10/steelseries-diablo-iii-headset-and-mouse-demon-slaying-flair-fo/#comments Sure, there are plenty of great gaming goodies to be found on the floor at E3, but some of the best stuff is much harder to find. For example, SteelSeries' new Diablo III Mouse and headset, which were revealed to us when the prototype devices were pulled from a backpack. The headset packs the same 50mm drivers, retractable boom mic, and overhead suspension design of its Siberia V2 stablemate, but adds some sinister-looking design tweaks. These cans come murdered out in matte black with lava red accents (which can be turned off) courtesy of 18 LEDs, plus matching red external speaker grilles. There's also a braided cord that plugs into your Mac or PC via USB.

Gallery: SteelSeries Diablo III headset


We got to see the Diablo III mouse as well, and found it sports an ambidextrous design similar to the SteelSeries Xai. Its inky exterior is cloaked in smooth, soft touch plastic sporting silvery tribal accents, and a glowing ember Diablo III logo and trim around the scroll-wheel. Given Diablo's click-happy gameplay, Steelseries gave the mouse beefy Omron switches that are good for 10 million presses (which are backed by a five year warranty). All those clicks are tracked by custom driver software that also lets users tailor the pointer's button layout by dragging and dropping character-specific commands to the button of your choosing. Now that your appetite has been whetted with the design descriptions, here are the details that matter most: the mouse will cost $69 and the headset $119 when SteelSeries starts selling 'em at BlizzCon in October.

Gallery: SteelSeries Diablo III mouse

Continue reading SteelSeries Diablo III headset and mouse: demon slaying flair for your skull and desktop

SteelSeries Diablo III headset and mouse: demon slaying flair for your skull and desktop originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 02:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardblizzard entertainmentBlizzardEntertainmentblizzcondiablo 3diablo 3 headsetdiablo 3 mousediablo IIIdiablo III headsetdiablo III mouseDiablo3Diablo3HeadsetDiablo3MouseDiabloIiiDiabloIiiHeadsetDiabloIiiMousee3e3 2011E32011gaminghands-onheadphonesmacmouseomronpcsteelseriesFri, 10 Jun 2011 02:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/xbox-360-wireless-speed-wheel-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/xbox-360-wireless-speed-wheel-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/xbox-360-wireless-speed-wheel-hands-on/#comments Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel hands-on Okay, so the U-shaped contraption you see above won't get a motorsports enthusiast's blood boiling quite like the Fanatec CSR Elite wheel we tested earlier, but for a lot of gamers the CSR is a bit too much. The Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel, on the other hand, is rather more manageable -- and affordable, with a $59.99 price. It's a simple, lightweight thing, with an over-sized trigger on the back of each grip. These have very low resistance, so they tend to clap against the back when you mash the throttle, but this plus a long throw means it's easy to be precise on the gas or brake. And that, of course, is what they're intended to be used for. On the right prong are the four face buttons, on the left a D-pad. Start and Back are in the middle along with the Guide button, but sadly the L and R shoulder buttons didn't make the start.

That's a mighty shame, making us wonder what compatibility will be like for racers that use those for up- and down-shifting. Regardless, with Forza Motorsport 4 the wheel works like a charm. There's an almost imperceptible amount of lag between you turning the thing in air and your reaction being conveyed on screen, but it's not a problem. The triggers feel great and, while shifting using the D-pad is a little clumsy, it works. Ultimately and predictably the Speed Wheel doesn't deliver the most hardcore of racing experiences, but it'll be a lot more couch-friendly than your average wheel and pedal setup when it ships this October.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel

Xbox 360 Wireless Speed Wheel hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011forzaforza motorsportForzaMotorsporthands-onmicrosoftracing wheelRacingWheelwheelwireless speed wheelWirelessSpeedWheelxboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 09 Jun 2011 20:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kudo Tsunoda doesn't tell us a thing about Windows 8 support for Kinect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/kudo-tsunoda-doesnt-tell-us-a-thing-about-windows-8-support-for/#comments Microsoft asked us to drop by at E3 to chat up a generically identified "Xbox executive," imagine our surprise when we found Kudo Tsunoda hiding behind door number six. Wearing his signature shades, Kudo gave us a brief primer on what makes Kinect great, or at least a heavy endorsement of Kinect Fun Labs. While we can certainly dig the bite-sized gadgetry Fun Labs has to offer, we like to dig deeper -- will the Kinect hardware ever be integrated into other devices? Any plans for Microsoft's 3D tracking camera and Windows 8? Kudo did his best to feed our ravenous appetite for answers.

It wasn't easy on poor Kudo, of course -- more than once we saw him glance longingly at his wrangler, a friendly PR rep keeping him from spilling the beans on anything too awesome. Probing about Windows 8 and Kinect produced one such look, and while our man very lightly suggested that Microsoft does more than games -- and that the dual-camera device might start showing up on other devices -- the big M had nothing to announce at that time. Kudo did go on to say, however, that we can expect to see new, innovative, "oh my gosh, I can't believe Kinect can do that" experiences at E3 year after year, citing this year's keynote for some recent examples. While we couldn't coax any leaks about Xbox or Kinect successors out of the man, it's good to see Microsoft's continued dedication to improving the platform.

