Nintendo is releasing a unique DS Lite bundle in the UK. The Nintendo DS Lite Professor Layton and the Curious Village bundle will be available on June 19th for £119.99. The bundle includes a Black DS Lite system and Professor Layton and the Curious Village. The bundle may be to commemorate Professor Layton and the Curious Village for its BAFTA for “Best Handheld Game” or for Father’s Day.

We people across the pond will not be getting according to my sources, I do have a DS and I may have to dust it off now as it was deemed “Best Handheld Game”. Has anyone played it, is it really that good?

I can’t forget about my Dsi folks now can I? So here are some releases for you.

Uno - Summer 2009 (Gameloft)

Sudoku Master - June 2009 (Hudson)
Sudoku Student - June 2009 (Hudson)

Prehistorik Man - Summer 2009 (Interplay)

Mario vs. Donkey Kong™: Minis March Again! - June 8, 2009 (Nintendo)
Flipnote Studio™ - Summer 2009 (Nintendo)
Crash-Course Domo™ - TBD (Nintendo)
Hard-Hat Domo™ TBD (Nintendo)
Mario™ Calculator TBD (Nintendo)
Mario™ Clock TBD (Nintendo)
Pro-Putt Domo™ TBD (Nintendo)
Rock-n-Roll Domo™ TBD (Nintendo)
Six in One Translator (working title) TBD (Nintendo)

White-Water Domo™ TBD (Nintendo)

Mighty Flip Champs!™ (Wayforward) (Nintendo)

From Nintendo

The Square Enix E3 2009 Lineup includes:

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: T (Teen)
Street Date: August 25, 2009*

DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY does what no other FINAL FANTASY title has done before, bringing together an all-star cast to give players a chance to see their favorite FINAL FANTASY characters engage in high-intensity battles. Experience this renowned franchise, which has shipped over 85 million units worldwide, in a brand new light with this dramatic 3-D action game. Soar through expansive environments and participate in gripping combat, all while enjoying RPG-based character development that adds a rich layer of depth to the story behind the clashing forces. The battle between good and evil begins – What will you fight for?

*Limited-edition DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY PSP system Entertainment Pack to launch at Gamestop day and date with stand-alone game.

FINAL FANTASY XIII
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: PLAYSTATION®3 computer entertainment system/
Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft
Genre: RPG
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Square Enix proudly presents FINAL FANTASY XIII, the latest installment in the world-renowned FINAL FANTASY series. To celebrate the 13th numbered release in the series, Square Enix has undertaken a colossal project involving the development of various content for multiple platforms. FABULA NOVA CRYSTALLIS®, defined in Latin as “the new tale of the crystal,” is made up of several different titles based on variations of the FINAL FANTASY XIII universe. While each title in the project features different characters, different worlds and different stories, all are ultimately based on and expand upon a common mythos.

In FINAL FANTASY XIII, players will embark on a journey through the cityworld of Cocoon and the outerworld of Pulse, encountering and fighting alongside a diverse group of allies. Execute powerful attacks with weapons and magic, and summon the enigmatic Eidolons with an evolved Active Time Battle™ system. Experience seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and in-game cinematics. Do you have the courage to face your destiny?

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES®: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS®
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii™
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: TBA

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: THE CRYSTAL BEARERS provides a fresh take on the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES series as it combines the storytelling depth, expansive world and graphical quality of FINAL FANTASY with motion-driven, real-time action gameplay. In this world, realistic gameplay and fantastical art direction are brought together for a truly unique experience for Wii users around the globe.

FRONT MISSION EVOLVED™
Developer: Double Helix Games™
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Third-Person Shooter
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: TBA

From the creative minds of Square Enix and Double Helix Games, FRONT MISSION EVOLVED brings the classic FRONT MISSION® franchise into an action-packed third-person shooter that gives players full control of a massive humanoid war machine—the wanzer. Players will battle through intense combat situations as they explore an immersive world in both the single player campaign and online multiplayer.

KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd./h.a.n.d.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Nintendo DS™
Genre: Action-RPG
ESRB: RP (Rating Pending)
Ship Date: Fall 2009

Uncover the events that took place during the year Sora was asleep regaining his lost memories. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days revolves around Roxas, the “other” hero from KINGDOM HEARTS II, and his days as a member of Organization XIII. Follow Roxas and the rest of Organization XIII across the various Disney Worlds, and discover the connection between him, Sora and the mysterious 14th member, and the reasons behind his eventual departure from the organization. KINGDOM HEARTS 358/2 Days also features a multiplayer mode for the first time, allowing players to control their favorite Organization XIII members!

NIER™
Developer: cavia, Inc.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: PLAYSTATION 3/ Xbox 360
Genre: Action-Adventure
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: 2010

Nothing is as it seems in Square Enix’s latest action adventure game, set in a crumbling world plagued by disease and dark, unrecognizable creatures. Players assume the role of the unyielding protagonist, NIER, resolute in his quest to discover a cure for his daughter, who is infected with the Black Scrawl virus. With powerful allies and a mysterious book, NIER encounters things that will confound even the mightiest of warriors.

ORDER OF WAR
Developer: Wargaming.net™
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship Date: Fall 2009

Square Enix teams up with strategy game specialist Wargaming.net to present ORDER OF WAR, a brand-new IP set for a simultaneous release across multiple territories. Developed exclusively for Windows PC, the game features massive-scale battles brought to life with a cinematic intensity never seen before in a WWII strategy game. Players will take command of an entire army including ground troops, artillery, tank divisions and aircraft in all-out strategic assaults. The single-player mode can be played out in two campaigns – American versus German forces on the western front and German versus Russian on the eastern front. Missions will be based on key historic events and operations from 1944.

SUPREME COMMANDER 2
Developer: Gas Powered Games®
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platforms: Xbox 360/Windows PC
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: Not Yet Rated
Ship date: 2010

Experience brutal battles on a massive scale! In SUPREME COMMANDER 2, players will wage war by creating enormous customizable armies and experimental war machines that can change the balance of power at any given moment. Take the role of one of the three enigmatic commanders, each representing a unique faction with a rich story that brings a new level of emotional connection to the RTS genre, or fight the battle online. Where do your loyalties lie?

Downloadable games:

FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: RPG
ESRB: E (Everyone)
Launch Date: June 1, 2009

A true sequel to the classic Super NES™ title, FINAL FANTASY IV: THE AFTER YEARS is an episodic game coming exclusively to Nintendo’s WiiWare™ service June 1, 2009. With both single and multiplayer modes, Wii users will now be able to explore the world of FINAL FANTASY IV with up to three of their friends and coordinate commands into a single attack. Unravel a mystery told through the intertwining stories of a familiar cast of characters, and complete the FINAL FANTASY IV experience with this latest installment in the franchise.

FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord™
Developer: Square Enix Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Square Enix, Inc.
Platform: Wii
Genre: Real-Time Strategy
ESRB: E10+ (Everyone 10 and older)
Launch Date: 2009

The latest installment in the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES franchise for Nintendo’s WiiWare service, FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a Darklord turns the tables on players by challenging them to take on the role of the villain. As the newly appointed Darklord with a mission to take over the world, players must strategically place monsters and traps inside their tower to ward off invading adventurers. With this follow-up to the kingdom-building simulation FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: My Life as a King®, Wii users can now enjoy the FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES world from an entirely new point of view!

Square Enix is at booth 1546 in the South Hall of the Los Angeles Convention Center.

From Square Enix

Games to be shown at E3 2009 from CRAVE Entertainment:

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection (XBOX 360®/PS3™)
CRAVE Entertainment brings one of the major forces in arcade history to next-gen consoles for the first time with Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection. Presenting classic pinball action along with challenging new tables such as “Medieval Madness” and “The Tales of the Arabian Nights,” Pinball Hall of Fame: The Williams Collection also introduces new features such as online leader boards and additional table goals—to bring an awesome, retro pinball experience right into your home. Fans have been clamoring for this award winning franchise to make its debut on the latest next-gen consoles. Genre: Sim Sport; Scheduled release: September 8, 2009.

