The UpStream

We are all getting excited about the release of Infinity Ward's new Modern Warfare 2, partially because the game looks badass, and partially because we knew this game would be better supported post-launch than the original, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare was. The original game only had one map pack released, which was incredibly disappointing. With MW2, there is good news and bad news.

The good news is that Infinity Ward has said there will be more content this time. The bad news is that there will only be two map packs. Definitely better than the original, but still behind World at War which has had three. Activision has announced that these map packs will be released on the 360 before the PlayStation 3 or PC, but that is hardly a new situation anymore.

Do you think that two map packs are enough to keep the game fresh, or should Infinity Ward be more willing to support the game post-launch?

Until last month, China accounted for about half of all World or Warcraft players in the world. That is not surprising, being as they have more people than anyone else. This month, however, they account for 0 (officially, of course). This is because China shutdown the game over content disputes. Well, the game is now back up, kind of.

Current subscribers were invited to participate in a closed, free beta of the new and improved game, now with government approval! I can hear the gears turning in your head (and we smell the smoke, too), and I know what you're thinking: "what did they change to make the game government friendly?" Good news - I am here to tell you!

The technological advances made everyday are virtually endless but every once in a while one comes along that truly makes me feel like mankind is heading towards the future, like in the old Sci-Fi movies and this is one of them. Sunglasses are about to change forever. Think you're cool with your $400 dollar Oakleys? Well, you might want to think again.

Sure, people may find them and the price tag attractive but at the end of the day when he/she turns you down because of your overcompensating sunglasses wouldn't it at least be better if you had a little something to remember them by? You're in luck because now that's possible and affordable. These new sunglasses from Think Geek have a camera and a mic built into the bridge of the nose. They aren't the most stylish and only record in standard definition onto a MicroSD card but hey, if you're the type that doesn't have a high success ratio with him and/or her.

Here's the scenario. You were one of the lucky few who, within the first three months of the Wii's release, managed to snag a console for yourself. You've reached Pro status on all of the Wii Sports games, sent shells flying at Wario in Mario Kart Wii and even gotten your Wii Fit age all the way down to 14! Is that even possible? So what else can you do on a night when you're bored and there's nothing on TV besides reruns of Wings (I love Wings) on your local broadcast channel? You think up other ways the Wii can be awesome of course! Yes, the Wii's racing wheel and sports accessories are cool and I'm sure you've already conjured up being able to sit in an actual race car or ride Epona around the Lon Lon Ranch. You may have even considered the fun you could have if you could hop on the back of Spyro and go nuts! Unfortunately, the Balance Board isn't too cozy to sit on, and the WiiMote just isn't intended for your butt! Well put aside all your worries, because one of Nintendo's lead research developers, Genyo Takeda, has come up with the solution to your posterior problems: The Wii Horseback Riding Saddle! I can't make this stuff up!

Siliconera had some extra time this week to dig through some European patents to find this product from Nintendo. It's an inflatable seat, from what seems to be a similar design of an inflatable exercise ball. It can be compacted to store it away or, more importantly, get it to the retailer for sale. This rendition of a Richard Simmons exercise aid also has a pocket for the Wii remote, which will be able to sense movement from the accelerometers in it. Users can hold the nunchuck in their hand, which was described by the patent as "a raised hand for balance as in Bronco riding, a lasso, a sword or other weapon, etc."

Were you afraid that there were not enough ways to give Microsoft your hard earned cash? Well, guess what - your wish is granted! You can now send they money via PayPal.

The good news is that it is incredibly easy to attach your PayPal account to your Xbox account. The bad news is that it is incredibly easy to attach your PayPal account to your Xbox account. Either way, all you have to do is go to Xbox.com and head over to your account settings and go to payments, and add yourself some PayPal. Unfortunately, or possibly fortunately, you can only purchase Microsoft points this way.

What do you think? Is this a positive development, or is this just making it easier to spend money that isn't really real? Let us know in the comments section!

Many Xbox 360 owners are still salivating over Project Natal that Microsoft unveiled at this years E3. There certainly is something interesting about the interface (except Milo, who gives me a budding serial killer kind of vibe) and what it has to offer. We can't expect to see Natal on a grand scale anytime soon but alas there is hope for a lucky person. Microsoft is giving you a chance to get your hands on Natal at Gamescom 2009 in Cologne, Germany.

Hit the break for the contest details: