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Xbox One February system update introduces game hubs, TV updates
Microsoft detailed a new system update rolling out to Xbox One consoles next month that will introduce game-specific hub areas, among other new and expanded features. Following the launch of February's update, Xbox One games will each have their own hub area that displays leaderboards, clips and broadcasts, and content from top players. The patch will also enable a transparency feature for Home tiles, allowing players to tweak visibility of custom background images. The Xbox One's TV-specific functionality will see additional features and updates, enabling TV trending in OneGuide and live TV streaming on Windows Phone and Android devices. Members of the Xbox One preview program can download the system update starting today. [Video: Microsoft]
Nintendo mega-busts out another batch of Amiibos [update]
Update: As our post went live, Nintendo of America unveiled a trailer pinning the 11 new Amiibo figures for February 2015. In the video, which you'll find below the break, Nintendo notes "some of our retail partners will be releasing a certain number of these as exclusive figures, so stay tuned for details." As for Europe, Nintendo listed Rosalina & Luma, Bowser, Lucario, Toon Link, Sheik and Ike for January 23, 2015. Meta Knight, Sonic, King Dedede, Shulk and Sonic follow on February 20. Original Story: Two more waves of Amiibo figures hit Japan early next year, Nintendo revealed this week. On January 22, 2015, eight of the Smash-compatible figurines roll onto Japanese retail shelves, followed by three more in February. The January octet is Lucario, Rosalina & Luma, Bowser, Toon Link, Sheik, Ike, Meta Knight and King Dedede, while the February triforce is Shulk, Sonic and the blue bomber Mega Man. As Eurogamer notes, Nintendo lists Toon Link as compatible with Mario Kart 8 and Hyrule Warriors, while Sheik is supported by Hyrule Warriors, too. Meanwhile, Nintendo of America announced a new Loot Crate Amiibo subscription service this week. Details such as prices and dates are scant for now, but according to Nintendo, "subscribers will receive 10 pre-selected Amiibo (including Mario, Pikachu, Donkey Kong, Fox, and Yoshi) separated into three special Loot Crate shipments throughout the holiday season without ever having to leave their homes."
Report: PS4 Share Play caps at 720p for guests
The PlayStation 4's latest update, codenamed "Masamune," adds a major feature, Share Play, to the console today. PlayStation Plus members can now share their games over PSN with friends that don't own a copy (and aren't necessarily PS Plus subscribers themselves unless both are playing), hosting one-hour play sessions at a time. As a Sony rep confirmed to Video Gamer, Share Play sessions are capped at 720p and will "have a limited frame rate" for friends partaking in the action, while those hosting the game will still see 1080p games on their screens at the full resolution. SCEE product planning manager Kazuhiro Yanase said that while Share Play "doesn't require any super-fast broadband," the company won't disclose recommended upload and download speeds for those looking to share games sessions with friends over PSN. "The internet environment is really different user by user. For example, some users will be using a LAN cable, some users will be using Wi-Fi, sometimes you use the microwave in your house," Yanase told Video Gamer. "It's very difficult for us to guarantee you can use Share Play if you have [a certain] speed." Today's update also adds the ability to play music from a USB device with support for MP3 and AAC file types. The Masamune update introduces YouTube as an option for gameplay clip uploading as well as home screen themes. We've reached out to Sony to confirm the Share Play restrictions and will update as we learn more. [Image: Sony]
PSA: PS4 firmware update 2.0 debuts tomorrow
Sony has issued a preview trailer for the PlayStation 4's impending "Masamune" update, due to hit consoles worldwide starting tomorrow. After installing tomorrow's update, PS4 users can access the console's long-promised Share Play feature, which allows players to invite a friend to take over their gameplay or join as a remote co-op partner. Other new and revamped features promised in the video above include YouTube video uploads, voice commands, dashboard themes, a redesigned party interface, livestream browsing by game, and download pausing and resuming. Sony will also launch a firmware update for the PS Vita and PlayStation TV later tonight, introducing the stream-viewing Live from PlayStation app for both devices and 4-player Remote Play support for the PS TV. [Video: Sony]
PS4 update rolls out USB music player, Share Play next week
The PlayStation 4's version 2.0 system update will arrive next Tuesday, October 28, PlayStation announced via Twitter. Codenamed "Masamune," the update adds the ability to play music from a USB stick connected to the console. As revealed earlier this month, it also features more game broadcast tools, such as the ability to archive sessions and search for specific games being broadcast, as well as themes to spice up the system's layout. One of the major features being added to the console next week is Share Play, the pass-the-controller-style cooperative multiplayer game sharing mode announced by Sony at its Gamescom 2014 event in August. Though limited to one-hour increments, the feature will be inherent to all PS4 games, allowing PS Plus members to let a friend take over a game the latter doesn't own via PSN. The Masamune update also adds a dedicated YouTube app as well as improved game library filtering options. [Image: Sony]
