"Now you can make a pretty good argument that it is the best portable device for playing games on - and a whole new class of games"

You could make that argument, sure. I'd daresay Nintendo, Sony, and sales figures might have something to say about it as well, but feel free to make that argument all you want. Me? I'm still waiting for my Zune to blossom into a powerful gaming machine. *pokes Zune with stick and sighs*

iPod Touch is 'best portable device for games' says Jobs [Develop]

Who'd like a portable text game console? [Boing-Boing]

Nintendo DS 67 MHz ARM 946E-S (N-Gage processor) + 33 MHz ARM7TDMI (same processor as the original iPods) 4MB RAM 256KB Flash + cartridge storage Dual, 256×192 3" displays; one is stylus touch sensitive No accelerometers No camera No mobile radio WiFi 802.11b/g No Bluetooth Sony PSP 333 MHz MIPS R4000 CPU + GPU with 2 MB onboard VRAM running at 166 MHz 32 MB main RAM (new models expanded to 64MB), and 4 MB embedded DRAM. MemoryStick storage, UMD media 480×272 (368×207 usable for video); no touch screen features No accelerometers No camera No mobile radio WiFi 802.11b No Bluetooth

Apple iPhone
Samsung ARM SoC 620 MHz 1176 running at 412 Mhz + PowerVR MBX 3D GPU
128MB RAM
8 or 16GB Flash storage
320×480 3.5" display with finger multitouch input
Accelerometers for direct physical control
2 Megapixel camera
Quad band GSM + EDGE
WiFi 802.11 b/g
BlueTooth 2.0 EDR

As a part of their series of solar powered LCD handheld games, Bandai released Airport Panic in 1982. One of the neat things about this game is that it had two game levels, and the scene changed depending on which one you were on.

In the first, you have to cross the tarmac to the plane while avoiding the hijacker's bombs. Then you board the plane (this is where the scene changes) and have to traverse the rows to shoot the hijacker and "rescue the stewardess and the passengers."

When Gonzalo Frasca showed me this game today, I was reminded me that I actually have one, fully packaged, somewhere in my collection stash. I should find it and take it on my next flight. You don't need to go to those extremes though. You can download the manual scans and a PC emulator.

Bandai Solar Handheld Simulator Downloads [ via Ludology.org]

Korean company Gamepark has released their "GP2x Commercial Interface Board Cradle" to go with their GP2x open-source, emulator friendly, Linux powered handheld. It's only compatible with their system, but it looks really neat and versatile - having gotten wicked hand cramps/eye strain from spending too many hours on trans-Pacific flights playing my DS, the idea of having other options (mouse! keyboard! game pad! TV!) seems really appealing.

USB Devices like a Mouse, Keyboard and Joysticks can be connected to it and possibly even Hard Drives giving you a system like no other. The Cradle also has a TV Out/Monitor Out so connecting up to Televisions and Monitors to play Emulators and Games and many applications is a breeze.

Maggie Greene

The Future of Handheld Innovation [GP2x News]

"Under the right scenario, by 2011 the combined installed base of the DS and PSP could exceed that for the Nintendo Wii, Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360," said Cole.

I suppose it could happen, especially with some real gems being released for the PSP lately and the rumored redesign in the works. DFC already has the handheld market reaching over $10 billion by the end of this year alone.

Cole also states that the DS "has the potential to be the best-selling interactive entertainment platform ever," which would almost...almost...make up for the Virtual Boy. Michael Fahey

Handhelds to out-sell home consoles by 2011 - DFC [GamesIndustry.biz]

Are you a gaming noob who's first console was a Wii? Do you want the street cred that having a fully realized gaming collection will give you? Well, look no further than this eBay auction where seller markcz5581 is selling what is sure to be the biggest console bundle of all time. In addition to an unopened PS3, this $25,000 uber-package includes an original Xbox, a Gamecube, a Dreamcast, a PS1, a Nintendo 64, a Super NES, a NES, a DS, DS Lite, GBA, GBA SP, Sega Game Gear Portable, NeoGeo pocket, Gameboy Pocket, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Printer and last but not least, the headache inducing Virtual Boy. Also included are a truck full of over 400 games and all the appropriate controllers and hookups.

If the exorbitant $25,000 isn't quite within your price range, you might want to try the $75,000 Buy It Now price which will also net you a Wii. The seller has graciously waved the shipping fee and promises delivery by Christmas.

