Source: Pictures posted on a Chinese message board A9VG, as pointed out by Kotaku.

What we heard: Last August, Sony announced the PS3 Slim, a smaller, cheaper redesign of the PlayStation 3 system it launched less than three years earlier. The impact was immediate, as the Slim, which also received a $100 price cut, sold more than a million systems in less than three weeks.

Stop the presses: The motherboard will be green.

Now it appears that Microsoft could be following Sony's lead with a redesign of the Xbox 360. Users on A9VG posted two images of what appears to be a redesigned Xbox 360 motherboard. One image shows the entire motherboard, which is more compact and closer to a square than the system's current configuration. A second image on the thread shows what's underneath the giant fan in the original picture: a single chip that is supposed to combine the functions of the Xbox 360's CPU and GPU.

While the Xbox 360 hardware has undergone several revisions since its November 2005 launch, those changes have been mostly internal and invisible to the average consumer (added HDMI port aside). Given the significantly different shape, size, and screw locations of this 360 motherboard, the system casing would need to be revised and almost certainly would undergo a change in outward appearance.

It's also worth noting that this motherboard appears to lack the current Xbox 360's specialized hard-drive port, but includes an extra SATA interface port. That has led to speculation that Microsoft will be making the system's hard drive an internal component, and possibly inaccessible to users.

Here's a close-up of the chip under the fan in the previous pic.

This wouldn't be the first time a hardware redesign was leaked out from overseas. Last May, a Chinese hardware blog leaked pictures of the PS3 Slim, which were all-but-confirmed when media outlets started receiving notices from a Taiwanese law firm demanding the photos be taken down.

The official story: "Microsoft does not comment on rumors or speculation."--A Microsoft representative.

Bogus or not bogus?: Leaning not bogus. It's about time for a shake-up to the Xbox 360. Sony reinvigorated the PS3 with the introduction of a Slim model less than three years after the original hardware launched. The Xbox 360 is well over four years old, having already passed the age where Microsoft ceased production on the original Xbox. A revamped look for the system might help ease concerns of consumers who remember the Red Ring of Death issues. While Microsoft's internal revisions to the hardware have made the systems more reliable, the company hasn't heavily advertised those changes.

If this console generation is going to last, Microsoft would be well served by trying to freshen up the Xbox 360. Part of that will come from the upcoming launch of Project Natal, but a sleek new look for the system could help to keep consumers thinking of the Xbox 360 as cutting-edge technology, even as the platform passes its fifth birthday.

Even if the photos are legit, that board could undergo numerous changes before being finalized. However, a redesigned Xbox 360 makes plenty of sense, and leaks of this sort have become fairly common.

Source: Game-news site 1up.

What we heard: With Dragon Age: Awakening shipping next week, game publications are starting to receive retail review copies from Electronic Arts. It looks like the mailman stopped at 1up first, as the site is now displaying pictures of a flyer contained in the box that apparently reveals the release date for Dragon Age II.

Old trolls never die, they just fade away…until the inevitable sequel.

As can been seen in the photo, the flyer shows the series' iconic blood-red dragon. However, instead of being shown from the side with one wing, it is shown head-on, so two wings are visible. In the upper-right hand corner, the date "02.01.2011" is displayed. In North America, that translates to February 1, 2011.

The date falls in the first quarter of next year, when EA announced it would be releasing "Dragon Age Title TBA." The game was listed for the PC, consoles, and unspecified portable platforms. However, sources close to EA have downplayed the handheld version to GameSpot, saying it is likely an iPhone spin-off.

The official story: BioWare and EA reps had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus. Valentine's Day will apparently come two weeks early for role-playing game fans next year.

Source: Comments made by Jimi Hendrix's stepsister and estate holder Janie Hendrix to the LA Times as part of a feature on the celebrated guitarist.

