The fifth episode for Super Robot Wars Operation Extend is now out. If you’ve already bought the combined pack then you can download it for free, otherwise you’ll pay 1000 yen. Thus far we’ve been having mixed feelings about the game, on the one hand the roster and radial movement is great but the ill-placed freemium nonsense is really damn annoying. That said, we are still having fun with the game. The next episode is released on the 26th and it seems that we’ll get to play with the Sirbine too!

Looks like we’ll be getting another limited edition arcade stick courtesy of Hori. Scheduled for release in 2014, the Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost arcade stick will go for 16,800 yen and will be released in limited quantities. Based on the NOIR arcade cabinet layout and using the same model as the previous Gundam Extreme Versus stick and Soul Calibur V arcade stick, it is built to look like it was pulled off of the Full Boost arcade housing. It will use the Sanwa JLF 8 way stick and Sanwa OBSF-30 for the face buttons, bringing arcade quality parts to your PS3. The button layout on the stick replicates the arcade version exactly, but you can fill in the extra button slots if you plan on using it for other games. There’s also a very cool clear button cover with the VSTG logo over the start button that’s super slick. It also comes with button stickers to indicate what actions each button represents, similar to the arcade version. As an owner of the Soul Calibur V arcade stick, this is a very quality product if you can get your hands on it.

Today, we have a new set of screenshots for you today from the PS3 version of Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost, including shots of the new split-screen option above and the new random options during free battle. Also, importers will now have another option in obtaining the game on day 1 as a PSN download version has been announced. It is still unknown whether or not the Premium G Sound version of the game will be available on PSN as well, but we will let you know as soon as possible especially with Tokyo Game Show on the horizon. Until then, enjoy some lovely screenshots of the game or visit the recently updated official site of the console version with added information on the controls and mobile suits.

Looks like we’ll be finally getting the home version of Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost for the PS3 in 2014. Not much information has come out quite yet, but there have been a few tidbits that have caught the eye. Aside from mentioning there will be 20 new units on the way (meaning more than likely on top of the Gundam Extreme Versus roster), it looks like Bandai Namco is putting a bit more effort into the game’s online functionality. There will be 12 player lobbies, more matchmaking options via setting the rank or win percentage, and online Arcade mode co-op. There will also be a Premium G Sound Edition that includes 30 more tracks not included in the arcade version, including 5 original tracks. I’m sure we’ll hear more information during the Tokyo Game Show next week and update you as soon as possible!

Update: Over at Famitsu they have a bunch of nice new screenshots regarding the announcement.

There’s a rather interesting Virtual On Memorial Event being held online this Saturday. It will feature various exhibitions of the various games (basically top players kicking the shit out of each other for your entertainment). As well as talking head type segments with various people to do with the series (though Juro Watari appears to be absent on this, which is odd). Some people from Hasegawa and Volks will be present too, though Kotobukiya aren’t for some reason. In any case, the event will be streamed via NicoNico. As this is a week before TGS, our virtuaroid sense is tingling somewhat. New game perhaps?

An untitled Gundam game has been announced at the recent SCEJA PS4/Vita conference. A short teaser trailer was shown with small clips of Gundam games released for previous PlayStation consoles leading up to a CG RX-78-2 Gundam staring into the screen, then presented with the tentative title dubbed “Mobile Suit Gundam”. More than likely this game will once again revisit the One Year War. No gameplay specifics were mentioned, my guess is that it will either be something akin to Battlefield Record 0081 for the PS3 or possibly the sequel to Gundam Extreme Versus Full Boost. We will update you as soon as more information is released.

Shin Gundam Musou, the latest in the Gundam Musou series by Koei, has been recently announced for the PS3 and Vita in the recent issue of Famitsu. The game will be arriving to Japanese market on December 19th and will include the return of the Official Story modes for several Gundam series. These will include new additions from Gundam Seed, Seed Destiny, and Gundam U.C. (Unicorn). Not much has been released in regards to gameplay changes, but the graphical style has returned to a non-celshaded look, unlike Gundam Musou 3. It’s a strange decision as I really enjoyed 3’s aesthetics. There’s also 100+ playable mecha, including the RX-0 Unicorn Banshee. No word on whether or not the game will be imported to the western market, but if the previous games are anything to go by, it will eventually come down the line. Also, no 360 version has been announced as well.

The fourth episode for Super Robot Wars Operation Extend is now out. If you’ve already bought the combined pack then you can download it for free, otherwise you’ll pay 1000 yen. This update features Shin Getter Robo and the promo video below also shows a nice homage to the Dunbine OVA, as it features (very briefly) the beastly Zwarth.

Looks like next-gen arcade hardware is looming in the near future as Namco is supposedly creating a new arcade board to house its upcoming games, such as the sequel to the Gundam Versus series. Dubbed the “System 478”, the hardware is rumored to be based off of PS4 tech, similar to how the System 357 and System 256 boards were based off of the PS3 and PS2 respectively. The two previous arcade boards ran the Gundam Extreme Versus series and prior Gundam Versus games to include A.E.U.G. vs Titans to Gundam vs Gundam Next. Here’s to hoping we find out more information on the arcade board and the eventual Gundam Versus sequel during the upcoming 2013 Tokyo Game Show!

Indie developer 17bit is very much hitting the nostalgia buttons with their upcoming game 2D sidescrolling shoot-em-up, Galak-Z: The Dimensional. Coming to the PS4 and PC in 2014, the Macross/Gundam/Space Battleship Yamato-inspired game has the player controlling a lone spaceship (which reminds me a bit of Hikaru Ichijo’s FanJet) against a horde of enemies, including some large mecha and aliens, through asteroid riddled areas. While it doesn’t seem as if you can transform into a mecha and vice versa, your missile attacks are very reminiscent of the well loved “Itano Circus,” on top of performing rather appealing dodging maneuvers hearkening stylistic anime action. Check out the recently released PAX 2013 trailer and Kotaku developer interview below!