Engadget’s secret sources report that Apple’s John Geleynse recently proclaimed the iPhone to be a “gaming console” and potentially a threat to the Nintendo DS.

Geleynse also said the iPhone is “not a phone, it’s a console experience.” This (as yet uncomfirmed) announcement goes along with EA’s new position in select Apple stores in the U.S. where they’ll presumably show off new games for the iPhone platform. It also makes sense considering Apple’s current TV ad for the iPod touch (“the funnest iPod ever”) that demonstrates a number of games. The overall increase in recent news about the iPhone’s gaming capabilities is exciting, but I’m not so sure that it’ll ever be a true competitor to dedicated consoles. But as a casual time-killer? Bring it on. [Engadget]

Water Cooler Games points us towards a study done by the Missouri School of Journalism that shows advergaming to have a positive affect on brand opinions. This makes a lot of sense if you subscribe to Raph's theory that games are essentially teachi…

Whether you are a KISS fan or not, you have to admit that this Rock Band and Guitar Hero compatible replica of his signature bass is just…plain…awesome. I know it is hard to look away, but if I could have your attention for just a moment you might be interested to know that it also features a bi-directional strum bar, ultra-responsive fret buttons, an analog whammy bar and an $80 price tag. Appropriately enough, it is set to be released on Halloween. [Amazon via Kotaku]

Video games are becoming more and more Web 2.0 (and beyond) every day. With recent releases like Little Big Planet, it’s pretty clear that we can expect more and more social networking functionality to be used by the video game industries.

For exam…