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[Xbox 360 holiday bundles get $50 price cut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/xbox-360-holiday-bundles-get-50-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/xbox-360-holiday-bundles-get-50-price-cut/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/14/xbox-360-holiday-bundles-get-50-price-cut/#comments Microsoft cut the price of its 250GB and 4GB Kinect Xbox 360 bundles by $50. All holiday bundles included in the deal can be picked up at GameStop, Best Buy, Kmart, Target and Amazon.

Each bundle is priced at $250 except for the standard and holiday 250GB Kinect bundles, which are $350. Most of the bundles have games and DLC codes packed in, including Forza 4, Kinect Adventures, Kinect: Disneyland Adventures, Fable 3, Halo: Reach and a digital copy of Skyrim.

We've called GameStop and still have yet to find an end date for this offer, but we'll update as soon as we find out.

JoystiqXbox 360 holiday bundles get $50 price cut originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gb4Gbbundlefable-3forza-4halo-reachholidaykinectkinect-adventureskinect-disneyland-adventuresmicrosoftprice-cutprice-dropskyrimxboxSun, 14 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft store offering $175 off on Xbox 360 S Kinect bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/microsoft-store-offering-175-off-on-xbox-360-s-kinect-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/microsoft-store-offering-175-off-on-xbox-360-s-kinect-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/microsoft-store-offering-175-off-on-xbox-360-s-kinect-bundle/#comments Kinect bundle on sale for $300, $175 offWhile now may not be the best time to buy a new Xbox 360, this close to the holidays, we're certainly not going to judge your need of one. Instead, we're here to help you save some money - hey, look, a deal!

The Microsoft store is currently offering a $299.99 bundle that tosses in the 4GB Xbox 360 console with a Kinect sensor and two games: Kinect Adventures, which is included with every Kinect sensor; and Kinect Sports Season 2, Microsoft's sequel to its initial sports minigame collection.

The bundle also tosses in 12 months of Xbox Live Gold, a three-month subscription to Hulu Plus, an Xbox 360 media remote and an HDMI cable. It's the HDMI cable that really gets us.

JoystiqMicrosoft store offering $175 off on Xbox 360 S Kinect bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hulu-pluskinectkinect-adventureskinect-sports-season-2microsoftxboxFri, 31 Aug 2012 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Deal: $50 gift card with 4GB 360 Kinect bundle at Gamestop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/deal-50-gift-card-with-4gb-360-kinect-bundle-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/deal-50-gift-card-with-4gb-360-kinect-bundle-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/23/deal-50-gift-card-with-4gb-360-kinect-bundle-at-gamestop/#comments Deal $50 gift card with 4GB 360 Kinect bundle at GamestopPurchasing the 4 gig Kinect/Kinect Adventures Xbox 360 bundle will run you about $300 no matter where you buy it, but only at Gamestop will purchasing one also net you a $50 gift card, which can then be spent on most of a new game, or 10 to 20 used Barbie and/or horse-related DS titles.

Continue reading Deal: $50 gift card with 4GB 360 Kinect bundle at Gamestop

JoystiqDeal: $50 gift card with 4GB 360 Kinect bundle at Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamestopgift-cardkinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftxboxSat, 23 Jun 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Xbox bundle packs white Kinect, white controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/new-xbox-bundle-packs-white-kinect-white-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/new-xbox-bundle-packs-white-kinect-white-controller/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/28/new-xbox-bundle-packs-white-kinect-white-controller/#comments Did you somehow end up with a white HDTV? If so, you can finally get a Kinect unit to match, as part of Microsoft's new "Xbox 360 Special Edition 4GB Kinect Family Bundle" (whew.) The bundle includes a 4GB 360, the white Kinect from the long-delayed Star Wars bundle, a white controller, copies of Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures, and three months of Live for $300.

A "special edition" white Xbox 360 controller will also be available separately for $49.99. It appears to be glossy white. Note that this "special edition" controller has the normal d-pad, and not the improved version.

The bundle (and the controller) are shipping today worldwide -- except for Europe and Brazil, where Microsoft says they will be released "in the next few months."

