CES 2012

Games are only a small thread in the geek tapestry that makes up the Consumer Electronics Show, so I didn't go into Steve Ballmer's keynote speech expecting revelations and bomb-drops of the video game variety. Still, there were rumors floating around of a possible CES reveal of the next generation of Xbox, so some part of me was hoping for something amazing. That part of me ended up sad -- it didn't happen. The Xbox 720 or 360 2 may well be in development, but if it is, Ballmer didn't mention anything at CES 2012.

Microsoft has been delivering the CES keynote since Bill Gates first dropped Gatesian wisdom back in 1995, but the company recently revealed that it is taking a little break from the keynote -- 2013, and perhaps many years to follow, will come without Microsoft's speech. Rather than going out with a bang, though, Ballmer and Microsoft went out with a whimper, at least when it comes to Xbox and their gaming division.

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Run Roo Run is the next game from Scribblenauts developer 5th Cell. The game takes place in Australia and stars a kangaroo on the hunt for its baby. You're basically never going to get bored of this title because 5th Cell is going to release weekly content updates. On top of that, it will ship with 420 levels (Heh heh 420). I'm not the biggest fan of mobile games but this one looks challenging and adorable.

Run Roo Run wil be released this Thursday, January 12, for the iPhone and iPad.

Source: Joystiq

At CES 2012, gaming peripheral company Razer unveiled their PC gaming tablet prototype, currently titled Project Fiona. Project Fiona isn't a full on console, nor is it a device that's just for simple mobile games. Fiona is a tablet that comes with an Intel Core i7 processor, a highly sensitive multi-touch screen, ultra-precise accelerometers, and it's capable of running "current-generation PC games". Currently the device doesn't have a price tag but Razer said it will cost under $1,000 when it launches in Q4 2012.

• DETAILS: Project Fiona Preview - Your First Look At Razer's New Tablet Gaming PC

Be sure to read our hands-on impressions of Project Fiona from CES 2012 if you want more info on the device.Would you be interested in shelling out some cash for this PC gaming tablet?

Gaming peripheral company Razer have announced their new gaming mouse, The Razer Naga Hex. The Naga Hex is designed to bring your MOBA, action-RPG and hack and slash gaming skills to the next level. Inspired by the Razer Naga MMO gaming mouse which sports a 12-button thumb grid on the side, the Hex features six large thumb buttons, "optimized for the user interfaces found in action-RPG and MOBA games."

“I love RPG and MOBA games.  And I believe that having the right abilities available is the difference between slaying enemies and winning, or dying a miserable death and having your character wiped in hardcore mode,” said Robert ‘RazerGuy’ Krakoff, President, Razer USA. “That’s why we designed the Razer Naga Hex – we believe that the six mechanical thumb buttons are going to help gamers stay ahead of the competition with the best ergonomic control.”

If you're not familiar with what a MOBA game is, think League of Legends or Dota 2. With the Hex, you'll be able to perfect your champion's moves on the fly and become a force to be reckoned with.

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LG Electronics and Gaikai Inc. have announced a strategic partnership that will help bring cloud gaming to LG Cinema 3D TVs starting with the 2012 LG products. If you're not familiar with Gaikai, they're an awesome technology company that lets gamers play new games instantly on any web browser, mobile or internet-connected device. There are no games to download or install and you can just click and play their offerings instantly.

“Thanks to the Internet, you can watch the latest movies and listen to the latest music practically anywhere,” said David Perry the CEO of Gaikai, “but until today, to play the biggest blockbuster video games, every household has had to buy and set up expensive video game console hardware. That’s all about to change and pioneers in the space can build direct digital relationships with their end consumers.”

This means that consumers will be able to use their Smart TV sign-in and instantly and seamlessly play a broad range of games. According to Gaikai, when video games can be accessed as easily as movies and music are currently, gaming will become the #1 form of entertainment in the world.

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Sony have announced that a Netflix app will be coming to the PlayStation Vita handheld console. The announcement didn't come with too many details, but according to the company they're trying to get the Netflix app ready for when the Vita launches on February 22.  It's a pretty smart decision, as the PlayStation Vita is equipped with a gorgeous 5-inch OLED screen with a resolution of 960×544, at around 220ppi, and movies will probably look great on it. What's still up in the air is though whether or not the Netflix app will be limited to WiFi or if it will be supported over 3G, but considering the high price of the Vita data plans it will be interesting to see which route they take.