What we heard: In 2009, Activision went on a rhythm-game bender, releasing stand-alone games ranging from Guitar Hero 5, Guitar Hero: Metallica, Guitar Hero: Van Halen, and Guitar Hero: Smash hits to spin-offs DJ Hero and Band Hero. Late in 2008, it appeared as if legendary rock guitarist Jimi Hendrix, too, would receive his own installment in the Guitar Hero franchise. However, considering Activision's new stance on the slumping rhythm genre, that occurrence seems more and more unlikely.

Of course, that's to say nothing of rival MTV Games and Harmonix. On the eve of Hendrix's newest posthumous release--Valleys of Neptune, due March 9--Janie Hendrix told the LA Times that Sony Music intends to make the rocker's catalog "available through every type of media." Janie went on to note that one facet of that proliferation would be "a new edition of Rock Band" that would be out by the end of the year.

Jimi Hendrix: The Stand-Alone Rock Band Experience doesn't appear to be a go.

Harmonix has certainly entered the business of making band-exclusive installments in its Rock Band franchise. Last year, the studio found success with The Beatles: Rock Band, which has sold more than 1 million units worldwide. MTV Games and EA Partners are also collaborating on Green Day: Rock Band, which will be available for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and Wii this year.

Thus far, only one song from Hendrix's catalog has made it into the Rock Band franchise. A playable version of "Fire" from the guitarist's debut album Are You Experienced was available in last year's Lego Rock Band.

The official story: Unfortunately, Jimi Hendrix Experience: Rock Band doesn't currently appear to be in the cards. An MTV Games representative told GameSpot that "We are not doing a stand-alone game" devoted to Hendrix's music.

That said, it appears as if Harmonix and Hendrix's estate plan to expand the famed musician's offerings in the Rock Band platform. "While we have not made any official announcements regarding Jimi Hendrix and Rock Band, we are excited to say that we are in discussions to bring more of his music to our platform. Stay tuned," the MTV Games rep said.

Bogus or not bogus?: Bogus that Harmonix is at work on Jimi Hendrix Experience: Rock Band. Looking not bogus that additional Hendrix music is headed to the Rock Band platform.

Source: A now-dead product page on Microsoft's ExpertZone retailer partner site, uncovered by the tireless Web-diggers over at the NeoGAF Forums.

What we heard: With X10 less than 24 hours away, excitement is building about what announcements might come out of Microsoft's press event in San Francisco. Given what looks like a major leak, gamblers should place their bets on a $400 bundle with both Final Fantasy XIII and a 250GB hard drive-equipped Xbox 360 being on the day's agenda.

A listing for just such a bundle was spotted by NeoGAF on ExpertZone, which is used to preview and display wares to Microsoft's retail partners. Before it was summarily pulled down, NeoGAF user jmoe316 quickly screen-grabbed the retailer listing, which shows a FFXIII-themed box with heroine Lightning on the cover next to a white Xbox 360 console. Also shown are the FFXIII game, two white controllers, and a white console.

Sloppy mock-up or decent fake? $20 says the former.

Visually, the $399.99 "Special Edition" bundle's contents seem straightforward--and completely plausible, given the great fanfare with which Microsoft announced that the formerly PlayStation 3-exclusive role-playing game was coming to the 360. The product description also bears classic Microsoft marketing-speak, touting the expanded storage of the drive and how FFXIII "takes full advantage of the Xbox 360 system's advanced hardware, providing intuitive controllers while delivering seamless transitions between real-time gameplay and stunning cinematics."

Unfortunately, it's somewhat stunning that just a few inches away, the "What's included" breakdown of the box content describes the console and the controllers as "black." The less-than-seamless discrepancy makes it unclear if Microsoft's graphics department forgot to change the fine print when they recycled a mock-up from November's black Modern Warfare 2 bundle or if the ad is a top-notch fake. Also unnerving is the crude Photoshopping of the controllers and console, which also points to either a forgery or a mock-up. Finally, one of the Final Fantasy boxes bears the "Only on Xbox 360" logo reserved for console exclusives.