JoystiqNew Xbox bundle packs white Kinect, white controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 28 Feb 2012 12:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4gbbundlekinectkinect-adventureskinect-family-bundlekinect-sportsmicrosoftwhitexboxTue, 28 Feb 2012 12:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Japan makes up just 1% of worldwide Kinect hardware sales]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/report-japan-makes-up-just-1-of-worldwide-kinect-hardware-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/report-japan-makes-up-just-1-of-worldwide-kinect-hardware-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/29/report-japan-makes-up-just-1-of-worldwide-kinect-hardware-sale/#comments Microsoft has sold approximately 114K units of its hands-free motion peripheral, the Kinect, during the last 12 months in Japan. And the bulk of those sales were within the first few months surrounding its launch in November 2010, then dwindling to the low thousands as early as February 2011.

That's according to a report from this month's Famitsu Xbox magazine, which also outs Kinect Adventures as the top selling game for Kinect at 114K units sold, assuredly assisted to the top spot with placement in hardware bundles. Microsoft has yet to release a statement on the one-year sales numbers, but has remained steadfast in its commitment to the Japanese market -- despite the country's aversion to Microsoft and its products.

Comparatively speaking, Microsoft said it had sold 10 million Kinect units worldwide as of March this year, and this report puts around 94,000 in Japan as of March, making Japanese sales just under a single percentage point of worldwide sales. Eight months later, and Japan comprises just barely above one percentage point of that same 10 million sales number.

[Image credit: Andriasang]

JoystiqReport: Japan makes up just 1% of worldwide Kinect hardware sales originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftsalesxboxTue, 29 Nov 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft lines up two Xbox 360 bundles for the holidays]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/microsoft-lines-up-two-xbox-360-bundles-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/microsoft-lines-up-two-xbox-360-bundles-for-the-holidays/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/18/microsoft-lines-up-two-xbox-360-bundles-for-the-holidays/#comments Microsoft's annual Holiday bundle streak continues this year, with two different SKUs: one targeting the family crowd that enjoys flailing around together, the other targeting the hardcore gaming crowd that's all about no-scoping domes. Both bundles are shipping to retailers today, Major Nelson says.

The first bundle includes a 250 GB Xbox 360 S console with a Kinect, a copy of Kinect Adventures and Carnival Games: Monkey See Monkey Do, and three months of Xbox Live Gold, all for $399.99. The other bundle has a suggested price of $299.99, and sports a 250 GB Xbox 360 S console, three months of Xbox Live Gold and copies of Halo: Reach (downloadable) and Fable 3.

JoystiqMicrosoft lines up two Xbox 360 bundles for the holidays originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecarnival-games-monkey-see-monkey-dofable-3fable-iiihalo-reachkinectkinect-adventuresmicrosoftxboxTue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[R2D2-style Xbox 360 Kinect bundle rolling out for Kinect Star Wars [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/r2d2-style-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-rolling-out-for-star-wars-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/r2d2-style-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-rolling-out-for-star-wars-kine/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/r2d2-style-xbox-360-kinect-bundle-rolling-out-for-star-wars-kine/#comments "Beep! Beep beeeeep boop whiiiirrr boop boop (fall over)!"

Or, in English, Microsoft just revealed a new R2D2-styled Xbox 360 Kinect bundle at Comic-Con, in honor of Kinect Star Wars. The Xbox has a special R2D2 look and custom console sounds, and is bundled with a gold, C3P0-style controller (Oh, my!) and an all-white Kinect. It also includes Kinect Star Wars, Kinect Adventures, and a 320GB hard drive!

The bundle will be out this fall. Pre-orders for the $449 bundle are expected to begin today.

Update: Added official pics to the gallery, and moved our Comic-Con snapshot past the break!

Update 2: According to Gavin Spicer of Xbox UK PR, the bundle is coming to the UK as well, though no details have been announced yet.

Gallery: Xbox 360 Limited Kinect Star Wars Bundle

Continue reading R2D2-style Xbox 360 Kinect bundle rolling out for Kinect Star Wars [update]

JoystiqR2D2-style Xbox 360 Kinect bundle rolling out for Kinect Star Wars [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlecomic-con-2011kinectkinect-adventureskinect-star-warsmicrosoftstar-warsstar-wars-kinectxboxThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch as two women, two WP7 devices, and a Kinect pelt a man with rubber balls]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/watch-as-two-women-two-wp7-devices-and-a-kinect-pelt-a-man-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/watch-as-two-women-two-wp7-devices-and-a-kinect-pelt-a-man-wit/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/watch-as-two-women-two-wp7-devices-and-a-kinect-pelt-a-man-wit/#comments It's not every day that Microsoft shows off its own technology being used for the forces of evil, but it did just that during company head Steve Ballmer's keynote at Mobile World Congress. Engadget was on hand to witness Kinect Adventures' Rally Ball minigame being controlled not just by a Kinect, but also two Windows Phone 7 devices controlling the flow of rubber balls being distributed. It's all fun and games until the gentleman playing is overtaken by a monstrous flood of rubber balls.

