Remember the old days when DS Lites only came in Polar White, and as such seemed like maybe they were just for kids and first generation iPoders? Then came the black, pink, red versions, etc., etc. Which brings us to today, or at least February 10th when Nintendo will launch its newest DS Lite color, the Cobalt & Black.

Nintendo is hyping the new color as “fashion forward.” Personally I’m not really sure what that means, but then again I think I’ve been wearing the same tee-shirts since the 90’s, but I digress…I have to say that the new unit does look pretty sweet and what doesn't in two-tone, although besides the new coat of paint there’s nothing new under the hood. No matter though. The best-selling video game system in the world since its release just under two years ago, the DS Lite has sold up on nearly 18 million units to date and the new model covers the middle ground between DS Polar purists, the rebels in pink and the back to black crowd. Myself, I fall into the latter group and will remain enamored with my Onyx version, unless of course Christmas comes early or a bundle materializes with something cool like Professor Layton and the Curious Village, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney or my most anticipated DS title for February, Homie Rollerz. No kidding, Little Homies in English or Spanish and a new blue & black DS; what could be better?

Whatever games are on the menu when the Cobalt & Black DS hits the market be prepared to act quickly because I doubt that these will stay in stock long.

--Hobson’s Choice

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Over the last week or so the rumor mill has been grinding away regarding a possible move by Sony to phase out the 80GB PS3 in favor of a 120GB version or larger. News of this originally was aimed at the European market which Sony promptly denied via an response on gamesindustry.biz, but the rumor has persisted. Earlier this week Ars Technica reported that not only is a 120GB version on the way for North America, complete with DualShock 3 controller, but that we might see it sooner rather than later as the 80GB models fly off the shelves and are not replaced.

I’m not saying that the rumor is true, but if the price is the same--and since I’m pretty sure that Sony learned its pricing lesson when it launched the PS3, I can’t image that it wouldn’t be--how could anyone not be pro 120GB. 80GB owners like myself might initially be peeved that they didn’t get the maximum storage space, especially when game demos can easily be over a gig each. Whatever. This just means that users will have to clear out old content on their boxes sooner rather than later. On the other hand, silence on Sony’s part regarding North America could mean zilch. Recent news around things PlayStation has it that although increased profit around the company’s gaming sector is a direct result of increased sales of the PS3, Sony is lowering expectations for projected PS3 sales and are instead going to concentrate on the PSP. At this point I’m much apt to upgrade to a new PSP then a PS3 anyway, so I say bring it on Sony.

Regardless, as Sony’s PSN cranks up the digital content war with Xbox LIVE we are bound to see larger hard drives all around. As it is now the PS3’s 80GB goes over a lot better than the 360’s standard 20GB. Sony also seems committed to the duel console model meaning its basic 0 40GB model will probably stick around for consumers who don’t need all the space. Every should be happy except of course Xbox 360 players who haven't upgraded to an Elite System or a 120GB Hard Drive.

--Hobson’s Choice

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Surprise, surprise Xbox LIVE has connectivity issues. They also have plenty of games to give away as a way to placate the members who preferred to frantically scramble to look up the list of error codes on Xbox.com over the holidays instead of going upstairs to hang out with their families. Today as a “Thanks for playing trying to play,” Silver and Gold Xbox LIVE members can download a free copy of the Xbox LIVE Arcade game, Undertow.

There was hope among members, or at least this member and probably any others who have already plopped down the MS points the game, that we would be given the choice of game downloads, but it looks like we’re SOL.

I hear that Undertow isn’t a bad game at all, but if I’m going to fill up the very limited space on my hard drive I would prefer it to be with a game of my own choosing. Enough with the whining though. I’ll be downloading my copy when I get home today just like the rest of you. With the number of users hitting the site tonight I can only imagine what the next freebie will be.

--Hobson's Choice

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Genre defining, sure. Amazing new Next-Gen graphics, doubtless. And don’t forget….Yeah, yeah, yeah, just tell me when it will be releasing!

Believe me, I’m right there with you on that. And with that said, get ready to put a few dollars aside for your pre-order because Rockstar Games has heard your cries in the wilderness and has finally settled on an April 29th date for the release of GTA4 Xbox 360 and PS3 platforms. That’s right, the GTA franchise will be resurrecting itself this spring. We’re all hoping it will be worth the wait. Our friends over at Rockstar certainly are. According to Sam Houser, Founder and Executive Producer of Rockstar Games:

"We are so excited to be releasing Grand Theft Auto IV," he continues, "We've pushed ourselves very hard to make something incredible and hope the game sets a new benchmark for interactive entertainment."

Again, doubtless. I’m just excited that it’s finally confirmed and since I don’t see than one or two titles in April to compete with it for my gaming dollars it looks like Niko’s ‘Amer-ee-kan’ dream will be getting some serious play. Now if I could only decide which platform to pony up for.

How about you? Are you on the GTA4 bandwagon and if so on which platform?

Either way the end of April date also gives Rockstar more time to hype the launch with a few more quality trailers. If you haven't already check out all the videos that have been released thus far here.

--Hobson’s Choice

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This is too good to miss. Some of you may be familiar with the string of hacks and projects using the Nintendo Wii and its infrared sensors, but this must be the coolest application yet.

A fellow named Johnny Chung Lee has ginned up a way to achieve a "true" virtual reality (VR) display using the Wii, achieved by attaching sensor bar to hat for head tracking. Watch as he gives a simple but thorough explanation of the hack and then shows an impressive demonstration; even in a 2-D YouTube video it just jumps out at you.

Here's hoping not only that Nintendo sees this and incorporates it into gaming, but that this simple idea using existing technology makes its way to other consumer electronics.

(Thanks to Penny Arcade for drawing attention to this amazing vid)


--Aric A.

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