Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Hirai: PlayStation Vita sells 500K, getting Netflix near US / EU launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/hirai-playstation-vita-sells-500k-getting-netflix-near-us-laun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/hirai-playstation-vita-sells-500k-getting-netflix-near-us-laun/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/hirai-playstation-vita-sells-500k-getting-netflix-near-us-laun/#comments Sony's stiff-necked CES presentation has granted another look at PlayStation Vita's commercial impact. Only available in Japan so far, the handheld has now sold 500,000 units, according to Executive Deputy President Kaz Hirai.

If that number is accurate -- and indeed sold, not shipped -- it means we can expect reported Vita sales to be higher this week than the last. During its third week of availability, the Vita had sold just under 43,000 units and fewer than the PSP. If it's reached 500,000 by now, it should have sold approximately 65,000 systems during week four.

In other news, Hirai announced that Netflix's TV and movie streaming service would be accessible through Vita once it launches outside Japan. Netflix is currently working to have it operational in the United States and Europe on "day one."

JoystiqHirai: PlayStation Vita sells 500K, getting Netflix near US / EU launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 20:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011kaz-hirainetflixplaystationplaystation-vitasalesvitaMon, 09 Jan 2012 20:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Conan O'Brien on Xbox Live was too big a 'leap of faith,' says show's producer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/conan-obrien-on-xbox-live-was-too-big-a-leap-of-faith-says-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/conan-obrien-on-xbox-live-was-too-big-a-leap-of-faith-says-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/07/conan-obrien-on-xbox-live-was-too-big-a-leap-of-faith-says-s/#comments During the "Hollywood Creative Masters" session at CES last month, the executive producer of Conan O'Brien's show, Jeff Ross, spoke on last April's short-lived rumor of talks to relaunch the show on a proposed Xbox Live channel (before the deal was made to bring Conan to TBS), reports Gamasutra contributor Chris Morris (who moderated the CES session). While Ross said it was "interesting to sit and look at it," Microsoft's proposal lacked a clear vision, and he recalled that "a lot of the conversations were, 'Well, it's a show, but it's not a show and there are no breaks, but maybe there are breaks and it's not 60 minutes -- it's this,' and nobody really knew what it was."

"So it was really going to be a leap of faith to jump in with these guys and figure something out which we didn't know," Ross said, later reiterating that "we had some eventual television offers and we basically shied away from the [Xbox thing]."

Last November, Reuters reported that Microsoft's plans for an Xbox Live "television channel" had taken a more conventional shape, with the company looking to license existing TV programming to stream though an Xbox Dashboard application, with a potential for interactive elements.

"I think it's coming and it's big," Ross said of a TV-type feature on Xbox Live, before concluding, "It's just that we weren't in a position at that point to figure out what it was."

[Photo credit: Team Coco]

JoystiqConan O'Brien on Xbox Live was too big a 'leap of faith,' says show's producer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Feb 2011 20:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011conanconan-o-brienconan-obrieniptvjeff-rossmicrosoftteam-cocotvxboxxbox-liveMon, 07 Feb 2011 20:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer Switchblade impressions: It's a 7" gaming PC with an LCD keyboard]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/razer-switchblade-impressions-its-a-7-gaming-pc-with-an-lcd-k/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/razer-switchblade-impressions-its-a-7-gaming-pc-with-an-lcd-k/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/13/razer-switchblade-impressions-its-a-7-gaming-pc-with-an-lcd-k/#comments Razer may be best known for its well-regarded line of angular, extreme gaming peripherals for the core PC gaming set - think mice, keyboards, mouse pads and yes, motion controllers - but the San Diego-based company is looking to branch out into an area you may not have expected: efficient (and graphically anemic) netbook computers.

While it's an unusual move for the peripheral maker, it's not a departure from their core competency. Gaming laptops may have whittled down the bulk required for a high-end gaming experience but they're still far from portable. Inversely, netbooks are steadily becoming increasingly capable laptop replacements, but fall short when performing the most demanding tasks ... like video gaming.

Gallery: Razer Switchblade (CES 2011)

Continue reading Razer Switchblade impressions: It's a 7" gaming PC with an LCD keyboard

JoystiqRazer Switchblade impressions: It's a 7" gaming PC with an LCD keyboard originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2011mobilepcRazerRazer-SwitchbladeWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 13 Jan 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Video demonstration makes sense of N-Control Avenger]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/n-control-avenger-video-demonstration/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/n-control-avenger-video-demonstration/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/n-control-avenger-video-demonstration/#commentsRemember that Xbox 360 controller attachment that turns your gamepad into a monstrous tangle of levers? Engadget met up with creator N-Control during CES, capturing just what the Avenger thing is on video.

