You probably already know it, Xbox 360 Games offer some of the most wonderfully immersive experiences anywhere, online or off.  With smash titles like Halo, Fallout, Call of Duty, and Panzer General : Allied Assault, it’s hard to see what else could presumably improve gameplay any more than the long way it is already come.  Of course , it wasn’t but a few years ago that clunky outdated controllers were still being used.  Nowadays the user interface has improved noticeably, with on-board accelerometers to process spatial information for human kinetics in gaming.But something up coming may be the most revolutionary thing to hit videogaming at home in our time. 

Xbox 360 games can be closely matched to Xbox 360 Accessories for the most seamless experience of really immersive gameplay.  But what if there were no requirement for any Xbox 360 accessories save one?One ueber-accessory to replace all of them?  Long the stuff of science-fiction and comic books, this latest of Xbox 360 Accessories would also be the last.  It’d be the single thing needed to play all the Xbox 360 games made of then on. 

Not heard of it?  That’s as it was just recently announced by Microsoft.  It’s a electronic eye of sorts that may obliterate the necessity for physical controllers, hardware that’s held in one’s hand.  This new soon-to-come electronic eye will sense player movements in space, so handheld controllers with built-in accelerometers will not be required.  This latest advance in gaming technology is due out inside the following year or two, and will be mounted separately from the console.  But all user movement data will be provided to the console just the same.  Try to imagine playing computer games with nothing less than your own body and body movements! 

This undoubted sorcery eye that Microsoft has been developing will even track eye movements to modify point-of-view in a first-person shooter.  Imagine Halo or Call of Duty or gong of honour without pesky controllers but with instead a light gun and your own body and your own eyes!  As you turn right the screen capture reveals scenery to your right side, and as you turn left the panorama shifts with you! 
So while today’s Xbox 360 games are quite sophisticated, the Xbox accessories to come will require software that rethinks the entire notion of onscreen and off.  Hardware and software exist in a symbiotic relationship, and it will be interesting to see what transpires next now that the hardware has taken a quantum jump forward!

Where do gamers go?

The choices you have as a gamer are:

1. Buy (Online, Ebay, used, Gamestop..)
2. Rent (Gamefly, blockbuster…)
3. Trade (Goozex, Switchplanet..)

Renting in the past at your brick and mortar rental place can easily set you back more then $5-$7 every week like Blockbuster. Many places like Gamefly charge a monthly service fee. Renting is a solution but you spend more time with games than movies. Much more time is needed for videogames than movies. Most movies range from 1.5 hours to epics of 6 hours. Where most videogames you could get a good feel for a game in 3 hours but most sports games and long role playing games could be played for more then 70 hours.

This is where Goozex steps in. Goozex allows the gamer to keep the game as long as you want but have the option to sell it too. There is only a $1 transaction fee if you request a game on their network. So basically you can trade in your older games and build up Goozex credit until you get enough for a newer title and just pay the $1 transaction fee. All shipping costs are handled by the sender so if you are requesting a game you only pay the and not the shipping and handling. No membership fees so no need to feel you need to use the system. This is ideal in the sense that you could play the game until you are actually sick of it then send it in for credit. So you’re not rushed to get as many games played on the network because you can play at your own pace. Plus you OWN the game. From then on the game is yours, not a rental.

The network is peer to peer in that you can only request games and send games to other members. There is no single central warehouse and the pricing of the credits of the system are in points (100pts = $5). The pricing of the game is determined by market demand, release date, initial cost of the game, and a couple other factors. Most xbox 360 titles will go for 800-1000 pts which translates to $40-$50. This isn’t bad for a used game. Some money can be saved buying used but there is still tax and travel time/cost. Goozex gives you free shipping to you with no tax charge. You can buy games directly but will cost you a premium but then again this money is locked in credits anyways. The game prices will fluctuate and you will see the price change in your history. I’ve had a couple games I requested and I can see that price increase/decrease. It doesn’t happen that much but some games change +/- 200pts depending on market demand.

So why use Goozex instead of a used videogame store or an auction site with games like Ebay? You just need $1 to pay for the transaction fee. Most people don’t like to continually shell out more money for a game and then feel like the games they bought are depreciating at a very fast rate. Selling your game for cash anywhere will not give you that much. Brick and mortar stores resell your games for a huge mark up. Selling it online at an auction site will incur fees and you still have to pay for shipping. You can get great value from Goozex and just trade in games you don’t want with a demand. There might be more difficulty in sending older sports titles as those don’t have much demand once their season is up like trying to sending in EA sports Madden 2005 will be a hard game to sell to someone on the network. Older games on ebay are a hassle to sell. You can build your own game list and no insertion fees.

