Nintendo Wii U Won't Play Blu-rays & DVDs

Nintendo president Satoru Iwata has confirmed that there will be no Blu-ray and DVD playback support in the upcoming Wii U gaming console. Why? Satoru Iwata explains:

Wii U does not have DVD or Blu-ray playback capabilities. The reason for that is that we feel that enough people already have devices that are capable of playing DVDs and Blu-ray, such that it didn't warrant the cost involved to build that functionality into the Wii U console because of the patents related to those technologies.

Well there you have it. This should hopefully keep the Wii U's price point down a little when Nintendo releases it in 2012. 

Nintendo's New Wii U Console Gets A Touchscreen Controller

E3 is bringing us all sorts for cool new gadgets to play with, and this time it's Nintendo's turn to announce a new gaming console. The Wii U will be Nintendo's next gaming console and it's not alone. Get ready for the first ever 6.2" touchscreen console controller that lets you take your gaming away from your TV and onto the controller's 6.2" touchscreen. Nintendo has said that the Wii U's controller want designed to be a portable gaming console like the PS Vita for example. The Wii U will wirelessly stream full HD media and games onto the 6.2" touchscreen controller without lag. It's got a built-in front-facing camera that will let you video chat from anywhere as long as you're on the same network with the Wii U. The Wii U's touchscreen controller features twin analog sticks, a D-pad, four shoulder buttons, speakers, accelerometers for motion control, a sensor strip, vibration feedback and a mic. The best thing about the Wii U's "portable" touchscreen controller is that you don't even need to have a TV in order to game and fully use the Wii U console. I'm sold.

The Nintendo Wii U will also be compatible with all existing original Wii accessories and games. Together with an innovative new touchscreen controller, the Wii U packs a whole new and powerful GPU for better graphics matching current-gen gaming consoles and performance and can transmit full HD 1080p video over HDMI. The Wii U is expected to be released in 2012. More details to come.

Battlefield 3 In Stores October 25, Beta September

Battlefield 3 will be released on Xbox 360, PS3, Pc on October 25 with PC being there main platform. EA announced today that the games beta will be available in September, but you get a VIP pass into it if you picked up last year's Medal Of Honor.

Black Ops Escalation Map Pack Coming To PS3 On June 10

Activision has confirmed that PS3 gamers will be able to download the Escalation map pack for Call of Duty: Black Ops on June 10 for $14.99. The Escalation map pack includes 5 all-new multiplayer maps including - Hotel, Convoy, Zoo and Stockpile and Call of the Dead. 

Sony's New Official PS3 Wireless Stereo Headset Headphones

Oh yes it's about time Sony releases a pair of over-ear wireless headphones. These are not any normal wireless headphones though, the Sony Wireless Stereo Headset is built for gamers and features a 7.1 virtual surround sound promising that you will hear every little detail in the game. Other add-ons such as on board volume control, retractable boom mic with a mute button and on-screen battery headset and sound control status updates will let you game all day long with no interruption. Button controls will be accessible by simply tapping or sliding your finger on the headset's surface. Sony has confirmed that these do not use Bluetooth connectivity, but instead they use a small USB Wireless Adapter. The Sony Wireless Stereo Headset is slated to be released in September for $99.99. 

Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 First Gameplay Trailer Revealed

The 3rd massive first person shooter game in the Modern Warfare franchise developed by Infinity Ward will be the next Call of Duty blockbuster game picking up right where it left off. Infinity Ward has revealed the first gameplay trailer of MW3 today and so far it looks like a Michael Bay production. The epic sequel will be released on November 8.