After the break, see how the Avenger uses an elaborate, Mouse Trap-style arrangement to allow access to all of the controller's buttons without moving your thumbs off of the sticks -- ostensibly saving you valuable milliseconds of reaction time. Of course, the adapter requires several minutes of explanation, so perhaps it's a wash.

Continue reading Video demonstration makes sense of N-Control Avenger

JoystiqVideo demonstration makes sense of N-Control Avenger originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesces-2011microsoftn-controln-control-avengerperipheralsxboxMon, 10 Jan 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Full House Poker preview: Know when to hold 'em]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/full-house-poker-preview-know-when-to-hold-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/full-house-poker-preview-know-when-to-hold-em/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/09/full-house-poker-preview-know-when-to-hold-em/#comments After leaks about the secret beta appeared way back in November, Microsoft finally unveiled its Full House Poker game during an event at CES this past week, and I sat down with members of the gaming press (and celebrity guest Shannon Elizabeth) to run the Xbox Live Arcade poker title through its paces.

The rumors of the game being part of 1 vs. 100's legacy are true. "This is pretty much a spiritual successor" to the popular-in-certain-circles event-based massively multiplayer arcade title, says lead designer John Scott Tynes. But rather than a snappy trivia game show, this is definitely a Texas Hold'em poker game -- there's no celebrity hosts or mob members here. If you don't know your straight flush from your two pair, ace high, the game does have a tutorial to teach you the basic rules, but you'll have to find your own way to figuring out when and how to go all-in.

Gallery: Full House Poker (XBLA)

Continue reading Full House Poker preview: Know when to hold 'em

JoystiqFull House Poker preview: Know when to hold 'em originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 09 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarscesces-2011ces2011full-house-pokerjohn-scott-tynesmicrosoftmicrosoft-games-studiosxboxxbox-livexbox-live-arcade-house-partyxpSun, 09 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Calibur11 Vault case mod protects your 360 from the apocalypse]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/calibur11-vault-case-mod-protects-your-360-from-the-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/calibur11-vault-case-mod-protects-your-360-from-the-apocalypse/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/calibur11-vault-case-mod-protects-your-360-from-the-apocalypse/#comments Regardless of how our world decides to end, we'd all like to be secure in the knowledge that our gaming consoles will survive. Calibur11's "Vault" case mod for the Xbox 360, which was formally unveiled on the CES 2011 show floor, should serve that ever-important purpose quite well.

Continue reading Calibur11 Vault case mod protects your 360 from the apocalypse

JoystiqCalibur11 Vault case mod protects your 360 from the apocalypse originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>calibur11casemodces-2011microsoftvaultxboxSat, 08 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beyond Good & Evil HD preview: There is power in numbers (Carlson and Peeters, chapter 21)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/beyond-good-and-evil-hd-preview-there-is-power-in-numbers-carlso/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/beyond-good-and-evil-hd-preview-there-is-power-in-numbers-carlso/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/beyond-good-and-evil-hd-preview-there-is-power-in-numbers-carlso/#comments Beyond Good & Evil HD In November of 2003, a much younger Ubisoft was launching two high-profile (and excellent!) titles: the Montreal-developed reboot of the Prince of Persia series, subtitled "Sands of Time," and the Montpellier-developed Beyond Good & Evil, the supposed first installment in creator Michel Ancel's planned trilogy. By now, you know how this story goes. The Prince of Persia reboot - fueled by Ubisoft's curiously siloed marketing muscle - was a massive success and spawned two immediate sequels, a 2008 reboot, a 2010 feature film and associated tie-in game. The remainder of the Beyond Good & Evil trilogy? Despite a sequel being announced five years later at Ubisoft's Ubidays event in 2008, the company has subsequently ignored, mismanaged, or forgotten that promise.

But now, seven years after both games made their way to retail, we're being treated to HD rereleases and, while Prince of Persia: Sands of Time was released on PS3 as a lazy up-rezzed port (even retaining major bugs from its original release!), Beyond Good & Evil appears to be benefitting from a degree of care (and marketing) it was never afforded in 2003. Talk about karma.

Gallery: Beyond Good & Evil HD

Continue reading Beyond Good & Evil HD preview: There is power in numbers (Carlson and Peeters, chapter 21)

JoystiqBeyond Good & Evil HD preview: There is power in numbers (Carlson and Peeters, chapter 21) originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beyond-good-and-evil-2beyond-good-and-evil-hdbge2CES-2011microsoftUbisoftUbisoft-ShanghaiXBLAxboxXbox-Live-Arcade-House-PartySat, 08 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer Hydra impressions: Super-precise motion controllers make it to PC, Portal 2 support in tow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/razer-hydra-impressions-super-precise-motion-controllers-make-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/razer-hydra-impressions-super-precise-motion-controllers-make-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/08/razer-hydra-impressions-super-precise-motion-controllers-make-i/#commentsRazer Hydra Sixense was back at CES this year, showing off its TrueMotion-powered gaming wands. While a partnership with computer gaming peripheral maker Razer was announced at last year's CES, the fruit of that partnership was on display this year, with a brand name (meet the Razer Hydra), some industrial design, and some new Valve-created content for the hardware in the form of custom Portal 2 tech.

