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Video game consoles

PlayStation 4: What we expect, what it needs, and why

CNET's live coverage of Sony's event on Wednesday

Sony's February 20 event in New York City will likely mark the announcement of the PlayStation 4 and simultaneously usher in the next generation of console gaming. (Sorry, Wii U, but you're more last-gen than next-gen.)

Rumors mills are also churning out details confidently declaring that the Xbox 360 successor will also see the light of day before June's big E3 gaming show in Los Angeles.

Perhaps the biggest news? Both consoles could make their debuts -- gasp -- this year. That's a hyperspeed acceleration in … Read more

Buy a media-center extender for $169.99, get a free Xbox 360

I admit it: That headline is a bit misleading. But let me 'splain. Not many people know that the Xbox 360 can double as a media-center extender, meaning it can stream to your TV all the videos, photos, music, and whatnot stored on your PC. To my thinking, it's superior to all the standalone extender products because a) It's cheaper; and b) It's an Xbox! (As you might have heard, they're not bad with the games.)

All of which brings us to my bit of headline trickery: CompUSA has refurbished Xbox 360 Core systems on sale for $169.99 (… Read more

Get a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium system for $199.99 shipped

These will sell out crazy-fast, so I'm going to keep it brief: Buy.com has reconditioned Xbox 360 Premium consoles on sale for $199.99--and shipping is free!

This is the non-HDMI version, but it does include the standard 20GB hard drive, wireless controller, and headset. Alas, you get only a 60-day warranty--though arguably a reconditioned Xbox will outlast a new one.

This deal is $20 sweeter than the last time I posted about a refurb Xbox 360, so if you've been waiting to pull the trigger on this killer console (and media-center extender), wait no longer.… Read more

Get a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium system for $219.99

Cash-strapped game junkies can score a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium console for just $219.99, plus a very reasonable 10 bucks for shipping. That's a pretty solid deal considering that it sells for $350 new.

The Premium version of the mega-popular game system includes a wireless controller, a 20GB hard drive, and a headset. Reseller Blue Bay Electronics doesn't specify the warranty period, but based on other Xbox refurbs I've seen, it's probably 60 days (you should definitely check with the company before ordering).

In addition to playing kick-ass games, the Xbox 360 supports movie and … Read more

Xbox 360 price drops now official

After weeks of credible rumors, Microsoft finally made it official: the Xbox 360 will be cheaper as of August 8. The new price points are as follows:

Xbox 360 Core: The cheapest 360 drops just $20, to $280. But since it still doesn't come with a hard drive--which will cost you at least $100--you're much better stepping up to the Premium version (see below).

Xbox 360 Premium: The sweet spot in the Xbox 360 lineup drops $50, to $350. If you don't need HDMI output and you're not planning on downloading a lot of videos, … Read more

World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade

If you're anything like half the country, your World of Warcraft account has been sitting fallow. Stuck at level sixty, you have been waiting for more content to be given to you, like a starving person waiting for a scrap of food. Blizzard finally answered your pleas with the World of Warcraft: The Burning Crusade expansion pack. With two new playable races, and a multitude of new quests, this is every fans dream come true.

Seeing pink?

If giving your girlfriend roses, teddy bears or chocolate isn't your thing, may we suggest these cool gadgets in pink? Choose from a list of cool pink MP3 players, adorable pink cell phones, pretty pink digital cameras to capture the moment or challenge her to a few games of Super Mario on the pink DS Lite. Whatever you choose, I don't think you can go wrong with pink on Valentine's day.

All your Nintendo Wii needs in one place!

As Nintendo's Wii continues to build momentum among a storm of strong sales and critical praise, one can find it difficult to keep track of all things Wii-lated. Fortunately for you, we've got the perfect roundup to service all your Wii needs. From the must-have Wii games, to the Wii accessories that any owner will just have to have, to informative features that will help you get the most from your Wii, all your bases are covered.

DS Lite vs. PSP

I'm going to be taking a road trip to Vegas and LA this coming week, and I want something to keep me occupied besides my iPod. I'm debating whether to get a DS Lite (in pink) or a PSP. I love Mario games, and a game like Big Brain Academy will definitely help me with my memory, which seems to be deteriorating. But with the PSP, I can watch movies and listen to music as well as surf the Web. I think I'm leaning toward the DS Lite, though, because the pink color really tips the scale … Read more