Compared to last Spring's outlandish software sales figures (fueled by the release of Super Smash Bros. Brawl and GTA IV), this year's stats aren't inspiring much confidence in gaming industry investors. In fact, many are anxiously awaiting the launch of new hardware to provide a quick sales boost -- but according to industry analyst Michael Pachter, they shouldn't hold their breath: By his estimation, new hardware won't be hitting store shelves until at least 2013.

Pachter said that publishers would be hesitant to adopt new hardware considering their investments in the current console cycle have yet to adequately pay off. There's one exception -- Pachter expects the oft-rumored high-definition Wii may appear some time in 2010.

Vuze got a big update today. Version 4.2 of the torrent client/online video portal service now allows live video streaming to game consoles Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. The software acts as a media server and can directly transfer High Def content (music vids, the latest movie trailers and television episodes) free of charge to consoles on the same network.

Streaming to consoles isn't anything new, but it certainly hasn't been made this easy -- just simply drag-and-drop the video poised for streaming into Vuze's "Devices" tab and you're set. Vuze will automatically convert file formats if it detects that the original file can't be played on the receiving device. Oh, and the fact that it is completely free should be reason enough to try it out.

[Via Engadget]

During a recent interview, Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto was quick to stick up for Nintendo's latest console and its graphical capabilities. It's one of the most criticized points of the console, as you're well aware, but Miyamoto thinks it's more than capable of getting the job done, stating that "When it comes to specific points such as generating high definition graphics we might appear to be rather relaxed and soft on graphics," further adding "the fact of the matter is that Wii is capable enough to cater to the needs of these hardcore gamers in terms of gameplay content as well as the graphical content, so I really don't want people to be concerned about that kind of attitude."

When asked about a new version of Wii with HD, Miyamoto wanted everyone to know that Nintendo isn't behind the times. "the fact of the matter is that technology is evolving all the time and in Japan, for example in the year 2010 all the analogue broadcast will be stopped and shifted into the digital broadcasting. So many things are taking place and we are working in terms of the changes of the technologies all the time." So, Nintendo isn't totally out of touch, and we could see a HD version of Wii release, but will we? "I'm afraid we cannot confirm what we are doing today."

Of course, Miyamoto.

[Via CVG]

Wedbush Morgan analyst Michael Pachter believes that Nintendo is preparing the duct tape for a new Wii that will feature high-definition visuals. Speaking in an AFP piece about Wii's bid to appeal to "hardcore" gamers, Pachter insisted that Nintendo needs to overcome the technical gulf that exists between its console and those of rivals.

"A Wii HD would really position Nintendo well, which is why I'm absolutely convinced there is a Wii HD coming," stated Pachter, who thinks the console needs to shed its "toy for my mom" image. Ouch. If you're currently experiencing déjà vu, that's probably because Pachter made this exact same prediction more than a year ago, when he estimated a Wii upgrade to be "two to three years" away.

For the record, we non-analysts at Wii Fanboy still think that's too soon for an upgraded version of a system that continues to fly off shelves -- and developers seem to agree.

[Via videogaming247]

SNK may soon be trading in its "rocket lawncher" for a high-def upgrade, as IGN reports that the company is considering bringing an HD version of Metal Slug to consoles. If true, the move would echo recent efforts by the company, such as with the forthcoming The King of Fighters XII, to abandon stale sprites for delicious eye candy.

Nothing else is known of SNK's future plans for the franchise, and considering that the company merely looks forward to announcing something "someday soon," we are not holding our breath just yet. However, fans itching for a retro fix can pick up Metal Slug 7 when it rolls on to the DS in November.

Sony has announced that they are willing to carry all studios' video content on their PSN video delivery service -- they'll be hosting standard and high definition videos from anyone who wants to sell them. Video will be available for both sale and rental, and will be portable -- you'll be able to buy it on a PS3, download it to the PSP, and have it live on both devices at the same time.

Prices are said to be $2.99 for an SD rental, and $5.99 for an HD download. Purchase price is $14.99 for SD movies, and it's unclear yet whether HD content will be sold for purchase. The video store will look much like the game store, and will be available tonight on PSN.

Free Radical has confirmed that ambiguously exclusive PlayStation 3 shooter, Haze, will not be the source of standard, high-definition visuals. Speaking to Ripten, Creative Lead Derek Littlewood explained that, much like other sub-HD games, the 1024x576 resolution was chosen to ensure "a nice smooth framerate." Says Littlewood: "Well, as you develop an engine you're aiming for a certain thing, but as all the pieces slot into place, you end up realising what sort of resolution you can run it at and that's where we ended up with for Haze."

Though the PlayStation 3 will upscale 576p images to 720p (1280x720), it's unlikely to provide Free Radical's penance in the eagle eyes of pixel-counting pedants. With any luck, people will be too busy complaining about geebees to notice the lack of pees, as Ubisoft also confirmed that Haze will require a 4GB installation. Look forward to discussions involving the game's more obscure features (gameplay, story, blah blah blah) once it's out on May 20.

[Via Eurogamer]

Read -- Not very many Ps
Read -- Too many GBs

As a news blog it's kind of our job to bring you tidbits like this, but it doesn't make it any more tantalizing, especially when we know the maelstrom of dumb things like this can cause. But here it goes: Thanks to the denizens of this forum thread, we now know that the PS3 version of Grand Theft Auto IV runs at 640p, as compared to the Xbox 360's 720p *ducks*.

