Eidos sends word that Reservoir Dogs, the game based on the classic Quentin Tarantino film, will be released on October 24 for the PS2, Xbox and PC in North America. Apparently, it coincides with the release of the Reservoir Dogs 15th Anniversary Edition DVD which includes never-before-seen extra features and collectible packaging.

Metroid Prime fanboys and action figure fans can look forward to touching Samus Aran for the first time! First 4 Figures sends word that it will release two versions of Samus Aran later this year for $99 each. These limited edition action figures will depict the space heroine in her Varia and Gravity suits, with 2500 and only 250, respectively, available worldwide.

The figures are sure to sell out pretty fast, so if you’re into this stuff, go for it!

From EA and 10tacle Studios comes word that they’ve teamed up to distribute Codename: Panzers - Cold War across Europe. EA will handle distribution, while the latter will take responsibility for marketing and project management.

Due at the end of 2007, Cold War, in development at Stormregion, leaves the World War II stage the series is so fond of and takes the story into Cold War East-West conflicts fought on fictitious battlefields.

Through this post on their website, Hudson Soft revealed that it is currently working on eight Wii titles, with two of them being pegged as Japanese launch titles: Wing Island and Korinpa. The other titles include:

• Sudoku: December, 2006
  
• Fishing Master (Working Title): December, 2006
  
• Batinda: Feb, 2007
  
• Crossword: March, 2007
  
• Jigsaw Puzzle: March 2007
  
• Bomberman Land (Working Title) : March 2007

Atari and Ignition Entertainment have announced Mercury Meltdown Remix, marking the move of the PSP game to the PS2.

Take control of a liquid Mercury ‘blob’, and avoid the various obstacles and hazards to reach the end goal. The Mercury blob itself now has 4 varying ’states’ - Normal, Solid, Fast and Slow. These states allow for larger more complex levels, which in turn mean a greater challenge and more enjoyment.

Mercury Meltdown Remix Features:

• Over 200+ challenging levels - more than any previous Mercury title
  
• Hidden Labs to unlock. Including two exclusive to the PlayStation®2
  
• Awesome Specular Lighting and special effects
  
• Dual analog control with Rumble feedback
  
• State of the art blob physics.
  
• Fairer game progression
  
• Bonus features to unlock
  
• Tutorial Mode

Mercury Meltdown Remix is set for release this Winter.

The continuing success of Nintendo in the portable arena is yet to hit a roadblock as the company announces that it ha sold 6 million DS units throughout Europe, with more being sold everyday. The success can be attributed to the DS Lite, a redesign of the original DS, which has renewed interest in the dual-screened handheld.

Nintendo notes that it is the leader in the handheld market, maintaining 70% market share for eleven consecutive weeks. It also notes that 44% of its consoles are being sold to women.

The Nintendo DS hit European store shelves in March 2005. A new Pink colored version will be launched on October 27 for €150.

Following the North American and Japanese launch dates, Nintendo announced that Australia will be getting the console on December 7, with Europe being last (but not least?) on December 8.

Aussie’s down under will be able to enjoy the console for $400 AU, which will get them the console, one wireless Wii Remote controller, one Nunchuk controller and Wii Sports. Europeans will have to cough up 249 Euros (£179 in the UK) for the same package.

The company also revealed that first party games for the console will retail between 50 and 60 Euros (£35 to £40 in the UK), though no rates for third party games were revealed. Rates for the different controllers were also disclosed for Europe: Wii Remote - 39 Euros (£29 in UK), Nunchuk - 19 Euros (£14 in UK) and the Classic Controller - 19 Euros (£14 in UK).

Shots of Wii packaging taken at Nintendo’s press event in Tokyo, Japan:

Along with the launch announcement, Nintendo also revealed details of “Channels” on the Wii. These channels will feature various content and let users carry out tasks, including viewing photos and seeing weather forecasts. Summarized information below; for the full deal, click on read more:

• Disc Channel - lets users play Wii and Gamecube games.
  
• Mii Channel - stores players’ caricatured portraits; these can be taken to a friend’s place to be played on another console.
  
• Photo Channel - view photos stored on a SD card; create slideshows and also edit pictures.
  
• Forecast Channel - view weather information.
  
• News Channel - for news, duh!
  
• Wii Shop Channel - buy and download Virtual Console titles; the Opera browser can also be purchased here.
  
• Internet Channel - surf the Internet.
  
• Wii Message Board - send and receive messages to other Wii users; messages can also be sent to cell phone users.

Keeping to its promise that the Wii will be the cheapest next-gen console when released, Nintendo announced that North America will be getting the Wii for $250 on November 19. This price includes the console itself, one wireless Wii Remote controller, one Nunchuk controller and Wii Sports, containing five different sports games. The company also announced the Japanese release date: December 2.

Between launch day and December 31, Nintendo notes that prospective owners of the console will be able to enjoy from a lineup of 30 titles, 21 of which is expected to be available starting day one. Sadly, Metroid Prime 3 has been delayed to next year.

In related news, Nintendo also revealed that first party games for the console will retail for $50. Pricing plans for third party titles were not revealed.