Microsoft notes that the demonstration was strictly a "tech demo," but it certainly hints at the possible future of Windows Phone/Xbox integration. It also opens the pandora's box-like door to Kinect/WP7/Surface crossovers, finally. Get a look at synergy in action just after the break.

Continue reading Watch as two women, two WP7 devices, and a Kinect pelt a man with rubber balls

JoystiqWatch as two women, two WP7 devices, and a Kinect pelt a man with rubber balls originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectKinect-Adventuresmicrosoftmobilemobile-world-congressmwc-2011rally-ballsteve-ballmertech-demowindows-phone-7wp7xboxMon, 14 Feb 2011 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect standalone power supply now available from Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/kinect-standalone-power-supply-now-available-from-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/kinect-standalone-power-supply-now-available-from-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/09/kinect-standalone-power-supply-now-available-from-microsoft/#comments So you bought a new Xbox 360 S console bundled with Kinect last week and, like many others, found your new camera doodad doesn't come with its own power supply -- clearly, Microsoft thought you intended to use your Kinect with this console and this console alone. You were up the proverbial creek, sans paddle ... until now.

Microsoft's online store now has a listing for the power supply. No, you can't simply get one on the arm since you purchased the Xbox 360 S bundle -- no, instead you've got to reach into your wallet for $34.99 if you want one. That's almost one whole fifth of the cost of Kinect on its own but, hey, if you need one, now you know where to get it.

JoystiqKinect standalone power supply now available from Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kinect-Adventuresmicrosoftmicrosoft-kinectpower-adapterxboxxbox-360-sxbox-360-slimTue, 09 Nov 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Consumer Reports: Kinect ID problems related to light level, not skin color]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/consumer-reports-kinect-id-problems-related-to-light-level-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/consumer-reports-kinect-id-problems-related-to-light-level-not/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/05/consumer-reports-kinect-id-problems-related-to-light-level-not/#comments Respected outlet Consumer Reports has concluded that the Kinect ID functionality in Microsoft's new peripheral has equal difficulty recognizing users of any skin tone in low light. The organization did a series of tests after GameSpot reported that some of their darker-skinned staffers weren't being recognized by the Kinect. Consumer Reports states, "We did not experience any instance where one player was recognized and the other wasn't under the same lighting conditions."

To be clear, only the Kinect ID functionality is affected by lighting in the room, as gameplay uses an infrared system. CR noted that the claims against Kinect reminded the group of the "racist HP laptop" situation from last year, which also came down to an issue of lighting in the room. Head on over to Consumer Reports to see a video of their Kinect tests.

JoystiqConsumer Reports: Kinect ID problems related to light level, not skin color originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer-reportskinectkinect-adventureskinect-idmicrosoftxboxFri, 05 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox 360 S Kinect bundle doesn't come with Kinect AC adapter]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/psa-xbox-360-s-kinect-bundle-doesnt-come-with-ac-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/psa-xbox-360-s-kinect-bundle-doesnt-come-with-ac-adapter/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/04/psa-xbox-360-s-kinect-bundle-doesnt-come-with-ac-adapter/#comments Here we are, having our own little private November Christmas, tearing apart the freshly delivered Xbox 360 S console bundle, replete with Kinect and Kinect Adventures, only to make an inconvenient discovery -- the Xbox 360 S Kinect bundle doesn't contain a standalone power cord for Kinect, leaving folks who want to use those Kinects on older (pre-Slim) Xbox 360s in the lurch. How in the world are we going to show Grandma all our stylish new Dance Central moves when she's only got a regular Xbox 360?

As of this minute, Microsoft isn't showing individual Kinect power cords on its website, though a Microsoft rep is looking into whether they'll be offered in the future. An Xbox Support team member notes on the Xbox.com forums, "If you wish to use your Kinect with an older Xbox, you would need to purchase the Kinect stand-alone kit. This includes the sensor, [Kinect] Adventures, and all the necessary cables." Otherwise, unless Grandma's got her own Kinect, or an Xbox 360 S, your dance moves are staying firmly holstered in your own abode.

