The franchise has struggled to catch up with the current consoles which has resulted in clunky, awkward controls for our favorite blue hedgehog. The new Sonic games have tried hard to look great and expand on the classic gameplay, however flashy changes have proven successful. The introduction of new gameplay elements have proven as overkill, changing the franchise altogether. If any ounce of high-speed gameplay is present in the newer games, it’s only there to tease on how great the game series was. Anybody who still owns a Sega Genesis knows how Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles work at their best.

It’s not that big of a surprise that Sonic the Hedgehog is getting a makeover, especially one that continues from the originals. After Mega Man 9 came out, it was obvious that some classic platformers just can’t be changed. Sonic the Hedgehog 4 Episode 1 takes the same look and feel as it’s predecessors and has high hopes of returning the franchise towards a great gaming experience. Keep an eye out for its release in Summer of 2010 on Xbox Live Arcade, WiiWare, and Playstation Network.

Stay tuned as we’ll try to get our copy for a full review later this summer.

Links: Sonic the Hedgehog 4

A new agreement between Nintendo and Los Gatos based Netflix will bring streaming movies to your TV through a Wii. The service will be available in the United States this spring at no additional cost. That’s if you are already a Netflix member, own a Wii, and have a high-speed internet connection. Netflix will be quite excited to have this new distribution medium since it’s the best-selling console on the market. Plus, the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 already have access to the movie rental service. With the cheapest Netflix membership starting at just $9 per month, the option to both watch streaming movies at anytime and receive DVDs in the mail is a bargain.

To get started, you’ll need to request a free Netflix instant-streaming disc. As with the PlayStation 3, the special Netflix disc needs to be in your Wii to gain access the Netflix service. The Xbox 360 is the only console with built-in dashboard integration. Nintendo claims that the Netflix experience on the Wii should have a native feel. Customers can navigate through the user interface using the Wii’s remote controller to browse through categories, popular genres, new arrivals, or even view their instant queue.

In the battle of next-gen consoles, the Nintendo Wii has its own unique attributes. The console focuses on family gaming entertainment than anything else. With that said, it does have a handful of excellent games that could only spawn forth from Nintendo. Unfortunately it does seem a bit out of its league when put up against Microsoft and Sony. The Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 have a larger gaming library and can also double as a household’s entertainment device since they can handle high-definition content. The Wii is trying to makeup for lost ground for the time being, but as new upgrades reach the other two consoles, it will likely be left in the dust.

Links: Netflix.com/Wii

The game is visually stunning, definitely one of the best-looking on the console. There is a constant rush of color and animation in each level. Hyper Combos all add to the visual feast the player indulges in each match. The characters’ specials are usually a quick cinematic that enhances the overall “epic” tone while not interrupting the pace. The menus and interface also look and feel fantastic. The online gameplay also has an excellent interface and adding a friend online has never been easier for the Wii. Friend Codes are much shorter and can be added instantly after a quick match online, rather than manually going through the  settings and getting frustrated that you forgot to write it down in the first place.

It will be difficult for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom to challenge Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the most popular and competitive fighting game on the Wii. The visuals along with the fast-paced action assure that this game will get addicting quick and countless hours will be sacrificed. This game couldn’t come out fast enough for a lot of fans. Heres hoping that Capcom can deliver and not break our hearts. Stay tuned with Skatter Tech for our upcoming review for Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars!

Links: Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars

This is a personal favorite of mine. Mega Man 9 was such a huge success among fans of the “returning” series and the confirmation of a sequel at CES was truly exciting. Mega Man 10 plans to pick up on that 8-bit glory while changing some of the gameplay elements to further improve the overall experience. Mega Man 9 left newcomers crying across the country due to the excruciating difficulty that the series brings back from its roots in the older titles. To them I say, suck it up and earn the M. Buster. Capcom, however, has taken a more sympathetic approach and is bringing you a brand new Mega Man.

The difficulty levels of Mega Man 10 offers a more varied experience in response to the overwhelming obstacles in its predecessor. Each of the 5 difficulties, ranging from ‘Very Easy’ to ‘Very Difficult,’ change the level entirely. Capcom does this by adding new enemies, fewer platforms, and even alters your opponents’ attacks. This new style assures that everyone can beat the level. More experienced gamers will come back to these levels on more aggressive settings just to see how hard a level can get.

