The dispute between the two companies stems from a recent move by Microsoft to block the use of "unauthorised", third-party memory cards on their 360 consoles.

Microsoft are no doubt making the move in order to crack down on cheats, who can use expandable Datel cards (ones you can slide a MicroSD card into) to get around the 360's coding.

Datel, however, think it's just bully tactics aimed at a third-party vendor capitalising on Microsoft's exorbitant peripheral pricing. "Microsoft's purpose in disabling Datel's memory cards is to prevent consumers from choosing a Datel product that offers far better value for the price," a Datel statement reads.

"There is no benefit to consumers from Microsoft's decision to target and disable Datel's memory cards. To the contrary, Microsoft's actions will leave approximately 50,000 consumers with useless memory cards and (without the ability to access their data on the cards), forestall innovation, and deprive future consumers of the benefits of competition."

Datel sues Microsoft over Xbox 360 memory unit crackdown [TechFlash]

A notice to customers pre-ordering the device - called the Lite Blue Tool - apologises for the fact the product will now no longer be shipping as intended:

Due to legal action by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe we are currently not able to fulfil orders for the Lite Blue Tool Battery. Any orders received for this product have not been processed and no charges have been made. We will inform customers about availability of this product when this situation has been resolved.

Working around the Wii's region control, that's a noble pursuit. But this? This is just cheeky.

Datel Faces Legal Trouble Over Lite Blue Tool [Portable Video Gamer, via PSPF]

This is an important e-mail update regarding your pending preorder Mario Kart Wii (w/ Wii Handle) (Nintendo™ Wii Japan, NTSC J), Order (#9593042).

We received the first small delivery today for testing and unfortunately we have to inform you, that the game is not compatible with the Datel Freeloader (US and PAL Version).

In case that this affects your preorder, please contact our customer service as soon as possible to amend/cancel your order, as otherwise we will ship your order within the next 48 hours.

If you own a Japanese Wii and you do not want to change your orders, you do not have to reply to this email.

Once again thanks for shopping with us and sorry for the inconvenience caused.

Your Play-Asia.com Customer Service
http://www.play-asia.com

...we can confirm that on every occasion that the product is used when the disc is inserted in the console that it allows the usage of any imported Wii game discs and disables the console from been able to update its firmware, if the disc is removed after been inserted and reinserted this will again enable the console to update its firmware but still allow the usage of the any imported Wii game discs.

While it has excellent advertising jingle potential, I completely fail to see any point to this device whatsoever. Seriously. You have a Wii, right? Otherwise you wouldn't have a Mii. Why would you need the go-between? The press release for the item says you can share your Mii over there internet...but why? If you really wanted to, there are free programs out there that will let you recreate your Mii in minutes online already, plus if you really wanted to share your Mii, Nintendo has provided for that.

My Mii Manager does come with a USB bluetooth receiver, allowing you to use your Wiimote and other bt devices on your PC, so that isn't a bad deal for $19.99. You can check out this and other slightly more useful products over at Datel's online store. I'm going to go be confused for a bit. Michael Fahey

Manage Your Wii Mii...

...It's easy with My Mii Manager!

April 10th, 2006 - Wii owners can now personalise their Wii Mii the easy way.

Datel's powerful Mii Manager software lets you edit your Mii on your PC. It's a doddle to use. Just import your Mii into the editor, then edit it until your heart's content. You can even share your Mii with Wii gamers from all over the world over the internet!

My Mii Manager has everything you need. There's the powerful Mii Manager software application for your PC, and a USB Bluetooth receiver to let you use your Wii-mote with your computer.

My Mii Manager is in the shops now, and costs 14.99 UK or $19.99 USA. It can also be bought direct at www.codejunkies.com or by calling 08456 010 015.

###

Take the Powerboard, for instance. It's a USB keyboard, just like the twenty or so USB keyboards I have stacked up in my closet, though for some odd reason they chose to advertise theirs with a random half-naked woman.

Then there's the Max Drive160, which is an external 160gb hard disk in a USB enclosure for only $169. Sure you could cobble something together on your own for much cheaper (Pricewatch has a 250GB hard disk listed for $60, for instance), but then it wouldn't say "For PS3" on the package, unless you made a little sticker or something.

Along with the two previously mentioned items come a Wi-Fi dongle for your PC, a PS2 memory card transfer device that handles all sizes of cards, an HD component cable, and two headsets, one wired, one bluetooth.

All the new accessories should be hitting stores soon. Hit the jump for the full press release! Michael Fahey

Datel Unveils Exciting New PS3 Range!

Get the most from your PlayStation 3 with these amazing peripherals...

March 28th, 2006 - Datel has lifted the lid on a great range of peripherals for your PS3. There's something for everyone here...

Bluetooth Wireless Headset: 24.99/$49.99

Now's your chance to talk, strategise and control. Stay one step ahead of the opposition in online games with Bluetooth Wireless Headset for PS3! It's the ideal accessory for PlayStation 3 gamers who like to play online with gamers from all over the world. With your Bluetooth-enabled games console, you can trash-talk with your opponents, make new friends in the games lobby and organise your party in co-operative games. It's great for making hands-free calls with your Bluetooth mobile too!

