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Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible

The Xbox 360 will be able to run some games from the current Xbox library. Microsoft Senior Vice President of the Home and Entertainment Division Robbie Bach says the Xbox 360 will run the “top-selling” games from the current console. Sounds like more of a licensing problem than a true hardware problem to me. With Sony and Nintendo announcing full backwards compatibility, Microsoft better get this right.

Read More | ARS Technica


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Game Boy Micro

Unsurprisingly, Nintendo is continuing to support their Game Boy Advance by introducing a new addition to the family: Game Boy Micro.  At 4 inches wide and 2 inches tall, the diminutive player looks to fill a non-existent void in Nintendo’s hardware line.  I’m confused by the need to make a smaller player, but I welcome the interesting device. This could be a smart move on Nintendo’s part as it’s most likely cheaper to produce than the current GBA SP and possibly cheap enough to persuade anyone without a GBA to buy it.

Read More | IGN


Nintendo Revolution

Nintendo’s press conference is over, and we haven’t received that much information on the Revolution other than that the box the are showing off is a prototype, with the final product expected to be much smaller. Here is all I know:

  • Total Backwards Compatibility: Not only will the Revolution play standard Gamecube discs, but its owners will also have downloadable access to 20 years of their favorite Nintendo titles from the NES, SNES, and Nintendo 64 as well.
  • The specifications: The system boasts 512 megabytes of internal flash memory, wireless controllers, two USB 2.0 ports and built-in Wi-Fi access. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment. Revolution’s technological heart, a processing chip developed with IBM and code-named “Broadway,” and a graphics chip set from ATI code-named “Hollywood,” will deliver game experiences not previously possible.
  • SD Card Expansion: A bay for an SD memory card will let players expand the internal flash memory.
  • Two disc formats, one slot: Instead of a tray, a single, innovative, self-loading media bay will play both 12-centimeter optical discs used for the new system as well as Nintendo GameCube discs. Owners will have the option of equipping a small, self-contained attachment to play movies and other DVD content.
  • Wireless Gaming Network: A number of Wi-Fi-enabled launch titles are in development that will employ Nintendo’s newly announced wireless gaming service, Nintendo® Wi-Fi Connection. A worldwide network of Nintendo players can gather to compete in a comfortable, inviting environment.

Latest Gear Live Videos

Mario E3Well, Nintendo has announced that Mario will be working overtime on the Gamecube in 2005. We have all heard about Mario Baseball, so that isn’t too much of a surprise. What we didn’t know is that he and his crew will also be starring in a soccer title. You can also look forward to seeing the next version of Mario Party, which will feature simultaneous 8-player support. Not bad. The biggest news as far as Mario is concerned, though, is that Nintendo will be bringing us Dance Dance Revolution: Mario Edition. I can definitely feel that.


A partnership is ideal when two or more parties want to go into business together. Using the online business model as an example, you may have the knowledge about running a business and managing its finances, but not a clue about web design, marketing, or advertising. If you happened to know someone with strong design and marketing skills, you may choose to start a company together. It is great to enter into this kind of relationship with someone you trust and can bounce ideas off of. There are a few things to look out for when forming a partnership. Each member pays taxes based on the percentage of the company that they own. This should be clearly explained and identified before starting up. A Partnership Agreement should be drawn up and signed by all parties. This should lay the foundation for the dividing of all assets and liabilities. If no agreement is in place, then all members will be considered equally liable and/or entitled to all assets and liabilities regardless of how much more or less one person works than another.


The simplest and easiest legal formation of a company would be the Sole Proprietorship. Usually an accountant is not required, and all that one needs to do is file a simple form. The sole proprietor is the boss, the owner, and the company all in one. While this is a simple and straightforward way of doing things, you will not have the benefit of having your personal assets protected separately from those of the business. For example, if someone were to sue the business, for all intents and purposes they would be suing you.


Why would you want to go through the hassle of incorporation when a sole proprietorship is so much simpler to form and manage? It is certainly a loftier task to incorporate, and there are plenty of additional laws and regulations set by the government that you would have to adhere to. Then there is the issue of having to pay both personal and corporate taxes. At first glance, it may not sound like the preferred method of doing things – until you consider some of the advantages:

Health insurance premiums can be considered a business expense, and thusly are a deduction.

The assets of the company are owned by the company rather than an individual. This provides substantial personal protection, as the business should only lose its assets in the event of bankruptcy. Your personal assets remain intact. This is especially relevant if you plan to offer services which may be susceptible to lawsuits.

Capital can be raised by selling shares of the company.

If you believe that incorporation is the way to go for your business then you have two options. You can form a C corporation, or a subchapter S corporation. Most small businesses which choose to incorporate will go with subchapter S route.


When deciding to start a business of any type, it is key to determine how you plan on legally choosing the type of infrastructure you plan to go with. A business needs to be legally forms in one of a few ways in order to be recognized by local, state, and federal entities. Today we are going to take a closer look at the options that are available to you, and what they all mean. From becoming a sole proprietor, a limited liability company, or a full on corporation, each one has its own benefits and drawbacks.


One of the many challenges of any small business owner is that, without help, they need to perform as a jack of all trades. The problem there is that while you may have a deep topical knowledge of your business, the actual running of all business aspects behind the scenes is something you may not understand. The fact that you can be successful at doing business on eBay doesn’t make you a tax expert. Hiring an accountant to ensure that the back end of your business is (and stays) legitimate is a wise move. My first recommendation is that you get advice from friends, associates, and business contacts regarding accountants who they have done business with. These first hand recommendations are worth their weight in gold. I believe that it is important to go with a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) rather than a standard public accountant. As a small business owner, shop around for the smaller accounting firms that have experience working with businesses of your size – and be sure to ask the right questions. Find out about their experience in working not only with small businesses, but also with business whose business model is closely, or exclusively, tied to the internet.


Xbox 360 Limited Edition E3 2005 faceplate

Microsoft gave out these limited edition E3 2005 branded Xbox 360 faceplates at their press conference earlier today. We got our hands on one, and thought you might want to take a looksy. I am personally not going to be into the whole customization thing, as I would rather spend that cash on games - but this is pretty cool. There were only 5000 of these manufactured - and Playfeed is giving one away.

Read More | PlayFeed Xbox 360 Faceplate Giveaway


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