In addition, Mega Man 10 now offers the ability to begin story mode as either Mega Man or the prototype before him, Proto Man. This is great since you previously couldn’t use Proto Man unless you purchased him as downloadable content (DLC) in Mega Man 9. The plot will have more depth since it incorporates both these heroes’ story lines as well. Also, a secret third playable character was mentioned, but hasn’t yet been revealed. I’m crossing my fingers to see Zero in 8-bit, but with that said, it’s much more likely that Bass will be available. He did, after all, make a guest appearance at the end of Mega Man 9.

This time around, Mega Man 10 further adds to its replay value with new modes for players to struggle through. You will definitely be getting your money’s worth with modes like Mega Man Challenges that demand quick responses and even quicker footwork to complete. Also, even more achievements will be available to assure that you will want to come back for more. You are assured there will be much more to look forward to with this game even after you think you’ve mastered it.

This game is definitely one to look out for when it becomes available in March 2010 as a digital download on Wii Ware, Xbox Live, and PlayStation Network. Although unannounced, it is expected that pricing will be around the same as the wide range of DLC. Mega Man 10 is looking like it’s going to deliver quite well on the promised nostalgia and difficulty its unique gameplay provides.

Links: Capcom.com Mega Man 10

Best Overall: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Great for any gamer, casual or experienced, the newest addition to the Super Mario Bros. series holds true to its roots with traditional platforming game play.  Following the well thought out New Super Mario Bros. available on the Nintendo DS, the Wii version continues the story while adding new worlds and well thought out fights to the game.  With its hyped multiplayer capability, the game guarantees a nostalgic experience for any age and the ability to play with friends definitely adds worth to an already classic.

Buy: New Super Mario Bros. Wii

Best Platformer: Muramasa: Demon Blade

This artistically rendered game has everything that makes an action-adventure truly great.  When you aren’t sitting there in awe of just how good the levels and characters in the game look, you’ll be spending hours playing through trying to collect and upgrade every weapon you can.  The integration of visuals and game play both add definitely leaves hope for more of its kind.

Buy: Muramasa: Demon Blade

Best Party Game: Rock Band*

See that pretty little asterisk up there?  All that means is that there are several new kinds of Rock Bands available today, where everyone with different musical preferences can likely find one to appreciate and love.  Whether it’s the light-hearted Lego Rock Band, the more classic Beatle’s Rock Band, or just good old Rock Band 2, each offer incredible amounts of replay and is hands down the best party-game with everyone having a good, loud time.

Buy: Lego Rock Band | Rock Band 2 | Beatles Rock Band

Best Racing: Excitebots: Trick Racing

Although there are a few worth-while racing games available on the Wii today, with competitive multiplayer available, Excitebots is one that is strange to say the least… controlling an animal styled robotic vehicles  you race sporadically through several available courses, all of which changing constantly.  Although this game will leave you feeling childish at first, whether it’s because you’re racing a turtle or the fact you throw a pie to slow down that tailgating ladybug, you will definitely leave that first round with an addiction that will haunt you until you get to race again.

Buy: Excitebots: Trick Racing

Best On-Rail Shooter: Dead Space Extraction

Now this is a surprising addition to the list no doubt. With the original Dead Space having such innovative game play as well as stunning visuals, it was unclear if this game would be utterly awesome like its brothers on the PS3 and XBOX 360, or it would just be another port.  Extraction manages to not only expand the story to the series to please fans, but also recreates its innovative game mechanics to compliment those of the Wii.  Falling under the Genre of a Rail-Shooter, its amazing just how much action style elements this game incorporates into its game play. With a well integrated multiplayer and addicting game play, Extraction has definitely proven its worth.

Buy: Dead Space Extraction

This Gift Guide is a part of our ongoing Skatter Tech Holiday Gift Guide.

As many of you have already heard there was a torrent of game announcements that came out of E3 that just gets our hearts pumping. So, without any further adieu here are the games that I personally am most excited for on each the following consoles.