So why would a guy sell a collection that he's obviously spent a lifetime putting together. Why, for LOVE, of course. He's hoping to use the money to purchase his girlfriend an engagement ring and reminds us that not only are we making an awesome purchase, but "you're also investing in a love that will flourish for years to come."

Well, markcz5581, if you get divorced, I want my money back. Make the jump for the full list of auction items. Flynn De Marco

Playstation 3 plus MASSIVE Video Game Collection [eBay]
[via: Destructoid]

60 Gig PLAYSTATION 3 Console with one additional Wireless Controller (Unopened and with receipt)

XBOX 360 Console (Largest Hard Drive) with 2 Wireless Controllers

Includes the following games: Gears of War, Marvel Ultimate Alliance, Elder Scrolls Oblivion, PGR 3, Condemned Criminal Origins, Call of Duty 2, Lego Star Wars 2: The Original Trilogy, Madden 06, NBA 2K6, Perfect Dark Zero, Saints Row, Burnout Revenge, Dead or Alive 4, Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter, Rockstar Games Presents Table Tennis, and Fight Night Round 3.

Original XBOX Console with HD AV Pack and 4 Controllers (3 of the Larger Model, and 1 S-type)

Includes the following games: Halo, Halo 2, Blitz The League, Timesplitters 2, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, ESPN NFL 2K5, High Heat Major League Baseball 2004, Intellivision Lives!, 007 Everything or Nothing, Midway Arcade Treasures, Midway Arcade Treasures 2, Enter the Matrix, Ninja Gaiden, The Guy Game, Spider-Man, The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape From Butcher Bay, NBA Street Vol. 2, Guilty Gear X2 #Reload, Dead or Alive 3, NFL 2K3, ESPN NBA 2K5, Cabela's Dangerous Hunts, NFL Street, Capcom Classics Collection Vol. 1, MVP Baseball 2005, Fight Night 2004, NBA Ballers, Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith, Top Spin, Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, Doom 3, Rocky, Burnout 3: Takedown, Tiger Woods PGA Tour 2004, NBA 2K3, Knockout Kings 2002, NCAA Football 2003, NHL 2002, NFL Fever 2002, Mat Hoffman's Pro BMX 2, Far Cry Instincts, Trivial Pursuit Unhinged.

Gamecube Console (Indigo Colored) with 3 Wired Controllers, 1 Wavebird, Gameboy Advance Player, and 2 Memory Cards

Includes the following games: Donkey Konga (plus Bongo Drums), Soul Calibur II, Luigi's Mansion, Star Wars Rogue Leader: Rogue Squadron II, WarioWare Inc.:Mega Party Games, NHL Hitz 20-02, FZERO GX, Madden 2002, Resident Evil, Resident Evil 3, Super Monkey Ball, Super Monkey Ball 2, Metroid Prime, Metroid Prime 2 Echoes, Super Smash Bros. Melee, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door, WaveRace: Blue Storm, Pikmin, Animal Crossing, Bomberman Generation, Simpson's Road Rage, Sonic Mega Collection, Sega Soccer Slam, Mega Man Anniversary Collection, Tony Hawk's ProSkater 3, The Legend of Zelda Complimation Pack (which came packaged with the preorder of Wind Waker).

Playstation 2 Games (sorry, no console, but they'll play on the Playstation 3): Maximo, Sega Sports Tennis, Britney's Dance Beat, Chess Master, Grand Theft Auto 3, MLB Slugfest 2003, Virtua Fighter 4, Twisted Metal Black, Karaoke Revolution (plus microphone), Karaoke Revolution: Volume 2, Guitar Hero (plus Guitar Controller), DDRMAX Dance Dance Revolution (plus Dance Mat), All Star Baseball 2002, Zone of the Enders (original copy with Metal Gear Solid 2 Demo Inside), NBA Street, Wheel of Fortune, FIFA 2001, MLS, Tony Hawk's Underground, Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Madden 2001, SSX, NHL 2001, Need For Speed Hot Pursuit 2, The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3, State of Emergency, Star Wars Starfighter, Midnight Club II, Real World Golf (opened but never played, all peripherals included).

