According to TechJapan, Sony has confirmed that the controller buttons on some PSP units may become stuck and not return to their default position. The defect occurs in part of the initial shipment of PSP units and is caused by excess plastic not being completely removed during the molding and manufacturing process of the outer cabinet. As a result, when a button is pressed, it can become caught on the excess plastic and not return fully to its default position. Sony is conducting a free repair program for users who have PSP units affected by this problem. The defect is not present in PSP units fabricated in 2005 and currently being sold.

Konami today announced that Ys: The Ark of Napishtim for the PlayStation 2 has shipped to retail stores nationwide. It is the sixth game in the multi-million selling series and is Japan's most popular role-playing game (RPG) for PC CD-ROM.

Today Ubisoft announced that America's Army: Rise of a Soldier will be available in summer 2005 for the PlayStation 2 and the Xbox. Ubisoft and the U.S. Army are working together to develop a new and unique experience for console gamers that features all the action-packed realism that players have come to expect from the America's Army game brand.

Got Game Entertainment today announced that it has reached a co-publishing agreement with Merscom to bring Heretic Kingdoms: The Inquisition to North American retail. Heretic Kingdoms: The Inquisition, known in Europe as Kult: Heretic Kingdoms, is an isometric role playing game that combines an engaging, unconventional story with immersive game mechanics.

DICE's financial results reveals that the release date of Battlefield 2 has now been set to June 2005. This implies that Digital Illusions will not be making any game releases in the first quarter of the current year. During spring 2005 an upgraded version of Battlefield Vietnam will be launched. It will include the actual game as well as additional material released via internet.

Epic has released a new patch for its sci-fi FPS Unreal Tournament 2004. This patch brings your retail game to v3355 and addresses the usual slew of bug fixes, network enhancements, and gameplay tweaks. This new patch is compatible with the ECE Bonus Pack. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...

Republic Dawn is a vast MMOG first person space game based around an embryonic society devastated by a sudden attack. The players must rebuild the Republic facing tough political, economic and military decisions along the way. During this time a deep story of human struggle will be acted out with the players challenging every decision. With a progressive and immersive gaming environment of unique depth and detail, Republic Dawn promises to be a definitive MMO game.

Hip Interactive announced today that Mortyr 2 is now available in North America for $19.99. In the year 2093 the Nazi's control Earth after winning the Second World War. They appear to possess a time machine, which gives them ultimate power. As one of the members of the conspiracy, you decide to move back to the year 1944 to change the course of the war.

Paradox Interactive announced today that their Strategy 6-pack has shipped to stores in North America. The pack is rated E for Everyone and has a SRP of $19.99.

Six great heroes, the Toa Metru, search for the power to awaken their sleeping people, the Matoran. They have entered the deadly Maze of Shadows – an underground labyrinth teeming with unfriendly Rahi, full of traps and puzzles. Captured by the vicious Karzhahni, the Toa Metru are forced on a quest to the very heart of the Maze of Shadows. Now you must lead them through the many dangers ahead. Take control of all six Toa Metru, and use their individual special skills to overcome the challenges which face them.

Already revealed a few days ago through these screens, BattleBorne Entertainment today announced the development of the studio's second game 6GUN (working title). 6GUN is a third person modern tactical-action game being designed for the PS2, Xbox and PC platforms. The title will be ready in 2006.

The Roots combines a classic RPG with dynamic gameplay and the fast paced plot characteristic of action-adventure games. The Roots has a complex, multi-threaded storyline and a vast world, which the player discovers whilst traveling with his party, fighting various monsters and living through great adventures.

Opening Day has come early as Electronic Arts announced today that MVP Baseball 2005 has shipped to retailers nationwide and is available in stores under the EA SPORTS brand.

Cenega Publishing is proud to announce its debut title release for the Xbox! The first great tile: Creature Conflict: The Clan Wars is at the final stage and is expected to be released simultaneously with its PC counterpart.

Midway Games today announced the official AREA 51 Web site is now live. Exploding with fresh content, FPS fans and conspiracy theorists alike can now access an extensive amount of screenshots, video featurettes, trailers, character bios and much more. AREA 51 is scheduled to ship for the PlayStation2, the Xbox and PC on April 25, 2005.

Conspiracy Entertainment today announced that they have been approved as a PSP publisher for the North American territory. The company is currently looking for licenses and developers on this platform, and no release dates are available at this time.

Dungeon Lords blends the depth of an epic Fantasy RPG with the flexibility of an FPS-style control system. Gamers journey through a land of ancient castles and dungeon lairs to engage in real-time tactical combat with a variety of deadly foes. It's not just about the battles though, as magic spells and hundreds of powerful weapons and artifacts play a huge role in the game.

Pendulo Studios is working on a followup to last year's hit title Runaway: A Road Adventure, an adventure game with 3D characters with a cartoon look and high-impact visual features that include 2D and 3D in an unmatchable style.

Fight Night Round 2 will let you go head-to-head with the best of boxing including Bernard Hopkins, Middleweight Champion of the World and cover athlete for EA SPORTS Fight Night Round 2, as well as legendary boxers Muhammad Ali, Evander Holyfield and Joe Frazier. We had a chance to check out a build, read more for some impressions.

Matrix Games released the first patch for its tactical war game, Flashpoint Germany. This update brings your retail game to v1.01 adds new features such as global doctrine changes, improved combat resolution and additional artillery animations. Read more for details and download links ...

Combining his expertise in programming and mixing hit records with the highest production values, Tom Salta has written the modern, industrial-fused orchestral soundtrack for Cold Fear, the new action-horror title from Ubisoft under development by Darkworks Studio for PS2 and Xbox.

In Playboy: The Mansion you step into the virtual slippers of world-famous Playboy Founder Hugh Hefner, building Playboy Magazine and the Playboy Mansion into dynamic cultural icons. Gamers also will live the lifestyle, rubbing elbows with stunning women and popular celebrities, and share the mystique of the Mansion by hosting extravagant, exciting parties. This preview features nudity, so parental discretion advised...

Get behind the wheel and be ready to live numerous driving experiences in Los Angeles; choose your car to be fully customized: add loads of new tuning elements either on the body or in the mechanics of your car. Thus its behavior will change and evolve providing you with an always in-evolution sensation and appropriation feeling of your car. Once on the streets, drive freely wherever you want!

Zombies is a FPS/survival/horror game, under development at French Krysalide. The game features 20 hours of intense gameplay, 11 levels to test your survival instincts, 20 weapons and 12 sidekicks. Zombies is expected in Q1 2005 for PS2, Xbox, and PC. Read more for details & screens...