GeekSugar

Do You Travel With Your Video Game Console?

GeekSugar — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 13:05:22 PDT

Packing for a recent trip to visit my family, my sister begged me to bring Singstar (we're a big karaoke family). I explained that if I brought the game, I'd have to bring the PS3 console, and I bet you can guess what she said. Sadly, with wanting to be a light traveler (and not wanting to pay to check bags), I have to say sorry, I can't bring it with.

The size of the PS3 makes it a bulky companion anyhow; the Wii, on the other hand, travels comfortably and easily - and there also seems to be a lot of great travel bags for the Wii, from the bowling bag variety to the monogrammed variety.

Long story short, I've got to find a bag as cute so that I can make my family happy and making my Playstation 3 my travel companion. Do your gaming consoles get around? What do you tote them in?

Gamers Praying For an End to the Wii Shortage This Season

GeekSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 02:00:47 PDT

Were you one of the many frustrated shoppers last year who waited in line for hours (or days - you know who you are) to get your hands on a Nintendo Wii, only to be crushed with disappointment when you found out they were sold out? Fear not my gaming friends. This year, Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime hopes there will be plenty of Wii and DS systems to go around this holiday season, and will be increasing shipments for both consoles by 50 percent between October and December.

Although Fils-Aime tippy-toed around stating that Nintendo will for sure be able to put a Wii in the hands of all who want one, he's hopeful that they can come through. See what he says about the situation when you

The Armies Face Off For the Video Game Console Wars!

GeekSugar — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 14:02:36 PDT

No matter which console you use, you probably have a bit of loyalty for a game maker - who do you love? Nintendo, Microsoft, or Sony? Watch this video to see the three sides represented - all the classic players are there, like Mario and Link, but my favorite is Bill Gates with a massive weapon in his hand.

Do You Have More Than One Video Game Console?

GeekSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 09:00:29 PDT

When I spotted Heidi and Spencer coming out of their Facebreaker release party with two Xbox 360s - ostensibly, one for each of them - I scoffed, "Do Heidi and Spencer really need two Xboxes?! Really?!" (You remember Facebreaker, the game where they knock each other out. Real healthy for the relationship).

Of course, I feel semi-hypocritical, since I actually have three consoles at home - albeit not the same ones (a Wii, PS3 and Xbox). And yes, I really do think I need all of them. The games aren't the same, and though they're all next-gen consoles, the game play is completely different (not to mention the Blu-ray player and other media capabilities of my PS3).

And, as undeniably geeky as I am, I don't think it's that geeky to have more than one gaming console, but rather common, actually. So tell me: Do you have more than one video game console in your place?

Pacific Coast News Online

Will You Buy an Upgraded PSP 3000?

GeekSugar — Wed, 03 Sep 2008 14:00:09 PDT

I'm a fan of the PSP. It's got some amazing graphic capabilities, and since one of my favorite games is on the PSP, it's totally handy to have with me when I travel. But if I'm being honest, the PSP does have its drawbacks; most notably being the screen glare! I love that I can watch movies more comfortably than I could with my iPod, but contorting the console to get the best angle while on the go is kind of a bummer.

So the announcement of the spruced-up PSP, called the PSP 3000 – which will hit European markets in October – has me anticipating an upgrade. The $250 dollar PSP 3000 will have an improved LCD screen with reduced glare, so I can play games and watch videos outside comfortably, and will also boast a built-in mic for all those Skype calls I'll be making.

Since I'm still not sure how many of you own a PSP, tell me, will you buy a PSP 3000 when it hits the States?

Source

Are You Loyal to Video Game Console Makers?

GeekSugar — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 13:12:01 PDT

It started with the Atari. It took a few tries to get my little hands and thumbs acquainted with the controller, but once I got a taste of Pong, it was all over. The original NES, Gameboys, Super NES, Sega, Playstation, the DS, the Wii - I've plugged an impressive array of consoles into my TV (or slipped the portables into my bag).

