Wii U Will Get Last-Gen Radeon

Wii U has last-gen Radeon inside, still more advanced than PS3 and Xbox 360, CryEngine-built software is already close to fully running on Nintendo’s next-generation console. At its heart is a chip similar to the R770 found in AMD’s last-gen cards like the 4890 and the ustom core also supports Direct X 10.1 and also Eyefinity-like multi-display tech for up to four SD video streams.

An interesting new report has emerged on one of the specs that was still in the dark up until recently about Nintendo’s big new Wii U system and  for those who were wondering about its power, there’s good news and also bad news about the GPU that the Wii U is packing. Nintendo‘s upcoming Wii U console will contain a custom Radeon graphics processor that, despite being based on last-gen technology, trumps the visual processing power of both the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. For all the promise of the Wii U and its unique features, Nintendo‘s E3 press conference reveal was more confusing than anything else. Introduced by way of the WiiPad tablet controller thingy, the words new console never actually came up until late in the presentation, when Electronic Arts boss John Riccitiello took to the stage to talk about third-party support. The Wii U is indeed a new console and a fairly powerful one if reports are accurate. The chip is apparently built on Radeon’s last-gen technology, seen in the company’s Radeon 4xxx line of video adapters. While those cards have since been updated in the 5xxx line, note that this is still more powerful than the visual processing power of either the Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 consoles. The Wii U chip will be capable of delivering DirectX 10.1-level eye candy.

This should be good for Nintendo through 2012 and probably 2013 as well, but sooner or later Microsoft and Sony are going to fire back with new console offerings. Sony may have a 10-year plan for the PS3, but that doesn’t mean something won’t come along to kick the console down to PS2-level pricing. As for Microsoft, a new console announcement is almost a foregone conclusion for sometime next year. The Xbox 360 is still a powerful device (just look at what it does with Skyrim) and the Xbox Live community is without a doubt, the most active online gaming community out there, but the aging console, first released in 2005, isn’t going to be able to keep pace for too much longer. The last thing Nintendo needs is to find itself in another situation where its own product lags behind the competition. The Wii was immediately popular with a much wider audience than most game publishers and console makers were used to at the time, but the years that followed have shown that the casual games aren’t enough on their own to sustain a home gaming platform. With the Wii U announcement,Nintendo has officially launched the eighth console generation. For more information visit here.

 

Sony PlayStation Vita Now Official

Sony NGP has now been named the Playstation Vita and has its features have been shown off extensively in titles such as Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Ruin and surprisingly, Street Fighter X Tekken with Infamous 2 protagonist Cole MacGrath as an exclusive character. Sony also released the pricing information for the Playstation Vita and tThese prices are $250 for the Wi-Fi only model and $300 for the 3G compatibly version with AT & T service, which is known for being somewhat unreliable.

Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. (SCE) announced PlayStationVita (PS Vita) (PCH-1000 series) as the official platform name for the next generation portable entertainment system (codename: NGP). Wi-Fi model will be available for 24,980 yen (including tax) in Japan, $249 in US and euro 249 in Europe, 3G/Wi-Fi model will be available for 29,980 yen (including tax) in Japan, $299 in US and euro 299 in Europe and successively launch in global market starting the end of 2011. “Vita,” which means “Life” in Latin, was chosen as the most appropriate name for the next generation portable entertainment system as it enables a revolutionary combination of rich gaming and social connectivity within a real world context. SCE is aiming to transform every aspect of user’s daily life into an entertainment experience. PS Vita incorporates a beautiful 5-inch multi-touch organic light emitting diode (OLED) as the front display and a unique multi-touch pad on the rear. Together with the front touch screen and the rear touch pad, PS Vita offers new game play experiences never before seen on any device, allowing users to interact directly with games in three dimension-like motion, through “touch, grab, trace, push and pull” finger motions. Also PS Vita features two analog sticks which enable a wider range of game genres to be brought into the portable experience, such as shooters, action games, and fighting games. Exciting and attractive new titles are scheduled to be released from SCE Worldwide Studios, including “GRAVITY DAZE,” “Uncharted Golden Abyss,” “Little Deviants,” “Hot Shots Golf,” “Reality Fighter,” “Hustle Kings,” “ModNation Racers,” “Wipeout 2048” and “Super Stardust Delta,” as well as from a broad range of third party game developers and publishers, which will deliver value only possible on PS Vita.