[Thanks Drew!]

JoystiqPSA: Xbox 360 S Kinect bundle doesn't come with Kinect AC adapter originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlekinectKinect-Adventuresmicrosoftpower-cordpsaxboxxbox-360-sxbox-360-s-bundleThu, 04 Nov 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Kinect beta testers can keep sensor, get free Kinect Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rumor-kinect-beta-testers-can-keep-sensor-get-free-kinect-adve/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rumor-kinect-beta-testers-can-keep-sensor-get-free-kinect-adve/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/rumor-kinect-beta-testers-can-keep-sensor-get-free-kinect-adve/#comments According to an image sent to Joystiq by an anonymous tipster, it looks like Microsoft is rewarding all the participants of the Kinect beta program. A letter, purportedly written by Xbox Live VP Marc Whitten, is offering to let testers to keep their Kinect sensor now that the beta program is over. In addition, testers will also receive a code to redeem a free download of Kinect Adventures. We're attempting to verify with Microsoft, but it certainly makes sense. After all, it stands to reason that some testers won't want to part with their sensor and be reticent to send it back to Microsoft. It wouldn't be a stretch for people to suddenly "lose" their sensor either.

We'll update this post if we receive word from Microsoft.

Gallery: Kinect beta test letter: Keep your sensor

JoystiqRumor: Kinect beta testers can keep sensor, get free Kinect Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaKinectKinect-AdventuresMarc-Whittenmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveFri, 29 Oct 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Phil Spencer confident in Kinect: It's 'fundamentally different' from PlayStation Move]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/phil-spencer-confident-in-kinect-its-fundamentally-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/phil-spencer-confident-in-kinect-its-fundamentally-different/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/25/phil-spencer-confident-in-kinect-its-fundamentally-different/#comments Just a few weeks before Kinect's retail launch, Microsoft hosted an event in San Francisco to celebrate the much-anticipated new hardware. There we spoke with Microsoft Game Studios VP Phil Spencer not only about the hands-free camera peripheral, but also the company's success with the "Xbox 360 S" console refresh, Ubisoft's strong Kinect launch lineup and, of course, the PlayStation Move.

Continue reading Phil Spencer confident in Kinect: It's 'fundamentally different' from PlayStation Move

JoystiqPhil Spencer confident in Kinect: It's 'fundamentally different' from PlayStation Move originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftMicrosoft-Games-Studiosphil-spencerplaystation-movexboxxbox-360-sMon, 25 Oct 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Here are your first Kinect ads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/here-are-your-first-kinect-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/here-are-your-first-kinect-ads/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/here-are-your-first-kinect-ads/#comments Kick! Jump! Flail! All these actions -- and so, so many more -- await your first Kinect experience. As the first TV ads demonstrate, Kinect is meant not just for you and your family, but also your giant, brightly-lit living room. We started building home additions right after E3. What's your excuse?

Continue reading Here are your first Kinect ads

JoystiqHere are your first Kinect ads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisementcommercialkinectkinect-adventuresKinect-Sportsmicrosoftxboxxbox-liveThu, 21 Oct 2010 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[North American Kinect launch window games rounded up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/north-american-kinect-launch-window-games-rounded-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/north-american-kinect-launch-window-games-rounded-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/18/north-american-kinect-launch-window-games-rounded-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When you get your shiny new Kinect, what games will you get with it? Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has provided a handy guide to the full Kinect launch lineup -- including launch day games and those arriving soon after. If you wagered there would be four sports minigame collections (Kinect Sports, Deca Sports Freedom, Game Party In Motion and MotionSports), you win!

The seventeen-game lineup also includes three dancing games (Dance Central, Zumba Fitness, and DanceMasters), four exercise games (Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, EA Sports Active 2.0, and the aforementioned Zumba Fitness), and two 'boarding games (Adrenalin Misfits and Sonic Free Riders). See the full list after the break.

Major Nelson notes that the Xbox 360 launched in North America with 18 games, just one more than Kinect is launching with -- bearing out Shane Kim's comment that Microsoft would treat the Kinect launch like a new system. Or, it would, if this list didn't count the Kinect games coming out weeks after the Kinect release date as "launch games" vs. the 360's 18-game launch day. In any case, the Kinect has a lot of choices, even if they're all within a few categories.

Continue reading North American Kinect launch window games rounded up

JoystiqNorth American Kinect launch window games rounded up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Oct 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adrenalin-misfitsdance-centraldancemastersdeca-sportsdeca-sports-freedomea-sports-active-2Game-Partygame-party-in-motionharry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1kinectkinect-adventureskinect-joy-rideKinect-Sportskinectimalslaunch-daylaunch-lineupmajor-nelsonmicrosoftmotionsportssonic-free-ridersthe-biggest-loserxboxYour-Shape-Fitness-Evolvedzumba-fitnessMon, 18 Oct 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect algorithm updated by Microsoft to better detect seated players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/kinect-algorithm-updated-by-microsoft-to-better-detect-seated-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/kinect-algorithm-updated-by-microsoft-to-better-detect-seated-pl/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/15/kinect-algorithm-updated-by-microsoft-to-better-detect-seated-pl/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Worried that Kinect won't work when you're not standing directly in front of it, despite the assurances given by developers? Worry not -- Eurogamer has heard that Microsoft has changed the configuration on the body recognition system, switching a node on the body model from the base of the spine to the back of the neck, allowing for players who put their knees above the waist while playing to be more easily recognized. Previously, individual developers could still edit their own recognition systems in (and the previous version of the system worked just fine for most types of sitting), but this is a change to the base recognition system that Microsoft is building. So it can see you even better.

In fact, the way we understand it, a skilled developer could even recognize you in that weird position you used to sit in as a kid, where you put your back on the sofa seat, and hung your head upside down to stare out at the TV during Saturday morning cartoons. No idea what they'd use that pose for, but they could do it.

JoystiqKinect algorithm updated by Microsoft to better detect seated players originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blitz-games-studioskinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftsensorxboxFri, 15 Oct 2010 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Boat 'accessory' ideal for Kinect Adventures, perfect for the reality of your home]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/game-boat-accessory-ideal-for-kinect-adventures-perfect-for-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/game-boat-accessory-ideal-for-kinect-adventures-perfect-for-t/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/game-boat-accessory-ideal-for-kinect-adventures-perfect-for-t/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Microsoft's Kinect may have jettisoned controllers from the living room, but Atomic Accessories isn't ready to be swept away in a sea change. "Game Boat is de facto the first accessory for the peripheral which doesn't need any," mumbles the product description, tasting the cold steel of a gun barrel. "Ideal to comfortably play in 2 gamers simultaneously, still without being clumsy in the living room."

Hey, Martha. I love what you've done with the place! It seems so elegant now, which is the opposite of clumsy. The giant dinghy centerpiece really ties it all together and -- oh, are these stitched barnacle cushions on your whale couch? I love it.

Perhaps we're being unfair and ignorant of the real genius behind the Game Boat -- as a brilliant plan to save face. Remember when the head of product acquisition got drunk out of his mind because his cat choked on a stapler? "Sir, I don't think we need that many. Or any," Susan argued. But noooooo. "Shooshan, order the goh, goddamn boatsh! Twenty twelf ish jusht around the bender. You shaw the mooovie."

Aside from the tenuous anchoring provided by Kinect Adventures (which features people standing in a boat as they hurtle through an unrealistic river slalom), the Game Boat is tethered to the "reality of your home" because, well, it's so gosh-darn useful. It's easily inflated within minutes with the included pump, compatible with any model Xbox 360 (and possibly other systems), supports two seated people, and is fully functional "at the sea or at the pool." Why?

BECAUSE. IT IS. A BOAT.

JoystiqGame Boat 'accessory' ideal for Kinect Adventures, perfect for the reality of your home originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesatomic-accessoriesgame-boatit-is-a-boatkinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftperipheralsxboxThu, 07 Oct 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Xbox 360 250GB bundle announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/kinect-xbox-360-250gb-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/kinect-xbox-360-250gb-bundle-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/08/kinect-xbox-360-250gb-bundle-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A month after popping up on the side of the Aussie Kinect bundle box, Microsoft has officially announced the existence of the Xbox 360 Kinect bundle with 250GB hard drive. The package, launching November 4, includes an Xbox 360 with a 250GB hard drive, built-in Wi-Fi, a Kinect sensor and Kinect Adventures for $400.

On the same day, the Kinect hardware will launch on its own at $150, alongside the Kinect 4GB Xbox 360 bundle for $300. There's also the option of purchasing the 250GB hard drive for the S version of the console separately, but that's $130. At this point, the latest announced bundle is the best value for those looking to get the whole package. Oh, and they still sell Xbox 360s that only come with plain ol' controllers, if that's your thing.

