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Free Xbox Live Gold weekend for Australia
Australian and New Zealand fanboys who have Xbox Live silver accounts will be happy to know that a free gold weekend is upon them. Thanks to Ubisoft's charitable nature, GRAW 2 will be sponsoring an Australian and New Zealand free gold play weekend starting Friday, March 9th and running through Sunday, March 11th. Fellow silver members take advantage of your free play weekend as they are quite the rarity. Second thought, just purchase a Xbox Live gold subscription and all your life problems will disappear. That's almost a guarantee.[Via IGN]
Up close with the metallic silver PSP [Update 1]
sthpark7791 from the PlayStation boards just posted some really sexy pictures of his new import silver PSP. Obviously, it's quite shiny, but he has a few other things to say: It feels "stronger" than the original black PSP. The analog nub has more resistance. Buttons are a lot harder. So not only is it sexy, it appears to have some added functionality too! This really makes me angry that SCEA still refuses to bring any other color here to the States. What's up with that? Interested importers can pick up a system from Play-Asia for $199, the same cost as a US system. Or, for the poor, you might be interested in simply getting an official replacement faceplate.See also:Up close with the metallic blue PSP[Update 1: Ravi, owner of said PSP, has posted even more sexy pics.]
Samsung NV3, now in gold ("OPL") and silver
Same NV3, same 7.2 megapixels, same 3x optical, same optical image stabilization, same media playback features, but now Samsung is giving you the privilege of paying even more to buy it in some special edition colors. The $350 US camera will run you £199 and £229 (about $400 and $450) for silver and gold "OPL" (Oriental Plant Lacquer) when they're loosed in February and March, respectively.
Isn't black so boring?
For about $30, you can rip apart your PSP and install some new official Sony PSP faceplates. It may not be cheap, but it's far more affordable than outright buying a new import PSP. New colors, such as Silver and Metallic Blue (it's so shiny!) are available for your consumption. Considering how SCEA seems to think that we're satisfied with having simply one color (black) in the market, this might be the best option for you to add a little color to your PSP gaming.[Via PSP GadgetZ]See also:Up close with the metallic blue PSP
Dell throws silver casings on SE1777FP / SE197FP LCDs
It looks like that newfangled silver motif we spotted a few days back on Dell's 2007WFP was indeed a sign of things to come, as both the 17-inch SE177FP and 19-inch SE197FP have been officially updated to sport a snazzy new silver casing. Thankfully sparing us the bizarre-looking silver / black mishmash design on the rear, these two still sport the same black backside with a new silver bezel and stand arm. Both units tout a 1,280 x 1,024 resolution, 8-millisecond response time, 300 cd/m2 brightness, VGA inputs, and VESA compatibility; the 17-incher also boasts a 500:1 contrast ratio while the larger of the two claims a 700:1 ratio, and both are available as we speak. As for prices, the SE197FP will demand $219, while the more diminutive sibling rings up at just $179.Read - Dell's 19-inch SE197FP LCDRead - Dell's 17-inch SE177FP LCD[Thanks, Ethan]
Gold and silver USB drives celebrate the Year of the Pig
While most of you may think we're just rolling along in 2007, you're probably just paying too close attention to that Gregorian calendar, as there's still a ways to go before the Year of the Pig is rung in. In a collaborative effort between the Beijing Zhongshi Boda Company and Lenovo, a limited run (9,999 to be exact) of gold and silver USB flash drives are being released with celebratory engravings on the sides. Each drive is made from "30 grams of its respective metals," and reportedly sports a purity level of 99.9-percent. Looking to woo folks who just can't get enough of that Chinese culture in the side of their computer, the devices feature a pig pattern and "2007" to commemorate the upcoming new year, and moreover, the Chinese characters "Jin Zhu Tian Fu" are inscribed, which translates to "may the gold pig bring you good fortune." We've no idea if silver users won't be nearly as lucky for typographical reasons, nor how much capacity these things actually have, but the sets should start selling soon for a whopping 9,999 CNY ($1,281) over in China.[Via Spluch & Engadget China]
Microtek unveils four new HD plasmas
While Microtek may not be the first name that comes to mind when you're thinking about plasma displays, the firm has four new PDP monitors ready to hit the market, all with decent specs and (fairly) reasonable pricing. Handling the low-end is the 42-inch MHP1-HDI, which sports a WXGA resolution, 1,300 cd/m2 brightness, 10,000:1 contrast ratio, built-in ATSC / NTSC hybrid tuner, HDMI, dual 10-watt stereo speakers, silver casing, and the company's own "Digital Color Transient Improvement (CTI) edge smoothing technology." The 50-inch version, dubbed P50TX1A, offers up just 1,000 cd/m2 brightness and an 8,000:1 contrast ratio, but otherwise remains identical to its slightly smaller sibling. For those who just insist on buying a set encased in black, the 42-inch Cineon CP42HA and 50-inch CP50HA just so happen to rock the exact same specifications as their silver-clad brethren, but will cost you a good bit more (sound familiar?) for the caliginous luxury. Microtek claims all four units are available now, and if you can manage to locate one, it'll run you $1,499 for the MHP1-HDI (and $100 more for the CP42HA), or $1,999 for the P50TX1A (add $200 for the CP50HA).Read - Microtek's MHP1-HDI and P50TX1A displaysRead - Microtek's Cineon CP42HA and CP50HA displays
Silver and Blue, for your import consideration
One of our readers, Brandon, made note that the new Silver and Blue PSPs are available for importers at Play-Asia.com. These are both going for $199, the same retail price as an uncolorful American PSP. Remember: import PSPs can play all games. The only catch is: they can't play other region's UMDs. Not that that should matter anyways.
