New Japanese console can play Dreamcast games

This is almost certainly an April Fools' joke, but it's interesting nonetheless. A new (previously unheard of) Japanese console, apparently announced at last year's Tokyo Games Show, will be able to play any game from the current generation of consoles. A future firmware update will allow the console, named the "Koitoy", to play games from older consoles such as the Dreamcast.

This "universal ISO player" is completely legal in Japan according to Akihabara News, as it is hardware rather than software. The console can play blu-rays and DVDs, as well as ISO files. Wow, this really does sound too good to be true...

So why would Sega, Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo allow this? Plus, how would it play Wii games without the necessary controllers? It must magically convert all TVs into touch-screens to play DS games.


Strangely, the console hailed as "Japan's answer to the Zeebo" shares its name with a light-up fish toy. Adverts posted up around the Akihabara District suggest that the console, regardless of the fishy name, will be released soon.

Wow, I simply can't wait to play old Sega games on this console! I bet it'll be cheaper than all the consoles it can emulate as well!

[Source: Akihabara News]

Mega Drive tote bag goes on sale

Expect the Mega-CD and 32X bag attachments soon.

To mark the 20th anniversary of Sega's Mega Drive console, a tote bag in the shape of the Mk I model was released in Japan on Thursday.

This ultra-stylish bag measures 30 by 38 centimetres, and the cartridge slot is a pocket! It was on sale at TGS '08 where it quickly sold out along with some Sonic t-shirts, but is now on sale at Sega's Joypolis park for Y3990 (about £30). ME WANTEE!

[Source: The Mainichi Daily News]

Phantasy Star Portable coming to North America

Sega announced at TGS that Phantasy Star Portable would be released in North America in March 2009. Sega is hoping it will be as successful as it was in Japan, where it sold 600,000 copies (with some help coming from the overwhelming success of Monster Hunter).

The game feature wireless "ad hoc" multiplayer, and may take advantage of the new PS3 functionality of the PSP-3000. So far there has been no mention of a European release (surprised?).

What? No brown? My eyes aren't used to colour! ARGH! *eyes melt*

Edge's TGS Top 20 games features much Sega

Recently Edge posted their Top 20 games of TGS, with Sega being the publisher with the most games on the list:

• 20. Seventh Dragon
• 19. Infinite Space
• 14. Phantasy Star 0
• 12. Sonic Unleashed
• 10. Let’s Tap
• 05. Bleach Versus Crusade
• 02. Yakuza 3

Weirdly, gun-shoe-tastic Bayonetta did not make the list. It's also nice to see that Edge are still optimistic about Sonic Unleashed, which has divided the gaming press.

Is a "Sega vs. Capcom" game to be announced at TGS?

There have been rumours that a game entitled "Sega vs. Capcom: Great Clash Generation" will be announced at Tokyo Game Show. Apparently this new DS game is being developed by Sega (Dimps) and supervised by Capcom. Previous Capcom "vs." titles have had the developer first in the name, such as "Capcom vs. SNK" and "SNK vs. Capcom". A PSP port would follow in the new year.

Sources from both companies have confirmed the existence of the game, which is said to utilise both fighting and RPG elements. Megaman and Sonic are set to feature in the game. There has been no official announcement yet, but one is expected sometime in the next week.