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DJ Hero 2 now available for purchase, Beck still wondering about royalty checks
You seriously can't make this stuff up -- in what can only be assumed is a nod to the one and only Beck, Activision actually is shipping two turntables and a microphone with DJ Hero 2. And that bundle is finally on sale starting today. We'd heard earlier in the year that the company was aiming for a fall release, and sure enough, consumers can get their holiday shopping started early by heading to Best Buy (where they'll receive a hard-shell turntable carrying case), Walmart (where the original DJ Hero will be thrown in gratis when buying the DJ Hero 2 Party Bundle on Wii or Xbox 360) or Amazon (where Linkin Park's A Thousand Suns will be oh-so-graciously tossed in for no charge). Check it right now for $59.99 (software only) to $149.99 (the full monty).
Nintendo unlikely to significantly alter 3DS design before release
In an interview from this year's E3 that's only just been published, Nintendo 3DS platform producer Hideo Konno says that the upcoming handheld is in its "final shape." Reggie Fils-Aime, the company's leading North American voice, has more recently told us that, au contraire, the E3 consoles are not the final design, though parsing the two into one coherent message would suggest that Nintendo's just leaving itself room to make small changes if the need arises. Konno's chat with Wired also touches on the 3DS' screen size, with him suggesting the glasses-free stereoscopic effect could be taken all the way to the size of a TV but requires the user to be in a very precise position, which is what makes it unfeasible. Teased about potentially making a 3DS XL, the veteran game guru says Nintendo's sticking with the current form factor for portability's sake, but he clearly isn't closing the door on the idea if and when 3DS sales begin to wane. There's a lot more here, including discussion of the new handheld's analog nub and MotionPlus-like gyro and accelerator combo, so why not show the source link some love?
Two days at E3 with a Vicon Revue life-blogging camera (video)
Each year the video gaming Mecca that is the Electronics Entertainment Expo seems to get a little more... stale. I've been attending since 1997, back when PC games dominated the show floor, scantily-clad mascots were everywhere, and press releases were handed out in three-ring binders. Despite the increasing sameness of it all it's still a huge privilege to go, an invitation I receive every summer and wish I could share with all my gamer friends -- which is, at this point, just about all of them. This year, thanks to Vicon, who kindly let me borrow one of its wearable Revue cameras, I can finally take you all along for the ride. %Gallery-96315%
Nintendo 'not satisfied' with online efforts, but no big changes in store
Le sigh. For years now, Nintendo's online efforts have quite clearly lagged behind those of Sony and Microsoft, both of which have placed a priority on nailing online multiplayer and making it part of the draw for prospective buyers. Xbox LIVE is a entire universe of online goodies, and it's the exception rather than the rule to see a major title launch on the 360 sans online play; in many ways, Sony sings a similar tune. Nintendo, meanwhile, seems to keep online play on the back burner, occasionally throwing it in where it's easy enough to add but never really going out of its way to make sure the latest AAA title will allow Bobby and Jacky to play from across the street. During an investors meeting last week at E3, Nintendo president Satoru Iwata confessed that he's "not currently satisfied with the online efforts that we have made so far," and that the Big N is "working at ways to improve those." In an episode of corporate double-speak to end all corporate double-speak, he followed up with this gem: "On the other hand, I do not think that online functionality is something that we should be devoting resources to for every single product." Seriously, Iwata? You can't think of a single reason why the next installment of Balls of Fury could benefit from online support? For shame.
Nintendo explains Vitality Sensor's absence at E3: show was too 'loud and stressful'
At E3 this year we were absolutely sure that Nintendo would finally release the details of its finger-trapping peripheral, the Vitality Sensor. The company revealed the thing the year prior and, well, it sure seemed like time to make it official. But, that didn't happen, and Nintendo's Cammie Dunaway (star of the 2009 Vitality Sensor reveal) told Game Set Watch why: there was just too much other stuff. Yes, Nintendo "had a really packed agenda" and was too busy showing off another Metroid sequel, another Zelda sequel and, shocker, another Kid Icarus sequel to make room for something that is actually new. She continues that E3 is "noisy and adrenaline-filled, and loud and stressful, and it just didn't seem like the best environment to introduce a product that's really about relaxing." So, here we are, left sitting alone, index fingers coldly exposed to the elements, forced to find other ways to relax on our own.
Nintendo 3DS will launch 'in all major markets' by March 2011, design still being tweaked
When Nintendo of Japan first announced the 3DS (think: way back in March), it promised a release of the portable by the fiscal year ending March 2011. Given the DS and DSi's six-month global rollout window, however, we weren't sure if that applied to the world or just the company's backyard -- sure, we've heard rumors of a UK release in October, but nothing's been confirmed. Cue Nintendo of America's president Reggie Fils-Aime to give a definitive answer: "The one thing, for sure, is that we will launch in all of our major markets by March 31, 2011." Well, that about settles it in our mind. Fils-Aime also clarifies that what we saw on the floor is not the final design -- something that was mentioned during the press conference -- but we wouldn't expect anything more than slightly altered button placement (for its part, the official site lists "look," battery, pre-installed software, and supported languages as TBA). But hey, if you want to believe a third screen is possible, don't let us stop you from dreaming.
