There is a fast-growing posse of female gamers in the US capturing the attention of video game makers, and potentially expanding the market beyond male-appeal games like Grand Theft Auto.

A Thomas Weisel analyst downgraded the infrastructure software sector to "Neutral" from "Favorable," saying checks show the economic slowdown is starting to impact the sector.

Microsoft launched on Friday a software package for a Portuguese ultra-cheap laptop for school children that the government hopes will boost the country's technological edge in education.

Microsoft's  Xbox 360 outsold Sony's PlayStation 3 in Japan in September, beating the rival machine in monthly unit sales for the first time in Sony's home market, a game magazine publisher said. 1st paragraph of story should go here

Microsoft Corp's Xbox 360 outsold Sony's PlayStation 3 in Japan in September, beating the rival machine in monthly unit sales for the first time in Sony's home market, a game magazine publisher said.

By Deborah Jian Lee

Japan's Nintendo expects to have more of its Wii game consoles available in the U.S. this holiday season, but stopped short of guaranteeing there will be no shortages of the popular device.

Nokia, the world's top mobile phone maker, launched its free music package on Thursday, issuing a challenge to Apple's dominance of the digital music market.

Japan's Nintendo Co Ltd <7974.OS> expects to have more of its Wii game consoles available in the U.S. this holiday season, but stopped short of guaranteeing there will be no shortages of the popular device.

By Diane Bartz

By Matt Gil and Georgina Prodhan

By Scott Malone

By Matt Gil and Georgina Prodhan

By Eric Auchard

By Eric Auchard