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[PSA: Nintendo online maintenance today ahead of Wii U system update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/psa-nintendo-online-maintenance-today-ahead-of-wii-u-system-upd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/psa-nintendo-online-maintenance-today-ahead-of-wii-u-system-upd/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/psa-nintendo-online-maintenance-today-ahead-of-wii-u-system-upd/#comments Nintendo is performing online maintenance for all its systems today as it prepares the Wii U's spring system update. The update, which will introduce the Virtual Console proper (among other things), may be fully launched by tomorrow according to a Facebook tease by Nintendo of America.

The extended maintenance is scheduled between 1PM PT today (4PM ET, 9PM UK) and 7PM PT (10PM ET, 3AM UK). The eShop and shopping channels for the Wii U, 3DS, Wii, and DS will be affected, so expect them to go down during those hours.

JoystiqPSA: Nintendo online maintenance today ahead of Wii U system update originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdowntimedsmaintenancenintendonintendo-networkspring-system-updatewiiwii-uwii-u-system-updateMon, 22 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Emergency Nintendo Network maintenance Jan. 28 and 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/psa-emergency-nintendo-network-maintenance-jan-28-and-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/psa-emergency-nintendo-network-maintenance-jan-28-and-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/26/psa-emergency-nintendo-network-maintenance-jan-28-and-29/#comments PSA Emergency Nintendo Network maintenance Jan 28 and 29Various Nintendo services, as well as a small handful of specific games, may experience issues of varying frequency and severity from 3 p.m. Eastern on Monday, January 28 through 8 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday, January 29, as Nintendo will be conducting emergency network maintenance.

The full maintenance schedule, which can be found here, includes work on Wii, Wii U, DS and 3DS eShops, as well as matchmaking for Warriors Orochi 3 Hyper and network services for Pokemon Black & White and Pokemon Black & White 2. We're not tremendously sure what kind of emergency can be caused by Pokemon networking issues, but we assume someone left a Voltorb in the server room and things went south.

JoystiqPSA: Emergency Nintendo Network maintenance Jan. 28 and 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdowntimedsemergency-maintenancemaintenancenetworknintendonintendo-networkPSAwiiwii-uSat, 26 Jan 2013 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: PSN scheduled downtime hits Europe on Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/psa-psn-scheduled-downtime-hits-europe-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/psa-psn-scheduled-downtime-hits-europe-on-thursday/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/25/psa-psn-scheduled-downtime-hits-europe-on-thursday/#comments PSA PSN scheduled downtime hits Europe on ThursdayPlayStation Network is scheduled for a bit of summer cleaning in Europe this week, and will be offline from Thursday, July 26 at 4 p.m. to Friday, July 27 at 8 p.m. BST. The downtime affects Great Britain, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and the United Arab Emirates.

Players in thee regions will be unable to access the PlayStation Store via the PS3, PSP or Vita, and the account management and registration pages will be down. To play online during the maintenance, sign into PSN before maintenance begins, though the aforementioned services will still be unavailable. Any trophies earned during the downtime will be added to profiles once PSN is back up and shiny.

JoystiqPSA: PSN scheduled downtime hits Europe on Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2012 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimeeuropemaintenanceplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonyvitaWed, 25 Jul 2012 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo 3's Battle.net down again; June 12 targeted for real-money auction house [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/diablo-3s-battle-net-down-real-money-ah-targeted-for/#comments ImageUpdate: It appears the issues are coming to an end, at least for the moment. Diablo 3 servers are coming back online and some of auction house features have returned. The real-money auction house is still targeted for a June 12 release, according to an in-game message.

Original Story: The toughest boss in Diablo 3 continues to be the game's dreaded 'Error' codes, as Blizzard's Battle.net service has gone down for the count again this afternoon after being down all morning for scheduled maintenance due to the release of Patch 1.0.2. Blizzard says that it is aware of the issue, and is "currently investigating the cause."

"We're aware of an issue that is affecting our authentication servers, which result in failed or slow login attempts," a message in Diablo 3's 'Breaking News' module currently reads. Attempts to log into the game yield the message that servers are down for maintenance.

Blizzard is also working on the Auction House as well - commodities sales have been down since last week, and the Auction House itself was down for a few extra hours today, past the planned maintenance. The real-money auction house has been delayed indefinitely, but the in-game notification for the feature noted a new target date of June 12, since last night.