Each videogame is packed with information like reviews from Gamepro, some tips/trick, game description, and some even have instructions. I love being able to see the supply and demand of each game. This will let you know if you have a game people want or if you can possibly get a game on the network. Goozex determines who gets the game by matching up users. There is a waiting list that is generated and when you add a game you will see in what place you are waiting for that game. This is a fabulous idea as impatient gamers can tell if they should expect a game soon. There is also a distinction between games you want now and games you have for holding. Both will show you your place in line so you’re not forced to get every game you want now. This is a good way to build up a wishlist and then have your core set of games your really want now. It is ideal to have a very large set of games you want now so you will have a very good chance of getting a game soon. I requested Crackdown and I was like 60 people back. I got this game in 14 days. Just because you’re really deep in line doesn’t mean you won’t get the game soon. Newer games do get pushed out in the system fairly quickly. You have the option of trading just the game, the game with instructions, or the full package that includes case and instructions. Some people tend to not keep cases or instructions. The value of the game doesn’t go down as the credits don’t reflect what is included. This is because the user requesting the game can have the option to request only full packaged games, games with instructions, or just the game itself. I have not had a problem with getting full packages as I’ve gotten over 49 games and I’ve sent out 54 in under 2 years of being there.

Why NOT to use

For this site to be a perfect 5 star site I would like to see:

1. More users (will there ever be enough?)
2. More retro gaming console support (nes, snes, saturn….)
3. is still not free. I’m a member of another site that has no transaction fees yet still protects the members.
4. Video game trailers for each game
5. More user interaction like user reviews and tournaments…)

All the above are small tweaks to the system that is already very functional. The main reason someone would NOT want to use this system is time and money. If you have money why wouldn’t you just buy the game new down the street? Why wait? Saving money and the community are the main draws to the system. Save money and also connect with other gamers. If your very impatient then new release games will have to be purchased. Most new release games takes on average of 1-2 months. Why? You are placed in a waiting line. The order of the Que determines when you get the new game, but more importantly is how many are available? Most will eventually get bored of their new game and will send them out as “have” games. The wait times do get long. Say you want a popular game that normally runs 40 hours to complete. You gotta factor in that a player like me would take over 1 month to beat a game like that. Seasonal games with many updates like Madden will hit the system quick but it’s also a bad thing. If you hold a game too long it will depreciate in value just like on the streets. Trading for early on might be for 1000 points but in a couple months with the market being saturated it could be 500 points in no time losing half of it’s value. Not Goozex’s fault but some games just don’t move well.

Current Goozex Simultaneous Transaction on the Network as of Mar 11, 2009 = 4793

With Christmas nearing, there are a number of kids who are busy writing out a list of what they want. The PlayStation gaming console is bound to be included maybe first on that list. Now if parents aren’t aware of these gaming consoles, it is going to be a pretty difficult task to find a PlayStation 3 that is perfect~. To start of, there are five PlayStation consoles and every piece has been designed for a definite sort of gaming. The PS3 costs that we put out here are an approximate figure and kind of an average cost of the console.

If you are a learner, then the regular Playstation 3 120GB system is the one to set off with and it comes with Wi-Fi built in and free membership to the PlayStation network. It comes at a tag of $299.99.

From there, you can advance to the next stage with the Entertainment Value Bundle from PlayStation 3 and here you can choose – whether it is the games, the console or the Blue-ray movie. Every type of your children’s media collection CDs and DVDs can be played on this console. There is a dual shock wireless controller that comes along with it and also membership to the network and it is ready for the Internet. It costs 9.00 and the 120GB memory together with the vertical stand costs additional.

The Playstation 3 Game Reviews Choice console also gives you a variety – whether it is the dual shock controller, games or the Blu-ray remote. It has an 80GB memory, it is Internet ready and you acquire the PlayStation membership. This too can play your complete media collection DVDs and CDs. It costs $399.00.

When you are looking for home entertainment, there’s nothing quite like the PlayStation 3 console. Every one has a Blu-ray player which is built in and this ensures that you get the finest graphics and gaming excitement. And the fact that this console can play all of your media library CDs and DVDs and you’ll see how amazing it is!

There’s also another thing for those who worship Guitar Hero as well – the Sony PlayStation 3 Ultimate Rock Bundle. Here also, your console has a dual shock 3 wireless controller, hard disk storage, it’s ready for the Internet and of course, you obtain your membership to the PlayStation network. You can pick the rock band kit that you want and it offers you the latest installment of the Guitar Hero World Tours. It is sold to you priced at $349.00.

This concluding console completes the PlayStation 3 console prices and it arrives with 160GB and also the uncharted Drakes Game as a bonus. It comprises of the Drakes Fortune Game, it is is ready for the Internet, you get your PlayStation membership, it comes with a dual shock 3 wireless controller and it also has a voucher that permits you to download the PAIN game. It can be bought for $399.00.

This is an argument that has been in debate not just for this generation of games consoles but since the beginning. Is the best consoel going to be Wii, 360 or PS3?

Althought the sales of the wii seem to be doing very well it just isnt doing anything for me at all. The major let down is not the console but the games. The Wii has not seen a proper Nintendo game in over a year. This is not a bad idea but Nintendo don’t seem to be making any games for their fans anymore. Nintendo have also rather insultingly announced another Zelda DS game and Mario Galaxy 2 both of which seem to be almost complete copies of the previous edditions.