Sega Dreamcast Console with 2 Controllers and 2 VMU's (visual memory units)

Includes the following games: Sega Bass Fishing, Sega Smash Pack Volume 1, Virtua Tennis, Power Stone 2, NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC, Crazy Taxi, NBA 2K, Space Channel 5, Samba De Amigo, NFL 2K1, F355 Challenge: Passione Rossa, Dead or Alive 2, Seaman, Jet Grind Radio, NHL 2K, Soul Calibur, Street Fighter: 3rd Strike, Ready 2 Rumble Boxing, Trickstyle, Toy Commander, Sonic Adventure 2, Resident Evil: Code Veronica, Daytona USA, Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Shenmue, World Series Baseball 2K2, Tony Hawk's ProSkater 2.

Playstation 1 Console (original gray model) with 2 Controllers

Includes the following games: Point Blank and Time Crisis (with 2 Namco Light Guns), Street Sk8ter, Duke Nukem: Time to Kill, MegaMan X6, Syphon Filter, Wild 9, March Madness 98, Tekken 3, Arcade's Greatest Hit's: The Midway Collection 2, Metal Gear Solid, Diablo, Final Fantasy VII, WWF Attitude, NCAA Final Four 99, Knockout Kings, G Darius, Poy Poy, Street Fighter Alpha 3, Ten Pin Alley, NBA Shoot Out 97, Street Fighter Collection, Castlevania: Symphony of the Night.

Nintendo 64 Console with 3 Controllers

Includes the following games (with most of the original boxes): The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (gold cartridge), Perfect Dark, Waverace 64, Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, Goldeneye 007, Mortal Kombat 4, Pilotwings 64, Star Fox 64, San Fransisco Rush Extreme Racing, WWF Warzone, Wipeout 64, Diddy Kong Racing, FIFA Soccer 64, Mario Party, Cruis'n USA, Cruis'n World, Star Wars: Rogue Squadron, Star Wars: Shadows of the Empire, Doom 64, NHL 99, Beetle Adventure Racing, Snowboard Kids, Extreme G, The New Tetris, Glover, Jet Force Gemini, Mortal Kombat Trilogy, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil (black cartridge), All Star Baseball 99, Kobe Bryant's NBA Courtside, Banjo Kazooie, NFL Quarterback Club 98, Blast Corps, Buck Bumble, Major League Baseball Featuring Ken Griffey Jr., Quake, Excitebike 64, WCW vs. NWO World Tour, International Superstar Soccer 98, Jeopardy, Mario Tennis, NBA Hang Time, Rampage 2: Universal Tour, The NHLPA & NHL Present Wayne Gretzky's 3D Hockey, NFL Blitz, 1080 Snowboarding, Yoshi's Story, Gauntlet Legends, Wailae Country Club: True Golf Classics, Virtual Pool 64, FZERO X, Duke Nukem 64, Bomberman 64, South Park, Killer Instinct Gold, Mario Golf, Mario Kart 64, Donkey Kong 64 (yellow cartridge).

Super Nintendo Entertainment System with 2 original style Controllers, 1 Asciipad Controller, and Hudson Super Multitap (originally packaged with Bomberman)

Includes the following games (sorry, no boxes): Super Mario All Stars, Super Mario World, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island, Super Mario Kart, Spider-Man/X-Men: Arcade's Revenge, Ken Griffey Jr. Presents Major League Baseball, Ken Griffey Jr.'s Winning Run, NCAA Basketball, Mickey Mania: The Timeless Adventures of Mickey Mouse, NBA Give n' Go, NBA Live 95, NBA Jam, NBA Jam: Tournament Edition, Donkey Kong Country, Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, The Lion King, Super Tennis, Earthworm Jim, Earthworm Jim 2, Killer Instinct (black cartridge), Pilotwings, Super Punch Out, Uniracers, Cybernator, Final Fight, Super Smash TV, NHL Stanley Cup, Mortal Kombat, Mortal Kombat 2, Mortal Kombat 3, Super Metroid, Road Runner's Death Valley Rally, Mega Man X, Disney's Aladdin, Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Flashback: The Quest for Identity, Super R-Type, Street Fighter 2, Street Fighter 2 Turbo, Street Fighter Alpha 2, Wrestlemania: The Arcade Game, WWF Super Wrestlemania, Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose, X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse, SNES: Super Scope 6 (Super Scope Included), Bubsy in: Claws Encounters of the Furred Kind, Super Bomberman, Super Bomberman 2, Batman Returns, Mario Paint, Super Off Road, Super Ghouls and Ghosts, Stunt Race FX, Kirby's Avalanche, Joe and Mac, Super High Impact, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.

