The World at War Map Pack Bundle collects all three of Treyarch's expansion packs for the latest World War II iteration of Call of Duty, which could be very convenient for those players who are showing up extremely late to the zombie Nazi party. The pack retails for $24.99 on the PlayStation Network and 2000 Microsoft points on Xbox Live, which works out to a savings of $5 either way you look at it. Okay, technically it works out to a savings of $4.98 on PSN, but pennies aren't real money anyway.

The pack will be available worldwide today for the Xbox 360 and in North America for the PS3, going up on the European PlayStation Store on January 7th.

The rumors are true, somewhat. The Cardboard Tube Samurai will be appearing in Tekken 6, at least in spirit, as a downloadable GameStop pre-order bonus costume for Yoshimitsu, who can be seen dual-wielding the powerful weapons in the official screenshots here. Along with a Pac-Man kimono, cardboard tubes, and a hat, the pre-order bonus DLC also features Samurai Battle Banners, which can be used to make any Tekken 6 character look a little more attractive. On top of that, GameStop customers who pre-order the game also receive a Tekken 6 calendar, which you can then use to retroactively circle the October 27th North American release date.

Now how much would you pay? But wait, there's more!

Both versions of Tekken 6 will also be available bundled with a limited-edition Hori fight stick and an art book, for only $149.99. That's cheaper than buying three copies of the game alone!

Check out the gallery for shots of the new bundles and the new Yoshimitsu outfit, and let us know if you're one of the few and the proud who plan on scoring one of those sexy stick bundles.

The box is quite lovely, but what comes inside? Along with the game and the aforementioned Mystic Silver PSP-3000, those picking up the bundle will also receive an ugly gold PSP case, some sort of keychain dragon pendant looking thing, and a sticker to put over said Mystic Silver PSP-3000. I suppose that could be enticing to some Europeans out there, as they are a varied and mysterious people.

Personally I'm a bit wary of purchasing a new PSP-3000 since Sony made the PSPgo official, questioning the logistics of shelling out for a new PSP-3000 with a brand-new unit just around the corner. I suppose you can always trade it in when the time is right.

In a clever bit of release scheduling magic, the same limited-edition red Xbox 360 controller and play and charge kit that has been sitting on North American shelves since November 2nd will be hitting Europe on March 13th, day and date with the release of Resident Evil 5 and the special red Xbox 360 game bundle. So while the controller has nothing at all to do with Resident Evil 5, it's still red, and that old white controller you've been using is looking so very dated.

The red Xbox 360 controller bundle will be available in the UK and Europe a week from Friday for £39.99.

"This new 80 GB PS3 is perfectly suited for HD games, music, movies and more." Full release below...

Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces New 80GB PLAYSTATION(R)3, Limited Edition PlayStation(R)2 Bundle, and PlayStation(R)Portable Entertainment Pack at E3 2008

Company Also Launches New PLAYSTATION(R)Network Video Delivery Service and Showcases More Than 140 First-Party and Third-Party Games Across All Platforms

