Nintendo Goes Old School With The New NES Classic Mini

That old quote that "All things old become new again" may in fact hold true, well sort of! We all know geeks love their nostalgic old PC's and gaming consoles. So it shouldn't come as a surprise that companies are starting to look at ways to cash in on that love affair with the past generations and Nintendo is looking to do just that.

Nintendo Entertainment System has announced the new NES Classic Edition, a mini replica of the original console that will come packed with 30 of your favorite original Nintendo titles.

“We wanted to give fans of all ages the opportunity to revisit Nintendo’s original system and rediscover why they fell in love with Nintendo in the first place,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “The Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition is ideal for anyone who remembers playing the NES, or who wants to pass on those nostalgic memories to the next generation of gamers.”

For $59.99, you'll get the preloaded games, an HDMI cable, an AC adapter and one NES Classic Controller, which obviously looks exactly like the ones you're used to. Other details of the system are a bit sparse for now, so we don't know what the hardware looks like, or whether or not you can upgrade or add more games to the console over time. We also don't know overall storage capacity, yet Nintendo promises you can save games with multiple suspend points.

The full list of games includes Balloon Fight, Bubble Bobble, Castlevania, Castlevania II: Simon's Quest, Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., Double Dragon II: The Revenge, Dr. Mario, Excitebike, Final Fantasy, Galaga, Ghosts' N Ghoblins, Gradius, Ice Climber, Kid Icarus, Kirby's Adventure, Mario Bros., Mega Man 2, Metroid, Ninja Gaiden, Pac-Man, Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, StarTropics, SUPER C, Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario Bros. 3, Tecmo Bowl, The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

[Update:] We now know have a bit more detail regarding additional games and the potential or upgrades. The folks at Kotaku asked Nintendo, “On the same note: does Nintendo plan to sell other NES games for the mini-NES beyond the 30 it comes preloaded with?”

Nintendo then responded by saying, “No. The console is a standalone device, so it cannot connect to the internet or any external storage devices. The 30 games included with the system were chosen to provide a wide variety of top-quality, long-lasting game-play experiences.” Given that, we don't expect to see official support for additional games or upgrades. However, we know that this doesn't mean that geeks out there won't stop there. So we fully expect to see some hacks down the road, to what extent those might be? We'll just have to wait and see!

For more information, visit; http://nintendo.com/nes-classic.

Nintendo Offering Canadians Exclusive $100 Wii Mini Console

A little known device is making a big splash today as online retailers have inadvertently made public the new Wii Mini. First surfacing this morning on the Best Buy Canada website, and is being described as a gaming-only system without Internet connectivity the Wii Mini has since been confirmed via press release from Nintendo Canada.

There are few details available about the new device beyond the fact that it is intended to run Wii only games. Cutting out both GameCube compatibility and online internet access. The Wii Mini is available exclusively in Canada during the holiday season and Nintendo offered no information about the potential availability in other territories in the future.

For more information about this and other features, visit nintendo.com/wiimini.

Nintendo Wii U Reviews

Nintendo has launched the company's newest game platform the new Nintendo Wii U. Several of our favorite tech and gaming sites have got their hands on the new console and here are a few of the details and of course the reviews.

The Specs

• IBM Power-based multi-core processor
• 1.8 inches high, 10.6 inches deep and 6.75 inches long
• AMD Radeon-based High Definition GPU
• 8GB/32GB storage options
• 1080p video output
• Supports HDMI
• Charging Stand
• Wii U GamePad Controller (with 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen, button controls, two analog sticks, front-facing camera, sensor bar, rumble features, stylus and NFC functionality)
• Supports Wii Remote, Wii Remote Plus, Wii U Pro Controllers and Wii accessories like the Classic Controller, Wii Balance Board and Nunchuk

The Wii U was released on November 18, just in time for the holiday season. If you're looking to get the 8GB Basic Set, the price is $299.99. If you're up for an upgrade, the 32GB Deluxe Set is $349.99.

Nintendo Wii U Reviews

CNet: Packed with promise, Wii U still has a lot to prove

"Focusing solely on gaming, it's going to be tough to recommend the Wii U to anyone who already owns a PS3 or Xbox 360. A sizable chunk of the system's launch games are already or soon to be available on the aforementioned systems. Just like with the original Wii, first-party and exclusive titles are really where the Wii U needs to knock it out of the park in order to incentivize a console purchase.....Despite its unique dual-screen presentation, innovative GamePad controller, and ambitious Nintendo TVii service, the Wii U still has a lot to prove."