Xbox One's screenshot feature won't arrive until next year
The Xbox One's screenshot-making feature won't be added to the system's feature set until next year. Xbox head Phil Spencer explained to IGN that as the company comes "back into the new year, we'll see new stuff, and screenshots is on the list." The news follows Spencer's promise a few weeks ago that the company would deliver on oft-requested features such as screenshot creation and background themes for the Xbox One's dashboard. Those custom backgrounds will be part of the system's November update. "In December, it's probably a time for us to pause for a little bit and settle just as all the new consoles are coming online," Spencer said, indicating a small break in the action for the console's development team. He also noted that screenshot creation for Xbox One is "a little more technically challenging than I thought," but that the team found a "good solution" two weeks ago. "They're working on it. They know people want it. The team has a path to getting it done, and now it's just prioritizing," he added. [Image: Microsoft]
PS4 '2.0 update' adds broadcast archiving, USB music player
PlayStation has revealed a fresh slate of changes coming to the PS4 interface in the upcoming 2.0 system update alongside a few items we already knew about, such as the ability to gussy up your console with themes. As part of the new update, PlayStation 4 owners can jam out to their own beats with the USB Music Player. Though players can't transfer music to the console, they will be able to play MP3, MP4, M4A and 3GP files directly from an inserted USB stick as background music during gameplay sessions. In an effort to increase social interaction, the PS4 will now list suggested "players you may know," recommending PS4 users your friends frequently game with. Additionally, if purchasing themes doesn't interest you, the update will allow players to customize the background color of the PlayStation 4 user interface. Saving hard drive space, the new update will feature an option to add a game to your library, rather than forcing you through the steps of canceling a download. Growing libraries will also be easier to manage, with improved filters to organize your collection. Enhancements to the PS4's live broadcasting tool are perhaps the most anticipated tweaks in the update, allowing users more control for following broadcasts, searching for specific games and, finally, archiving sessions. A comprehensive list of changes coming to the PS4, including some tweaks coming to the Vita and PlayStation App, can be found on the Official PlayStation Blog. [Image: PlayStation]
Wii U gets organized with folders in latest update
Much like a prospective office assistant, Nintendo's Wii U can now put "good organization skills" on its resume. Thanks to a new system update this week, the console will now allow players to sort their home screen icons into folders. The Wii U menu also added a download management icon in the latest update and updated the home menu's layout. The system's quick start menu, which was added this summer to cut down on the Wii U's boot times, also received two small changes in the firmware update. The menu will now display when the Wii U is powered on from the GamePad's TV remote menu. Additionally, players can choose software to hide from the quick start menu in the system's power settings. The console manufacturer was a little slower to learn icon management this time around; Nintendo added folder sorting to the 3DS just over a year after the system's launch compared to nearly two years after the Wii U arrived. [Thanks, Deric!] [Image: Nintendo]
Today's Xbox One update adds remote purchases, 3D Blu-ray support
Microsoft launched an Xbox One system update today, rolling out a collection of new features and interface tweaks in response to user feedback. The Xbox One's August update reorganizes user activity feeds, adding text entry and expanded options for shared media. After applying the upgrade, players can purchase Xbox One content online and install it remotely without manually powering on the system. Media playback also gets a boost with 3D Blu-ray support and the ability to disable system notifications while watching video. Other new features include notifications for low controller batteries and a "last seen" option that tracks friend activity. Microsoft plans to introduce additional improvements to the Xbox One's media player and other firmware components in the next system update due this fall. [Video: Microsoft]
Xbox One system update rolls out for preview members
Microsoft has launched a limited-access Xbox One dashboard update, giving preview team members an early look at the features and improvements in store for its public release this fall. Currently, preview members can test drive a reorganized Party Chat app, an overhauled Friends section, and a live TV miniguide, among other structural improvements. Eligible members in Europe can try out the Xbox One Digital TV Tuner launching at retail in October. The update also boasts an improved media player, detailed in the preview video above. Following its fall update, the Xbox One will be capable of playing animated .gifs, enthusiast video codecs, and other formats via a connected USB 2.0 or 3.0 device or over a DLNA home media server. A release date for the Xbox One's fall update is not yet known. [Video: Microsoft]
Wii U update adds system-to-system transfers