In the meantime, until the servers come back up, feel free to do exactly what a few select Joystiq editors are doing: Rocking back and forth in a corner, mumbling something about Belial being behind this treachery.

JoystiqDiablo 3's Battle.net down again; June 12 targeted for real-money auction house [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 19:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahauction-housebattle-netblizzardDiablo-3downtimepcTue, 29 May 2012 19:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubi's server migration closeouts extend beyond previously announced titles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ubis-server-migration-closeouts-extend-beyond-previously-announ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ubis-server-migration-closeouts-extend-beyond-previously-announ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/ubis-server-migration-closeouts-extend-beyond-previously-announ/#comments Ubisoft is in the middle of transferring all of its data from one server farm to another, and while we knew the process would render some games unplayable, it seems the migration has affected a wider swath of Ubisoft's catalogue than previously anticipated.

Players are reporting issues with the PC version of Driver: San Francisco and with Anno 2070, according to a report by Eurogamer. Ubisoft, in addition to apologizing on its Twitter feed, is also working to correct the problem and has already found a preliminary solution for Anno 2070 players unable to get online. Ubisoft expects services to be fully restored by Thursday morning.

JoystiqUbi's server migration closeouts extend beyond previously announced titles originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-2070data-transferdowntimedriver-san-franciscoofflinepcserver-farmserver-migrationubisoftWed, 08 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Ubisoft server migration means temporary offline time for some games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/psa-ubisoft-server-migration-means-temporary-offline-time-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/psa-ubisoft-server-migration-means-temporary-offline-time-for-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/psa-ubisoft-server-migration-means-temporary-offline-time-for-s/#comments Beginning February 7, Ubisoft will transition all of its data from one third-party server farm to another, and as a result online functionality in most Ubisoft titles will be disabled during that time. Some Ubisoft games won't be playable at all, but that list is rather short and will only affect Mac and PC gamers.

Ubisoft's most recent triple-A titles will thankfully be unaffected: Anno 2070, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, Driver: San Francisco, and Just Dance 3 will all remain playable (both online and offline) during the transition. The OSX version of the original Assassin's Creed, however, will be completely unplayable, as will the OSX version of Splinter Cell: Conviction and the PC versions of Might and Magic: Heroes VI and Tom Clancy's HAWX 2.

The online portions of all other Ubisoft games will be disabled during the transition, although offline modes should still function normally. Ubisoft has yet to provide an estimated completion date for the move, recommending instead that people follow its official Twitter account for updates.

[REDMIRAGE via Shutterstock]

JoystiqPSA: Ubisoft server migration means temporary offline time for some games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 01:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anno-2070Assassins-CreedAssassins-Creed-RevelationsdowntimeDriver-San-FranciscoJust-Dance-3macmicrosoftOSXpcplaystationps3Splinter-Cell-ConvictionUbisoftxboxFri, 03 Feb 2012 01:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: European PSP/PS3 maintenance downtime for select titles tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/psa-european-psp-ps3-maintenance-downtime-for-select-titles-tom/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/psa-european-psp-ps3-maintenance-downtime-for-select-titles-tom/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/24/psa-european-psp-ps3-maintenance-downtime-for-select-titles-tom/#comments A quick heads-up for our friends across the pond: Sony will be taking down a combination of 13 games, websites and services between 5 a.m. and 12 p.m. BST tomorrow, September 25, which is about twelve hours from now. Ish. Look, we're not Time Lords, okay? We can barely grasp the concept of timezones as it is.

Sony also says that maintenance may be extended for some titles/services/websites beyond the estimated window for "testing purposes," which we originally read as "testing porpoises," which seemed way more interesting. Click on through for the list of affected titles.

Continue reading PSA: European PSP/PS3 maintenance downtime for select titles tomorrow

JoystiqPSA: European PSP/PS3 maintenance downtime for select titles tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimemaintenanceplaystationps3PSAPSNpspsonySat, 24 Sep 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN inaccessible, Trophy-supporting games unplayable on non-Slim PS3s [update 4]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/psn-is-down-some-titles-experiencing-game-crashing-errors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/psn-is-down-some-titles-experiencing-game-crashing-errors/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/28/psn-is-down-some-titles-experiencing-game-crashing-errors/#comments A wide rash of game-crashing errors is spreading among the PS3-owning community at the moment, most of which can be chalked up to a 8001050F error code. This has led to a variety of unfortunate side-effects for those affected, including corrupted Trophy information and an inability to access the PSN. When combined, those two issues prevent players from launching certain games, such as Heavy Rain, without being kicked back to the XMB.

