The Zone

While the recently released Nintendo DSi was able to effectively block the current batch of DS flashcarts, the same cannot be said for the newly announced Akecard 2i flashcart from the Akecard Team.

The Akecard 2i is the first flashcart to successfully bypass the DSi's anti-piracy measure and enables running of homebrew games and software on the DSi. Will it be a matter of time before Nintendo releases a firmware update to lock out the Akecard 2i and the upcoming batch of flashcarts? Stay tuned for further development.

The last Intel Developers Forum (IDF) for the year happened in Taiwan with not much new revealed. As usual there was mention of MIDs (although no definite date on when they'll be released), the associated Moorestown PC display, architectural information on the Nehalem (the usual QuickPaths and integrated GPU) and scant news of the Larrabee GPU. We did manage to get shots of some stuff which did catch our eye but if you've seen them at other IDFs this year we wouldn't be surprised. For a more detailed report on our IDF Taiwan trip check it out in the latest issue of HWM.

The second stage of the Gigabyte Open Overclocking Championships 2008 (GO OC 2008) was a thrilling race to shatter the world's current overclocking records. Several World OC Records fell that day with a neck and neck race between Team Vietnam and Team USA 2 that culminated in a 5:4 win for the champs of the P45 Freestyle competition. For more details on the thrilling drama, check out our report in the latest issue of HWM.

The first stage of GO OC 2008 (Gigabyte Open Overclocking Championship 2008) is finally over and we have the top three teams for the P45 OC bash. They include team Sweden 2, team Russia and team USA 1. For more indepth info and who exactly is the champ (if you can't recognise them from the pic!) then take a look at our latest issue of HWM. Next will be the freestyle event and we'll really see how far these catz can take it to the next level.

Gigabyte's Open Overclocking Championship 2008 live from the Grand Hyatt Ballroom at Taipei. Check out all the boyz doing their thing in HWM's latest issue.

Just last week, Panasonic organized a trip for the media and some of its top dealers to Pangkor Laut, a fantastic resort just off Pangkor Island for a hands-on-review-o-rama of their latest LUMIX series of cameras and camcorders. Although we didn't have a chance to play with the camcorders and only had a brief moment with the new 14.7 Megapixel DMC-FX180 and 18x optical zoom DMC-FZ28, one can immediately see the improvements in the lineup, especially when it comes to new user-aided features.

Hit the jump for more sample images! 

Just last week, Panasonic organized a trip for the media and some of its top dealers to Pangkor Laut, a fantastic resort just off Pangkor Island for a hands-on-review-o-rama of their latest LUMIX series of cameras and camcorders. Although we didn't have a chance to play with the camcorders and only had a brief moment with the new 14.7 Megapixel DMC-FX180 and 18x optical zoom DMC-FZ28, one can immediately see the improvements in the lineup, especially when it comes to new user-aided features.

Hit the jump for more sample images! 

Since some of you peeps are still hesistating about ordering games online, lemme tell you this - your fears are misfounded as the team including FatCatLim and yours truly have experienced the convenience called online ordering =P

The ordering steps should also apply to most other online retailers that deal via credit cards and bank TTs (telegraphic transfer) and you are assured of a secure transaction, especially with sites that have good feedback from local buyers.

Just some information from what to expect from ordering online is that although most websites offer free shipping, not all bundle shipping insurance together with your parcel, so if your parcel gets lost somewhere in between transit flights, there is a big chance you will never see your money back, although it varies with each insurer, really.

more after the jump.

The original LEGO Star Wars wasn't really a great game, but it was considered a cult classic for a lot of gamers (including yours truly). Part II is now out, so check it out at game shop near you.

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Not many game companies can afford to throw an anniversary bash for a game, unless you're GameFlier. The RO 3rd Anniversary 2006 Celebration was held last weekend over at The Summit USJ, and I managed to wriggle my way there to snap some photos. Here are a few of them.

zerotau posted a picture of his workplace the other day, so I thought I'd do the same myself. :D It's not as messy but what's not pictured are the 10 or so product boxes aptly "boxing" me in my cubicle. I'll spare you the utter cluttersome of my workplace surroundings and just quickly describe what's on my desk.

The New York Times has confirmed that the Nintendo Wii will premiere in the US for USD250 on November 19, which works out to be around RM920 according to current exchange rates. It will come with a copy of Wii Sports, a compilation of sport games designed for the Wii. When it arrives in the retail shops around here, I reckon it'll probably go for around RM1200 - RM1300 after markup.

First-party games (i.e. games developed by Nintendo) will cost USD50 (RM185), though it's unclear how much third-party games will cost. Downloadable classic games for the Wii's Virtual Console will go for USD5 - 10 each. We'll keep you updated as soon as more details come in.

The Japanese press conference which just concluded actually prices the Wii at 25000 yen (RM780), while Nintendo America has yet to announce the retail price for the Wii in the US. What's more, the Japanese launch is confirmed for the 2nd of December, meaning if the New York Times report is accurate, the Wii will launch in the US first. How true is it? Good bets that the report is legit, but we'll know for sure by tonight or tomorrow morning.

If the local price is right, I'll get one at launch. :D Will you be getting one? Shout out here if you are.