iPod Games allows you to buy games for $4.99 in the iTunes Store online, download and sync them with your fifth-generation iPod, and iTunes automatically transfers the games to your iPod. Then you’re off to play one of nine casual games.

Microsoft will be putting six Xbox Live Arcade games (as well as three demos) onto a compilation package that will be available to buy in stores for those that do not have Internet access. Titled Xbox Live Arcade Unplugged, the cost will be $40 though it includes a free one-month subscription to Xbox Live Gold.

Here’s a list of this weeks US game releases. All the websites are listed for you to check out. I hope you like football, because this week we’ve got a lot of Madden for every system under the sun.

Gamers can log on to Xbox Live within the first 48 hours after launch and download ‘Texas Hold ‘em’ – completely free of charge! This full-featured poker title for Xbox Live Arcade on Xbox 360 will launch on Wednesday, August 23 at 0800 GMT (1am Pacific). For 48 hours only – Wednesday, August 23 through 0800 GMT (1am Pacific) Friday, August 25 – as a special limited-time only promotion, gamers can download (and own) the game at no charge (for all Xbox Live Gold and Silver members).

Official Xbox Magazine has published a list of upcoming Xbox Live Arcade games and their release dates in August and early September.