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Xbox celebrates going back to school with some distracting sales
A couple of serious sales are doing the rounds on Xbox Live Marketplace this week.First up, the Back to School sale sees a good number of games go half-off, including Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2, Bloodforge, both episodes of Sonic 4, and Joe Danger. The pick of the bunch, however, is definitely Double Fine's Stacking. The doll-piling puzzler drops from its original price of 1200 MSP to just 300.As if that wasn't enough to keep kids (and adults) from their homework, the Xbox Deal of the Week sees the prices of six more games cut by 50%. That sextet features Alan Wake's American Nightmare, Limbo, and Digital Reality's time-bending shoot-em-up, Sine Mora. According to Major Nelson, the following week will see PopCap's collection of casuals getting a similar treatment.
Microsoft bringing blockbusters, Dream Build Players to PAX Prime
Microsoft is blowing out PAX Prime with playable demos of Halo 4 multiplayer, Forza Horizon, Resident Evil 6 and Tomb Raider, along with a bunch of previews for XBLA, Dream Build Play and Windows 8 games. Microsoft will also have a big Gears of War: Judgement surprise, which Major Nelson promises to reveal tomorrow, and features on FIFA 13 and Fable: The Journey.The XBLA games gracing PAX with their presence are State of Decay, Crash Course 2, Avatar Motocross Madness and Happy Wars, XBLA's first ever free-to-play title. Microsoft will host the 2012 Dream Build Play winners in its booth (#412), with the four Xbox 360 winners and top four from the Windows Phone division on display.
Microsoft permanently lowering Kinect price in the US to $110, slightly reducing it in other parts of the world
Well, it certainly looks like the news of that Xbox Essentials Pack isn't the only thing coming out of Redmond today. As the communicative Major Nelson unequivocally notes, Microsoft's officially dropping down the price of its "You Are the Controller" Xbox 360 add-on in the US to a mere 110 bucks. Additionally, he's also said there's a "permanently reduced" pricing scheme coming to other countries in North America, Latin America and the Asia Pacific regions (save for Japan) where the company's Kinect is available for purchase; meanwhile, folks in the Middle East, Europe and Africa seem to be out of luck for now, since there are no price-slashing plans for the time being.
August XBL deals: Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC, Rockstar sale
This week Xbox Live Arcade sees the launch of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure HD and Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, and Mass Effect 3's Leviathan DLC is set to drop next Tuesday, August 28. Xbox Live's deal of the week for August 21 - 27 includes Skydrift and its DLC, Deadblock and a map pack, and a smattering of other games for 50 percent off.Next week, August 28 - September 3, Xbox Live will host a half-off sale for a batch of Assassin's Creed: Revelations DLC: the Ancestors Character Pack, Mediterranean Traveler Map Pack, The Lost Archive, Codex, Eagle and Piece of Eden, each at half off.A Rockstar publisher sale will hit Xbox Live August 28 - September 3, with an offering of unknown items for "up to" 50 percent off. Left 4 Dead, Metal Gear Solid HD, Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City and Ratatouille will all come to Games on Demand on August 21.
Microsoft kicked off public beta for 2012 Xbox Live update, but quickly ran out of space
And just like that, it was all over. Shortly after the well-known, always-informative Major Nelson announced that this year's upcoming Xbox Live update had officially opened its beta doors to the public, he soon followed up with a note saying it was already "full and no longer accepting sign-ups." For the lucky ones, though, the public beta will give them early access to a slew of anticipated Xbox Live features, such as personalized dashboard recommendations, improved category / discovery features and, best of all, a look at Internet Explorer on Microsoft's entertainment console. Sadly, Major Nelson didn't say whether or not there's going to be more spaces opening up soon, but we'll keep you in the loop if anything changes.
Want to test the next Xbox Dashboard update? Now's your big chance [update: it's full!]
You probably want to be one of the first people to explore the internet on your Xbox 360, right? Well, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb just posted up instructions for how to be that dude – all you have to do is sign up for the upcoming Xbox Live Dashboard update beta.Beyond the opportunity to explore the internet from the comfort of your couch, you'll also get "personalized dashboard recommendations" (whatever that means), and "enhanced category search and discovery features."Like with so many betas, participants won't be able to write about their experience or take pictures or anything like that until the required non-disclosure agreement expires. But hey, you'll be part of a super secret club, so there's something.Update: Looks like the beta's full up, y'all. Congrats to those who got in!
Nike+ Kinect Training arrives October 30th, looks to whip you into shape for $50
We caught a glimpse of that Nike+ Kinect Training had to offer back at E3. Now, we'll all be able to give it our best shot just before the holiday season. The Kinect exercise title for the Xbox 360 is set to hit shelves on October 30th and will carry a $49.99 price tag. Claiming to make us "athlete-fit", the software will offer constant tips on form and technique while monthly reports will display progress along the way. Still no word on companion apps for mobile platforms, but the kit is expected to play nice with Windows Phone devices at launch for session reminders and sharing achievements with training mates.