Kudo Tsunoda doesn't tell us a thing about Windows 8 support for Kinect originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011gesture controlGestureControlinterviewkinectkinect fun labsKinectFunLabsKudo TsunodaKudoTsunodaMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectmotion controlmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionControlMotionSensingMotionTrackingWindows 8Windows8xboxxbox 360Xbox360Thu, 09 Jun 2011 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Nox Audio Admiral Touch prototype preview redux: now with more clever ideas and some bass]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/nox-audio-admiral-touch-prototype-preview-redux-now-with-more-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/nox-audio-admiral-touch-prototype-preview-redux-now-with-more-c/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/nox-audio-admiral-touch-prototype-preview-redux-now-with-more-c/#comments It's been fully five months since Nox Audio's everything-but-the-kitchen-sink Admiral Touch headset prototype wowed us at CES 2011, and boy, have things changed. That ugly metal band is gone, replaced by a handsome black and silver rig, with a neatly integrated adjusting strap for a comfortable noggin squeeze. Both sides of the Admiral Touch now sport buttons, including one to add the T-Pain Effect (we kid you not). More after the break.

Gallery: Nox Audio Admiral and Admiral Touch at E3 2011

Continue reading Nox Audio Admiral Touch prototype preview redux: now with more clever ideas and some bass

Nox Audio Admiral Touch prototype preview redux: now with more clever ideas and some bass originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 18:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>admiraladmiral touchAdmiralTouchAndroidAndroid 2.1Android 2.3Android2.1Android2.3ARM 11Arm11DolbyDolby HeadphoneDolby Headphone 2DolbyHeadphoneDolbyHeadphone2e3e3 2011E32011headphonesheadsetimpressionsnoise cancellingNoiseCancellingnoxnox audioNoxAudiopreviewPro LogicPro Logic IIxProLogicProLogicIixprototypeS3C6410samsungsurroundsurround soundSurroundSoundThu, 09 Jun 2011 18:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Deadmund does it right: PlayStation Move and 1:1 swordplay, hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/deadmund-does-it-right-playstation-move-and-1-1-swordplay-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/deadmund-does-it-right-playstation-move-and-1-1-swordplay-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/deadmund-does-it-right-playstation-move-and-1-1-swordplay-hand/#comments Medieval Moves: Deadmund's Quest may be built on the mini-game mechanics of last year's Sports Champions, but its whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We hit up Sony at E3 2011 to see if Deadmund could out-fence the Jedi in a duel of 1:1 swordplay and on-rails battle. What we found was surprisingly responsive. Deadmund himself runs on a pre-set path, plodding his way through a skeleton-filled barracks automatically. Deadmund's on-screen sword matched our wand-equipped wrist's every move, accurately slicing skeletor wannabes any way we saw fit. Reaching behind our back with the Move controller let us pull a virtual arrow from a quiver, or we could choose to dispatch baddies by flinging throwing stars.

If the on-screen slashfest lagged behind our physical slicing in any significant way, we didn't notice -- we were too busy loving the Move's speedy response time. Faster swings produced "stronger" in-game sword attacks, or farther flying shurikens. Last year at E3, we accused the PlayStation Move of just skirting outside of gimmick-land, but it's hard to argue with 1:1 motion control this responsive. Will Deadmund move Sony's motion lollypop to the front of the gesture control race? Probably not on his own, but it's still great to see this tech at its best. Check out our hands-on playthrough video after the break to see the action for yourself.

Continue reading Deadmund does it right: PlayStation Move and 1:1 swordplay, hands-on (video)

Deadmund does it right: PlayStation Move and 1:1 swordplay, hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 17:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1:11:1 motion1:1Motione3e3 2011E32011hands-onmotion controlmotion controllermotion controlsMotionControlMotionControllerMotionControlsPlayStationplaystation movePlayStation3PlayStation3MovePlayStationMovepsps movePs3PsMoveSonySony PlayStationSonyPlaystationvideoThu, 09 Jun 2011 17:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's 24-inch PlayStation 3D 'dual-view' monitor: here's how it works]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/sonys-24-inch-playstation-3d-dual-view-monitor-heres-how-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/sonys-24-inch-playstation-3d-dual-view-monitor-heres-how-it/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/sonys-24-inch-playstation-3d-dual-view-monitor-heres-how-it/#comments Sony's got some wonderful ideas here at E3 2011, but the company's left quite a few threads for journalists to sew up -- what's the battery life like? How much will continuous client gameplay cost? Just how does that split-screen 3D monitor work? Sony's 3D gaming czar Mick Hocking flew in from Liverpool to talk stereoscopy with the press, and we've got some answers for that last one. What you see above is an LCD panel that refreshes at 240Hz, and delivering 3D at 60 frames per second to each eye, by using the typical active shutter glasses technique of blocking light to your left eye when the "right" image is displayed, and vice versa for the right eye. However, the glasses have a special button that makes both lenses of one player's glasses display images for the left eye, and both lenses of another player display images for the right, allowing each to have their own 60fps feed all the time for private split-screen gaming.

While that potentially means you could use these glasses on non-Sony 3DTVs too and get the same effect (or, you know, just pick up a Sharp Quattron 3D or Vizio Versus, which do much the same thing). Hocking told us that this particular unit also does additional software processing to reduce ghosting. But what of games? The 3D guru said there'll be a number of titles supporting the feature when the monitor hits this fall, and that other 3D titles could potentially (and easily) be patched if they also support split-screen to begin with. Hocking says developer enthusiasm's been particularly intense for split-screen, even more so than the holographic and head-mounted display technologies that Sony's working on, and we may see the feature integrated in Bravia televisions should the idea take off.