The official story: "We have nothing to announce at this time."--Microsoft rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: Looking not bogus. The ad's origin, language, and presentation all appear genuine, and it's easy to believe an underpaid, unobservant graphic designer on a tight deadline simply made a mistake. (Such things have happened before.) And given the building excitement of long-suffering Final Fantasy XIII fans for the game's looming March 9 launch, what better way to entice non-Xbox 360 owners into the fold than with a shiny new bundle?

[UPDATE] The bundle has been officially confirmed by Xbox Live director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb. Surprise?

Source: UK gaming magazine Develop.

What we heard: Later this week, Sony is expected to report its first profit in five quarters, thanks in large part to a resurgence in its gaming and LCD TV segments. However, even with the turnaround, Sony may be on the verge of making deep cuts at its Liverpool, UK-based studio, which is best known for the futuristic racing series WipeOut.

Speaking to Develop, a Sony representative confirmed that it would be restructuring the WipeOut studio and, in the process, cancelling a few games. "It has been decided that production on a number of projects within Studio Liverpool will cease immediately due to project prioritisation," the Sony Europe rep reportedly confirmed.

Sony didn't say if WipeOut was headed for the pits.

Sony did not indicate which projects would be shelved, saying only that the "North West Studio Group has been, and will continue to be, a vital cog in the [Sony Worldwide Studios] family, with a history of producing genre defining games, such as MotorStorm, WipeOut, Formula 1, and WRC." The statement provided to Develop went on to note that the project cancellations "will have no impact of the role that the North West Studio Group will play in the future of all PlayStation platforms."

Unfortunately, it would appear as if the project cancellations will result in a dramatic reduction in headcount at the studio. According to Develop, the publisher's intended cuts are "looking heavy," with as much as half of the studio in line to be pink-slipped.

The Liverpool studio's latest full release was WipeOut HD, a game that garnered a positive critical reception upon its release for the PlayStation 3 in September 2008. The outfit later expanded upon the game with WipeOut HD Fury in July 2009.

The official story: Sony's North American reps had not responded to requests for comment as of press time.

Bogus or not bogus?: Considering Sony Europe has confirmed the cancellation of a number of projects, a substantial headcount reduction seems to be the logical next step. Looking not bogus.

Source: The Loose Talk rumor section of Game Informer's February issue.

What we heard: Last fall, Half-Life series hero Gordon Freeman was voted Greatest Game Hero by GameSpot's users, despite not having been in a new game in two years. The last title to feature the crowbar-wielding physicist was 2007's The Orange Box, which featured Half-Life 2: Episode Two and its two immediate forbearers: 2006's Half-Life 2: Episode One and 2004's Half-Life 2. (The package also included Team Fortress 2 and the award-wining Portal.)

The hunt for clues about Half-Life 2: Episode Three's fate goes on…

Initially, Half-Life 2's episodes were supposed to allow the developer to release a new expansion every several months. It began in June 2006 with Episode One (initially subtitled "Aftermath") and was to end "by Christmas 2007" with Episode Three. However, that scheme was derailed when Valve struck a deal with Electronic Arts to distribute the Orange Box. That compilation arrived in October 2007, and since then, Valve has remained mum on the subject of Episode Three, instead focusing on its wildly popular Left 4 Dead series.

With nary a peep about Episode Three in 2008 or 2009, many were hoping at least some new information about its release--or fate--would arrive this year. Don't count on it, says Game Informer, which claims to have knowledge that the game won't arrive until 2011--at the earliest. "There won't be any game from the franchise in 2010," the GameStop-owned magazine declared, before raising the possibility of the Half-Life 2 series skipping directly to Half-Life 3 in "a few years."

The official story: As of press time, Valve's notoriously recalcitrant PR department had not responded to requests for an update on Episode Three's status.