SteelSeries, ones of the leading competitive gaming peripheral manufacturers have revealed their 2012 CES lineup. The list includes the two headsets, the SteelSeries Flux and the Siberia v2 Frost Blue, as well as a wireless gaming controller, the SteelSeries Ion, and three mice, the Kana, the Kinzu V2 Pro Edition, and the Kinzu V2. Let's take a look at each one after the break.

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Samsung always has a strong presence at the Consumer Electronics Show, and this year is no different. Samsung at CES 2012 is focused not only on the TVs we own, but how we interact with them. Samsung wants to change the way we think about our HD sets.

While both Samsung's LCD and Plasma lines have been revamped and improved, Samsung's new HDTV crown jewel is the Super OLED TV.

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It's no secret Microsoft will release another gaming console eventually. That's what companies do, they release better, faster, usually more expensive, versions of their products at a steady rate. Rumors have been circulating for the past few weeks about Microsoft's plans to announce said console at this year's CES.

Microsoft has yet to announce anything on the console front but it has been announced they will be working with Amtel to launch a new generation of touchpad controllers. Gamers, meet the maXTouch S. The maXTouch S is said to be Windows 8 and Windows Phone 8 certified. The controller series will offer an intuitive touchscreen, "diagonal for products including smartphones, tablets, digital cameras, e-readers and other applications." Could those other applications be gaming?

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AT&T has announced they will be offering two wireless data plans for the PlayStation Vita console when the handheld launches on February 22. According to the company, neither of the two monthly plans will require a contract.

The first plan will go for $14.99 and provide 250MB of data for use in one month. The second plan will cost $25 and will provide 2GB (8x more than the other plan) of data. These plans come on top of the price of the actual system, which is $249.99 for the Wi-Fi only model or $299.99 for the 3G model.

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You know what this week is, tech-heads? It's CES 2012  week. That means that just about every cutting-edge gizmo, computing and gaming hardware company in the world will be converging on the Las Vegas strip to show off their wares. G4 wouldn't miss it for the world. We'll be all up in your CES, bringing you a look at what Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are up to at the show, as well as previewing the hot games at the show, breaking news and providing surprise and delight.

The show starts tonight, with Microsoft's keynote address. We've heard rumors and rumblings that Microsoft could be making a big announcement. Some are even speculating that the next generation of Xbox will be unveiled! Whatever happens, keep checking G4tv.com/thefeed for the CES news, as it happens.

That's not all though: We'll be all over CES all week. Attack of the Show  will be Live, on the floor, bringing you early looks at the hottest gear and gadgets beginning on January 10,  at 7:00 EST, and G4tv.com will be there for you 24/7, satisfying your CES 2012 itch with sweet, sweet content.

So what do you want to see most at CES? Do you think Microsoft is going to show off a new Xbox? What other earth-shaking tech news do you foresee? Use our comment section and let us know!

Gamers will get another early look at the Wii U as Nintendo brings the hardware to CES 2012. Announced at E3 2011, the Wii U is the next generation console from Nintendo that features a touchscreen controller, as well as full 1080p high-definition graphics.

• VIDEO: Wii U Concept Trailer

While a prototype was shown at E3 2011 in conjunction with the announcement, we still haven't had a chance to see the full capabilities of the device, and hopefully what's show at CES 2012 will give us some more insight into exactly what the Wii U can do.

CES, or the Consumer Electronics Show, is held every January in Las Vegas, and showcases the latest and greatest hardware and gadgets. While gaming usually has some sort of presence there, it's usually centered around peripherals, with Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo sitting out the show to get ready for the gauntlet of gaming related events that begin in the spring; however, Nintendo's decision to bring the Wii U to the Mecca of hardware shows the company's confidence in its next generation console.

Plus, we get a chance to play with it, because starting January 10th, we'll be at CES 2012 in full force. I hope I can use the touchscreen to throw a parrot onto some else's television screen.

Source