Late Night Consoling

Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma was interviewed by French publication Liberation and he dropped a few details on the new Zelda game for the GameCube. While he couldn't say much, he did say that the game will take place after Wind Waker and that it will be released in Japan at the end of the year. Aonuma added, "I can reveal one lone secret: it'll be very, very beautiful." He also confirmed that work is underway on a Zelda game for the DS, saying "In fact, know that our ideas for Four Swords have greatly contributed to the concept behind the DS."

At the Amusement Operator's Union (AOU) show taking place now in Japan, Nintendo revealed an arcade version of Mario Kart. Called Mario Kart Arcade GP, it runs on the Tri-Force hardware, which is based off of the GameCube, and is being developed by Namco. There will be 24 courses and support for up to four-players at a time. It also uses the Namcam2 camera, which incorporates players faces into the game. It will be in Japanese arcades in the fall and no US or console plans were revealed. The Magic Box has some screens here.

Back in August, Kemco revealed that it put a hold on development for a videogame adaptation of Lobo. Today, they officially killed any hopes of it returning. A representative of Kemco said, "It's safe to say that we're not going to resume production on that one at all. It's unfortunate, but it's just not going to happen."

To celebrate the release of Gran Turismo 4, Sony Computer Entertainment America will be giving out free gas to residents of Los Angeles. On February 22, from 7-9am, Sony is taking over the Mobil station on Sherman Way and will be filling up gas tanks for free. You'll also be given the chance to play the game. If you want the gas, come early, as Sony anticipates a huge line.

A veteran Japanese voice actor revealed in his blog that he's logged hours doing some work on a Suikoden game. That doesn't reveal much, such as platform or release date, besides that a new game is in the works. Hopefully we'll get an official word soon.

Namco revealed today that they plan to ship Tekken 5 on February 25, just one week away. There's also a bundle available for the game that comes with a six-disc case and a Hori fighting stick; it sells for $99.99. Tekken 5 comes included with playable versions of Tekken 1-3.

IGN interviews conductor Arnie Roth about his work with the Dear Friends: Final Fantasy Concert, producer Yasuo Daikai about Coded Arms, and Scot Lane regarding Fear & Respect. Game Informer chats with Jeremy Heath-Smith about Without Warning. GameSpot talks with Ray Muzyka concerning Jade Empire, Ed Boon and Shaun Himmerick about Mortal Kombat: Shaolin Monks, and Todd Hollenshead about DOOM 3. They also have a feature showcasing all the Major League Baseball games.