Don't have a gaming collection? Don't know where to start? Well, markcz5581 is selling his collection at a starting bid of $25,000. Buy it now for $75,000 and you get a Wii with that.

List after jump!

Last night Sony released firmware update 1.31, which introduces support for PS2 games that utilized the PS2 hard drive (namely, Final Fantasy 11 and Nobunaga's Ambition). 

No doubt, this is a welcome relief for the gamers who bought Square's Final Fantasy MMO and still actually play.

Less appreciated, though, is dramatic evidence that suggests the PS3 is downgrading (or possibly over-upgrading to the point of distortion) the graphics of PS2 games compared to the original, with notable jaggies and artifacts in most games.

Sony has released no word on what it plans to do regarding this issue.

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with your Sony news for January 9th, 2006:

Item One: PSPCave: PSP acts a remote control for pimped up Honda Civic

Based on what was once a 94 Honda Civic, a pimped up concept car has gone on show at CES in Las Vegas that allows you to control everything from opening the doors, turning on the lights and even driving it down the street all via the PSP and a wi-fi connection.

The car which has been modified by Metro Electronics in America, who specialise in electronic amps, stereo racks, amps and in car dvd players is even eco friendly having its petrol engine ripped out in favour of an electric one.

Sad state of Sony news when my opening shot is a PSP that can control a 94 Honda Civic. Come on Sony how about helping out some developers so that the only two games worth buying aren't Lumines and GTA: Liberty City Stories!

I want a PSP, but I already have an iPod, I need it to play games. I know it sounds like a joke told over and over again, but we are coming up to a year since the PSP has been released, and it's a media player not a game device. And that sucks.

And also:

Item Two: Gamespot: Final Fantasy XII PS2 bundle coming to Japan.

The PlayStation 2 Final Fantasy XII Pack will include a charcoal black slimline PS2 console imprinted with a symbol from the game (pictured), a vertical stand, a Dual Shock controller, an AV cable, an AC adapter, and a special FFXII-branded strap for mobile phones. The package will also include a copy of Final Fantasy XII.

See this looks cool and all, but you already have the top selling game console in Japan, is there really someone there who DOESN'T have a PS2 yet?? This is probably half the reason the PS2 sells so much in Japan, they come up with this special bundles for popular games and the consumers eat it up. Good for you Sony.

Anyway, it's very pretty, but be warned:

Consumers thinking of picking up the bundle should note that the slimline PS2 (SCPH-75000 FF) included in the bundle uses the latest hardware model, which has been reported to have issues in playing a number of PS2 and PlayStation games.

And that appears to be today's news. Sorry bout that folks, Sony's taking it's time ramping up PS3 news.

Questions? Comments? STFU? Send them to Hawkes

Semper Fi!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with your news roundup for Wednesday, December 7, 2005:

Item One: 1up.com: ESRB Flunks National Institute for Media and Family.

Last week the National Institute for Media and the Family issued a "report card" to the videogames industry, assigning it a grade of D+ and calling the industry rating board, the ESRB, "broken beyond repair." The Interactive Entertainment Merchants' Association issued a statement questioning the methodology behind the report, and today the ESRB issued its own report card on the NIMF, giving the group an unequivocal F, saying that it has misled parents and gamers and is guided by political motives.

Well, duh.

You have to love 1Up and their subtle snarky comments. Well some people love it. Ok truthfully it smacks of trying to sound young and hip when they are actually a soulless corporation who cares probably only half as much about gaming as they do making money.

Wow did I ever digress. AHEM, where was I?

I've always gotten a kick out of these supposedly higher moral ground groups deciding grades on various forms of media and industry, I'm pretty sure this is the first time a group has hit back. Personally its nice to see the ESRB grow a pair, let's hope they keep up with it.