PlayStation 3:

• God of War III – Sony CEA
• Uncharted 2: Among Thieves – SCEA
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Activision
• Heavy Rain – Sony Computer Entertainment
• Bioshock 2 – 2K Games
• MAG – Sony Computer Entertainment
• Assassin’s Creed II – Ubisoft

Xbox 360:

• Assassin’s Creed II – Ubisoft
• Halo 3: ODST – Microsoft
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Activision
• Alan Wake – Microsoft
• Splinter Cell: Conviction – Ubisoft
• Mass Effect 2 – Electronic Arts
• Bioshock 2 – 2K Games
• Left 4 Dead 2 – Valve Software

Wii:

• New Super Mario Brothers – Nintendo
• Metroid: The Other M – Nintendo

DS: Scribblenauts – Nintendo

PC:

• Left 4 Dead 2 – Valve Software
• Star Wars: The Old Republic – Lucas Arts and Bioware
• Splinter Cell: Conviction – Ubisoft
• Alan Wake – Microsoft
• Bioshock 2 – 2K Games
• Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 – Activision
• Mass Effect 2 – Electronic Arts
• Assassin’s Creed II – Ubisoft

With the sleuth of new games this month, it appears as though the holiday season is upon us and game publishers are starting to let loose all of the major titles. With the PlayStation 3 and the Xbox 360 with major titles coming out: Resistance 2 and Gears of War 2, respectively, it looks like this is going to be another exciting holiday season for gamers.

Nintendo Wii:

• Shaun White SnowBoarding – Ubisoft
• Cooking Mama: World Kitchen – Majesco
• Need for Speed: Undercover – Electronic Arts
• Rayman Raving Rabbids TV Party – Ubisoft
• WordJong Party – Destineer
• Animal Crossing: City Folk – Nintendo
• Mushroom Men: The Spore Wars – Gamecock Media Group
• Star Wars The Clone Wars: Lightsaber Duels – LucasArts
• Imagine Party Babyz – Ubisoft
• Candace Kane’s Candy Factory – Destineer
• Rock Revolution – Konami
• Tales of Symphonia: Dawn of the New World – Namco Bandai
• Pet Pals: Animal Doctor – Legacy Interactive
• Mortimer Beckett and the Secrets of Spooky Manor – RealNetworks
• PopStar Guitar – XS Games
• WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 – THQ
• Madagascar Escape 2 Africa – Activision
• James Bond 007: Quantum of Solace – Activision
• Kung Fu Panda: Legendary Warriors – Activision
• Monster Lab – Eidos Interactive
• Alien Crush Returns – Hudson Entertainment
• Home Sweet Home – Big Blue Bubble

Play Station 3:

• Resistance 2 – SCEA
• Tom Clancy’s EndWar – Ubisoft
• Valkyra Chronicles – Sega
• Quantum of Solace: The Game – Activision
• Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm – Namco Bandai
• WWE Smackdown Vs Raw 2009 – THQ
• Mirror’s Edge – EA
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2009 – Konami
• Call of Duty: World at War – Activision
• Shaun White Snowboarding – Ubisoft
• Mortal Kombat Vs DC Universe – Midway
• NCAA Basketball 09 – Electronic Arts

Xbox 360:

• Gears of War 2 – Microsoft
• Call of Duty: World at War – Activision
• Command and Conquer Red Alert 3 – Electronic Arts
• Mirror’s Edge – Electronic Arts
• Mortal Kombat Vs DC – Midway
• Shaun White Snowboarding – Ubisoft
• Naruto: The Broken Bond – Ubisoft
• Need for Speed Undercover – Electronic Arts
• Left 4 Dead – Electronic Arts
• The Last Remnant – Square Enix
• Quantum of Solace – Activision
• Tom Clancy’s Endwar – Ubisoft

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

It seems that July will be yet another slow summer month as developers are biding their time until the holiday season to release their triple A titles.

Nintendo Wii:

• Summer Athletics: The Ultimate Challenge – dpt entertainment AG
• Order Up! – Zoo Games
• NCAA Football 09 – Electronic Arts
• Rock Band Track Pack Volume 1 – MTV Games
• Wonder World Amusement Park – Majesco Entertainment
• Final Fantasy Fables: Chocobo’s Dungeon – Square Enix
• SPOGS Racing – D2C Games
• Freddi Fish Kelp Seed Mystery – Majesco Entertainment
• Purr Pals – Crave Entertainment

PlayStation 3:

• Beijing 2008 – The Official Video Game of the Olympic Games – Sega
• NCAA Football 09 – Electronic Arts
• Soulcalibur IV – Namco Bandai Games

Xbox 360:

• Golf: Tee It Up – Activision
• Schizoid – Microsoft
• NCAA Football 09 – Electronic Arts
• Soulcalibur IV – Namco Bandai Games
• Spectral Force 3 – Atlus

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

Nintendo Wii:

• Top Spin 3 – 2K Sports
• Rock Band – MTV Games
• Blast Works – Majesco Sales Inc.
• The Incredible Hulk – Sega

Play Station 3:

• Kung Fu Panda – Activision
• Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy – Sierra
• LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures – LucasArts
• Race Driver: GRID – CodeMasters Software
• The Incredible Hulk – Sega
• Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit – Atari
• NASCAR 09 – Electronic Arts

Xbox 360:

• Ninja Gaiden II – Microsoft
• Kung Fu Panda – Activision
• LEGO Indiana Jones: The Original Adventures – LucasArts
• Alone in the Dark – Atari
• Race Driver: GRID – CodeMasters Software
• Robert Ludlum’s The Bourne Conspiracy – Sierra
• The Incredible Hulk – Sega
• NASCAR 09 – Electronic Arts
• Dragon Ball Z: Burst Limit – Atari
• Don King Presents Prizefighter – 2k Sports
• Command and Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath – Electronic Arts
• Hail to the Chimp – Gamecock Media Group
• Hellboy: The Science of Evil – Konami
• Operation Darkness – Atlus
• Guitar Hero: Aerosmith – Activision
• Command and Conquer 3: Kane’s Wrath – Electronic Arts
• Hail to the Chimp – Gamecock Media Group
• Hellboy: The Science of Evil – Konami
• Operation Darkness – Atlus
• Guitar Hero: Aerosmith – Activision

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

After last month’s launch of Grand Theft Auto IV for the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3, which seems to have received best score of all time for both consoles, these new games are probably going to go unnoticed. And Wii users are still probably rejoicing with Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Mario Kart.

Nintendo Wii:

• Emergency Heroes – Ubisoft
• Wii Fit – Nintendo
• DECA Sports – Hudson Entertainment, Inc
• We Ski – NAMCO Bandai Games America, Inc
• Castle of Shikigame III – Aksys Games
• Blast Works – Majesco Sales, Inc
• Bloom Box – Electronic Arts
• Iron Man – Sega

Play Station 3:

• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – Disney Interactive Studios
• UEFA EURO 2008 – Electronic Arts
• SlingStar – SCEA
• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars – Activision
• Monster Madness: Grave Danger – Southpeak
• Haze – Ubisoft

Xbox 360:

• Iron Man – Sega
• Wits & Wagers – Microsoft
• The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian – Disney Interactive Studios
• UEFA EURO 2008 – Electronic Arts
• Enemy Territory: Quake Wars – Activision
• Lost Planet: Extreme Condition Colonies Edition – Capcom

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

It looks as though April will be another slow month in terms of the quantities of games being released. PlayStation 3 owners will rejoice since Gran Turismo 5 is finally hitting store shelves. In addition the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto IV will be hitting both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 consoles.

Nintendo Wii:

• Mario Kart Wii – Nintendo
• Okami – Capcom
• Baroque – Atlus

PlayStation 3:

• Gran Turismo 5 Prologue – SCEA
• NBA Ballers: Chosen One – Midway
• Monster Madness: Grave Danger – Southpeak
• Grand Theft Auto IV – Rockstar

Xbox 360:

• Ninja Gaiden II – Microsoft
• Grand Theft Auto IV – Rockstar
• NBA Ballers: Chosen One – Midway

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free + no tax)

Super Smash Bros. Brawl for the Nintendo Wii was finally released today in the United States. Brawl was preceded by Super Smash Bros. and Super Smash Bros. Melee. The first version, Super Smash Bros., was first released in 1999 and became the 5th most sold game for the N64. It’s follower, Super Smash Bros. Melee, which hit the market in 2001 became the most sold game for the GameCube. Super Smash Bros. Brawl is the best of the series and just about every review it has received have earned it a near-perfect if not perfect score. Unfortunately didn’t yet have a chance to post our own review, however here’s a roundup from some major gaming sites:

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Info:

• Platform: Wii
• Release (US): March 9th, 2008
• Players: 1- 4
• Game Type: Fighting Action
• Developer: Nintendo

Super Smash Bros. Brawl Review:

• Gamespot – 9.5 / 10
• IGN – 9.5 / 10
• 1UP – A
• Destructoid – 9.5 / 10
• Thunderbolt – ten / ten
• Game Player – 10 / 10
• Games Radar – 10 / 10

Since Brawl utilizes the Wii’s WiFi, players have the ability to enter a match with up to a total of four players connected from different consoles in different locations. With the N64 version selling ~5 million copies and the GameCube version selling ~6 million, we’ll have to see if Brawl will live up to it’s name. If you own a Wii, are you going to get this game? Would you consider buying a Wii just for this game?

