Japanese trade paper, Nihon Keizai Shimbun, has reported on a new optical memory chip with ultra large storage capacity. Developed by Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp (NTT), the new chip is said to have a larger capacity than DVD. The device is expected to be used in portable games machines and 'wearable' computer devices in the future. Theoretically, the new chip could have a storage capacity of 100 Gb - enough to store a newspaper's text and pictures for 20 years. More will be known by next spring, when NTT roll out the first prototypes.

Various sources have suggested that Sega are planning to slash the price of the Dreamcast in Japan by almost 40 per cent. Several games have been delayed until June 24, indicating a probable date for the price cut to take effect. Expect the official word from Sega in the next few days.

With the year 2000 fast approaching, Future Gamer Chat Forum users have decided to have a look back over the last 15 or so years this week, and give their 'Top five games of all time' listings. The results were a mixed bunch, with some golden oldies (Elite, Manic Miner, Stunt Car Racer) cropping up along with some latter day faves such as Zelda 64, Half-Life and Gran Turismo. Next week we are moving on to the five worst games of all time, so why not drop in and tell us your views? Readers have also been letting off steam this week on the much derided software delay syndrome. With the news that Gran Turismo 2 has slipped in Japan until September (it's anyone's guess as to the Western release date), many people were annoyed at the way companies announce unrealistic release dates to create an industry 'buzz', knowing full well the software will not be ready on time. But, as 'HOOKED' pointed out, how many people are not going to buy GT2 (or any potential triple-A title) when it is ready, as a stand against the company? More news emerged from 'Attica' regarding the new Channel 4 computer games programme, Bits, mentioned a few weeks back. The first show goes out on Thursday June 3, so watch out for it. Other snippets this week included another overhaul of the Forum, after people said they preferred the old look. But of course, now we have the old (now new) look back, readers want the new (now old) look back. Maybe. Future Gamer, as ever, bending to the needs of the reader. Also, 'Kev' has been boasting that he always gets a mention in this column, so this week he hasn't. That'll show him!

Drop by the Future Gamer website for all the latest demos and patches, as well as hints & tips for all your favourite games. Be sure to download Firaxis' excellent Fight for the Boreholes scenario for Sid Meier's Alpha Centauri - it's only 74k! Hottest patch of the week is the essential 2.01 upgrade for X-Wing Alliance. Recent additions to the hints & tips database include Need For Speed: High Stakes on PlayStation, Commandos: Beyond the Call of Duty on the PC, Star Wars: Episode I Racer for the N64 and Godzilla Generations on the Dreamcast.