PlayStation 3 slim joins Gym, set to appear in more toned form

Are you one of the gamers, you own 1^st generation ps3 consoles? It’s time to replace your old ps3 model with ultra- slim PS3. The world came from a Japanese retailer that Sony set to launch a new ps3 slim model. He claims that model no (CECH-3000B) is an up gradation to current 320 GB model, with weight dropping from 3 kg to 2.6 kg. We could see changes in power management structure of the current PS3. He also said that pricing of the upcoming PS3 slim remains the same. If you think PlayStation fanboys are obliged to have all the fun. Than you‘re thinking wrong! Microsoft too set to launch power friendly Xbox 360 in coming months( exact release date is still to be confirmed). The whole process will help Microsoft to lower the manufacturing cost. Nintendo, who showed the world their next – generation Wii U console wants to run faster than the current generation era. The company knows that they can’t support Wii like Xbox 360 or PS3. If we look at the big franchise from Wii stable, we get to know that apart from one or two games, Wii is almost finished. Microsoft on the other hand set to launch Halo 4 on Xbox 360 sometime in holiday season of 2012. In my opinion, Halo 4 is enough to tackle next – generation Wii U.

Source::http://www.andriasang.com/e/blog/2011/06/20/new_ps3_model/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter 

UPDATE: Today, Sony Japan announces the availability of improved PS3 slim 320 GB in Japanese market. As reported earlier, Sony has reduced the mass of existing PS3 slim from 3.0 kg to 2.6 kg. Apart from few cosmetic changes including power consumption module, PS3 slim (CECH-3000B) remains identical to previous looking model. If you already have a PS3 system, no need to buy again a new system, incase your previous system is in verge of death. The product can be purchased later this month depending upon the availability. Go grab, the new system for 34,980 yen (tax included) 

Source:http://www.jp.playstation.com/ 

Credit- Sony Japan 

Smart Phones set to dethrone 3DS in portable gaming tally

Nintendo set to launch " Red Flare " 3DS  in Japan 

From Game Boy to 3DS, the handheld consoles played a vital role in our gaming life. Can you imagine a single moment without your beloved DS? If you ask me, I simply can’t live without it. With the coming of Smartphones, handheld gaming space got a major dent, thanks to phenomenal success of Angry Birds among other. Earlier, Nintendo consoles (handheld category) disappeared within hours of its launch, now the situation is different. Yesterday, Nintendo announced that their flagship handheld console touched a millionth mark in Japan. As we know, Japan is home to world’s second largest gaming animals after USA. This little country loves playing games on tiny screens. The original DS took less time to reach a million mark. If we go by latest data, 3DS took 13 weeks to reach a million marks. In the past 5 years, the sales of handheld consoles saw a downward trend.  Though , DS is one of the most popular console after PlayStation 2 but the momentum with which 3DS saw launch sales is no where what we saw at the time of DSi. In case of 3DS, the enthusiasm among gamers was not up to the mark from the beginning. There are many reasons for decline of 3DS hardware as well as software sales. Firstly, 3D as a tech is still in a nascent stage even Nintendo don’t recommend 3DS under 7 years of age. This is where Nintendo lost its most precious customers. I remember, when 3DS launched with much fanfare within few hours of its launch gamers witnessed dizzying headaches. Even media raised this growing issue, which saw awareness among gamers. Secondly, 3DS sales slump saw a huge blow when gamers didn’t get the games of their choice. Thirdly, lack of online store which ultimately a perfect reason to ignore 3DS.

Just before E3 expo kicked off, the company announced 3DS e-shop an interactive place, where gamers can download Gameboy titles, DsiWare and soon to be launched 3DSWare. The company also announced big first party titles such as Mario Karat 3D & The legend of Zelda among others at this years E3 expo. Now a new “Red Flare” 3DS is set to debut on July 14, in Japan. On the other hand, struggling Japanese giant Sony revealed PS Vita pricing for the consumers, which is at par with current 3DS minus 3D feature. In the coming days, we are going to see number of 3D enabled Smartphones from branded manufacturers like Taiwanese HTC & South Korean LG among others. This will mark the end of exclusivity enjoyed by 3DS in past months. Sony’s PlayStation Portable (PSP) has done exceptionally well in the past few months (Japan). Due to strong software line up, the ageing console surpassed 3DS in every space. Though PSP has to be compared with DS, but Sony might not end the production till the time sales gets slow down (in Japan).

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Wii U: No frills attached!