GAEMS suitcase is the solution for bad-spelling, frequently-travelling Xbox 360 gamers
Schlepping your Xbox 360 around in your carry-on is a hardly ideal solution for platinum-level frequent fliers. Not only does it take up a significant portion of your roller, but once you get where you're going there's no guarantee that your hotel's wood-paneled tube will know what to do with your high-end gaming machine. Enter the GAEMS Portable Console Gaming and Entertainment System, which carries not only an Xbox but also a 15-inch, 720p LCD in the lid, and speakers to boot. Flip open your console and you're good to go, though we're wondering whether there's room in there for the power brick too. We do know that your controllers will not fit, which seems like an unfortunate design choice if you ask us. The GAEMS suitcase ships sometime before the end of the year for around $250, and yes there are PS3 and new Xbox 360 versions coming too.
Entelligence: The aftermath of E3
Entelligence is a column by technology strategist and author Michael Gartenberg, a man whose desire for a delicious cup of coffee and a quality New York bagel is dwarfed only by his passion for tech. In these articles, he'll explore where our industry is and where it's going -- on both micro and macro levels -- with the unique wit and insight only he can provide. Last week's E3 show was pretty wild. All the major players upped their game quite a bit -- pun intended. Here's my breakdown of the show. Microsoft: The folks in Redmond led the way with an intro launch party featuring a custom performance from Cirque de Soleil. That was just to warm things up -- when it came to actual announcements, Microsoft took a two-tiered approach. On one hand it's building on the success of long established titles like Gears of War, Fable and of course, Halo. On the other it's taking the time to re-boot the Xbox 360 with Kinect, which brings controller-free gaming to the platform, as well as adding voice and gesture controls. I think Kinect is a major leap forward in the gaming experience that will appeal to both mainstream and casual gamers. With a streamlined new Xbox 360 and an impressive set of launch titles debuting alongside, Kinect is more akin to a console launch than a peripheral. Overall, I'd say Microsoft is in the lead post-E3 and very well positioned for holiday.
Hori's PS3 MMO Controller is large and in charge
With a name like "PS3 MMO Controller" there's probably not much more that you need to know about this monstrous creation from Hori. It isn't exactly Final Fantasy themed, but seems to be targeted for those who will be chocobo breeding in XIV. Its main component is, of course, the big white keyboard, but there's also that extension on the left side, replicating the left portion of a Dual Shock and looking like something found on a Battlestar Galactica set (the original, natch). On the right side of the keyboard lies the other analog stick and full complement of buttons. We're thinking we'd rather tackle the denizens of hell for real than attempt God of War 3 with this thing, but for the massive crowd it should do quite well -- whenever it actually ships. Hori didn't have a price in mine just yet either.
OnLive's MicroConsole coming by end of 2010
Now that OnLive's beta is (kind of) out the door -- a "bumpy takeoff" as coined by founder Steve Perlman -- the company is talking about its future plans. One of those happens to be a piece of hardware dubbed the MicroConsole that'll serve as the link from the service to your TV. Talking with Joystiq at E3, Perlman said it expects to push the device out "by the end of 2010" and that beta users are already using it. So, when can we get in on that beta?
ForceTek XIO: the gaming controller that hurts you, not the TV (video)
Forget the Wiimote, PlayStation Move and Kinect; here's a controller that actually makes you feel the games. At E3 earlier this week, startup firm ForceTek was seen demoing its XIO Virtual Gaming System -- a rather fancy name for a force-feedback arm exoskeleton that "provides a controlled resistance" to your arm and wrist movement. The rig sure looks like a great addition for action games -- imagine feeling a virtual basketball bouncing, or your virtual machine gun recoiling, or even the reaction force from a virtual punch. Want it now? Try next year, when the XIO will apparently ship at a "competitive" price comparable to that of a guitar for Guitar Hero. See the controller in action after the break, and try not to wince.