The grades were allocated thus:

Full Disclosure of Pertinent Facts F
Research and Analysis F
Documentation and Presentation of Evidence F
Working Well with Others F
Overall Grade: F

Plus Demerit for Neglecting Parents' and Childrens' Best Interests

Gee I wonder if this will get the same amount of attention from the mainstream media that NIMF's report received.

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with Sony news for Wednesday, December 1st, 2005.

Normally I would itemize the news, but I'm gong to do something a bit different. PlayStation news has been, for lack of a better word, scarce. There are many rumors for why they are keeping quiet, but the biggest, (and probably the most accurate) is that because of the Rootkit fiasco, Sony is trying to keep a low profile.

Well it looks like I'm the one updating in the void that is right before Zero Hour. But don't worry about me I've come to terms with not going to the middle of nowhere.
; )
I suppose everybody remembers the fight night round 3 demo that was shown off at Sony's E3 press conference. It was something to behold, the textures the rippiling of skin. It seemed as though EA's Fight Night was only Playstation bound.
That all changed a few months ago when It was revealed to Game Informer that Fight Night and Def Jam were headed to 360 and PS3.

Now what does the game actually look like? Does it live up to that amazing demo at E3?
In a word Yes.
In an interview with the "G-hole" the game was shown off to look just as sweat, if only a little worse.
http://www.mtv.com/games/video_games/#/games/video_games/
(IE only, sorry guys I'll try to work on something)

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with what will probably amount to an editorial so bear with me on this:

We are now at T-minus 4 days and counting till the release of the Xbox 360, and so far everything has been quiet on the PS3 front. Well I wouldn’t say quiet; more like nothing earth shattering, nothing amazing, and certainly nothing that would make a gamer wait for the PS3 before buying an Xbox 360.

UPDATED: Link for English translation.

UPDATE 2: Sony Denies it. Per Joystiq and other places.

And so that ends that!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with an interesting scoop from a visitor to our site who calls himself Ethan.

For those of you who can read Japanese, the link is here.

This is supposedly a Japanese patent site, and this was the body of the e-mail from Ethan:

SCE has secured the patent for a new disc technology that, if used, would not allow the PS3 to read used games for that platform. The technology was invented by Kutaragi himself, as well as two others.

Details regarding the patent are featured here:(ED: The link I posted above)

It is indicated specifically that the technology is to prevent the use of used as well as pirated software.

The technology involves actually rendering a authentication code originally encrypted on the game disk unreadable to other machines once the disk it is used.

This would mean that Net-based and other such games will not be the only ones to be affected by the technology.

Naturally third software developers would embrace this technology, and it would ensure sales of the inevitable "Best series" for the PS3, but used games shops would be put out of business if the PS3 were to become the primary platform in the next generation.

While information regarding the patent does not specify outright that the technology will be used in the PS3, Kutaragi has gone on record saying that copy management is absolutely necessary in order to endure that no "Napsters" of the game industry create problems in the future.

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here walking tall, feeling awesome, and with full knowledge that his Eric Cartmen singing will not happen because:

CONFIRMED: Next Generation Grand Theft Auto WILL BE Exclusive to the PlayStation 3

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with an interesting piece of news to report:

It appears that the Official PlayStation magazine is reporting that the PS3 online experience is going to be the same way as it was with the PS2. As in: No centralized login, no friends list that crosses over all games, no on the fly voice chatting, and basically all the optional extras that (attempts to) justify Microsoft charging $50.00 a year for.

This is from KeepMedia.com:

As we suspected months ago in our interview with Epic’s Mark Rein, it looks like Sony will in fact go with an open architecture for its online model. What does that mean, exactly? Basically, the way that the PlayStation 2’s online model operates will be applied to the PlayStation 3. While Harrison admitted that the Xbox Live online gaming service is one of the things that Microsoft has done well, he said that Sony’s plan is to let publishers establish their own means for getting consumers online and to let the publishers interact with consumers directly instead of using Sony as some kind of buffer for the online experience.

