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Wii Warm Up: Do you feel abandoned?
Despite what Michael Pachter said yesterday, many actually do feel that Nintendo has forgotten their core gamers and are instead shifting the company's focus to more casual titles. But, the question is are you one of these doubters? Do you think that Nintendo doesn't care about making new Zelda and Mario games for you anymore, or are they simply too impressed with how wonderful stuff like Wii Fit does in sales? Do you think that they'll put out other installments in the franchises that we all know and love, but the games will be reworked so as to be unrecognizable when compared to previous iterations? Do you think this is all a big fuss over nothing?
Pachter: Nintendo hasn't abandoned core gamers
If you were disappointed with Nintendo's E3 showing, then odds are you have a lot of like-minded folks to agree with you. A majority of the industry feels that Nintendo's showing at E3 wasn't really, uh ... good. If you're not looking for real games, then you were probably happy with Wii Music.Pachter thinks that Nintendo hasn't abandoned the core gamers. He went on to say that "some hardcore gamers were critical of Nintendo's failure to announce new Mario and Zelda games at the show... we think that Nintendo focused upon building upon its formidable lead with the mass market, and do not consider the lack of major hard core game announcements to be an abandonment of its core." Interesting, but what do you all think? Did Nintendo abandon the core gamer or is the hope for a new Zelda and Mario game sometime in the future proof that they haven't forgotten about those core folk?
Joystiq interview: Nintendo spins 'core' gamer appeal, more
E3's oddly intoxicating cocktail of libation and lack of sleep can often give those in attendance a unique perspective on the industry. However, as we wandered into Nintendo's coolly lit corner of the LA convention center, we were quickly reminded that this is an outfit with a perspective all of its own. If the company's ambivalence during its own pre-E3 presser wasn't enough to convince us of Nintendo's indifference toward core gamers, our sit down during the show with Nintendo spokesman Charlie Scibetta proved that while the organization may preach that "hardcore" gamers play a critical role in Nintendo's strategy, its actions paint a different picture altogether.
E308: E3 no longer ideal for core games -- Miyamoto
Shigeru Miyamoto has weighed in on the grand debate that has raged over Nintendo's E3 press conference, addressing fan complaints that not enough "core" titles were shown. According to Shiggy, the shortage of more traditional games could be attributed to one thing: E3.Whereas once E3 was perceived as an event for those who treated gaming as serious business, Miyamoto argues that the industry's red-letter day is now better suited to showing off "new concepts and new types of play that we intend to bring to the broader audience, particularly because of the media that gathers at E3 now."Nevertheless, Miyamoto did reassure diehard fans that classic franchises were being worked on, with the Zelda, Mario, and Pikmin teams all concentrating on new games. "... We're still working on many of those titles," Miyamoto told MSNBC, "But [E3 is] just not the type of event where we'll be showcasing that anymore."It's interesting to note the different perspectives on this issue taken by Miyamoto and Reggie Fils-Aime. Whereas Reggie refuted the suggestion that Nintendo could have offered more "core" games, Miyamoto seems to admit that yes, there was a lack of such titles at E3, but that E3 itself was the reason behind this.[Via GamesIndustry.biz]
PS3 Core 80GB $399.99 [update]
New core configuration this fall with 80GB hard drive. Same as the current 40GB SKU with twice the hard drive. This will also include a DualShock 3 controller. [Thanks, ajiezer!]