During our hands-off tour of the still-prototype hardware, we were consistently impressed with the controller's accuracy. Imagine dual-wielding two PlayStation Move controllers except - in place of the relatively cumbersome process of requiring a PlayStation Eye to track a glowing sphere to position the controllers in 3D space - the Hydra uses a small base station that creates an electromagnetic field with a radius of about six feet. That's it. That base station serves double duty as a stand to rest the presently wired controllers on. Worry not, wire-haters, a wireless model is in the works but, much like Razer's other hardware, it's going to perfect the technology with a wired release first before chasing the wireless solution.

Gallery: Razer Hydra (CES 2011)

Continue reading Razer Hydra impressions: Super-precise motion controllers make it to PC, Portal 2 support in tow

JoystiqRazer Hydra impressions: Super-precise motion controllers make it to PC, Portal 2 support in tow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Jan 2011 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2011macpcPortal-2RazerRazer-HydraSat, 08 Jan 2011 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Angry Birds board game coming this May from Mattel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/angry-birds-board-game-coming-this-may-from-mattel/#comments Here's one of CES 2011's less technical, but most awesome, revelations: Mattel is working on a board game adaptation of Rovio's mobile hit, Angry Birds. The game looks like a pretty authentic recreation of its source material; players draw "Mission Cards" depicting structures of bricks and pigs, which they then build using plastic models included in the game. Oh, and then they shoot birds at those structures using a tiny slingshot. That part is pretty integral to the whole experience, apparently.

The game will cost $14.99 when it launches worldwide this May. Even if you don't want the board game, $14.99 is a perfectly reasonable price for a tiny catapult. Just think of all the tiny things you can terrorize with a catapult of that size!

JoystiqAngry Birds board game coming this May from Mattel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>angry-birdsboard-gameces-2011chillingomattelrovioFri, 07 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable 3 PC playable at Microsoft's CES booth; release date still in darkness]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/fable-3-pc-playable-at-microsofts-ces-booth-release-date-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/fable-3-pc-playable-at-microsofts-ces-booth-release-date-still/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/fable-3-pc-playable-at-microsofts-ces-booth-release-date-still/#commentsFable 3 PC We knew in August that Fable 3 wouldn't hit Windows PCs day-and-date with the Xbox version last October, but Microsoft told us to "expect news soon." Well, we suppose everyone has a different definition of "soon" since Fable 3 on PC is here at CES with an expected release date of ... well, they're still not saying. But if you'd become convinced that the latest installment in Lionhead's Fable franchise would never make it off the Xbox 360, much like the excellent Fable 2, then we suppose you'll find the above photo comforting. In our short hands-on time with the title, we didn't spot any notable distinctions from the Xbox 360 version. In short, it's Fable 3, warts and all.

JoystiqFable 3 PC playable at Microsoft's CES booth; release date still in darkness originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2011Fable-3Lionhead-StudiosmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiospcxboxThu, 06 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mad Catz announces 3DS accessory line, new Wii controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/mad-catz-announces-3ds-accessory-line-new-wii-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/mad-catz-announces-3ds-accessory-line-new-wii-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/mad-catz-announces-3ds-accessory-line-new-wii-controllers/#commentsSeeing accessories designed for 3DS is almost as cool as seeing the 3DS, right? We hope so, because we've got images of new 3DS accessories by Mad Catz. For CES, the company has revealed a line of accessories for the glasses-free 3D handheld including the lunchbox-like, $20 Traveller Bag, designed to hold a system, two styli, and up to 21 games, and the $13 Microsuede Slipcase, a smaller, plush case for the device. Other 3DS accessories not pictured include screen protectors and styli, about which you can find more details after the break.

The manufacturer also unveiled new Wii controllers: the $35 Reactor and $30 Reactor Plus are new takes on the Wiimote, with the Reactor Plus including MotionPlus built-in. Both will also be available in "Micro" versions for the same price. a "Reflex" Nunchuk-alike will also be available.

Gallery: Mad Catz CES 2011 lineup

Continue reading Mad Catz announces 3DS accessory line, new Wii controllers

JoystiqMad Catz announces 3DS accessory line, new Wii controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesces-2011dsmad-catzmadcatznintendowiiThu, 06 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Okamiden media calls down the thunder]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/okamiden-media-calls-down-the-thunder/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/okamiden-media-calls-down-the-thunder/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/okamiden-media-calls-down-the-thunder/#commentsEven though Okamiden isn't a 3D television, cell phone, or cell phone that can be used to control a 3D television, Capcom still chose to release new info about it during CES. This latest media introduces a new partner character, Kurow, and the Galestorm and Thunderstorm brush techniques, which allow the user to control wind and lightning.

