Ubisoft today announced that Chessmaster is now available in North America for the Xbox video game system from Microsoft. Chessmaster is the first chess program available for Xbox where players will be able to improve their chess skills. Chess fans will be able to challenge other players and receive a player ranking via Xbox Live.

The newest installment in the award-winning Call of Duty series, Call of Duty: Finest Hour takes console players to the frontlines of combat to experience the cinematic intensity, chaos of battle and epic moments of World War II across new campaigns across the North African, Western and Eastern Fronts. Read more for a couple of gameplay videos and the latest batch of screens ...

Gamers looking to get the biggest bang for their buck this holiday season are going to get that and more, as Microsoft Game Studios today announced the MechAssault 2: Lone Wolf Limited Edition. Supplies are limited, so gamers will need to hurry to retailers to order the limited edition, which includes two exclusive maps and a "making of " video feature showcasing interviews with Day 1 Studios and behind-the-scenes footage of the game's development.

Strategy First and developer Primal Software are proud to announce that I of the Dragon has shipped to all major retailers nationwide. “I of the Dragon is great because you finally get the chance to play as the most powerful beast in fantasy games; the dragon. This title is already being referred to as ‘Diablo with wings’!” says Strategy First Producer, Emanuel Protopapas.

Team17 has posted a msg in their official forums revealing a North American publishing deal as well as the fact that the European edition of Worms Forts went gold. "US Deal for Worms3D XBox (inc Live) and Worms Forts PC, PS2 and XBox is now complete. An official announcement will follow when the publisher decides (or on here when we can announce). Worms Forts PC, PS2 and Xbox have gone gold and will be released week commencing Nov 19th in Europe. North America/Rest of world territory dates to follow."

Preparing the market for the upcoming holiday selling season, Sony today announced the availability of a new, redesigned PlayStation 2. With the widest distribution base of any platform ever available, the new PlayStation 2 can now be purchased at more than 20,000 doors/retail locations for a suggested retail price of $149.99.

Majesco today announced it has shipped Texas Hold 'Em for Game Boy Advance. The perfect gift for poker fans on the move, Majesco's Texas Hold Em allows players to practice and play against up to 10 computer players anywhere they can take a Game Boy Advance.

The U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington has issued a temporary restraining order against the import and sale of video game systems containing counterfeit versions of Nintendo games being sold at numerous shopping malls.

THQ, Pixar Animation Studios and Disney Interactive today announced the release of "The Incredibles" videogame based on the upcoming Walt Disney Pictures presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, "The Incredibles." "The Incredibles" has shipped for the PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Game Boy Advance, and PC/Mac.

HD Interactive has released a patch for Mithis Games' space combat/strategy Nexus: the Jupiter Incident multiplayer demo. This patch addresses a few issues that were discovered since the demo's release. Read more for detailed fix list and download links ...