C.O.R.E. is back to basics in the first trailer
We can't all be impressed by first-person shooters on the DS. C.O.R.E. is one of those games that fell smack-bang into Yawnsville after the first media was released. Now we have a trailer to explain a bit of the story and show off a good chunk of gameplay. Is it droolworthy? Check out the trailer and see for yourself.In other words, no. As far as the story goes, a "special" research team is checking out a crashed UFO, and "special" troops are dispatched when the thing inevitably spawns some crazy critters. Nothing generic about that special story at all. The graphics seem okay (especially that hope-raising intro video), but the whole thing is a little jerky and the corridors might become too repetitive.Still, waiting on a hands-on experience to judge its merit, because developing a smooth, fluid FPS for the DS is hard enough as it is before even thinking about decent design.%Gallery-23492%
Nintendo promises 'core' gamers will be happy with E3 showing
Marc Franklin, director of public relations at Nintendo, tells GamePro that "core gamers" will be interested in what the company has in store for E3. Although Franklin mentions Mario Super Sluggers (we can sense Europe going into fever pitch!), he gives very little detail on what else the company has planned.There's been plenty of speculation about what Nintendo may reveal, but Franklin's comments come as Nintendo's more casual oriented Wii Fit storms the sales charts and a certain executive takes a jab at the Nintendo faithful. Franklin concludes that third-party publishers are rolling out more titles as they realize the "Wii is the current platform of choice in this generation." True, but these rollouts don't always equal payoffs. We're looking at you, Boom Blox.
C.O.R.E. spells 'uninspiring'
Top-drawer first-person shooters are a rare breed on the DS (and after Metroid Prime Hunters almost gave us carpal tunnel syndrome, we're still wondering whether they're a good idea), so when Polish developer NoWay announced that they had a new futuristic first-person shooter in the works, simply titled C.O.R.E., our ears pricked up.Then we read the press release for the game, and scoured the natty concept art, and our eyelids suddenly began to feel awfully heavy. The truth is that C.O.R.E. sounds pretty hackneyed, what with its promise of marines, rocket launchers, and a sci-fi-tinged plot.Still, we'll forgive it for all of that if it provides us with a fast, fun shooting experience. Local play for up to four players off of one card is at least a decent start.%Gallery-23492%[Via press release]
Devs still bitter about non-HDD Xbox 360 Arcade
We thought we were in the clear regarding the controversy that surrounded both the hard drive'less Xbox 360 Core and Arcade models, but we've come to accept that sensitive topics like this will never die.In a recent chat with CVG, Bourne Conspiracy lead designer Rory McGuire flat out said that Microsoft made a "mistake" with their decision to not make a hard drive mandatory in all Xbox 360 models. McGuire told CVG that "in retrospect I wish Microsoft had made the choice to have [mandatory] hard drives like Sony did with the PS3." McGuire further went on to explain the development advantages of having a HDD saying that "if you have a hard drive, the whole game loads faster. Obviously you'll be facing a short install time, but the developer benefits from it and you definitely benefit from it as a player." Take that Microsoft!On second analysis, it's entirely possible that Microsoft could make HDDs mandatory in all Xbox 360 consoles by axing the Arcade and taking out another $1.9 billion hit to ship 20GB HDDs to Core and Arcade owners. Makes sense to us.
TUAW Responds: NTP for the iPhone
TUAW reader Gert S. writes "Are you aware of any NTP application that could set the system time on an iPhone or Touch ? I was browsing through the bin directories and no NTP client was found. I sure could use this util, even on the command line, to ensure my clock is running on time." iPhone developer extraordinaire "core" to the rescue! In response to Gert's letter, core dashed off this iPhone-based NTP tool--because that's the kind of insanely wonderful guy he is. If you like core's development work and feel like droping a thank you note, you can contact him here.
How To: downgrade to previous iTunes software
Many people running into trouble running the iPhone Utility Client (iPhuc) report that using an earlier version of iTunes' MobileDevices private framework will fix their problem since it would seem that iPhuc was designed to run under iTunes 7.4.2. What can you do? iPhone developer "core" has come up with a simple solution. Over at his WickedPsyched site, he's put up full instructions on how to keep the minty-fresh goodness of the latest iTunes install (currently 7.6) yet temporarily revert back to to 7.4.2 when you need to run iPhuc. The steps include downloading an old version of iTunes, backing up your current MobileDevices framework, copying the 7.4.2 framework to your system library, and using a simple shell script to toggle between the new version of the utility and the old one when you launch iPhuc.
