Nintendo 3DS Sports Two CPUs, One GPU

Nintendo had announced a new 3DS handheld game console earlier this year at the E3 Game convention, but hardware specifications of the console remained a mystery until now.

IGN has reported that the console will have two CPUs and one GPU along with 1.5GB of flash storage. Apparently people familiar with the hardware shared details on the condition of anonymity. 

According to IGN's reports, Nintendo 3DS will have ARM11 architecture based CPUs that were also used in iPhone and Zune models. Nintendo has packed two 266MHz ARM11 microarchitecture based processors and 133MHz GPU with 4MB dedicated video memory. This handheld console also packs 64MB RAM and 1.5GB flash storage to store downloaded games. This is substantially larger than the previous generation DSi models.

However, this will make Nintendo 3DS at par with current PSPgo handheld game console that has a 333MHz MIPS chip. As of now these hardware specifications are not officially confirmed but we surely do know that the internals would be powerful enough to support 3D function.

Mad Catz to Replace Locked-out PS3 Controllers

Sony's PlayStation 3 firmware update 3.50 reportedly nixed several counterfeit and Mad Catz control pads. Mad Catz Interactive has acknowledged the issue and announced that it will offer replacements for the affected control pads. Now that's what you call taking up responsibility.

New firmware 3.50 made several third party game pads, controllers and other accessories non-functional for PlayStation 3. Sony also issued a directive that the game console will no longer support "counterfeit" controllers and game pads.

Mad Catz, on the other hand, is involved in official game pads for PS3 console like the Street Fighter IV FightSticks and Wireless FightPads, Call of Duty range of controllers and accessories and the Rock Band accessories.  Here's the company's official statement:

"Mad Catz would like to take this opportunity to put gamers' minds at ease.  With the exception of a small quantity of controllers sold before 2008, we believe that all Mad Catz products will continue to function as they did prior to the 3.50 Firmware update including high profile products such as our range of Street Fighter IV FightSticks and Wireless FightPads; our range of controllers and accessories for Call of Duty; our Cyborg F.L.Y. 9 Wireless FlightStick; our wired and wireless control pads; and our range of Rock Band accessories.

Any consumer who owns a Mad Catz product and is experiencing an issue, including an issue with the PlayStation 3 Firmware update should contact Mad Catz customer services.  Providing the product is within warranty, Mad Catz will be happy to offer a suitable replacement."

Get GoW: Ghost of Sparta Demo Tonight

Here's the moment that we all have been waiting for. The demo of the last game in the Epic mythological God of War series - God of War: Ghost of Sparta will be available from PlayStation Network. Ken Chan, associate product manager for SCEA, posted on official PlayStation blog that on September 28, PlayStation Portable (PSP) and PSPgo owners can download the demo of God of War: Ghost of Sparta.

In case you don't know, God of War: Ghost of Sparta for PSP is the last game in the God of War series. The previous title - GoW: Chains of Olympus earned several acclaims and was a widely popular game for the PSP platform. Certainly the expectations are high for Ghost of Sparta.

Story of Spartan Warrior - Kratos, Ghost of Sparta begins exactly where the original God of War game ends. This game for PSP is Kratos' quest to find answers for the tattoos on his body, and answers for his scars and the loss of his family.

Sony has already announced the pre-order exclusive content for the God of War: Ghost of Sparta game. This game for PSP is due to arrive on November 2. The Entertainment Pack God of War: Ghost of Sparta includes:

• Black and Red Two-Toned PSP-3000
• God of War: Ghost of Sparta game UMD
• God of War: Chains of Olympus download voucher
• Kick Ass UMD Movie
• 2GB Memory Stick Pro Duo

God of War: Ghost of Sparta Entertainment Pack can be bought for $199 from Gamestop website.

PlayStation Move to Arrive in India for Rs. 2,499

Earlier this month, Sony Computer Entertainment had announced that it will introduce the new motion sensing based game controller PlayStation Move for PlayStation 3 in India soon. Now, pricing and other details of the same have arrived. Gamers will be able to get the PlayStation Move and Navigation Controller in India by the end of this month. The motion sensing game controller is already available in U.S. Do take a look at our PlayStation Move preview here. 

The PlayStation Move controller has a sphere on the top that helps PlayStation Eye camera accessory to know the whereabouts of the controller. The Move is equipped with two high-precision motion sensors, three axis gyroscope (X plane, Y plane and Z plane), and three axis accelerometer. These components allow the eye camera to detect the presence as well as the precise movement and change in position of the Move.

Also, there's a Navigation Controller with buttons on the face that needs to be used with the Move. Consumers can buy PlayStation Move controller in sky blue, yellow, light green, pink and while color and the Navigation Controller separately. One can opt for a Starter Pack too that bundles a disc loaded with demos of Sports Champions, EyePet Move edition, Kung Fu Rider, Start the Party, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 11 and many other games. 