We've contacted Sony to find out what's causing the issue, and when we can expect to get back to chasing down the Origami Killer. He might just be able to make a clean getaway while we suffer through this downtime.

Update: Sony has acknowledged the issue, and is "looking into it." We've yet to hear an official word on what the problem is, though it seems to be a bit larger than just the PSN. Owners of PS3 Phats are reporting that the date on their console has reverted to 12/31/1999, which is likely the cause of the data-corrupting errors. Some Phat-owners have reported receiving the errors while their console was offline, which is upsetting, to say the least. We'll let you know when we hear official word from Sony.

Update 2: It's been 11 hours since our last update from Sony, and Phat PS3s worldwide are still unable to play Trophy-supported games. The issue is almost certainly non-PSN related, and appears to be a firmware issue caused by the screwy time and date settings. The issue is also affecting debug consoles, which Develop reports is preventing PS3 game developers from working on their projects. We'll keep pushing Sony on this issue. Happy New Year, everyone!

Update 3: Sony has responded to the internal clock error, and is advising PS3 Phat owners to leave them turned off until the issue can be fixed -- hopefully within the next 24 hours. Read here for more info.

Update 4: The issue has been resolved.

JoystiqPSN inaccessible, Trophy-supporting games unplayable on non-Slim PS3s [update 4] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugbugscrashdowntimeerrorinternal-clock-bugplaystation-networkpsnsonytrophiesSun, 28 Feb 2010 20:32:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN: PSA is down for maintenance today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/psn-psa-is-down-for-maintenance-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/psn-psa-is-down-for-maintenance-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/psn-psa-is-down-for-maintenance-today/#comments
Err, wait. Scratch that. Reverse it. This is a helpful PSA reminding you, dear reader, that the PSN will be down for regularly scheduled maintenance for at least part of the day today. Servers are going down for a hasty sprucing-up at 8:00 PST, and are expected to stay down "for several hours." In the meantime, why not step outside? It's a beautiful day today -- unless you live in select parts of the midwest, which is currently experiencing a phenomenon meteorologists are referring to as "razor rain." You guys should probably hide in your bathtubs or something.

JoystiqPSN: PSA is down for maintenance today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimemaintenancepsnserverTue, 25 Aug 2009 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Network downtime expected on April 21st]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/playstation-network-downtime-expected-on-april-21st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/playstation-network-downtime-expected-on-april-21st/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/17/playstation-network-downtime-expected-on-april-21st/#comments
The PlayStation Network is expected to go down for a few hours on April 21st, according to a notice on the European PlayStation forum. The "essential maintenance" will begin at 7AM BST (or 2AM EST). There's no indication this will be a global outage, but don't be surprised if your late-night gaming sessions get suddenly interrupted.

[Thanks, bob!]

JoystiqPlayStation Network downtime expected on April 21st originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimeoutageplaystation-networkpsnFri, 17 Apr 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN will receive 'essential maintenance work' today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/psn-will-receive-essential-maintenance-work-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/psn-will-receive-essential-maintenance-work-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/14/psn-will-receive-essential-maintenance-work-today/#commentsFiled under:


Our beloved PLAYSTATION Network will down today for five hours for some "essential maintenance work" during the following time: 2PM - 7PM EST / 11AM - 4PM PST. This downtime applies to both the US and Europe. So what are you going to do during those five long, agonizing hours? Come read PS3Fanboy, of course!

[Via Joystiq]

JoystiqPSN will receive 'essential maintenance work' today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimemaintenancepsnTue, 14 Oct 2008 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live and Xbox.com back online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/breaking-xbox-live-is-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/breaking-xbox-live-is-down/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/breaking-xbox-live-is-down/#commentsFiled under:


Update 2: According to Major Nelson's Twitter and various reports from readers, Xbox Live is back online. Again, we'd warn you to expect some rolling restarts as millions of gamers attempt to reconnect. "The storm has passed," Major wrote. "Back to Live you all go." Well, then? Go!