Sony's 24-inch PlayStation 3D 'dual-view' monitor: here's how it works originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3D3d glasses3d monitor3dGlasses3dMonitoractive shutterActiveShutterdual viewdual-viewDualViewe3e3 2011E32011glassesmonitorplaystationPlayStation 3Playstation3PS3shutter glassesShutterGlassesSonysplit screenSplitScreenstereoscopic 3DStereoscopic3dThu, 09 Jun 2011 15:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Madfinger demos and dishes details on its forthcoming Shadowgun game]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/madfinger-demos-and-dishes-details-on-its-forthcoming-shadowgun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/madfinger-demos-and-dishes-details-on-its-forthcoming-shadowgun/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/madfinger-demos-and-dishes-details-on-its-forthcoming-shadowgun/#comments
Shadowgun looked good when we saw footage of it last month, and at E3 2011 we got to chat with the game's creators about the Tegra-optimized title. Madfinger, the game's creator, worked closely with NVIDIA to wring the maximum performance possible out of the Tegra 2 platform, but it said Shadowgun will still look stunning on other silicon. The game is built on the multi-platform Unity engine and will be coming to iOS and Android devices around the world in September (prices TBD). As you can see in the video above, it runs smooth as silk on an LG G2x (55-60fps) and Motorola's Xoom (30fps). Madfinger said we can also expect 60fps on the iPad 2 and devices packing Kal-El chips, and 30fps on other Android handsets and the iPhone 4 when the game debuts. If you've got a hankering for some more video of the game, check the official trailer after the break.

Continue reading Madfinger demos and dishes details on its forthcoming Shadowgun game

Madfinger demos and dishes details on its forthcoming Shadowgun game originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 15:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidE3E3 2011E32011gamegamingiosipad 2Ipad2iphone 4Iphone4kal elkal-elKalEllg g2xLgG2xmadfingermotorola xoomMotorolaXoomnvidiashadowguntablettegrategra 2tegra 3tegra zoneTegra2Tegra3TegraZoneunity engineunity-engineUnityEnginevideoxoomThu, 09 Jun 2011 15:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony answers more PlayStation Vita questions: no to video output, yes to region-free]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/sony-answers-more-playstation-vita-questions-no-to-video-output/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/sony-answers-more-playstation-vita-questions-no-to-video-output/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/sony-answers-more-playstation-vita-questions-no-to-video-output/#comments We heard earlier at E3 that the PlayStation Vita might be able to do video output via the multiport on the bottom of the handheld, but it's now looking like that won't be the case -- at least according to the official FAQ that Sony has made available. In slightly better news, however, Sony exec Michael Denny said today that, to the best of his knowledge, the PS Vita will indeed be region-free just like the PS3. Otherwise, Sony hasn't provided much more in the way of surprises, but it looks like it is at least leaving the door open to helping folks bring their UMD-bound games with them to the new handheld. While it's ruled out a UMD reader of any sort, Sony says that it will "consider every possibility for support on bought UMD games," although it has nothing to announce at this time. Check out the complete FAQ at the source link below.

Sony answers more PlayStation Vita questions: no to video output, yes to region-free originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 14:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3 2011E32011playstationplaystation vitaPlaystationVitaps vitaPsVitasonyumdvitaThu, 09 Jun 2011 14:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands-on with Nyko's Zoom Kinect and extended battery packs for the 3DS]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/hands-on-with-nykos-zoom-kinect-and-extended-battery-packs-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/hands-on-with-nykos-zoom-kinect-and-extended-battery-packs-for/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/hands-on-with-nykos-zoom-kinect-and-extended-battery-packs-for/#comments We gave you a glimpse of Nyko's 2011 accessories lineup earlier this week, and today we got some quality time with the company's gear at E3 2011. We tried out Zoom Kinect, a set of lenses for Microsoft's favorite sensor bar that lets those residing in diminutive domiciles be the controller without rearranging their furniture. The add-on worked flawlessly when we gave it a go on Kinect Adventures -- Kinect had no trouble tracking our movements even though we were a few feet closer to the sensor than recommended. Zoom Kinect is slated for an August 16th release and will cost $29.99, a paltry sum compared to the price of buying a bigger living room. But wait, there's more! See our impressions of Nyko's other new products after the break.

Gallery: Nyko Zoom Kinect hands-on


Continue reading Hands-on with Nyko's Zoom Kinect and extended battery packs for the 3DS

Hands-on with Nyko's Zoom Kinect and extended battery packs for the 3DS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds dock3dsDockaccessoriesaccessorybatteryE3E3 2011E32011extended batteryExtendedBatteryExternal BatteryExternalBatterygame boostgame clockGameBoostGameClockgamingkinectnintendo 3dsNintendo3dsnykopower packPowerPackshock n rockShockNRockthird-party accessoryThird-partyAccessoryvideo gamesVideoGameszoom kinectZoomKinectThu, 09 Jun 2011 13:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/forza-motorsport-csr-and-csr-elite-wheel-and-pedals-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/forza-motorsport-csr-and-csr-elite-wheel-and-pedals-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/forza-motorsport-csr-and-csr-elite-wheel-and-pedals-hands-on/#comments Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on If you're a console racer and you own an Xbox 360 then you know Forza Motorsport is among the best, but you also know that your selection of compatible controllers has left a bit to be desired. At this year's E3, which saw Microsoft peeling the protective tape from the bumpers and fenders of Forza Motorsport 4, there was actually an abundance of compatible wheels on display, but it's clear which were the most serious: two new wheels from Fanatec. They're called the CSR and CSR Elite, and there's a new set of pedals to match. Click on through for our detailed impressions.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheels

Continue reading Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on

Forza Motorsport CSR and CSR Elite wheel and pedals hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>csrcsr eliteCsrElitee3e3 2011E32011fanatecforzaforza motorsportForzaMotorsporthands-onmicrosoftracing wheelRacingWheelsteering wheelSteeringWheelvideowheelThu, 09 Jun 2011 12:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Digital games distribution earned $3.8 billion in 2010, a quarter of entire video game market]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/digital-games-distribution-earned-3-8-billion-in-2010-a-quarte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/digital-games-distribution-earned-3-8-billion-in-2010-a-quarte/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/09/digital-games-distribution-earned-3-8-billion-in-2010-a-quarte/#comments Alright, so technically all video games are digital, but what we're talking about here is the stuff that you don't buy on physical media -- downloadable games, add-on content, mobile apps, subscriptions, and gaming on social networks. That market has grown to account for 24 percent of all video game revenues in 2010, or $3.8 billion, according to the Entertainment Software Association. The ESA is the body running the currently ongoing E3 shindig, and its data comes from the NPD Group, which likes to keep a cold robotic finger on the gaming industry's pulse. Other findings in the latest ESA study include the average age of gamers (37!), the best-selling genres (action with 21.7 percent, followed by sports at 16.3 percent), and the highest-grossing games of 2010 (no prizes for guessing the warmongering winner of that one). Give the source link a bash to immerse yourself in even more gaming trivia from yesteryear.

Digital games distribution earned $3.8 billion in 2010, a quarter of entire video game market originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 09 Jun 2011 03:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>datadigitale3e3 2011E32011entertainmentEntertainment Software AssociationEntertainmentSoftwareAssociationfiguresfinancialnpdnpd groupNpdGroupnumbersprofitreportrevenuesoftwarestatisticsstatsstudyThu, 09 Jun 2011 03:52:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita title 'Ruin' connects to PS3 for continuous client gameplay, we give it a swing (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/playstation-vita-title-ruin-connects-to-ps3-for-continuous-cli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/playstation-vita-title-ruin-connects-to-ps3-for-continuous-cli/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/playstation-vita-title-ruin-connects-to-ps3-for-continuous-cli/#comments
Cross-platform gaming is a wonderful idea, but Sony's showing off something even more impressive at E3 this year -- a game that you can starting playing on either PS3 or the PlayStation Vita handheld and immediately transfer to another console. Ruin leverages cloud storage to save your entire hack-and-slash RPG game, right down to the positions and actions of every nearby enemy and the structures you've destroyed. Then, a second or eight after you hit load on another machine, you're right back in the very same fight. Resuming on console or handheld and picking up exactly where you left off -- yep, it's a bona fide continuous client, and we had to give it a try. So, off to Sony's E3 2011 booth we went, to seek out developer Idol Minds.

With both Vita and PS3 connected to a local router, it was both as simple and as mind-blowing as you'd expect -- simply save on one (no matter what you're doing), load on the other, and everything (save certain scripted animations) loads exceptionally quickly. In fact, Idol Minds VP Jeff Litchford said that while show floor conditions necessitated the local router, Ruin's cloud resume functionality would even work over 3G, as the save files are actually fairly small, on the order of 250KB. He couldn't tell us whether you'll have to purchase two copies of the game to make the magic happen (we're hoping not), but he did have some good news on the cloud storage front: it won't cost a thing to save your game data, not even a subscription to PlayStation Plus.

Sean Buckley contributed to this report.

PlayStation Vita title 'Ruin' connects to PS3 for continuous client gameplay, we give it a swing (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 22:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloud storageCloudStoragecontinuous clientContinuousClientcross-platformE3E3 2011E32011hands-onidol mindsIdolMindsngpPlayStationPlayStation 3PlayStation VitaPlaystation3PlaystationVitaps vitaps3PsVitaresumeruinvideovitaWed, 08 Jun 2011 22:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/aiken-labs-brings-9-axis-modular-motion-sensing-to-android-we-g/#comments
We already had a chance to try out Immersive Motion from Aiken Labs at CES, but now the nine-axis modular sensing system is making its way to Android and other mobile platforms, including iOS and Windows Phone. The more compact battery-powered server brings motion-controlled gaming to mobile environments, capturing position data from matchbox-size modular sensors that you can tape to a wooden sword or Viking helmet for live-action outdoor role-playing, or on you paws and dome during a virtual jam session with friends, for example. The mobile kit includes a pair of wireless sensors with a 50-foot range that you can attach to literally any accessory or appendage, and is expected to sell for about $300 when it ships later this year. You'll also be able to connect up to two smaller wired sensors to each wireless sensor, for about $50 a pop.

The kit's price tag makes it cost-prohibitive for all but the most hardcore gamers and devs (there's an SDK available as well), but Aiken hopes to make its flagship product more affordable if its able to sell the kits in high volume. The tool has applications in other industries as well, including research and Hollywood, where it could be used as a (relatively) low-cost outdoor motion-capture suit. The early version we saw at E3 today is definitely not ready to head to production, but we're still months away from an actual release, giving Aiken some time to improve accuracy, and perhaps find a way to reduce that price. Jump past the break to see how it works.

