Late Night Consoling

Well! While much of the rumor mongering is related to Microsoft's Xbox 360, this juicy bit of info slips out that hints at the key factor of Nintendo's next-gen console: real-time 3D projection. A couple facts back this up: first, Hollywood bigwigs including George Lucas, James Cameron, Robert Rodriguez, and Peter Jackson claim they hope to integrate cheap digital stereoscopic 3D into theaters around the nation. Supposedly, Rodriguez let it slip that a game machine will take advantage of this prior to movie theaters. Second, Nintendo stated long ago that their "big thing" was something already available yet never applied to video games. Finally, at last year's E3, Nintendo demoed such technology for use with the GameCube. Too good to be true? We'll see (hopefully) at E3.

Microsoft announced plans to conduct a worldwide online tournament with Halo 2 in hopes of finding a world champion. The contest will take place over Xbox Live and every active territory will get the opportunity to join the elite ranks. Competition begins May 2 with the finals in June in this double elimination ladder. The global champion scores a 50" Samsung DLP HDTV, Samsung DVD player/recorder, 24k gold Halo 2 game disc, and $1,500. I wish I didn't suck in Halo 2. =(

Nintendo released new sales figures that said at some point in mid-March, the Nintendo DS hit five million units sold. Considering that the DS is available in basically every major territory, it's no surprise it's selling so well. PSP won't see release in Europe until September.

Sony revealed worldwide sales numbers for Gran Turismo 4 and the oft-delayed yet critically-acclaimed real-life simulation-game has sold 6.25 million copies. Woa! Even more surprising is that Europe is responsible for half of those sales with 3.12 million sold. Sony also noted that the entire series has sold close to 44 million copies. Bling bling, y'all!

GameSpot chats with Medievil Resurrection producer Felice Stadifer. They also have choice quotes from Chief Xbox Officer Robbie Bach from a recent luncheon. EuroGamer chats with the producer of Scarface, Cam Webber.