The Mole

Here are the latest rumors and trends.

Take that Apple! - According to a report in The Mercury News, Microsoft is working on a portable hand held that plays games, music and video that will be released some time in 2007. The team creating the new device is made up of a number of members who worked on the Xbox 360. Details are scant (to non-existent) but it looks like Microsoft is looking to compete with Sony, Nintendo and Apple - especially since Apple is working on the iGame (check earlier posts).

Hubba Hubba - Laura Croft makes her return April 11th with the release of "Tomb Raider Legend" on Xbox, Xbox 360, PS2 and the PC. This is the seventh title in the series that started in 1996.

Zelda Returnz - Late last week Nintendo announced a new Zelda game for the DS, "Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass". The game is set to be released later this year.

It's About Time - Microsoft recently announced it has finally significantly increased its production of Xbox 360 consoles. Up two to three times as many consoles will now be produced. Microsoft has also announced additional content, achievements and maps (through Xbox Live) in "Call of Duty 2", "Kameo", "Project Gotham Racing 3" and "Perfect Dark Zero".

It appears that now that the PS3 release date has been announced, Microsoft wants to get as big a head start in the next-gen gaming war as they can.