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[E308: Miyamoto comments on Wii's storage solution issue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-miyamoto-comments-on-wiis-storage-solution-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-miyamoto-comments-on-wiis-storage-solution-issue/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/16/e308-miyamoto-comments-on-wiis-storage-solution-issue/#commentsFiled under:


Kind of weird how storage issues never came up at the E3 keynote, huh? We thought so, too. And, when Shigeru Miyamoto got cornered by the folks at IGN, they asked him about the lack of storage love.

"There isn't anything that we can announce today, but we have been thinking along a variety of different lines regarding this matter for some time now," Shiggy said. "So my hope is that sometime in the not too distant future we will be able to discuss some concrete solutions." So, all hope is not lost. Nintendo is at least still on the case. It's just that they're taking longer than we'd all like.

JoystiqE308: Miyamoto comments on Wii's storage solution issue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Jul 2008 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2008e308harddrivehddmiyamotoshigeru-miyamotostorageWed, 16 Jul 2008 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Fischer regrets 'geeks and otaku' comment, Jaffe sticks oar in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/fischer-regrets-geeks-and-otaku-comment-jaffe-sticks-oar-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/fischer-regrets-geeks-and-otaku-comment-jaffe-sticks-oar-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/13/fischer-regrets-geeks-and-otaku-comment-jaffe-sticks-oar-in/#commentsFiled under:

The internet, as it tends to do on occasions, went and got itself in a great big tizzy last week, after Nintendo of Europe's Laurent Fischer suggested that only "geeks and otaku" cared about the Wii's storage issue. It wasn't the smartest move of Fischer's career, and it attracted considerable bile -- and not just from Nintendo fans.

God of War creator David Jaffe, as he tends to do on occasions, got narked, and expressed his annoyance over the comment in a colorful entry on his blog. After dedicating a hefty part of his amusing rant to comparing Fischer's remarks with 1987 film Can't Buy Me Love, Jaffe accused Nintendo of "arrogance [...] that should make the company very ashamed," and suggests that Fischer "has no real clue" about games -- all while getting Fischer's gender wrong (" ... she really needs someone to sit her down and explain to her ... "). Brilliant.

Anyway, just as Jaffe was about to hoisted onto the shoulders of Nintendo fans everywhere, Fischer went and spoiled all the fun by apologizing ... sort of. "I have huge respect for those who, like me, share a common passion for Nintendo and want to make it clear that I would never use and I didn't use this terminology in such a context or way to cause offence," Fischer blubbed. "I regret that this misunderstanding has created such offence and disappointment within the community."

It's not the most heartfelt apology we've ever heard, but we'll take it. Now give us a hard drive, Fischer.

[Via Eurogamer]

JoystiqFischer regrets 'geeks and otaku' comment, Jaffe sticks oar in originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>david-jaffegeekshard-driveharddrivelaurent-fischerlaurentfischerotakupublicitystorageFri, 13 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo says: Only geeks and otaku want a harddrive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/nintendo-says-only-geeks-and-otaku-want-a-harddrive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/nintendo-says-only-geeks-and-otaku-want-a-harddrive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/nintendo-says-only-geeks-and-otaku-want-a-harddrive/#commentsFiled under: ,

Are you running out of storage space on your Wii? Then Laurent Fischer of NoE thinks you must be a big nerd. When asked about storage dilemmas at a recent press event, the managing director of marketing replied that only "geeks and otaku" want this issue addressed. Burn! We're not denying that we're geeks, mind you, but considering how much money video game addicts like us pump into Nintendo, you'd think they'd try to be a bit less dismissive.

Edge Magazine also points out some other flaws in the WiiWare service. For one, Nintendo is leaving it up to bloggers and journalists to promote WiiWare titles, as the company doesn't plan to spend much money marketing the service or its games. Another issue is the interface for the shopping channel, in which WiiWare titles can get lost easily once a lot of games start showing up -- just look at the problems that XBLA is facing.

Although we enjoy the service, WiiWare can certainly stand to be improved in a few areas. Let's just hope Nintendo is willing to meet developers and consumers halfway.

[Via MTV Multiplayer]

JoystiqNintendo says: Only geeks and otaku want a harddrive originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harddrivelaurent-fischerWed, 11 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Dreaming of Wii 1.5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/revolutionary-dreaming-of-wii-1-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/revolutionary-dreaming-of-wii-1-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/07/revolutionary-dreaming-of-wii-1-5/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With both E3 '08 and the midpoint of this generation fast approaching, while it may be a bit premature, we wouldn't mind seeing a few changes in the Wii hardware. Within their lifetimes, the PS2 slimmed down, the Gamecube parted with a port, and the DS shed its baby phat, so it's not unreasonable to expect some sort of alterations to the Wii.

A compact box that's already inexpensive to produce (and continuously remains in greater demand than supply can keep up with) may not cry out for revision, but there are a few bits that can be nipped and tucked to enhance the appeal and value of the Wii. This week Revolutionary goes Revisionary.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Dreaming of Wii 1.5

JoystiqRevolutionary: Dreaming of Wii 1.5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 May 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dvd playerDvdPlayerflashflash driveflash memoryflashdriveFlashMemoryhard driveHardDrivejoystiqfeaturesRevolutionarytouchWed, 07 May 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Revolutionary: Wii can has hard drive?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/revolutionary-wii-can-has-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/revolutionary-wii-can-has-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/revolutionary-wii-can-has-hard-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Every other week, Mike Sylvester brings you REVOLUTIONARY, a look at the wide world of Wii possibilities.

If you're smitten with the Virtual Console, one thing we're sure you aren't in love with is having to swap games between an SD card and your Wii's internal memory, or even worse -- deleting games to be re-downloaded later. WiiWare is on its way and it's hard to imagine My Life as a King demeaning itself to share its estate with less noble games. And certainly not with it bringing microtransactions to the royal ball. And wouldn't it be dandy if some of our multiplatform ports had somewhere to store that downloadable content that everyone is raving about on other consoles?

