Console hackers: beware! Microsoft has officially taken the hard line on hacked consoles connecting to Xbox Live. According to the Xbox's Gamerscore blog, henceforth when a modded console is detected on the Live network, users can expect to have their account auto-banned, and their console permanently disabled from the system. Damn. (We just hope that doesn't affect the kinder, gentler type of Xbox modding.) Granted, we can't really fault Xbox for trying to keep cheating between gamers on the level, but anything that so actively deincentivizes people from toying around with their own hardware is a serious bummer.

So it looks like those endless rumors of a newly-spec'ed PlayStation Portable are finally about to come true, with an analyst from Lazard Capital Markets reporting that Sony has in fact copped to just such a device (most definitively NOT pictured above) at its Gamer's Day gathering in San Diego. According to Lazard's Colin Sebastian in a briefing regarding April game sales, "the company also indicated that [in addition to new software titles best left to another fine publication], a video download service and [PSP] hardware refresh are expected later this year." While both tidbits sound like potentially big news, Sony was reluctant to give up any more info on either of these asides -- meaning that you can still let your imagination run wild with magical features before the inevitable letdown. Still, if you've got your credit card in hand and sonystyle.com open in another tab as we speak, it might pay to hold off for a bit and see how this plays out.

Mac users using Nullriver's Connect360 software to stream content to their Xbox 360 got an unpleasant surprise after installing the most recent Dashboard update, which beefed-up their 360's capabilities but unceremoniously severed the link with their Macs. As is often the case with such things, however, the software's developers have been quick to respond, not only fixing the problem but throwing in a few updates for good measure. Most notably, Connnect360 now boasts support for H.264 and MPEG4 video streaming, and you'll also now be able to stream podcasts straight from iTunes. While the update is free for exisiting users, the software itself is not (setting you back $20) -- although until Microsoft decides to add some Mac support itself, it looks to be about your only option.

Where do old PS2s go to die? Well, apparently they go right underneath your lazy, game-addicted ass now that Britain's pli design is introducing a chair with a seat and back made entirely from recycled PlayStation 2 casings. Suggested retail price for the Reee chair is £99, which is actually MORE than you'll pay for a brand new PS2 these days, even in Britain.

Brace yourselves PS3 jockeys, a 2.00 firmware update is rumored for release. The full details were apparently inadvertently posted on Sony's PS3 press site (and subsequently removed) but not before being snagged and then posted to the official PlayStation user forums by a veteran contributer. While we have no way of validating the source, regular contributers to the forum are in a tizzy since the person behind the original post has gotten it right before. So what's in store? Well, we're talkin' 34 new features or enhancements including XMB access during gameplay. Yeah, thought you'd like that one. Other notables include RSS channel support, new photo effects and custom wallpapers, and enhancements for PS1 and PS2 compatibility. Sorry, still no DVD upscaling but who knows, it's only a rumor for now which unfortunately lacks any mention of availability.