There's only a little more there, you'll have to pick up PlayStation Magazine for the full story.

Ok, now let’s talk turkey about this:

If it is true, Sony may have just made their biggest mistake.

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here rested, awake, and sort of at 100% gaming capabilities to bring you today’s PlayStation news for 10/31/05:

Item One: Gamespot: PS3 to run at 120fps?

Appearing at the Tokyo International Digital Conference on Thursday to talk about the technological capabilities of the PlayStation 3 and the Cell processor, Sony Computer Entertainment president Ken Kutaragi said he expects the PS3 to be capable of running games at a stunning 120fps, according to a report in The Nikkei BP.

(sigh) More marketing bullshit. Memo to Sony: For gods sakes stop talking about what “Could be� and start talking about “What is� because you have less than 3 weeks before your competition release’s its console!

Seriously, one: At best the human eye can discern 30 fps, (At best) also there ARE no TV’s right now that are capable of 120fps. I understand your trying to get the power of your system across in easy (sound bitable) terms, but let’s not start talking down to our audience.

I’m waiting for the “PS3 will make your penis appear bigger� campaign at the rate this is going.

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here practicing “I’m holding out for a Hero� in Eric Cartman’s voice, just in case.

Oh and here is PlayStation News for October 26, 2005:

Item One: Gamespot: RE4 takes new residence on PS2

Beheadings by chain saw, acid melting off flesh, and more blood than a vampire smorgasbord aren't often associated with the family-friendly GameCube. But earlier this year, that's exactly what owners of Nintendo's console got with Resident Evil 4. The game was released in January and went on to garner muchos kudos from media outlets with its new take on the long-running franchise.

Today, Capcom announced that all the twisted, infected, walking-dead fun featured in the game is now available for the PlayStation 2. Exclusive to the PS2 edition are five new chapters in which gamers play as Ada Wong, in addition to costume changes for the hero Leon and the damsel-in-distress Ashley and new munitions to take out foes.

Boy there sure is a lot of life left in a system that’s at the end of its life. Between this, Soul Caliber III and Shadow of the Colossus, it seems like the PS2 is starting to peak in its gaming.

A shame we probably won’t see the same on the Xbox, but that’s a rant for another time.

Anyway, seriously, if your Dual Shock controllers aren’t getting a heck of a workout right now, don’t even call yourself a gamer!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here again to report: Nothing.

Oh sure, there's that IGN article that talks about how the latest Silver PS2 has some games that don't wish to work with it.

Funny? Perhaps, but not exactly something Earth shattering. I mean if you're going to buy a Silver PS2 and your current PS2 is still working, then you're only doing it for vanity and frankly, you get what you pay for.

So why the sudden silence in PlayStation news? Well for one there's supposed to be a big event in Japan this weekend for the PS3. (Yes PS3) I don't know if it is going to be playable or not, but with less than two months before the Xbox 360 debut in Japan, this is probably Sony making sure the market knows that they are coming out with a (seemingly more powerful) system than Microsoft.

The only other item I have I'm still working on. I've received a tip that I'm trying to get either confirmation or denial on. As soon as I have either a comment or no comment, it goes up, so keep an eye out for it tomorrow.

Oh and pick up "The Warriors".. can.. you.. dig..it!!

And that's today's lack of news!

Questions? Comments? STFU? Send them to Hawkes

Semper Fi!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes, sick as a dog, but still dedicated to reporting news no matter what ails me!

Too bad there's nothing to report.

Seriously I've got a hunch Sony has something big up its sleeve, why else would all PlayStation news suddenly go quiet?

In the meantime, go out and pick up Shadow of the Colossus. It's getting raves.

Send get well e-mails to Hawkes
Semper Fi!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with absolutely no PlayStation news for Monday, October 17th 2005:

I'm serious, I dug. Aside from some games coming this week, there is no real "news". Instead: I'm going to comment on a very persistent rumor that's going around the 'Net right now.