Microsoft skipping Tokyo Game Show and Gamescom to focus on 'smaller, more localized promotions'
Microsoft's scaling back its three-fold approach to annual gaming conventions, today announcing that it'll skip both Germany's Gamescom in August and Japan's Tokyo Game Show in September. "This year, Xbox will be focusing on smaller, more localized promotions and experiences for press, partners, retailers and customers around the world," Microsoft director of programming Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb said on his blog this morning.As a result of that "smaller, more localized" marketing focus, Microsoft's wares "won't be taking part in Gamescom or Tokyo Games Show this year." Hryb noted that "both are still important shows for the industry, and we do wish the organizers well." Microsoft is the second of the big three console manufacturers to bow out of Gamescom, with Nintendo announcing as much earlier this year. Microsoft also attended its last Consumer Electronics Show this past January, signaling to many that the company was turning to Apple-style one-off press events.The Kirkland, Washington-based publisher showed off Halo 4 and "Smart Glass" as major components of its E3 2012 press conference. The company is apparently confident enough in its already announced holiday lineup to skip the largest public game show on the planet.
XBLM discounts PopCap games this week, Borderlands and Red Dead next
If Mad Riders and the two Sega Vintage Collections coming to XBLA this week don't fill absolutely all of your time, you can occupy every spare second with discounted PopCap games. From today through June 4, PopCap games on XBLA are half off, including Plants vs. Zombies, Peggle, Zumba, Bejeweled 3, and more.Next week, Borderlands DLC will be half off, as will the Red Dead Redemption Undead Nightmare Collection and, why not, Sega Bass Fishing. We know there must be someone who has time to play games next week, but we don't want to hear about it.
MLB.tv Premium for Xbox 360 now live in 18 more countries, CinemaNow adds rentals in the US
Feels like it was only yesterday that the MLB.tv app was landing on Xbox consoles in North America, and starting today, the application will be available to more baseball lovers around the globe. As Major Nelson notes (again), the Major League Baseball service is now live in Brazil, France, Germany, India, Italy, South Africa, Spain and the UK, among a few other nations. Naturally, if you're hoping to catch any ball games via MLB's Premium goods, you'll have to shell out a subscription fee along with having a fancy Xbox Live Gold account. In other 360 news, CinemaNow has made the switch from being a locker-only application to now offering TV show and movie rentals to folks in the US. You can check out what other countries made the MLB.tv cut at the Major Nelson site, link is down below.
Spike TV airing Microsoft's 'Xbox: Entertainment Evolved' from E3, also coming to Xbox Live
Similar to last year's airing of Microsoft's E3 keynote, Spike TV's once again offering gamers who won't be making the trip to Los Angeles a quick way to enjoy a little bit of the show. The famed Major Nelson revealed the news that Spike TV will be showing the entire 90-minute Xbox: Entertainment Evolved event live on its network, which takes place on June 4th at 12:30PM Eastern time -- of course, we'll be there covering it. Unlike in 2011, though, now you'll also be able to check out whatever Redmond has in store for us as it airs on TV straight from your console via Xbox Live. Sadly, we know that won't be some new Xbox hardware...
Xbox 360 apps now live for Comcast Xfinity TV, HBO Go and MLB.tv
Anxiously awaiting the arrival of those brand spanking new apps for your Xbox 360 console? Well, the wait is over. Video apps for Comcast Xfinity TV, HBO Go and MLB.tv have arrived on a number of consoles here at Engadget HQ. Major Nelson dropped the official word a little while ago, leaving you mere moments away from live and on demand television and baseball just in time for the start of the season. Keep in mind all three of these high profile applications feature Kinect integration -- but don't worry, you won't be forced to swing any bats in your living room. If you're looking for more info, details on the HBO Go and MLB.tv offerings await in the PR below.
PSA: Xbox Live color playback issue patched
Xbox users may have noticed a mandatory patch preempting their power-up procedures today, the effects of which were either immediately apparent or completely unnoticeable, depending on whether a certain color display issue had reared its head. The patch doesn't apply to apps, however, so developers will have to implement the fix independently; a process that will take place "over the coming months," according to Major Nelson.Technically speaking, "over the coming months" could mean any time between now and the heat death of the universe, but the fact that Microsoft has corrected its own services is a promising start.
Xbox 360 system update gets its colors in order, makes it mandatory
Remember those color problems experienced by some Xbox 360 users after last year's dashboard update? Microsoft appears to have fixed the issue in its latest system update, although it will take time for the fix to roll out across the associated apps -- we've been told this will happen over the next few months. Its Sony rival also rolled out its own (optional) update for the PS3 yesterday, improving "certain aspects" of the UI. The Xbox team promise that their update will also increase performance, but don't take their word for it; the update is rolling out now -- let us know how it goes.
