As this story on News.com and this story from Reuters indicate, the world has its eyes on Sony and Microsoft, with everyone fully expecting price drops to be announced this week. How much seems to be a source of much debate...regardless of what some analysts are suggesting, I can't see Microsoft lowering their price down to $199. $249 seems much more likely. Sony, which recently announced major cost-saving measures on PS2 production could very well lower their price to $199, but if they do, I'd be surprised if they didn't have a souped up version (with a HD and network connection) for at least $249. But no matter how low those two go, don't expect a price cut from Nintendo yet. Despite comments to the contrary, the company is saying for now that they have no plans to drop the price of the system even if their competitors do. We'll see how long that lasts if both Sony and Microsoft drop their prices by $100.

• That same CNN/Money article that mentions Nintendo's reluctance to lower the price of the GameCube also reports on their online plans. Not surprisingly, those plans are minimal, but they have announced that the will release broadband and narrowband adapters later this year for $34.95, with Phantasy Star Online being the sole network-compatible game. Nintendo is still "researching online projects" but nothing will be announced at E3.
• Gameforms has posted an interview with Vic Ireland, the outspoken head of Working Designs, which recently released the Arc the Lad collection, and will be showing several unannounced games at E3.
• PS2.IGN has posted a hands-on look at Romance of the Three Kingdoms VII, the upcoming PS2 title that marks the first English RotTK game in years (it's about time!).
• Here's GameSpot's first glimpse at Golden Sun 2 for the Game Boy Advance. The game will be released in late June in Japan.
• Is a new R-Type in the works? Developer Irem has been dropping some hints. Hopefully it won't be yet another R-Type remake, and even better, hopefully it won't be so f$#*king hard!
• Has hell frozen over? Sony's PS2 broadband service is live in Japan. Of course, once you install it you can no longer access the PS2's memory card menu or CD player features. Way to be prepared, Sony!
• Like that Halo soundtrack? Well it's getting a big push from a major music producer when it comes out on CD next month. If you want a preview, some excerpts in MP3 format can be found at Halo.Bungie.org (or just play the game).
• Speaking of Bungie, you can pre-order that soundtrack at the newly reopened Bungie Store, and get a free "making of Halo" DVD. And for the old-school Mac gamers: yes, you can buy Marathon!
• They're blurry as can be, but here are some new screenshots from Tenchu 3.
• And now, the most surreal images of the evening...a look at Disney All-Star Sports Soccer. This game looks awesome.
• More Disney craziness: the cast that will be providing voices for Square's nutty Kingdom Hearts has been announced...I can't even begin to imagine what character David Boreanaz is going to be voicing.

Console Game of the Evening (kicking off Those Crazy Japanese week, looking at some truly nutty games from the far east): Segagaga for the Sega Dreamcast. A truly insane experience, this game is literally SimSega.