Quote:Are you desperate for a new Mario title after Super Mario Sunshine? You might have to wait until Nintendo's next home console. According to CCN Money it's possible that "Mario 128" will not be released for GameCube. CNN may just be reading too far into speculation though. The game is based off, or related to, the Mario technical demonstration at SpaceWorld 2000 that had all the Mario's running around.
We still don't know what the big announcement in spring 2004 will be about, but George Harrison of Nintendo says it's unlikely to be the next Game Boy or GCN. Which would mean they are going to go with another strategy to compete with the PSP. It would also mean that Nintendo is running out of time to get their console system announced and development kits out to companies if they want to get a head start.
Posted by Ethan Pearson, Founder, Director
Source: CNN Money
I don't know what to think of this, but I don't believe that first part. Miyamoto pretty much held up his hand and promised "in scout's honor" that we'd see a new Mario, Zelda, and Metroid game next year (or was it just a new Zelda and Metriod game?) for the Gamecube, so if Mario 128 gets delayed to the N5 then I'm going to have to sit down and cry for a while.
The second piece doesn't surprise me too much. I've been having some doubts over whether Nintendo is really going to be prepared to battle with the PSP when that launches next year, and when Iwata said that Nintendo would have something to combat the PSP I cringed, hoping that it would be a new handheld but knowing that it would probably just be some stupid add-on or a new FX chip for the GBA.
Quote:November 04, 2003 - In its annual Sony Corporate Strategy Meeting held in New York today, Sony Computer Inc. revealed the first official concept model image of the PSP, its upcoming powerhouse handheld.
As part of its presentation displaying how the IBM/Toshiba and Sony backed Cell chip will connect all future Sony Products -- from the PSP to TVs, computer, video cameras and PlayStation game consoles -- the first official shot appeared for all to see.
Due in the fall 2004, the PSP features an impressive set of specs including wide screen support (480x272; 16:9 ratio) that's will be backlit, the full PlayStation control set, embedded codecs and NURB technology for rendering full 3D polygons.
To get a better look what's under the hood, check these specs.
* UMD or Universal Media Device. This storage media is 60mm, about half the size of the traditional CD and has a capacity of 1.8GB. That's right GB. Expect massively complex, detailed gaming (for your handheld anyway). 2.4 inches.
* ATRAC encoding support (Sony's proprietary sound format used in their minidiscs). This could mean it will be a multi-media device.
* Graphics specs are also impressive: NURB technology for rendering with full 3D polygons.
* The unit's widescreen LCD screen (480x272, that's the coveted 16:9 ratio we all love) will be backlit.
* The unit's sound processing will feature full 3D sound, PCM, and will be "fully reconfigurable."
* MIPS 32-bit processor.
* Also, a secure ROM cartridge for anti-piracy efforts.
* Super-one-chip solution for graphics, sound, etc.
* Memory stick will be used for game saves. Also, for GPS functionality.
* Rechargeable battery.
* CPU: 90 nanometers with a clock speed TBD.
* USB 2.0 connection for talking to your PC, cellphone, even your PS2.
* Embedded RAM.
* Supports additional video codecs (other than MPEG 4.)
If this image represents the final model, then our suspicions about the flip top have been confirmed. We still have questions about the final format of the analog stick and other buttons as well. Will they stand upright, above the surface of the handheld, or not? We'll have more soon. For all things PSP in the future, make sure to check out our handheld site Pocket.ign.com
-- Douglass C. Perry
Very sleek, but kinda weird. Also, there's no analogue stick like Sony announced a month ago so it's definitely not the final model. I love the screen size.
Well, let's just wait until they unveil the final model.
Cool! I love Disciples... and this is the first race added to the game since they made Disciples I. And as usual, the artwork is simply amazing... I want this game! Guardians of the Light and Servants of the Dark were dissapointing since all they did were add two 3-mission campaigns each (and include the original D2's campaigns for that side) and some single maps, and no new units or anything...
This seems to still include the original D2 campaigns (so its stand-alone), but its got a new 8-mission Elves campaign... and its a whole new race! Awesome... :) I'll be getting this, I love Disciples. IMO its the best current TBS series.
Also, a new stand-alone add-on for Jagged Alliance 2.
Very interesting, and surprising... seems that Wintel is gone for good. IBM, the dominant game console chip maker? That would be amazing... but they're going after all three companies quite strongly. It'll be interesting to see how many of those three deals go through...
Microprose is dead. Yeah, yeah, since they were bought by Infogrames ("Atari") a few years back they really haven't existed... well actually I'd say that their death was made certain years back when Sid Meier left... but still. Microprose is one of the great old companies in the PC industry and seeing them die, even at this point when they barely still existed... barely is better than none. :(
Who's next, Interplay? They are in some ways in a similar position... like Microprose they're a company with a great back-catalog of PC games, but who are owned by a French multinational and have had their founders and top talent leave... I really, really hope they make it. Especially since so many of the older companies are gone... Looking Glass, Microprose, 3D0 (er, New World Computing, anyway...)... and looking at the current state of Interplay and Sierra... its depressing. All the companies I used to love seem to be gone... or changed so much that they aren't recognizable (see ID and Epic...).
R.I.P. Microprose, one of the great strategy/simulation game developers. May Firaxis and PopTop (Railroad Tycoon...) continue your legacy well.
Quote:Nintendo fans who already own a Gamecube but still want the Zelda bonus disc, never fear. There will be two alternatives to purchasing a new system. First, you can register your Gamecube with two of the following purchases: Mario Kart®: Double Dash!!™, Mario Party® 5, Mario & Luigi™: Superstar Saga and 1080°®: Avalanche at http://www.nintendo.com/zeldaclassic. The other alternative is to subscribe or renew your subscription to Nintendo Power by taking advantage of the special offer here. In either situation, you'll need a My Nintendo account (they're free) before proceeding.
In case you have been living in a cave, the Zelda bonus disc shipping on November 17th will include The Legend of Zelda, The Legend of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, a playable demo of The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, gameplay footage from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and a short retrospective history of The Legend of Zelda series!
This is definitely good news!! I'll probably get a subscription to Nintendo Powe and get the disc that way.
![[Image: pspconcept_110403_2.jpg]](http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/pspconcept_110403_2.jpg)
![[Image: pspconcept_110403_1.jpg]](http://pocketmedia.ign.com/pocket/image/pspconcept_110403_1.jpg)