LOS ANGELES, July 15 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment America (SCEA) held its annual press conference today at the E3 Media & Business Summit, making a series of announcements which demonstrated the strength of the PlayStation brand across all three of its platforms and further leveraged the heritage and momentum of PlayStation's family of products to provide consumers with more compelling entertainment options than anyone in the videogame industry.
Starting in September 2008, the newly announced PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) 80GB model will become the mainstay of the company's hardware line-up. The 80GB model will retail for $399, and will offer all of the features and functionality of the 40GB model with double the storage to accommodate more movies, graphics, music, photos and other entertainment content — all for the same price. As with its predecessor, the new 80GB model will be a complete entertainment system comprising of a Blu-ray(TM) player, HDMI output, an integrated Wi-Fi connection, Cell Broadband Engine(TM) and a built-in 80GB hard-disk drive. The multi-functionality of the 80GB PS3, combined with more than 140 exclusive and third-party titles and the PLAYSTATION(R)Network, is a comprehensive entertainment value designed to appeal to a wide range of consumers from hard-core gamers to general entertainment enthusiasts.
Following the success of five PSP(R) (PlayStation(R)Portable) Entertainment Packs, SCEA announced the Ratchet and Clank(R) Size Matters PSP Entertainment Pack, a new bundle showcasing PSP's multi-functional feature set, targeted for holiday gift-giving. Launching in October 2008 for $199.99 MSRP, the bundle will include a limited-edition "Silver" PSP system with the highly acclaimed game, Ratchet and Clank(R) Size Matters; a blockbuster movie on UMD(R) (Universal Media Disc); a PLAYSTATION(R)Network voucher to download the innovative puzzle game, echochrome(TM) from PLAYSTATION(R)Store: and a 1GB Memory Stick PRO Duo(TM) for storing music, videos, photos and more.
In addition, SCEA introduced a new family entertainment bundle for the PlayStation(R)2 system, the most successful console in industry history. The limited-edition LEGO(R) Batman(TM): The Videogame PlayStation(R)2 Pack will feature the highly anticipated TT Games/Warner Bros Interactive Entertainment title LEGO(R) Batman(TM): The Videogame, Warner Home Video's Justice League: The New Frontier on DVD, and a PlayStation(R)2 system — all for $149.99 MSRP, which represents a $30 savings for consumers if the contents were purchased separately. SCEA will also launch more than 130 new titles for PlayStation(R)2 system this year, totaling 10,000 PlayStation(R)2 titles by end of the year.
"It's undeniable we have three successful platforms, the broadest and best line-up of some of the biggest exclusives in the business, and are continuing to deliver compelling and original content to our consumers," said Jack Tretton, president and CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment America. "Expect to see continued momentum this year as we remain focused on delivering products and services that extend the strength of our brand and reaffirms PlayStation's place at the center of consumers' homes."
Additionally, the company previewed more than 140 first and third-party games at E3 2008 proving its content line-up this year is unmatched in the industry due to its depth, breadth, and diversity. Throughout the holiday season and this fiscal year, SCEA and its third-party partners plan to release more than 140 software titles for the PS3 available on Blu-ray Disc(TM) (BD).
SCEA is also developing more than 50 games, game packs, and add-ons downloadable via PLAYSTATION(R)Network in North America this year, offering something for every taste, lifestyle and budget. Also, to continue offering greater value to PlayStation fans, SCEA will launch PS3 Greatest Hits program on July 28 with 10 first and third party titles at a reduced price of $29.99. The PS3 Greatest Hits titles include Warhawk(TM), Motorstorm(TM) and Resistance: Fall of Man(R) from SCEA; Call of Duty(R) 3, Activision(R); Need for Speed: Carbon, Electronic Arts; The Elder Scrolls(R) IV: Oblivion(TM), Bethesda(R) Softworks; Ninja Gaiden(R) Sigma, Tecmo(R); Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six(R) Vegas and Assassin's Creed(TM), Ubisoft(R).
SCEA also reiterated its commitment to make PLAYSTATION(R)Network the best entertainment experience in the industry, by announcing a new video delivery service on PLAYSTATION(R)Store for PS3 and PSP systems in the United States. The new video service, available today, allows U.S. consumers to download full-length TV shows and movies to both their PS3 and PSP through the PlayStation Store for rental or purchase.
In addition, SCEA further outlined progress against its revolutionary online experience, PlayStation Home. Highlighting new first party high definition virtual environments for hit PlayStation titles including, Unchartered: Drake's Fortune and Warhawk. With significant third party support already on board, Sony Computer Entertainment will be expanding the beta in Summer 2008 and commence the open beta service by Fall 2008.

A Snake-Skinned Package with Real Veno

London - 6th May 2008: One of the legends of the PlayStation® generation has taken his partnership with the platform to the next level. Solid Snake, the hero of the Metal Gear Solid® (MGS) franchise, is, this summer, being bundled with PLAYSTATION®3 and a SIXAXIS controller offering millions of PS3 and MGS fans around the world the ultimate gaming combo.

Concluding Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid saga, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots is set in a battle-scarred future where huge conglomerates fight for supremacy using armies of hand-picked mercenaries. This devastated world is seen through the battle-weary eyes of an older Solid Snake who has been charged with infiltrating a number of key locations across the globe, including the Middle East and South America. As such, the epic end to Snake's story offers ground-breaking combat elements, a refined control system that offers unprecedented control over the aged hero, and the tying up of key plot lines and loose ends.

