Nintendo DS Web Browser

Pocket Gamer reports on the web browser for the Nintendo DS. And they're pretty excited about it, despite their initial scepticism.

The video below is an advert so you'll probably need the other site to talk you through it

Microsoft Argo Rumors

Microsoft are still working on their handheld version of the XBox, code-named the "Argo" according to the Seattle Times.

The rumors will not only be a media player, but a console as well with WiFi connectivity.

The Times comments:

It's a grand plan, but as with a few other big projects in Redmond, it may be a struggle to get it all done by the end of 2006. The project isn't completed yet, the holidays are approaching fast and the team is under intense pressure to get everything absolutely right.

The timing of the hype cycle is perfect, however. Microsoft's annual meeting with financial analysts is July 27, and it's looking bleak. Wall Street is furious Microsoft won't be selling new versions of Windows and Office in the fall as promised.

Argo could help the December quarter and give executives something to discuss with analysts other than product delays, Bill Gates' departure and the high cost of doing battle with Google.

More Info: Games Industry.biz

Nintendo DS Sells over 5 Million in Europe

Nintendo have announced that the Nintendo DS handheld console has sold over 5 million units in Europe alone.

Also the Nintendo DS Lite has sold over 200,000 in the first 10 days.

"Nintendo DS has introduced thousands of new people to gaming and will continue to expand the gaming population due to its ability to appeal to both gamers and non-gamers," said Laurent Fischer, European marketing director at Nintendo of Europe.

"During Nintendo DS Lite launch weekend, retailers across Europe said that they had never seen such a vast array of different people buying the product, everyone from business men to young women to grandfathers!"

Find other Wireless Games Console Players

A new service has been created for users of WiFi games consoles that allows them to find other gamers. And if you think you've got a few moves that nobody else knows about then you can pay a fiver to enter the online competition via their Elite section and potentially win a premium Xbox package worth £280.

PSP Success delays PS3 Launch

The lack of communication surrounding the launch of the PS3 has started speculation that the new console will be delayed with a launch now being runoured as being 2007 for Japan.

The FT commented: "A delay to the launch of PS3 will not just embarrass the embattled consumer electronics group but, depending on how long the delay turns out to be, it could jeopardise Sony’s dominant position in the video games market – giving rival Microsoft a major boost."

Further complications were the new Blu-ray disk developments and how long it would take to incorporate into the new PS3 console.

Furthemore, games developers are unwilling to commit to games launches: “So many [software developers] are saying that the development tools [needed to develop software] are not available and that the software won’t be ready [by the spring],” says Hirokazu Hamamura, president of Enterbrain, which publishes Famitsu, a widely-read video games magazine.

He continued: “PS2 sold well before Christmas in North America and PSP [Sony’s handheld console] is also selling well so there is no reason to launch PS3 right away."

Rumours on Nintendo DS Lite Launch

Rumors have the DS Lite’s release for North America and Europe coming sometime this summer and the next in the DS line will possibly make its way to market in 2007. Here's what they say about a possible 2nd gen DS Lite:

Look at how many times we've improved on the Game Boy Advance in terms of the look, the feel, screen changes, and everything else," Fils-Aime said. "We believe that type of constant innovation is critical to driving this industry, and certainly if you look at the world wide sales of Game Boy Advance, I don't think anyone would disagree."

Nintendo has already confirmed that in the US it will phase out the current DS once the DS Lite arrives later this year. So far that follows the evolution of the Game Boy Advance, which saw its founding version disappear after the Game Boy Advance SP hit.

Read more at Kikizo

The Fantastic Nintendo DS!

We've heard that Nintendo will later this year be adding web browsing and mobile television viewing to their DS handheld console. Unlike the solution for the Sony Playstation Portable, Nintendo will require you to buy the add-on separately.

The mobile TV for the DS will attach to the device through the DS card slot.

Nintendo DS Add-Ons

Thew new Nintendo DS will have two add-ons that will allow dual-screen handheld web browsing and the ability to watch TV on it.

The internet will be displayed using a version of the Opera browser and will be visible over two screens and will connect via a wiressless 802.11b connection and will be sold via a insert card.

TV broadcasts can be viewed by purchasing another card that will contain a TV tuner, but unlike a personal media player, you won't be able to record broadcasts.

Championship Manager on PSP

I would have thought it was very difficult to put a game like Championship manager on any handheld console. But they've managed it with the PSP. The graphics aren't all that great but the gameplay is as addictive as ever. Just don't let the girlfriend see you play it when you're out on a date.

There are still big drawbacks in the levels of detail. There are teams missing from some of the international leagues. There's no multiplayer facility and to be honest the music is crap also.

Our advice: Only get it if you have to.

Transformers Game to be released Summer 07

Rumours are flying that Activision has reached agreement with Hasbro Properties Group and Dreamworks to develop the Transformers game with the film being released in the States on 4th July 2007.

For all of those 80's kids (like myself) this should be one hell of an experience!

Console & Handheld Gaming Vs Mobile

VP of Business Development at Ideaworks, Thor Gunnarsson doubts that either console or handheld gaming will seriously challenge mobile gaming. He comments "Mobile gaming is a complimentary category to games on other platforms - there's not really evidence that console gaming is having a negative impact on mobile game sales ... Mobile gaming is a higher growth category in terms of adoption by consumers than the console space. Over the next few years we expect to see more people, certainly on a volume basis, playing mobile games than any of the individual consoles."

But what are your thoughts? Which do you prefer: console, handheld or mobile?