Silver & Metallic Blue PSPs are a go
Sony showed off new colors for the PSP at Tokyo Game Show a month ago, and it looks like they're all heading to stores... in Japan, at least. The Camo PSP was recently packaged as part of a Metal Gear Solid bundle. The new Silver and Metallic Blue colors for the PSP are hitting Japan, sans bundles. Except for color, they'll be identical to the current White and Black PSPs, including price (unlike the Signature line).Europe gets the pink PSP, and Japan gets a whole assortment of colors. Why is the US stuck with just plain ol' black?[Via Kingplayer]
Pink leads trio of new PSP colors in Japan
Sony's pulling a Nintendo. Hoping to boost holiday sales, the company will parade around three new PSP colors in Japan.On November 22, Sony will release a pink PSP, along with matching PlayStation 2 -- also released in Europe. Pink will be followed by silver on December 14, and then by metallic blue a week later. All three colors will retail for ¥20,790 ($178) and come packaged with an AC adaptor and battery pack (no extras included).The pink PSP will be accompanied by a series of accessories designed by popular Japanese fashion brand Samantha Thavasa, including a leather handbag with UMD and memory stick pockets (¥15,750; $135), rabbit fur strap (¥8,925;$76), heart charm strap (¥8,925; $76) and tote bag with detachable pouch (¥26,250; $224). $224?! Well fellas, we just pray that your lady isn't a fashion-forward gamer...
Rift widens between Silver and Gold XBLA memberships
Xbox Live's Major Nelson announced on Wednesday that the newest Gears of War trailer was available online ... to Gold subscribers only. This marks the first time that exclusive XBL content has been delayed (not denied) for the free Silver members, and it's just the tip of the iceberg. Nelson commented on his blog entry after mixed reaction from readers, "So here is the deal ... Silver members WILL get access to this ... probably in about a week. This is going to happen more and more (Gold getting things before Silver) so you may want to think about upgrading if you want all the latest and greatest trailers, demos etc."It's not really a big deal at this point, because the trailer was available online within seconds of appearing on the XBLM. The real problem starts when Gold members start getting demos and downloadable game content before Silver members do; perhaps, eventually, the Silver members won't get them at all. Microsoft will find themselves treading a fine line between how much a Silver member will put up with not having, and how much a Gold member needs to feel justified in paying the cost for their features. It's important to note that this trailer is most likely a trial run by Microsoft (through Major Nelson) to see how things go, since it's not even true "exclusive" content. Nelson (can we just call him Larry, already?) admits that this is the same commercial played last week at X06 Canada. So where's the real super exclusive platinum fanboy stuff, eh?The point is that Microsoft is finally treating the Gold level like what it is supposed to be, a step above the Silver membership. Silver members don't pay for anything; it's a free service meant to provide an "introduction" to XBL. Gold members pay for additional features and, with it, they expect some perks to be delivered. While it's limited to trailers right now, expect to see it expand to demos, downloadable content, and anything else Microsoft can think about leveraging for more subscribers to make the jump up to the next tier while their model for microtransactions seems to be falling apart with the inmates running the asylum.And just because we love you, check out that Gears trailer after the jump in SD, or click here for the HD version.[Thanks, E.J.]
Let them download cake
If don't have this one on your RSS feed, you may not know GayGamer.net does more than cover obviously gay stuff like the Foley-friendly make-out sessions in Bully. Those flamboyantly homosexual gamers can write with Fab Five-ish wit and style, as they prove with this post on the divide between Gold Xbox Live Members and their "lice-ridden" Silver cousins. Let them download cake indeed.
Sony shipping silver PS2 to the States October 24th?
Sure, most Sony fanboys these days are probably saving all their pennies for one of those shiny PS3s just around the corner, but if they can't quite swing enough hundies to grab a next gen unit along with enough games to keep them occupied, they can always settle for this "limited edition" silver PS2, which looks to be quite shiny in its own right. GameStop has been listing the $130 unit for pre-order for a while now, but now we've got word from a Target employee that confirms the price and date (October 24th) and reveals the quantity of the limited edition run: 500,000. While we'd hardly call that a limited edition with a new console on the way and current-gen sales waning, it's good to have this silver edition finally in the States after eyeing those Japanese units jealously for a year and a half. It'll also go well with that silver PSP we spotted last month, though hopefully we won't have to wait quite as long for that one to get here.
