2008 February 15 | Sourfizz

15 02 2008

Analyst sees NVIDIA as potential buyer for AMD, facts may get in the way

Posted by: in Games news

Filed under: Desktops, Gaming, Laptops

You can file this one squarely in wild rumors and speculation department, but at least one analyst is now saying that NVIDIA could maybe, possibly be interested in acquiring arch rival AMD. That surprising and slightly hard to believe word comes from Doug Friedman of American Technology Research, who says that the “Intel/AMD roadmap of integration of the CPU/GPU could pose a risk to NVIDIA,” and that buying AMD would propel NVIDIA into a “formidable competitor for Intel.” As X-bit Labs points out, however, there is the little matter of a cross-licensing agreement between Intel and AMD, which would prevent AMD from transferring any of Intel’s technologies to a third party, effectively making it impossible for the new company to produce its own x86 CPUs, to say nothing of the potential antitrust issues involved.

[Thanks, Mack S]

15 02 2008

Guitar Hero Carabiner keeps those fingertips calloused

Posted by: in Games news

Filed under: Gaming, Handhelds

If you (for whatever reason) thought the Air Guitar Rocker spotted at CES was the next best thing to Guitar Hero itself, you’ve got another thing comin’. Debuting at Toy Fair 2008 in New York, the Guitar Hero Carabiner takes thrashing to an entirely different level, albeit a much tinier one. Yep, this 7.75- x 3-inch device features a minuscule LCD screen, integrated speaker, five gloriously colorful buttons and a loop for clipping onto your knapsack (or similar). Additionally, the neck itself collapses down to make the entire thing just 4- x 3-inches for easy portability, and best of all, it can be yours for the low, low price of $14.99.

[Via CNET]

15 02 2008

Nintendo estimates it lost $975m worldwide in 2007 due to piracy

Posted by: in Games news

Filed under: Gaming

We’re always a little skeptical of piracy impact numbers, especially when companies try to factor in things like “lost sales,” which can’t be adequately measured, but it’s still interesting to hear how large the hit is estimated to be — like Nintendo’s recent filing with the US Trade Representative that piracy cost it and its partners some $975m worldwide in 2007. Saying that the popularity of the Wii and DS makes Nintendo an “attractive target” for counterfeiters, the big N broke the problem down by region, highlighting its efforts to stem the tide and proposed solutions and regulations. We’d say that with profits soaring and plenty of people clamoring for hard-to-find systems, Nintendo could probably get back a little of that cash by finally getting some boxes on shelves instead of pushing for new laws, but hey — even Mario’s lawyers probably get sick of being paid in mushrooms.

[Image courtesy of Nick Cueva]

15 02 2008

Wii 2 and Xbox the Third hitting in 2010?

Posted by: in Games news

Filed under: Gaming

Those pesky analysts are at it again, and this time it’s serious: Evan Wilson of Pacific Crest Securities says we can expect a sequel to the Wii in 2010, to be followed by a new Xbox later that year. Obviously it’s something on the minds of all three of the gaming hardware giants — in fact, Gizmondo probably has 2010 in its sights as well — but there’s really no telling at this point how accurate this rumor is. What we have heard are some conjectures before now that Nintendo has a shorter life cycle in mind for its graphics-impaired Wii. Also, Microsoft obviously made a huge bet this generation on hitting a year before the competition, and has done alright for itself in the process, so Microsoft might be looking for a repeat. There’s no rumor yet on Sony’s PS4 plans, but while the company has its hands full at the moment with its purported 2008 comeback, we’re sure they’re keeping this all in mind. Wilson also predicts a new Nintendo DS and PSP in 2010, meaning any way you slice it you’re going need a second mortgage.

[Via Joystiq]