Before you start hunting for your fancy pitchfork, let us remind you that until 17 seconds ago this problem didn't bother you at all. And because of some of the processing effects, some people even insist that the PS3 version looks better to them! But hey, if you need something to get angry about, far be it from us to take that from you.

[Via PS3F]

What a difference a few weeks make. Back in January, designer Dave Sirlin was complaining about how Microsoft's 150MB size limit for XBLA games was making it hard to squeeze everything Capcom wanted into Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix. Now, it turns out, it's not such a problem after all.

In a blog post today, Producer Ray Jiminez officially confirmed "the filesize will not be an issue" because of some "great help from the guys at Microsoft." It's not quite clear whether the size limit was waived or whether Microsoft just helped squeeze those files in there, but regardless, Jiminez promises the gameplay experience will be identical in both the Xbox and PS3 versions of the game.

The full post also has way more details than you could possibly want about the vagaries of hand-drawn HD art. Check it out if you're into that sort of thing.

I'm not a Street Fighter fanatic, but I've enjoyed the series over the years. So with this casual approach, I recently tried the XBLA beta of Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, available soon to buyers of Commando 3 on XBLA. The full version will be out this Summer for that system and PSN.

Frankly, I don't even remember which character I played. It doesn't help that my only choices were Ken and Ryu, who have nearly the same moves. My helpful opponent reminded me how to do some of the special attacks; I was far out of practice on the Hurricane Kick, but I could throw fireballs right away.

We've heard over and over and over how a Blu-ray movie player add-on for the Xbox 360 was a distinct possibility if the HD DVD format ended up losing out. Well, now that the Microsoft-supported format seems just one step away from dead, we're hearing rumblings of just how possible that Blu-ray player possibility is.

Citing "insiders at Microsoft in the USA," Australia's Smarthouse says Microsoft's Blu-ray add-on is already fully designed, and could be on the market within three months, "subject to internal marketing and sales approvals." Smarthouse also repeated the rumors of a built-in high-def drive for the system, although now that rumored drive plays Blu-ray discs instead of an HD DVDs. Regardless, the tech site seems to think Microsoft will focus on digital movie downloads for those who don't want an add-on.

As for Sony, they couldn't be happier that Microsoft is considering jumping over to the "winning" side of this HD disc battle. "We would welcome Microsoft to the Blu-ray stable," SCE Managing Director Michael Ephraim told Smarthouse. "In fact it is quite logical for them as the PS3 has been very successful in driving consumers to Blu-ray. In fact we believe that it has done more to win the format war than traditional Blu-ray player." Hey, they just won a format war ... they can afford to be a little smug.

[Via Megatonik]

So, with Blu-ray finally the winner of the HD race, you'd think there'd be a huge celebration with tons of great releases this week, right? Well, not so much, unless you're a big fan of watching music on TV, that is.

• Michael Clayton
• In the Valley of Elah
  
• Run Lola Run
• Santana: Hymns for Peace, Live at Montreux 2004
• Deep Purple: Live at Montreux 2006
• Yes: Live at Montreux 2003

However, Blu-ray owners may be interested in Michael Clayton or Run Lola Run. Both seem like they could be interesting pick ups. On the brighter side, if these movies don't interest you this week, just rest in assurance that there will be some really great releases the following week and in to March.

While the writing has been on the wall as far as HD DVD is concerned for a some time now, today's Hollywood Reporter story takes that writing, highlights it in thick black ink, and draws some big red arrows pointing towards it. Citing "reliable industry sources," the entertainment newspaper predicts Toshiba will officially stop supporting the high-definition movie format "sometime in the coming weeks."

If true, the move would somewhat validate Sony's costly decision to integrate Blu-ray technology into the PS3, and would give Sony a rather large stake in the future of the lucrative HD home movie market. While the death of HD DVD would obviously be a blow to Microsoft's external HD DVD drive (and everyone who bought it), Microsoft has said again and again they are open to the idea of a Blu-ray attachment if and when that format wins out. Which, at this point, seems like only a matter of time ...

[Via Engadget]

Oh, Microsoft. When will you learn that downloadable games are sometimes going to want to be bigger than a memory unit. First, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night bumped up against the then-50MB limit for XBLA games, leading to a ceiling raise. Then promising platformer Eternity's Child got chased to the Wii when it ran up against the new 150MB limit. Now, anticipated HD remake of Street Fighter II is apparently having trouble squeezing all its high-res graphics and remixed music into the imposed size limit.

Speaking to VideoGamer.com, director David Sirlin said that it was "difficult to store so many 1080p graphics in such a small download size." According to Sirlin, the 150MB limit "also makes it difficult or impossible to include all the original game's music AND [an] all remixed set of music."

Xbox-owning fighting fans shouldn't lose hope, though -- Sirlin says his team is "still doing our best to fit within the limit we've been given." Still, we have to wonder why they should have to go through the aggravation at all. To satisfy the three hardcore fighting fans that own a 360 but not a hard drive? Don't punish the many for the questionable purchasing decisions of the few, Microsoft.

We've been hearing a lot about various Blu-ray vs HD DVD sales figures from the US and Europe over the last year or so, but Japan has been strangely quiet when it comes picking their favorite format for adoption. Until now, that is. At the end of 2007 sales for High-Definition discs and players skyrocketed in the region and, in particular, for Blu-ray.

High definition players made up 35% of the total value of DVD player sales during the three month period. Of that, 90% of HD player sales were Blu-ray. Keep in mind that this doesn't factor in PS3 sales and took place before Warner's big bombshell earlier this month. The Japanese have been voting with their wallets and it seems they're backing Blu.