JoystiqKinect Xbox 360 250GB bundle announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>KinectKinect-Adventuresmicrosoftrelease-datexboxxbox-360-250gb-kinect-bundleXbox-360-Kinect-BundleWed, 08 Sep 2010 09:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect launching Nov. 18 in Australia, Foxtel TV service in October]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/kinect-launching-nov-18-in-australia-foxtel-tv-service-in-octo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/kinect-launching-nov-18-in-australia-foxtel-tv-service-in-octo/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/kinect-launching-nov-18-in-australia-foxtel-tv-service-in-octo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

IGN reports that two big announcements have been made at a Microsoft Open House event in Australia. First and foremost, Kinect will launch in the land down under on November 18. The unit will be bundled with Kinect Adventures for AUD $199 (USD $181). A console bundle with Kinect (presumably the 4GB Xbox bundle we've seen before) will retail for AUD $449 (USD $407).

Furthermore, Foxtel's previously announced premium TV streaming service will launch in October. Pricing details for the service are expected closer to launch, though apparently it will be "fabulously affordable."

JoystiqKinect launching Nov. 18 in Australia, Foxtel TV service in October originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>australiafoxtelKinectKinect-Adventuresmicrosoftq3-2010release-datexboxWed, 01 Sep 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/sources-kinect-beta-kits-going-out-dashboard-update-live-for-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/sources-kinect-beta-kits-going-out-dashboard-update-live-for-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/26/sources-kinect-beta-kits-going-out-dashboard-update-live-for-p/#commentsFiled under: , ,

That email purportedly sent out by Microsoft a couple weeks back inviting its recipients into a Kinect beta program? Yeah -- it was legit. Joystiq has received corroborating evidence confirming the program, including pictures of the promised Kinect-enabled Dashboard update running on a participant's retail console. In them, you can clearly see the flatter presentation, new mini-guide and revamped Avatar editor -- complete with a re-proportioned Avatar.

Our tipsters clearly didn't read the included guidelines, pictured in the gallery bellow. Apart from the laundry list of methods via which participants aren't supposed to talk about the program, there's confirmation that Kinect hardware is indeed part of the beta, "is being packed" and will presumably be on its way to testers soon. These same sources report that the beta support site mentions Kinect Adventures, Kinect Sports and Kinect Joy Ride as titles they can expect to receive for testing purposes.

We'll have more on the program as its participants continue to refuse acknowledgment of Microsoft's terms and conditions. [Update 8/27, 9am: And we've got a video of the new Dash posted just after the break, featuring much more than the boot-up screen. Thanks, Bradley!]

Gallery: Kinect beta dashboard (8/26/10)

Continue reading Sources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!]

JoystiqSources: Kinect beta kits going out, Dashboard update live for participants (with pics!) [Update: and video!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 19:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Avatarbetabigparkdashboard-updatedashboard-update-fall-2010good-science-studiokinectkinect-adventureskinect-joy-ridekinect-sportsmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosrarexboxThu, 26 Aug 2010 19:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect priced at $150, includes Kinect Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-priced-at-150-includes-kinect-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-priced-at-150-includes-kinect-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-priced-at-150-includes-kinect-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kinect retail box
The question of Kinect pricing is over ... insomuch as there was any question. As was widely assumed - and widely listed on retailers, from GameStop to Microsoft itself - the Xbox's newfangled motion-sensing camera will retail for $149.99 this fall.

There's also an answer regarding the pricing of Kinect retail software. While most stores have been listing Kinect software for the usual $60 Xbox asking price, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg told Joystiq, "All of our Kinect retail games, from a first-party standpoint - Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, Kinect Joy Ride - will all be retailing for $49." Microsoft later followed up, letting us know that Dance Central, Harmonix's Kinect-powered rhythm game (and arguably the most well-received title in Microsoft's Kinect launch lineup) will also match the $50 first-party pricing.

That $149.99 hardware price also comes with a copy of Kinect Adventures, the casual title from Microsoft's Good Science Studio, formerly known as SpawnPoint Studios. Microsoft promises that those who pre-order Kinect or the $300 Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle "today" will "receive a token to download three exclusive game levels for Kinect Adventures." Before you get to that, why not let us know where you stand in our highly scientific poll?