Also, by having both Wi-Fi and 3G network connectivity, together with various applications, PS Vita will enable infinite possibilities for users to “encounter,” “connect,” “discover,” “share” and “play” with friends wherever they are. On January 27, 2011, SCE announced the first PS Vita application, “near,” which will come pre-installed. It will let users discover what games PS Vita users in the vicinity are or were recently playing, as well as let users share their game information. “near” also enables location-based gaming features such as “gifting,” in which a user can access virtual game-related items that other users are sharing, through checking in at geographic locations that others have also visited. The virtual items can include content unlocked from games, such as character costumes, weapons, and treasures. Sharing these items between users adds a unique dimension to the portable gaming experience on PS Vita while enhancing the social connectivity among the PS Vita community. Additionally, PS Vita will come pre-installed with a newly developed application called “Party.” “Party” is an innovative application for a portable entertainment system which enables users to enjoy voice chat or text chat not only during online gaming, but also when users are playing different games or using different applications such as internet browser. Through “Party,” which offers a new form of social networking, and “near,” which enables users to share their game information with other users anywhere, anytime, users can dramatically expand the boundaries of interactive communication. Also a tutorial application called “Welcome Park,” developed specifically to guide every user about PS Vita‘s brand new user interface such as the front touch display and the multi-touch pad on the rear, will come pre-installed. By playing “Welcome Park,” users can easily become accustomed to the three dimension-like finger motions used on PS Vita.

 

Nintendo Wii U

The Wii U, Nintendo’s next console, avariety of new controls will be made available by that crazy new controller with a 6.2-inch touchscreen embedded in it. The Wii U controller can handle your gaming session when the television is needed for other purposes, while a built-in front-facing cam will let you video chat from anywhere too and the Wii U will be compatible with all current-gen accessories.

Nintendo has announced its new console and it is the Nintendo Wii U and it is coming in 2012. Reggie said that the Wii name made perfect sense when people started taking it as “We” and let players come together. But the next console is going to introduce and little more focus on the individual gamers. Utilzing a new controller that has built in 6.2 inch touch-screen, theWii U will let players play, draw, browse and more. The Wii U controller also includes two analog sticks, a d-pad, two triggers, microphone, speakers, camera, gyroscope and accelerometer. More impressively, it allows games to be played on your HDTV or on the screen of the controller. The screen can also be used for an inventory screen while playing on the big screen. The Wii U is one-hundred percent backwards compatible with all Wii games and controllers. Nintendo is also planning cross-compatible games between the Wii U and the 3DS. One of the first games to use this will be a new Super Smash Brothers games due out in 2012 along with LEGO City Stories. Some of the games shown included with the Wii U include a new Legend of Zelda and a prototype of Super Mario Brothers that lets you put your Mii in the game. Confirmed third party games that appeal to ‘core’ gamers include Darksiders II and Metro: Last Night from THQ, Assassin’s Creed and Ghost Recon Online from Ubisoft, DiRT from Codemasters, Aliens: Colonial Marines and Batman: Arkham City from WB Games. There’s also Tekken with the ability to customize your fighters and Ninja Gaiden 3: Razor’s Edge.

 

Modern Warfare 3 On Xbox 360

Modern Warfare 3 comes out guns blazing on Xbox 360 and ater effects was followed by thunderous applause. Modern Warfare 3 will help the Xbox 360 to another record year or not? Modern Warfare 3 is slated for a November 8 release.

The show began with the familiar Xbox 360 graphic that you see every time you fire up the 360. But once the image left, the green hue remained, and formed a now familiar 3. With that, Microsoft showed off an early stage for Modern Warfare 3, which was being played live. The level was set in New York — or more precisely under it, as you begin the game as a soldier named “Frost”, who is in full diving gear and making his way through a flooded tunnel leading into New York. Frost and his team emerge in the harbor and are hunting an enemy sub. Once they find it, they plant explosives which force the ship to the surface. Once you break the water, you get your first glance of New York. The familiar skyline is radically different, as missiles continue to decimate the skyscrapers, and fires cast a smoke cloud over the city. Frost and his team then board the sub and fight their way to the control room, where they launch missiles on themselves to sink the sub for good. Next an escape on a raft through the New York harbor begins, and as Frost cuts around, over, and even under the remains of a naval fleet. Although the section of the game was fairly short, it was also impressive and had the audience enthralled. The game is not an Xbox 360 exclusive, but any future expansions for Modern warfare 3 will be released on Xbox Live at least a month before they are released elsewhere. It may also be a not so subtle reminder that the Call of Duty series is thriving on XBL, while the PS3 version hasn’t been all that playable lately thanks to the PSN shenanigans.