Update 1: Looks like Xbox Live and Xbox.com have gone down again. According to the Xbox.com support page, Microsoft is aware of the issue and is currently working on a solution.

Original Story: Users are emailing us en masse that Xbox Live has just stopped working. Reports are circulating from users across the globe that the online service is no longer allowing players to connect. Xbox Live recently underwent a 26-hour offline maintenance on Monday but throughout the day today users complained of issues from downloading content, playing online games and in minor cases connecting at all.

Xbox.com also appears to be having issues as it is not displaying player profiles and is loading pages slowly. Currently, Xbox.com's support page does not list the service is experiencing any issues other than TruSkill and EXP rewarding problems associated with Halo 3. We'll keep you posted as details come in.

Original Update: According to the Xbox Technical Support phone line Xbox Live is experiencing network issues that are keeping some customers from accessing the service. Microsoft is aware of the issue and is currently working on it and recommends users attempt to reconnect in one hour. Don't shoot the messenger.

JoystiqXbox Live and Xbox.com back online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimexbox-liveTue, 30 Sep 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Rate your post maintenance Xbox Live experience]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rate-your-post-maintenance-xbox-live-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rate-your-post-maintenance-xbox-live-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/rate-your-post-maintenance-xbox-live-experience/#commentsFiled under:


Xbox Live is back online. You know, we know it. But how well is the service performing after its 26-hour downtime? Reports indicate that some services are not working as expected but some say the online service is working fine in all areas. Who to believe?! X3F has consulted billionaire scientists, NASA specialists and the world's best sandwich makers for answers and created this poll in response. Uh, the sandwich makers are only here because we're getting a little hungry though ... they aren't voting on this one.

View Poll

JoystiqRate your post maintenance Xbox Live experience originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimefanpollxbox-liveTue, 30 Sep 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo 3 EXP and TruSkill issues detected, under investigation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/halo-3-exp-and-truskill-issues-detected-under-investigation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/halo-3-exp-and-truskill-issues-detected-under-investigation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/halo-3-exp-and-truskill-issues-detected-under-investigation/#commentsFiled under: ,


Early this morning when Xbox Live was reactivated from its 26 (or so) hour slumber, Halo 3 users in Matchmaking discovered a problem. Users were angered to find that their Halo 3 TrueSkill and EXP were not being rewarded properly after each match -- that is to say it didn't work at all. According to Bungie and the Xbox.com support page, the problem is being investigated and hopes to be solved as soon as possible. Bungie noted that the issue may appear, at first, to be an EXP ban but users will be able to tell the difference when a very specific warning message is displayed. X3F will update you as soon as it learns more.

JoystiqHalo 3 EXP and TruSkill issues detected, under investigation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiedowntimeexphalo-3halo3server-issuestruskillxbox-liveTue, 30 Sep 2008 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Welcome Back... Xbox Live is online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/welcome-back-xbox-live-is-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/welcome-back-xbox-live-is-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/welcome-back-xbox-live-is-online/#commentsFiled under:


Cue the "Welcome Back, Kotter" theme music! Xbox Live has returned to normal saving gamers unable to play their favorite online titles from boredom and saving Microsoft at least a few more hate letters to read. After hitting a speed bump during the maintenance, which only served as a stepping stone toward the New Xbox Experience, the Live service is back online.

Remember there are no new features added to the Xbox 360 or Xbox Live service at this time. We expect some connections to be a little bumpy as millions of fans attempt to reconnect at once but things will smooth over time.

So, the question now remains. Is Xbox Live working for you?

JoystiqWelcome Back... Xbox Live is online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 05:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimexbox-liveTue, 30 Sep 2008 05:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live maintenance runs late [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/xbox-live-maintenance-runs-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/xbox-live-maintenance-runs-late/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/xbox-live-maintenance-runs-late/#commentsFiled under:


Quick update for anyone who decided to stay up and sneak in a few games of (insert your multiplayer game of choice here). According to Major Nelson, the scheduled Xbox Live maintenance is running later than originally expected. Originally scheduled to end at 11:59PM PT, according the Xbox.com support page, Major Nelson says the team will have an update on the status at 2AM PT. Maybe you should hit the sack and dream of a beautifully performing Xbox Live for the morning because we imagine updating and reactivating a service with 10 million plus Gold and Silver members might take longer than anyone thought.