Links: Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Buy: Super Smash Bros. Brawl (via Amazon)

This month will be an exciting time for Nintendo Wii owners since one of the most anticipated games, Super Smash Bros. Brawl is hitting stores on March 9th, 2008. Note that the game was already made available in Japan and this launch date applies only to North America. A date has not yet been set for Europe.

Nintendo Wii:

• Super Smash Bros. Brawl – Nintendo
• Summer Sports: Paradise Island – Destineer
• Bully: Scholarship Edition – Rockstar Games
• Destroy All Humans! Big Willy Unleashed – Locomotive
• Ninja Reflex – Electronic Arts
• Major League Baseball 2k8 – 2k Sports

Play Station 3:

• MLB 08 The Show – SCEA
• Army of Two – Electronic Arts
• Condemned 2: Bloodshot – Sega
• Dark Sector – D3 Publisher of America
• Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Vegas 2 – UbiSoft
• Sega Superstars Tennis – Sega
• Pro Evolution Soccer 2008 – Konami

Xbox 360:

• Rainbow Six Vegas 2 – Ubisoft
• Condemned 2: Bloodshot – Sega
• Bully: Scholarship Edition – Rockstar
• Major League Baseball 2k8 – 2k Sports
• Army of Two – Electronic Arts
• Brothers In Arms Hell’s Highway – Ubisoft
• Dark Sector – D3 Publisher of America
• Universe At War: Earth Assault – Sega
• Viking: Battle for Asgard – Sega

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

After the big holiday season, upcoming games seem to have died down for the moment. But be hopeful, there are a ton of hot games such as Super Smash Brothers for the Wii and Gran Turismo 5 for the PlayStation 3 heading down the pipeline for 2008!

Nintendo Wii:

• Sega Bass Fishing – Sega

Play Station 3:

• Devil May Cry 4 – Capcom
• Go! Sports Skydiving – N/A
• Conflict: Denied Ops – Eidos
• FIFA Street 3 – Electronic Arts
• The Club – Sega

Xbox 360:

• Turok – Touchstone
• Devil May Cry – Capcom
• Frontlines: Fuel of War – THQ
• Lost Odyssey – Microsoft
• The Club – Sega
• Culdcept SAGA – Namco Bandai
• The Spiderwick Chronicles – Sierra Entertainment
• Dark Messiah: Might and Magic Elements- Ubisoft
• Conflict: Denied Ops – Eidos
• FIFA Street 3 – Electronic Arts
• Dark Sector – D3Publisher of America
• Turning Point: The Fall of Liberty – Codemasters
• Universe at War: Earth Assault – Sega

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

As with any holiday season, it’s games galore! In December, there will be plenty of games being released for each of the three next-gen consoles. The most notable of these is probably The Orange Box from Valve for the PS3 which includes Half-Life 2, Half-Life 2: Episode One/Two, Portal, and Team Fortress 2. That’s not exactly as many as last month, but there are plenty of awesome recently launched games.

Nintendo Wii:

• Nights Journey of Dreams – Sega
• Jenga – Atari
• Dragon Ball Z: Budokai Tenkaichi 3 – Namco Bandai

Playstation 3:

• The Golden Compass – Sega
• The Elder Scrolls IV: Shivering Isles – Bethesda Softworks
• The Orange Box – Electronic Arts
• NCAA March Madness ’08 – Electronic Arts
• BlackSite: Area 51 – Midway
• MX Vs ATV: Untamed – THQ

Xbox 360:

• The Golden Compass – Sega
• NCAA March Madness 08 – Electronic Arts
• MX vs ATV Untamed – THQ
• Kingdom Under Fire: Circle of Doom – Microsoft

Games List: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

It looks like October is going to be a massive month for games launches, dominated by the Xbox 360 with 17 games. Amazing especially after last month’s launch of Halo 3. Nintendo’s Wii owners will be able to purchase Super Mario Bros and three other games. PS3 gamers will have 8 games to choose from.

