Tech updates on Video games

Sony introduced a slimmed down version of the PS2 in November 2004. The new PS2 also has an Ethernet connection port.
Sony also announced that they would be using Blu-Ray discs for the PS3.
Microsoft's next version of the Xbox will come out in three stages. First, is the Xbox Next, which will not have a hard drive. Second, is the Xbox Next HD, which will have a hard drive and possibly a video recorder. Finally there is the Xbox Next PC that will combine the Xbox Next with a low level PC.
Nintendo released the handheld Nintendo DS in November 2004. The game system has dual screens and a bundle with a game sells for around $180.
Sony has yet to release their new handheld game system the PSP in the US. It was released in Japan in December 2004 and has already sold over 800,000. It is expected that the PSP won't arrive in the US and UK until March 2005.
California passed a watered down version of Assembly Bill 1793 in 2004. The bill originally set out to regulate the sale of M rated video games to minors. The final bill requires retailers to post information about game ratings and to provide a brochure on the subject.
Video gaming appears to be moving in two directions. In one direction are more powerful consoles with more ٌrealisticî games such as the Army's training game Full Spectrum Warrior, now a popular game for the X-box.
In the other direction, low tech, casual, and retro games are increasingly popular. Low-tech, casual on-line games are very popular with women. Yahoo has 10 million players per month with one third of the players are women. EA's Pogo.com has 14 million players per month, 55% of them women.
Radica Games and Jakks Pacific are offering retro games with the Sega Genesis and the Atari System. Jakks Pacific has a system that retails for $20 with 4-10 games built in such as Asteroids, Centipede, and Ms. Pac Man.
Nintendo has released some information on its new handheld, the DS, and its new console, code name ٌRevolution.î The company says it will focus on casual users and new ways to play games rather than faster, more powerful, and ٌmore realisticî games and systems ـ the strategy of rivals Sony and Microsoft.
Finally, who says you can't make money playing video games. Korean cable television now has 3 channels devoted to live video game matches between professional video game players.
Nintendo released the DS on November 21, 2004. The handheld device sells for $149.99 and includes dual screens, a touch pad and voice recognition. It also allows wireless communication and PictoChat software. The DS is also backwards compatible with Game Boy Advance games.
The Sony PSP was released on March 24, 2005. This device sells for $249.99. The PSP has 802.11b wireless connectivity and USB 2.0 and Memory Stick inputs. The device plays games and movies on UMDs. The PSP is also an MP3 player. Hackers have already created new functions for the PSP including an e-book reader, instant messaging, and the ability to download programming from TiVo.
Microsoft introduced the X-Box 360 on MTV May 12, 2005. The next generation X-Box indeed has a hard drive – 20 GBs – that is upgradeable and detachable. It uses an IBM PowerPC processor. It is Wi-Fi ready and has built in Ethernet support. The console also has built in HD game support and it has زout of the box access to Xbox Live featuresس The rumor is that the console will be released before Thanksgiving (November 24, 2005).
Due out in Spring 2006, the PS3 will be backwards compatible with the Playstation 2 and 1. It will use a PowerPC based chip called the "Cell" and will also support High Definition. Like the Xbox 360, the PS3 is Wi-Fi ready and has built in Ethernet. Games will use Blue-ray discs.
The popular game "Grand Theft Auto 3: San Andreas" had it's rating changed from M to AO (Adult-Only) after adult sexual content was discovered within the game. Users could unlock the content with secret codes. The game was pulled from the shelves of major retailers including Wal*Mart and Target.