Pinball Hall of Fame: The Gottlieb Collection (Wii™)
Travel back in time for vintage fun with some of yesterday’s best pinball tables merged with today’s technology. Pinball Hall of Fame: The Gottlieb Collection lets you play on eleven Gottlieb classic tables spanning the glorious history of pinball, including “Central Park” (1966) and “Ace High” (1957). Utilize the Wiimote™ to bump and manipulate the table, but be careful—bump too hard and you’ll tilt it! Genre: Sim Sport; Scheduled release: Q4 2009

Monster Mayhem: Build and Battle (Wii™/DS™)
Monster Mayhem: Build and Battle lets you create your very own monster from a massive variety of monster body parts and customizable items, and then train him to defend your Happy Valley home from evil invaders. Engage in fierce battles with A.I. monsters, explore diverse environments, conduct wild experiments and even battle monsters created by your friends! Genre: Action adventure/RPG; Scheduled release: August 11, 2009.

World Championship Athletics (Wii™)
Compete against athletes from all over the world and test your mettle in 28 different summer sporting events, including swimming, cycling, diving, running and many more. Designed to support the Wii Balance Board™ this will challenge even the most conditioned athletes. Featuring career, co-op and multiplayer modes you can push for your personal best, join forces in a relay race or go for the gold against your friends. World Championship Athletics is being published by Conspiracy Entertainment and presented by CRAVE Entertainment. Genre: Sports; Scheduled release: August 4, 2009.

Real Heroes: Firefighter (Wii™)
Join a squad of elite Firefighters as the new Fire Academy cadet and you too can be a true American Hero. Real Heroes: Firefighter is a distinctive first person shooter that truly puts the heat on, with raging infernos, explosive environments and exclusive “Fire Thinking Technology”. Making the most of the Wii’s motion-sensing controls, Real Heroes: Firefighter employs all of the Fireman’s skills and tools including water hoses, axes, Jaws of Life, saws and more – to let you save lives in the line of fire. Real Heroes: Firefighter is being published by Conspiracy Entertainment and presented by CRAVE Entertainment. Genre: Action; Scheduled release: August 4, 2009.

My Virtual Tutor (DS™)
My Virtual Tutor™ was created to help children learn and master early reading via the incredibly popular Nintendo DS. Three age and grade-specific skus each feature individualized learning exercises, eight interactive books, four play modes and staged learning all aimed at keeping readers motivated and encouraging literacy. Backed by six years of research and development from the University of Colorado and using proprietary Foundations to Literacy software, My Virtual Tutor ™ makes reading fun, affordable and portable. My Virtual Tutor™ is developed by 1st Playable Productions, produced by Mentor Interactive and presented by CRAVE Entertainment. Genre: Educational. Scheduled release: Q3 2009.

From Crave Entertainment

Lunar: Silver Star Harmony (PSP)
While everything is calm on the surface, the world of Lunar is slowly devolving into chaos. The legendary Dragonmaster Dyne and his faithful companions have faded into obscurity only to have a shadowy figure known as the Magic Emperor begin to wreak havoc on the world created by the Goddess Althena. Meanwhile, in a small, humble village far removed from the turmoil in Lunar, lives a young man named Alex. As one who idolizes the legendary Dyne, Alex dreams of one day becoming the next Dragonmaster and matching the accomplishments of his life-long hero. Egged on by his childhood friend Ramus and with his adopted sister Luna in tow, Alex heads off on what seems to be a meaningless adventure, unaware that it would be the first step in an epic journey with the fate of the entire world at stake.