Microsoft Star Wars Xbox 360 bundle coming to a galaxy close to here, April 3rd
Come spring you'll finally be able to get your grubby paws on that droid-based console you've been looking for. Microsoft's Major Nelson let slip in a series of tweets that the Star Wars Xbox 360 Kinect bundle will land on April 3rd. The set, which was first unveiled, fittingly, at Comic Con, is dressed up like R2-D2 and ships with a C-3P0-themed controller, a white Kinect sensor and the games Star Wars Kinect and Kinect Adventures. The 320GB system will run you $449, so start saving up those Galactic Credits now.
Microsoft confirms Xbox dash video issues, is working on a fix
The Xbox 360 dashboard update left some users seeing gray -- not metaphorically in the "their lives had lost all color and meaning" way, but in a literal sense. Videos on the new dash have appeared washed out and dull for some users, with black reading as gray, and Microsoft had previously ignored the complaint, even when it was brought up in beta testing, Eurogamer reports.Xbox's Major Nelson tweeted yesterday that he's heard the public outcry -- or maybe he saw Eurogamer's in-depth demonstration of the new dash's short-range RGB levels -- and he says the team is working on a solution. "We're aware of the colorspace issue w/ some Xbox video apps & are working on a fix," Major Nelson wrote. "No ETA yet but we hope to have an update soon."For now, maybe pretend all the new videos you watch on the Xbox dash are in "sepia" mode.
Microsoft acknowledges Xbox 360 color space problem in last update, is working on a fix
While we found a lot of things to like in the last Xbox 360 dashboard upgrade, not everyone was happy after it finally rolled out in early December. We've received word from multiple owners who saw and reported color output problems since the beta began, and today Director of Programming Larry Hryb aka Major Nelson tweeted that the company is "aware of the color space issue w/ some Xbox video apps & are working on a fix". While that should take care of some issues, more recent reports also indicate problems with the HDMI output having HDCP authentication problems with certain TVs or receivers that blocks video output, as well as reports confirmed by Eurogamer that 1080p output appears to be downscaled to 720p internally. We're waiting for a response from Microsoft about these or any other issues and will let you know when we hear more. Let us know if you've noticed anything else in the new Xbox 360 update that needs tweaking in the comments below.[Thanks, Vinny P, Brad R. and everyone else who sent this in]
Xbox 360 fall dashboard update 'slightly' delayed (update: it's live!)
Still haven't received that fresh new Xbox 360 dashboard update? Don't worry, no one else has either. Major Nelson tweeted "The timing for Xbox 360 update has been slightly delayed" from the planned 10AM ET launch, and promised a status update later today, but for the time being there's no other word on why, or when it will arrive. In the meantime, feel free to read our review again, make sure your Kinect sensor is tuned, or maybe take a swing Geometry Wars for old times sake. We'll let you know when there's more information available. Update: Looks like it's rolled out for a bunch of you. A screenshot from a tipster awaits after the break and let us know how you fared in comments! Major Nelson just tweeted it's rolling out to all users now, so go ahead and log in and you should have an upgrade waiting. Update 2: Well, getting the update may be tricky, with Xbox Live inaccessible for many right now. Some have suggested signing in on Xbox.com and accepting the new TOS as a way to make it work on your console, but until tings are back to normal we'd suggest keeping an eye on the XBL status page. [Thanks Andy]
Modern Warfare 3, Black Ops dominate last week's Xbox Live activity
We had a hunch -- okay, it was less a hunch and more an obvious thing to think, but here we are: Modern Warfare 3 has dominated Xbox Live activity on the week of November 21. When not chowing down on turkey and karate-chopping fools at Walmart over waffle makers, it seems most Xbox 360 players answered the call. The second most-played game for the week was another Call of Duty game: Black Ops. It bested Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, Battlefield 3 and FIFA 12, which took the remainder of the top five games played respectively. On the XBLA side, Pinball FX2, Super Meat Boy and Marvel vs Capcom 2 took top honors, thanks to Microsoft's "Fan Appreciation" sale.
Xbox Live Black Friday goes all day, doesn't have stock limitations
We'll admit it -- the Xbox Live Black Friday deals aren't exactly as thrilling as the competition's are, but there are still some big savings to be had. Take, for instance, the massively discounted Marvel vs Capcom 2 for just 320 MS Points ($4!), or Fallout 3's Games on Demand release -- sans DLC -- at 25 percent off (pricing varies by region -- $22.49 in the US). Those are both pretty solid deals! Microsoft's Major Nelson also promises more deals this coming "Cyber" Monday, so if today's offers aren't as exciting as you'd hoped, there'll be even more in the coming days. Oh, and there's always the week-long XBL sale that Microsoft is running -- Super Meat Boy is still only $5 and still really great!