Similarly, the accompanying Metal Gear Online features all the stunning stealth and combat elements of Guns of the Patriots, as it drops the player into a series of war zones and game options. With all-out 'Last Man Standing' battles to rescue and protection missions, Metal Gear Online effortlessly transfers the sublime control system of the series to an online competition, creating an absorbing battle between like-minded fans.

Available from June 12 and priced at 439,99 Euros this offer is one of the most exciting bundles to date - bringing two great servants of the games industry together for the conclusion of what has been one hell of a ride!

Feel free to comb over the source text with a fine-toothed comb:

Sony is, in fact, phasing out the 80GB PS3. Sony is going to stay with the two-SKU approach though, and the prices look to stay the same....The Spiderman 3 pack-in will disappear as well once the 80GB unit is gone. In order to maintain a similar value proposition to the 80GB/Spiderman 3 bundle, I expect to see a storage increase to 120 or 160GB at the same price point, plus the new Dual-Shock 3 controller...

And for those who don't know, Ars publications are highly respected in the technology industry. So that's why you'll see the internet taking this one pretty seriously.

Mole: 80GB PS3 dead, 120-160GB with Dual Shock 3 incoming [opposablethumbs]

As part of their annual MyWishList deal, American Express will be selling a limited number of Xbox 360 Elites starting next month for $300 with five games includes.

The deal, for AmEx cardholders only, will include the Elite plus copies of Ultimate Alliance, Project Gotham Racing 3, Madden NFL 08, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 and Forza 2. Only 150 of the bundles will be available on Dec. 11 at 3 pm. and 7 p.m. I'm not quite sure if that means a total of 150 or 300 of the packs.

At noon on the same day, MyWishList will feature 100 Rock Band special editions for the 36o at $50 a pop. Not bad, not bad at all.

The offer is exclusive to Sam's Club members and can be purchased online although no price was given. Beginning Black Friday from 5:00 AM until 7:00 AM, the bundles will be sold at a limit of one per customer, but after that members can purchase as many as they lke until the supplies run out. This is a one time deal and once they are gone, they are gone.

Good luck Sam's Club members and try not to find yourself crushed under a one hundred pound tub of gummi bears in the fray.

N'gai Croal reports that Sony will start selling a $40 version of Warhawk in stories later this month. The $40 version, matching the price of the download-only version available on the Playstation Network, won't come with the Jabra Bluetooth packed in that comes with the $60 version of the game.

The $40 version will go on sale starting Oct. 10, according to GamStop, but Sony reps were only able to confirm the price and not the date to Croal. This could be a new pricing strategy for Sony, though I think it would make more sense in the future to release both a bundle and a non-bundle at stores on the same day rather than waiting to start selling the game-only version at stores.

EXCLUSIVE: $39.99 Version of the PS3 Game Warhawk, Minus Bluetooth Headset, To Hit Retail Stores Later This Month [Level Up]

Xbox 360 High-Def Bundle [Amazon]
[via Destructoid]

Chacun son pack [Gamick]

We've been calling around a number of stores today to try and get to the bottom of a bunch of rumors including that the Xbox 360 premium and core now have HDMI built-in, and while we haven't gotten to the bottom of that rumor, yet, we have nailed down something else: The Xbox 360 Top Spin Bundle is real, and it's already available at a number of stores.

At least a half-dozen stores have confirmed that Top Spin will be included with the Xbox 360 premium starting on Sunday, and four of the stores we've called so far say that they're already on the floor available for sale for $350. So if you've been on the fence about buying a 360 and want a free game, this could be your time to shine.

The top half of the new Nintendo DS sports a smooth, glossy Crimson, reminiscent of a dangerous shade of lipstick or a cherry-red sports car. The bottom is a matte black — an Onyx yin that complements the Crimson yang.

Nintendo News: New Nintendo DS Color Comes Bundled with Brain Age 2 Nintendo has found a way for people to exercise both their fashion sense and their minds at the same time. The first new color scheme to hit the hot- selling Nintendo DS(TM) system in the United States in nearly a year will come bundled with Brain Age(TM) 2: More Training in Minutes a Day, all at an MSRP of $149.99. The bundle hits stores Aug. 21.