Turtle Beach Ear Force Z2 ears-on
With its Ear Force line, Turtle Beach has turned the gaming headset from niche product into must-have accessory for many serious gamers -- particularly those engaging in some warfare of a modern variety. The wireless, 7.1-channel X41 model sits on the high end, but Turtle Beach is now offering those on a bit of a budget a new option: the Ear Force Z2. At $69.95 it isn't exactly cheap, but compared to the other products on the segment it is something of a bargain. Click on through for our impressions. %Gallery-95631%
Razer Starcraft II and Xbox 360 peripherals hands-on
Razer's meteoric rise from second-tier mouse maker to top-shelf peripheral guru has been nothing short of incredible, and its success has enabled it to start to focus a little more on the niche groups. Such is its latest addition: a keyboard, mouse, and headset designed just for RTS gamers, and specifically for Starcraft II. We spent some time sampling their APM-enhancing abilities, and checked out the latest revision of the company's upcoming Xbox 360 Onza controller too. It's all after the break. %Gallery-95630%
Nox Audio explores audiophile options with Scout mini headset, we go ears-on
When the Scout in-ear headset launches this fall, it'll actually be Nox Audio's second debut product -- the first is the Specialist we just reviewed -- but unlike that pair of supra-aural cans, these little devils may actually have quality sound. Even in the hustle and bustle of the E3 2010 floor, we were able to make out clear, nuanced audio from their balanced armature drivers, and were impressed by the build quality as well. The silicone tab attached to each phone kept them more easily affixed to the ears, and both the in-line microphone and send / end button for calls were so tiny a Nox rep had to point them out -- at first, we thought they were part of the cord. At an estimated $70, though, we'll be eager to see how they compete with Klipsch, not to mention Apple's model. %Gallery-95517%
Rock Band 3 Fender Mustang Pro guitar controller and MIDI-Pro adapter eyes-on
We still can't get time with the Fender Mustang Pro guitar controller while actually playing Rock Band 3, but the gang at the Mad Catz booth were fine enough with us letting us toy around on its own, sans game. So, how does it feel just silently going through chords and scales? Sturdy as can be, sure, and the 100-plus buttons for the neck feel like they'll stand up for a good bit of time. That said, it felt harder than a real guitar locating the strings and frets -- especially a pain for faster chord changing. Also a burden? No ability to bend strings -- not that you'll be able to bend on the Squier Stratocaster either, as it turns out, but that's a whole 'nother issue. We also got some eyes on the MIDI Pro Adapter for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii; there isn't much to look at for now, but if you get your kicks from plastic dongles, hey, we've got all the photos you need below. %Gallery-95481% %Gallery-95483%
New Xbox 360 shows up in the wild, gets unboxed, torn asunder and modded
Hey, look at what we have here -- it's the new Xbox 360 that was just debuted a few days back -- and there's a lot going down with this one which has somehow made its way into the wild. We get the full unboxing treatment, a detailed teardown, and finish up with some delicious, light-paneled modding. While we can't really gather much beyond what we already know, the drive appears to be a Philips Lite-On DG-16D4S -- just in case you were wondering about that one. There's a video below showing off this one's new, modded exterior. [Thanks, Thomas C]
Razer shows off Starcraft II series of gaming peripherals
Razer has been teasing these for months, but it's just now given us our first look at its new Starcraft II series of gaming peripherals. Those include the Razer Spectre gaming mouse, the Razer Marauder gaming keyboard, and the Razer Banshee gaming headset, which all boast the same Starcraft-themed designs complete with blue LEDs, and all the gamer-friendly touches you'd expect from Razer -- 1000Hz Ultrapolling / 1ms response on the keyboard, 5600 dpi resolution and button force adjustment on the mouse, and a detachable mic on the headset, to name just a few features. Of course, they'll also demand a bit of a premium price -- look for the Spectre mouse to run $80, and the Marauder keyboard and Banshee headset to each set you back $120 when they roll out sometime in the third quarter of this year (presumably alongside Starcraft II). Head on past the break for the complete press release, and hit up the gallery below for a closer look at the whole lot. %Gallery-95569%
Kinect guide: a preview and explanation of Microsoft's new full body motion sensor
We've become so familiar with the "Project Natal" codename over the years that our tongues are still having a little trouble wrapping around Microsoft's new Kinect moniker for it. Still, what's in a name? Microsoft has finally shown us what matters with real games, real gameplay, and real hardware, and after spending some time with it using our very own human flesh to control the on-screen action, we feel like we're starting to get a pretty good grip on the experience. Follow after the break as we break down the complicated workings and emergent gameplay of Kinect.
DualShock can be used in lieu of Navigation Controller
Remember that rumor a couple years back of PS3 motion control gaming being based around a pull-apart DualShock 3? Well, perhaps it wasn't such a wild idea after all. No DualShock 3s have been harmed in the making of Move, but Joystiq has just confirmed that you can actually use the existing controller for Move gaming instead of springing for the Navigation Controller if you'd like. Obviously, you'll be one-handing the DualShock, not quite as comfortable as the Move's tiny, dedicated quasi-nunchuck, but it saves you $30 for your hassle. You'll only have access to the d-pad or four face buttons, depending on which side you choose, but interestingly, the Nav Controller's X and O buttons are redundant with the full Move wand, so hopefully this won't impact gameplay too greatly.
Thrustmaster unveils its perfect replica HOTAS Warthog flight controller, we go hands-on (video)
Flight sim aficionados tend to be a fanatical bunch. It isn't good enough if it isn't as realistic as humanly possible, and as technology improves more and more things get more and more possible. It's now been 10 years since Thrustmaster released its iconic HOTAS Cougar, a near-perfect replica of the F-16's Hands On Throttle and Stick, and now the company is following up with an even more realistic version for a very different sort of aircraft: the ground-pounding A-10C Warthog. It's as close as you can get to the real thing without getting commissioned, and we took it for a test-flight. Click on through for our impressions and some impressive footage of the thing in action. %Gallery-95393%