Microsoft scored a console exclusive agreement to keep Redbox Instant off of the PS3 and Wii U.

Microsoft's Major Nelson blog has revealed that the "Redbox Instant" video service by Verizon is coming to the Xbox 360 "in the very near future." The Xbox 360 is the exclusive gaming console launch partner, which means Sony (PlayStation 3) and Nintendo (Wii U) can do nothing but sit on the sideline and wait their turn. If you're already a Redbox Instant beta participant, keep your eyes peeled for an email with a unique code to access the app on Xbox 360 in the coming days.

Sony discontinues the PlayStation 2 after nearly 13 years on the market.

After more than a decade, it's finally time to bid farewell to Sony's PlayStation 2 console, assuming you haven't already. Sony discontinued the PS2 today, announcing that shipments in Japan have come to a halt, a Japanese language website reports. Once those are depleted, there will be no new PS2 consoles available for purchase, thus ending a pretty remarkable run that spans nearly 13 years (Sony released the PS2 on March 4, 2000).

Nintendo on Sunday launched its Wii U console in the U.S., and though it's sold out at most places (good luck finding one without an inflated price tag), that didn't stop Anand Lal Shimpi from Anandtech from carving into his like a Thanksgiving turkey. He got his mitts on the 8GB Basic Set (a higher priced 32GB Deluxe Set is also available) and posted several pictures of what makes the Wii U tick.

Listen, this is Maximum PC, not Maximum Xbox 360 or Maximum Console, so obviously we're a little biased when it comes to which platform is the best for gaming. So is boutique builder Digital Storm, for that matter, but as Shakespeare wrote, "Truth is truth, no matter how much console gamers disagree" (it's pretty amazing he had the foresight to write about consoles way back when, isn't it?). So pardon Digital Storm for stating what we consider the obvious, and enjoy the company's infographic detailing exactly why PC gaming rules.