Chibiterasu has to be taught how to use the Thunderstorm by some kind of celestial band; luckily, you can just look at the screens to learn about it. Of course, the trade-off is that unlike Chibi, you don't actually have a Celestial Brush with which you can call lightning.

Continue reading Okamiden media calls down the thunder

JoystiqOkamiden media calls down the thunder originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capcomces-2011dsnintendoOkamidenThu, 06 Jan 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 will make you jump, jump Feb. 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/bionic-commando-rearmed-2-will-make-you-jump-jump-feb-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/bionic-commando-rearmed-2-will-make-you-jump-jump-feb-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/bionic-commando-rearmed-2-will-make-you-jump-jump-feb-1/#commentsYou won't have to wait long to find out whether jumping was a sensible addition to Bionic Commando. As one of its CES announcements, Capcom has revealed that Bionic Commando Rearmed 2, the downloadable sequel that also adds a jaunty moustache, will be released for PSN on Tuesday, February 1 for $15, with the XBLA version following a day later for the same price (1200 Microsoft Points).

Check out our gallery for new gameplay shots, plus a look at some new Challenge Rooms and the moustachetic box art. Nathan "Rad" Spencer looks pretty thrilled about his game, at least!

Gallery: Bionic Commando Rearmed 2 (1/6/11)

JoystiqBionic Commando Rearmed 2 will make you jump, jump Feb. 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bionic-Commando-Rearmed-2capcomces-2011fatsharkmicrosoftplaystationps3psnq1-2011release-datexblaxboxThu, 06 Jan 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Razer announces Switchblade 7-inch PC gaming tablet concept]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/razer-announces-switchblade-7-inch-pc-gaming-tablet-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/razer-announces-switchblade-7-inch-pc-gaming-tablet-concept/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/razer-announces-switchblade-7-inch-pc-gaming-tablet-concept/#comments CES 2011 is proving to be a veritable cornucopia of radical, tantalizing concepts that aren't real products just yet. For instance, PC hardware manufacturer Razer turned our heads with the Switchblade -- a 7-inch gaming tablet with a multi-touch screen and keys that change based on the game that's being played. Trust us, it's much more impressive on video -- check out the demonstration posted after the jump to see this shape-shifting magic act in motion.

Sadly, Razer hasn't announced any plans to actually take the Switchblade to market, nor most of the device's technical specs. We'll try to get some answers when we stop by Razer's booth on the CES show floor. If that doesn't work, we'll try to totally steal whatever demo model they've got. Oh, wait. We probably shouldn't have said that part on the internet. You didn't hear that, capiche?

Gallery: Razer Switchblade concept art (1/6/11)

Continue reading Razer announces Switchblade 7-inch PC gaming tablet concept

JoystiqRazer announces Switchblade 7-inch PC gaming tablet concept originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011pcrazerrazer-switchbladeswitchbladetablettouchscreenThu, 06 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vizio 'Versus' offers two-player head-to-head gaming on one screen (video inside!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/vizio-versus-offers-two-player-head-to-head-gaming-on-one-scre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/vizio-versus-offers-two-player-head-to-head-gaming-on-one-scre/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/vizio-versus-offers-two-player-head-to-head-gaming-on-one-scre/#comments At Vizio's CES suite, the HDTV manufacturer was showing off its "Versus"-enabled television. The tagline is "head-to-head gaming" and the feature is that simple. The set uses a 3D panel to drive two images, so two players can play the same game head-to-head. Like 3D gaming, the software needs to support the functionality; thankfully, if the game already supports stereoscopic 3D, it only needs a "small interlace tweak" to support head-to-head gaming.

It works like this: Instead of rendering two unique 540p images to create a single "1080p" 3D image, it renders two distinct gameplay streams and uses specially keyed glasses (ours were marked "L" and "R") to isolate each player's display. The game on display was Ubisoft's Shaun White Skateboarding, which already supports stereoscopic 3D. A Vizio representative said they've been working with Ubisoft and Electronic Arts on supporting the feature and are licensing the technology to publishers at no cost in an attempt to drive adoption of their standard. Vizio's also hoping that other TV manufacturers using the same passive 3D technology will license the tech at, presumably, a less altruistic rate. Also not discussed: Sony's recently published patents, which certainly seems to cover this ground.

Continue reading Vizio 'Versus' offers two-player head-to-head gaming on one screen (video inside!)

