June 26 - 3:00pm EDT   An apparent scoop today hints that the PlayStation 3 should receive a major firmware update in the near future. The 3.0 update as described by VG247 will center on a new reputation system for the PlayStation Network. Much like Xbox Live, it would let gamers rate each other and view each other's reputations. They can purportedly flag offending players, though whether this can lead to a ban isn't clear. It may bear similarities to a similar approach in Little Big Planet. [full story]

June 26 - 2:10pm EDT   Both Microsoft and Sony are coordinating significant updates to their consoles for the fall, a tip says. Citing the same historically reliable source as for earlier leaks, Ars Technica hears that Sony's slim 120GB PS3 is still on tap for the fall and should be accompanied by a long-awaited price cut. It's not known if this will take place before the new system ships, but Sony is now thought to only have 60 days of stock for the present 80GB model and may leave the 160GB model alone in the market until the revamped model shows. [full story]

June 23 - 4:50pm EDT   Software developer Namco Bandai has revealed an upcoming bundle that includes a copy of the upcoming Tekken 6 video game, an arcade-style Wireless Fight Stick made by HORI and an art book devoted to the game. An arcade-style stick and buttons makes it easier for users to perform combos and special moves in the game compared to a gamepad. [full story]

June 23 - 2:05pm EDT   Microsoft today in a low-profile launch previewed an Xbox 360 wireless microphone. Intended for music game series like Guitar Hero and Rock Band as well as Microsoft's own Lips, the add-on uses the native wireless of the console to avoid both wiring and adapters. In a unique touch, it has built-in motion sensors and lights at its base to react visually to its movement. [full story]

June 18 - 8:15pm EDT   Speaking at an Executives Club event in Chicago, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed that a new Xbox 360 is expected to ship sometime in 2010. The upcoming system is described as utilizing technology "really, really, close" to an actuality, with the integration of a "natural interface" and a built-in camera. The sparse details may corroborate rumors that the next Xbox will be revamped with the company's Project Natal system. [full story]

June 18 - 3:20pm EDT   Microsoft quickly ended speculation today by confirming that it's shipping Xbox 360 Arcade units with 512MB of storage. The company tells Eurogamer that the extra capacity is there to "enjoy more experiences" on Xbox Live that include both essential saved game space as well as downloadable content and smaller Xbox Live Arcade games. It's not known if the 512MB version will be standard worldwide or only show in specific areas. [full story]

June 18 - 8:20am EDT   Logitech on Thursday took its music add-ons cross-platform and unveiled the Wireless Guitar Controller for the Xbox 360. The controller switches to a brighter orange body from the PS3 edition's black but shares the same concept of a premium alternative to the stock peripheral for Guitar Hero: aside from a solid body, it has a wooden neck, rosewood for its fingerboard and metal frets. Using real materials, along with touch-sensitive strum bar and Star Power controls, reduces the clicks and other noises that intrude into actual game music. [full story]

June 17 - 5:05pm EDT   Photos of a new Jasper mainboard for the Xbox Arcade gaming console equipped with a 4-gigabit Samsung NAND flash memory module have been leaked on an enthusiast forum recently. The model in question seems to have been manufactured in Japan on April 9th, and uses the same Jasper platform debuted last year, albeit with twice as much onboard storage. The original Xbox Arcade Jasper mainboard used a 2-gigabit NAND flash module that gave users about 213MB of usable internal memory, with 16MB dedicated to kernel, keyvault, Dash and other operating-system related data. [full story]

June 12 - 11:05pm EDT   Microsoft's Project Natal could not just be an add-on for the Xbox 360 but the foundation of a new Xbox altogether, according to fresh rumors. Those at 1UP hear that the full body motion controller will be the "cornerstone" of a new console and come with it. Details of the new Xbox itself aren't clear, but it's believed the machine could be an evolution of the Xbox 360 that has extra performance but which could still run legacy games. It would ship in fall 2010 and could be announced as early as the Game Developers Conference in March of that year. [full story]

June 9 - 10:35am EDT   Sony is rumored to be getting ready to drop the price of its PlayStation 3 gaming console to coincide with the next release of EA Sports' Madden this fall, according to a Monday IndustryGamers report. Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia notes that Madden is due for an August 18th release and claims that "industry sources" know the console should lower in price in time for the game's appearance, which could potentially boost sales. [full story]

June 3 - 8:50am EDT   A listing for the Zune HD has appeared on Amazon today that hints at broader support for software on Microsoft's media player. Its description indicates that owners can "play games and use apps" using the accelerometer, suggesting both the expected third-party games as well as possible third-party apps; notably, Zune HD images to date have shown a "more" option that suggests additional features. The possibility remains that Microsoft is referring to built-in utilities like the photo viewer and web browser, both of which use the accelerometer for rotation. [full story]

June 1 - 4:35pm EDT   As part of its E3 introductions, Microsoft has said it will add both a full game download service as well as social networking components. Tentatively called Games on Demand, the former will give gamers the option of buying entire Xbox 360 games that then exist solely on the console's hard drive. Buying itself will also be easier and, for the games alone, will allow purchasing directly with a credit card instead of having to first buy Microsoft Points. [full story]

June 1 - 3:30pm EDT   Microsoft this afternoon unveiled a technology meant for the Xbox 360 but which is also a technology first. Nicknamed Project Natal, the system uses a camera to detect a player's entire body movement. It can not only recognize limbs and posture but is intelligent enough to distinguish between active players and those in the background. It also has a microphone and recognizes voice commands, effectively creating a true hands-free game console. [full story]

June 1 - 3:00pm EDT   Microsoft today launched a range of changes to the Xbox 360's video features. Now rebranded as a Zune service, the former Xbox Video Marketplace will now provide videos in full 1080p and promises an "instant-on" feature that starts streaming videos almost immediately on faster connections. The extension will be available in all countries and should come along with an expansion of video rentals and purchases to 18 countries from the current 8. [full story]

June 1 - 2:00pm EDT   Activision today provided fuller details of the Tony Hawk Ride controller. The board sits on the floor and is fully aware both of pressure on the board as well as movement on its sides; users can lean on the board for manuals and other such moves while using a free foot to "push" the board or assist in tricks. It can further recognize spins on the board itself for reverts or other rotation-based moves. [full story]