Update: @AceyBongos (think Major Nelson, but with an accent) just let Twitter know that the European prices are "149.99 Euro for the camera + Kinect Adventures, 299.99 Euro for the 4GB console bundle." Some quick Google math puts those prices at roughly $200 and $390, respectively. Update 2: The UK prices are £129.99 for the Kinect and £249.99 for the bundle, as reported by Yahoo UK.

View Poll


Gallery: Kinect (retail)

JoystiqKinect priced at $150, includes Kinect Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-GreenbergKinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftpricingxboxTue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect Experience tour is coming to your town]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/kinect-experience-tour-is-coming-to-your-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/kinect-experience-tour-is-coming-to-your-town/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/15/kinect-experience-tour-is-coming-to-your-town/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Okay, so the "Kinect Experience" tour is coming to your town -- or at least within a reasonable driving distance. That said, from July on through the end of October, the Kinect Experience mobile demo tour will stop off in major metropolitan areas across the country, giving gamers an early taste of Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, Kinect Joy Ride, Kinect Adventures and Dance Central -- ahead of the device's November 4 launch.

There are a total of 32 stops on the tour. For the full list of cities and dates, hit the break.

Continue reading Kinect Experience tour is coming to your town

JoystiqKinect Experience tour is coming to your town originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centralharmonixKinect-Adventureskinect-experiencekinect-experience-mobile-demo-tourkinect-joy-ridekinect-sportskinectimalsmicrosoftxboxThu, 15 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart offering $200 Kinect bundles, includes game and gift card]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/walmart-offering-200-kinect-bundles-includes-game-and-gift-car/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/walmart-offering-200-kinect-bundles-includes-game-and-gift-car/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/walmart-offering-200-kinect-bundles-includes-game-and-gift-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The saga of the ambiguous price point for Microsoft's Kinect continues today with a new hardware bundle from Walmart. For $199.99, shoppers can pre-order the peripheral itself along with one of the device's launch titles, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, Dance Central, Joy Ride, Kinectimals, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures. Shoppers can also grab another game from this list for an additional $60 (or $50 for Harry Potter). The bundle also includes a $30 Walmart eGift Card.

It's worth noting that Walmart's $60 price point for Kinect software and $150 price for the device itself corroborates listings we've seen from other retailers. Of course, Microsoft has yet to confirm any official pricing details for the motion-sensing peripheral -- still, with that free gift card, Walmart's offer seems like the most cost-effective one to date. Unless, of course, Kinect ends up being cheaper than $150, in which case, just tell us the freaking price already.

JoystiqWalmart offering $200 Kinect bundles, includes game and gift card originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledance-centralharry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1joy-ridekinectkinect-adventureskinect-sportskinectimalsmicrosoftpricepricingwalmartxboxTue, 13 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect library for Xbox 360 revealed by USA Today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/kinect-library-for-xbox-360-revealed-by-usa-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/kinect-library-for-xbox-360-revealed-by-usa-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/13/kinect-library-for-xbox-360-revealed-by-usa-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Update: Oops! It looks like USA Today jumped the gun on the announcement and has since pulled the piece from its site. Stay tuned for Microsoft's official unveiling later.

USA Today has spilled the proverbial beans on Microsoft's Natal project -- not only has the paper confirmed the Kinect product name, but they've posted a few of the games in the pipeline for the system. Here we go:
  • Kinectimals features over 20 different virtual pets, including lions, tigers, and cheetahs, to play with or raise.
  • Joyride has returned to life as a controller-free racing game, apparently.
  • Kinect Sports will offer sport games to play: "boxing, bowling, beach volleyball, track and field, soccer and table tennis." For each one, you will make motions to play the games.
  • Kinect Adventures has a river raft and obstacle course to navigate -- this is likely the demo we saw last week.
  • MTV Games will release Dance Central, where you can cut a virtual rug.
  • And there will be more games announced later featuring both Disney characters and Star Wars characters, in conjunction with Disney and LucasArts, respectively.
Marc Whitten even namedrops Nintendo in USA Today's piece, but he says that without a controller, Kinect will be "fundamentally different." We'll keep our eyes open for these games all this week, so stay tuned.

Thanks, Jake!

JoystiqKinect library for Xbox 360 revealed by USA Today originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dance-centraldisneye3-2010joy-ridejoyridekinectkinect-adventureskinect-sportskinectimalslucasartsmicrosoftstar-warsxboxxbox-360Sun, 13 Jun 2010 20:30:00 EST