The fall update for Xbox 360 launches today. Here are some of the new features:
In addition to the update, a large number of entertainment applications are starting to roll out. Check the link for all the various apps for different countries and their estimated release. It would appear that many of them do require a Gold account to use, although this doesn't appear to be detailed.
Update: While not as capable as the Windows Phone one, an official app has been introduced for iOS.
Currently in the process of rolling out worldwide, the spring update for Xbox 360 brings a few new things to the console:
This update is said to be launching in waves over the next few days, so it may take some time to show up for most console owners.
An update regarding the recent PSN downtime has been posted today on the official Playstation blog, indicating that the reason for the downtime is due to an unauthorized intrusion into Sony's network. Patrick Seybold, Sr. Director of Corporate Communications & Social Media, has released an official statement to notify PlayStation Network and Qriocity customers that the intrusion occurred sometime between April 17th and April 19th and it is believed that user account information was compromised. Here is an excerpt from the statement that details what information they believe has been stolen:
"Although we are still investigating the details of this incident, we believe that an unauthorized person has obtained the following information that you provided: name, address (city, state, zip), country, email address, birthdate, PlayStation Network/Qriocity password and login, and handle/PSN online ID. It is also possible that your profile data, including purchase history and billing address (city, state, zip), and your PlayStation Network/Qriocity password security answers may have been obtained. If you have authorized a sub-account for your dependent, the same data with respect to your dependent may have been obtained. While there is no evidence at this time that credit card data was taken, we cannot rule out the possibility. If you have provided your credit card data through PlayStation Network or Qriocity, out of an abundance of caution we are advising you that your credit card number (excluding security code) and expiration date may have been obtained."
The full statement can be found here. Oh, and for those who don't care about their personal information being stolen and just want back online, Sony also indicated that they intend to have PlayStation Network and Qriocity services restored within a week. Unfortunately, this also seems to be the first opportunity users will have to update their PSN passwords. In the meantime, it might be a good idea for PSN customers to update passwords on any sites that share the same email and/or username as their PSN accounts.
Rie Tanaka, the voice actress for Karen Erra in the Japanese version of Phantasy Star Universe, announced on her Twitter feed that a body pillow cover of her will be made available in the near future. Here is a preview image of the pillow cover:
No price has been announced yet. If you do buy the pillow cover, be sure to pick up the Rie Tanaka Trading Card set.
One of the first big announcements to come out of E3 2010 is a new model for the Xbox 360. It retails for $299.99 and is available starting this week. Changes and additions include:
These are currently in the process of being shipped out to retailers. Amazon will start processing orders for customers tomorrow.
Update: If the $300 price tag of the new 360 isn't in your budget, it looks like Amazon is clearing out the Xbox 360 Arcade Spring Bundle for $149 + a $50 gaming credit (essentially $99, if you buy your games at Amazon anyway). The bundle includes two games and a wireless controller.
Update: Microsoft will be offering a $199.99 version of this new model starting in the fall. They will also be offering bundles with the Kinect. There are currently no additional details about these.
Gamestop is running another big sale and this time, they're showing Phantasy Star fans a little love. For a limited time, you can pick up a new copy of Phantasy Star Portable for $19.99 (limit one per customer). Used copies are available even cheaper at $14.99. In addition, they are offering 25% to 50% off on a number of other titles for the first 1,000 customers.
The deal doesn't stop there, though, as there are some coupons floating around that can help you save even more. Some of these will stack, so see how good of a deal you can come up with. Here's a list of coupon codes (and if you have an edge card, don't forget to use that for an additional 10% off as well):
- 25DEAL - 25% off orders of $100 or more
- 25PRE - 25% off all in-stock pre-owned games
- SAVER - Free shipping on orders over $25
The sale is available for a very limited time and ends on 5/13 at 11:00am CST. If you've been looking for an opportunity to pick up PSP for cheap (and perhaps some other games too), this might be your chance! Be sure to drop by the Off Topic forum's Video Game Deals thread to discuss this and other great game deals!
GameStop and Amazon are having themselves a little price war at the moment, and it's working out quite nicely for gamers!
Gamestop started by having a sale that offered discounted titles with $10 credits on future purchases. Amazon matched their prices, $10 credits and all. Gamestop lowered prices further. Amazon started matching again. The end result? Some awesome deals (some of which are still getting better). Here are the featured titles:
The above links direct to Amazon (as that will come out to a better deal for most people), but if you prefer to purchase from Gamestop, just follow this link to check out the sale on their website:
We'll keep this updated with any major changes to the sale. If you spot something else or want to chime in on your recommended picks, join in on the current discussion in our forums!
UPDATE: Many of the games in Gamestop's sale are no longer available, prompting Amazon to start raising their prices back up. However, some new games have been added to Gamestop's promotion (such as Mario Kart, Bayonetta, Wii Sports Resort w/ Motion Plus, and God of War collection). These new titles have not yet been matched on Amazon, so hit the Gamespot link above if you're interested!