Source: Dueling message board threads on GameFAQs and NeoGAF full of eager gamers fishing for artwork of various characters hosted on Capcom servers.

Rocket Raccoon is in the game? By the Hoary Hosts of Hoggoth!

What we heard: This morning, Capcom officially announced Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, along with four of the 12 new characters: Hawkeye, Ghost Rider, Firebrand, and Strider. Soon after, the GameFAQs thread appeared with links to character art on a Capcom server for three additional characters: Dead Rising's Frank West, Phoenix Wright, and Dr. Strange.

It appears Capcom had all the art files named after the characters portrayed therein, so by taking the same URL for, say, Hawkeye's art and substituting the name of another character, it would be possible to reveal the game's roster with some good guesses. The NeoGAF community quickly picked up on the leak, and what followed was a barrage of guesswork that pushed both threads to dozens of pages in length, and uncovered eight previously unseen pieces of artwork.

On the Marvel side, the new artwork consisted of Dr. Strange, Nova, Rocket Raccoon, and Iron Fist. As for Capcom's additional foursome, that lineup featured Phoenix Wright, Frank West, Resident Evil's Nemesis, and Devil May Cry antagonist Vergil. All of the artwork has since been pulled down, though the server still hosts pictures of Hawkeye, Hulk, and other confirmed characters in the game.

The official word: Capcom had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment as of press time.

Bogus or Not Bogus: Looking not bogus, but clarification should come soon enough. Marvel and Capcom both have panels at this week's Comic-Con where they're slated to discuss the game.

[UPDATE]: Capcom has acknowledged the authenticity of the leak, and provided the following statement:

"Today we announced Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 for PS3 and X360 as well as the first four characters and a playable build for this week's San Diego Comic-Con. As part of that, you may have seen some of our new characters for the game pop up on the Internet a bit earlier than anticipated. We are very happy with the positive response to the lineup, but at this point we're only going to focus on the four characters (Strider, Firebrand, Ghost Rider, Hawkeye) we have officially revealed. As for the other eight additional characters, we will have a ton of info, videos, screens and playable code in the coming months. Stay tuned!"

Source: Content aggregation site Examiner.com, relaying an interview with AMD director of ISV relationships Neal Robinson that can be found in the August issue of Official Xbox Magazine.

What we heard: Nintendo fired the opening shots in the next-generation console war by announcing the Wii U at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo, and eyes now look to Microsoft and Sony to see how the two competitors will respond. Industry chatter has been particularly active on Microsoft's next Xbox, though rumors have thus far indicated only that the device will be announced during E3 2012 next June.

AMD thinks James Cameron's Avatar is entirely doable on the next Xbox.

June, of course, is a long way off, but gamers curious about details on the next Xbox may have a bit of gristle to chew on today. Over the weekend, Examiner.com relayed a recent interview in OXM with AMD's Neal Robinson, who said that the next Xbox will be capable of rendering graphics on par with James Cameron's 3D visual opus, Avatar. Robinson reportedly would not say one way or another whether AMD is at work on the next Xbox.

However, he did reportedly go on to note that the next Xbox will boast a substantial improvement to artificial intelligence and physics capabilities. The AMD director said that, for instance, individual pedestrians in games like Grand Theft Auto or Saints Row could have unique reactions to real-time situations. That is to say, when players go on a murderous shooting rampage, pedestrians will apparently scatter in a realistic manner.

The official story: "Neal was just talking with the reporter about the future of console gaming in general," an AMD representative told GameSpot. "Any questions about next-gen Xbox should be directed to Microsoft." Microsoft had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus: Bogus for now, if for no other reason than the telephone-call-like sourcing of Examiner to OXM to Robinson to, presumably, Microsoft. However, it's worth noting that AMD devised the Xbox 360's graphics chip for Microsoft, and the PlayStation 2's visual processor before that. Therefore, it's entirely within the realm of possibility that AMD will reprise its role as GPU maker for the next Xbox, and therefore, Robinson would be briefed on how that work is coming along.

Source: A GameStop memo leaked to gaming blog Kotaku.