We want need more storage, and some of you have gathered to plead with Nintendo to sell a Wii Hard Drive. It appears that your cries just fall on deaf ears because they seem hardly driven to provide one. In this edition of Revolutionary, we'll examine why Wii can't have a hard drive.

Continue reading Revolutionary: Wii can has hard drive?

JoystiqRevolutionary: Wii can has hard drive? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hard drivehard drivesharddriveHardDriveshardwarejoystiqfeaturesperipheralsrevolutionaryvirtual consolevirtualconsolewii warewiiwareWed, 23 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Storage space]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/wii-warm-up-storage-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/wii-warm-up-storage-space/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/wii-warm-up-storage-space/#commentsFiled under:


We've talked about the hard drive issue before, but now we're curious as to how much space you have left on your Wii. If you have the time, you can turn it on and give us an exact amount, but estimates are fine, too! Are you almost full already? Do you still have tons of space left? Or, are you somewhere in between?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Storage space originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hard-driveharddriveSun, 06 Apr 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MTV demystifies PS3 mandatory installs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/mtv-demystifies-ps3-mandatory-installs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/mtv-demystifies-ps3-mandatory-installs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/02/mtv-demystifies-ps3-mandatory-installs/#commentsFiled under:

Large mandatory installs have been a crux for us PS3 gamers for quite some time. By now, many of you have probably sacrificed your precious gigs in order to play Devil May Cry 4 or Hot Shots Golf: Out of Bounds on the PS3. Sure, we all knew we'd be getting better load times from downloading data on to the hard drive, but why did we need to put up with it in the first place?

MTV's Multiplayer blog investigated further into this, citing that it all comes back to developers getting to know the Blu-ray technology and utilizing its unique characteristics. For multi-platform games like DMC4, the issue is that developers are not optimizing their titles for Blu-ray tech. There are two factors: the disparity between DVD and Blu-ray reading techniques, and the size of Blu-ray discs compared to DVDs. If developers just simply plop down their DVD data onto a Blu-ray disc, essentially, all that extra space on a Blu-ray and the single speed that the data on it is read will cause excessive load times. Think of it this way, if DVD is looking for a needle in a haystack, then Blu-ray is looking for a needle of exact same size in a haystack three times larger.

So what about PS3 exclusives like Hot Shots Golf? A similar concept is involved -- there's too little data on the disc and too much excessive space. Despite this, many other devs have found a work around. One way is to copy data multiple times to fill the entire disc; this allows for data to be read quicker as there are more areas to read from. It's all rather an interesting read, why not check out the entire article over at Multiplayer.

JoystiqMTV demystifies PS3 mandatory installs originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blu-rayharddrivemandatory-installsps3Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Frag Dolls, Seagate collaborate for game competitions, mall tour]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/frag-dolls-seagate-collaborate-for-game-competitions-mall-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/frag-dolls-seagate-collaborate-for-game-competitions-mall-tour/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/08/frag-dolls-seagate-collaborate-for-game-competitions-mall-tour/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Frag Dolls have garnered the attention of hard drive manufacturer Seagate, which will collaborate with the Ubisoft-sponsored clan of gaming ladies over the next year for a series on online and in-person video game competitions, as well as a mall tour, making us close our eyes and wax poetic as we imagine being schooled by the likes of Tiffany and Debbie Gibson.

The troupe will make three guest appearances during the apparently larger 'Seagate's Mall Tour,' which is expected to begin on October 19 at Minneapolis' Mall of America, hopefully nestled somewhere near the Lego Imagination Center. The girls will of course sign autographs and give high fives before 'pwning' their fans in gaming tournaments for Seagate-branded prizes, which may or may not be given out to the tune of 'I Think We're Alone Now.'

[Via press release]

JoystiqFrag Dolls, Seagate collaborate for game competitions, mall tour originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 08 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fragdollsharddrivemalltourseagateubisoftMon, 08 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: win a 120GB HDD for Xbox 360 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/reminder-win-a-120gb-hdd-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/reminder-win-a-120gb-hdd-for-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/07/reminder-win-a-120gb-hdd-for-xbox-360/#commentsFiled under:

[Update: The giveaway is now closed and our winner selected. Once the winner is verified, we'll put up an announcement post.]

Hey kiddies, don't forget that we're giving away a 120GB hard drive for the Xbox 360 in celebration of the impending arrival of Halo 3. Entering the giveaway is incredibly easy, and it will take you less than two minutes. That's two minutes for 120 gigabytes of awesome. All you have to do is head over to the official giveaway post and enter. You've got two hours to do it before we pick our lucky winner, so get to it already! Oh, and if you don't win fear not, because we've got lots more stuff to give away this month. Keep your eyes peeled next week for the next bit of swag*.

*Hint: next week's swag is even better (and more valuable) than a 120GB hard drive. Think about that.

JoystiqReminder: win a 120GB HDD for Xbox 360 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120gb120gbhddgiveawaysharddrivehddFri, 07 Sep 2007 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Nintendo next]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/wii-warm-up-nintendo-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/wii-warm-up-nintendo-next/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/16/wii-warm-up-nintendo-next/#commentsFiled under:


There's been a lot of speculation about a Wii 2.0, i.e. a half step up from the Wii, ala the DS Lite to the DS ... and of course, as soon as consoles debut, some future-watchers start looking immediately ahead to the next generation. In light of that, we wanted to ask you about your predictions, from practical to utterly wild, about Nintendo's next console move. Will we see a Wii-plus, complete with a hard drive and some other increased functionality? If so, when, and for how much? Or will Nintendo skip straight ahead to the next generation? If so, when will we see that, and what will it be like? The possibilities blow our minds.