ArsTechnica: Wii U hardware review: Double the screens, double the fun?

"There are a lot of things I’d love to tell you about the Wii U. I’d love to tell you how the Miiverse social networking service lets you play games and exchange messages with friends. I’d love to tell you how the GamePad’s built-in camera works for video chatting with other Wii U owners all over the world. I’d love to tell you about the transfer process for content from your old Wii, or how the new system handles old Wii retail games, or how easy it is to expand the storage space with a USB hard drive, or what the sign-up process for the new Nintendo Network ID is like, or how functional the Web browser and free video apps are, or how the new eShop compares to other digital download services.
Unfortunately, I can’t tell you any of that. As of mid-day Saturday, mere hours from the system's North American launch, Nintendo had not yet pushed out a promised firmware update to activate all of these features (and maybe a few that I’m not aware of).

As a result, this first review of the Wii U is going to be necessarily incomplete."

Joystiq: Review: Nintendo Wii U

"The Wii U doesn't feel exactly like the "next generation." The menu interface feels like the Wii, and the graphics output by games are nothing that can't be done on the current generation of HD consoles. Furthermore, the troubles already apparent in the Wii U's online services point to Nintendo as usual, behind not just on networking in a conceptual way, but literally behind on its implementation of its own network.

However, the GamePad, even if it doesn't feel like the linear progression of game console technology we'd expect, does feel like a futuristic leap. It's rooted in classic experiences, but adds weird new possibilities. Nintendo has always excelled in taking unexpected steps, and this is one of them, even if it lacks the immediate "aha" appeal of the Wii Remote, or whatever it was people saw in holding the middle of the Nintendo 64 controller."

Kotaku: Wii U: The Kotaku Review

"Is it time for a gamer to get a Wii U? Is it a must-have?

Give it a month or three. Wait until the "launch window" closes at the end of March and the likes of Pikmin 3, Lego City Undercover and a slew of interesting download-only games are available. (If you'd like another take on the Wii U, check out the review on our sister site Gizmodo.)
With any new console you might be wisest to give it a year, especially if you want to be able to compare it to what Sony and Microsoft have coming next. And if they don't put screens in their controllers, know right now that Nintendo will have at least that excellent advantage over them."

Rumor: $150 Nintendo Wii Coming May 15th?

Rumor has it Nintendo will be dropping the price of the Wii console by $50 just ahead of this year's E3 Electronic Entertainment Expo.

According to Engadget, a "trusted source" has indicated that the Wii will begin retailing for $150 on May 15. They do however add that they are not fully convinced that Nintendo would announce a price cut then, rather than, during the excitement of the Electronics Entertainment Expo which will take place in June. Adding reverence that Engadget's source is might be correct, GoNintendo has posted what is purportedly an internal price sheet from Kmart showing a $50 price cut for several Wii SKUs that are listed as "clearance" items.

The Nintendo Wii is currently priced at $199 on most sites (with a few sites listing deals as low as $169) a price it shares with its cheapest competition, the 4GB Xbox 360 system. The cheapest PlayStation 3, by contrast, costs $299.99. This new $149 price could help bolster sales which by many reports have been stagnant. 

ATARI Announces ATARI Greatest Hits Volume 1 For Nintendo DS

50 of the most addicting games from Atari’s legendary vault will be compiled into the must-have Nintendo DS title of the holiday season as Atari, one of the world’s most recognized publishers and producers of interactive entertainment, launches Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1. The ultimate DS title for casual gamers, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 brings together dozens of the most popular Atari arcade and Atari 2600 titles of all-time, including such blockbusters as Asteroids, Pong, Centipede, Missile Command, Tempest, Lunar Lander, Space Duel, Battlezone and Adventure.  This true treasure trove of timeless gaming classics will hit retail stores in North America this Fall.