Wii U owners can proverbially move home from one system to another using a new feature introduced in the latest system update. The 5.1.0 U firmware adds "Transfer Between Wii U Systems," allowing you to take all system data - user data, games and saves included - from the original console and move it onto the new one. The most important things you'll need to switch Wii Us are a SD card capable of holding all the data, and both systems to hand, fully updated and each with a GamePad attached. If you don't have your original Wii U, you'll need to contact Nintendo support. Also, be aware the transfer formats the new system before transferring data across, and also formats the original after the process. So when it's over you'll have your new Wii U with all your old Wii U data on it and nothing else, while the old Wii U will be a blank slate. For more info, check out Nintendo's detailed instructions. Finally, if you - like us - get frustrated with having to relocate the GamePad when visiting the eShop, those woes are over now. Yes, the update also introduces eShop browsing using other peripherals including the Wii Remote, Wii U Pro Controller and Classic Controller. [Image: Nintendo]
Chase Achievements with Xbox One's snappy July update
Most of us have fallen for the allure of Xbox Achievements at some point since their arrival with the Xbox 360. If you're still incessantly bumping your Gamerscore, the Xbox One July update's inclusion of Achievement Snap should be up your alley – rather than stopping your game to check progress, you'll soon be able to track real-time achievement progression with a quick glance to the right side of your screen. Conquering overly-vague achievement descriptions or challenging feats will also be a bit easier, thanks to a "Get Help" option that will be offered under whichever challenge a user has highlighted. Once clicked, the prompt searches the web for helpful links and videos. You can pin the Achievements they're focusing on at the top of the snapped app, too. The update will also allow you to launch Snap Center by double-tapping a button. Unfortunately, the Xbox Wire announcement doesn't specify which button that is, and only suggests to "double-tap the button on your controller." If you've already got an app attached, the same double tap will switch between controlling the app and whichever game you're playing. Language options for players in New Zealand, Ireland and Austria will be another addition, with players in those regions soon being able to use the English and German voice models from other countries if they better suit their style of speech. Users will also be able to "Like" Game DVR clips and posts in their SmartGlass activity feeds, but more interestingly, the update's description mentions support for future digital bundles and compilation discs. This is described as something to grant publishers "options for great digital bundle and disc compilation offerings," with the post suggesting that we'll see "more flexible combinations of game titles and game content" as the feature is tested. Sounds like something that could be used to bundle pieces of DLC or base games together, hopefully with the inclusion of a reasonable price tag. [Image: Microsoft]
Make some space: Xbox One June update begins rolling out
Microsoft announced the Xbox One's next major update is available starting today, and rolling out globally across the week. This morning we were able to download the 296MB update, which adds external storage support, automatic sign-ins upon booting, real name options for friends, and the live TV feature OneGuide for users in Canada and Europe. It also removes the Xbox Live Gold paywall from a number of apps like Netflix and Hulu, as does the update coming to Xbox 360 this week. The headline addition is the external storage support, which lets you connect up to two 256GB-plus USB 3.0 drives to the Xbox One. You can also choose which of the drives is your default for installs, including the internal 500GB number. Not a bad addition considering current-gen game installs seem to often hit the half-century mark for GBs.
Upcoming system update adds auto-reboot to Xbox One
Microsoft offered a few more details on upcoming updates for Xbox One in the form of three new features that testers can preview. First, firmware updates for the Xbox One controller and headset adapter will improve wireless connectivity and are expected to reduce static heard over the headset. Microsoft also plans to update the Blu-ray player app and add support for 50 Hz video output. Lastly, the console will quietly reboot following future updates, so owners won't need to manually turn their systems back on after they update, providing the system is in Instant On mode. Microsoft discussed a suite of SmartGlass options for Xbox One last week, bringing snap functionality, mobile Xbox Live alerts and easier navigation to the companion app along with the ability to view Xbox content on any Microsoft device. The company also detailed improved voice commands and friend notifications in mid-March, announced plans for external storage support on the system last week and just announced an update to the Xbox One YouTube app yesterday to allow users to upload clips to the video platform. [Image: Microsoft]
PS4 system update 1.52 out now, improves system software stability
Sony released the latest PlayStation 4 system update this morning, and apparently it's a rather minor one. Habitual followers of the firmware scene will be au fait with the words "system software stability," which the 1.52 firmware is said to improve. We'll be looking see if there's any more to it than that, but in the meantime you can check out the update for yourself: You can manually download it via the PS4's Settings menu, or grab it and future updates automatically by enabling Automatic Uploads and Downloads.
