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New Xbox 360 controller with improved D-pad confirmed, $65 on November 9
Hey, what's this? We just started hearing rumors this morning that Microsoft was planning a new Xbox 360 controller with an improved D-pad, and bang -- Major Nelson just went live with a YouTube video detailing the new piece. The new D-pad is a trick new patented design that's just as we heard from Joystiq: it's a disc in the normal configuration, but a quick twist raises the crossbars about a quarter-inch, making it eminently more usable. (That sound you hear is joyous weeping.) The analog sticks have also been tweaked to be slightly more concave, and -- wonder of wonders -- the ABXY buttons are now translucent monochrome instead of colored. Wild. The new matte silver controller will only come bundled with the Play and Charge kit for $64.99 when it launches on November 9 in the States and replaces the existing wireless controller -- it'll hit Europe around February. Yep, it definitely seems like a major upgrade, but we've got a couple questions: when will it replace the packed-in controller? What about all the people who just bought new Stealthboxes and got the older controller? And, most importantly, when can we have one to try out? We're pressing for answers and we'll let you know -- check the video after the break in the meantime. %Gallery-100796% [Thanks, Bill]
Xbox Live Gold price increasing November 1 in US, UK, Canada, and Mexico
Well, this is sad and unexpected: Microsoft's Major Nelson just announced that Xbox Live Gold will be getting more expensive in the US, UK, Canada, and Mexico starting November 1. A single month will go from $7.99 to $9.99, three months will go from $19.99 to $24.99, and the yearly sub will now be $59.99, up from $49.99. Yes, it's super lame, but to make up for it Microsoft's running a quickie "lock in" promo for a discounted $40 one-year Gold sub starting November 1 -- a nice deal if your subscription is set to expire around then, we suppose. We're definitely wondering why Microsoft is jacking Live prices right before launching Kinect and the gaming-focused Windows Phone 7, though -- we've heard theories ranging from an attempt to increase Entertainment and Devices revenue to a simple inflation adjustment. We'll poke around -- and we're guessing there's about to be a run on Gold upgrade cards. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Earthworms, FPS deals and LEGO Harry Potter on XBLM next week
Major Nelson has spilled all of the proverbial beans on next week's XBL content and deals, and it looks like the perfect time to catch up on some games you might have missed. Leading the pack is Earthworm Jim HD, the long-awaited re-release of the only game in memory that lets you launch cows for fun and profit. It'll be out on Wednesday, June 9, for 800 ($10). Red Faction Guerrilla and Need for Speed Undercover will be released for Games on Demand, and a demo for LEGO Harry Potter: Years 1-4 will be out on Monday, June 7. The deals are excellent as well -- Worms 2: Armageddon, Duke Nukem 3D and Peggle (yes!) will all be on sale next week for 400 ($5), and you'll be able to get FPSes Serious Sam HD, Call of Duty Classic and Battlefield 1943 for just 800 ($10).
Microsoft: 'We have no plans for Blu-ray on Xbox 360'
A recent Gizmodo sit down with Steve Ballmer led with a headline exclaiming a Blu-ray add-on for Xbox was coming. See, when Ballmer was asked about making the Xbox a home theater companion of choice and where Blu-ray might fit in, the Windows 7 wild man said, "Well I don't know if we need to put Blu-ray in there -- you'll be able to get Blu-ray drives as accessories." He then added that on-demand is the future of movies, not physical media. Now our bud Major Nelson, Director of Programming for Xbox Live, has stepped up to lay the conflation to rest. The Major says that Ballmer was referring to Blu-ray accessories for the PC and reiterated Microsoft's focus of bringing instant-on 1080p streaming movies to the Xbox 360. So... that should end speculation of Blu-ray on Xbox right? Not if history serves, nope.