Namely: PS3 developers are jumping ship to the Xbox 360.

My comments:

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with your PlayStation news for Friday, October 14th, 2005:

Item One: Gamespot: Guitar Hero is solid gold.

If Japan can have a game based on the Taiko drum, then developer Harmonix stands to reason that the good old U-S-of-A can have a game based on one of the cornerstones of modern-day Western-world music: the electric guitar. And not just any electric guitar... It's talking the hammers wielded by mullet-wearin', denim-jacket-sportin', devil-horns-throwin' monsters of rock.

Harmonix has just completed work on such a game: Guitar Hero for the PlayStation 2. The master is now off to the factory for duplication, and the retail version is scheduled to arrive in stores on November 8.

Call this a guilty pleasure. I've been looking forward to this game since reading about it from E3 2005. No more needs to be said!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with your PlayStation news for Thursday, October 13, 2005:

Item One: 1Up: Advent Children Passes 700K

CG film Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children has stirred discussion amongst fans - some love it, some hate it - but regardless of which side you're on, you have to admit that with over 700,000 DVD and UMD copies sold in just three weeks, it's turned into a smart business decision for Square Enix.

I'd personally like to know the exact split of UMD's sold to DVD's sold, but you can't have everything can you?

What's that? What's this have to do with the PlayStation? Ok, go sit in the corner, GO!

Final Fantasy VII is synonymous with PlayStation 2; it is the game that fans agree was the favorite and most likely the best. The fact that a movie sequel to a video game part 1 sold as many copies as it did is a testament to Square's creation.

On the other hand, I'd bet my left nut that fans still would have preferred a sequel…

…or perhaps a rebuild of VII for the PS3.

Congrats Square, now how about some word on this "Yes we'll make it." "No we won't!" attitude regarding Final Fantasy VII for the PS3!

Hi folks, Cooper Hawkes here with your news roundup for PlayStation news for 10/12/05:

Item One: GameInfoWire: SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy Seals For PlayStation 2 Ships

Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. announced today the launch of the blockbuster title, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs, exclusively for the PlayStation 2 computer entertainment system. Developed by Zipper Interactive, Inc. and produced by Sony Computer Entertainment America's Foster City Studio in association with the U.S. Naval Special Warfare Command, SOCOM 3: U.S. Navy SEALs offers the most realistic SEAL gameplay and mission designs of any military shooter.

Let me just say this: 32 online players at the same time. For a supposedly less powerful system (Compared to the Xbox that is) this is an amazing feat for any game console. For the Playstation 2 in its twilight years, it's astounding. All reviews for this game have been overwhelmingly positive, and I personally can't wait to play it! Oh and if you haven't picked it up? No offense, what are you still doing reading this?? GO GO GO!!

The Inquirer recently published an article stating that:

SOME INTERESTING SPINOLA has been spouting from the PlayStation 3 camp today after an nVidia spokesperson was quoted in PlayStation Magazine saying that the RSX GPU is basically a slightly less powerful GeForce 7800

from IGN:

Sony announced the release date today of the next firmware update for American Playstation Portables. Beginning August 12, 2005, users can download Firmware Upgrade 2.0, which gives westerners a web browser, photo sharing options, a customizable interface, broader network connectivity, and a few tweaks to the audio and video play back.

I can't tell you how much I love v2.0! Web browsing, H.264, AAC audio, wallpapers, the list goes on and on! It's great that we'll be getting it "officially" in the US, but until then, I guess my Japanese firmware will have to work :)

The Japanese PSP 2.0 firmware was released this morning, and it certainly didn't waste it's time making it over to America, and as expected, onto American PSP's. The new firmware supports AAC audio, H.264 video, and adds a real web browser (sorry Wipeout, you are now destined to gather dust in a drawer somewhere).

As for all of you homebrewers out there, looks like you're going to have to wait. But personally, I'd take NES over a web browser any day.