What we heard: The PlayStation 3's built-in Blu-ray player is an irrefutable advantage that Sony has in the current-generation game console race. However, a new rumor suggests Sony will be complicating the PS3's high-definition output for games and movies that make use of Blu-ray discs.

Yesterday, Kotaku reported that it had received an internal memo sent to GameStop employees indicating that Sony would be introducing a new PlayStation 3 SKU, called "K." However, this SKU could be a downgrade of sorts, as it would require PS3 owners to hook up their machine with an HDMI cable--and not a component cable--to "play a game or watch a movie in high-definition."

The HDMI requirement on K models is a DRM mandate.

"Component cables will no longer be able to transfer a high-def picture," the memo reads. It goes on to say that while older PS3 models "A-J" would not require the HDMI cable to view high-definition content, all future PS3 SKUs would. Further, GameStop urged employees to offer HDMI cables with new PS3 sales, stating "the HDMI cables will also help you drive add-on sales."

The official story: As it turns out, the GameStop memo contains both a measure of truth and mistaken information. In a statement provided to Ars Technica, a Sony representative confirmed that while high-definition Blu-ray movie playback will require an HDMI cable, PS3 owners can continue to play games and stream content in high-definition with component cables.

"The new CECH-3000 series PS3 requires HDMI only for BD movie output in HD, in compliance with [Advanced Access Content System] standards," Sony told the website. "PS3 continues to support component output for HD gaming and streaming content." Sony had not responded to GameSpot's request for comment as of press time.

Of note, Sony recently introduced the CECH-3000B SKU to Japan. The model, which boasts a 320GB hard drive, consumes less power--specifically from its original 230W to 200W--and weighs in at 2.6kg.

As Ars notes, the AACS standard is a digital-rights management standard that dictates that full high-def video resolutions must use either HDMI or DVI cables that support high-bandwidth digital content protection (HDCP). All Blu-ray players must phase out component ports by 2014 to comply with the AACS standard.

Bogus or not bogus: Bogus that gamers must use an HDMI cable to play high-definition games or stream high-definition content. Not bogus that those who use new PS3s for watching high-def Blu-ray movies now have a new DRM hurdle to contend with.

Source: Tech blog BGR.

What we heard: Not a week after the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo concluded, the rumor mill began to churn on next year's show. Namely, VideoGamer.com reported that it had heard from a senior Crytek development source that the German studio would unveil a new installment in the Timesplitters franchise alongside Microsoft's next Xbox at E3 2012.

Crytek has since distanced itself from those rumors, but a new report indicates that Microsoft does indeed plan to debut the Xbox 360's successor next June. BGR reports today that it has received word from a source with knowledge of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division that the company will unveil the next Xbox at E3 2012.

The Xbox 360's days are numbered.

Unfortunately, BGR's source had no other information on Microsoft's plans, including when the device will launch. However, the individual did tell the tech site that Microsoft has been working on the device since 2006. Microsoft launched the Xbox 360 in November 2005, and it has gone on to sell nearly 55 million units worldwide.

While Microsoft has been tight lipped on the next Xbox through official channels, it has at least indicated through other means that a new device is in the works. Earlier this year, the publisher posted a spate of job listings to fill out a team "responsible for defining and delivering next generation console architectures from conception through implementation."

The official story: Microsoft had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus: Microsoft isn't likely to offer any word on its next Xbox until it is good and ready. However, given the growing body of rumors, an E3 2012 reveal is looking increasingly likely.

Source: AOL's technology blog TechCrunch.

What we heard: Casual game studios have been snapped up by big-time companies in droves of late, with the likes of PlayFish, Chillingo, Playdom, and Ngmoco all being acquired for, in some cases, hundreds of millions of dollars. Now, it appears as if casual gaming stalwart PopCap Games is the next studio in line for a massive payday.

Multiple unnamed sources have reportedly informed TechCrunch that a buyer is looking to dole out more than $1 billion to acquire PopCap. The price is apparently 10 times as much as PopCap's yearly revenues, which TechCrunch reports are around $100 million-$150 million.