Since its announcement, Nintendo shares got tumbled at Tokyo stock Exchange by almost 10%. Analyst believes that Wii U has a confusing mix of hardcore & casual appeal, which might became a problem for Kyoto based company. Personally, I am not found of Nintendo Consoles from the beginning. But that doesn’t mean, I ignore Nintendo consoles just because they don’t appeal to my soul. At this year E3 gaming conference, I was hoping to sea a change in Nintendo’s strategies. The company is doing pathetically bad in both handheld as well home console fronts. Now, they have already announced Wii U for the consumers, the battle for the next –generation console gaming has begin. I don’t know whether this generation will be the last hope for the bleeding gaming industry, but it could turn out to be game changer if players such as Apple don’t poke their nose. Anyways, as a gamer whether we buy Sony or Nintendo or Apple for instance, a unique experience is must for every gamer . The Wii U is just a days old in our gaming lives, it certainly a step forward for some but as a gamer, why would I go for controller based gaming , when the whole world is shunning that controller at the moment. I appreciate, Nintendo’s courageous efforts to step ahead of so called closed “Casual centric world “ but  why they want to participate in mouse – cat race as Microsoft & Sony already being into hurting each other profits. Apple’s strategy is simple, clear & loud too, making indirect way into gaming circles plus making huge profits. Their flagship post- pc product, ipad can handle console- type gaming with ease that too in 1080p resolution. If Nintendo thinks that only Wii U is capable of doing criss-cross gaming, than they are completely wrong. Sony has some big plans to focus on PlayStation 3 / PS vita connectivity. On the other hand, OnLive , the cloud based gaming platform can be used on any tablet machine and if connected with TV your home –console is ready almost. Don’t underestimate Apple’s ipad too, if you own an Apple TV (costs $99) make ipad run like a console. So, I believe that If Nintendo thinks that their Wii U is future proof, than they must have a look at the following options mentioned in our article. Imagine Call of Duty in Wii U, I can’t imagine a better platform than Xbox 360 that too with controllers. We are not aware about Wii Us processing power. Looks like, they want to keep the secret intact. I am sure it definitely surpasses that of original Wii. My question to Nintendo is how Wii U is a next –generation console just on the basis of WiiPad (Wii U tablet). I agree, Wii U Tablet cum remote is unique though cumbersome to handle (that’s my view on Wii U remote control) that doesn’t make Wii U a next –generation of consoles. In my opinion, Kinect makes Xbox 360 future ready for another 4-5 years. Are we moving forward with Wii U? With Wii U slated to release in late 2012, both Sony & Microsoft might have a change to unveil a touch based controller in near months. Recently, we got to know that Microsoft set to launch their own version ipad as early as December & Sony already announced S1, S2 tablets, they might integrate them with Xbox 360 / PS3 respectively. 


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Turn your PS3 into “Surfing Ground”

Credit- PlayStation Japan

In Today’s time, owning a  gaming console just to play games is like a joke. Take a case of Xbox 360 , which not only used as a gaming siren but often used as a “ Entertainment Platform “ basically non-gaming activities. PlayStation 3 is synonymous with entertainment based activities whether you want to surf the internet or watch Hi-def movies thanks to built in Blu- Ray player. One of the reason I choose PlayStation 3 over Xbox 360 is because of its web browsing capability which is at par with PC( We want Chrome) . You can use Bluetooth enabled wireless keyboard (No harm at all) but using official accessory specifically meant for PlayStation 3 has its own benefits. Come June 30, Sony will start selling official wireless Bluetooth Keyboard at 5,000 Yen. One of the highlight of this unique keyboard is the support of PS button built into it, just like your regular PS3 controller works. So, you can chat (text), surf the net with ease. Of late, the company realized that to make PlayStation as a brand stronger in consumer eyes, you need to expand the services whether in the form of physical accessories or software based services like PlayStation Store. Today at E3 press conference, the company announced an affordable line of PlayStation- Branded 3D TV. The 24 -inch comes with 3D glasses ,Resistance 3 game & HDMI cable costing $500. 

Source: http://www.jp.playstation.com/

Celebrate " Gears of War 3 " fever with Special Edition Xbox 360 Bundle

Too Hot to handle

 We gamers have a tendency to ask more & more from a manufacturer. No doubt, both Sony & Microsoft try to address our problems (occasionally). But at the end, when ever they announce “Limited Edition “Bundle, each of us run like the mob to grab these spicy hardware bundles. At E3 press conference, Microsoft announced Gears of War 3 limited edition bundle (including controllers). Honestly, I have no words to express my joy. Really, the bundle looks killer. The Xbox 360 slim packed in Red & Black with “Gears of war “skin engraved on the console body gives it a masculine feel. This 320 GB bundle comes with two- special edition wireless controllers, wired headset & Gears of war 3 game along with bonus game content including the Infected Omen Weapon Pack and the Adam Fenix  makes it the Best Deal this holiday season. By the way, the complete package will be available staring September 20, 2011 for $400. For those who love to play with exclusive“Customize” accessories, add another wireless controller for $59. All in All, it’s a great deal for those  who left untouched with Xbox fever.