Since it debuted over a decade ago, Lunar: Silver Star Story has continuously captivated fans with its timeless tale of love, betrayal and redemption, expertly woven into its involving gameplay and cinematic presentation. The classic masterpiece has now been reborn on the PSP as Lunar: Silver Star Harmony with all new graphics, added gameplay features, and a re-mastered soundtrack so a whole new generation of fans can experience this legendary first entry of the Lunar universe, while added story elements are sure to intrigue returning fans alike. This title is being developed by Game Arts and is scheduled to be released Fall 2009 exclusively for the PSP.

Half-Minute Hero (PSP)
For centuries, an epic battle between humans and evil lords has been raging and destroying everything in its path. The civilized world is under attack by the relentless evil lord and all that remains are ruins of castles and the bodies of faithful knights who once proudly protected them. Throughout time, heroes and legends have risen above the chaos, only to eventually disappear into the ashes. As the last wandering sage and final hope for humanity, it is up to the protagonist to somehow transcend time and death to unite these legends and their unique powers in one last battle against the Ultimate Evil Lord.

An unorthodox approach to traditional RPGs, Half-Minute Hero combines adventure, an epic storyline, legendary characters and a punishing countdown clock to destruction, to create an adrenaline pumping experience that will blow past conventional fantasy games. Choose between four modes of accelerated gameplay, each complete with original quests, enemies and attacks. Hero Mode consists of random battles with classic RPG leveling-up elements, Evil Lord Mode involves a high degree of strategy to summon the appropriate monsters against the varying oncoming enemies, Princess Mode involves fast-paced shooting action as you guide the princess safely to and from her castle, and Knight Mode challenges the player to protect the sage in any way possible, including carrying the sage away from danger, clinging to monsters to halt their movement, or even throwing yourself at enemies to cause physical damage. Each of the gameplay modes contains 30 stages in which players have 30 seconds, or a half-minute, to complete their tasks. Retaining the charm inherent in classic RPGs, Half-Minute Hero is a breakneck foray into an ancient land of monsters and magic, 30 seconds at a time. XSEED Games partnered with Marvelous Entertainment USA to secure the North American rights to publish and distribute Half-Minute Hero. This title is being developed by Opus Studio and is scheduled to be released Fall 2009 exclusively for the PSP.

FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon (Wii)
Seto is an extremely special young boy; he may be the last remaining human being alive on the planet. As Seto searches through the eerily calm and beautiful ruins of a civilization lost, he comes across a mysterious girl named Ren, who quickly scurries away from him despite possibly being the only other living human in the world. As he struggles to locate Ren and search for other survivors, he must also fight off the ghosts and demons that haunt this forsaken land and piece together the mystery behind the disappearance of mankind.

In FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon, players will explore a dark and abandoned world with the aid of their Wii Remote™ that functions as a flashlight and as a proximity sensor to track invisible ghosts. The highly cinematic presentation, coupled with an emotive soundtrack, bring the narrative of a lonely and lost soul to life as players encounter memorable characters and discover the back story behind scavenged items that provide insight on people’s last days before the apocalypse. FRAGILE: Farewell Ruins of the Moon is scheduled to be released Winter 2009 exclusively for Wii.

Arc Rise Fantasia (Wii)
From Marvelous Entertainment and Image Epoch, the same partnership that created the highly lauded Luminous Arc, comes Arc Rise Fantasia, an epic RPG developed exclusively for Wii. Arc Rise Fantasia is a product of old and new, combining gorgeous graphics with modern gameplay while bringing classic Japanese high fantasy role-playing action involving airships and dragons, exclusively to the platform. Arc Rise Fantasia is scheduled for release Winter 2009.

Flower, Sun, and Rain (DS)
Flower, Sun, and Rain is a unique mystery adventure from the legendary twisted mind behind No More Heroes, Suda51. Originally released on the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system and having quickly gained notoriety for its eccentricity, Flower, Sun, and Rain had never previously been available outside of Japan. This updated Nintendo DS release features all the creative quirks that made the original a cult hit while adding Touch Screen functionality and 50 new puzzles in what’s sure to please loyal fans of the original version. Flower, Sun, and Rain is scheduled to start shipping to retailers on June 16, 2009.