 

Xbox 360 Gears Of War Limited Edition

Gears of War limited edition Xbox 360 paints the town crimson, coming September 20th for $400 and it equipped with a 320GB hard drive, two matching wireless controllers, and the obligatory copy of its headline game (plus some DLC goodies).

Designed by Microsoft and Epic games, this limited edition Xbox 360 console commemorates the spectacular story conclusion to one of the most celebrated trilogies in video game history. Inspired by the blockbuster Xbox 360 franchise, the Xbox 360 limited edition Gears of War 3 Bundle includes an exclusive red and black console design with two custom-designedXbox 360 wireless controllers, a 320GB hard drive and built-in Wi-Fi connection for easier access to the world of entertainment on Xbox LIVE, and will be available from 20th September 2011. The package includes a standard copy of “Gears of War 3,” a wired headset, plus a download token for bonus game content including the Infected Omen Weapon Pack and theAdam Fenix character for use in multiplayer. The Infected Omen Weapon Pack gives fans the infected omen skin for use on the five starting weapons: Lancer, Retro Lancer, Hammerburst, Gransher and Sawed-Off Shotgun. Also, the power and eject buttons have been customised with unique sounds from the “Gears of War” universe. Truly a collector’s item forXbox 360 and “Gears of War” fans, the console is incredible value with more storage than any other Xbox 360 console, and includes two customised limited edition wireless controllers. Customers can also purchase the customised Limited Edition Gears of War 3 wireless controller separately.

 

Nintendo Wii U Controller

On the face of the controller you’ll find a 6.2inch touch screen and a stylus slides out of the controller for use on the touchscreen. Nintendo stated that it’s not high definition, but the resolution appears to be substantially higher than the 3DS screen and the Wii U controller also features motion controls that should be on par with the Wii Motion Plus.

At the E3 Expo, Nintendo introduced a new paradigm for video games and home entertainment: Wii U, a new console that includes a controller with a 6.2-inch screen. Adding a second screen to the living room creates a multitude of new video game experiences while offering families a variety of options to customize their entertainment. “Wii U redefines the structure of home entertainment by fundamentally changing how the TV, the game console and the Internet function and interact together” Previously, video games played on a home console have been confined to the TV and offered identical viewpoints to each player in a multiplayer environment. Furthermore, watching TV and playing console games have been completely separate experiences. The new controller removes these boundaries, creating a more dynamic and fluid gaming and entertainment experience. Visitors to the E3 Expo will see firsthand the type of gaming experiences made possible by Wii U and the new controller such as:

• In single-player games: The new controller can display information on its screen that does not appear on the TV. The information and viewpoint can also change in the new controller based on the orientation of its gyroscope.
• In multiplayer games: The player using the new controller can have a different experience than those looking at the TV. This will offer a wide variety of competitive and cooperative opportunities.

In addition to the 6.2-inch screen, the new controller also features an accelerometer and a gyroscope, a rumble feature, an inward-facing camera, a microphone and speakers. Adding these features to the Classic Controller button scheme – two analog Circle Pads, +Control Pad, A/B/X/Y buttons, L/R buttons and ZL/ZR buttons – will enable a breadth of game-play experiences while appealing to both casual and dedicated video game players. Wii U combines motion-sensing game play with the ability to support full HD graphics. Each Wii U console will be partnered with a new controller and can also use up to four additional Wii Remote or Wii Remote Plus controllers. The system is also backward compatible and can play all Wii games and use all Wii accessories. The Wii console has sold more than 86 million units globally and greatly expanded the overall audience for video games. Wii U aims to expand that audience even further. Developers worldwide are already working on new games and experiences for the console. “Wii U redefines the structure of home entertainment by fundamentally changing how the TV, the game console and the Internet function and interact together,” said Nintendo President Satoru Iwata. “The experience enabled by Wii U and the new controller takes players deeper into their games, while reaching out wider than ever before to be inviting to all kinds of gamers.”

Nintendo 3DS, which lets users see 3D images without the need for special glasses, launched in the United States on March 27 and continues to evolve. Owners will find that their Nintendo 3DS experience is different every time they pick up the system, thanks to new content and updates delivered by Nintendo, by third parties and exchanged between users. A new system update is now available for the Nintendo 3DS system. Users who connect to a wireless broadband Internet connection and install the system update will instantly gain access to the Nintendo eShop, which contains a variety of games and applications for download using a cash-based system. Users can browse original 3D software, 3D Classics (select classic video games re-mastered in 3D), classic Game Boy and Game Boy Color games and more than 350 games and applications currently offered for the Nintendo DSiWare service. Visitors can also see videos and screen shots for games, plus see how other players rank games. The system update also provides Nintendo 3DS owners access to free items, including an Internet browser that can show 3D images on sites specifically designed to show 3D images, a download of a re-mastered 3D version of the NES classic Excitebike game (free until July 7) and Pokédex 3D, which lets users discover and view more than 150 Pokémon from the Pokémon Black Version and Pokémon White Version games in visually engaging 3D.

 

StarCraft 2 Leaked Online

The new StarCraft 2 Heart Of The Swarm expansion will include additional units and multiplayer changes from Wings of Liberty. News on StarCraft 2 has been hard to come by since the game launche with the next installment of the three-part game at the top of every Blizzard fan’s list of demands and fans have had to subsist on the official SC2 mods in lieu of another batch of missions, but a sign that Heart of the Swarm really is on its way has arrived.

It doesn’t give us any clue about how close we are to getting our hands on it, but it does give us something to chew on and watch by a hundred times while we wait for the next juicy tidbit to leak and a leaked trailer for StarCraft 2: Heart of the Swarm has found its way onto the Web. It’s been almost one year since the sequel to one of Blizzard’s most successful games was released and people have been wondering when the second part of the StarCraft 2 trilogy would come around. Since Blizzard hasn’t officially announced a release date for the game, everybody’s been speculating about its arrival.

It doesn’t give us any clue about how close we are to getting our hands on it, but it does give us something to chew on and watch over a hundred times while we wait for the next juicy tidbit to leak. Hit the break to check out the trailer before it gets removed:

 

inFAMOUS 2 – PS3 Game Review

infamous 2 is a single player, Open World game, exclusive to PlayStation 3. The second chapter in the best selling infamous franchise, this immersive adventure offers a powerful, emotional, and visceral take on being a superhero. Blamed for the destruction of Empire City and haunted by the ghosts of his past, Cole must make a dramatic journey to discover his full super-powered potential and face the final confrontation with a dark and terrifying enemy from his own future.

Will You Save Humanity or Destroy It All?
Cole MacGrath is back, more confident and with more focused energy burst abilities. Blamed for the destruction of Empire City, Cole must make a dramatic journey to discover his full super-powered potential – and face the final confrontation with a dark and terrifying enemy. This being, a creature of pure power and destruction is annihilating the East Coast. To stop this menace, Cole must find the key to unlocking his undiscovered powers hidden deep within New Marais. Standing in the way is a power-hungry dictator that will stop at nothing to rid him from the city. Gain enough power to defeat The Beast or witness the destruction of the world. The power is in your hands.

Gameplay
Like its predecessor, infamous 2 is a single player Action-Adventure game set in an Open World game environment. Players take on the role of Cole, the returning anti-hero from the first game. Possessing electric burst abilities through his hands Cole has matured a bit as a superhero type, being more confident and focused in his abilities. He uses these abilities, as well as improved melee possibilities to battle enemies both large and small in mission-based gameplay. Along with combat, choice remains a big part of the game, with an improved morality system that allows for two separate endings to the game, depending on the choices that Cole makes.

User Generated Content
Unlike the original game in the series, infamous 2 contains significant user generated content tools that dramatically expand gameplay possibilities. Centered around a creation tool system, this allows players to create original missions and share them with other players via PlayStation Network. These function more or less as side quests once they are accepted, adding to the player’s point total, but not altering the primary mission flow and morality-based aspects of the game.

