Being sober on a Thursday night just doesn't seem right to me...but it's just as well - there's a lot of console news here, and with the two new systems about to launch, there will probably be still more tomorrow.

• Despite many rumors that suggested otherwise, Tecmo has stated again that Dead or Alive 3 really is an Xbox-exclusive. There was a great deal of speculation that the game would be released under a different name, like Dead or Alive 2 Hardcore for the PS2 (which circumvented the game's Dreamcast exclusivity).
• Sorry everyone...it doesn't look like Sony's going to be dropping the price of the PS2 this year. They will however be ramping up production on the system, so if you want to plunk down $300 you should be able to find one.
• GameSpot has conducted an interview with Tetsuya Takahashi and Yoshidumi Makoto of Monolith Software and Namco respectively, talking with the pair about their upcoming RPG Xenosaga.
• Also at GameSpot tonight is their review of Rogue Leader...and as expected, they liked it quite a bit. Another review is up at Cube.IGN, but only for paid subscribers (it'll be available for the general public next week).
• Electronic Arts has announced that Agent Under Fire is being ported to the GameCube, with a release planned for February. The PS2 version will be on store shelves in the very near future.
• PS2.IGN has a nice batch of new shots from Wipeout Fusion online, along with the full soundtrack list for the European version (this is subject to change for its North American release).
• Lots of new stuff from Dark Arena, the upcoming FPS for the GameBoy Advance can be found at Pocket.IGN.
• The GIA has posted 35 new shots from the GameCube port of Phantasy Star Online.
• And finally tonight, Microsoft has formally announced their launch and post-launch Xbox lineup.