[Thanks for the idea, vidGuy!]

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Nintendo next originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>futureharddriveThu, 16 Aug 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 MMOs allowed hard drive requirement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/xbox-360-mmos-allowed-hard-drive-requirement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/xbox-360-mmos-allowed-hard-drive-requirement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/14/xbox-360-mmos-allowed-hard-drive-requirement/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Microsoft confirmed at Gamefest 2007 that developers working on server-based MMOs for Xbox 360 are allowed to request use of the hard drive. This is one of those "duh," but not explicitly ever stated things. Microsoft will bend the rules for these HDD required games on a "case-by-case" basis, but now with more ground rules compared to the Final Fantasy XI days.

The way it will work is developers will have to say how much space they expect their game to take and it will have to be explicitly stated on the box. Even if they don't think they're going to require all the space in the beginning, they're supposed to give the expected upper limit they'll need. As Ian Lewis, software design engineer at Microsoft said, "Feel free to require 30GB for your game; that's just going to make your potential audience a lot smaller."

Microsoft says designers can get around the console space issues by offering up lower resolution models and textures, make areas off-limits and stream assets from their server. Silver Xbox Live users will not be required to purchase a gold membership, however everyone will have to pay for the MMO's subscription fee separately from the Live membership. An MMO with a separate subscription fee still sounds like a tough sell on a console, but for the right game, anything is possible.

JoystiqXbox 360 MMOs allowed hard drive requirement originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harddrivehddmmoonlineXbox-360xbox360Tue, 14 Aug 2007 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GamePro guide makes PS3 hard drive install easy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/gamepro-guide-makes-ps3-hard-drive-install-easy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/gamepro-guide-makes-ps3-hard-drive-install-easy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/02/gamepro-guide-makes-ps3-hard-drive-install-easy/#commentsFiled under:


Is 60GB (or 80GB) simply not enough space for your PS3? We know it's easy to swap PS3's hard drive ... but GamePro's picture-by-picture guide makes the process even easier. The tools required are simple: Husky Precision Screwdriver, external hard drive or USB thumb drive (for copying over files), and a 2.5" SATA laptop drive. Thanks to the XMB's easy to use interface, the process of copying over files and formatting the new PS3 drive is a cinch. Maybe you'll want to throw in a new 160GB hard drive into your PS3? They only go for about $100 these days.

[Via digg]

JoystiqGamePro guide makes PS3 hard drive install easy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameproguideharddriveThu, 02 Aug 2007 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie talks Nintendo's Japanese focus, Wii Ware]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/reggie-talks-nintendos-japanese-focus-wii-ware/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/reggie-talks-nintendos-japanese-focus-wii-ware/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/27/reggie-talks-nintendos-japanese-focus-wii-ware/#commentsFiled under:


In another section of Stephen Totilo's E3 interview with Reggie, this chunk focuses mostly on Nintendo's perceived favoritism to the Japanese market. With that region receiving lots of titles that we only get to hear about, Stephen asks Reggie if we should even be hopeful that such games will be localized.

The discussion then moves to Wii Ware, where the question of storage space on the Wii arises. Stephen asks Reggie about the possibility of a Wii hard drive, to which Reggie responds "could there be a market for a Wii hard drive? There certainly could be."

Catch the video embedded past the break.

Continue reading Reggie talks Nintendo's Japanese focus, Wii Ware

JoystiqReggie talks Nintendo's Japanese focus, Wii Ware originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2007 12:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harddriveinterviewreggieFri, 27 Jul 2007 12:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Conjecture Countdown: 13 days to go]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/conjecture-countdown-13-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/conjecture-countdown-13-days-to-go/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/28/conjecture-countdown-13-days-to-go/#commentsFiled under:


Even with a diminished E3, there's no controlling the wave of rumors that hit the Internet every year before the show. Why fight it? From now until E3 hits, we'll be posting one piece of wild speculation every day. Some may be patently ridiculous, and others just might turn out to be true. Even some of the ridiculous ones might turn out to be true! Rest assured, everything will be totally made-up and unfounded. Except, of course, when we speak about all the ass Reggie is going to kick. That part? Totally true.

Rumor: Aw, just kidding, guys ... we're releasing hard drive options. We just like to make you sweat.

JoystiqConjecture Countdown: 13 days to go originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3cchard driveHardDrivehumorrumorsThu, 28 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo waves away hard drive rumors]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/nintendo-waves-away-hard-drive-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/nintendo-waves-away-hard-drive-rumors/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/nintendo-waves-away-hard-drive-rumors/#commentsFiled under: ,

After today's revelation of WiiWare, the new original content download service, the idea of an add-on hard drive for the console seemed much more likely. Until, that is, Nintendo UK unequivocally said, "no." Looks like it's time to start employing a wee army of SD cards, because with all the downloadable goodness, that 512 MBs of space is going pretty fast.

JoystiqNintendo waves away hard drive rumors originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flash memoryFlashMemoryhard driveHardDriverumorsd cardSdCardshopping channelShoppingChannelWed, 27 Jun 2007 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Hard drive rumors are back]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/hard-drive-rumors-are-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/hard-drive-rumors-are-back/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/05/hard-drive-rumors-are-back/#commentsFiled under:

We know that we'd like a hard drive on the Wii-- and while we're dreaming, we'd like it to be free and preloaded with Sega CD games-- but we don't have any real evidence that one's coming. We first heard some unfounded speculation about it back in March, from a Japanese magazine.

Now the rumor is back, with just as much to back it up (nothing). IGN editors speculated in a podcast that Nintendo might show one at E3, and CVG saw the fact that Neo Geo games are big as evidence. Then, of course, everyone picked up on the rumors-- including us, right now. Not to say that there's no chance of a hard drive in the future, but we'd like to remind everyone that SD cards exist and are cheap.