Xbox Live dashboard update preview invites begin rolling out
You've already read our thoughts on the new Xbox Live dashboard update, and now it's time for those who put in their name for the preview program to join the fun. Microsoft today began sending invites that'll get you set up for the download, so that you can enjoy Avatar marketplace and a slew of new Netflix options (and irksome restrictions for Starz Play titles). Registration is still open if you still want a shot at nabbing it before August 11th. Didn't get an email? A second wave of invites is going out tomorrow, but also be sure to check the Connect site you registered at anyway, as Microsoft notes those who opted out of receiving emails will have no other way of confirming. [Via Joystiq]
PSA: How fake is Don Mattrick's Twitter? So fake
A quick public service announcement to any and all tipsters sending us links to Don Mattrick's official Twitter account: It's fake. Sure, it would have been nice to reveal new Halo: Reach related details, but the only news out of the Twitter account is that there is no news at all. Really, we're not surprised with such masterfully crafted tweets as: "We're currently working with a third party studio on a new xbox 360 exclusive game engine to showcase unmatched graphical fidilty." Yes, "fidilty." Microsoft's (real) Twitter expert Major Nelson -- aka Larry Hryb -- tells us he is currently working with the Twitter team to have the account removed. With so many fake accounts, it's no wonder Twitter is testing a new "Verified Account" label. We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Don Mattrick for inspiring a phony Twitter account, following good company such as artist Kanye West, ass-kicker Chuck Norris and all of the Pokemans.
Xbox 360 TV Calibration app pops up on Community Games
For most of this month, one of the top 10 ranked Community Games on Major Nelson's list hasn't been a game at all, the TV Calibration app is a 200 point ($2.50) tool loaded with plenty of test patterns to make sure your video setup is configured perfectly. There's also a free trial, so we loaded it up and can say it does exactly what it says it does. Most games have at least some PQ optimization helpers, but it's unlikely you'll be able to get this detailed information about pixel mapping and test color patterns with a Gears of War disc, and hey, you gotta make sure those Netflix streams look their best on your HDTV. Other calibration tools may have a few more tests and work on more than one device, but for the price it seems to be a good value. Check out the gallery to see a few of the patterns included, or download it from the marketplace and give it a try.
Red Xbox 360 Resident Evil Limited Edition "unboxed" by Major Nelson
Curious what's in that hot new red Xbox 360 Resident Evil Limited Edition box? Well, Major Nelson's got you covered -- he just posted up this quick video going over the contents. You're getting the red 360 with 120GB drive, a red controller, black headset, HDMI, component, and Ethernet cables, a download code for Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, RE 5, and... the standard Xbox power supply. Yeah! We'll hit you with a real unboxing when it all goes on sale -- which just happens to be Friday the 13th, our favorite day in March.
Xbox Experience now available to all who signed up, Netflix HD streams too
Microsoft's new Xbox Experience dashboard doesn't officially launch until Wednesday the 19th. But if you signed up for the preview (and who didn't?) with a valid console ID then it's available now according to Major Nelson. What's more, Netflix has confirmed its Xbox 360 launch details: more than 12,000 movies and TV episodes and 300 streaming HD titles. Remember, streaming is free for Netflix members who are also Xbox Live Gold members. The HD video streams will be limited to SD audio, however -- multi-channel audio is in the works as are additional HD titles. Now get outta here kid, NXE awaits.[Via Joystiq]Read -- Major NelsonRead -- Netflix
Xbox 360 guide to offer blades, no solid explanation of how
The upcoming refresh of Xbox 360's user interface is mighty bold ... but what if you have a real soft spot for the oh-so-passé assortment of blades? Ambiguous news! Xbox Live general manager Marc Whitten passes along word – via Major Nelson's blog – that the new Xbox "guide" will retain the blades-based interface, although it's still a little confusing as to exactly how.In his update, Whitten says: "For everyone who loves the blades interface, it's not going away," and that "every feature and option [the blades offer] is available right from the guide." Confused? You're not alone. It sounds to us like a sort of "classic view" will be offered ... but, at the same time, like the guide will simply offer the same features. We took a vote and came up 50/50 on it. We'll be sure to press Microsoft for more details as E3 plays out.[Update: Microsoft has demo'd the revised blade functionality to the media. Pressing the Xbox Guide button now brings up a more compact version of the blade-based "dashboard," rather than the traditional single pop-out Guide blade.]
Microsoft brings Chobot, 'IGN Strategize' to XBL
Not to be trumped in the online flesh-and-blood female host arms race by Sony and Qore's Veronica Belmont, Microsoft has announced a partnership with IGN to bring its popular "IGN Strategize" segments to Xbox Live, hosted by IGN host/celebrity Jessica Chobot (who may or may not lick a 360 controller). Larry Hryb, Xbox Live's "Major Nelson," made the announcement this morning via his Twitter feed. A brief preview clip of himself and Chobot chatting has subsequently hit the "Inside Xbox" section of Live. IGN Strategize will soon join the other regular Inside Xbox segments and focus on tips, tricks, and strategies, hence the name.