The PS3 is a good console. The only reason I really bothered with this console was for the Blu-Ray. Sometimes free is not positive at all. Free can mean only one thing, laggy games and awful servers. Compared to Gears of War and Halo the PS3 exclusives are not brilliant. The PS3 wand does seem to rip off the Wii.   

The overall experience I recieve from the Xbox seems to be the best which is why it is number one on my list. The games are a lot better and the online service (although paid for) never really recieves lag. Live recieves many updates that actually do things. It is pretty much gurenteed that Natal will secure the sales the 360 needs to come out on top of Sony at least. Microsoft seems to be focusing in on their fans rather than the market which is always a good thing.

For more technology debates why not find a technology blog?

Video games consoles have long been favourite of kids (even grown up kids) for many years, the first video games machine was probably the pong game from the 1970’s but over the years as technology has progressed video games have become more and more immersive and detailed with stunningly life-like graphics, mind blowing surround sound effects and game play that the whole family can enjoy.

The latest generation of home video games consoles has almost every member of the family covered; some consoles are even being introduced in retirement homes for seniors to enjoy. More consoles are moving towards getting the player out of their seat and with the Nintendo Wii and forthcoming motion controllers for both the Xbox 360 and Sony PS3 it is clear that video games are once again changing the way we think about gaming.

Sony PS3

The Sony Playstation brand is well known with millions of units sold all over the world the Playstation 2 was the leader in sales for the last generation but the newer, more advanced entertainment behemoth PS3 has had a less meteoric rise. The price of the system was deemed very steep with the new Blu-Ray capabilities being argued as the reasoning behind a higher than usual price point. But with other consoles having to play catch up with additional purchases need to match the PS3 the price soon matches the PS3. With Blu-Rays being the new standard for home videos the PS3 is fully up to date with modern entertainment systems, not just games.

Xbox 360

Microsoft have learnt from their mistakes with the first Xbox and come back with a console that is close to the PS3 technology wise, being released earlier and for a lower price than the PS3 the 360 has a much larger fan base at this point, an interesting reversal of roles for Microsoft and Sony. The 360’s main advantage is a huge online community called Xbox Live where many people all over the country pay for an online service that makes multiplayer gaming effortless and without faults. The Xbox also comes in a variety of different versions with different features so you can buy a basic version for less money.

Nintendo Wii

The Nintendo Wii does not have the same power as the Xbox or PS3 but does have significant advances hidden inside its tiny casing. The Wii is controlled by the moments you make holding the remote control. Playing games like tennis and bowling are excellent with the remote imitating all of your real life movements and making the character in the game do your exact same move. The Nintendo console has been seen as a much more accessible console with games aimed not at the hardcore shoot ‘em up crowd and more at casual gamers who want a simple game that is fun to play.

There are all sorts of crowds which each console appeals to with some people able to buy two or all three. The important thing to remember is that video games are meant to be a bit of fun and when choosing one to buy you should see which one suits your expectations best.

Introducing the PlayStation 3, typically called PS3 and developed by Sony computer Entertainment.  The PlayStation 3 offers intense competition to Nintendo’s Wii and Microsoft’s Xbox 360 as a part of the seventh generation of computer game consoles.  The wireless Sixaxis and DualShock 3 comprise the two PS3 controllers available.

The name ‘Sixaxis’ is a marriage of ’six axis’ which signifies directional movements.  It’s also used to signify motion sensitive technology.  The wireless PS3 controllers can operate for up to 30 hours by charging to their full capacity.  The battery is absolutely interchangable and Sixaxis are provided with the instructions of the simplest way to go about the process. 

The main feature of Sixaxis PS3 controllers is the ability to sense both translational acceleration and rotational orientation along 3 dimensional axes. 

Furthermore Sixaxis PS3 controllers have LED outlets on the side.  On the top of the controller you will find numbered LED outlet indicators which total 4 in number.  They recognise and distinguish multiple wireless PS3 controllers.  As you switch on the PS3, you can enter the menu showing the battery charge of all PS3 controllers which are in synchronization, by accessing the PS button.  And this is only one of the options shown on the menu 

Sixaxis PS3 controllers feature more intense analog sensitivity than DualShock 2, which is the predecessor to DualShock 3 discussed before.  They increase the 8 bit reception of the DualShock 2 to a ten bit reception.  The shell beneath the L2 and R2 buttons has been removed and converted into triggers.  The scope of travel decides the level of analog input rather than the range of pressure.  There is a jewel like PS button incorporating the PlayStation brand in the place of the Analog mode button which can be discovered on earlier dual analog releases.  This enables the controllers to change inputs, turn the consoles or the controllers on or off, access the home screen, and so on. 

Finally, The DualShock 3 is a vibration feedback controller by Sony for PS3.  The DualShock 3 was first introduced as a secondary peripheral for the original PlayStation.  An enhanced PlayStation release arrived with the controller initially incorporated in the Sony dual Analog Controller.  The DualShock 3 wireless PS3 controllers include all of the features of Sixaxis along with rumble technology.