Starting with the European version of the PS3 that is set to debut on March 23, the paper said Sony plans to use a chip that can handle only the graphics of predecessor PlayStation 2 instead of the current chips that can handle both the computing and graphics functions for the PS2.

Sony's game unit, Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE), will distribute compatibility software on the Internet so that users can play PS2 games on the PS3, it said.

Sony said last month the European version of the PS3 would play fewer PS2 video games compares with models launched in Japan and the United States as software would take over some of the functionality that was originally taken care of by dedicated chips...more click on heading

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The lack of rumble force feedback in the SIXAXIS PS3 controller is a disappointment for gamers and developers alike. Sony said it felt that rumble was technology of gaming past, and that its motion sensing technology is the future.

Sony positions the two controller technologies as mutually exclusive, though Nintendo has proven that both can coexist with its Wii Remote. Industry insiders, however, point to Sony’s legal tiff with Immersion, who has patent claim on vibrating controllers, as the main reason for the SIXAXIS omission...more click on heading

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The Mad Catz GamePads for Playstation 3 are available in wired and wireless versions and are offered in four stylish colors. The GamePads feature innovative designs, SixSense motion-sensing technology, unique quick-fire triggers, four controller port indicator LEDs, a home button that accesses the PS3's main interface and fully analog joysticks.

"The launch of this duo of feature-rich controllers marks a meaningful step toward our goal of offering a full suite of quality accessories for each of the new console platforms," said Darren Richardson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Mad Catz...more click on heading

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Since its launch in December, the Wii has clocked up sales of 68,000 units, with a quarter of the sales made this year, according to industry analyst group GfK.

Microsoft's Xbox 360, which marks a year on sale in Australia this month, has notched up sales of 153,000 units, selling 13,000 units this year.  But Sony's ageing warhorse, the PlayStation2, dominated last year's sales, clocking up 265,000 units.

Since its launch in November 2001, the PS2 has sold 19.2 million units in Australia...more click on heading

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After several rumors, including a listing on the German USK website, Microsoft has finally confirmed that Jetpac Refuelled is indeed coming to the Xbox Live Arcade.

Not much is known on this "new take" of Rare's early 80's space blaster, but Microsoft's description describes it as such:

This is a new take on Rare/Ultimates 1983 classic space blaster with enhanced graphics and Xbox LIVE features; players must clear a path through hordes of aliens to refuel their ship and amass a fortune over the course of more than 100 high-definition levels.

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The Vicious Engine is a middleware solution for creating games across multiple platforms. The tool's ease of use and wide array of features separate the Vicious Engine from the competition as an approachable technology that does not require a large staff of full-time programmers to maintain.

"Wii is a remarkable platform with boundless potential," said Eric Peterson, president of Vicious Cycle. "As a Wii middleware solution, the Vicious Engine will provide developers with a practical approach to exploring the unique and creative possibilities of Wii. Our technology allows developers to focus on what makes Wii special--fun gameplay and innovative peripheral integration." ...more click on heading

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Following news that Sega was to divert its attention more to the DS than the PSP, the company has revealed a new project destined for both Nintendo's Wii and the dual-screen portable. After the success Sega is currently having with the computer game version of hit movie Charlotte's Web, the company has revealed that it will be bringing another movie to the gaming world, this time in the form of forthcoming film 'The Golden Compass', which features Daniel '007' Craig.

The movie itself is an adaptation of one book from a trilogy of children's fantasy novels, brought to life on-screen by New Line Cinema and Scholastic Media, and is filled with armoured polar bears that rule a kingdom, flying witches and speaking animals...more click on heading

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NPD Group released preliminary sales data for video game consoles in January, and the Xbox 360 came in second place of all next-generation video game consoles.

The winner was Nintendo, with the Wii posting sales of 436,000 units, followed by the Xbox 360 at 294,000. Sony's PlayStation 3 recorded 244,000 units sold, and the venerable PS2 actually beat most of the new consoles with 299,000 units moved.

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Sales for Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox 360 were far below competitors in Japan in the latest market research data for the region.
Media Create Co. on Fri. reported that the Xbox 360 sold 5,210 units between Feb. 12 and Feb. 18. By comparison, the console sold 4,811 units the week prior.

In addition, the Xbox 360 was unable to rank software in the top 50 game sales for the week...more click on heading

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In a move highly reminiscent of past manuevers such as Konami's bundling of a playable Metal Gear Solid 2 demo in with Zone of the Enders, Microsoft announced today that anticipated sandbox title Crackdown w/Halo 3 beta entry has shipped to retail. Fortunately the game itself also looks pretty good, perhaps making the bundle one of the better values so far this year...more click on heading

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New research from Liverpool John Moores University has shown that kids who regularly play Wii games burn up 40% more calories than kids who play other consoles, or spend their time passively watching TV.

The study, headed-up by John Moore’s researcher Professor, Tim Cable, claims that regular use of Wii could help kids shift 27lb (12.25kg) a year...more click on heading

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Capcom has announced plans to release a new multiplayer map pack for Lost Planet: Extreme Condition.

Capcom has announced plans to offer downloadable map packs for Lost Planet: Extreme Condition for the Microsoft Xbox 360. The first map pack will cost 400 Microsoft Points. Pricing for additional map packs in the near future will be announced closer to their release...more click on heading

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A hacker that goes by the functional name of "hacked2123" has posted a guide that shows how it's possible to convert a Blu-ray movie to a regular MPEG file and play it back on a PlayStation 3 using not much more than a regular PC and a copy of Linux. If we're honest, the whole "playing Blu-ray movies on the PS3 without the disk" thing is only really a symbol: the only reason the PS3 is involved is because it's a relatively cheap way of accessing Blu-ray...more click on heading

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According to the latest issue of Famitsu, Fumito Ueda and his team at Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. are confirmed to be well underway on their next title for the PS3.

Statements of the expected and slightly obvious aside, confirmation of a game from such a pedigree of developer can only help bulk the PS3's exclusives for the years to come. If ICO and Shadow of the Colossus are anything to go by, the PS3 has arguably just gotten one more reason for purchase in its favour...more click on heading

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Ster-Kinekor Games has just announced that Sony's PlayStation 3 (PS3) will be on sale in South Africa from 23 March 2007 — in conjunction with the console's launches in the UK and Australasia.

An expected one million PS3 units will be made available during the initial launch period.

"2007 promises to launch one of the most exciting eras in terms of the future delivery of entertainment and media content for consumers. PS3's intelligence & power will once again prove why PlayStation has always been at the forefront of progressive gaming and the best in home entertainment quality," says David Hadassin, CEO of Ster-Kinekor Games....more click on heading

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