|
Sony's new 'boy in the bubble' controller
The idealistic concept of a single, universal videogame platform is currently little more than a pipedream, yet a U.S. Patent and Trademark application recently filed by consumer electronics giant Sony suggests a universal control peripheral might be a distinct possibility.
While many technology patents never emerge as retail-ready products, this is certainly one to keep watch over given that the filing’s “universal” billing would render the controller compatible with not only Sony’s own PlayStation 3 but also with rival platforms such as the Microsoft Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.
According to details offered up by the patent application, Sony’s emulation controller would include a touch-enabled LCD screen, rumble feedback, an integrated speaker system, varying button layouts specific to differing current and classic hardware, and also the ability to mimic an alphanumeric keyboard.
The controller would also come with enough on-board memory capacity to enable the storage of and easy access to three pre-programmed control interface emulations at any one time.
“Just like remote controls, game console, and thus game controllers, are becoming widespread,” offered Sony’s official filing. “It is not surprising to find more than one game console in a household, especially when competing game console manufacturers attempt to attract unconventional consumer groups in the game industry.”
“As understood herein, it would be useful to have a universal controller that would be able to work with a variety of game consoles,” it added.
Beyond being able to support major console platforms offered by the likes of Microsoft and Nintendo, Sony’s document outlines backward compatibility with the Amiga CD-32, Atari Jaguar, Gravis Gamepad, Turbographics, and unspecified Sega systems.
Ubisoft Planning 10 Natal, 4-5 PS3 Wand Games forNextYear
Ubisoft has already been declared a supporter of Microsoft's Project Natal motion controls, but during an earnings conference call, CEO Yves Guillemot provided more details of just how much support their throwing behind the device -- and for Sony's upcoming PlayStation 3 wand motion controller as well.
Guillemot said he expects around 10 games to "come for Natal during the first six months of the launch," and around "four to five games" for Sony's wand next year (via Kotaku). "That's the picture at the moment. It can change in the next 12 months," Guillemot said.
But those won't necessarily be the only Ubisoft games that'll support Natal and the PS3 wand. Those numbers "didn't count the games that are supporting the new functions that those accessories will bring," Guillemot said, indicating the games he refers to will be motion control-only, but other Ubisofts titles may have support for Natal and the wand as an option.
Furthermore, the 10 Natal games and four-to-five wand games are "casual games that we are doing on those two machines," and consist of around "70 percent new property," according to Guillemot.
Sony has expressed their wand motion controller will be released sometime next spring. No details for the Natal launch have been released, but a recent rumor pegged it for release next November
Xbox 360's 'Mass Effect 2' tops the Rogers Video game rental list
The most popular game rentals (all platforms) according to Rogers Video for the period ending Jan. 31.
1 Mass Effect 2 (Xbox 360)
2 New Super Mario Bros (Nintendo Wii)
3 Mag (PlayStation 3)
4 Army of Two: The 40th Day (Xbox 360)
5 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (Xbox 360)
6 Army of Two: The 40th Day (PlayStation 3)
7 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (PlayStation 3)
8 Left 4 Dead 2 (Xbox 360)
9 Darksiders (Xbox 360)
10 Assassin's Creed II (Xbox 360)
There's a lot on the go with the latest video game news from CES
The Consumers Electronics Show (CES) is in the books and GameSpace is here to bring you the latest news from the event. While CES isn't normally used as a venue to drop bombshell announcements, the event did have its share of interesting announcements.
Ever miss the old arcade scene? Microsoft has confirmed the Microsoft Game Room, a hub that allows gamers to play classic arcade games via Xbox Live or the Game For Windows Network. The system will also allow the use of Xbox Live Avatars, voice chat, achievements, and game invites. The Game Room itself is free to download but you must pay for each game, with the Xbox 360 and PC versions being sold separately. In keeping with the arcade spirit, you can even play a game once for about fifty cents. The Microsoft Game Room is slated to be released in the spring.
Sony will be launching a new service that will allow PC users, Blu-Ray players, Sony TV's and other Sony branded internet enabled products to access the Playstation Network. The service will be used primarily to download video and other media. A new operating branch is being created, called Sony Network Entertainment Inc., and will be under the direction of Kaz Hirai, the chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment.
More with Sony "" break out your 3D glasses as an upcoming firmware update for the PS3 will allow for 3D gaming. While 3D gaming isn't exactly mainstream yet, 3D games are on the rise. Avatar for the 360 and the PS3 are 3D capable.
As E-books and publications become mainstream, video game website/magazine GamePro is getting in on the ground floor. The popular magazine will be available in "eMagazine" form for the new Que eReader. The device retails for $649 US or for $799 US (higher memory and 3G capable) and each digital copy of GamePro will run you $2.99 per issue.
The line between playing plastic instruments and real instruments is getting hazier. Inspired Instruments is releasing the You Rock Guitar, a product that acts as a Rock Band/Guitar Hero controller for all three platforms as well as a fully functional electronic guitar. The device comes with real strings and frets, different sound presets, a whammy bar, an on-board recorder, and support for both USB and MIDI. On the gaming side, the game comes with a built-in controller to help you navigate through the menus. The Frankenstein of a device will available this summer.
RPG juggernaut Fable III has a tentative release date. During Microsoft's keynote address at CES, it was revealed that the game will release in "Holiday 2010." The game is being released alongside a slew of heavy hitters for Microsoft: Halo: Reach, Project Natal, Mass Effect 2, Alan Wake, Splinter Cell: Conviction, and Crackdown 2.
Gameindustry.biz and Techradar.com are reporting that Natal may require the Xbox 360 to use 15 percent of its own processing power to run the Natal hardware. A custom processor was mentioned back at E3 but it looks like it may have been removed in order to keep costs down.
|
Search
Random member
Boxes
Peak posters
Newest members
Link to us
Statistics
Calendar
The team
Links
Sponsors