JoystiqHard drive rumors are back originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jun 2007 14:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drivehardhard driveHardDrivehdhddneogeonintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirumorswiiTue, 05 Jun 2007 14:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Data transfer demo for your new HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/data-transfer-demo-for-your-new-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/data-transfer-demo-for-your-new-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/data-transfer-demo-for-your-new-hdd/#commentsFiled under: ,


If you're a current 360 owner and are in the market for a new 120GB HDD or the Xbox 360 Elite in the coming weeks, then you'll be dealing with some HDD data transferring. And thanks to Major Nelson's data transfer demo, the whole process will be painless. In the embedded video above, Major and his clothes twin Albert walk you through the whole thing step by step and even do a little Xbox 360 Elite unboxing to boot. It's actually quite simple and should take less than an hour to move all your data to your new 120GB behemoth. And, as if it wasn't mentioned enough, the data transfer will be permanent and can only be done once. So, make sure this is what you want, as there's no going back.

JoystiqData transfer demo for your new HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb120 gb hdd120Gb120GbHdd360 elite360Eliteelitehard driveHardDrivehddxbox 360 eliteXbox360EliteFri, 27 Apr 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Save some cash, use your own 120GB HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/save-some-cash-use-your-own-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/save-some-cash-use-your-own-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/save-some-cash-use-your-own-120gb-hdd/#commentsFiled under: ,

The hard drive prophecy has come true. Xbox-Scene is reporting that the new version of HDDHackr has been released allowing the use of an unlicensed 120GB hard drive for your 360 storage. The HDDHackr program uses the newly found 120GB signature and will allow anyone to use a specific 120GB WD HDD for their 360 storage saving roughly $100 over Microsoft's official Xbox 360 120GB HDD. Though, you'll need to be somewhat familiar with hacking programs and PC hardware setup to get the drive up and running. But, if that's your thing, you can save big bucks and up your Xbox 360 hard drive capacity to 120GB the l33t way. So, is anyone up for the challenge?

JoystiqSave some cash, use your own 120GB HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120120 gb120 gb hdd120Gb120GbHddhard driveHardDrivehddperipheralMon, 23 Apr 2007 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[120 GB hard drive snagged for $99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/120-gb-hard-drive-snagged-for-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/120-gb-hard-drive-snagged-for-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/120-gb-hard-drive-snagged-for-99/#commentsFiled under: ,

If the Xbox 360 has one consistent complaint, it is undoubtedly the cost of its peripherals. In particular, the price of its hard drive has been the most difficult to stomach. $99 dollars for 20 gigabytes seems positively ludicrous in today's world of cheap storage. The new 120GB hard drive isn't much better, clocking in at $179. Microsoft has defended the pricing structure, saying that they demand very strict specifications from manufacturers (things like drive speed, security, etc.), but it's hard to believe it couldn't be had for less.

Enter one lucky 360 fanboy by the name of Scooter. Scooter spotted a 120GB hard drive at his local Wal-Mart. Looking closer, the drive was priced at a cool $99.88. Seizing upon the opportunity, he asked a clerk to open up the case and ring it up. Of course, once the item was scanned, it came up as $172. After a quick interchange with customer service, it's revealed that Wal-Mart store policy requires that items be sold for the price at which they are marked (even if the price is incorrect). So, he walks out with a 120GB drive for a full $80 less than retail price.

Granted, we're sure the display price was corrected immediately following the sale, but it's nice to hear that at least one fanboy managed to stick it to the man. Our advice: scour your area Wal-Marts for mislabeled hard drives. You might end up with a killer deal. Follow the "read" link for photographic proof of the $99 120GB HDD.

[Thanks, Scooter]

Joystiq120 GB hard drive snagged for $99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb hdd120 hard drive120 hdd120gb120gb hard drive120gbHardDrive120GbHdd120HardDrive120Hddhard driveHardDrivehddFri, 20 Apr 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony now 'considering' 80GB PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/sony-now-considering-80gb-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/sony-now-considering-80gb-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/16/sony-now-considering-80gb-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

In a reversal of Sony's March assertion that they "don't have plans" to increase the PlayStation 3's hard drive size, Sony spokesman Satoshi Fukuoka now says the company is "considering" a version featuring a drive bigger than the 60GB existing model (and 20GB model that was discontinued in the USA five days ago). Does this mean a pending price drop for the 60GB PS3? Or will Sony blow our minds and bank accounts with a new $700 SKU?

[Via Fragland]

JoystiqSony now 'considering' 80GB PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80gbhard driveHardDrivehdps3Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft defends 120GB Xbox HDD price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/microsoft-defends-120gb-xbox-hdd-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/microsoft-defends-120gb-xbox-hdd-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/microsoft-defends-120gb-xbox-hdd-price/#commentsFiled under: ,

elite hddAaron Greenberg, Microsoft's group product manager, told Game Theory yesterday that the 120GB external drive for the Xbox 360 is not overpriced at $179. Said Greenberg, "If you compare what we are offering with a real plug-and-play drive the closest thing would be to take a 120-gig self-powered external PC drive, and in that case we are seeing those retail at anywhere from $160 to $200 for comparable laptop-sized external hard drives."

Greenberg probably doesn't want you to know that he's wrong, but he's wrong. Sure, you can pay $200 for a 120GB drive if you really want to, but as with most products, there are plenty of deals to be had; unless you're locked into buying peripherals from a single manufacturer that controls its monopolistic pricing with a proprietary vice-grip. Which, in the case of the Xbox 360 ... you are. Though if Greenberg had said, "We own you. Deal with it," that might not have been as good for PR.

They own you. Deal with it.

JoystiqMicrosoft defends 120GB Xbox HDD price originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120gb360hard driveHardDrivehdhddoverpricedxboxXbox-360Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony files for 80GB PS3, says there are no current plans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-files-for-80gb-ps3-says-there-are-no-current-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-files-for-80gb-ps3-says-there-are-no-current-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-files-for-80gb-ps3-says-there-are-no-current-plans/#commentsFiled under: ,


Seems like the totally secret announcement of the Xbox 360 Elite -- and it's strapping 120GB hard drive -- may have spurred Sony to consider bumping the PlayStation 3's already user-replaceable 60GB hard drive to ... an 80GB hard drive! An FCC filing dated March 2, 2007 announces the addition of a new model, CECHE01, which includes some tweaks to the Bluetooth antenna and, notably, a larger hard drive. Unlike Microsoft's latest SKU, the CECHE01 will replace the anemic 60GB CECHA01. Or maybe it won't.

According to Sony, "The 80GB we're not making a comment on, but we don't have any plans at the moment." While it's true that the interior workings of giant megacorporations confuse and bewilder us, we're still left pondering how they managed to file a "Permissive Change Letter" with the FCC with no "plans at the moment." With the 20GB PS3 model being a no-show in Europe, and increasingly so here as well, maybe Sony just wants to stick those missing gigabytes back into the marketplace. Or something.

[Thanks, Cosmo & Dolla Dolla]

Read - FCC "Permissive Change Letter" for 80GB PS3 (via PC World)
Read - No current plans for 80GB PS3 (Eurogamer)

JoystiqSony files for 80GB PS3, says there are no current plans originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CECHE01HarddrivePS3SKUupgradeXbox-360Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony working on new 80GB PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-working-on-new-80gb-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-working-on-new-80gb-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/sony-working-on-new-80gb-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

Xbox 360 Elite is Microsoft's attempt at matching PLAYSTATION 3's impressive hardware features. While the Elite doesn't provide wi-fi support like the premium PS3, nor does it feature integrated HD disc support, it does offer a whopping 120GB of hard disk space, dwarfing the 60GB PS3 hard drive.

According to a recent FCC filing, it appears Sony is going to modify the current PS3 and include a larger 80GB hard drive: "The model CECHE01 to be added by the difference of the capacity of hard disk." Although this doesn't match the Elite's hard drive, it does add even more value to the $599 PS3. Current users need not feel short-changed, though. Unlike 360 users, PS3 owners are free to install almost any hard drive into their system, without having to pay ridiculous prices for proprietary peripherals ($180 for 120GB hard drive?!).

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqSony working on new 80GB PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 12:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80gbfcchard driveHardDriveplaystation 3Playstation3ps3sonyxbox 360xbox 360 eliteXbox360Xbox360EliteThu, 29 Mar 2007 12:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Preloaded content revealed for 120GB HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/preloaded-content-revealed-for-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/preloaded-content-revealed-for-120gb-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/29/preloaded-content-revealed-for-120gb-hdd/#commentsFiled under: ,

Over at TeamXbox they got the dish on what content will be preloaded on the newly announced Xbox 360 120GB HDD. First off, all the preloaded content will be available on both the Xbox 360 Elite hard drive and the seperate retail version. As far as content goes, everything that's preloaded on the 20GB model will be included on the new 120GB drive. We kind of expected this since the new drive is huge ... uber huge. This 120GB behemoth will also come preloaded with a bunch of other content not available on the 20GB drive including demos like Lost Planet, Street Fighter II, and Call of Duty 3. You'll also see more trailers, gamer pictures, and themes, all of which you can delete instantly or savor for the long run. A full list of the 120GB HDD's preloaded content can be found after the break.

[Thanks, Derka]

Continue reading Preloaded content revealed for 120GB HDD

JoystiqPreloaded content revealed for 120GB HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb120 gb hd120 gb hdd120Gb120GbHd120GbHdd20 gb hd20 gb hdd20GbHd20GbHddhard driveHardDriveperipheralxbox 360 hard driveXbox360HardDriveThu, 29 Mar 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony welcomes Xbox 360 to 'Elite' HD experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/sony-welcomes-xbox-360-to-elite-hd-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/sony-welcomes-xbox-360-to-elite-hd-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/27/sony-welcomes-xbox-360-to-elite-hd-experience/#commentsFiled under: , ,

ps3 is waitingAs word spreads that tomorrow Microsoft will apparently confirm that Xbox 360 Elite is currently being manufactured in a plant somewhere in China, Sony PR sent around a welcome message, attributed to SVP of Marketing Peter Dille:

"We think every PlayStation 3 owner should have an 'elite' experience, which is why we include an internal hard drive and HDMI output in every PS3 we sell, along with the 50 GB of storage capacity on a high definition Blu-ray disc. Sony has been the strongest advocate of high definition as the future of next-generation gaming. This requires high-definition components, including HDMI output, and large storage devices to deliver and store all that rich and vivid HD content. Microsoft's announcement today [er, "tomorrow"] not only legitimizes Sony's PS3 strategy, it moves us closer to adopting universal standards in the area of high definition gaming that will benefit game developers and ultimately the end user."

Clearly Dille and Sony are eager to seize this opportunity to play the leader. Sixteen months after launch -- 12 months ahead of PS3 -- Microsoft is suddenly playing catch-up. And, as Sony points out, even the 'Elite' efforts don't necessarily match up well against PS3; certainly for consumers also interested in high-definition video (on disc). Are the facts enough to sway consumers over to Sony's side -- or does PR also need to FedEx the beer and deploy the boats to win this console war?