Sony's dream to catch upon with Nintendo is still on , launches "PSVITA" @ $249

My first reaction was What the F***k is this. Honestly, I was not expecting some thing big from Sony.  I knew, they definitely going to show an extend version of Uncharted Golden Abyss. Than few gentleman came & started playing demo of upcoming games to be launched on PSVITA such as Street Fighter X Tekken among other. The company also named various titles via a teaser. Some prominent titles / games include Little Big Planet, ModNation Racers, Super Stardust Delta, and Wipeout 2048. Though, Ken Levine mentioned about Bioshock game (still to be announced). Finally, after all pomp & show, Kazuo Hirai unveiled the pricing of “PSVITA”. Well, as expected they placed Wifi version of PSVITA at par with Nintendo’s 3DS @ $249. If wifi version looks too basic,  than you can go for 3G versions, which is $50 more than Wifi version @ $300. If you reside in USA & want 3G model than you can rely on AT&T networks.  I am sure, PSVITA is a sweet deal as compared to 3DS. This time,  gamers have no reason to complain about Dual - Analog sticks found on PSVita.  You can take home this adorable beast this holiday season. 

E3 2011: The future of gaming Industry

We are hours away from Sony’s E3 press conference & latest internet buzz throw more light on  “PSVITA” logo filed by SCEE. The trademark filed by Sony in Europe clearly matched with the earlier reports circulating on  internet . No word from Sony representatives to rule out or accept the concrete evidence. “PSVITA” or” NGP “will be the main attraction at this years E3 gaming conference. The Tokyo based company will going to announce NGPs official name, price & its availability across the world. Analysts at the moment are divided about the future of portable handheld consoles. If we go by Nintendo’s 3DS below expected market reaction & declining revenue from physical games , this clearly indicated a do or die situation for Sony , who not only facing double competition in handheld space but also in home consoles race. Recently, Microsoft announced Xbox 360’s magical numbers with the media, which clearly indicates Xbox power over Sony’s PlayStation 3.  Besides, suspense surrounding NGP’s official name, the upcoming handheld console will solve the mystery of up scaling of PSP games or backward compatibility for instance. On the other hand, mighty Nintendo is ready to step into the territory of NEXT –GENERATION gaming with “Project Café “. It’s Touch –enabled remote is toast of town at the moment. Some say that the upcoming console comes with a inbuilt projector others say that a kind of ipad in the form of 6 inch screen attached to the remote, which can be de-attach as per consumer needs. A sort of tablet, I suppose. Will that tablet cum remote runs Apps?  Is Nintendo planning to launch an App store? Questions are many like what about the future of 3DS. Are they planning to announce 3DS price cut? The gaming line up looks pathetic at current stage lets hope for the best. For the best of my knowledge, Microsoft will going to announce some new value – added services to boost its Xbox live services. They recently announced that Xbox 360 has become the  leading source for Entertainment activities besides gaming. So, expect some new offers in the form of rumored “Xbox live Diamond “pack for instance looks promising. This years E3 gaming conference is an important event for developer / publisher community. There are multiple events planned to entice gamer’s community. According to E3 boss, they expect more than 45, 000 attendees at this years E3. Amazingly, it’s a great platform for average or middle manufacturer / developers to unveil their technologies under one big roof. I hope we will get to know the future of gaming via E3 2011. 

E3 2011: THE SHOW MUST GO ON ……

My body temperature is soaring at the moment. If you are a true gamer, you must be in a same dilemma mode. Each past day, we heard some thing unbelievable about gaming industry just like our Solar System. The more you dig into it, the more you going to think about it.  Today, I am going to raise few questions before the E3 gaming conference kick starts:

Here are few obvious questions exploding my mind:

1.     Will Nintendo going to slash 3DS price?

Nintendo never expected such a harsh behavior from its target gamers. I was expecting bleak sales from the beginning. Just to remind you that the company promised a rocking game lineup but where are the games? It’s time to slash 3DS price Nintendo. You cannot blind gamers just on the ground that 3DS is capable of showing true “3D”. Slash 3DS price by $100, still unreachable for many.

2.     NGP or PSvita...confusion prevails

        Hey listen up!  Sony... It doesn’t matter whether you name your upcoming handheld console NGP or PSvita. What matters is the capability of the console in terms of gaming .Pricing is still a big challenge in front of Sony. They need to launch console before 2012, if they don’t than assume bad days ahead for PlayStation team.

We will continue with our discussion……….

See you tomorrow…..