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Open up your game systems

Have you ever wanted to see how your game system works? Do you scoff at warranties? Do you not mind risking your $80-to-$600 gadget just so you can screw with it? Then this toolkit is for you.

Modding peripheral companies like Divineo and Mod-chip.com are selling the Zoozen Access Pro Tool Kit v2, a toolkit with virtually everything you need to crack into virtually every game system you have. It includes a socketed handle with standard driver bits for slotted, Phillips, and Torx screws, and specialized driver bits for the "tamperproof" screws many systems use (Ever … Read more

Nokia divulges details on new N-Gage platform

The rumors were true: Nokia's N-Gage is returning, but it will be a gaming platform available on several new phones rather than on a single gaming handset. Gaming blog Kotaku was among the first to report on the news, which Nokia will expand upon at the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco. Top mobile publishers such as EA, Glu Mobile and THQ Wireless are said to be on board, and Nokia is showcasing at least six N-Gage games, including versions of such well-known franchises as Brothers in Arms and FIFA 2008.

Nokia's press release specifically mentions that … Read more

Willrio, the REAL master of disguise

When public relations companies send games to reviewers, they seldom send just the game. Usually it's the game, plus some colorful tissue paper, a snow globe, a mouse pad, or something like that. That's known as "swag," which is used by marketing departments and public relations firms to help build up hype about products.

Sometimes said marketers/PR reps make strange choices.

We recently got sent Wario: Master of Disguise for the Nintendo DS. It's the usual story of Wario stealing treasures and whatnot, this time using a magic wand (read: DS stylus) that can … Read more

Unsheathe your games like a samurai

This item falls squarely under the category of major geekdom, but we're here to serve, not to judge. So we herewith offer the "Card Saber DS"--a sleeve that holds three DS games and a cartridge, according to Ubergizmo. Yes, it's not the most practical thing, but it costs only about $7. Besides, there's no price on the ability to unsheathe your games like a samurai. And it would go splendidly with your MP3 Lightsaber.

Another game release, another DS Lite

If you happen to be visiting Japan this spring, you may see some unusually long lines outside stores on April 26. That's when Nintendo is planning to debut a DS Lite special edition to coincide with the release of the anticipated Final Fantasy XII: Revenant Wings, according to Plastic Bamboo. The special DS will initially be sold as a limited-edition bundle with the role-playing game, but it's unclear whether the laser-etched device will be available on its own later on. Either way, you can expect to see the usual sequence of events: the rush of fanboys, Flickr photos … Read more

Nokia confirms N-Gage sequel

Nokia has confirmed that a successor to the N-Gage is due by early 2008. The company's FutureWatch blog indicates that developers EA and Gameloft are on board to develop for the updated N-Gage, and that other "leading publishers" will be making games as well.

Perhaps the bigger news is that the next N-Gage won't be a single device, but rather a gaming platform available on certain of its advanced Series 60 models. (Whether a future Series 60 phone will look like the Nokia concept pictured here, however, is anybody's guess.) Instead of buying games on … Read more

Nintendo DS hits 10 million in sales

Nintendo has announced that it's sold more than 10 million Nintendo DS and DS Lite systems in America, an average of 9 every minute since the system's United States launch in November 2004. According to Nintendo of America frontman Reggie Fils-Aime, Americans can't get enough of the DS.

"More than 5 million people joined the ranks as Nintendo DS owners in America last year alone," Fils-Aime said. "And right now, they're all saying the same thing--Give me more!'"

While I'm loathe to take any marketer at his word (No offense, Reggie), … Read more

DS Lite vs. PSP

I'm going to be taking a road trip to Vegas and LA this coming week, and I want something to keep me occupied besides my iPod. I'm debating whether to get a DS Lite (in pink) or a PSP. I love Mario games, and a game like Big Brain Academy will definitely help me with my memory, which seems to be deteriorating. But with the PSP, I can watch movies and listen to music as well as surf the Web. I think I'm leaning toward the DS Lite, though, because the pink color really tips the scale … Read more

18k stylus goes for the gold

It's a problem that so many people must face these days: what kind of stylus to use with your Swarovski crystal-encrusted DS Lite. Not just any stylus will do, of course, especially when it's being used with an item reportedly designed by Paris Hilton.

Luxurylaunches says this Nintendo DS Lite gold stylus "gives the feel and performance of the most luxurious stylus on the market in the present day. And it's apparently real 18 carat, not some cheesy plated product, and can work with any PDA. That means more bang for your buck (if you can … Read more