For more information on the Xbox Live service tune into X3F or keep an eye on the Xbox.com support page.

[Update: The service is now online.]

[Update: Microsoft's support page has been updated thanking gamers for their patience reminding this update is important as the company plans to roll out exciting new features - also known as the New Xbox Experience - in the future. Remember, this is not the new system update but an important stepping stone. Another update coming at 2AM PT as the Xbox support team works "around the clock."]

JoystiqXbox Live maintenance runs late [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 03:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimexbox-livexbox-live-downtimeTue, 30 Sep 2008 03:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Remember, Xbox Live is down on September 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/remember-xbox-live-is-down-on-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/remember-xbox-live-is-down-on-september-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/29/remember-xbox-live-is-down-on-september-29/#commentsFiled under:

You fire up your Xbox 360. Set yourself comfortable in a chair. Scroll down the dashboard menu and select your copy of (insert your online shooter of choice here) and... wait... what the?! XBOX LIVE ISN'T WORKING!

Oh, yeah! Remember kids, Xbox Live is down all day today until early tomorrow. The 24-hour downtime on Xbox Live will help prepare for the New Xbox Experience. The NXE will completely change the Xbox 360 dashboard you know and love into something Microsoft believes will be much cleaner and appealing to a wider audience.

So the new dashboard is totally coming out tomorrow, right? Sorry. This downtime is just prep. No new features are expected when the Xbox Live service returns. What will you be playing for the next day?

JoystiqRemember, Xbox Live is down on September 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimexbox-livexbox-live-downtimeMon, 29 Sep 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN offline on June 24th for scheduled maintenance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/psn-offline-on-june-24th-for-scheduled-maintenance/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/psn-offline-on-june-24th-for-scheduled-maintenance/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/23/psn-offline-on-june-24th-for-scheduled-maintenance/#commentsFiled under:

The PLAYSTATION Network will be down tomorrow, June 24th, from the hours of 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM Pacific Standard Time. Just as a heads up, you won't be able to access the Store and/or play online games on the PSN. During the downtime, read a book or play on your PSP. Or, if you're at work, this shouldn't affect you, now should it?

Is this maintenance to implement firmware v2.40?! We'll find out tomorrow!

[Thanks, TC!]

[Update: This is just a regularly scheduled maintenance; it has absolutely nothing to do with firmware updates. We're sorry for any confusion.]

JoystiqPSN offline on June 24th for scheduled maintenance originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimemaintenancepsnMon, 23 Jun 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox A-Live and kicking again]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/xbox-a-live-and-kicking-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/xbox-a-live-and-kicking-again/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/24/xbox-a-live-and-kicking-again/#commentsFiled under: ,

Well, it only took two days after the initial update but Xbox Live seems to be back to normal again. According to the support page on Xbox.com the service is fully functional and thank goodness!

Xbox Live is sure to be tested this Tuesday when Grand Theft Auto IV hits store shelves. Will the service be up to the task? We'd like to think the tech ninjas at Microsoft have been preparing for this very situation, but don't ask us to put money on it. What? Gambling is wrong, that's why.

View Poll

JoystiqXbox A-Live and kicking again originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimefanpollserver-downtimeserver-issuesxbox-liveThu, 24 Apr 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live connection hits another speed bump [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/xbox-live-connection-hits-another-speed-bump/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/xbox-live-connection-hits-another-speed-bump/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/xbox-live-connection-hits-another-speed-bump/#commentsFiled under: ,


Update: According to the Xbox.com support page, Xbox Live is up and running but some users may encounter issues with matchmaking and voice communication. Apparently technicians are working on the issue as we speak ... uh ... I mean type.

Reports are coming in from readers that Xbox Live is currently encountering intermittent connection issues, by that we mean playing online, voice communication and even connecting to the service seems to be touch-n-go. The support page for Xbox.com has verified the service has hit a snag, while Major Nelson updated the situation at 11PM EST letting Xbox Live users know that "[the] team is updating [the support page] as conditions change."