Is Bejeweled a billion dollar franchise?

The problem, however, is that TechCrunch's sources have no idea who the buyer could be. FarmVille creator Zynga, which is reportedly mulling an initial public offering, is said to be one potential purchaser. However, TechCrunch's sources indicate that Zynga backed off the deal due to PopCap's high asking price.

Beyond Zynga, TechCrunch reports Electronic Arts or an Asian game company, such as Call of Duty Online service provider Tencent, could be potential suitors.

[UPDATE] Following on from yesterday's report, TechCrunch reports that it has received word from two additional sources that the mystery buyer is, in fact, EA. TechCrunch's sources also characterized the negotiations as being in a "late stage."

PopCap is perhaps best known for its Bejeweled franchise, which has sold more than 50 million units since first release in 2000. The most recent installment, Bejeweled 3, arrived for the PC in December and is expected to hit other platforms later this year. The Washington-based studio has also found success with such franchises as Peggle and Plants vs. Zombies.

The official story: "Per company policy, we do not comment on rumors and speculation of this nature."--A PopCap representative. Electronic Arts had not responded to a request for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Probably not bogus that the casual-obsessed market would be giving PopCap a long, hard look. However, as recent as last week, PopCap cofounder John Vechey told the Wall Street Journal that the company is mulling its own IPO for later this year. As such, this deal, should it be in the works, is anything but finalized.

Source: An image posted at GameGeneration, reportedly stemming from a Sony Key Account Meeting presentation given in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

What we heard: Though Sony competitor Microsoft recently purchased Skype for $8.5 billion and plans to incorporate it into Xbox Live, that might not stop the Japanese technology giant from offering Skype functionality for its newest portable, the PlayStation Vita.

Is Skype coming to the Vita? Image credit: GameGeneration.

An image from a Sony presentation given in the Brazilian city shows a range of logos, including ones for the PlayStation Network and Wi-Fi. Another company logo is shown, and it is for big-time Internet calling service Skype.

During Sony's E3 2011 media briefing, the company named its portable the Vita (formerly known as the NGP) and announced prices for the Wi-Fi and 3G models, but it did not say anything about Skype compatibility. However, the Vita's predecessor--the PSP--does offer Skype support.

Skype is the leading provider in the consumer voice over IP space, with 170 million users worldwide. Services include free standard and video calls between Skype users on home computers, the ability to call any phone number from Skype for a fee, and the ability to generate a phone number that can be reached from a standard phone.

The official story: As of press time, neither Sony nor Microsoft has responded to GameSpot's requests for comment or clarification on the matter.

Bogus or not bogus?: Looking not bogus. Given that the original PSP supported Skype, it would stand to reason that Sony would want to continue offering that functionality to its users. Further, when Microsoft purchased Skype, it said it would continue to "invest in and support Skype clients on non-Microsoft platforms," which could potentially include the Vita.

Source: The EB Games Australia website.

What we heard: Yesterday, Sony finally unveiled more details about its upcoming handheld console--the tentatively named Next Generation Portable (NGP)--at its E3 press conference in downtown Los Angeles.

The PlayStation Vita to cost around AU$349 in Australia?

Rechristening the device the PlayStation Vita, Sony announced that it will be available with 3G compatibility for US$299 and a cheaper Wi-Fi-only edition for US$249. The console is expected to launch globally starting at the end of 2011.

While Sony Computer Entertainment Australia (SCEA) still has to announce an official local price for the console, local retailer EB has already estimated that the new handheld will retail for AU$349 in Australia for the Wi-Fi-only version. The retailer currently has the console on preorder but does not have a listing for the 3G-enabled version of the PlayStation Vita.

The official story: SCEA representatives have not yet revealed the Australian price of the PlayStation Vita, only hinting that it would more likely fall closer to the UK pricing of the console than the US pricing. The UK pricing is as follows: 249 euros for the Wi-Fi PlayStation Vita (which translates to approximately AU$341.32 using current conversion rates); and 299 euros for the 3G-enabled PlayStation Vita (which translates to approximately AU$409.86 using current conversion rates).