JoystiqVizio 'Versus' offers two-player head-to-head gaming on one screen (video inside!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3DCESCES-2011VersusVizioVizio-VersusThu, 06 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Torchlight coming to Xbox Live Arcade with new content for House Party series]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/torchlight-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-with-new-content-for-house/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/torchlight-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-with-new-content-for-house/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/torchlight-coming-to-xbox-live-arcade-with-new-content-for-house/#comments Runic Games has announced that the Diablo-esque RPG Torchlight is coming to Xbox Live Arcade for the upcoming House Party series of releases. The game has apparently been remade to use the Xbox controller (with dual sticks for moving and attacking, bumpers for potions, and hotkeys assigned to triggers and buttons), and given a new interface for the console release. There will also be "new quests, armor sets, weapons, and a new pet" to play with as well. Consider us surprised -- it'll be interesting to see how a very PC title (that's found a lot of success on Steam) fits into Microsoft's arcade lineup.

The House Party will start on February 16, and will also include a release of the Beyond Good and Evil HD remake, Hard Corps Uprising, PopCap's Bejeweled Blitz Live, and Full House Poker. That's a quality lineup right there!

Gallery: Torchlight (XBLA)

Continue reading Torchlight coming to Xbox Live Arcade with new content for House Party series

JoystiqTorchlight coming to Xbox Live Arcade with new content for House Party series originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweled-blitzbejewled-blitz-livebeyond-good-and-evilbeyond-good-and-evil-HDCES-2011full-house-pokerhard-corps-uprisingmicrosoftrunic-gamestorchlightxblaxboxxbox-live-arcadeXbox-Live-Arcade-House-PartyThu, 06 Jan 2011 01:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions of OnLive, live on Vizio VIA Plus TV]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/impressions-of-onlive-live-on-vizio-via-plus-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/impressions-of-onlive-live-on-vizio-via-plus-tv/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/impressions-of-onlive-live-on-vizio-via-plus-tv/#comments When OnLive announced its particular brand of cloud-based gaming was making its way to Vizio's VIA Plus line of connected products, we were eager to get some more details. We got an opportunity today at Vizio's CES suite. While the Vizio tablet and smartphone were on display, they weren't rocking the OnLive implementation just yet; however, that's hardly surprising since, while it was running on the above television, it won't be available publicly on VIA Plus devices until "late in the year."

So what did we learn? That by building the OnLive functionality right into the hardware, they're managing to bypass the input latency associated with an attached device. The television is also able to automatically switch to "game mode" to help ameliorate those delays. And since all of the VIA Plus sets support 3D, OnLive will be working with publishers to support 3D mode directly in the service.

Continue reading Impressions of OnLive, live on Vizio VIA Plus TV

JoystiqImpressions of OnLive, live on Vizio VIA Plus TV originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2011macOnLivepcstreamingTVsVizioThu, 06 Jan 2011 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fable Coin Golf, Game Room coming to Windows Phone 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/fable-coin-golf-game-room-coming-to-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/fable-coin-golf-game-room-coming-to-windows-phone-7/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/fable-coin-golf-game-room-coming-to-windows-phone-7/#comments After dropping details on Avatar Kinect and the crazy amount of Kinects sold in its first 60 days on shelves, Microsoft's Steve Ballmer moved onto another recent Microsoft product launch: Windows Phone 7. While the Crackdown and Halo brands already have some presence on the platform, Ballmer took the opportunity to reveal that another major Microsoft Game Studios brand is making the leap to the small screen. Fable Coin Golf brings everything you know and love about Fable to your phone ... specifically, the coin golf part.

Alright, so we didn't see what Fable Coin Golf is exactly, but Ballmer did reveal that all the gold earned in Fable Coin Golf (presumably earned playing golf?) will be sent straight to your Fable 3 character on the Xbox 360, ala Fable Pub Games and Fable 2, for the old-timers in the house. During a montage that followed the reveal, we also spotted the retro-themed Game Room service, specifically arcade classic Centipede. We'll try to dig up more on the service's mobile offering during CES this week. For now, make your best guess as to what precisely Fable Coin Golf is.

JoystiqFable Coin Golf, Game Room coming to Windows Phone 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2011FableFable-3Fable-Coin-GolfGame-RoommicrosoftmobileSteve-BallmerWindows-Phone-7xboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 hits 50 million worldwide, Xbox Live users top 30 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/xbox-360-hits-50-million-worldwide-xbox-live-users-top-30-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/xbox-360-hits-50-million-worldwide-xbox-live-users-top-30-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/xbox-360-hits-50-million-worldwide-xbox-live-users-top-30-milli/#comments Sure, Kinect is doing dandy, but how about the console it Kinects connects to? Quite well, really, to the tune of 50 million Xbox 360 units shipped worldwide to date. That's according to Microsoft prez Steve Ballmer at tonight's CES 2011 keynote.