While we understand the frustration our readers are feeling we'd like to echo a comment made when Live was down on Monday, better it be now than on or after April 29. No excuse we know, but we're trying to find that silver lining.

JoystiqXbox Live connection hits another speed bump [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 23:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connection-issuesdowntimeservice-downtimexbox-liveTue, 22 Apr 2008 23:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Poll: Xbox Live back in business, how is your experience?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/poll-xbox-live-back-in-business-how-is-your-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/poll-xbox-live-back-in-business-how-is-your-experience/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/poll-xbox-live-back-in-business-how-is-your-experience/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesterday Xbox Live was scheduled to go online at 1:00PM EST after an 8-hour hiatus for maintenance. However, like any guarantee, Xbox Live suffered from staggered connection issues well into the evening. According to the Xbox.com support page and Major Nelson, Xbox Live was back to business early this morning. Today, in a rare poll, we wonder what your experience is like. Fire up the Xbox 360 and connect to Live, play a game or two online and let us know what your experience is like now that the dust has settled on the connection problems.

View Poll

JoystiqPoll: Xbox Live back in business, how is your experience? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connection-issuesdowntimeservice-downtimexblxbox-liveTue, 22 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live: Scheduled maintenance complete [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/xbox-live-scheduled-maintenance-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/xbox-live-scheduled-maintenance-complete/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/xbox-live-scheduled-maintenance-complete/#commentsFiled under: ,

Update: Major Nelson updated his initial post letting XBL users know that the tech team is aware of some issues with the rolling restarts. They are looking into the situation. Again, we ask that you be patient and just think about all the dudes you'll be shooting on April 29.

According to Major Nelson, the scheduled maintenance for Xbox Live that left the service offline since early this morning is complete. Before you fashion your trendiest riot clothes and pitchforks we'd like to remind you that while the service maintenance is complete users may experience rolling restarts around the globe. As an example, the service has restarted for our own Dustin Burg but has left this Canadian out in the cold (see what I did there?) with connection issues.

If you are experiencing connection issues we ask that you be patient before flooding our inbox with "ZOMG, they broked Live" news tips. Looking for something to do? May we suggest checking out X3F TV! While our Nielsen ratings aren't anything to write home about, we can at least assure you our gaming related videos are more entertaining than watching anything that Spike TV does with this industry in mind.

JoystiqXbox Live: Scheduled maintenance complete [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimeserive-downxbox-liveMon, 21 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN to experience 'scheduled maintenance' on April 14]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/psn-to-experience-scheduled-maintenance-on-april-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/psn-to-experience-scheduled-maintenance-on-april-14/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/13/psn-to-experience-scheduled-maintenance-on-april-14/#commentsFiled under:

From 8AM-11PM PST on April 14th, the PLAYSTATION Network will be down for "scheduled maintenance." According to the US PlayStation Support site, the Store will be completely inaccessible as Sony makes the background changes necessary to accommodate the Store redesign. Once the downtime is over, a new firmware update will be available for all to download.

It's unclear whether or not online gaming and friends lists will be affected by this maintenance. Don't be surprised if you won't be able to enjoy a bout of Warhawk or Call of Duty 4 while Sony does their magic.

[Thanks, Ralle! Via N4G]

JoystiqPSN to experience 'scheduled maintenance' on April 14 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 13 Apr 2008 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimemaintenancepsnSun, 13 Apr 2008 14:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft, Activision aware of Xbox Live Issues [Update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/microsoft-activision-aware-of-xbox-live-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/microsoft-activision-aware-of-xbox-live-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/microsoft-activision-aware-of-xbox-live-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Update: As of this morning the Xbox.com support page says the service should be back up to speed.

Updating you from our story a few hours ago comes new information regarding the state of Xbox Live. A little under an hour ago Microsoft and Activision have acknowledged the issues that have plagued the Xbox Live and Xbox Live Marketplace services. A notice was posted on the Xbox.com support page as well as the above message found on the Game of the Year Map activation page for Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare.

While no formal reasoning is given the community finger has points squarely on the Variety Map Pack for Call of Duty 4 that released earlier today. Even though we're assured via Twitter, "the team is aware of issues w/ LIVE" from Xbox Live's Major Nelson, we wonder how the service will cope on April 29 as the world attempts to experience Rockstar's Grand Theft Auto IV.

