GeekSugar

Do You Turn Off Your Gaming Consoles?

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:22:29 PDT

A new study shows that 68 percent of the consumed US game console energy happened while in idle mode in 2010, meaning players simply walked away from the console instead of powering down after a session. While this may be more convenient for you, it's costing you an arm and a leg in energy costs; $1.24 billion total nationwide.

Even better than powering down your consoles? Unplugging them altogether to save even more dough when not at home.

Are you guilty of leaving your gaming console on instead of powering down?

Source: Flickr user PseudoGil

Hulu Plus Coming to Wii, 3DS

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 10:35:55 PDT

Good news, streaming fans: Hulu announced today that Hulu Plus content will be available on Nintendo's Wii and 3DS consoles by the end of the year. The $8 a month service gives you more access to current and archived TV shows and even lets you get content the day after it has aired rather than waiting an extra week to view (as is required on the free subscription for some stations).

An update will be coming to the 3DS next month to enable streaming content from Hulu, along with the ability to record up to 10 minutes of 3D video and stop-motion animations.

Nintendo Releases New Wii Updates and Bundles

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:36:07 PDT

Looking to get a head start on holiday purchases for the gamer in your life? Nintendo just unveiled two new Wii bundles to get you thinking about a console for your shopping list. Available in stores Oct. 23, the black Wii holiday bundle ($150) includes a black Wii, a black Wii Remote Plus, a black Nunchuk controller, a copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii game, and a special Super Mario Galaxy soundtrack CD. The updated Wii has been reconfigured to sit horizontally rather than vertically and - bummer! - no longer supports GameCube games.

The standard Wii bundle currently in stores ($150) will still be available for the holiday rush and includes a Wii console (white or black), matching Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, Mario Kart game, and Wii Wheel accessory.

European Wii gamers get their own blue Wii bundle option to be excited for, which is in the theme of the Mario and Sonic 2012 London Olympics game. Included in this bundle available Nov. 18 are also the newly configured blue Wii console, blue Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers, and a copy of Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games. No word yet if the blue Wii will come to the US.

5 Active Video Games to Encourage Exergaming in Kids

Rebecca M Gruber — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 05:00:00 PST

You never thought you'd hear yourself say, "Go play with your video games!" But according to a new study in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, active video games, or so-called "exergames," are actually healthy for kids. According to the research, video games that encourage intense movement can result in kids burning at least the same number of calories as more traditional exercise. With more gaming systems using body tracking technology (such as the XBox Kinect or Sony Move systems) it is easier to tell if tots are actually moving. Here are five fun video games that will encourage families to get up and move.

Sexy Alert: We Dare For Wii

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 24 Feb 2011 13:00:16 PST

There are plenty of kid-friendly games to choose from on the Wii, but Ubisoft is hoping to sex things up a bit with its new title, We Dare. Described as a "sexy, quirky, party game that offers a large variety of hilarious, innovative and physical, sometimes kinky, challenges," this game is not meant for the youngsters. In fact, by the looks of things, it's really meant for open minds, swingers, "close friends," or a combination of all three. Check out the trailer (and don't forget to stay for the alternate endings!) after the jump.

Couple Up: 5 Games For Valentine's Day Fun

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 12 Feb 2011 06:00:46 PST

Rather than going broke on the usual Valentine's Day dinner for two, why not stay home, cook a meal together, and play a few video games? Not only will you save some cash (and calories), but you'll also heighten the mood with a bit of playful competition. Check out five of my favorite games, perfect for couples.

Babysitting Mama For Wii: Kid Friendly or Are You Kidding?

Rebecca M Gruber — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 00:05:00 PST

Gaming with a baby? The Babysitting Mama ($50) game for Wii gives mommy wannabes or babysitters-in-training the opportunity to care for a child of their own, through a plush doll that houses the system's remote control. Once turned on, players follow the on-screen mother's cues to rock their babies to sleep, feed, burp, change, and entertain them while competing against friends to see who is the better babysitter. The game bills itself as babysitting practice. What's your opinion?

Best of 2010: Favorite New Video Game

GeekSugar — Sun, 02 Jan 2011 02:00:01 PST

Congratulations, Super Mario Galaxy 2, you are the readers' choice winner for the top video game of 2010! Claiming 32 percent of the vote, SMG2 beat out top titles like Alan Wake and Fable III to take top honors.

We agree! Super Mario Galaxy 2 is fun to play, with 70 main stars to capture and plenty more to find. It was more challenging than expected, and, of course, also featured the return of Yoshi!

Before the ball drops, be sure to catch up on everything 2010 with the rest of our Best Of coverage.

Wii Gets Wacom-Like Drawing Tablet This Holiday

GeekSugar — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 03:47:18 PDT

The Nintendo Wii is getting an exclusive game and peripheral later this year from games maker THQ that will bring Wacom-like drawing to the console. Called the uDraw Game tablet this accessory will come bundled with uDraw Studio, which allows you to draw pictures, color, and play art-based video games with the included stylus and 4x6 tablet surface.

Find out more about the uDraw Tablet and Studio, why it's perfect for your little ones, and a demo video after the break.

Which Gaming Console Was July's Best Seller?

GeekSugar — Fri, 13 Aug 2010 11:30:56 PDT

Sales figures from this past July are in, and the month's best-selling gaming console was a brand-new chart-topper. Between the XBox 360, Nintendo Wii, and PlayStation 3, can you guess which console reigned supreme?

Take the Quiz