Not to let Sony be alone in trumpeting its respective console's online service user numbers, Ballmer just dropped some additional facts and figures on his audience about Xbox Live usage: 30 million people have accounts on XBL, up five million from November 2010. (On November 11 of last year, it was revealed that 25 million accounts had been created overall.)

Hey, Microsoft -- you keep signing 'em up, we'll keep muting 'em.

JoystiqXbox 360 hits 50 million worldwide, Xbox Live users top 30 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011microsoftsalesxboxxbox-liveWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Avatar Kinect bringing Avatar control, facial expressions to Xbox Live Gold members this Spring [Update: Now with video!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/avatar-kinect-bringing-avatar-control-facial-expressions-to-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/avatar-kinect-bringing-avatar-control-facial-expressions-to-xbo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/avatar-kinect-bringing-avatar-control-facial-expressions-to-xbo/#comments As expected, "Avatar Kinect" was unveiled during Microsoft's annual CES keynote. It's "a new way to socialize on Xbox Live" allowing direct Avatar control using Kinect, enabling the obligatory gesture control and adding impressive facial expression support. The service takes the form of "stages" which give users talk show-like sets to interact with their friends. Ever wanted to spend time with friends after the latest episode of your favorite show, assembled in a virtual roundtable, and then post the video to Facebook for friends to see? Yeah, neither have we ...

Ballmer says that Avatar Kinect will be available for Xbox Live Gold members only this Spring and comes with fifteen stages. We're working on getting the video of the demo up - hold tight! [Update: Now with video demonstration and trailer after the break!]

Continue reading Avatar Kinect bringing Avatar control, facial expressions to Xbox Live Gold members this Spring [Update: Now with video!]

JoystiqAvatar Kinect bringing Avatar control, facial expressions to Xbox Live Gold members this Spring [Update: Now with video!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatar-KinectAvatarsCES-2011KinectmicrosoftSteve-BallmerxboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft: Kinect sells 8 million units worldwide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-kinect-sells-8-million-units-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-kinect-sells-8-million-units-worldwide/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/microsoft-kinect-sells-8-million-units-worldwide/#comments It seems like just last November, Microsoft was predicting it'd sell around 5 million Kinect sensors by now. Wait -- it was last November! Anyway, that prediction was off by 3 million units ... in the company's favor. MS boss Steve Ballmer just told the crowd at his CES 2011 keynote that 8 million of the devices have been sold worldwide in six months. (We're guessing that's units shipped to retail, not sold through to consumers, but Microsoft wasn't more specific.)

2.5 million Kinects had been shipped by the end of November 2010, this after one industry analyst predicted that it was possible the hardware could top 4 million sold by January 31 of last year. What a pessimist!

JoystiqMicrosoft: Kinect sells 8 million units worldwide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 22:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011kinectmicrosoftsalesxboxWed, 05 Jan 2011 22:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Lenovo turns your laptop into a far less portable arcade machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/lenovo-turns-your-laptop-into-a-far-less-portable-arcade-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/lenovo-turns-your-laptop-into-a-far-less-portable-arcade-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/lenovo-turns-your-laptop-into-a-far-less-portable-arcade-machine/#comments Technabob has spied a delightful (not so) little laptop case mod from Lenovo during a CES preview. Designed by modder Dean Liou, the case allows you to turn your adequately sized laptop into an arcade machine in seconds, by sliding it underneath the dock's fight stick controller, and plugging said controller into your computer's USB port. Sadly, Lenovo is just showing off the dock as a proof of concept -- as of right now, there are no plans to take the mod to market.

Sure, this thing would completely eliminate the portability of your lap-sized computer, but, come on. Look at it! It's like an arcade machine for babies. Could you imagine anything cuter than that? Well, an arcade machine for puppies, we guess -- but modern consumer entertainment hardware science is decades away from perfecting that kinda technology. For now, check out a video demonstration of this human laptop arcade mod posted after the jump.

Continue reading Lenovo turns your laptop into a far less portable arcade machine

JoystiqLenovo turns your laptop into a far less portable arcade machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade-stickcase-modces-2011lenovomodpcperipheralsWed, 05 Jan 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kaz teases the PlayStation Phone (and tablet?) during CES keynote]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/kaz-teases-the-playstation-phone-and-tablet-during-ces-keynot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/kaz-teases-the-playstation-phone-and-tablet-during-ces-keynot/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/kaz-teases-the-playstation-phone-and-tablet-during-ces-keynot/#comments Hopes were high that Sony Computer Entertainment head honcho Kaz Hirai would unveil the not-so-secret PlayStation Phone during Sony's CES keynote; however, instead of pulling the portable out of his pocket, he gave us the next best thing ... a tease. Hirai teased that Sony's "strategy encompasses driving the development of a variety of new strategic products and services including tablets currently in development as well as smartphones, all the while of course integrating the know-how and the assets that we've accumulated from our PlayStation business."