Gasp! Get your Sonic Rivals internet cards before they're all gone
Sega has been known to do some off-the-wall advertising for their games, just check out Beta-7 if you don't believe me. Now Sega, to hype up Sonic Rivals coming to the PSP, has released character artwork cards, and I really have no clue why.Among the lucky characters to be included in this batch are Sonic (Of course), Knuckles, Shadow and Silver. Honestly, I'm not really "feeling" these cards so much. Is there really a point in numbering them? I don't think anyone's going to try to trade a Knuckles for a Silver any time soon.Anyway, Sonic Rivials should be released Nov. 21. That means you only have a little more than a month to collect the entire set. You better hurry![Via DCEmu]
PSP sales boost attempt #347: stealth attack
Sony has made numerous attempts on Nintendo's portable handheld crown with their PSP, but nothing really seems to stick, since DS sales numbers are just as astronomical as ever. Now Sony has taken to camouflaging their PSPs in an attempt to catch consumers unawares, thereby tricking them into purchasing the portable console. (Or perhaps they're trying to break into the notoriously tough hunting, camping, and peeping tom demographics).That's the theory anyways, because we're not really sure why somebody would pick one of these camo units up otherwise. Especially with Sony busting out a whole bunch of fruity PSPs and a silver edition alongside the camo version -- and of course there's always that incredibly pink version to consider. As far as price and availability, we're not quite sure Sony even plans to bring these things to market, but if they do we're banking on a Japan exclusive for a while before they come to the States, so hopefully we'll have ample warning. Be sure to peep the fruity and silver editions after the break.[Via PSP Fanboy]
TGS 06: New system colors spotted [Update 1]
It looks like Sony may consider bringing out some flashier PSP designs. While these aren't "official" yet, Sony rarely shows system colors that never materialize. This camo PSP looks especially hot, and will be a must-have for a true SOCOM fan. Hopefully, it won't fall under Sony's "Signature" line of systems, or you'll most likely be unable to afford it. Other pictures from Dengenki showcase more traditional blue, yellow and red systems, which can be seen after the cut. Me? I like the yellow one the best.Will Sony ever officially announce these system colors? And if they do, will they ever bring them to the States? (Hey, we still don't have the white PSP.)See also:A closer look at the pink PSPGetting intimate with Kacho-Fugetsu[Via PSP-Vault][Update 1: Now features Silver PSP]
Games Convention to feature Vice City & Sonic
According to GameFront, it appears that the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories will be presented to members of the press in next week's Games Convention in Germany. Also on-hand at the show, according to GamesIndustry.biz is Sonic Rivals, the first ever original PSP platformer starring Sega's famous mascot. With the convention pending, it appears that new screens of both games are making their way around the internet. CVG has posted new screens of Sonic Rivals, featuring the aptly named Silver, who boasts psychic powers. GAME also has new direct-feed screenshots of Vice City Stories in action, showcasing the "new" rocket launcher.[Thanks, Adriaan!]
Gaming with a silver spoon
Since 1830, Chistofle has been about all things silver. So naturally, some 6 generations later, the brand has turned to gaming, becoming the face of your Xbox 360 -- well, maybe, not your Xbox 360, but rather, five rich geeks' 360s.Later this year, the Colette boutique in Paris, will be selling five -- and only five -- solid-silver, Chistofle-branded Xbox 360 faceplates. That's five, solid-silver, Chistofle-branded, €1,000 ($1,260) Xbox 360 faceplates. We suppose there are more pointless and selfish ways to spend that kinda money, but we just can't think of any.
Screw chrome! Silver is the real bling
Our fine friends at Luxist have dropped the curtain on this swanky piece of 360 luxury: a solid silver faceplate. The faceplate is made by (presumably very rich) Christofle -- the name just begs to be italicized -- and designed by (also presumably very rich) Andree Putman. There will only be five (count 'em, five) manufactured in the whole wide world, and, at a cool €1000 ($1250), you'll be hard pressed to get one any time soon. Still, if you're dying to be the King of Bling or...um...the Duke of Krunk, you can go check them out in the Collette boutique in Paris.[Via Luxist]
Casio introduces 7.2 megapixel Exilim EX-Z70
So Casio's just announced that it's taking the six megapixel Exilim EX-Z60 and bumping the resolution up to 7.2 megapixels in a new model whose name you can probably guess, while at the same time managing to make it just a little more pocket-friendly by shaving a few millimeters off the depth. Besides those extra million or so pixels, though, the Exilim EX-Z70's specs remain nearly identical to its sibling's, so the 2.5-inch LCD, 3x optical zoom, and digital image stabilization will come as little surprise. Retailing for around $425, a black version of this 118-gram point-and-shooter will be available at the beginning of July, while a silver edition will hit the streets about a month later. Keep reading to get a view from the back, though if you're familiar with Z60, you'll have seen it all before...