Get learnified: Xbox 360 and its various SKUs
If you're new to the Xbox 360 world, have been lurking here at X3F without actually owning a console and have finally summoned up the courage to "jump in" and purchase a new Xbox 360 then we say ... congrats! The Xbox 360 is one sexy gaming machine and you won't regret your decision to own one.But you've also come to realize that purchasing an Xbox 360 isn't as simple as picking up a box and calling it a day. There are numerous versions of the 360 (Core, Arcade, Pro, H3, Elite, etc.) and keeping up to date on what's included in each box can make your brain turn to mush. And that's where our friends over at Joystiq come in with their guide to explaining the Xbox 360 SKUs. In their article they lay out all the details, break down each model, give you the prices and tell you what's in the box all on one handy little chart. Their article will not only help you decide on which Xbox 360 console is right for you, but it will also make you informed enough to be able to correct those somewhat delusional sales people who get their 360 facts messed up sometimes.
Joystiq Holidaze: explaining the Xbox 360 SKUs
We'd love to say picking up Xbox 360 is as easy as going to the store and grabbing the first box with the console's name on it. For better and worse, this generation of consoles gives consumers many choices at the (potential) expense of causing confusion at the store. So it's with this in mind that we present you this handy guide for discerning the difference between the various Xbox 360 versions (aka SKUs) out there. Please note that the red and green coloring is not only festive decor for the holiday season but also a subjective highlight of what each version excels in (or subsequently lacks). #comparechart { border: 2px solid #333; border-collapse: collapse; } #comparechart td { padding: 3px; border: 1px solid #ccc; vertical-align: top; margin: 0; line-height: 1.3em; font-size: 80%} #comparechart th { font-size: 80%; font-weight: bold; text-align: left; padding: 4px; background: #eee; } #comparechart th.mainth { font-size: 100%; border-bottom: 1px solid #333; } #comparechart td.red { background-color: #f08c85; } #comparechart td.green { background-color: #b3e2c4; } Elite HaloEdition Pro Arcade Core Hardware Price $449.99 $399.99 $349.99 $279.99 $199.99* Storage 120GB HDD 20GB HDD 20GB HDD 256MBmemory card none Color Black Green/Orange White White White HDMI port Yes Yes Certain models** Yes Certain models** Bundled Accessories Ethernet cable Yes Yes Yes No No Headset Wired Wired Wired No No Play &Charge Kit No Yes No No No Video cables HDMI 1.2,Component,Composite Component,Composite Component,Composite Composite Composite Controller Wireless Wireless Wireless Wireless Wired Other Xbox Live Silver,1 Month Gold Silver,1 Month Gold Silver,1 Month Gold Silver,1 Month Gold Silver BackwardsCompatibility Yes Yes Yes No*** No*** Notes:* The Core model has been discontinued. The $199.99 price tag is based on the GameStop refurbished price.** See explanation below*** Hard Drive requiredAnd just in case you still have questions, we've gone ahead and written up a F.A.Q. after the break.
Xbox 360 Arcade console landing on October 23rd?
C'mon, surely you've coped with the fact that Microsoft's Xbox 360 Core system will likely be replaced with the impending Arcade console, right? If not, now would be a great time for some serious soul-searching, because both Amazon and Toys 'R' Us are listing the system on their respective websites as having an October 23rd ship date. Of course, we're still not sure exactly what ports / extras the Arcade flavor will arrive with, but it's safe to say it'll run you $279.99 when it (probably) ships in three weeks.Read - Amazon's listingRead - Toys 'R' Us' listing
Rumorang: New Xbox 360 bundle, Core this holiday
A "mole" has unearthed a pair of juicy rumors for Opposable Thumbs, detailing not one, but two new Xbox 360 bundles expected just in time for the holiday splurge. The first, described as the Xbox 360 Pro package, will reportedly include a single case featuring both Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance, much like what was done with the old Sega GT/Jet Set Radio bundle for the original Xbox. Rumors of this bundle first surfaced last month, and this latest report seems to add a measure of certainty to those claims.This package is expected to drop on October 9, with a similar bundle for the Elite coming October 23. Unfortunately, according to the aforementioned mole, there won't be a price drop, but two free games is two free games. The mole's most interesting suggestion, however, is a new Xbox 360 Core model that will arrive "at the end of October," sporting a HDMI port, wireless controller, 256MB memory card, and five XBLA arcade games (Boom-Boom Rocket, Pac-man, Uno, Feeding Frenzy, and Luxor 2) on a single disc. Even better is that, according to the subterranean varmint, the package will carry the standard Core price of $279.99.If true, these deals look to offer a number of options for those still hesitant to dive into the Xbox 360 pool, making October a month to watch.