What does that mean? It sounds like the PlayStation Phone is just part of the plan to leverage the PlayStation branding and games for Sony's other products. He continued, "In 2011, you will start to see an implementation of a strategy we've developed and continually refined over the past 18 months. And you will see this strategy executed in the form of great new products and services coming to market that leverage Sony's strongest assets. In addition to launching a line of Sony tablets, we'll be building upon the video, music, game and book offerings on our Qriocity and our PlayStation Network services to deliver a compelling, unique experience for Sony across a wide range of consumer electronic devices."

A wide range, eh? Tablets, smartphones ... maybe PSP 2s. What else?

JoystiqKaz teases the PlayStation Phone (and tablet?) during CES keynote originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 21:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CES-2011Kaz-HiraiplaystationPlayStation-Phoneps3pspSonyWed, 05 Jan 2011 21:10:00 EST<![CDATA[60 million PSN accounts created to date, says Sony's Stringer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/60-million-psn-accounts-created-to-date-says-sonys-stringer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/60-million-psn-accounts-created-to-date-says-sonys-stringer/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/60-million-psn-accounts-created-to-date-says-sonys-stringer/#comments During the company's CES 2011 press conference this evening, Sony Corp. chairman/president/CEO and honest-to-goodness knight Sir Howard Stringer reported that, to date, there have been 60 million PlayStation Network accounts created. The news was dropped as Stringer spoke of the growing market for connected devices and Sony's place in it.

At last year's CES, it was Sony Computer Entertainment chief Kaz Hirai who revealed that, at the time, 38 million PSN accounts had been activated. This year's numbers stand in contrast to the latest user base figures for Microsoft's Xbox Live service, which as of this past November sat at 25 million users, half of which were paid subscribers. Though impressive on face value, it's worth nothing that Hirai just days ago confirmed that PSN is not yet profitable. The hardware maker hopes to change that in part through PlayStation Plus subscriptions, the number of which have been sold has yet to be disclosed.

Of course, Sony's latest figure also includes PSP users and PSN accounts created via the PlayStation website. As with delivery of these stats in the past, there's no saying whether or not Sony will go into more detail down the line about where most of the users came from and what they're doing.

Joystiq60 million PSN accounts created to date, says Sony's Stringer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 20:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2011Howard-StringerplaystationPlayStation-Networkps3psnpspsonyWed, 05 Jan 2011 20:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2 played with Razer's Sixense motion controllers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/portal-2-played-with-razers-sixense-motion-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/portal-2-played-with-razers-sixense-motion-controllers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/05/portal-2-played-with-razers-sixense-motion-controllers/#comments Sure, you come to Joystiq to see some Portal 2 -- we get it. But we've got something extra to spice things up: Portal 2 being played on the big screen live at CES 2011 with the new Razer Sixense controllers, a pair of motion-sensing sticks for PC, set to launch this year.

Continue reading Portal 2 played with Razer's Sixense motion controllers

JoystiqPortal 2 played with Razer's Sixense motion controllers originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011pcportal-2razerrazer-sixensesixensevalveWed, 05 Jan 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive MicroConsole $66 through Jan. 9, 5.1 audio coming 'early 2011']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/onlive-microconsole-66-through-jan-9-5-1-audio-coming-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/onlive-microconsole-66-through-jan-9-5-1-audio-coming-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/onlive-microconsole-66-through-jan-9-5-1-audio-coming-early/#comments Saying it's to celebrate the news of the service being integrated into upcoming VIZIO products, OnLive is offering a CES 2011-centric discount on its MicroConsole hardware through the duration of the show. Up until 11:59 p.m. PST on Sunday, January 9, you'll be able to order the hardware -- which includes a voucher good for the game of your choice -- for $66, plus shipping, directly from OnLive.

Company CEO Steve Perlman also announced in his blog post that SRS 5.1 audio will be coming to the cloud gaming platform (on the MicroConsole, PC and Mac) as an update in "early 2011," as will promised 3D support. Now, in what we hope doesn't become customary fashion, we'll say: That's great, but how about some more games?

JoystiqOnLive MicroConsole $66 through Jan. 9, 5.1 audio coming 'early 2011' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2011maconliveonlive-microconsolepcSRSsurround-soundTue, 04 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 'Avatar Kinect' Xbox feature to be unveiled at CES]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/rumor-avatar-kinect-xbox-feature-to-be-unveiled-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/rumor-avatar-kinect-xbox-feature-to-be-unveiled-at-ces/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/rumor-avatar-kinect-xbox-feature-to-be-unveiled-at-ces/#comments Glimpse Dog received what it purports to be a snapshot of a leaked slide from Microsoft's CES keynote (seen above) showing off something called "Avatar Kinect." This by itself isn't all that exciting, but Winrumors believes that Avatar Kinect will be part of a forthcoming software update -- one that "will allow Kinect owners to interact with each other using their avatars" much like Sony's Home.