The top half of the new Nintendo DS sports a smooth, glossy Crimson,
reminiscent of a dangerous shade of lipstick or a cherry-red sports car. The
bottom is a matte black — an Onyx yin that complements the Crimson yang.

Brain Age 2: More Training in Minutes a Day is the sequel to the smash-hit
original that got baby boomers and seniors playing and redefined the concept
of what video games could be. This new title includes 15 fun new activities
designed to help users exercise their brains. It challenges players in areas
like math, memorization and even music.

The original Brain Age: Train Your Brain In Minutes A Day has sold 8.61
million worldwide, including more than 1.4 million in the United States alone,
while its sequel has already posted sales of 5.33 million in Japan.

The $600 PS3 seems like a decent deal to those who have been on the fence about buying the console, what with the larger harddrive and a free copy of a relatively solid game. Of course you could just buy the 60GB version for $100 less and then buy the game of your choice and have money left over to put toward upgrading the PS3's harddrive on your own, a relatively simple endeavor.

Sony points out that they expect to be sold out of the 60GB version by this fall, based on current consumer demand.

Hit the jump for the full press release, with a remind of all of the cool games coming to the PS3 in the near future including Heavenly Sword, Folklore and Uncharted.

Sony Computer Entertainment America Announces Availability of New 80GB
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM))

Million-Selling Online Racing Game MotorStorm(TM) Packed In With New System;
Sales of Existing 60GB PS3 Continue to Surge

FOSTER CITY, Calif., Aug. 6 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Computer Entertainment
America Inc. (SCEA) today announced the availability of a new 80GB
PLAYSTATION(R)3 (PS3(TM)) at online and brick-and-mortar retailers in the
United States and Canada. The system, available immediately for a suggested
retailer price of $599US/$659 CND, comes with the hit online-enabled off-road
racing game MotorStorm(TM) packed in the box.
Featuring an expanded hard disk drive, the new 80GB PS3 is designed to
appeal to the online gaming and entertainment enthusiast, providing ample
storage space to download more games and other entertainment content from
PLAYSTATION(R)Network. There are currently more than 60 playable games and
game-related downloads available through PLAYSTATION(R)Store, with expanded
entertainment content coming soon. The new model features the million-selling
game MotorStorm in the box, allowing up to 12 players to play online at one
time, hitting the dirt in this visually-arresting, fast-paced racing title.
"The 80GB PS3 offers expanded options in the PS3 family of products for
those who want to enjoy more downloadable content," said Peter Dille, senior
vice president of marketing, SCEA. "The new model will provide ample storage
space to meet the appetites of those who wish to download content today, and
for many more years to come. With the expanded disk capacity and dynamic
system upgrades, we have effectively created a system that is 'future-proof',
providing consumers an exceptional entertainment value that will stand the
test of time."
The 80GB model joins the existing 60GB PS3 that has been available at
retail since launch last November. The 60GB PS3 is currently enjoying a surge
in sales following a price reduction in the US and Canada on July 9 of $100 to
$499/$549 CND. Since that date, unit sales at the company's top five
retailers have jumped 113% when compared to the average sales of four weeks
prior to the price drop. SCEA will continue to sell the 60GB in the US and
Canada at the new, reduced price until current inventory is depleted, which is
predicted to be this fall based on current consumer demand.
Throughout the holidays and this fiscal year, more than 120 new first and
third-party software titles will be available for North American PS3 users to
enjoy, in addition to the more than 40 software titles currently available.
Key upcoming first-party titles include Folklore(TM), Heavenly Sword(TM),
LAIR, NBA '08, Ratchet & Clank(R) Future: Tools of Destruction(TM),
SingStar(TM), SOCOM: U.S. Navy SEALs Confrontation, THE EYE OF JUDGMENT(TM),
Uncharted: Drake's Fortune, PAIN, and Warhawk(TM).
Both the 80GB and 60GB PS3 models come standard with Cell Broadband
Engine(TM) (Cell/B.E.), built-in hard disk drive, 1080p high-definition
output, Wi-Fi connectivity, SIXAXIS(TM) wireless controller and Blu-ray
Disc(TM) player. According to Nielsen VideoScan, there are currently more
than 270 high-definition Blu-ray Disc(TM) movies available at retail,
including the recently released "300," "Shooter," and "Ghost Rider."