console

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us a brand-new Mega Man game sticking true to its 8-bit roots and a classic Dodge Ball game from the NES era.

WiiWare Mega Man 9 (Capcom, 1,000 Wii points): Mega Man 9 is truly an homage to the original classic 8-bit series. Even though the game is brand new with unique stages and bosses, the game has the traditional graphics and gameplay from that of the NES classic franchise. PL?TTCHEN twist 'n' paint (Bplus, 1,000 Wii points): PL?TTCHEN twist 'n' paint is a self-described puzzle-shooter that requires you to paint certain tiles … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us the second episode in the Homestar Runner series as well as a classic NES action-platformer!

WiiWare Strong Bad Episode 2: Strong Badia the Free (Telltale Games, 1,000 Wii points): The Homestar Runner characters are back in the second episode of the WiiWare series. This time, Strong Bad is faced with an unfair e-mail tax and is placed on house arrest for his failure to comply. Potpourrii (Abstraction Games, 800 Wii points): Potpourrii is a puzzle game that revolves around the four seasons. It makes unique use of the Wii controller and even lets you use … Read more

iBikeConsole: Get a grip on your tunes

Two activities that don't generally mesh well: ripping down a bumpy bike trail and toggling between songs on an iPod.

TigraSport's new iBikeConsole makes it easier to juggle those actions by letting bikers change iPod Nano selections and adjust volume without removing their hands from the handlebars. We're not sure why this product is exclusive to the Nano, but we still like its emphasis on safer riding.

Basically, the device acts as a docking station for the iPod while providing a weatherproof and shock-proof case. It also combines a remote control system with a cycle computer so … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

This week brings us another rhythm game for WiiWare along with a pair of Turbografx 16 imports for the Virtual Console.

WiiWare

Groovin' Blocks (Empty Clip Studios, 800 Wii points): Groovin' Blocks is one part puzzler, one part rhythm game where following the beat of a song will help you reach a higher score. Play through up to 27 levels, all with their own beats. Virtual Console

Final Solider (1991, Turbografx 16, 700 Wii points): Final Solider is a top-down shooter released within the Star Solider series. Play through various levels or try your skill at a 2- or 5-minute … Read more

Score a refurbished Xbox 360 Premium for $149.99

Regular Cheapskate readers know that I love me some Xbox 360--not just because it's a killer gaming console, but also because it's a killer media center extender. In fact, I recently suggested buying an Xbox 360 Core system expressly for its extender capabilities.

But why buy a Core for $170 when you can get an Xbox 360 Premium for $150? Yeah, that's what I'm talkin' bout! There are some catches, however, so read on before you pull the trigger (or, um, click the mouse).

First catch: this is the non-HDMI Xbox 360 Premium, meaning that you'… 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

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

Virtual Console

Chase H.Q. (1992, TurboGrafx-16, 600 Wii points): You, Tony Gibson, and your partner, Raymond Broady, are of two cops from the NYPD's special "CHASE H.Q." unit. It's your mission to catch criminals by chasing them and ramming them off the road in your unmarked car--all in 16-bit graphics glory. Art of Fighting 2 (1994, NeoGeo, 900 Wii points): 12 characters compete in the toughest fighting contest of them all: King of Fighters. The game is notorious for having some of the most difficult opponent A.I. in the long history of fighting … Read more

Get a 13-month Xbox Live Gold subscription for $39.99 shipped

As a general rule, I despise paying monthly fees for anything. But a little over $3 per month for an Xbox Live Gold subscription? I can live with that. Newegg has 13-month Xbox Live subscription cards on sale for $39.99, with 3-7-day shipping included free.

In case you're new to the Xbox scene, a Live Gold subscription enables you to play games online against others. If you buy one of these cards directly from Microsoft (or, say, Best Buy), it'll cost you $49.99. You can use the 10 bucks you save to grab a new game … Read more

WiiWare and Virtual Console releases for this week

The classic ape makes a comeback and competitive eating gets its own game--all on the Nintendo Wii console. Virtual Console

Donkey Kong 3 (1986, NES, 500 Wii points): Stanley the Bugman's greenhouse has been infiltrated by Donkey Kong. Armed with a can of bug spray, you must chase the ape away before he destroys the greenhouse. Ninja Commando (1992, NeoGeo, 900 Wii points): Ninja Commando is a top-down, vertical-scrolling shoot em' up, known for its unintentionally funny English translation.

WiiWare

Major League Eating: The Game (Mastiff, 2008, 1,000 Wii points): Based on competitive eating contests held by Major … Read more