Will Xbox 360 Core become Xbox 360 Arcade on August 24th?
It appears the Xbox 360 rumor mill is hard-partying once again, this time over the fairly sketchy information that in addition to the European price cut we mentioned earlier, the game system may be receiving a "changing of the guard" on the SKU front, with the dismissal of the Core system, and the inclusion of a new "Arcade" package. Word on Box Street is that Microsoft is about to upend the low-impact Core units, add an HDMI port, throw five free XBLA games in the mix, slap on a wireless controller, and put a new line of text somewhere on the box. Otherwise the system will remain the same -- AKA no hard drive, white finish, and a target of constant ridicule by your friends, and will be made available for €279 (or about $376). The whole thing makes you wonder if this could have something to do with that discontinued SKU rumor we keep hearing about in the US. Can't wait to find out? Join the club.[Via Joystiq]
Europe gets Xbox 360 price cuts this Friday
Early this morning, Microsoft announced that all of Europe will be jumping in on the Xbox 360 price cut fun this Friday. Europe, being one of the last territories to receive an Xbox 360 price cut, will see price cuts for both 360 versions dropping the Core from 299 EUR / 199 GBP to 279 EUR / 179 GBP and the Premium falling from 399 EUR / 279 GBP to 349 EUR / 249 GBP. Also announced was that the Xbox 360 Elite will be launching this Friday in Europe and retail for 449 EUR / 299 GBP with the 120GB HDD available separately for 179 EUR / 129 GBP.It looks like the Xbox 360 price cut fun has come to an end and is complete friends with North America covered, Australia getting theirs and now Europe taking the plunge. Get ready to empty those wallets ... empty 'em hard!
Amazon selling Xbox 360 for $330
Apparently cutting $50 off of the price of the Xbox 360 Pro yesterday just wasn't enough for Amazon.com. Like Fancy's mother painting her soon-to-be-harlot daughter's face and jamming her into high heels, the online retailer is doing what it can to unload the systems on well-heeled callers. In this case, they've cut the price an additional $20, selling the systems for $329.99.We don't know exactly why they're trying to clear some 360s out of their stockroom, but, were we in a betting mood, we'd bet that it has something to do with the invading 360s that include HDMI connections. Out with the old, in with the new, as it were. There's no similar sale on Elite or Core models. If you don't yet have a 360 though, it's a fine bargain. We don't know how long it'll last though, so you may want to act fast.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Happy Xbox 360 price drop day!
For those who have been living under a rock or have been "busy" the past few days, you should know that today is the day when the Xbox 360 price drop officially goes into effect! So far, Microsoft has announced that United States, Canada and (now) Mexico Xbox 360 prices will be effected by the price drop love. Most major retailers have already made the price drop adjustment with Amazon.com, Best Buy and Gamestop all offering the consoles at their new lower price. But we noticed some retailers (ahem, Target.com) are a little out of the loop, so be patient and be sure to avoid paying the older, more expensive console prices.Go ahead fanboys, buy your first, buy your second or be a nice guy and buy a 360 for a friend, because price drops are where it's at today.
Target bidding the Xbox 360 Core model adieu?
It wouldn't be a legitimate discontinuation rumor without an incredibly blurry picture as proof, now would it? In yet another disputable case of "is the Xbox 360 Core model on its way out," a certain Target employee apparently snapped a picture of horrific quality showing the "Xbox 360 Core Hardware Sys" with a "Discontinued" status. The shot was reportedly taken from one of the store's oh-so-knowledgeable PDAs, and while there's obviously no confirmation either way just yet, this tidbit does substantiate the questionable Best Buy slip. Ah well, it's not like we won't have yet another iteration coming up soon to ease the pain if this proves accurate.