In the late 1970’s and early 1980’s, Atari introduced a new era in interactive entertainment with its addictive arcade games and home gaming system.  Now with Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1, a retro gaming revolution will be ignited on the Nintendo DS.  Each spotlighted game will feature the same pick-up and play control scheme as their original arcade and 2600 form, with modern updates to align with the Nintendo DS platform.  Single card multi-player will be available for 20 titles including Space Duel and Pong with multi-card play available for head-to-head games. 

Additionally, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 will feature the original game manuals for each title, an Atari memorabilia showcase, and special bonus extras -- including an Atari Trivia game where gamers can race against the clock to answer questions about Atari history and then post their scores to Atari.com.

“The 50 games featured in Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 have defined a generation of casual gamers” said Jim Wilson, President of Atari, Inc. “By adding a new single cartridge multiplayer mode to such games as Pong, Space Duel and Outlaw, we continue to find new ways to expand our brands to a new generation of gamers.”

The complete Atari’s Greatest Hits: Volume 1 line-up is as follows:

Atari Arcade Hits  

Asteroids, Battlezone, Centipede, Gravitar, Lunar Lander, Missile Command, Pong, Space Duel, Tempest.

Atari 2600 Favorites

3D Tic-Tac-Toe, Adventure, Air-Sea Battle, Asteroids, Atari Video Cube, Basketball, Battlezone, Bowling, Centipede, Championship Soccer, Dodge ’Em, Flag Capture, Football, Fun with Numbers, Gravitar, Hangman, Haunted House, Home Run, Human Cannonball, Math Gran Prix, Miniature Golf, Missile Command, Outlaw, Realsports Baseball, Realsports Boxing, Realsports Football, Realsports Tennis, Realsports Volleyball, Sky Diver, Slot Maching, Slot Racers, Sprintmasters, Starship, Stella Track, Submarine Commander, Surround, Swordquest Earthworld, Swordquest Fireworld, Swordquest Waterworld,Tempest and Video Checkers.

Developed by Atari in partnership with Code Mystics, Atari’s Greatest Hits: Vol. 1 is Rated “E” for Everyone and will be available exclusively on Nintendo DS for a suggested retail price of $29.99.  For more information, please log onto www.atari.com.

Nintendo Unveils 2010 Video Game Lineup

Nintendo has unveiled their line-up of expected games to be released in the first quarter of 2010.

"During the holidays, tens of millions of Americans are going to spend enjoyable hours with both Wii and Nintendo DS," said Cammie Dunaway, Nintendo of America's executive vice president of Sales & Marketing. "And the enjoyment will only grow in the early weeks of 2010, whether your taste in gaming comes from exploring ocean depths, catching, training and battling Pokémon or even designing your own micro-games."

In addition to the games listed below Nintendo has also announced the company will release two new colors for its Wii Remote controller. Starting Feb. 14, the controller will come in Pink or Blue and will be bundled with a Wii MotionPlus accessory.

Below is a partial list of upcoming packaged and downloadable games for the Wii, Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems. Note that game titles and launch dates are subject to change.

Wii

2K Sports
Major League Baseball 2K10 - March

Activision
How To Train Your Dragon - March 23

The American Game Factory, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop - Friendship Valley - March 17

Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Shiren the Wanderer - Feb. 9

Capcom
TATSUNOKO VS. CAPCOM: ULTIMATE ALL-STARS - Jan. 26

City Interactive USA
Combat Wings: The Great Battles of WWII - Feb. 16
Chicken Riot - Feb. 9

Collision Studios
City Builder - February

D3Publisher
Family Party: 30 Great Games Winter Fun - February

Deep Silver, Inc.
Let's Play Ballerina - March
Let's Play Garden - March

Disney Interactive Studios
Alice in Wonderland - March

Hudson Entertainment
Rooms: The Main Building - Spring
Calling - Spring

Konami
Walk it Out - Jan. 10
Yu Gi Oh! Duel Trancer - Q1
DanceDanceRevolution - Q1

Majesco Entertainment
Data East Arcade Classics - January
The Daring Game of Girls - February
Pizza Delivery Boy - March

Nintendo
Endless Ocean: Blue World - Feb. 22

SEGA of America
Super Monkey Ball Step & Roll - Feb. 9
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing - March

SouthPeak Games
Sled Shred featuring the Jamaican Bobsled Team - Feb. 1
Fast Food Panic - Jan. 5

Storm City Entertainment
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral - February