Nintendo Entertainment System with 2 Controllers, NES Advantage Joystick, Game Genie, Zapper and Power Pad

Includes the following games: (I'm still in the process of getting these all together, so in the interest of getting this posted in time for Christmas, I'll just say there's WELL over 50 (including MANY obscure, hard to find games). Check back later, or contact me if you have any specific questions.)

That does it for the consoles. Several Items From the Atari Era will also be offered (mainly Atari 7800). Once again, contact me with any questions.....

Now, onto the portables!!!

Original Nintendo DS (gray) and DS Lite (white) Portables (one of each)

Includes the following games: Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day!, StarFox Command, Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow, Super Mario 64 DS, BIg Brain Academy, New Super Mario Bros., Nintendogs: Chihuahua and Friends, Tetris DS, MarioKart DS, WarioWare Touched!, Metroid Prime Pinball (plus DS Rumble Pak), Feel the Magic XY XX, Kirby Canvas Curse, Advance Wars: Dual Strike.

Sony PSP (Playstation Portable) with Memory Stick Duo and Protective Sleeve

Includes the following games: Wipeout Pure, Daxter, Burnout Legends, Lumines, Mega Man Powered Up.

Gameboy Advance and Gameboy Advance SP (NES Edition) with Link Cable

Includes the following games: Megaman and Bass, Pokemon Fire Red Version, Mario and Luigi: Superstar Saga, Tony Hawk's Proskater 2, Castlevania: Circle of the Moon, Wario Land 4, Advance Wars 2: Black Hole Rising, Classic NES Series: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario World: Super Mario Advance 2, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Gunstar Super Heroes, WarioWare Inc. Mega Microgames, Metroid Fusion, Golden Sun, Punch King, Castlevania:Harmony of Dissonance.

You'll also get a Gameboy Pocket, Gameboy Color, Gameboy Printer, and 1 unopened package of Gameboy Printer Paper

Additional Gameboy games: Super Mario Bros. Deluxe, Top Gear Pocket, Flipull, Golf, Boxxel, James Bond 007, Wave Race (plus many more as I am still in the process of getting them all together).

Sega Game Gear Portable

Neo Geo Pocket Portable with King of Fighters R*2 Pocket Fighting Series

...and finally

Virtual Boy and AC Adapter

Includes the following games: Vertical Force, Teleroboxer, Nester's Funky Bowling, Water World, Galactic Pinball, Jack Bros., Red Alarm, Mario Clash, Golf, Virtual League Baseball, Panic Bomber, and 3D Tetris.

Speaking with UK trade pub MCV, EA EVP and COO of worldwide studios David Gardner signaled the publisher's change in handheld strategy.

There's no doubt that EA has historically bet more on PSP. I think we were excited by the technology, but the consumers have proven that actually what they want is fun. We must never forget that what we need to focus on is fun and so EA is putting more effort behind DS games - and creative ones that really take advantage of the hardware.

Wait. Does this mean future DS software won't be coded by your summer interns and consist entirely of the ugliest versions of your console library? Cool! Maybe you ought to look into licensing Nintendo's Talking! Cooking Navi software and slap John Madden's blushing mug on it. That man could definitely sell some food-based titles. Michael McWhertor

Sony must take action on PSP, says EA's Gardner

While all of us transcendent edge gamers are blowing up Metroids on our DS, it may surprise you to know that the GBA is still king of the console market. Why isn't everyone hopping the boat to the bleeding edge along with us?

Justin Davis over at Modojo has a post up, asking that very question. Ultimately, he chalks it up to the same core pricing strategy I employed during my years as a john on the streets: bang for the buck.

Dollar for dollar, the GBA is probably the single best value currently available in the videogame industry. Think about it. For the price of a DS you can pick up a brand new GBA and three SNES classics including Super Mario World or Yoshi Island. GBA hits such as Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories are also just $19.99, now.

There's no doubt that the GBA is dying, but it's still a vibrant gaming scene and there's just a tremendous amount of truly brilliant games to play. I'm glad it's still holding its own.FLORIAN ECKHARDT

The GBA's Last Stand [Modojo]