Nintendo TVii will launch with the Wii U in Japan on December 8th, IR remote costs $1

Nintendo's Wii U has yet to launch in Japan, but over there it's been revealed that the innovative Nintendo TVii app will be available when the console launches December 8th. Interestingly, the IR remote functionality that we've already seen packed in will cost 100 yen ($1.21) from Nintendo's eShop. The TV guide data will be pulled from Rovi's G-Guide service, ready to pull up even when you're not using the console, or in the middle of a TV show or video game. We still don't have an exact release date for the i.TV-based feature in North America (it's due in "select" European regions next year) but at least gamers can enjoy their Netflix, Hulu, Amazon and YouTube access until then.

[Source: Engadget]

Microsoft 'Xbox TV' device due in 2013 with casual gaming and streaming

Microsoft is building an Xbox set-top box. Multiple sources familiar with Redmond's plans have confirmed to The Verge that the company plans to introduce a low-cost alternative to its Xbox console, designed to provide access to core entertainment services. The move will allow Microsoft to further increase its presence in the living room, providing consumers with a choice between a set-top box or a full next-generation Xbox console.

We're told that the set-top box is part of a two-SKU strategy for Microsoft's next-generation of Xbox hardware that will be unveiled in 2013, with a release date ahead of the holiday shopping season. The device will run on the core components of Windows 8 and support casual gaming titles rather than full Xbox games typically found on a dedicated console. Although hardware specifications aren't fully locked down, we understand Microsoft will use a chipset to enable an "always on" device that boots quickly and resumes to provide near-instant access to TV and entertainment services.

[Source: The Verge]

Minecraft Reality for iOS finds a home for our blocky dreams in the real world

While it's possible to translate the hours and hours spent building worlds inMinecraft to real objects, we wouldn't say the results always match the initial vision -- they're more likely to involve either a miniature 3D printout or the time and money spent on a whole lot of Lego. Mojang and 13th Lab have developed what's arguably a smarter solution with their new Minecraft Reality for iOS. After scanning the environment, the app can insert anyone's uploaded cuboid masterpiece into a perspective-correct augmented reality for viewing from any angle. Interaction is mostly limited to resizing objects, but the title will display the handiwork of anyone nearby and take a shareable screenshot for posterity. There's no word of an Android version just yet; if that's no obstacle to making dreams a (virtual) reality, however, the $2 to pay for Minecraft Reality is a much cheaper and faster alternative to a mountain of plastic bricks.

[Source: Engadget]

Raspberry Pi says it'll run Minecraft, demos upcoming 5-megapixel, 1080P, $25 camera

The Raspberry Pi will soon be able to see all, thanks to an upcoming camera board that will mate with unused CSI pins on the $35 hobbyist board. The new 5-megapixel camera (in the video after the break) will be capable of 1080P, 30fps video, and though the prototype being shown at Electronica 2012 is attached using scotch tape technology, the Pi foundation promised it would come with a proper mount when it ships in the new year for $25. In other news, the group has also announced a new port from the Notch gaming group called "Minecraft: Pi edition." You'll be able to play the game, of course, but if you're feeling more ambitious it'll also support several programming languages, letting you "modify the game world with code" to boot. The group promised you'll be able to download it next week at the source.

[Source: Engadget]

Grand Theft Auto: Vice City hijacking Android and iOS on December 6th for $5

Following the footsteps of its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto: Vice City is making its way to Android and iOS. Rockstar announced today that a special 10th Anniversary Edition of the open world Scarface / Miami Vice inspired sim will be hitting the two popular mobile platforms on December 6th for $5. This spiffed-up mobile port includes updated character models, enhanced lighting effects, improved targeting and fully customizable control options. Technical upgrades aside, we caution not to drive directly against the sun while riding a motorcycle within the game; it nearly blinded us in the original console version, so we can only imagine how harsh it will be on your fancy high-res display. Don't say that we didn't warn you. Move past the break for a complete list of supported devices.

[Source: Engadget]

Why Wii U could make it a Nintendo Christmas

Nintendo has been pretty busy recently, particularly with releases for its Nintendo 3DS and 3DS XL games consoles. But while many will be looking at picking up the latest Professor Layton adventure or New Super Mario Bros 2, others will be holding out for the launch of the Wii U.

All things considered, it’s beginning to look a lot like a Nintendo Christmas, but what will Wii U bring to stores ahead of the festive season?

Wii U – a new games console for a new generation
With Wii U, Nintendo is not just updating its existing hardware line-up, it’s bringing something very new and exciting to the table. The rather nifty touch-screen Wii U GamePad controller works alongside – or in some cases instead of – your main television and interacts with what’s on screen in ways like never before. The new games console comes with an incredible line up of launch titles and is available in a bundle with the family-friendly Nintendo Land and as it’s a HD device, there is great potential for enjoying video and audio content too.

New Super Mario Bros. U – the brothers are back
What better way to celebrate the launch of a new console than a fresh take on one of the most beloved franchises around? Nintendo is launching the Wii U on November 30th and will put out a whole range of Wii U games to support it, but perhaps one of the most eagerly anticipated of them will be New Super Mario Bros. U. Using the new Wii U GamePad and four Wii Remote controllers, up to five players can play together and with easy drop-in players can jump in quickly. The GamePad also allows you to play in single-player mode which means others can use the main TV.