Key Game Features:
* A True Superhero Experience – Discover what it means to be a true superhero with epic boss battles and powerful cinematic sequences
* Advanced Super Powers – Experience being a full-blown superhero with enhanced electrical attacks, a visceral melee fighting system and new superpowers
* An All-new Open Dynamic Gameworld – Explore a vibrant world in the city of New Marais with increased interactivity and destruction using dynamic parkour moves
* New Morality System – All new morality system gives players freedom of choice and leads to 2 different endings
* User Generated Content – Create and share original missions with a built-in tool set that function as side quests

Checkout some Screenshots:

 

Sony PlayStation 4 Gaming Console Is In Development

Sony hinting at a next-generation PlayStation 4 console and has just reported a $3.1 billion annual loss, with factors ranging from the Japan earthquake to the $170 million loss from the PlayStation Network attack. The PS4 is in the pipeline and this news could be used to counter Nintendo’s confirmation of its upcoming gaming console known as Project Cafe that will be revealed at E3 2011 in June.

Sony is working on a PlayStation 4 video game console even as Nintendo prepares to announce the Wii 2 at the E3 trade show on June 7. The PlayStation 3, which debuted in 2006, still has a lot of life left in it. But Sony has begun incurring increases in research and development costs. That means that we’re getting closer to the introduction of new game systems for the Big Three of video games — a transition time when billions of dollars are at stake and big market share shifts can happen. Sony chief financial officer Masaru Kato said on the company’s earnings call, “For the home equipment the PS3 still has a product life, but this is a platform business, so for the future platform — when we’ll be introducing what product I cannot discuss that — but our development work is already underway, so the costs are incurred there.” Sony has said it foresess a 10-year life span for the PS 3, and the company is not expected to say much about the PS 4 at its press conference at E3 on June 6. Nintendo, on the other hand, has said it plans to introduce a next-generation game console in 2012. Microsoft, whose Xbox 360 was introduced in 2005, hasn’t said if it will launch a new console or is working on one. All of the console makers want to postpone the introduction of a new console as long as possible so they can amortize the huge development costs over a longer period and reap more sales from games in each generation, but they generally introduce a new console when the older models start to see declining sales.

In some respects, a new console is always in development. But the important difference here is that Sony is incurring rising R&D costs. That means it may be in development on some chips, which are difficult to design and prototype and often carry big price tags during the R&D and early manufacturing stage. For the fiscal year, the overall Sony Corp. reported sales at 7.18 trillion yen, or $86.5 billion, down slightly from $88.7 billion a year earlier. Operating income was $2.4 billion, up five-fold from $390 million a year ago. But net losses were $3.1 billion, compared to a loss of $501.3 million a year ago, mainly because of Japan quake-related impacts and accounting changes. Sony’s Networked Products & Services division, which includes the PlayStation game business, saw an improvement. Sales were $19 billion, up 0.4 percent from a year ago. But profit was $429 million, compared with a loss of $1.02 billion a year earlier. Sony credited the game business for the turnaround. Sony expects to sell 15 million units of the PS 3 in the new fiscal year. It plans on selling 6 million PSPs and 4 million PS 2s. Sony made no forecast for sales of its upcoming portable NGP gaming system. The PSN hacker attack is expected to take a toll on earnings in some way. Total sales are expected to be $92.1 billion for the coming year.

 

Sony 160GB PlayStation 3 with Call of Duty: Black Ops

A great opportunity for those who is going for a PlayStation 3 because Sony just announced a limited edition PS3 bundle pairing Call of Duty: Black Ops with a 160GB console. With all of the gaming and entertainment features the PlayStation 3 offers – from 3D gaming to a built-in Blu-ray player – there are plenty of things to entice those looking for the best entertainment experience on the market.

The company giving you one more reason to join the PlayStation family. On May 31, sony will be releasing the Limited Edition PlayStation 3 Call of Duty: Black Ops Bundle. Not only will you get a 160 GB PS3 system and a copy of Activision Publishing Inc. and Treyarch’s critically acclaimed Call of Duty: Black Ops, you’ll also be treated to the First Strike Content Pack – for free. This DLC features five diverse globe-spanning multiplayer maps, one of which is a new Zombie experience.

Packed with exceptional value, the Limited Edition PlayStation 3 Call of Duty: Black Ops Bundle will be available at retailers nationwide for $299.99.

News From blog.us.playstation.com