April 09, 2008 - The email, circulating from earlier today, has been sent to those currently with an order pending for the Japanese release of Mario Kart Wii. Play-Asia’s own tests indicate that the NTSC-J disc is not compatible with the US or PAL versions of Datel’s Freeloader.

“We received the first small delivery today for testing and unfortunatelywe have to inform you, that the game is not compatible with the Datel Freeloader (US and PAL Version).

In case that this affects your preorder, please contact our customer service as soon as possible to amend/cancel your order, as otherwise we will ship your order within the next 48 hours.

If you own a Japanese Wii and you do not want to change your orders, you do not have to reply to this email.

Once again thanks for shopping with us and sorry for the inconvenience caused.”

Unfortunate news for gamers. If anyone has confirmation of this, please let us know.

SAITEK LAUNCHES ITS NEW PROGRAMMABLE CYBORG KEYBOARD TO DELIVER CONTROL, COMFORT AND DURABILITY FOR SERIOUS GAMERS

 Saitek, a leading designer and manufacturer of consumer electronic products for PC and gaming announces the launch of its new Cyborg Keyboard. This high end gaming keyboard has advanced customisation options for greater control and convenience, and a durable design for improved gaming performance.

Customisable & Programmable
The Cyborg Keyboard features fully customisable, tri-colour key backlighting which can be applied in different colours and brightness for the key gaming areas of the keyboard. The red, green or amber backlights can be programmed to highlight the keys most often used in gaming - the WASD, cursor, ‘C’ and Numpad keys - for convenience and practicality, with current settings saved even after a system reboot.

The touch-sensitive, backlit dashboard control panel allows the user to quickly convert the keyboard from normal mode to gaming mode by pressing the Cyborg button. Gaming mode instantly disables the Windows keys (which can quit games if accidentally pressed) and configures the colour and brightness of gaming keys.

Programmable features include enhanced multiple key presses in gaming areas for complex in-game commands and 12 programmable ‘C’ keys with three programming modes. In addition, keyboard settings and complicated in-game commands can be saved as game-specific profiles using Saitek’s SST software so the user does not have to re-program the keyboard each time a new game is loaded.

Comfortable & Durable
The Cyborg Keyboard has adjustable rake angle at the front and back for maximum comfort, and to prevent strain injuries from intense keyboard use. The WASD and cursor keys are metal plated to prevent wear from prolonged gaming use, and the keyboard also includes pass-through USB, audio and microphone sockets for neatness and increased cable reach.
Gaming & Non-Gaming
While the Cyborg Keyboard is designed for gamers, it can be quickly switched to Normal mode to make it suitable for a work and home environment. In normal mode the ‘C’ keys can be programmed to open files and applications or perform specific actions, such as printing, at the touch of a button. Media keys simplify watching films or listening to music.

 Saitek’s Cyborg Keyboard is available from www.amazon.co.uk and www.overclockers.co.uk.

 The Cyborg Range
Saitek’s new Cyborg range is designed specifically for serious gamers who demand the best equipment and includes the Cyborg 5.1 Headset, Cyborg Command Unit, Cyborg Rumble Pad, Cyborg Mouse and the Cyborg Keyboard. Enthusiastic gamers will play intensely for long periods of time and need peripherals that offer comfort and durability.
Cyborg Competition
For a chance of winning Cyborg accessories visit www.pimp-my-orc.com. For the chance to win Saitek prizes and a copy of Fantasy Wars, a battle strategy game from Ascaron, download an orc head from the site and try creating your own orc-celebrity!

System requirement:
Connectivity: USB 2.0
Windows XP, XP 64 and Windows Vista (all versions)

The BBC’s iPlayer video service will soon be available via the Nintendo Wii.

The video download and streaming service that lets people catch up with BBC programmes will soon be a channel on the hugely popular game console.

Early versions of the service will be available from 9 April but more polished software will be released as the service is developed.

The BBC is still at loggerheads with internet service providers (ISPs) over who should pay for extra network costs.

ISPs say the iPlayer is putting strain on their networks, which need to be upgraded to cope. Simon Gunter, from ISP Tiscali, is leading a call for the BBC to help pay for the rising costs.

But Ashley Highfield, head of future media and technology at the corporation, has said he believes the cost of network upgrades should be carried by ISPs.

The news of the Nintendo Wii deal comes as the BBC reveals a steep rise in the numbers of people using the iPlayer.

Fast seller

“The BBC’s catch-up TV service can now be accessed on an increasing number of different platforms - from the web and portable devices to gaming consoles,” said Erik Huggers, BBC’s group controller for Future Media and Technology, announcing the deal in a speech at the MipTV-Milia conference in Cannes.

He added that the iPlayer will also soon be available on television.

The iPlayer on the Wii is currently being tested and the BBC expects to release more test versions in late 2008. An early version of the service is available from 9 April. It is only available in the UK to licence-fee payers.

The iPlayer will be accessible via the internet channel on the Wii console. The BBC said a message would be sent to Wii owners to alert them to its availability.

The news comes as the BBC releases the latest viewing figures for the iPlayer.

In March 2008, more than 17.2 million requests to download or stream BBC programmes were made via the iPlayer. This is up 25% on the previous month and means more than 42 million programmes have been accessed via the iPlayer since its Christmas 2007 launch.

Nintendo’s Wii has rapidly become the world’s most popular console largely thanks to its innovative motion-sensitive controller.

In the UK it has become the fastest-selling console ever, shifting more than one million units in just 38 weeks after going on sale.