TardPack
Latest
Microsoft embiggens memory unit, XBLA game size [update 1]
Core owners rejoice. Microsoft today announced they'll be releasing a beefier, 512MB memory unit for all those hard-drive-less Xbox 360s on April 3 for $49.99. The old, 256MB 64MB unit will simultaneously be reduced from $39.99 to $29.99. The new, bigger unit will also come pre-loaded with XBLA classic Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved, proving that old XBLA games don't die, they just become free pack-ins. Speaking of Xbox Live Arcade, what was once an exception is now a rule: Microsoft has officially upped the maximum size for its downloadable games service from 50MB to 150MB. While it's nice to see Microsoft paying attention to its value-priced hardware option, we can't help but feel the premium edition is still the way to go. For the price of two 512MB memory units you can get 20 times the storage in a noisy hard drive, plus extras like a wireless controller. As far as value per gaming dollar is concerned, a little extra cash goes a long way here. [Update: Fixed the size of the current unit. Thanks commenters.]
The $500 Playstation 3 is missing something...like HDMI, WiFi and Memory card reader.
If the only difference between the models is a 40GB hard drive, thats one thing, but did Sony "tard pack" the cheaper version of the PS3? That's what it appears according to this spec sheet directly from Sony. According to the pdf, all of those are exclusive to the version of the PS3 that will cost $600 when they are released this fall. This is a very odd strategy from Sony, while we still have doubts about Microsoft's ability to support HDCP with their HD DVD add on, it is odd that Sony would split their market of potential Blu-ray customers. Analog outputs would still give you 1080i high definition, but no all-digital twin-1080p HDCP protected loving like we have been dreaming about since the last E3. Stripping WiFi cancels much of the PSP functionality shown, and what is backwards compatibility if you can't transfer saves on a memory stick?Say it ain't so Sony, say it ain't so. Check out Joystiq for more E3 coverage, including the first official pics.