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that Episode Three isn't coming out in 2010. With Half-Life 2: Episode Two already showing its age in 2007, it's likely that Valve wants to take the time to ensure the next Half-Life title is graphically competitive. Given the visual caliber of today's first-person shooters, that may require a true sequel with all-new technology.

Source: The New York Times.

What we heard: When they hear "Xbox 360," most people think "game console." Not the executives at Microsoft, according to the Times. In an article published Monday, the venerable newspaper reported that the software giant now views its online-enabled platform as more of a "cable channel" than a dedicated gaming device. Via the 360's Xbox Live service, Microsoft now offers numerous pay-per-view video options, as well as movie streaming via an embedded Netflix service.

Coming soon to a 360 near you?

Now, the Times reports that Microsoft has been in talks with the Walt Disney Company to bring its ESPN 360 service to the Xbox 360. The sport television channel's Web-based service, currently available through several Internet Service Providers around the country, allows subscribers to stream live sporting events, such as college basketball, soccer, and tennis. Anonymous sources told the newspaper that ESPN 360 would be available for a "per-subscriber fee," presumably referring to the Xbox Live Gold subscription fee. Officially, that fee is $50 per year, though it can be purchased cheaper via various online outlets.

The official story: "We don't discuss products, services, or games which may or may not come to the Xbox 360 platform in the future," said a Microsoft rep.

Bogus or not bogus?: Given the NYT's pedigree, the fact that Microsoft is talking to ESPN looks not bogus. However, by its own account, the paper says that an agreement to bring ESPN 360 to Xbox Live "was not imminent," meaning it could still fall through.

Source: A blog posted to game-industry news site Gamasutra.

What we heard: In 2004, someone claiming to be the spouse of a developer at Electronic Arts issued a now-famous manifesto that brought to light quality-of-life concerns at the publisher. The blog post was issued alongside class-action lawsuits filed by employees at EA over unpaid overtime dues--suits that each resulted in multimillion dollar settlements.

Midnight Club: LA may be permanently garaged.

Now, a similar online denunciation has been leveled at Rockstar Games and specifically its San Diego studio, which is prepping Red Dead Redemption for its April 27 release on the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3. Posted in the blog section of industry news site Gamasutra, the missive was issued by "Rockstar Spouse" on behalf of the "Determined Devoted Wives of Rockstar San Diego employees" in an effort to "assert their concerns and announce a necessary rejoinder, in the form of an immediate action to ameliorate conditions of employees."

According to the lengthy post, conditions began to deteriorate at the San Diego studio in March 2009, as management at the outfit began enforcing mandatory 12-hour workdays and extended the work week to Saturday. "The managers at Rockstar San Diego continue in their dishonesty, pushing their employees to the brink [by] promising temporariness, fully equipped with the knowledge of another deadline just around the corner," the post reads.

Rockstar Spouse goes on to note that the studio has also cut benefits at the studio, including promised time-off credit, milestone bonuses, and cost-of-living raises. "This is especially unjust to those who significantly contribute to projects," Rockstar Spouse wrote. "Further than unappreciative, employees are disrespected when lied to as a whole on how Rockstar games [do] not generate money and, as claims of justification for unappreciated employees are made, [point] to the deficit, meanwhile the last Grand Theft Auto game made over a billion dollars of revenue."

Rockstar Spouse ends the post by threatening legal action against Rockstar San Diego, but the allegations against the studio continue into the comments. Corroborating Rockstar Spouse's claims, a poster by the name of "BitterPartyOfMany" offers other condemnations against the studio that range from overtime exploitation to fiscal irresponsibility.

"Where is the detail about people getting performance warnings for not working 11hrs+ a day?" BitterPartyOfMany wrote. "The running joke is that donuts were taken away every other week (about $200 in savings per month), yet Rockstar flies in people from all the other studios (Vancouver, Leeds, Toronto, New England, etc.) and puts them up in a luxurious rental home, gives them per-diem, and rents cars for them. How about the temporary appointment of a new studio president who spent thousands at a time on drinking outings, only to give up the position after a few short months?"