JoystiqMicrosoft, Activision aware of Xbox Live Issues [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 23:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimeserver-downtimeservice-issuesxbox-liveFri, 04 Apr 2008 23:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live hits the slow setting]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/xbox-live-hits-the-slow-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/xbox-live-hits-the-slow-setting/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/xbox-live-hits-the-slow-setting/#commentsFiled under: ,


We go ahead and announce a social gaming night and Xbox Live goes and hits the slow setting! According to some readers, Xbox Live is experiencing slowdown reminiscent of the Holiday '07 debacle. The general guess is that the popularity of the recently released Call of Duty 4 map pack may have a hand in the current network situation.

While some readers are experiencing login issues, download errors and general feeling of the service being dragged through molasses, we've been receiving friend requests for the last hour and a half for tonight's big game while connected to Xbox Live without any issues other than a slow performance from the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Even though Xbox Live is acting up we're still trucking along with tonight's X3F Live! So make sure to add the gamertag X3FLIVE to your Friend's list. Hey, now that we think about it, maybe the lag will help with our sniping!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqXbox Live hits the slow setting originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimexbox-liveFri, 04 Apr 2008 19:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live gets downtime on April 1]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/xbox-live-gets-downtime-on-april-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/xbox-live-gets-downtime-on-april-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/28/xbox-live-gets-downtime-on-april-1/#commentsFiled under:


According to a post on Gamescore Blog and the message we got when we logged onto Live, Xbox Live and Xbox.com will be down for maintenance on April 1 from 2-5am PDT. Before you start making your "Spring Dash Update is Nigh!" signs, we're being told this is a routine process that will go on in the early hours of the morning. In the meantime you should play the Battlefield: Bad Company beta or Halo 3 online or Call of Duty 4 multiplayer. Wait. Oh no! What will we do?!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

JoystiqXbox Live gets downtime on April 1 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimelive-downtimexbox-comxbox-livexbox-websiteFri, 28 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Daily: Handhelds and MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/ds-daily-handhelds-and-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/ds-daily-handhelds-and-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/ds-daily-handhelds-and-mmos/#commentsFiled under:

We know a lot of DS owners who also play WoW MMOs. Are you among them? Back when this blogger was caught up in the throes of Final Fantasy XI, a quick bout of something-or-other on the DS was perfect filler for all the time spend waiting -- for airships, for people to gather for events, for time to pass, etc. Particularly convenient were "chore" games like Nintendogs or Animal Crossing. Waiting for everyone to get it together before you rolled out to fight a big nasty? Get your daily fruit-picking done while you wait. People still not there? Dig some holes. Etc.

Now, it's been a while since we've been caught up in an MMO, but we're sure that some things haven't changed, and that waiting is still part of the drill from time to time. Were we alone in filling the moments with a second game, or do some of you DS owners take this route?

JoystiqDS Daily: Handhelds and MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimeFinalFantasyXImmoWoWFri, 21 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[XBL downtime scheduled for Oct. 17th [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/xbl-downtime-scheduled-for-oct-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/xbl-downtime-scheduled-for-oct-17th/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/12/xbl-downtime-scheduled-for-oct-17th/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Major Nelson has sent us word that there will be a day scheduled downtime for Xbox Live and Xbox.com on October 17th. October 17th ... hmmm. Why does that sound familiar. Wait a minute! That's when we get Double Agent. What the hell, man! And not only that, October 17th is the second to last day of the PSU beta -- which is already delayed to begin with. So what the hell do we do now Microsoft? What the hell do we do now?!

Ah well, guess we all gotta deal right? The boys at Xbox.com even suggest 10 things you can do without Live. And Major Nelson reminds us all that this is not the Fall dashboard update, though apparently "cool stuff" is being added. What that means is anyone's guess. Now we just figure out what to do. Anybody want to go bowling or something?

[Thanks, Larry, AKA Major Nelson]

Update: It's Xbox.com, not Box.com. Give me a break. I'm jet-lagged here.

JoystiqXBL downtime scheduled for Oct. 17th [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Oct 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>downtimelarry hrybLarryHryblive anywhereLiveAnywheremajor nelsonMajorNelsonxbox livexbox live marketplaceXboxLiveXboxLiveMarketplaceThu, 12 Oct 2006 16:30:00 EST