All the above, as well a high profile games that include FIFA 13, ZombiU, Rayman Legends, Mass Effect 3 and Call of Duty Black Ops 2, it looks like gamers lucky enough to get their hands on a Wii U games console will have plenty to keep them entertained well into 2013.

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Razer DeathAdder adds 4G optical sensor, available now for $69

Razer's had a good thing going with its DeathAdder gaming mouse. So much so, that it's left the peripheral largely untouched, varying only its color over the years and adding a left-handed edition. Which makes today's refresh notable, since it brings a major update to the mouse's optical sensor -- now 4G -- that should improve accuracy with a resolution maxing out at 6,400 dpi. The unit still retains the same form and function as the original, although a textured, rubber grip has been added to the sides for increased comfort. And in keeping with tradition, gamers can also sync this mouse with the company's Synapse 2.0 software to access firmware updates, as well as settings for button mapping across titles. It's available now for $69 / €69, so hit up the source below to get your order set.

[Source: Engadget]

Sony discounting one year of Music Unlimited Premium to $12 for PlayStation Plus members, $60 for everyone else

Looking to get your Jazzy Jeff on at the family Thanksgiving get-together? Starting on November 20th, Sony will reward its loyal PlayStation Plus members this holiday season by offering a year of its Music Unlimited Premium service at the discounted rate of $12. Regularly priced at $10 per month, this plan allows users to stream ad-free music across multiple devices, including: PS3, PSP, PS Vita, PC, Mac, iPod, iPhone, Android devices and more. For those without a PlayStation Plus subscription, you can pick up the service at a reduced premium of $60 for the year. Since Sony hasn't detailed how long this promo will run, we suggest that you move swiftly if you're looking to take advantage.

[Source: Engadget]

Nintendo's Wii U gets gutted in the name of specs

Curious about what silicon is powering Nintendo's Wii U? So was Anand Lal Shimpi, who tore his brand new console to pieces in the name of science. At its heart is a multi-chip module with a PowerPC-based CPU, built on IBM's 45-nanometer process, paired with a GPU similar to AMD's RV7xx design. These two components share 2GB of DDR3 RAM (plus an unspecified amount of eDRAM), while Anand calculates memory bandwidth to be 12.8GB/s. That's around the same as as the Nexus 10 and new iPad, but should throw more frames at your eyeballs because those other devices are operating at much higher resolutions. In terms of power consumption, the Wii U's innards draw a pretty constant wattage regardless of load, drawing 32.8W when rendering the disc menu and 33.0W when playing Super Mario U -- for comparison, that's around a third of the appetite of the greedy little PlayStation 3 Slim.

[Source: Engadget]

Project Inverted turns a gaming PC inside-out with hand-made casing

While we've seen some exotic PC mods in our time, most of those still dutifully stuff all the computer parts into a box, hiding them from the outside world. Martijn Laman isn't one for that kind of traditionalism. His recently completed Project Inverted, just highlighted by ASUS, puts most of the hardware on the outside: the Sabertooth Z77 motherboard, Core i5 processor, fan cooling, memory, Radeon HD 6870 video card and watercooling pipes all sit in plain sight. Everything is joined by a unique, hand-cut case whose backbone and elevated base hide the custom wiring, the watercooling pump, two solid-state drives and controllers for both fans and lighting. And did we mention the 7-inch touchscreen? The result is a truly special gaming rig that's relatively quiet and pristine despite baring its heart and soul for all to see. Building a replica won't be quick, nor will it be cheap at about €1,500 ($1,909), but Laman's detailed assembly process could well be the inspiration for a few more extroverted PCs.

[Source: Engadget]

Wii U gets midnight launch at Nintendo World Store on November 18th

Care to be one of the first to buy a Wii U this weekend? Then start layering on the outerwear, swallowing that pride and making your way to Nintendo's flagship Rockefeller Plaza store in New York City. Starting at midnight this Saturday, the company will begin selling its next-gen console along with other "premium items" to the extreme fanpersons in attendance. And as a special treat for whomever's waiting at the front of the line, NOA's prez, Reggie Fils-Aime, will be there to hand over that very first console - effectively doubling your bragging rights. So, if you like your launch day cold and a little bit crazy (yes, there will be folks walking around with Mii heads), November 18th's one to mark down in the calendar.

[Source: Engadget]

PlayStation 3 global sales hit 70 million, over 15 million Move controllers sold

Sony has announced that it's now sold over 70 million PlayStation 3 consoles -- matching the number of Xboxes sold according to Microsoft's latest financial report. Direct from the Japanese console maker, it also revealed that more than 15 million PlayStation Move motion controllers have been sold since its launch over two years ago. Meanwhile, the slightly aging (but constantly tweaked) base console is now approaching its sixth birthday, but there's no word yet on its hardware successor, with Sony preferring to focus on new connectivity features between the PS3 and its handheld relative.

[Source: Engadget]