3DS update is live, adds support for Miiverse, combined eShop balances
3DS owners can finally doodle sweet nothings on Nintendo's Miiverse network, thanks to a system update that went live after maintenance yesterday. As detailed in last month's Nintendo Direct, the update also lets users tie a Nintendo Network ID to their 3DS systems, meaning they can register their handhelds under the same IDs used on their Wii Us. In turn, that means users can combine 3DS eShop balances with Wii U ones. Once the update's completed, you'll find the green Miiverse icon in the top toolbar of the 3DS menu. You won't be able to access Miiverse without a Nintendo Network ID, so you'll have to create one for the 3DS, or register an already created ID, such as one your Wii U is tied to. After that, it's Miiverse city: You'll be able to post, scribble, attach screenshots, and browse to your heart's content. One contentment your heart has to wait for is Friends functionality, which isn't available on 3DS Miiverse at the mo. We hoped to check out how the update affected the 3DS eShop, but at the time of writing we couldn't access it. According to last month's Direct, the update lets users purchase Wii U content on the 3DS eShop (but not play it on the 3DS!), and vice versa.
Upcoming Nintendo 3DS, Wii U system update will combine eShop account balances [Update]
As part of a system update set for release next month in North America and Europe, Nintendo announced that users will be able to share account balances between the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U using a unified Nintendo Network ID. Nintendo revealed that players will have the option of combining funds from the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U eShops, and will be able to purchase content from either device using shared funding. The new functionality requires a Nintendo Network ID, which is not currently required for eShop purchases on the the Nintendo 3DS. Nintendo additionally notes that players will need to create or link a Nintendo Network ID with the Nintendo 3DS in order to download free software and demos from the portable's eShop following the release of the next system update. Paid software will not require a Nintendo Network ID. [Update: Nintendo of America announced that next month's system update will also add Miiverse support for the Nintendo 3DS.] [Update 2: Nintendo has detailed the Nintendo Network ID account migration process, warning that only one NNID may be associated with a Nintendo 3DS system. In addition, a single account cannot be duplicated across multiple 3DS systems. If a new NNID is associated with a Nintendo 3DS system, players will be unable to combine balances with an existing Wii U eShop account.]
Wii U firmware adds activity to standby mode
Wii U firmware 3.1.0 U is out now, adding some improvements to the system's standby mode. Nintendo also noted a system update with "further additions to system functionality" is planned for between late September and early October - it's unclear if this is the second major update referred to earlier this year, planned then for the summer. In the meantime, Nintendo says with 3.1.0 U a standby Wii U "will now regularly connect to the Internet" to check for software and system updates, as well as SpotPass data. The Wii U can download system updates in standby mode, ready to be installed when the Wii U's turned on, while software updates can be downloaded and installed in standby. Finally, 3.1.0 U keeps it straight and true by sticking to the tried-and-tested "further improvements to overall system stability," as well as other minor improvements.
3DS system update adds on-board save data backup
The latest 3DS system firmware update (ver. 2.0.0-2U) adds the ability to backup saved game data onto the handheld's SD card, which is good news for people with cramped cards and/or hoarding sensibilities. This allows players to delete games or applications without removing their progress/work in said games/applications, provided the program supports backups to begin with. Backing up a game's data can either be accomplished by selecting the game's icon on the home screen and then tapping the little arrow on the bottom left, or by selecting the "Save-Data Backup" option in the System Settings menu. If neither of these options are present, it means you need to connect your 3DS to the Internet and download the update. Well, or it means that you've never actually played a game, or own a 3DS, and that everything you think you know about your life has been a lie. Your identity is a curse; your past – a mystery. Coming this fall.
Wii U 3.0.1 system update released
Nintendo released what looks like a minor system update for the Wii U this week, and it's available to download now. Going by the patch notes, 3.0.1 U offers "further improvements to overall system stability and software compatibility." We've downloaded the update and can't see any obvious changes. Maybe the Wii U just wanted to make itself heard over the clamor of a certain other box.
