Episode 11: Cages, Courses, and Courts

The big releases are starting to roll on in this week with some ass kicking MMA action, vehicular destruction, and... tennis? Yep, tennis! But first...

THE VITA IS HERE! The new Playstation handheld, Vita, hits stores tomorrow. Well, the "limited edition bundle" hits stores tomorrow. It comes with a memory card and bonus game. The normal and 3G versions hit stores next week. Here's the important stuff:

It will cost around $250 for the normal and $300 for the 3G (which will also require a monthly internet fee). It has front and rear cameras (similar to iPhone and some Android phones) as well as dual analog sticks. You can pause a PS3 game and pick up on the Vita where you paused as well as playing PS3 opponents on the Vita.

Sounds like a pretty badass system but I'm a little turned off by the monthly internet fee and the price. If I had $300 I'd buy a PS3 personally, but I'm sure it'll come down around the holidays if not sooner.

Speaking of consoles, there's rumor out there now that the new Xbox console's controller may have a touch screen similar to the Wii U's planned controller. Sounds to me like next gen controllers are going to be more like tablets (or eventually replaced by them altogether).

Now, on to the new games this week!

First up, UFC Undisputed 3 hits Xbox360 and PS3 today. Building on the previous UFC games, part 3 will include a new submission system, something called PRIDE mode, and custom ring entrances for your fighter. The roster of over 120 fighters will surely cover all your UFC favorites.



A new look at a Playstation classic, Twisted Metal hits PS3 today. Pretty straight forward as always, destroy the other cars before yours gets trashed. Dozens of new and classic vehicles to choose from.



The last big release this week is Grand Slam Tennis 2 for Xbox360 and PS3. Again, pretty straightforward. Very realistic tennis. All the big names from McEnroe to Nadal are on the roster.



I'm not counting it as a MAJOR release but Mario & Sonic at the London 2012 Olympic Games hits 3DS today. It's not a release because it was on Wii in November, just adapted to the handheld.

Also in gaming news, the Kinect "Star Wars" game will be coming our way April 3rd. "Star Trek", however, just got pushed back to a 2013 release.

So there it is, new handheld hits stores tomorrow, a few new games to keep you busy, and the rumor mill keeps cranking out info on the next gen consoles. 2012 is going to be a good year for us gamers. Until next time, get out there and get your game on!