Engadget Podcast 111 (the Xbox 360 episode) - 01.09.2008
We've wanted a long time to get our old pal Major Nelson on the Engadget podcast, and what better occasion than CES? Ok, maybe E3 -- but there's been no dearth of 360 news at and prior to the show, and no shortage of questions we've been dying to have answered on the air. If you're not down with the Xbox, you'll probably want to wait for a little bit until our next podcast, because in this one we're talking about the recent Live outages, how the console's been doing in the market, the persistence of the integrated HD DVD player rumor, the announcement of the 360's first IPTV rollout, and even waxing nerd about our favorite titles of late. Get the podcast [iTunes] Subscribe to the Podcast directly in iTunes (enhanced AAC). [RSS MP3] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in MP3) to your RSS aggregator and have the show delivered automatically. [RSS AAC] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in enhanced AAC) to your RSS aggregator. [RSS OGG] Add the Engadget Podcast feed (in OGG) to your RSS aggregator. Hosts: Peter Rojas and Ryan Block Producer: Trent Wolbe Guest: Larry Hryb, aka Major Nelson Music: Solvent - Instructograph (Ghostly International) LISTEN (MP3) LISTEN (AAC) LISTEN (OGG) Contact the podcast: 1-888-ENGADGET, Engadget (Gizmo Project) or podcast at engadget dawt com
Top 25 pop-u-lar Xbox gamertags
Microsoft's Trixie (Christa Phillips) released a list of the top 25 Xbox Live gamertags in 2007 over the weekend. The list is compiled "anytime the gamercard or profile is called up," with more "hits" resulting in a higher placement. Topping the list is obviously none other than Major Nelson, known in real life as the vowel-deficient Larry Hryb, Xbox Live's director of programming, the guru and go-to man for Xbox related issues and announcements -- especially when things go horribly wrong with the service.We're not exactly sure who a lot of the people on the list are (which can also be found after the break with an appropriate video clip), but Ms. Trixie comes in at number three behind other Microsoft personality Eric "e" Neustadter. Xbox Live "cheater" Gilbert Arenas bounced in at number six, while Call of Duty 4 and Halo 3 developers made eight and nine respectively. Also, former X3F writer David "Knuckles Dawson" Dreger made number 19. Now, let's see if you all can fill in the rest of the names behind the gamertags.
Major Nelson speaks about recent Xbox Live issues
Many of you might have noticed a bevy of problems facing Xbox live over this past week: An unresponsive marketplace, the inability to recover a gamertag (or even sign in), and aggravating matchmaking wait times, to name a few. Major Nelson issued a statement last night explaining that while there have been no complete outages of the service over the past week, "problems like this are not acceptable," and that they are working to get the service back to normal. Sadly, no time frame was provided on when repairs to the service would be complete.There's been no official statement on why the service has been so shoddy lately, but if we were the guessing type, we blame it on the holiday season. We're sure that tons of people found a 360 under their trees (or candles), and immediately tried to hop online; only to collide with the millions of vacationing gamers who were already playing. Technology has come a long way, but the internet can still only hold so many racial epithet-slinging Master Chiefs before things start breaking down.
Major Nelson is community's Person of the Year
With an award to prove it, our good friend Larry Hryb (a.k.a. Major Nelson) is officially enjoyed by the major-ity (haha!) of the gaming community.GameDaily's 2007 Persons of the Year awards just wrapped and for the first year ever they handed out a Reader's Choice award. GameDaily asked readers to tell them who in the gaming industry was worthy of the Reader's Choice honor and after tallying the votes Mr. Face of Xbox himself and Xbox Live Director of Programming Larry Hryb came out on top beating notables like Ken Levine and Jade Raymond. You can read Major's thank you post over on his blog, so be sure to stop on by and tell him how uber awesome he is. Now our chances of getting him to accept our friend request will be zilch to none ...[Thanks, EdogLost]
GameDaily 'Persons of the Year': #1 - 3 and readers' choice
GameDaily concluded its "Persons of the Year" feature today by announcing Nintendo America's COO Reggie Fils-Aime took the top spot; Microsoft's Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb took the readers' choice award. Fils-Aime bested Activision CEO Bobby Kotick (#2) and Harmonix CEO Alex Rigopulos (#3) because of the Wii's phenomenal success in the States. GameDaily had previously announced #4 and #5, which went to Aaron Greenberg and Jeff Gerstmann respectively.Major Nelson -- guru of Xbox -- received the readers' choice award after politely directing his loyal readership to GameDaily's website. Before Major Nelson stepped up his campaign, Assassin's Creed producer Jade Raymond was in the lead. Too bad Raymond didn't win though, GameDaily ended up having "Men of the Year" awards rather than "Persons of the Year."Read -- 2007 Persons of the Year #1Read -- Persons of the Year: Readers' Choice Unveiled
BioShock music list posted by Major Nelson
Still can't get the background tunes form BioShock out of your head? Well Major Nelson, courtesy of BioShock's Ken Levine, has posted the track list for the game (found after the break). As those who have played BioShock know, the music is as much a part of the game as anything else. And considering we'll never be able to listen to The Waltz of the Flowers from The Nutcracker again without imagining the Sander Cohen masterpiece fight, the team at 2K Boston obviously did a great job in their musical selection for scenes within the game. Not since the use of Bach in Gyruss can we distinctly recall a classical piece being so memorably tied with a video game. We're curious to see what musical selections 2K Boston will make for our return to Rapture. All we really want is some scene in BioShock 2 of Big Daddies dancing to David Bowie's Magic Dance from Labyrinth. Can't remember it? You'll find that after the break too.