BitterPartyOfMany also claims that Rockstar dismantled the San Diego studio's Midnight Club team. "Please, someone explain why the profitable and very functional Midnight Club team was ripped apart, their technology thrown away (after Midnight Club Los Angeles), and everyone who wasn't fired or quit was shoved onto a project that has been struggling for well over 4 years?" the posting states.

Another commenter posting under the handle "Code Monkey" claimed to be a current employee at Rockstar San Diego and also offered damning words against the studio-level and corporate management team.

"We're producing a fantastic game right now, but in times past, it seemed to have little in the way of direction or conception," Code Monkey wrote. "If it did indeed have these attributes, they were largely lost upon the majority of the development team, and many of us had little knowledge of what kind of product we were actually trying to put out there. I think we all do now, but it's in no thanks at all to any concerted effort whatsoever to actively motivate the team and evangelize the product to the developers themselves."

The words echo other statements made by BitterPartyOfMany, who claimed that Rockstar's New York division has done away with the San Diego studio's top managerial talent.

"They have fired and demoted all the best and most well respected managers," BitterPartyOfMany wrote. "They lost some of the best graphics and optimization people in the industry because of their attitude and management style. What they're left with are a few managers who nobody believes deserves their position, or who nobody likes/respects, and some very talented developers who are just waiting for the project to end so they can move on. You're just not going to get the best work out of people when they don't like/trust/respect their managers."

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

Bogus or not bogus?: Not bogus that somebody is mighty steamed at Rockstar San Diego. The gaming industry has developed a reputation for its exploitative work schedules, especially in the lead-up to a game's ship date, and many commenters on Rockstar Spouse's entry concurred with the assessment at the studio. However, it remains to be seen how the working conditions will affect Red Dead Redemption or any future installments in the Midnight Club franchise.

Source: In a post to his Pastapadre site, former SportsGamer writer Brian Wiedey pointed out that Take-Two Interactive neglected to include NHL 2K11 on its 2010 release schedule.

What we heard: As Wiedey pointed out, Take-Two's fiscal fourth quarter report (released yesterday) has been the publisher's preferred opportunity to confirm new installments in its long-running ice hockey series.

NHL 2K10 cover athlete Alex Ovechkin, understandably furious, heartbroken, and/or surprised at rumors of the series' demise.

That alone might not raise eyebrows, as Take-Two's preliminary 2010 lineup is far from inclusive, consisting of only seven games. However, the publisher did specify that it would have MLB 2K11 and a new NBA 2K11 game next year, leaving NHL as the only annualized Take-Two sports franchise unaccounted for.

Dropping the NHL series would make some sense for Take-Two. 2K's games have been a distant second to EA's efforts this generation, both critically and commercially. And while the recent Wii edition of NHL 2K10 was warmly received by critics and vigorously supported with TV advertising, that hasn't significantly boosted sales over last year's edition. With the publisher's stated focus on AAA game development, a middling licensed franchise with a limited potential audience up against tough competition every year might be a tempting target for cutting costs.

Take-Two also seems to be shying away from the need to compete with EA in the sports genre. It was the desire to compete that led the publisher's management team (a group since ousted) to shell out for third-party exclusivity on the Major League Baseball license, a move that executives said will cost Take-Two $30-35 million during its current fiscal year alone.

The official story: "We are currently in the process of evaluating our sports portfolio and have not announced any new NHL titles at this time."--A 2K Sports representative.

Bogus or not bogus?: Tentatively not bogus, but no matter how one slices it, the outlook isn't good for NHL 2K11. Take-Two proved itself willing to walk away from an unprofitable series after it canceled its College Hoops series in 2008. And given how strong EA's puck sims have been in recent years, there's likely not much of a near-term opportunity to increase NHL 2K's market share without a significant investment.