UFO Interactive Games, Inc.
Arcade Shooter: Ilvelo - Q1
Rock Blast - Q1
Jaja's Adventure - Q1

Ubisoft
No More Heroes 2: Desperate Struggle - late January
Sleepover Party - Jan. 12
Racquet Sports - March
Red Steel 2 - Q1

XSEED Games
The Sky Crawlers: Innocent Aces - Jan. 5
FRAGILE DREAMS: FAREWELL RUINS OF THE MOON - March 16

WiiWare

Akaoni Studio S.L.
Zombie Panic in Wonderland - Q1

Broken Rules
And Yet It Moves - Q1

Capcom
Phoenix Wright:Ace Attorney - January
Mega Man 10 - March

Ghostfire Games
Rage of the Gladiator - Q1

Hudson Entertainment
Military Madness: Nectaris - Q1

Nabi Studios
Toribash - Q1

Nintendo
WarioWare D.I.Y. Showcase - Q1

Press Play ApS
Max & the Magic Marker - Q1

Team Meat
Super Meat Boy - Q1

Nintendo DS/Nintendo DSi

2K Sports
Major League Baseball 2K10 - March

Activision
Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief - Feb. 2
How To Train Your Dragon - March 23

Aksys Games
World Cup of Pool - Feb. 9

The American Game Factory, Inc.
Build-A-Bear Workshop - Welcome to Hugsville - March 17

Atlus U.S.A., Inc.
Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey - March 10

Capcom Entertainment, Inc.
Ace Attorney Investigations: Miles Edgeworth - Feb. 16

City Interactive USA
Animal Country: Life on the Farm - Feb. 16
Art of Murder - March 16

Deep Silver, Inc.
Let's Play Flight Attendant - March
Let's Play Ballerina - March
Let's Play Garden - March

Disney Interactive Studios
Sonny With a Chance - Spring
Alice in Wonderland - March

GameMill Publishing
Escape the Museum - Jan. 12
Hidden Mysteries: Buckingham Palace - Feb. 9

Hudson Entertainment
Rooms: The Main Building - Spring
DECA SPORTS - Spring

Konami
Scene It! Twilight - Q1
Puzzle Chronicles - Jan. 10

Majesco Entertainment
Super Speed Machines - February
The Daring Game for Girls - February
Dawn of Heroes - February
ATV Revolution - March

Nintendo
Glory of Heracles - Jan. 18
Pokémon HeartGold Version and Pokémon SoulSilver Version - March 14
WarioWare: D.I.Y. - March 28
America's Test Kitchen: Let's Get Cooking - March 28

Natsume Inc.
Squishy Tank - February
Cheer We Go! - March

PopCap Games
Bejeweled Twist - Q1

SEGA of America
Sands of Destruction - Jan. 12
Infinite Space - March
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing - March
Sonic Classic Collection - Spring

SouthPeak Games
Crime Scene - Feb. 1
Dementium II - Feb. 2
Fast Food Panic - Jan. 5
Sushi Go Round - Feb. 1
Montessori Music - March 1

Storm City Entertainment
Bermuda Triangle: Saving the Coral - February
Myst - February
ATV Quad Kings - March
T.A.C Heroes: The Big Red One - March

TECMO
Monster Rancher DS - March
AGAIN - March

Telegames, Inc.
Puzzle Overload -Spring
Solitaire Overload Plus - Spring

THQ
Daniel X: The Ultimate Power - Jan. 12

Tomy Corporation
Lovely Lisa and Friends (enhanced Nintendo DSi content) - February

Ubisoft
Imagine Reporter - Jan. 20
Imagine Party Planner - Jan. 13
Imagine Sweet 16 - Feb. 10
Imagine Gymnast - March 10

XSEED Games
KORG DS-10 Plus - Jan. 19
Ragnarok DS - Feb. 16

Nintendo DSiWare

EA
Downtown Texas Hold'em Poker - Q1
Surviving High School - Q1

Gameloft
Legends of Exidia - Q1
Let's Golf - Q1
Real Soccer 2010 - Q1
Gangstar 2: Kings of L.A. - Q1

Nintendo
Trajectile - Jan. 4
Number Battle - Jan. 25
Starship Defense - Jan. 18
Touch Solitaire - Jan. 11
X-Scape - February
Link 'n' Launch - February

Subatomic Studios
Fieldrunners - Q1

WayForward
Shantae: Risky's Revenge - Q1

Nintendo Says "No" To Price Cuts

Recent reports have suggested that Nintendo has cut the manufacturing costs of the Wii by as much as 45 percent since its launch. In spite of these reports, and the recent drop in overall sales numbers Nintendo has said there was no plan to cut the price of the immensely popular Wii.