Major Nelson asks gamers, 'Sup?
Over at the house that Major built, Larry Hryb has alerted gamers to a Microsoft pow-pow taking place early next week. Those in attendance include Ray Ozzie, Chief Software Architect, and David Vaskevitch, Chief Technical Officer, just to name a few. Hryb wanted to know, "What would you say to the leaders of services at Microsoft?" So far, the post has received over 400 user comments, with a variety of topics being broached by readers.The discussion has focused on such lively topics as the "shafting [of] Canadians," general "price of Xbox Live," and ever-so-broad buzzword "innovation." However, some folks appear so damned excited that they're unable to issue coherent suggestions -- tried spell checker? Case in point: Tobe (USA) writes, "u should say that, in the next dashborad update, trails and full games should be seperated in the catagory section of XBLA games." Maybe someone should suggest that Microsoft get up on some educational games, eh?
The Joystiq Weekend: September 15 - 17, 2007
Having also been in situations where we've missed flights due to lost essentials (e.g. plane tickets, photo ID), we can only express deep sympathy for Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb, who is not going to Tokyo Game Show this year due to a missing passport. Unfortunately, the Major didn't find out until he was in the terminal. Ouch. If you find his passport, be sure to let him know. Otherwise, check out the highlights for the weekend:JoystiqueryJoyswag: 10 invites to the Call of Duty 4 BetaPodcast Rodeo for Sept. 16: Yes, earReminder: win the ultimate Halo 3 setup from X3FToday's cuddliest video: LocoRoco Cocoreccho trailerToday's seriously 32-player Wii FPS: Medal of Honor Heroes 2Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: DIY Omegathon editionNewsBreaking news: Racer Colin McRae dies in helicopter crashItagaki shows off Ninja Gaiden II aqua city levelNew games this week: Eternal Sonata editionYoshi Story, Super Thunder Blade, World Class Baseball on Virtual ConsoleFuture Weapons to feature Halo 3 tonightIntel picks up Havok for $21MTurboGrafx-CD games coming to Virtual Consoles worldwideSony unveils Karraker replacement Scott SteinbergGrade-grubbing GameStop manager gets suspended Chinese online gamer dies after three day stintDave Perry: PSP Lite a 'head in the sand' move for SonyWoW character sells for nearly $10,000Xfire shows off their latest XstaticsNintendo shuts down official forums "indefinitely"Oklahoma violent game law overturnedRumors & SpeculationReuters: Sony in talks to sell chip manufacturing to Toshiba Rumor: Rumbling Sixaxis to debut at TGSRumor: Halo 3 ending leaked onto netCulture & CommunityDon't move, just listen: Automatic Mario goes anime musicSealed game collectors hoarding all the cool toysBook critic plays BioShock, says it's not quite "art" Cliffy B: BioShock is my game of the yearPimp your Wii with Talismoon's new casesMTV drops new Multiplayer blog (plus BioShock Vs. Mode)
COD4 dev becomes most popular gamertag
Move over Major Nelson, thy reign has come to an end. According to Xbox.com, the most popular gamertag honor has been transferred to fourzerotwo, a lowly developer working on a little-known-game entitled Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare. How did this underdog best the Voice of Microsoft's console? We expect a full-on popularity assault by The Major (real name Larry Hyrb). This fight isn't over, you can bet your gamerscore on it.