Xbox 360:

• Naruto: Rise of a Ninja – Ubisoft
• The Simpsons Game – Electronic Arts
• Ace Combat 6: Fires of Liberation – Namco Bandai Games
• Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground – Activision
• The Orange Box – Electronics Arts
• Tetris Splash – Tetris Online, Inc
• Sega Rally Revo – Sega
• Looney Tunes: Acme Arsenal – Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
• Avatar The Last Airbender: The Burning Earth – THQ
• Thrillville: Off the Rails
• Beautiful Katamari – Namco Bandai Games
• Bee Movie Game – Activision
• Cars Mater-National – THQ, Inc.
• Clive Barker’s Jericho – Codemasters
• Conan – THQ
• TimeShift – Sierra Entertainment
• Need For Speed ProStreet – Electronic Arts

Wii:

• Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels – Nintendo
• Sin & Punishment – Nintendo
• Donkey Kong: Barrel Blast – Nintendo
• Battalion Wars 2 – Nintendo

PlayStation 3:

• Go! Sports Ski – SCEA
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights – THQ
• Folklore – SCEA
• FIFA Soccer 08 – Electronic Arts
• Sega Rally Revo – Sega
• Tony Hawk’s Proving Ground – Activision
• THE EYE OF JUDGEMENT – SCEA

Game Lists: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

Nintendo announced silicone “jacket” cover sleeves for the Wii remote control to protect the unit and offer a better grip. Starting today, all purchased consoles, additional remotes, or packages will include these jackets for safety purposes. In addition Nintendo is also offering FREE silicone jackets for current Wii owners. If you have a Wii, you’ll be able to order them by simply visiting Nintendo’s website, entering their console’s serial, and submitting the request. (100% free, no shipping costs, or hidden fees.)

“We’re always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience,” says George Harrison (NA senior vice president of marketing & communications)

This is the second free giveaway Nintendo has thrown to Wii owners, they previously provided replacement straps since many were snapping. Hopefully with a silicone jacket for additional grip and a stronger wrist strap, Wii remotes will remain in people’s hands and not end up sticking out of expensive HDTV sets. Wii owners should at least be glad that Nintendo is considerate enough to provide these extras for free. To order a jacket hit the link below to call 1-866-431-8367.

Update: Apparently this is going to cost Nintendo over $18 million! (But hey, it costs everyone else nothing!)

Links: Order Wii Remote Jacket

September will be the month for virtual console games on the Nintendo Wii. As for the PS3, Sony has been heavily pushing its marketing campaign behind Heavenly Sword. And, the most important, Halo fans don’t have to wait ANY LONGER as Halo 3 will be finally released for the Xbox 360.

Wii:

• Bonk 3: Bonk’s Big Adventure – Hudson Entertainment, Inc.
• Landstalker: The Treasures of King Nole – Sega
• Adventure Island – Hudson Entertainment, Inc.
• Donkey Kong Jr. Math – Nintendo

PlayStation 3:

• NHL 2K8 – 2K
• NHL 08 – Electronic Arts
• DiRT – CodeMasters Software
• Heavenly Sword – SCEA
• Stuntman: Ignition – THQ
• Juiced 2: Hot Import Nights – THQ
• Skate – Electronic Arts

Xbox 360:

• NHL 08 – Electronic Arts
• Fatal Intertia – KOEI
• Kengo: Legend of the 9 – Majesco Entertainment
• skate. – Electronic Arts
• Eternal Sonata – NAMCO BANDAI Games
• Halo 3 – Microsoft

Game Lists: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360
Purchase Games: See Amazon’s Selection (ships free+ no tax)

It looks like August will be a great month for games, even though game manufacturers are pushing most release dates towards the holiday season. August will be home to the Nintendo Wii’s most highly anticipated game, Metroid Prime 3: Corruption. The PlayStation 3 will get both Tom Clancy’s GRAW2 and Warhawk! Finally Bioshock and Medal of Honor Airborne will be available for the Xbox 360.

Wii:

• Boogie – Electronic Arts
• Mercury Meltdown Revolution – Ignition
• Brunswick Pro Bowling – Crave Entertainment
• Dave Mirra BMX Challenge – Crave Entertainment
• Metroid Prime 3: Corruption – Nintendo

PlayStation 3:

• Madden NFL 08 – Electronic Arts
• Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2 – Ubisoft
• Warhawk – SCEA
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 – Electronic Arts
• Dynasty Warriors: Gundam – Namco Bandai Games

Xbox 360:

• John Woo Presents Stranglehold – Midway
• Madden NFL 08 – Electronic Arts
• Two Worlds – Southpeak Interactive
• Bioshock – 2K Games
• Blue Dragon – Microsoft Game Studio
• Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 – Electronic Arts
• Medal of Honor Airborne – Electronic Arts
• MotoGP ‘07 – THQ
• Stuntman: Ignition – THQ

Game Lists: Nintendo Wii | Sony PS3 | Microsoft Xbox 360