Even though I don't feel that I have brand loyalty to any particular gaming company, it's a fact that I've owned five different Nintendo consoles. I do tend to love Nintendo, but I love any console that's fun and works well. But what about you? Do you tend to stick to Sony and get PlayStations, or are you strictly a Nintendo-head, or something else?

Source

Are You Still Minus a Wii?

GeekSugar — Thu, 01 May 2008 10:00:34 PDT

Don't hate me, but I've had my Wii since they first hit the shelves back in 2006. I know, I know, some people are still scouring through weekly Target ads, obsessively clicking refresh on Amazon, and getting up at the crack of dawn to wait outside a game store just on the off chance they might get one in stock. I understand your pain and I'm not here to brag, just to ask the question on everyone's mind: Why are Wii's still so hard to find?

With the Wii heading towards its second birthday this year, why the heck can't those unlucky folks get their hands on one? Unfortunately, some analysts say it's due to the dropping value of the all mighty dollar. With much more profits being made in Europe, some speculate Nintendo is attempting to squeeze all it can out of the European market with their Wii supply before re-stocking the shelves here in the US. But this isn't the only theory, to learn more, just

read more. Other conspiracy theorists are saying that since Nintendo has already met their end of March goals (with 6 million units shipped), and are building up supply, continuing the demand, and ensuring awesome second quarter sales. Unfortunately, with American retailers now running at 2.5 percent availability, some are expecting the Wii shortage to continue through 2009. Zoinks! Bad news indeed.

Do You Prefer Portable or Console Systems?

GeekSugar — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 10:10:42 PDT

I've always thought of portable gaming systems like the Nintendo DS or Sony PSP as substitutes for the real thing. Don't get me wrong, I always slip my DS into my purse when I know I am going to have to wait for a plane, train or automobile, but it's just not as engaging and exciting as playing the game on a console like the Wii or Xbox. It's the big sound. It's the vibration. It's the big screen. When it comes to gaming, do you prefer one or the other or do you love them equally?

Special Edition Pink Playstation 2 Makes Aussie Debut

GeekSugar — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 04:33:40 PDT

This fun special edition bubble gum pink PS2 has already been making its world wide jet setting tour. Starting last November, it was first on the scene in Europe and the UK and now it is making its way to Australia on March 15th. I think its great that gaming consoles are taking on a new style of femininity. They are also hitting a totally new demographic - women and people of all ages. Take the Nintendo Wii for example, its popularity keeps soaring as it is easy to use and gets alot of people engaged. With fun playstation games like karaoke Singstar, this gaming console will be another user-interactive success. Keep checking back for US availability. Price has yet to be released.

[via Shiny Shiny and Kotaku ]

How To: Get Your iPad Ready For Resale

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:48:28 PST

If the rumors are true, the iPad 3 should be announced in March. If you're ready to upgrade from your first-gen iPad or iPad 2, now's the time to start thinking about selling. But before you post a listing on Craigslist or eBay, get all your ducks in a row first. Here's a few tips on how to prep your gadget for resale, and get top dollar for your efforts.

Back up your data and do a clean sweep - First thing's first - make sure you connect your iPad to iTunes and back up all of your data. You'll be able to sync it with your new iPad after you bring it home. And just like a computer, before you sell your old tablet, you'll want to wipe it clean of any sensitive information, apps, and contact lists. Erasing all of your content and settings (go to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings) is great, but go ahead and perform a full restore in iTunes as well.
Polish the exterior - Cleaning your old iPad is kind of like cleaning your LCD monitor - you don't want to use any harsh chemicals or, even more damaging, water. Using a tried-and-tested cleaner like iKlear ($30) will ensure you won't damage your iPad's sensitive bits. Use the included microfiber cloth (or one of your own) and shine that baby up.

To see the rest of my list, including tips on how to get your gadget sold quickly online, just keep reading.