Gallery: Aiken Labs Immersive Motion for Mobile Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video)

Aiken Labs brings 9-axis modular motion sensing to Android, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>9DOFAiken LabsAikenLabsandroidChris AikenChrisAikene3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogaminghands-onhead trackingHeadTrackingIMUinertial measurement unitsInertialMeasurementUnitsiosmobile gamingMobileGamingmocapmotion capturemotion controllerMotion sensingmotion trackingMotionCaptureMotionControllerMotionSensingMotionTrackingvideowindows phonewindows phone 7WindowsPhoneWindowsPhone7Wed, 08 Jun 2011 20:28:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ uDraw GameTablet goes HD, we go hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/thq-udraw-gametablet-goes-hd-we-go-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/thq-udraw-gametablet-goes-hd-we-go-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/thq-udraw-gametablet-goes-hd-we-go-hands-on-video/#comments
Nintendo's Wii U controller is a gaming display, video conference device, and yes, a stylus-toting tablet, but no such tool has been announced for those other consoles, so PS3 and Xbox 360 owners who want to get their sketch on will have to turn to THQ's new uDraw GameTablet instead. Tablets for both gaming systems were announced last month, and today we had a chance to paint on the big (HD) screen at E3. Though the drawing surface feels just as roomy as the Wii version, the tablets are noticeably smaller than last year's counterpart, with the obvious absence of a Wiimote holder taking credit for the device's reduced footprint. That Wiimote also made it difficult for lefties to tackle the tablet, but no such issues exist on the PS3 and Xbox versions. Other major design changes include shifting stylus storage from the rear to just above the resistive capacitive touch surface, and trimming some girth off the instrument itself.

Both tablets will be coming in November for less than $100, though specific pricing has yet to be announced. For now, you're limited to uDraw Studio and Pictionary on the game title front, which appear noticeably sharper in HD, though otherwise similar to the versions we used with the Wii. THQ has promised more games for future release, including Disney Animator, though reps weren't able to confirm any other titles or dates. We had a chance to draw in both games, which respond to both the stylus and hardware buttons for brush selection and other functions, such as undo and navigation. A rep pointed out that the new versions are also more sensitive to stylus pressure, adjusting brush thickness based on how hard you press, for example, but we didn't find that to be the case. After you've spent a few minutes concocting your next digital masterpiece, you can fire off your work of art via email, instead of just sending it to an SD card like on the Wii version. Overall, there's nothing groundbreaking here, but if you've been looking to balance out your Halo and Resistance by sketching honeybees and rainbows (or making your console a bit more kid-friendly), then uDraw may be worth the investment.

Gallery: uDraw for Xbox and PS3 Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading THQ uDraw GameTablet goes HD, we go hands-on (video)

THQ uDraw GameTablet goes HD, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artcreativecreativitydrawinge3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogame tabletGameTablethands onhands-onHandsOnillustrationpaintingps3tabletTHQudrawudraw game tabletuDraw GameTabletUdrawGameTabletvideoxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 19:44:00 EST<![CDATA[TriMount turns your Wii, Kinect, and PlayStation sensors into a video game Eye of Sauron]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/trimount-turns-your-wii-kinect-and-playstation-sensors-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/trimount-turns-your-wii-kinect-and-playstation-sensors-into-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/trimount-turns-your-wii-kinect-and-playstation-sensors-into-a/#comments All right, we get it. You love motion gaming. You fell so hard for your Wii that you had to run out and buy the Kinect and PlayStation Move the minute they hit stores. And now you've got a lot of sensors, but not much in the way of space atop your flatscreen. DreamGear understands your decidedly first world pain, and is offering up the TriMount, a shrine to gesture-based gaming that has slots for your Wii sensor bar, Kinect sensor, PlayStation Eye, and a clamp for attaching it to your set. The $30 setup ships August 15th, and is available now for pre-order. Until then, you're going to have to manage the old fashioned way: making a younger sibling hold up the sensor while you play Dance Central.

TriMount turns your Wii, Kinect, and PlayStation sensors into a video game Eye of Sauron originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamgeare3gesutre based gamingGesutreBasedGamingkinectmotion controllerMotionControllerplaystation eyeplaystation movePlaystationEyePlaystationMoveps3trimountwiixboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[DarbeeVision teams with Sunflex to launder your HDMI video, give your picture added depth and clarity]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/darbeevision-teams-with-sunflex-to-launder-your-hdmi-video-give/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/darbeevision-teams-with-sunflex-to-launder-your-hdmi-video-give/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/darbeevision-teams-with-sunflex-to-launder-your-hdmi-video-give/#comments DarbeeVision's Visual Presence technology has been sprucing up moving pictures for ages, but until now, its greater visual depth and detail could only be added in post-processing. However, there's a new version that works by scanning 165 million pixels per second and applies its visual voodoo in real-time. It's a firmware solution that can be put into any device with a processor and a screen, and the company is currently in talks with TV manufacturers to get its tech baked in. Darbee has also partnered up with Sunflex to construct a Snakebyte-branded module that does the Darbee deed externally as an HDMI pass-through. In its current form, the system's not ready for prime time, as it's comprised of three circuit boards screwed together in an unwieldy package. When it hits the market later this year, the company claims it'll be in a plastic case the size of a remote control.

