GameStop has been cagey about its plans to deal with the impending digital age, but the new CEO Paul Raines spoke frankly about it in a recent interview with The Street. He says he wants the GameStop Website to be a “destination for gamers, whether they are getting content via online, mobile, console or any other platform. We are also migrating our website from a purely e-commerce site to a gaming platform that users can visit to play, learn and purchase games.”

He says the company is taking a look at other online companies that have successfully started their transition to digital formats. “We have studied Netflix a lot, and most of their users still absorb physical content rather than streaming,” Raines said. “Now we are looking to see how gaming compares. We are focusing on consumer acceptance. The world won’t be all digital tomorrow, even though that’s what people are claiming. In this business, users still want physical content.”

He also remarked on the difficulty of sustaining a used game sales model, echoing recent comments made at the Develop conference. “In tough economic times the consumer doesn’t want to spend $59 for a new game,” he said. “They may not have $59, but they may have $40 and an old game under their bed that they can trade in for a new title.” He also shrugged off competition in the used games space. “Pricing buybacks and sales is complex. We have a refurbishment facility and last year recycled 100 million units. This system is difficult to replicate.”

GameStop has always seemed unconcerned about the advent of digital content, even dismissing EA’s Online Pass as an opportunity to sell downloadable content. Plans to turn the site into a gaming portal might explain their confidence, but raises new questions about online competition with existing services.

ASTRO Gaming’s recently released and critically acclaimed ASTRO A30 Cross-Gaming Headset is on sale for a limited time for $99.95 (regularly $149.95). Reviews for the A30s have been stupendously awesome, and for good reason, because they are indeed stupendously awesome!  But, there has been one relatively universal meme from fans and reviewers alike, that while the A30s are the best headset available and are worth every cent, they certainly command a relatively high-price. Today, ASTRO has heard the faithful and directly addressed the concern with a significantly lower price!

ASTRO A30 information, specs and reviews can be found HERE.

Since it’s announcement at this year’s E3 convention, PlayStation Plus, has been a hot topic subject amongst PS3 owners. Some new features granted unto those gamers who don’t fine it too much of a burden spending $50 a year (identical to Microsoft’s Xbox live premium gold service) or $18 for 3 months to include:
• %50 discounts on PSN titles Access to betas previous withheld from the public
• Hour long demo times on select games and titles
• Free Subscription to Qore online magazine
• Automatic download of these products
• And users who choose to get involved in the PS-plus experience will have a shiny golden plus sign next to their name on the XMB buddy dashboard.
We’re pretty sure there are tons more goodies in store for us gamers involved with the new PlayStation Plus experience, and if your willing to take the plunge you can get involved .. right now! The service should be available so let us know your thoughts?

ASTRO Gaming, creators of premium video gaming equipment for professional gamers, and Konami Digital Entertainment have announced a special, silver-colored Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker edition of the company’s recently released ASTRO A30 Cross-Gaming Headset. While supplies last, be one of the first to purchase the ASTRO A30 Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker edition and receive a full version of the Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker software for the Sony PSP for an additional $20. The limited edition Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker version of the ASTRO A30 will also feature exclusive Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker speaker tags, which were developed with direct input from Kojima Productions to ensure an authentic and iconic representation of the game. Gamers everywhere will be able to order the special ASTRO A30 Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker Edition beginning June 7th at www.astrogaming.com.

““Their new video game controller will take racing games to a new level of challenge and realism by allowing players to replicate the bets driving techniques used by race drivers.” They will also be showing some of what they have to offer at this years E3 convention.

For more information about North American and international retailers please visit the Mafia II website www.mafia2game.com/preorder.

Square Enix has announced Kingdom Hearts: Birth by Sleep will be available later this year on September 7th.  Along with this huge release for the PSP that will be a bundle pack from Game Stop fro $199.99.

The limited edition Kingdom Hearts Birth by Sleep PSP Entertainment Pack will include:

• “Mystic-Silver” PSP-3000 system
• KINGDOM HEARTS Birth by Sleep on UMD (Universal Media Disc)*
• Movie (to be announced)
• 4GB Memory Stick PRO Duo

2K Games announced today a partnership with NVIDIA to bring their PhysX technology to all versions of Mafia II , the epic mobster crime drama coming to the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Additionally, the Windows PC version will feature a thorough integration of NVIDIA PhysX and 3D Vision technology into 2K Czech’s Illusion Engine. Mafia II will be the first Windows PC game ever to utilize the NVIDIA APEX Clothing module, providing an immersive gameplay experience in the world of 1940s and 1950s Americana.

will also be playable in full stereoscopic 3D, courtesy of NVIDIA 3D Vision technology, which combines high-tech wireless glasses and advanced software to create an impressive element of authenticity and immersive realism. Players will be blown away by the added depth of field on display as particles and explosions come off the screen in thrilling 3D.