JU-ON: The Grudge (Wii)
It is said that when a person dies with a deep, burning grudge, a curse is born. This title is based on JU-ON, the Japanese inspiration for the hit horror film, The Grudge, with the original director, Takashi Shimizu, acting as a consultant on game development. JU-ON: The Grudge is billed as the first “Haunted House Simulator” where accessibility and instant scares are given priority over all other gameplay aspects. Using the Wii Remote™ as a flashlight, players more forward with the touch of a button and explore haunted areas such as an abandoned warehouse, a dimly-lit hospital, and a mannequin factory. Much like a haunted house, the player must proceed forward even after being frightened and knowing that even more horrible surprises await. JU-ON: The Grudge is scheduled to be released in October 2009.

Little King’s Story (Wii)
Little King’s Story has an art style that is very ‘story-book’ in look and a magical fairy tale quality that will intrigue and delight gamers. The storyline, visual look, and lyrical music of Little King’s Story, work in concert to transport players to an interactive, enchanting, fairy tale world. By combining gameplay elements from life-simulation, real-time strategy, and adventure genres, the many aspects of creating a vast kingdom come to life! As King, players will manage and involve their townspeople in the goal of improving and expanding their kingdom by enlisting them to dig for treasure, clear away obstacles, and otherwise better their community. Of course, leadership is a two-way street, so as King, players will try to grant as many requests from the townspeople as possible while striving to conquer rival nations to create a single unified kingdom. The game transforms the Wii Remote™ to a royal scepter and offers players the chance to be the best king in the world! Little King’s Story will be released July 2009.

Ragnarok Online (DS)
Ragnarok Online DS is based on the worldwide PC MMO phenomenon, and brings the same addictive gameplay of customization and exploration to the Nintendo DS platform that has attracted more than 3 million registered users in North America. In Ragnarok Online DS, players upgrade their characters’ armor and weapons as well as earning Status and Skill Points each time they gain a level. These points can be used to further customize your battle party to best suit your playing style. Staying true to the community and teamwork for which Ragnarok Online is renowned, the DS version allows players to team up with two other friends wirelessly to take on the Mirage Tower which includes over 50 floors, randomly generated maps, and the chance to obtain rare items. Ragnarok Online DS will be available Winter 2009 exclusively for the DS.

Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga (Wii)
Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga is an epic adventure RPG available exclusively on Wii. It is the follow up title to the original Valhalla Knights and Valhalla Knights 2, and expands upon the series by introducing a new online feature that allows two players to adventure through the land of Eldar co-operatively. Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga continues the series trademark of no random encounters while updating the real-time battle system to now include battles taking place on the world map instead of a separate battle screen for a seamless experience. Valhalla Knights: Eldar Saga will be available Summer 2009.

From XSEED Games

KOEI has announced the games they’ll be showing at E3 2009. As stated in its press release, “This will be the first time in KOEI’s history that the company publicly debuts new titles outside of Japan.”

Keep a lookout next week for more on the following KOEI games:

TRINITY: Souls of Zill O’ll™ - For years, Omega Force has transcended the action genre to create one of video gaming’s most legendary franchises. Now they will unleash their imaginations on the realm of fantasy with the upcoming TRINITY: Souls of Zill O’ll.

Warriors: Legends of Troy™ - Three thousand years ago, a poet sang of heroes strong enough to stand alone against an army. For love, they sailed the world. For family, they made the greatest sacrifices. For honor, they stood and faced the will of gods, and fought a war which shook the earth…

Monster Racers™ - Monster Racers for the Nintendo DS™ will take you on a quest around the globe in search of monsters to train, nurture, and race. For the first time in the genre, your skill in controlling your monster will be a key factor to winning each challenge. Races are filled with obstacles that will test your skills in controlling speed, jumping ability, and reaction time. By combining real-time racing, platform-style action, and role-playing with the fun of monster collecting, KOEI is bringing to life a colorful and unforgettable world where everyone can be a champion. This product is rated “E” (Everyone) by the ESRB.