We got to see the system in person at E3 2011 and found the results to be a mixed bag. Much like Belkin's RazorVision we saw years ago, Visual Presence promises to make your picture more lifelike and detailed. In the demo we saw, graphical meadows benefitted from the enhancement -- we could see individual blades of grass waving to and fro with much more clarity. However, castle walls and textured garments looked like someone cranked up the contrast to 11, which created too much visual noise for our liking. The good news is, the effect is adjustable, so you can dial in the level of detail to suit the situation and your individual taste. Sound good? Well, the device should ship by October and retail for around $150.

Gallery: DarbeeVision HDMI picture enhancement module

DarbeeVision teams with Sunflex to launder your HDMI video, give your picture added depth and clarity originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ddarbeedarbeevisione3e3 2011E32011eyes-onhands-onhdmihdmi accessoryhdmi peripheralHdmiAccessoryHdmiPeripheralsnakebytesunflexvideo enhancementVideoEnhancementvisual presenceVisualPresenceWed, 08 Jun 2011 18:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Turtle Beach XP500 and PX3 gaming headsets hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/turtle-beach-xp500-and-px3-gaming-headsets-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/turtle-beach-xp500-and-px3-gaming-headsets-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/turtle-beach-xp500-and-px3-gaming-headsets-hands-on/#comments Turtle Beach XP600 and PX3 gaming headsets hands on Not ready to take the $250 plunge to snag a pair of Ear Force PX5s, but still want in on Turtle Beach's preset-powered super hearing? The big boy's baby brother, the Ear Force PX3, just might scratch your itch. We heard these stereo gaming cans ditched surround sound and Bluetooth support to save buyers a Benjamin, but how does these super-saver specials hold up? We tried them on.

Gallery: Turtle Beach Ear Force PX3 and XP500 hands-on


Continue reading Turtle Beach XP500 and PX3 gaming headsets hands-on

Turtle Beach XP500 and PX3 gaming headsets hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>base stationBaseStationbeachbluetoothcablesdolbye3e3 2011E32011ear forceear force px3ear force xp500EarForceEarForcePx3EarForceXp500gameplaygaminghands-onheadsetpresetpresetspx3px5softwarestereoturtleTurtle Beachturtle beach ear force px3TurtleBeachTurtleBeachEarForcePx3windowsWed, 08 Jun 2011 18:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer totes Hydra sticks and 6400dpi dual-sensor mice to E3 2011, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/razer-totes-hydra-sticks-and-6400dpi-dual-sensor-mice-to-e3-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/razer-totes-hydra-sticks-and-6400dpi-dual-sensor-mice-to-e3-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/razer-totes-hydra-sticks-and-6400dpi-dual-sensor-mice-to-e3-2011/#comments

Razer's Sixense electromagnetic orb threw around plenty of intradimensional portals at CES, but sadly the company wouldn't let us play. Today at E3 2011, however, we were finally handed the reins. Those twin sticks are impressively responsive and accurate in the specially-made Sixense levels for Portal 2, and it's a heck of a lot of fun to physically stretch out blocks, reposition portals with a twist of the wrist and physically throw objects through the air. However, we got the impression that outside of games particularly designed to work with the sticks, it might be a different story. Waving the right stick around works pretty adequately for controlling the mouse cursor, but when we exited out to Windows, the sticks didn't work -- apparently, controls have to be mapped separately in a desktop client to work with the OS and other games or programs. We don't think many PC gamers will mind the six-foot range and wired tether here, but it does restrict those hoping to kick back with a game on the big screen.

Gallery: Razer Mamba Dual-Sensor and Hydra at E3 2011


We also got to try Razer's new "4G" dual-sensor technology, which will be rolling out to new Mamba and Imperator gaming mice right away -- it pairs a laser sensor and an optical sensor for more precision when lifting mice off a surface for advanced first-person shooter mousing techniques, not to mention 6400dpi tracking. We took it for a spin with a handy Razer Mamba, and we immediately fell in love -- whether we flung the mouse around haphazardly, furiously swiped it across the mousepad or simply tried for a quick headshot, it kept up with us. The cursor does creep if you lift and drop very rapidly, though, and without an original Mamba to compare with, it's hard to say just how much better it was. Thankfully, that won't be much of a factor in your purchasing decision: you'll pay the exact same $130 for the Mamba or $80 for the Imperator when they hit shelves this month. PR after the break.

Update: Razer points out that you can in fact use the controller in Windows, enabling mouse movement and toggling the cursor with button 4, and left and right clicking with the right trigger and button 1.

