It used to be that you needed a console, a controller, and cartridge/disc to enjoy a game. While the prices of consoles and games haven’t gone up too much over the years, you have to spend more money than ever to play games. On the hardware side you have accessories, on the software side you have DLC, and on the services side you have Xbox Live Gold. All of that stuff adds up!

In addition to the rumors that Sony will announce the PSP2 at E3 2010, VG247 has heard that the company will also unveil a premium PSN service at its press conference. The service is said to include one free PSN title a month (from a limited selection) and a streaming music service similar to Spotify. The site’s sources pegged the pricing at £50. If that’s accurate, I’d expect the American price would be lower since Microsoft’s competing Xbox Live Gold service is $50 a year. (£50 is approximately $61 … more

Here’s a cool UFC Undisputed 2010 developer diary on one of the game’s new online features — fight camps. An MMA fighter’s teammates and training partners can play a huge part in his success. This online mode lets gamers replicate the “camp” feeling. In this video, Undisputed Producer Neven Dravinski and MMA Manager Ed Soares discuss the new feature.

I know RPadholic Big Blak is really looking forward to this game. Anyone else planning on picking it up? Want to start an RPad.tv stable? We could rule the MMA world!… more

The PSP2 rumor mill is heating up (I’m not really sure if mills actually heat up, but let’s go with it). The latest info comes from VG247. The site’s sources told it the following:

• The PSP2 will have a touchscreen
• The system will likely come out in early 2011, not 2010
• UK developers are already working on games for the PSP2
• The PSP2 uses a “f*cking powerful” quad-core CELL CPU

A quad-core CELL sounds awesome on paper. The games and videos it could run would be impressive, but it … more

Here’s an interesting Google I/O rumor for you — Google will supposedly announce an Android-powered television made by Sony and powered by Intel processors. The television would make using streaming-video services like Hulu, Netflix, and Vudu easier for consumers. Developers could extend the capabilities of a “Google TV” even further and the Android developer community could experience rapid growth thanks to a ubiquitous device like a television. Here’s what Financial Times reported:

Top executives from the Silicon Valley companies are reported to be ready to reveal a deal with Sony,

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I love the Disgaea series. The gameplay and writing are superb. As you can imagine, I’m super psyched for the June release of Disgaea Infinite for Sony PlayStation Portable. It’s going to rock and the replay value will be so excellent that there’s a good chance it will keep me occupied until Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep is released. That sounds like a great plan! Anyway, eat up these screen shots and let me know what you think of them.

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Square Enix has finally announced the released date for the North American version of Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep — September 7, 2010!!! Naturally, Sony will be offering a PSP bundle to commemorate the game’s release (or move old hardware depending on your perspective). Be sure to check out the video above and enjoy this lovely snippet of press release magic:

Players will explore iconic Disney worlds in a unique gaming experience that unfolds through the perspectives of three different main characters: Terra, Ventus and Aqua. Their journeys will take

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After several weeks of boring releases, mid-May delivers with authority! The Xbox 360 exclusive Alan Wake is out this week and numerous critics have compared it to Sony’s Heavy Rain, but with broader appeal. On the multiplatform kick there’s Red Dead Redemption, Split / Second, and Prince of Persia: The Forgotten Sands. Last but not least is Blue Dragon: Awakened Shadow for Nintendo DS.

With all the great games available this week, I want to know if you’re planning on picking anything up. Please let me … more

The NBA playoffs are moving on without the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the most interesting NBA story of the year remains with the team — where will Lebron James play in the 2010-2011 season? After the Cavs were eliminated, James’ demeanor and answers seemed to indicate that he was leaning towards leaving his home franchise. Where will the best player in the NBA end up? I want to hear your thoughts on the matter!