Not only is Nintendo set to release a new color of their DS Lite portable, the “Jet Black”, on September 2, but they also have developed a “DS microphone/earpiece combination” that is due out on September 14.  Estimated prices are about $10 USD, and rumor has it that this new piece of hardware will be compatable with the upcoming Pokemon Diamond/Pearl.

Quite recently, Microsoft released the official hardware configuration requirements of their Windows Vista OS (Operating System).  The demands are not unreasonable: a mere 800MHz CPU with 512MB of RAM is considered a “Capable” Vista system, and a 1GHz CPU with 1024MB of RAM is considered a “Premium” Vista system.  However, both the “Capable” and the “Premium” system configurations require a DirectX 9-compatible graphics card.  Other suggested hardware is a 40GB hard drive and DVD capability.

Joystiq advises: “If these specs leave you questioning your PC’s prowess, you can download Microsoft’s Vista Upgrade Advisor, which will help you determine the amount of bells and whistles your current system will support. The real question is, will Vista be gaming-ready? Stay tuned for more details on how the latest Vista beta runs today’s games.”

Xbox Live is soon going to feature video chat through Microsoft’s new gadget, the Xbox Live Vision Cam (XLV), which is available in stores September 19th.  Furthermore, users will be able to personalize their account by having gamertag pictures, and even send pictures to other users.  No price has been announced, but it’s safe to assume that it will be comparable to the price of a regular Xbox 360 controller.

Introducing … Wii. As in “we.”

While the code-name “Revolution” expressed our direction, Wii represents the answer. Wii will break down that wall that separates video game players from everybody else. Wii will put people more in touch with their games … and each other.

But you’re probably asking: What does the name mean? Wii sounds like “we,” which emphasizes this console is for everyone. Wii can easily be remembered by people around the world, no matter what language they speak. No confusion. No need to abbreviate. Just Wii. Wii has a distinctive “ii” spelling that symbolizes both the unique controllers and the image of people gathering to play. And Wii, as a name and a console, brings something revolutionary to the world of video games that sets it apart from the crowd.

So that’s Wii. But now Nintendo needs you. Because, it’s really not about you or me. It’s about Wii. And together, Wii will change everything.

Nintendo’s clever attempts to rebrand the first-person plural pronoun “we” have failed, for a number of reasons:

1. The word “Wii” looks close to “WWII.” Subconscious connotations with World War II will not sell video games to families. Heil Nintendo?
2. Using “Wii” with the verb “play” presents problems. Imagine children asking, “Want to come over and play with my wii?” The sexual connotations will become confused.

Their temporary logo, for those interested, looks like this:

As it’s completely lame–just a sans-serif font with “wii” on it–Nintendo will hopefully come out with something more colorful.

Have an Xbox 360?  Have wireless controllers?  If you do, then Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Quick-Charge Kit is a gadget you need.  It can charge two 360 wireless controllers at the same time!  Simply plug it into a nearby outlet and plug in your used batteries; you can charge one such battery in less than two hours, or two batteries simultaneously in less than four hours.  Fully-charged, the batteries last 25 hours.  To make the deal all-the-more sweet, the quick-recharger pack comes with a bonus battery so you can keep playing on your wireless controller as its dead battery is being recharged.

This accessory is a “must-have” for all die-hard wireless 360 gamers.  It is available for pre-order from GameStop for $29.99.

The latest 360 rumor, spun by a Best Buy employee who works at a store in New Jersey, is that the premium Xbox 360 pack is getting an upgrade in April:

Apparently, at the start of April, Premium packs will start shipping with 5x the HDD size of their predecessors. Cool for those who are about to buy a 360; very uncool for those who already picked theirs up.

The fact that the Xbox 360’s free upgrade is scheduled for April does not give it credence, and I doubt that this will amount to nothing more than an April Fool’s joke. But hey, let’s hope for the best!

Kotaku reviews the Berlin Brain-Computer-Interface and writes:

“A computer controlled by the power of thought alone has been demonstrated at CEBIT in Germany.” Woah. That’s the lead-in to Cognitive Labs report on the “mental typewriter” (aka Berlin Brain-Computer Interface), a device that not only makes you look 8000% dorkier, but will let you control your video games and entertainment devices with pure thought. It could also allow the paralyzed control computers and let amputees control artificial limbs, but the real news is that we can finally dump those crappy Wavebirds!

Just kidding, I love my Wavebird!

Ah, the power of the brain! Finally we can convert those pathetic brain-waves into action, allowing our central-nervous system control of our nerves and our “mental typewriter”.

Mental Typewriter and Game Controller Becomes a Reality

If you’ve ever wondered why the Nintendo Revolution will succeed in all markets, especially Japan, check out this video. It shows the universal appeal of the Revolution, as well as its innovative controller:

Yes, that’s right. In order, from left to right, they feature two old folks conducting a symphony, two chefs chopping away, a boy and his girlfriend playing what appears to be a version of pong, the sexy controller itself, a cute Japanese girl bopping to Mario, a Dentist working on drill technique, a grandson and grandfather fishing, a man trying to play major league baseball using the controller as a bat, and then a raunchy dummer. The xBox 360 is not this diverse.