It's a thing of beauty. Michael Fahey

Video Game Consoles Evolution [Knuttz.net - Thanks MrSaturn!]

RetroZone doles out the classic controller lovin with a pair of adapters that allow you to use authentic old-school Nintendo game pads with your Wii virtual console games. The adapters will come in two flavors, original NES and SNES. and will plug into the GameCube ports on top of your Wii.

One of my main problems with playing VC NES games with the Wiimote or cube controller is all those extra buttons, just sitting there like man nipples, serving absolutely no purpose whatsoever. I've got a bag in my closet containing no less that 5 original NES pads, just waiting to be called back into action. I'm hoping for an experience so authentic I'll want to blow into my Wii slot.

Yeah, that sounded really wrong.

The adapters are available for preorder, with the NES model shipping in January and the SNES following soon after. They also carry modded controllers and adapters for PC use, for those of you into the Nintendo 'homebrew' scene. Michael Fahey

NES and SNES Controller Adapters for Nintendo Wii [RetroZone - Thanks Marc!]

The Atari 2600 was one of the 12 nominees up for induction into the National Toy Hall of Fame yesterday, poised to earn its place in history and further the position of video games as a part of our national heritage. The Atari 2600, widely considered to be the first great game console, was capable of playing any number of simple yet fun gaming classics, from arcade ports to edutainment titles.

It just couldn't bake a three-inch cake.

Yes, the beloved game console was passed up for a chance to enter the prestigious Toy Hall of Fame in favor of Lionel train sets and the Easy-Bake Oven. The train set I can understand. Trains were pretty damn awesome back in the day, especially as a firecracker delivery system or hamster commando transport. But the Easy-Bake? It bakes cakes with a light bulb! You cannot play Adventure on an Easy-Bake Oven. Melt it, maybe, but that's not the same.

Great job, Atari 2600. Maybe next year Lite Brite can hand you your ass. Michael Fahey

National Toy Hall of Fame inducts Lionel trains, Easy-Bake Oven [HeraldToday.com]

Sorry, on to the good news. Capcom has even more classic gaming coming to UMDs this year. Following up their Capcom Classics Collection Remixed anthology, comes Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded. Featuring Street Fighter II, Ghouls'n Ghosts, and Commando, as well as a few unknown titles also culled from the PS2 and Xbox CCC releases, they're also adding the more obscure Eco Fighters, King of Dragons, and Knights of the Round to the list. Make sure you guys don't forget about Warriors of Fate! I wanna get my meat bun snackin' action on the go.

Full PR after the jump.

CAPCOM ANNOUNCES CAPCOM CLASSICS COLLECTION RELOADED
LOCK AND RELOAD WITH CAPCOM 'S ARCADE MASTERPIECES IN CAPCOM CLASSICS COLLECTION RELOADED

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — April 7, 2006 — Capcom , a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded,an amazing ensemble of more than 15 historic arcade favorites for the PSP (PlayStation Portable) system. Featuring select hits from Capcom Classics Collection for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system and Xbox video game system from Microsoft , Reloaded drives the nostalgia factor home with a host of new titles including Eco Fighters, King of Dragons and Knights of the Round. Satisfying the most discriminating of retro connoisseurs, Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded serves up a hearty spread of genres ranging from side scrolling brawlers to vertical shooters; providing enough flavor to please any gaming palate. Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded is scheduled for release throughout North America in Q4 2006.

"Capcom's classic arcade hits are truly reloaded for the PSP system," said Todd Thorson, director of marketing Capcom Entertainment. "On top of fan favorites such as Street Fighter II , Ghouls'n Ghosts and Commando we've added a new group of titles to the collection, continuing our legacy of providing quality entertainment for all players."

Bringing hours of entertainment for gamers on the go, Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded offers arcade perfect ports which can all be enjoyed alone or via multiplayer using the PSP system's wireless ad hoc mode. Game sharing abilities not only pushes Reloaded over the compilation echelon, but presents the opportunity to be challenged just like the good ole arcade days. For those wanting to experience the games in their original presentation, the screen settings can be changed to suit just that. Relive Capcom's history and savor bonus features by earning credits towards Reloaded's themed slot machine to unlock a buffet of goods including original art, playing tips and secret codes.

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded is guaranteed to provide quality entertainment at a great value.

Capcom Classics Collection Reloaded boasts the following features:
More than 15 arcade-perfect classics on a single UMD
Hundreds of hours of nostalgic fun
A wealth of added features including game history, playing tips, original artwork, and new secret codes
Customizable controls to suit any gaming style.

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment. Founded in 1983, the company has created world renowned franchises including Resident Evil, Street Fighter, Mega Man, Breath of Fire, Devil May Cry and the Onimusha series. Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company maintains operations in the U.S., United Kingdom, Germany, Tokyo and Hong Kong. More information about Capcom and its products can be found on the company's web site at www.capcom.com.

The technical details:
* Storm-lite 5.0-A Fabric (20,000MM, 20,000G)
* Flatlocked Stitching Details
* Welded Pockets and Zippers
* Fulltime Contour Hood
* Stash Pocket on Sleeve
* Pit Zips
* Printed Softshell in One Colorway
* Fleece-Lined Handwarmer Pockets
* Chest Pocket
* Maximum Geek Credibility

AK Softshell Jacket in War Games Print

Keep in mind, Parish's look at these questionable classics doesn't necessarily mean that Taito has seen fit to include them on a classic comp. But if you're looking to pick some up while trolling for MAME ROM's, its a must read.

Retronauts #2 [1UP]

Gaming Steve has a write-up about a new Sega Genesis game. Read it again, a new Sega Genesis game. Steve talks a bit about the combat system and yearns a little bit for 16-bit gaming. His best point, however, is wondering if making new games for old systems is a trend we may see more of.

It could be, and here's my hunch why. While the market is significantly smaller for the Genesis now - the rising costs of game development for both next and current generation consoles is going to alienate some creative folks who lack the financial backing to make games on these systems. Now, seeing them on the Genesis might be a bit tougher, but seeing them pop up on Xbox Live Arcade would be pretty sweet. And if old series were to start popping up again, the obligatory question is, what would you like to play?

Sega Genesis Lives! Beggar Prince To Be Released Spring 2006 [Gaming Steve]

Check out this Atari 2600 tribute video. In it, our hero makes his way through classic game scenes to get his 8-bit ass to a Golden Shower concert (we hear it's an actual band; they're big in Brazil). The video's been on the 'net for a while, but I found it delightful. Check it out.

The New Venue [Official site] Thanks, Alex!