Nintendo Co. president Satoru Iwata said. "The current condition in the Japanese market is not the one we want." But a price war with rivals was not the answer as Nintendo is already the market leader, he said.

"A price cut in a difficult economy cannot really excite the market and drive up sales. As of now I really don't think that a price cut is a good option for us," he told a news conference.

Recent analyst reports from publishing firm Enterbrain Inc said Japanese sales of the PS3 surged 80 percent in the five weeks to March 29 from a year earlier to 146,948 consoles, while demand for the Wii plunged almost 63 percent to 99,335.

In their response a Nintendo spokesperson commented: "It is still the first few months of the year when sales are slow for the industry, so we are not particularly concerned."

Nintendo has sold 50 million Wiis to date, so it would appear as though the company isn't concerned of a small dip in the numbers. And why should they be, more than 10 million Wiis were sold in the United States in 2008. Which was a new industry record.

Nintendo Reveals '09 Game Releases

Nintendo was nice enough provide 1UP.com with a nicely packaged list of all their upcoming titles for the beginning of the 2009 gaming season. Below are over 100 titles Nintendo plans to release on either the Wii or Nintendo DS in the first quarter of '09.

Wii

• Monsters vs. Aliens -- March 24
• Monster Pals -- March
• Solitaire & Mahjong -- February
• Puzzle Challenges and More! -- February
• Crayola Colorful World -- March
• Onechanbara Bikini Zombie Slayers -- February
• Coraline -- January
• WordJong Party -- January
• Battle Rage -- February
• Cradle of Rome -- February
• Cate West: The Vanishing Files -- March
• Burger Island -- March
• Disney Sing It: High School Musical 3: Senior Year -- Winter
• DreamCatcher Play the World -- March
• NASCAR Kart Racing -- Feb. 10
• SimAnimals -- Jan. 27
• TRIVIAL PURSUIT -- Early spring
• FISHING MASTER WORLD TOUR -- Jan. 6
• Marble Saga Kororinpa -- Spring
• DanceDanceRevolution Disney Grooves -- March
• Escape the Museum -- January
• Major Minor's Majestic March -- March
• Little Kings Story -- Feb. 17
• Rune Factory: Frontier -- March
• Mastiff Deer Drive -- Jan. 20
• We Ski and Snowboard -- March
• New Play Control! Mario Power Tennis -- March
• New Play Control! Pikmin -- March
• The House of The Dead: Overkill -- February
• SONIC and the Black Knight -- March
• MADWORLD -- March
• Roogoo Twisted Towers -- Feb. 17
• Pirates vs. Ninjas Dodgeball -- March 17
• Brave: A Warrior's Tale -- Feb. 17
• Paws & Claws Pet Resort -- Jan. 5
• Neighborhood Games -- Jan. 5
• Tenchu: Shadow Assassins -- February
• Broken Swor: Shadows of the Templars (Directors Cut) -- March
• Super PickUps -- Q1