Bluetooth Wireless Headset uses the Bluetooth 2.0 protocol for fast, reliable data transfer. It boasts a comfortable, over-the-ear design, crystal-clear sound and it charges in under an hour. A single charge is good for six hours talktime or 250 hours on standby. If you haven't got a headset, you're not getting the most out of your online gaming. Don't miss out any longer...

Communicator Headset: 14.99/$19.99

Cheer your buddies and jeer your foes! Whether you're going one on one in the latest sports sim, joining a party to mash the monsters in a MMORPG or indulging in first-person team-on-team action, playing with and against other people is much more fun when you can talk to them as well...

Communicator Headset for PS3 boasts a comfortable, over-the-ear design and snazzy hi-tech look. With a microphone positioned near your mouth and an earpiece for crystal-clear sound, it lets you bark out your orders or taunt your opponents as you play. It connects to your PS3 via a cable, so it's ideal if you can't use a Bluetooth headset due to local conditions.

DataMAX: 14.99/$24.99

At last, you can transfer your game saves from your PlayStation 2 memory card direct to your PS3! Copy across all your saves, settings and rosters, then play your old PS2 games again using the PlayStation 3's backwards-compatibility features without losing your precious saved positions.

DataMAX can shift data from ANY PlayStation 2 card, not just official Sony 8MB cards. High-capacity 16MB, 32MB and even 64MB cards present no problems, and it works with Datel and NYKO cards as well as Sony's. You also get an application CD containing memory manager software to help you organise your files.

HD Component Cable: 14.99/$19.99

The PlayStation 3 has amazing graphics, but unless you're gaming in high definition, you're not getting the most out of your console. Luckily, Datel has come to the rescue again, bringing you high-definition viewing without breaking the bank...

With the amazing HD Component Cable, you can connect your PS3 to a HD-ready television for high-definition gaming without spending a fortune. Our high-quality component cable gives you optimum picture quality, and is perfectly designed to match your PS3. It even has separate audio cables so you can connect the sound output to your stereo instead of your TV if you wish! The true games enthusiast can't do without HD Component Cable. It's the ultimate viewing solution, which takes your PS3 gaming to the next level.

MAX Drive 160: 99.99/$169.99

With MAX Drive 160 for PS3, you can expand your storage space by an incredible 160GB. Just plug it into your PS3, and you're ready to go. It's an ideal file transfer solution too. Plug it into your PC, then drag and drop your movies, music and pictures onto your MAX Drive. You can then take it to your console and plug it in once more, and you have easy access to access to everything you copied. You don't even need a network with MAX Drive 160. It's just plug and play!

But it's not just for media. With MAX Drive, you can store gamesaves and material downloaded from the PlayStation store, freeing up room on your PS3's hard drive, and moving it back when needed. MAX Drive 160 is the ultimate multimedia companion for the PS3. Buy one, and you'll wonder how you ever did without it.

WiFi MAX: 29.99/$39.99

WiFi MAX is the easy way to take your PS3 onine. Just plug the WiFi MAX dongle into your PC with broadband internet to create a high-speed wireless access point (WAP). You can then connect to it with your PS3, going online without trailing cables. WiFi MAX for PS3 provides a true Wireless 'G' access point, which is up to five times faster than a standard WiFi connection. You can also take other games systems like the NDS, Nintendo Wii and Sony PSP online with it, and even access the internet with your WiFi-enabled laptop or PDA!

WiFi MAX for PS3 contains everything you need to turn your PC into a wireless access point. There's the USB WiFi dongle, a stand that lets you position it for optimal coverage and a software application for your PC.

PowerBoard: 14.99/$19.99

The ideal companion for online gamers, PowerBoard is the only keyboard available for your PS3 games console. With a full-size computer-style keyboard and simple plug-and-play functionality, PowerBoard is perfect for online gaming. Save time typing messages to other players, and concentrate on the task in hand!

PowerBoard boasts a top-quality, professional-style keyboard, with a comfortable, tactile design. It includes a full range of function keys and a numeric keypad. It's ten-foot cable gives you plenty of room when using it, and best of all, it's been designed to match your PS3, so it won't look out of place sitting next to your console.

Best Buy has started taking pre-orders for Datel's 4GB hard drive attachment for the Nintendo DS. The Datel Max Media Player lets you store and play movies, MP3s and digital photos on your Nintendo DS.

The Media Player includes a Max Media Player cartridge that plugs into your Nintendo DS system just like a regular game cartridge. The included PC utility disc lets you convert movie files to a format that will be playable on your DS. And with the included USB 2.0 cable, you can connect your DS to a PC and transfer your music, movies, photos and more. Who says you need a fancy portable DVD player or MP3 player to enjoy movies and music on the run? Do all of that and play your favorite DS games right on your sleek Nintendo DS system.

Best Buy is selling the device for $150 and lists the estimated arrival date as between June 12 and June 19.

Datel Media Player for Nintendo DS with 4GB Hard Drive [Best Buy, thanks Benjamin]