JoystiqSony welcomes Xbox 360 to 'Elite' HD experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Mar 2007 19:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360eliteharddrivehdhddhdmips3Xbox-360xbox360xbox360eliteTue, 27 Mar 2007 19:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 120GB HDD advertising appears]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-120gb-hdd-advertising-appears/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-120gb-hdd-advertising-appears/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/26/xbox-360-120gb-hdd-advertising-appears/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It looks like promotional materials for the new "rumored" Xbox 360 120GB hard drive are surfacing. We received this picture from fanboy reader Ralph, who says it's a shot of Gamestop's promotional poster for the much rumored 120GB hard drive. Yes, we know it's a tiny picture, but Ralph says it's so small because it was sent to him via his trendy little Blackberry. Stupid Blackberrys and their small screens. So, is this confirmation of a new 120GB hard drive and possibly the Elite 360? Not exactly, but it makes for great speculation goodness. And we all know how much we love our rumors and spec.

[Thanks, Ralph]

JoystiqXbox 360 120GB HDD advertising appears originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb hard drive120 gb hdd120GbHardDrive120GbHddhard driveHardDrivehddrumorrumorsxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 26 Mar 2007 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo on Wii hard drive: 'pure rumor & speculation']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/nintendo-on-wii-hard-drive-pure-rumor-and-speculation/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/nintendo-on-wii-hard-drive-pure-rumor-and-speculation/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/nintendo-on-wii-hard-drive-pure-rumor-and-speculation/#commentsFiled under: ,

wii w/ hddNintendo has spooned out a helping of its classic canned response, dismissing rumor that an external hard drive for Wii is in the works. GameIndustry.biz was force-fed a mouthful of "pure rumour and speculation" when seeking clarification about the would-be peripheral.

Originating from Japanese mag Gamelabo, the rumor claimed to cite undisclosed sources within Nintendo who allegedly revealed that an external hard drive for Wii is being readied. Regardless of the validity of this particular rumor or its source, the Wii hard drive question seems to be more an issue of when than if. Back when we still called the thing a "Revolution," Iwata openly confirmed, "practically any storage method can be used [with the console]." External USB hard drives have to be included in that sentiment, no?

As Wii users begin to fill the 512 MB of internal flash memory -- just imagine the burden of Saturn games and downloadable demos -- everyone's got an eye toward memory expansion. A pile of SD cards is one option; a hard drive is a better one. Here's the dilemma: if Nintendo releases a first-party drive, say for $100, then there's a risk of Wii being perceived as a $350 console. Whether or not Nintendo opts for dual SKUs, retailers would certainly bundle the "base" console and an external Nintendo hard drive together; in effect, damaging Wii's price advantage. Nintendo is likely looking at a hard drive solution, but don't expect the company to give up its R&S response until it's clear that a proprietary drive would be profitable. Our guess: expect third-party offerings later this year.

JoystiqNintendo on Wii hard drive: 'pure rumor & speculation' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>harddrivehddrumorwiiMon, 19 Mar 2007 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Wii hard drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/rumor-wii-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/rumor-wii-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/19/rumor-wii-hard-drive/#commentsFiled under:

Another day, another completely speculative rumor. This time, the word is that there's an external hard drive in the works for the Wii,. This rumor is brought to us by a Japanese magazine called Gamelabo, which, according to the media watchdogs at NeoGAF, is not necessarily a trustworthy source.

Our take: those USB ports have to be used for something sooner or later. Also, if this rumor turned out to be true, it would lend a lot of credence to those other rumors about Saturn games and demo downloads-- but using one rumor to support other rumors does not receive the Wii Fanboy Seal of Approval. We want it to be true, though! That trumps logic, right?


JoystiqRumor: Wii hard drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>channelchannelsdemodemochannelhard driveharddrivehddnintendonintendo wiiNintendoWiirumorrumorswiiMon, 19 Mar 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Install a bigger HD in your PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/install-a-bigger-hd-in-your-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/install-a-bigger-hd-in-your-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/23/install-a-bigger-hd-in-your-ps3/#commentsFiled under: ,

Sixty gigabytes not enough for you to store all your pictures and movies on your PS3? Sure, you could use a USB hard drive to expand the space, but that's much too easy. For those masochists that just need to have that extra storage inside the system casing, there's now a MySpace page with detailed advice on how to install any 3.5" drive in your system.

For those of you who just need to have every USB device you own hooked up to the PS3 at the same time, the site also has video instructions for installing a USB hub to expand the four ports included with the system. Personally, we're too busy playing Resistance: Fall of Man to take the time to do any of this stuff, but for the hardware fetishists out there, go nuts.

JoystiqInstall a bigger HD in your PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhackshard drivehard drivreHardDriveHardDrivreHDDinternalPS3Tue, 23 Jan 2007 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[DVR Xbox 360 possible, IPTV the catalyst]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/dvr-xbox-360-possible-iptv-the-catalyst/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/dvr-xbox-360-possible-iptv-the-catalyst/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/15/dvr-xbox-360-possible-iptv-the-catalyst/#commentsFiled under: ,

it doesn't look different...Speaking with Major Nelson, Microsoft group product manager Aaron Greenberg speculated that a version of Xbox 360 specialized for IPTV and DVR activity was certainly possible. Greenberg admitted that "[Microsoft] did not build [Xbox 360] to be a high-definition DVR," suggesting an IPTV upgrade (i.e. larger hard drive) and IPTV-specific console "configuration" were both possible solutions to the inherent dilemma. Greenberg did note that a larger hard drive would only be necessary for DVR functionality -- IPTV could function with or without a hard drive.

While this is hardly confirmation that a new version of Xbox 360 is inbound, Greenberg's statements may indicate that Microsoft is closing in on a strategy for 360 v2; one that won't upset early adopters (at least, not as much). Marketing v2 as an IPTV/DVR device (PSX, anyone?) might be enough of a diversion to excuse the original Xbox 360's lack of substantial hard drive space and HDMI output. If that is to be the case, it will be imperative that all of the v2 components are available for the original console, including a free IPTV software installation (with purchase of contract, of course).