Nintendo DS

• Monsters vs. Aliens -- March 24
• Pimp My Ride 2 -- March 24
• Animal Planet -- March 10
• My World, My Way -- Feb. 3
• Legacy of Ys: Books I & II -- Feb. 10
• Trackmania DS -- March 17
• Monster Pals -- March
• Puzzle Quest: Galactrix -- Q1
• Coraline -- January
• USA TODAY Puzzle Craze -- January
• DinoPets -- March
• Phineas and Ferb -- Winter
• Inkheart -- January
• Learn Math -- January
• Drivers' Ed Portable -- January
• Monster Band -- January
• Zoo Quest -- February
• My Personal Diary -- February
• Music Star: Pop Star -- February
• Paint by DS -- March
• Matchstick -- March
• Dreamer: Top Model -- March
• Sarah - Keeper of the Unicorn -- March
• Learn Chess -- March
• Dragon Master -- April
• Zubo -- March
• Henry Hatsworth in the Puzzling Adventure -- Q1
• SimAnimals -- Jan. 27
• Jagged Alliance -- Feb. 17
• American Popstar - Road to Celebrity -- March 9
• Elebits: The Adventures of Kai and Zero -- Q1
• Suikoden Tierkreis -- Q1
• Little Magician's Magic Adventure -- Q1
• WonderWorld Amusement Park -- January
• Powerbike -- January
• Our House -- Q1
• Hot 'n' Cold -- March
• Avalon Code -- February
• Flower, Sun, and Rain -- March
• Mastiff Moon -- Jan. 13
• MumboJumbo Chicken Hunter Star Karts -- March 10
• Nintendo Personal Trainer: Math -- Jan. 12
• Fire Emblem: Shadow Dragon -- Feb. 16
• Pokémon Platinum version -- March 22
• Grand Theft Auto: Chinatown Wars -- Winter
• Big Bang Mini -- Jan. 6
• Roogoo Attack -- Feb. 17
• Brave: Shaman's Challenge -- Feb. 17
• FINAL FANTASY CRYSTAL CHRONICLES: Echoes of Time -- Spring
• THE GAME FACTORY WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES -- Jan. 19
• Paws & Claws Pampered Pets -- Jan. 5
• My DoItAll -- February
• Jake Power Fireman -- January
• Jake Power Policeman -- January
• Imagine Cheerleader -- February
• JoJo's Fashion Show -- February
• Petz Horseshoe Ranch -- February
• Imagine Family Doctor -- February
• Imagine Ice Champions -- March
• Jake Power Handyman -- March
• My Fashion Studio Paris Collection -- Feb. 17
• American Popstar - Road to Celebrity -- March 24
• Broken Sword: Shadows of the Templars (Director's Cut) -- March
• Games Retro Game Challenge -- Jan. 6

It looks like Nintendo plans on keeping gamers pretty busy over the next three months. Most of the titles probably aren't games you'll rush out to get, but there are a few names on there that might draw a little extra attention.

Wal-Mart To Offer "Thousands" Of Wii's Starting Monday

Looking to buy a Nintendo Wii this holiday but having a hard time finding one Wal-Mart has you covered.

According to Reuters "Wal-Mart Stores will offer "tens of thousands" of the hard-to-get video game consoles on its website starting on Monday." Walmart.com said it will offer the Nintendo Wii console for $249.24, and a "value bundle," which includes the console and other items like an extra set of controllers, for $329, while supplies last.

As of Sunday afternoon, the Wii console was sold out on most of the webistes we visited including Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, CircuitCity.com, Newegg, Amazon and Buy.com.

Walmart.com also said that it will offer certain Wii video games at a price of two for $30, and certain accessories, like the Nintendo Wii Racing Wheel, starting under $10.

The Reuters article doesn't mention exactly how many Wii's will be offered nor does it mention if Wal-Mart will be offering them instore. My suggestion for anyone wanting to get their hands on one is to shop early

Sony to cut PS3 prices?

The chairman and chief executive of Sony, Sir Howard Stringer, has said the company was attempting to "refine" how much it could afford to reduce the price of the PS3 console by. Stringer has also been quoted as saying there was "no question" consumers wanted the price to be lower.

In an interview with the Financial Times, Stringer admitted rival console the Nintendo Wii -- which is far outselling the PS3 -- was based on a good business model.

Sony fell short of its PS3 target in the 12 months to 31 March 2007 by 500,000 units. Market analysts are predicting the games division to incur a loss of around $488 million in the current year, despite Sony's claim it has sold more than a million units in Europe and Australasia since the PS3's late March launch there.

Stringer said: "[Price cuts are] what we are studying at the moment. That's what we are trying to refine." He went on to say that he expected "energy [in PS3 sales] by Christmas, and then you will begin to see break-out games".

PS3 sales have been slow -- to be honest, the world over -- owing to its high price and slow, drip-feed supply of games, most of which have been PC game re-writes anyway. Apparently, the Japanese electronics giant has a target of shipping 11 million consoles this year, and with production costs falling many believe Sony will cut prices by USD100 before the crucial Christmas sales period.