Continue reading Razer totes Hydra sticks and 6400dpi dual-sensor mice to E3 2011, we go hands-on

Razer totes Hydra sticks and 6400dpi dual-sensor mice to E3 2011, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6400dpidual sensorDualSensorE3E3 2011E32011gaminghands-onhydraImperatorlaserlaser mouseLaserMouseMambamicemouseopticaloptical mouseOpticalMouseperipheralsPortalPortal 2Portal2RazersixenseValveWed, 08 Jun 2011 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/kinect-integration-in-ghost-recon-future-soldier-hands-off-vi/#comments Microsoft's E3 keynote may have exploded with deeper Kinect support, but nothing caught our eyes quite as sharply as Ghost Recon: Future Soldier's rifle-exploding Gunsmith demo. A Ubisoft representative showed us how it's done: separating your arms separates your deadly firearm into a gorgeous display of floating screws, components, and accessories, which can be effortlessly modified, swapped, and replaced with gesture and voice commands. Too picky to decide for yourself? Then don't: just tell Gunsmith what you're looking for. For instance, saying "Optimize for range" produces a weapon any sniper should be proud of -- even better, we found that commanding Gunsmith to "optimize for awesome" birthed a rifle (pictured above) sporting an underbarrel shotgun attachment. A gun attached to a gun? Yeah, that works. Weapons can be tested in Gunsmith's gesture-controlled firing range, an engaging shooting mode exclusive to the Gunsmith weapon editor and not usable in regular gameplay. Head past the break for a hands-on (figuratively speaking) video.

Continue reading Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video)

Kinect integration in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier, hands-off (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3e3 2011E32011gaminggesturegesture controlGestureControlgesturesGhost ReconGhost Recon: Future SoldierGhostReconGhostRecon:FutureSoldierhands freehands-onHandsFreekinectmotion controlmotion gamingMotionControlMotionGamingUbisoftvideovideo gamesVideoGamesvoice commandvoice controlvoice recognitionVoiceCommandVoiceControlVoiceRecognitionxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 07:49:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo admits its Wii U highlight reel was spiced up with PS3 and Xbox 360 footage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/nintendo-admits-its-wii-u-highlight-reel-was-spiced-up-with-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/nintendo-admits-its-wii-u-highlight-reel-was-spiced-up-with-ps3/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/nintendo-admits-its-wii-u-highlight-reel-was-spiced-up-with-ps3/#comments Nintendo's E3 2011 keynote yesterday gave the world its first official look at the all-new Wii U hardware plus (we thought) a glimpse at the graphical capabilities of its next console. As it turns out, the impressive list of upcoming games for the 2012-bound console was just that, a list, with the visuals we saw on screen coming from PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of said titles. Nintendo of America chief Reggie Fils-Aime has confirmed that to be the case in an interview with GameTrailers, where he also points out that the eventual Wii U games will look at least as good as their PS3 / 360 counterparts. Which is why, in his eyes, it's okay to show us those games being played on the competition's (current-gen) hardware. He does remind us that the Wii U will be delivering graphics at a 1080p resolution, and points to the garden tech demo that also graced E3 as an indicator of what can be done with Nintendo's next console. That's all well and good, but maybe tell us in advance next time, Reggie?

Nintendo admits its Wii U highlight reel was spiced up with PS3 and Xbox 360 footage originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 06:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsole warsConsoleWarse3e3 2011E32011footagegaminghighlightsinterviewmicrosoftnintendoNintendo of Americanintendo wii uNintendoOfAmericaNintendoWiiUpresentationps3reggie fils-aimeReggie-Fils-AimeReggieFils-aimesonyvideowiiwii uWiiUxboxxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 08 Jun 2011 06:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Replicating Reality demos 3D virtual reality system powered by pixel-rich microdisplays]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/replicating-reality-demos-3d-virtual-reality-system-powered-by-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/replicating-reality-demos-3d-virtual-reality-system-powered-by-p/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/08/replicating-reality-demos-3d-virtual-reality-system-powered-by-p/#comments Kopin's a company known for diminutive displays destined for duty as electronic view finders in camcorders and digicams. At E3 this year, the company's subsidiary Forth Dimensions Displays has unveiled a new use for its teeny tiny screens -- virtual reality. Called Replicating Reality, it uses two .8-inch 1280 x 1024 LCD panels and head tracking to place you in a 3D virtual world. We got to test the system through a racing game, and found that it works pretty darn well. Graphics were of console quality, with nary a hint of image distortion from the system's magnification lenses and pixel pitch was imperceptible to our eyes. Basically, there was no indication that the screens our gaze was fixed upon were less than an inch across. The sharp picture combined with the system's head tracking -- which let us look around while taking turns and weaving through traffic -- to create quite an immersive experience. Of course, it still looked like a game, but there's a pixel packed 2048 x 1536 panel in the works that the company claims can deliver visuals nigh-indistinguishable from the real world. We were told that prototypes of these QXGA screens will be ready in ten months, and they'll be suitable for public consumption in a year. So, the real question is: will your eyeballs be prepared to handle such prodigious pixel density by then?

Gallery: Replicating Reality VR demo system

Replicating Reality demos 3D virtual reality system powered by pixel-rich microdisplays originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 04:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1280 x 10241280X10242048 x 15362048X15363ddisplaye3e3 2011E32011fourth dimension displaysFourthDimensionDisplayskopinlcdmicrodisplayqxgareplicating realityReplicatingRealitysxgavirtual realityVirtualRealityvrWed, 08 Jun 2011 04:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft Pocket Edition on Xperia Play hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/minecraft-pocket-edition-on-xperia-play-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/minecraft-pocket-edition-on-xperia-play-hands-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/minecraft-pocket-edition-on-xperia-play-hands-on-video/#comments
Sony Ericsson's Xperia Play is clearly all about gaming, so we weren't surprised to see a fair amount of E3 footage dedicated to the PlayStation Phone. Minecraft was among the 20 odd games on display at the booth, and the version we had a chance to play with happens to look remarkably similar to that demo we saw pop up a couple weeks ago. The game will be exclusive to the Play when it hits online stores in Q3, but there's no word on pricing just let -- though here's to hoping it'll be free. In the demo we played, you select your blocks on the touchscreen -- or you can just cycle through them with the circle and square buttons. You won't find Creepers, crafting, or night mode in this version, but we're still a few months away from the launch, so there's a chance we'll see those features when it's fully baked. You'll need to wait a bit longer before playing on your own device, but check out our hands-on video after the break for a taste of Mojang's pocket-sized Minecraft.