JoystiqDVR Xbox 360 possible, IPTV the catalyst originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360DVRHard DriveHardDriveHDHDDHDMIHigh DefinitionHighDefinitionIPTVXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Mon, 15 Jan 2007 23:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Seagate - the answer to digital distribution?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/seagate-the-answer-to-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/seagate-the-answer-to-digital-distribution/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/02/seagate-the-answer-to-digital-distribution/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When thinking of gaming, the companies that make the storage medium are rarely thought of. Seagate, however, is offering up an interesting view of the future; a future that could effect the way we buy our games.

According to Seagate, they are working on a technology that will drastically increase the amount of data we store on hard drives. Using a technology called heat-assisted magnetic recording (HAMR), the company expects to be able to shove 50 TB of information into a single square inch of drive space, or around 300 TB of information on a standard 3.5" drive. With that kind of space, the entire Library of Congress can be stored ... without any compression.

The technology is expected to become commercially viable in a scant three years, by 2010. This means we may be seeing the Xbox 720 and PS4 being entirely based around digital distribution or fully installed console games, mostly eliminating ugly load times and noisy disk drives. With that kind of space, we may never have to worry about filling it up; 300 TB can hold around 6,144 50 GB Blu-ray disks (or the entire Library of PS through PS3 games that could ever be created with room to spare).

JoystiqSeagate - the answer to digital distribution? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big hard driveBigHardDrivedigital distributionDigitalDistributionhard drivehard drive sizeHardDriveHardDriveSizelarge hard driveLargeHardDrivePS3PS4TBterrabyteXbox 360Xbox 720Xbox-360Xbox360Xbox720Tue, 02 Jan 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Samsung hints at hard disk-enhanced PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/samsung-hints-at-hard-disk-enhanced-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/samsung-hints-at-hard-disk-enhanced-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/29/samsung-hints-at-hard-disk-enhanced-psp/#commentsFiled under:


Do you see what I see? There seems to be a very familiar looking portable device in that girl's hands. This photo was taken at Samsung's announcement of new portable hard drive tech. The 60GB version of Samsung's 1.8" N-series drives may end up in a future PSP revision, which should be enough to satiate you with days, if not weeks, of music and games and porn.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqSamsung hints at hard disk-enhanced PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>60 gb60Gbengadgethard driveHardDriven-seriespspsamsungFri, 29 Dec 2006 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP survey suggests redesign]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/psp-survey-suggests-redesign/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/psp-survey-suggests-redesign/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/19/psp-survey-suggests-redesign/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, would you? Sony recently sent a survey to select members of its GAP community polling them on various features for the PSP. This is unsurprising: they've done this quite a number of times before. However, this is the first time the language has suggested a redesigned PSP: would you buy another PSP, just like the hordes of DS owners that threw out their Phats in exchange for the lovelier Lite? Personally, I think the PSP's design is good just the way it is, and being an owner of a 4GB Memory Stick makes me not care too much about a hard drive. However, video out is very important to me. Why? Well, then I can finally give you guys some direct-feed PSP footage. What about you, ye faithful PSP fanboy?

[Via IGN Boards]

[Update 1: Our readers have voted! A whopping majority of you, 62%, would purchase a redesigned PSP. As long as it doesn't render the current PSP useless, I think it's clear that a PSP "Lite" would go over very well with the masses.]

JoystiqPSP survey suggests redesign originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Dec 2006 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gaphard driveHardDrivepspredesignsonysurveyvideo outVideoOutTue, 19 Dec 2006 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft's Xbox 360 HDD workaround: buy another]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/microsofts-360-hdd-workaround-buy-another/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/microsofts-360-hdd-workaround-buy-another/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/microsofts-360-hdd-workaround-buy-another/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

please buy another, pretty pleaseSpeaking with GamersReports, Xbox Group Product Marketing Manager Aaron Greenberg addressed concerns that Xbox 360's current 20 GB hard drive would not be sufficient for the forthcoming movie and television download service. When pressed for a solution, Greenberg offered up this workaround:

"I can tell you what people tell me they do to get around this. What they do is they put their Live account on a memory unit and then they have one hard drive that they put their games or related content on, and then they have another drive that they put their movies and TV on."

Of course! Why didn't we think of that? Duh, the 360 HDD is detachable -- just buy another! And $100 later, we've got enough room to store 5 hours of HD content on a separate drive. Wow, that's awful.

The good news is a larger hard drive will almost certainly hit the market. The even better news is there's already technology that will allow you to avoid buying any more of Microsoft's overpriced drives, big or small. Try Datel's XSATA ($49.99), which allows users to transfer data from the 360's HDD to another drive via PC connection. A quick search yields several 250 GB hard drive options hovering around the $100-mark. Do the math. That's more than 60 hours worth of HD movie and television content storage capacity -- for just $150. So much for Microsoft's "workaround."

JoystiqMicrosoft's Xbox 360 HDD workaround: buy another originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 17:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downloadhard driveHardDriveHDDXbox LiveXbox-360XboxLiveWed, 08 Nov 2006 17:55:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 Ridge Racer: 9 minutes too long?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ps3-ridge-racer-9-minutes-too-long/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ps3-ridge-racer-9-minutes-too-long/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ps3-ridge-racer-9-minutes-too-long/#commentsFiled under: ,

Nuh-noooooooooooooooooooooooo!The Nintendo Nsider Forums are lighting up with glee (and spilling onto Digg) at how horribly terrific it would be if Ridge Racer 7 required a 5 GB install on PlayStation 3's hard disk drive. Some generous (in favor of Sony) math calculates that the install would take 9 minutes and 46 seconds. The assumption is most PS3 games will require HDD dumps, forcing users to constantly install, erase, and reinstall -- these data chunks would fill up the drives fast; certainly the 20 GB model.