Bogus or not bogus?: Given that Australian gaming prices for both hardware and software have not yet fallen to match the change in the market and the rising Aussie dollar, it is looking likely that Aussies will have to pay around AU$349 for the Wi-Fi-only Vita and around AU$399 for the 3G-enabled console.

Source: Microsoft speculation site Winrumors.

What we heard: On Monday morning at 9:30 a.m. PDT, Microsoft's media briefing will start off the 2011 Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles. Though the company is keeping mum on what's in store for the conference, rumors have a high-definition remake of Halo: Combat Evolved and the Kinect-enabled Gears of War: Exile as being on tap at the event.

Today, another rumor may have prematurely revealed a cornerstone of Microsoft's press conference. Winrumors reports that Microsoft will likely use its presentation to unveil Xbox Live Diamond, the Xbox 360's long-awaited IPTV service. The company apparently is planning a demonstration of the service--code-named "Orapa"--for the event, but it is still in the process of trying to lock down agreements with cable television providers and other involved third parties.

Will Microsoft reveal Xbox Live Diamond on Monday?

"Microsoft is currently in last minute negotiations to secure the necessary agreements in time," an anonymous source told Winrumors.

Today's rumors come six months after a Reuters report revealed that Microsoft was planning on being a "virtual cable operator" via the Xbox 360. According to that report, the software giant was planning to offer a suite of cable channels through the console for an additional monthly fee on top of Xbox Live Gold.

The official story: When queried, Microsoft reps would only say, "We are excited to share our latest news at E3 during our news briefing on the morning of Monday, June 6, 2011, at the Galen Center on USC Campus in Los Angeles."

Bogus or not bogus?: Since Microsoft has been promising IPTV for the Xbox 360 as far back as January 2007, many industry watchers have taken an "I'll believe it when I see it" approach. However, with reputable outlets like Reuters reporting that Microsoft may be getting into the television game with the Xbox 360, Monday's press conference could indeed see the long-awaited feature take shape.

Source: See below.

What we heard: When Nintendo renamed its Revolution console the Wii, the rebranding was met with disbelief and derision. Now, an increasing number of clues indicate Sony may be prepping a similarly offbeat name for its upcoming handheld, currently code-named the Next Generation Portable.

An early snap of Sony's E3 presentation?
Image credit: Games Pundit.

Speculation began over the weekend, when Games Pundit leaked a photo (above) of the NGP bearing the name "PS VITA" on its bottom. The image apparently comes from a proof sheet for Sony's upcoming Electronic Entertainment Expo press briefing, where the new name will reportedly be unveiled. Since then, gaming blog Joystiq has uncovered a blurry scan of more printed materials (middle) that appear to show the NGP with the PS VITA logo next to it--a logo that shares the same "PS" font as the "PS3" logo.

This week, the evidence continued to mount. Several outlets discovered that the URL "vita.scedev.net" redirects to the Sony Computer Entertainment Developer Network site, just as psp.scedev.net, ps3.scedev.net, and ngp.scedev.net do. However, the URL psp2.scedev.net yields a "page not found" error, apparently eliminating that name from the running.

Is this the PS Vita's box?
Image credit: Joystiq.

Finally, this week Sony launched the official PlayStation.com page for its E3 2011 presence. Though not visible from the front, inside the page's code are numerous references to "PS Vita." However, the index page the tags point to--http://us.playstation.com/psvita/features/--leads to a "page not found" error.

The official story: Sony had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Though the series of clues is pretty convincing, it overlooks one fact. As far back as January, there have been rumors that the NGP was internally code-named "Vita" at Sony.

PS Vita is embedded in the official E3 2011 PlayStation.com page.

Also, Sony has had past successes using code names to throw journalists and Internet sleuths off the scent. Last year, the company used the code name "PlayStation Arc" for its motion-sensing system when talking with third-party publishers, and even went as far as to trademark the name in Japan. That system was later revealed to be named the PlayStation Move at the last minute.