Gallery: Minecraft Pocket Edition Hands-On


Tim Stevens contributed to this report.

Continue reading Minecraft Pocket Edition on Xperia Play hands-on (video)

Minecraft Pocket Edition on Xperia Play hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 20:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androide3e3 2011e3 expoE32011E3Expogamegamesgaminghands-onminecraftplayplaystation phonePlaystationPhonesonysony ericssonsony ericsson xperia playSonyEricssonSonyEricssonXperiaPlayvideoxperia playXperiaPlayTue, 07 Jun 2011 20:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperkin SupaBoy portable SNES console hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/hyperkin-supaboy-portable-snes-console-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/hyperkin-supaboy-portable-snes-console-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/hyperkin-supaboy-portable-snes-console-hands-on/#comments Sure, all the morning's news may have been surrounding a vowel-augmented console from Nintendo, the Wii U, but a certain other Nintendo console that has fewer vowels is also seeing some well-deserved love here at E3 2011. It's the classic SNES, and its been reborn as the SupaBoy, courtesy of Hyperkin. It's a handheld version of the console that's basically intended to fulfill a gamers' desire for portable classic gaming but without having to ask for advice in the Ben Heck Forums. Click on through for some impressions of this handheld wunderconsole.

Gallery: Hyperkin SupaBoy Hands-On

Continue reading Hyperkin SupaBoy portable SNES console hands-on (video)

Hyperkin SupaBoy portable SNES console hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 18:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3 2011E32011hands-onhyperkinnintendonintendo entertainment systemNintendoEntertainmentSystemportableportable gamingPortableGamingsnessupaboysuper nintendoSuperNintendovideoTue, 07 Jun 2011 18:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's PlayStation Vita: a closer look (update: burning questions answered)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/sonys-playstation-vita-a-closer-look/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/sonys-playstation-vita-a-closer-look/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/sonys-playstation-vita-a-closer-look/#comments
We told you what Sony's PlayStation Vita felt like, but here it is in the glossy plastic flesh -- all five-inches of vibrant OLED display, two cameras, dual analog sticks, twelve buttons, two capacitive digitizers and a D-pad. Check out the gallery below for some close-up shots, and hop on past the break for some video footage of the quad-core handheld in action.

Update: Sony just answered a few burning questions for us -- mainly about those mysterious ports we spotted on the bottom and top. Apparently those top port covers will hold one slot for the official PSVita game cards, and another slot for regular removable media for downloadable content and saves, and the port that's occupying one of those places will be removed. Meanwhile, the large socket at the bottom is a "multiport" that provides power, connectivity and might do video-out. We couldn't get any firm details about the AT&T 3G partnership, by the way, but we're told that there will be a special cellular plan of some sort. As you'd expect, Sony's also not talking battery life, but a developer told us that -- with the exception of graphically intensive titles like Uncharted -- the company's shooting for parity with the original PlayStation Portable.

Gallery: Sony PlayStation Vita hands-on

Continue reading Sony's PlayStation Vita: a closer look (update: burning questions answered)

Sony's PlayStation Vita: a closer look (update: burning questions answered) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3 2011E32011hands-onNGPPlayStation VitaPlaystationVitaPS VitaPsVitaSonyvideoVitaTue, 07 Jun 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Star Wars hands-on: Engadget and Joystiq get in touch with the Force]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/kinect-star-wars-hands-on-engadget-and-joystiq-get-in-touch-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/kinect-star-wars-hands-on-engadget-and-joystiq-get-in-touch-wit/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/07/kinect-star-wars-hands-on-engadget-and-joystiq-get-in-touch-wit/#comments
We've been waiting for nearly an entire year to carve up battle droids with a Kinect-controlled lightsaber, and we got the chance last night, donning virtual Jedi robes alongside our friends at Joystiq and calling upon our inner midi-chlorians in a series of brief co-op fights. The interactive demo of Kinect Star Wars version is a fairly scripted affair -- your light side avatars automatically dash from encounter to encounter with the occasional cutscene between, without any prompting from you, and when you get into a melee, the computer controls which enemies you face as well. Still, there are quite a few maneuvers available once combat begins in earnest. You can swing your right hand to swipe with the lightsaber, bring up your left for a powerful Force Push, jump to flip over hapless destroyer droids, step forward to dash directly at a foe, and tilt your body to dodge and flip. There's a bit of a delay between the time you gesture and the time the game recognizes your actions, but it generally seemed to follow our saber strokes, and a product manager tells us a lag fix is inbound. Long story short, we can't tell you quite yet if your 1:1 slicing fantasies will be fulfilled.

Kinect Star Wars hands-on: Engadget and Joystiq get in touch with the Force originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E3E3 2011E32011KinectKinect Star WarsKinectStarWarsMicrosoftMicrosoft KinectMicrosoftKinectmotion sensingmotion trackingMotionSensingMotionTrackingStar WarsStarWarsXboxXbox 360Xbox360Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:04:00 EST