Here's what we know: Ridge Racer 7 will have an optional 5 GB HDD installation feature that's in place to speed up load times. Currently, Ridge Racer 7 and Genji (4 GB install) are the only games known to include this option. While this will almost certainly change, there's little reason to believe that HDD dumps will become a PS3 standard (unless you buy Sony's "it's not a console, it's a computer" mumbo jumbo).

Anyways, waiting 9 minutes and 46 seconds for data to install isn't as agonizing as we'd sometimes like to believe; especially if it's a one-time (or once in a while) procedure. On that note, let's wait this conundrum out for a while longer, watch how it develops.

JoystiqPS3 Ridge Racer: 9 minutes too long? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-rayGBhard driveHardDriveHDDNamcoPS3Ridge Racer 7RidgeRacer7Thu, 02 Nov 2006 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New data transfer solution: Datel Xport 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/first-impressions-datel-xport-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/first-impressions-datel-xport-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/first-impressions-datel-xport-360/#commentsFiled under:


The Datel Xport 360 showed up at Best Buy un-announced and caused some confusion with Datel's other data transfer solutions. Xbox-Scene has a forum post with details on the new device, which should let you back up your 360 hard drive with ease. Datel does come up with some decent stuff and I'd like to thank them for not bombarding us with a stream of press releases and viral ads. But it would help sales if they let people know when they have a new product.

JoystiqNew data transfer solution: Datel Xport 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-updatelhard driveHardDrivexportMon, 30 Oct 2006 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Correction: no 100GB 360 HDD, claims Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/correction-no-100gb-360-hdd-claims-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/correction-no-100gb-360-hdd-claims-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/23/correction-no-100gb-360-hdd-claims-microsoft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

X06 KoreaDespite clear indication at X06 Korea, Microsoft insists there are no plans to release a 100GB hard drive for Xbox 360 next March. The official statement is as follows:

"The reference to a 100GB hard drive in a recent presentation in Korea has been misleading and in fact we have no plans to bring a 100GB hard drive to the market. We apologize for any confusion this may have caused."

When questioned, Microsoft reps did concede that a larger (more competitive) drive was still a possibility, but reiterated that such an accessory would not be announced in the near future.

JoystiqCorrection: no 100GB 360 HDD, claims Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100GBhard driveHardDriveHDDXbox-360Mon, 23 Oct 2006 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[100GB HD at X06 Korea confirmed fake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/100gb-hd-at-x06-korea-confirmed-fake/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/100gb-hd-at-x06-korea-confirmed-fake/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/22/100gb-hd-at-x06-korea-confirmed-fake/#commentsFiled under: ,


In a crushing blow to people who believe everything they see on the internet, German-language blog Xbox-Archiv.de reports (crappy English web translation here) that Microsoft Senior Product Manager Boris Schneider-Johne confirmed the 100GB 360 hard drive supposedly pictured at X06 Korea is a photo-shopped fake. According to Boris, there was no such product announcement. Additionally, Larry "Major Nelson" Hyrb told our own Richard Mitchell that the 100GB tale "looks like fiction" to him. This should clear up the confusion resulting from conflicting reports on the veracity of this story.

[Thanks Ankalagon]

Joystiq100GB HD at X06 Korea confirmed fake originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>100gbhard driveHardDrivehdkoreax06Sun, 22 Oct 2006 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's Genji uses HDD to quarter load times]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/21/ps3s-genji-uses-hdd-to-quarter-load-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/21/ps3s-genji-uses-hdd-to-quarter-load-times/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/21/ps3s-genji-uses-hdd-to-quarter-load-times/#commentsFiled under:

Before jumping into Genji to deal some massive damage to historically accurate giant crabs (nyuk nyuk) during Sony's Gamer's Day event on Thursday, MTV News' Stephen Totilo noticed a curious menu option:

INSTALL

What's this all about? Totilo writes, "Also unexpected was a feature in Genji to install the game, committing 4GB of data from the game's Blu-ray disc to the PS3's hard drive -- a three-minute one-time-only procedure available from the game's start menu that a Sony rep said cuts down in-game load times from about 15 seconds to four seconds."

So, regardless of the debate about the relative read speeds of 2x Blu-ray drives and 12x DVD drives, we can all recognize the obvious benefits of having a hard drive included by default. Why Genji appears to be the only title sporting this option is another question. Did excessive load times in the PS3's first finished title necessitate extraordinary measures, or will most games offer this time-saving option, à la PC games.

JoystiqPS3's Genji uses HDD to quarter load times originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 21 Oct 2006 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gamer's DayGamer'sDayGenjiHard driveHardDriveHDDPS3Sat, 21 Oct 2006 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Two redesigned PSPs coming next Spring, say analysts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/two-redesigned-psps-coming-next-spring-say-analysts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/two-redesigned-psps-coming-next-spring-say-analysts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/20/two-redesigned-psps-coming-next-spring-say-analysts/#commentsFiled under:

It's that time of the year again. Yep. Another analyst is talking about a PSP redesign, but this one's a bit more ambitious than the other ones: Paul-Jon McNealy of American Technical Research has predicted the appearance of two new models, one below $199 and one above. "Sony will likely introduce a refresh of the PSP hardware line, including a hard-disk drive PSP and a second PSP with no hard drive but with a significant amount of flash memory on board." Sounds a lot like the other rumor about a redesign.

Considering how frequently these redesign reports pop up, I'm going to place my bet that a redesign will come out... eventually (no matter how often Sony denies it). Will it be next Spring, as predicted?

[Via International Business Times]

JoystiqTwo redesigned PSPs coming next Spring, say analysts originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Oct 2006 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american technical researchAmericanTechnicalResearchanalystflash memoryFlashMemoryhard driveHardDriveibtibtimespaul-jon mcnealyPaul-jonMcnealypspredesignFri, 20 Oct 2006 15:15:00 EST