WARRIORS OROCHI®2 - The best-selling DYNASTY WARRIORS® and SAMURAI WARRIORS® crossover comes to the PSP®(PlayStation® Portable) system with continuing storylines. WARRIORS OROCHI 2 features three new game modes: Dream, VS and Survival, plus VS mode “Tag Team”-style matches that pit fighters in deadly head-to-head combat! New features for the PSP include 96 playable characters, 2-Player VS and Co-op and new scenarios. This game is rated “T” (Teen - Mild Suggestive Themes, Violence) by the ESRB.

Get up to the minute details from KOEI at E3 via @koeicorp on Twitter. KOEI’s booth can be found at LACC South Hall #822.

From KOEI

Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment will be developing and publishing games based on The Lord of the Rings trilogy. The first Lord of the Rings game coming from Warner Bros. is The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest. It’s a third-person adventure headed to the Wii, PS2, DS and PSP.

Details on Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest from Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment :

“In The Lord of the Rings: Aragorn’s Quest, preparations are underway in Hobbiton for a great party to welcome Aragorn, King of Gondor, and honor Samwise Gamgee for his service during the War of the Ring. The children of the town are eager to learn more of this great man and so Samwise, now Mayor, embarks on a tale of the revered warrior, Strider—as Aragorn is known in his Ranger days—and his most valiant battles. Players assume the role of Aragorn and embark on his greatest quests from The Lord of the Rings trilogy as they wield his sword, bow or spear on foot and on horseback through an action-packed gameplay experience. On the Wii platform, two-player co-op gameplay featuring Gandalf will allow kids, families and friends to work together in the heart of the action.”

I have never played a LOTR game and honestly I don’t think I ever will. They look cool and like they could be a lot of fun this one included!

Well who said Wal-Mart doesn’t offer variety? Not only can you get porn pre-loaded on your psp, but you can now buy a box of rocks disguised as a Nintendo DS!

To top it off Wal-Mart went above and beyond it’s customer service exellence to tell the customer who bought the box of rocks to take it up with Nintendo. Wal-Mart finally refunded the woman and gave her a $20 gift card after they discovered that the box of rocks had been returned by another angry customer and put back out on the floor.

I have to laugh out loud at this and I am now thinking that I should buy a PS3 fill the box with rocks or some random crap from my house and return it to get my money back. Why not do it with any electronic item for that matter?

Well Nintendo is trying to do it again, and they are going to be successful. They are releasing the DS Lite Green Bundle with Personal Trainer Cooking Coach May 3rd a week before Mother’s Day.

From Nintendo:

“Ah, spring. The time when everyone’s fancy turns to…video games. To celebrate the season of growth and rejuvenation, Nintendo announces the blooming of a new Nintendo DS™ system color: Green. The cool new color comes bundled with a hip carrying case and a copy of the Personal Trainer™: Cooking video game, which serves as an interactive cooking coach.

Personal Trainer: Cooking includes more than 245 recipes from around the world, along with step-by step instructions for how to prepare them.”

Yup you read it right, the latest game to get the Lego make over, is none over than Rock Band. Rock Band Lego will be, according to CrunchGear, out in time for the holidays, presumably the summer holidays. So you can “Rock the Universe” all summer long!

Lego Rock Band will be coming out on the Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, but will miss the Wii. Lego Rock Band won’t be missing Nintendo altogether though, the game will also make it to the Nintendo DS.

Current tracks confirmed so far are:

Blur: “Song 2”
Carl Douglas: “Kung Fu Fighting”
Europe: “The Final Countdown”
Good Charlotte: “Boys and Girls”
Pink: “So What”

Watch out Kirby there might be someone cuter than you! Nintendo is introducing gamers in North America to a yellow starfish, Starfy. The Legend of Starfy is a new action-adventure game coming to the DS and DSi.

Directly from Nintendo:
“In The Legendary Starfy game, which launches June 8, players dive into a spectacular undersea adventure with Starfy, the legendary hero of Pufftop. Players swoop into enemies like a shooting star, glide over bottomless chasms and transform into powerful creatures to help a mysterious, bunny-eared visitor find his lost memory.”

This game will be available in June 2009

Following on from Nintendo’s announcement of the American DSi, April 5th, Nintendo have now confirmed the release date for European markets. The dual screened DSi will hit Europe April 3rd, making it earlier than the US release date!

The DSi will feature two screens, one touch enabled like the DS Lite, but the DSi sees the size screen increased to 3.5 inches. When the DSi launches in the UK it will be available in both black and white, which you can see here. The handheld will retail for £149.99 and is available for pre-order from Amazon and Game.

Nintendo’s latest model to it’s handheld lineup, the DSi, is to finally hit the US. The Nintendo DSi has already been released in Japan and has been available for a few months. The lastest Nintendo handheld is now to reach US shores on April 5th. The DSi is to retail for $169.99, making it slightly cheaper than in Japan, but with an increased price tag over the DS Lite. Are the extra features worth it? Well looking over the specs again, it sure does seem it is.

The DSi will feature two cameras, a 0.3 megapixel camera on the outside and a VGA camera inside, music playback, a built in web browser. Both displays will also be slightly larger while the actual device will be slightly smaller than the DSi by 2.6mm. The DSi won’t feature GBA compatability, but will come with an SD card slot.

You can view more photos of the Nintendo DSi in both black and white here. The DSi will be available in black or blue in America. There’s currently no information on if or when the white version will be released in America.

Via: Nintendo

In this day and age it is extremely rare to see a tech company thrive, let alone an entire industry. People still manage to dig up enough cash between the couch cushions for video games however, and Reuters is reporting a hell of a January for the big three of the console world. Nintendo continued to show that reaching beyond hardcore gamers and into the houses of the masses is the way to go, dropping 680,000 Wii consoles and 510,000 Nintendo DS units according to the NPD Group.

Microsoft maintained the second spot, as usual, selling 309,000 Xbox 360s and Sony managed to push 203,000 PS3 consoles into new homes. Nintendo also held the top three game sales slots with Wii Fit, Wii Play and Mario Kart Wii, while EA’s Left 4 Dead and Activision Blizzard’s Call of Duty: World at War rounded out the top five.

All in all, total industry sales rang up at $1.33 billion - up a substantial 13 percent year over year. Wow. Double-digit growth in what is historically a slow month across most industries is pretty mind-boggling, but the gaming industry continues to defy logic thanks to the Nintendo Wii and DS - aka Nintendo’s licenses to print money.

reuters

Nintendo is finally giving back to it’s loyal customers with Club Nintendo.  If you sign up now you can get up to 1250 stars  that you can swap for goodies such as games, animated wall papers, plush toys and even the Super Mario Galaxy sound track.  You can earn stars by playing games and taking survey’s there is one survey that will extend your DS and Wii warranty.

There are two snazzy DS bundles up for grabs this “Black Friday”. Nintendo are releasing the Ice Blue and the Mario Red DS packs in time for the 28th of November in the US which is great news.

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Over at JJ Games they’ve posted up the pictures below of video gaming pumpkins/Jack-o-Lanterns and just in time for Halloween!

There are some crazy pumpkin designs here and I still have my pumpkin to carve so I’m getting some good ideas too:

8 Bit Mario

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Rockstar have confirmed that there will be trophies added to the PS3 version of Grand Theft Auto 4 and that there are indeed zombies running around Liberty City and the infection is spreading!

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Edge have reported that Valve have confirmed to them that there is going to be a Left 4 Dead demo available for the PC and for the Xbox 360 and that the release date for that demo will be sometime in November - information we didnt know before. Of course, the full game is also released in November, on the 17th of the month.

Managing director of Valve Software, Gabe Newell spoke to Edge and explained that the demo will be released as part of the $10 million ad campaign for Left 4 Dead, it’s much anticipated zombie shooter game.The demo will be taken from the No Mercy campaign and can be played by one to four players, Newell said.

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