Save the planet and buy a Wii

Before we concentrate on the bigger gaming manufacturers, be sure to take a look at Engadget's hands-on with GamePark's GP2X F-200 - especially if you're into your retro gaming.

The device is expected to draw less power than one of the big three consoles - Dean Takahashi from mercurynews.com has used a simple watt-meter that he's used to measure the output of each of the current next-gen consoles, producing predictable results.

The Xbox 360 Elite came in at 194 watts and the Playstation 3 reported a 171 watt usage. But the Nintendo Wii consumed a measly 17 watts. If you're as ecologically sound as Mike Magee, you know which console you should buy.

PS3/PSP
In a Pocket Gamer interview with Peter Ahnegard of Sony Ericsson at the Leipzig Games Convention, suggestions were made regarding the possibility of a Playstation-branded mobile phone.

"Gaming is probably the most mature content area we have today in mobile phone and Sony Ericsson has always reflected that, having games embedded on our handsets for many years" said Ahnegard.

"Up until today we haven't felt we could launch a Playstation phone because it wouldn't be recognized as a true continuation of that brand of products," continued Ahnegard, who then added, "It's obviously something that we're looking at but right now I can't really comment. Before Christmas, certainly... but exactly which Christmas I can't confirm!".

No doubt rumours of the device will now rumble on and on.

At the beginning of the week talk was flying that the 60GB model of the PS3 had sold out - despite Sony recently stating that there would be stock for sometime to come.

When Gamepro.com first reported that the 60GB version of the PS3 became listed as on back order, Sony's Dave Karraker confirmed that there was no longer any 60GB inventory remaining in SCEA warehouses and that it all had been shipped out to retailers.

Fortunately for those that want the 60GB model, with full-backwards compatibility, Sony has rebuffed the critics and has responded to the online demand and has now replenished the online supply of the 60GB version, shipping ample retail supply back to fulfill online orders.

Karraker also remarked that the $599 80GB PS3 bundle may be reduced down to $499 once the complete supply of the 60GB version dries up.

Sony Europe has announced that Gran Turismo 5 Prologue will be out this year as both a traditional Blu-ray release and as a Playstation Network download. The eagerly awaiting game will run at 1080p and 60fps, and will feature 16-player online match-ups.

Gizmodo has finally got its hands on a Slim PSP and has revealed its findings in a video review.

Xbox 360
If you're looking to purchase a Slim PSP, then consider using your Xbox 360 controller to control your games. Engadget has the full low-down.

Kotaku has an interesting rumour suggesting that the Xbox 360 repairs turn-around has slowed to a crawl - up from 2 weeks to a 6-week wait.

If you're wondering what your audio options are with the new Xbox 360 equipped with HDMI, which should hopefully not need a repair, Joystiq provides you with (some) of the answers.

September 4th will see the launch of the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit and the Halo 3 edition controllers for the Xbox 360 - in the US. All things Halo 3 will retail for $59.99 while the Messenger Kit is just $29.99.

In other Halo 3 related news, Halo fanboys will be relieved to know that the game has finally gone gold, and is set to head off to manufacturing in time for the big launch.

It's said that Japan already has many fans of the series...as is Mountain Dew.

If you're interested to see a head-to-head with the latest and greatest Xbox 360 game, with the much vaunted Crysis, look no further than here.

Wii/DS
As previously reported in the INQ, the Nintendo Wii has become the UK's fastest-selling home console in history, with 1 million units sold in 38 weeks.

It was 50 weeks before Playstation 2 hit the 1 million mark, while Xbox 360 took 60 weeks to reach the same target.

It's also taken over the Xbox 360 to become the number one console, a lot sooner than predicted.

This is probably why a company like Valve suggests that the Wii is more valuable than any other console.

Joystiq has the latest Wii NiGHTS trailer but isn't too impressed with the results. We suggest something is being lost in translation, as Joystiq points out.

A more current game is examined by Gamasutra who reports on the reception of Metriod Prime 3 on the Wii. Reviews across the net have been positive.

DS owners should also expect a new Metriod game. In 2D.

If you haven't already seen them head over to Gizmodo to check out the rather odd Wii controller proto-types.

If you thought simple puzzle games were the answer to the utlra-violent shift in gaming, think again. Even Tetris is in on the act. µ

See Also
One console to rule them all PS3 powers server farms
PS3 gets ready to rumble with DVR
Console price-cut rumours surface