250GB Xbox Kinect bundle spotted on 4GB bundle packaging

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on August 6th, 2010

Looks like we can expect another Xbox 360 bundle soon. The bundle has not yet been announced, but a 250GB Xbox 360/Kinect bundle can be seen on Microsoft’s Australian packaging for the 4GB Xbox 360 / Kinect box.

The 250GB bundle looks similar to the 4GB bundle, with a larger capacity hard drive, a glossy finish, and it includes a headset. We aren’t sure what game comes with the bundle, but it’s most likely Kinect Adventures.

Batman Arkham City announced for 2011

Posted in Games by Conner Flynn on August 5th, 2010

At last Batman fans, the sequel to the popular Batman Arkham Asylum has just been announced and it will be called Batman Arkham City. It will be available for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and PC in the fall of 2011. The game is being developed by Rocksteady Studios, Warner Bros Interactive and DC entertainment, and it will be set in Gotham’s new maximum security prison.

With the new Arkham in the city it should make for some interesting game scenarios, allowing even more characters to show up, so that you can bring them down.

Best Buy slashes prices on old Xbox 360 special edition bundles

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on August 1st, 2010

The new Xbox 360 is much quieter and more efficient, but there are still reasons to buy the old model. Like the fact that Best Buy is kicking off August by lowering the prices for the Splinter Cell: Conviction and Final Fantasy XIII previous-gen Xbox 360 bundles.

For only $299 (That’s $50 off the current price) you get the game title, a 250GB HDD, and two wireless controllers. You better hurry. Not sure how long it will last.

Xbox 360 Halo: Reach bundle unveiled

Posted in Microsoft by Shane McGlaun on July 23rd, 2010

Microsoft has a history of making special edition Xbox 360 consoles to celebrate games like Halo. With the new Halo: Reach game coming soon a new branded and limited edition Xbox 360 has been unveiled.

The new bundle is called the Halo: Reach bundle and it features a customized version of the new slim Xbox 360. The console is silver in color and has Halo-reach graphics and sound effects from the Halo universe.

New Xbox 360 4GB shipping August 3rd for $199, Kinect by itself is $149, holiday bundle for $299

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on July 20th, 2010

If you want everybody to know your secret, just tell Amazon Germany. They can’t keep a lid on things. Microsoft has just announced a new Xbox 360 Arcade replacement with 4GB of internal flash memory, a matte finish, and built-in 802.11n WiFi, which will be shipping August 3rd for $199.99.

In November, the standalone Kinect is coming for $149.99 with Kinect Adventures. Then there’s the 4GB console, Kinect sensor, and game in a holiday bundle for $299.99.

Images of new Xbox 360 dashboard leaked

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on July 15th, 2010

French site Logic-Sunrise has posted shots of what appears to be a new version of the Xbox 360 Dashboard interface. And if you are the skeptical sort, the images have been removed from Logic-Sunrise, replaced by a Microsoft takedown notice. That should make things clearer.

This UI features a “Natal Tuner” application and a “Natal” setup process, which directs requests for help to the @xboxsupport Twitter account.

New Xbox 360 Arcade in August?

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on July 14th, 2010

As far as we knew, the $199 Arcade version of the new Xbox 360 would be coming in this fall. But now, Amazon Germany has posted a page with some more details. Apparently it will come with 4GB of storage (Maybe on a flash drive) and arrive on August 20th.

Even if that’s accurate for Germany, that doesn’t tell us what will happen in the US market, but it’s looking like we will see the new Xbox Arcade at least before Thanksgiving and maybe even this August.

Xbox 360 sales surge in Japan after slim launch

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on July 5th, 2010

People like their consoles like they like their supermodels, thin and puking. Well, thin anyway. With two nice round buttons in front. But nevermind that. The newly launched Xbox 360 has sold 15,000 units in Japan in the first four days. The strong sales were in addition to 2,370 of the previous generation version of the games console. The week before the release saw only 2,060 Xbox units of any kind moved.

Sales were helped by the launch of Capcom’s top-selling game, Monster Hunter Frontier Online. In Japan the new slim console costs $339 while the previous Elite version dropped to $282.

Colorware strikes again, paints the Xbox 360

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on July 3rd, 2010

It seems there isn’t a thing Colorware won’t paint. Now you can jazz up that new Xbox 360. The color options are near limitless. If you’ve already picked one up, Colorware is charging $175 for the send-in option.

If you want to buy new, that technicolor dreamcoat will cost you $500 bucks. Totally worth it for a part red, part lime, part purple Xbox right? No one understands your sense of color like Colorware.

Nyko announces two new Raven PS3 controllers

Posted in Nyko by Conner Flynn on July 1st, 2010

I don’t think I’ve ever seen an uglier PS3 controller. Nyko is describing the feel of these controllers as “silky”. Even if that’s true, it’s like pouring perfume on a pig. The line includes a standard PS3 configuration as well as an Xbox 360 inspired “alternate” layout that flips the position of the left analog stick and d-pad for a more ergonomic feel, despite it’s looks.

Both connect wirelessly to your system via a USB dongle, and will cost $35 later this summer.

TRON controllers geek up your game

Posted in Controllers,Games by Conner Flynn on June 23rd, 2010

No matter what game you are playing, this Tron controller makes it feel like you are playing Tron. PDP’s glowing TRON controllers will cost you $50 controllers and will be available this fall for PS3, Wii, and Xbox 360.

PC gamers will also get a TRON-blue gaming keyboard and mouse from Razer. If you are going to play the upcoming Tron Evolution game for PC, 360, and PS3, it is mandatory that you use these controllers. And even if you aren’t a fan, they just look hot.

Xbox Live family subscription plan available in November for $99

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on June 22nd, 2010

We have some new details on Microsoft’s Xbox Live family subscription plan. Starting in November, you can get the Gold Family Pack, which allows up to four users to have Xbox Live Gold subscriptions, for $99.99 a year.

It will also debut the Family Center, which is a new menu accessible from the dashboard for customizing account settings. Many Xbox users have wished for a service like this, so it’s good news and the pricing sounds pretty decent. What do you think?

New Xbox 360 warns you of impending doom

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on June 21st, 2010

The original generation Xbox 360 was plagued with the dreaded Red Ring of Death when it overheated. Now it seems that the newly released version comes with the warning message shown above. Hey, at least the tell you that they made a console with crappy ventilation.

The message should at least stop them from getting flooded with units being sent back for replacements. You modders and DIY enthusiasts may want to drill some extra ventilation holes in that new Xbox.

GAEMS suitcase makes your Xbox 360 portable

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on June 20th, 2010

It isn’t very convenient to carry your Xbox 360 around for gaming on the go. However, that is about to change with the GAEMS Portable Console Gaming and Entertainment System. It carries an Xbox and a 15-inch, 720p LCD in the lid, along with speakers.

Just open your console and you’re ready to go. We aren’t sure if the power brick fits in there too. But we do know that your controllers will not fit. Sadly.

New Xbox 360 “Valhalla” chip, power use detailed

Posted in Xbox 360 by Conner Flynn on June 19th, 2010

A teardown provided a closer look at the Valhalla-powered slim Xbox 360 and the biggest change compared to the outgoing Jasper platform is what looks like the integration of the CPU, GPU and eDRAM onto a single chip. If this turns out to be true, this lets Microsoft use a single heatsink and fan for these components.

The new chip helps the new Xbox be more power efficient and it now requires a smaller, less powerful 135W adapter. Compared to the Jasper-powered predecessor, the new one is about 33 percent and 20 percent more efficient at idle and when playing Gears of War 2.