The price of the PlayStation Move and other packages is as follows:

PlayStation Move - Rs. 2,499

Navigation Controller - Rs. 1,899

Starter Pack of PS Move, PS Eye camera and game demos disc - Rs. 3,650

Nintendo 3DS due in Japan on February 26

Nintendo held a press conference in Japan earlier today and announced (PDF) that the Nintendo 3DS handheld game console will be released on February 26, 2011 in the country. Several gaming enthusiasts and technology industry folks were aiming for its release during holiday season - Christmas time. Nintendo's next-generation handheld game console 3DS will be first start shipping in Japan for 25,000 YEN (Rs. 13,400 approx.).  The handheld console would be available in U.S. and Europe region from March 2011 or later.

The most novel part about the handheld Nintendo 3DS console is that one can enjoy 3D content on it without using any special 3D glasses. A week back, we reported that this handheld console will have two 266MHz ARM11 architecture based processors and one GPU along with 64MB RAM and 1.5GB of flash storage. Certainly, it will serve to be a good competition to Sony's PlayStation Portable and PlayStation Portable Go handhelds.

Nintendo 3DS game console has 3.53-inch upper screen (800x240) capable of showing 3D images with an adjustable 3D Depth Slider. The Stereo Camera that has two lenses is capable of taking 3D images. This would be the first handheld console that will sport Motion Sensor and Gyro sensors. In Sleep mode, Nintendo 3DS would be able to detect wireless access points with SpotPass feature and able to exchange data with other 3DS units with StreetPass feature.

The 3.02-inch touchscreen is capable of showing 320x240 pixel resolution imagery. Nintendo has added 2.4GHz band for Wi-Fi connectivity. In the bundle, Nintendo will add a 2GB memory card and stylus with the console.

At the conference, Nintendo stated that region specific pricing and shipping dates will be announced later separately.

Super Mario Bros Edition Nintendo DSi, DSi XL Here

Even 25 years after its first appearance, Mario Bros continues to entertain millions with their quest to rescue the gorgeous princess Peach Toadstool.
 Sept 13 is marked as 25th anniversary of Super Mario Bros. To celebrate the occasion, Nintendo has announced special editions of Nintendo DSi and DSi XL. The new 25th anniversary Super Mario Bros edition Nintendo DSi and DSi XL models would unfortunately available only in Japan. However you can always import it through a relative, colleague or friend in Japan.

 

While everyone is keen on Nintendo DSi, Nintendo has also spiced up things for their current DSi and DSi XL models. The New 25th anniversary Special Edition Nintendo handheld console models with have loads of artwork of Mario game characters on the console itself. The Super Mario Collection Special Pack was also launched. This collection pack will include:

 

- Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros 2, Super Mario Bros 3 and Super Mario Bros USA all for Wii

- Soundtrack CD

- Super Mario History -1985 to 2010 Booklet

- Unreleased initial development planning sheets by Shigeru Miyamoto himself

 

If you are a big Super Mario Bros fan, then you should get your hands on this amazing 25th anniversary edition Nintendo DSi and DSi XL models. Nintendo will offer special edition DSi with Mario for 14800 YEN (Rs. 7990 approx.) while the DSi XL will be sold for 18000 YEN (Rs. 9700 approx.) in Japan from Oct 28 onwards. 

Apple launches new iPod shuffle

Apple has launched a new version of their tiniest music player, the iPod shuffle. The new shuffle resembles the design of the second generation model but is slightly smaller. Users can now use their own headphones with the player, which wasn't possible on the previous generation model. It also has a clip at the back, which makes it wearable. The new shuffle retains the VoiceOver functionality that tells you which song, album or playlist you are listening to. The latest shuffle also supports Genius playlists.
 

The new iPod shuffle will be sold in five different colors and in only one capacity: 2GB. The battery life is rated at 15 hours. The US price of the new iPod shuffle is $49.
Specifications:
External controls:
- 3-way switch (Shuffle, Play in Order, Off )
- VoiceOver button
- Control pad

Size
Height: 1.14 inches (29.0 mm)
Width: 1.24 inch (31.6 mm)
Depth: 0.34 inch (8.7 mm) including clip
Weight: 0.44 ounce (12.5 grams)

Capacity:
- 2GB flash drive
- Stores data via USB flash drive

Input and output:
3.5mm stereo headphone jack for audio and for USB charging

Headphones:
- Earphones

Frequency response:
- 20Hz to 20,000Hz

Impedance:
- 32 ohms

Audio Formats:
AAC (8 to 320 Kbps), Protected AAC (from iTunes Store), MP3 (8 to 320 Kbps), MP3 VBR, Audible (formats 2, 3, 4, Audible Enhanced Audio, AAX, and AAX+), Apple Lossless, AIFF, and WAV

Highly recyclable aluminum enclosure

Battery and power:
Up to 15 hours of audio playback
80% charged in 2 hours; fully charged in about 3 hours
Built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery
Charging via USB to computer system or power adapter (sold separately)