Furthermore, the site believes that "the Avatars will have a separate area, much like the Nintendo's Mii Channel, that will allow for users to control them using Kinect and interact to watch content or play games." Does this mean Kinect-based A World of Keflings wrestling matches? 'Cause if so, we're totally on board -- just as long as we don't have to queue for them.

We'll presumably find out more when Microsoft's CES keynote is broadcast live this Wednesday from Las Vegas.

[Image credit: Glimpse Dog]

JoystiqRumor: 'Avatar Kinect' Xbox feature to be unveiled at CES originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-kinectavatarscesces-2011kinectmicrosoftsoftware-updatexboxTue, 04 Jan 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive coming 'built in' to new VIZIO TVs, Blu-ray players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/onlive-coming-built-in-to-new-vizio-tvs-blu-ray-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/onlive-coming-built-in-to-new-vizio-tvs-blu-ray-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/04/onlive-coming-built-in-to-new-vizio-tvs-blu-ray-players/#comments A month after beginning shipments of its Microconsole hardware, cloud gaming service OnLive is announcing a partnership with VIZIO, whereby the electronics company will offer televisions, Blu-ray players, tablet computers and mobile phones that can connect to OnLive right out of the box. According to the announcement made at CES 2011 today, OnLive will be featured as an application on VIZIO's new VIA Plus line of products, which includes the VIA Tablet and VIA Smart Phone, alongside other preinstalled "VIZIO Internet Apps."

OnLive founder and CEO, Steve Perlman calls the partnership "a major milestone," while VIZIO's chief technology officer, Matthew McRae, says the inclusion of the OnLive client on its VIA Plus devices will give users "the freedom to switch games much like you change the channel," and is as integral to these products as software for streaming movies and music.

VIZIO wil be demoing its VIA Plus products during CES and we'll have a first look at them soon.

Continue reading OnLive coming 'built in' to new VIZIO TVs, Blu-ray players

JoystiqOnLive coming 'built in' to new VIZIO TVs, Blu-ray players originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces-2011cloud-gaminggame-streamingmatthew-mcraeonliveSteve-Perlmanvia-plusvia-smart-phonevia-tabletvizioTue, 04 Jan 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo will not have a booth at CES this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/nintendo-will-not-have-a-booth-at-ces-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/nintendo-will-not-have-a-booth-at-ces-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/24/nintendo-will-not-have-a-booth-at-ces-this-year/#comments Yesterday, we posted that Nintendo would attend CES this year, effectively ending a 16-year-long hiatus from the show -- one of the biggest hardware and tech conventions each year, annually held in Las Vegas. The news came via the Consumer Electronics Association, who runs CES, but today it's told PC World that Nintendo actually won't have official representation on the show floor. The original report was a misprint on the CEA's part. Talk about an inconvenient tpyo.

Instead, the CEA says Nintendo will offer smaller meetings in conference rooms during the event. Honestly, we don't know what's worse: the CEA accidentally reporting Nintendo is returning to its show after over a decade-long absence, or Nintendo largely ignoring one of the biggest hardware shows of the year when it's planning to launch the 3DS.

JoystiqNintendo will not have a booth at CES this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dscesces-2011consumer-electronics-associationconsumer-electronics-showdsnintendoWed, 24 Nov 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo returning to CES for 2011's 'Gaming Showcase']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/nintendo-returning-to-ces-for-2011s-gaming-showcase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/nintendo-returning-to-ces-for-2011s-gaming-showcase/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/nintendo-returning-to-ces-for-2011s-gaming-showcase/#commentsThe last time Nintendo exhibited at the Consumer Electronics Show, it presented graphical demos for its new "Project Reality," a joint project with Silicon Graphics -- a project that we now know as the Nintendo 64. That was in 1994.

After that 16-year absence, Nintendo is returning to a CES more likely to be full of iPads than Newtons, and with Sega a happy partner instead of a bitter enemy. Though CES organizers didn't announce exactly what Nintendo would be exhibiting at the 2011 CES "Gaming Showcase," it seems likely that Nintendo chose this venue, which features "the latest gaming technology advancements," to show off its new consumer electronics device, the 3DS. Its 3D display will fit right in among the masses of gadgets shown off at the expo.

[Thanks, Tyler. Image credit: CEA]

JoystiqNintendo returning to CES for 2011's 'Gaming Showcase' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsces-2011dsgaming-showcasenintendowiiTue, 23 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST