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[Wii U is 1080p; has HDMI out, internal flash memory, SD and USB storage support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/wii-u-is-1080p-has-hdmi-out-internal-flash-memory-sd-and-usb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/wii-u-is-1080p-has-hdmi-out-internal-flash-memory-sd-and-usb/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/07/wii-u-is-1080p-has-hdmi-out-internal-flash-memory-sd-and-usb/#comments While Nintendo was blowing minds this morning with the announcement of its new console, the Wii U, the company's Japanese press site was quietly releasing all the juicy specs of the upcoming machine that we hunger for. As mentioned during the presser, the console will output games in high definition, now revealed as ranging from 480i to 1080p. Moreover, the Wii U will output HD by employing HDMI.

As far as internal storage goes, it's still unclear whether or not the Wii U will come packed with an HDD, but the specs sheet does amorphously detail "internal flash storage," as well as an SD slot and the ability to use USB storage. Notably, the list points out that the USB storage will allow for external HDDs. And while the disc slot gives us the impression that Wii U games will be disc-based, Nintendo has yet to reveal its medium of choice.

JoystiqWii U is 1080p; has HDMI out, internal flash memory, SD and USB storage support originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080phard-disc-drivehardware-specshddhdminintendospecsusbwiiwii-uTue, 07 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gran Turismo 5 offers option to install while you play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/gran-turismo-5-offers-option-to-install-while-you-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/gran-turismo-5-offers-option-to-install-while-you-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/gran-turismo-5-offers-option-to-install-while-you-play/#comments No need to watch aging spies smoke cigarettes or take a sandwich break when it comes to installing Gran Turismo 5 -- Eurogamer has confirmed with Sony that the game will actually have a feature allowing users to install it in chunks while playing. "If users choose not to install the data straight away it will do it in stages as new areas, tracks, etc. are accessed during normal gameplay,"a Sony representative stated. The install weighs in at 6.3 gigglebytes, unsurprising considering there are like eleventy billion cars in the game and takes about 40 minutes when installing straight-up, Eurogamer reports.

Gran Turismo 5 launches in the US on November 24. No, we're serious -- no joking!

JoystiqGran Turismo 5 offers option to install while you play originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Gran-Turismo-5hddinstallplaystationpolyphony-digitalps3racingFri, 19 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mod at your own risk: How to put an old Xbox 360 HDD into Xbox 360 S]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/mod-at-your-own-risk-put-your-old-xbox-360-hdd-into-your-xbox-360-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/mod-at-your-own-risk-put-your-old-xbox-360-hdd-into-your-xbox-360-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/25/mod-at-your-own-risk-put-your-old-xbox-360-hdd-into-your-xbox-360-s/#comments We're no good with screwdrivers -- OK, well, some of us are -- so we'd probably never attempt to mod our shiny new 4GB Xbox 360 S by fitting an old hard drive in it. If you're braver than us (very likely), feel free to check out the step-by-step guide past the break, which pulls back the curtain on the magical process of techno-wizardy fueling this hybrid of form and frugality.

Continue reading Mod at your own risk: How to put an old Xbox 360 HDD into Xbox 360 S

JoystiqMod at your own risk: How to put an old Xbox 360 HDD into Xbox 360 S originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hddhdd-modmicrosoftmodmoddingxboxxbox-360-sxbox-360-shortxbox-360-slimWed, 25 Aug 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 firmware 3.41 updated to resolve HDD upgrade issues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/psa-ps3-firmware-3-41-updated-to-resolve-hdd-upgrade-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/psa-ps3-firmware-3-41-updated-to-resolve-hdd-upgrade-issues/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/psa-ps3-firmware-3-41-updated-to-resolve-hdd-upgrade-issues/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There was a notable issue with PS3 Firmware 3.41: Some PS3 owners reportedly encountered problems when they installed a different hard drive after applying the update. The PlayStation Blog informs us that an update to the update (wait, what?) should alleviate HDD replacement issues and is available for download right now.

JoystiqPS3 firmware 3.41 updated to resolve HDD upgrade issues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 13:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.41hddplaystationps3ps3-firmwareps3-firmware-3.41updateTue, 03 Aug 2010 13:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony offers PS3 hard drive upgrade service in Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/sony-offers-ps3-hard-drive-upgrade-service-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/sony-offers-ps3-hard-drive-upgrade-service-in-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/sony-offers-ps3-hard-drive-upgrade-service-in-japan/#comments
Image: Seagate
Feeling constrained by your PS3's hard drive? Daunted by the task of replacing it yourself? (Seriously. It's pretty easy. Check out these guides: Phat/Slim) Sony is offering a new service in Japan that's perfect for you. For ¥18,000 (~$184), you will be able to ship Sony your PS3 system and get it upgraded with a new 250GB drive. Sony will not only replace the drive, but will also move all supported content from your old drive to the new one. They'll even return your old hard drive as a souvenir.

Considering a 250GB hard drive costs about $50 at retail, this service is being offered at quite a hefty premium. Is this something you'd like to see offered in America and Europe as well?

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqSony offers PS3 hard drive upgrade service in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hard-drivehddjapanps3ps3-slimsonyWed, 28 Apr 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Xbox 360 USB storage update now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/psa-xbox-360-usb-storage-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/psa-xbox-360-usb-storage-update-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/psa-xbox-360-usb-storage-update-now-available/#comments The Xbox 360 system update enabling USB storage is live and ready to help you explore the joyous world of non-proprietary storage options. Rules are the same as previously noted: USB devices need to be over 1GB, but can only use 16GB of available storage. Users can use two sticks at once for 32GB, but can switch out units any time, limiting their storage potential by how many USB devices they've got lying around.

The update takes approximately five minutes with a standard cable connection. For those who don't believe in internets, the update will also be available on the branded 16 GB Xbox 360 USB sticks set to debut in May.

JoystiqPSA: Xbox 360 USB storage update now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hddMicrosofttitle-updateusbusb-storageXbox-360xbox-liveTue, 06 Apr 2010 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 USB data storage announced, coming April 6]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-usb-support-announced-coming-april-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-usb-support-announced-coming-april-6/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/xbox-360-usb-support-announced-coming-april-6/#comments Look at Major Nelson, dropping the scoop about USB drive support being added to the Xbox 360 like it's news to you. It's adorable. Okay, okay, so he did have some new information -- like a launch date. April 6 -- but otherwise things seem to be exactly as we laid them out a week ago: You'll be able to use up to 16GB of two separate USB-based storage devices for a total of 32GB of extra storage.

He also offered some new screens! Experience the face-melting user interface excitement of right here.

JoystiqXbox 360 USB data storage announced, coming April 6 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboardhddMicrosoftrelease-datetitle-updatexbox-360xbox-liveFri, 26 Mar 2010 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[120GB Xbox 360 hard drive drops to $99.99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/120gb-xbox-360-hard-drive-drops-to-99-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/120gb-xbox-360-hard-drive-drops-to-99-99/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/120gb-xbox-360-hard-drive-drops-to-99-99/#comments With the new 250GB 360 hard drive moving into the price territory once occupied by the 120GB drive, it should come as no surprise that the old model is getting a price cut. In fact, we're a little surprised it's not getting more of one. Microsoft just told us that the price on the 120GB HDD has been cut to $99.99, effective immediately. Microsoft tells us the drive is available at that price "while supplies last," so it sounds like they may not be on the market all that much longer.

In case you're bad at math, that's $0.83 per gigglebyte on the old model and $0.52 for the new. In case you're bad at Newegg searches, those are both still bad prices.

Joystiq120GB Xbox 360 hard drive drops to $99.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120gb-hdd250gb-hddhard-drivehddmicrosoftprice-cutXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 14:25:00 EST<![CDATA[GameStop lists standalone Xbox 360 250GB hard drive [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/gamestop-lists-xbox-360-250gb-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/gamestop-lists-xbox-360-250gb-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/02/gamestop-lists-xbox-360-250gb-hard-drive/#comments GameStop has listed a 250 GB Xbox 360 hard drive for sale, priced at $130 and scheduled to release on March 23. When reached for comment, Microsoft declined to make a statement by the time of this posting. Checking with GameStop, the retailer wouldn't confirm the product either, but did tell us that the page featuring the 250GB drive "is not an error."

Microsoft had previously stated, like, only two weeks ago, that it planned to keep the larger drives tied to bundles. Xbox 360 and Xbox Live Product Manager Aaron Greenberg also told us at the time, "We're always evaluating." Clearly.

Update 1: GameStop has removed the listing. Additionally, tipster Matt V. (thanks dude!) reports that, on March 9, Amazon also briefly listed the 250GB drive dated for March 23 -- for only $59.99! Though the likely erroneous offer has since been removed from the online retailer, Matt says his order is still active and that Amazon has emailed him with a new estimated ship date of April 10. The plot thickens ...

Update 2: As of March 22, tipster Matt's order has been canceled by Amazon, but the retailer does suggest that an "alternate" item has been listed.

[Thanks, Patrick]

JoystiqGameStop lists standalone Xbox 360 250GB hard drive [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Mar 2010 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250gbgamestophard-drivehddmicrosoftrelease-dateretailXbox-360xbox-360-arcadeTue, 02 Mar 2010 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[God of War 3 won't sacrifice your time with HDD install]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/god-of-war-3-wont-sacrifice-your-time-with-hdd-install/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/god-of-war-3-wont-sacrifice-your-time-with-hdd-install/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/23/god-of-war-3-wont-sacrifice-your-time-with-hdd-install/#comments We can only imagine that if Kratos were a real person (wait -- he's not?), the idea of having to wait for God of War 3 to install a portion of itself onto the PS3's hard disk wouldn't sit too well with the rage-filled Spartan. Heck, even we don't dig mandatory installs. It's a good thing, then, that God of War 3 won't have one -- this according to Sony Santa Monica director of technology, Christer Ericson.

Ericson stated via Twitter that, "God of War 3 does NOT do a HD install. The 5MB listed on box back is for save game only." This is in stark contrast to other games (yes, we're talking about you, Devil May Cry 4) that require -- nay, demand! -- multi-gigabyte mandatory installations. Of course, for some, the ability to install an entire game to the PS3 hard disk, potentially cutting down on loading time is a welcome option -- but it won't be for GOW3. "No there is no HD install option," Ericson replied when asked if the game will allow for it.

Given that the final back cover of the God of War 3's box only lists the 5MB space requirement, this pretty much rules out the game secretly carving out HDD space for caching data -- data that would eventually translate into images of Kratos carving up enemies on-screen.

[Via Eurogamer]

Source -- Twitter
Source -- Twitter

JoystiqGod of War 3 won't sacrifice your time with HDD install originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>god-of-wargod-of-war-iiihddmandatory-installSONYsony-santa-monicaTue, 23 Feb 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[120GB Xbox 360 HDD discounted in Europe 'while supplies last']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/120gb-xbox-360-hdd-discounted-in-europe-while-supplies-last/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/120gb-xbox-360-hdd-discounted-in-europe-while-supplies-last/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/120gb-xbox-360-hdd-discounted-in-europe-while-supplies-last/#comments According to Eurogamer, Microsoft has announced that the Xbox 360 120GB hard drive has now been discounted to €129.99 ($180) in Europe and £79.99 ($125) in the UK. Curiously, the Microsoft representative appended "while supplies last" to the announcement, implying that the 120GB won't be around for much longer. This news comes on the heels of a standalone 250GB hard drive being announced for Japan. When asked whether that drive would release outside of Japan, Microsoft informed Joystiq that it had nothing to announce at the time.

If the separate 250GB drive did become available elsewhere and the 120GB were discontinued, consumers would have to choose between 60GB and 250GB add-ons. As Microsoft's typical strategy has been to replace the lowest end of its hardware spectrum, it would make more sense to discontinue the 60GB drive instead.

Then again, as we've learned time and again, sometimes that strategy can be typical Microsoft.

Joystiq120GB Xbox 360 HDD discounted in Europe 'while supplies last' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120gb250gb250gb-hddaccessorieseuropehard-drivehddMicrosoftukXbox-360Thu, 04 Feb 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Officially licensed external PS3 HDDs hitting Japan for 'torne']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/officially-licensed-external-ps3-hdds-hitting-japan-for-torne/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/officially-licensed-external-ps3-hdds-hitting-japan-for-torne/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/officially-licensed-external-ps3-hdds-hitting-japan-for-torne/#comments Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. has given its official endorsement to two upcoming 500 gigabyte external USB hard drives for PS3 -- in Japan. The Buffalo HD-AV500U2 (pictured) and HD-CL500U2 are the first add-on storage solutions to receive Sony's blessings, and are being released overseas in March to coincide with the launch of the PS3's "torne" DVR hardware / software combo.

Apart from the fact that they're officially licensed, neither drive boasts any special features that make them usable only with PS3; in fact, the tower design HD-CL500U2 (¥11,800 / $130) is essentially one of Buffalo's external HDDs already available in the US, with a model number change. The HD-AV500U2 is designed to fit into existing entertainment center setups and features a blue LED display on its front that shows remaining disk space. It's selling for ¥14,800 ($164).

[Via Andriasang]

JoystiqOfficially licensed external PS3 HDDs hitting Japan for 'torne' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buffalodvrexternal-hard-drivehard-drivehddsonytorneusb-hard-driveTue, 02 Feb 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bayonetta PS3 patch available worldwide today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/bayonetta-ps3-patch-available-worldwide-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/bayonetta-ps3-patch-available-worldwide-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/28/bayonetta-ps3-patch-available-worldwide-today/#comments If you've been playing Bayonetta on PS3, there's a chance you've been making sandwiches just as often as you've been vanquishing virtual angels. We admire your productivity during the loading screens, but perhaps it's time to accept the aid of Sega and Platinum Games. The developer has confirmed the worldwide availability of a title update that allows the game to be installed to the hard drive. All you have to do is boot up your game and you'll be prompted to download the update.

Of course, you've also been known to make sandwiches during installations, so ... well, they must be really delicious at this point. That's a win, no matter what.

JoystiqBayonetta PS3 patch available worldwide today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettahddinstallationload-timesMicrosoftpatchPlatinum Gamesplatinum-gamesPlatinumGamesSegaXbox-360Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Crackdown HDD installation now available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/crackdown-hdd-installation-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/crackdown-hdd-installation-now-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/09/crackdown-hdd-installation-now-available/#comments One of the conveniences introduced by the NXE last year was the ability to install games onto the Xbox 360 hard drive. Unfortunately, a select few games don't support the feature. Chief among the unsupported titles is Crackdown, Microsoft's addicting open-world action game. At least, it was until now, as Major Nelson has informed the masses that a title update is now available on Live that enables HDD installation of Crackdown.

Remember agent, installing isn't just for convenience, it's also for saving wear and tear on the DVD drive -- especially in games like Crackdown, which stream data constantly.

JoystiqCrackdown HDD installation now available originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ActioncrackdownhddinstallationMicrosoft-Game-StudiosnxeRealtime-WorldsRiot-ActSandboxMon, 09 Nov 2009 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Engadget seduces PS3 Slim, removes hard drive]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/engadget-seduces-ps3-slim-removes-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/engadget-seduces-ps3-slim-removes-hard-drive/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/engadget-seduces-ps3-slim-removes-hard-drive/#comments
We jokingly throw the word "technophile" around when referring to our colleagues over at Engadget -- but their most recent video preview of the PS3 Slim gives us serious cause for concern. You'll need to watch it (posted after the break) to see what we mean. We're not really disturbed by the way former Joystiq writer Ross Miller pries the svelte console's HDD from its innards. No, it's the soft piano music playing in the background and general tenderness exhibited by the cameraman that give the whole production an unsettling, Graduate-esque feel.

"Oh, hey, PS3 Slim. Look at you. You're looking mighty shapely this evening. Why don't you turn around for me. Yeah, real slow. Let me feel those buttons. That's nice, that's nice. Would you like some wine? We've got a lovely decanter of Garrafeira, imported straight from ... no? Are you comfortable? Good. Let's see that hard drive."

Continue reading Engadget seduces PS3 Slim, removes hard drive

JoystiqEngadget seduces PS3 Slim, removes hard drive originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisonengadgethands-onhard-drivehddps3-slimseductionunboxingvideoFri, 21 Aug 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Mysterious PS3 eSATA adapter promises massive HDD storage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/mysterious-ps3-esata-adapter-promises-massive-hdd-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/mysterious-ps3-esata-adapter-promises-massive-hdd-storage/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/03/mysterious-ps3-esata-adapter-promises-massive-hdd-storage/#comments Without any markings distinguishing a designer, it's difficult to discern whether this miracle storage solution for the PS3 actually exists. Dubbed "PS3 HD Plus PHE-01," this supposed eSATA adapter latches to the bottom of any PS3 promising connectivity to an external SATA hard disk for some majorly powerful storage capacity.

Sure, there are other ways of getting massive amounts of bytes onto the PS3. One can simply swap in a new internal 2.5" SATA into the system, or even just hook up any old USB hard drive with little hassle; however, the latter won't give the same transfer speed as an eSATA. From the looks of it, the PHE-01 also comes with an additional four USB ports. Still, there isn't much else we know about this product or if it is even commercially viable ... or real. Maybe it's a leaked prototype perhaps? While we ponder this, you can check out more images of it at Gemaga.

JoystiqMysterious PS3 eSATA adapter promises massive HDD storage originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Feb 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesesatahard-drivehddprototypeps3-accessoriesrumorTue, 03 Feb 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminder: 360 memory upgrade program ends Saturday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/reminder-360-memory-upgrade-program-ends-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/reminder-360-memory-upgrade-program-ends-saturday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/29/reminder-360-memory-upgrade-program-ends-saturday/#comments
Last call for those Xbox 360 Arcade console owners who are looking to take advantage of Microsoft's NXE storage solution offer. The program -- which was setup to get Arcade console owners storage to install the NXE -- ends this Saturday, January 31st when Microsoft will pull the plug on the website. To receive either your free 512MB memory card or to take advantage of their 20GB HDD deal, simply head over to the official memory request website, enter your console information and review what storage solution offers you receive. There is no time for procrastination, so get to it!

[Thanks, Beagles]

JoystiqReminder: 360 memory upgrade program ends Saturday originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hard-drivehddmicrosoftnew-xbox-experiencenxeupdateThu, 29 Jan 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Killzone 2 will have no installation, 'optional or otherwise']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/killzone-2-will-have-no-installation-optional-or-otherwise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/killzone-2-will-have-no-installation-optional-or-otherwise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/killzone-2-will-have-no-installation-optional-or-otherwise/#commentsFiled under: ,


Well, it looks like we won't be reading Killzone 2's manual. Posting on the official US PlayStation forums, Seb Downie, QA Manager for developer Guerrilla Games, confirmed that the PlayStation 3's highly anticipated first-person shooter will not delay the action by installing content to the hard drive first. Sez Seb: "No install. Optional or otherwise."

Killzone 2, which is currently undergoing online beta testing, is due for release in February 2009.

[Via Videogaming247]

JoystiqKillzone 2 will have no installation, 'optional or otherwise' originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FPSGuerrilla-GamesHDDInstallationKillzone-2PS3Tue, 25 Nov 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Eurogamer examines NXE's game installation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/eurogamer-examines-nxes-game-installation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/eurogamer-examines-nxes-game-installation/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/eurogamer-examines-nxes-game-installation/#commentsFiled under:


With two different storage mediums in hand, the fine folks at Eurogamer have done what any gadget-loving geek would and should do: pit them against each other and fill numerous tables with the numerical results. The scintillating statfest concerns the loading times of Xbox 360 games, most of which seem to show a notable, albeit unimpressive, improvement when installed to the hard drive via the New Xbox Experience.

Interestingly, it's The Orange Box's Half-Life 2 component which benefits the most out of all the test subjects, with initial loading time cut down from 44.5 seconds (wow, really?) to 25.5 quiet, whoosh-less seconds. Another notable game is shoot-teh-alienz epic, Halo 3 -- it actually fares worse when installed to the hard drive. Which is just as well, really, since we'd rather have the drive noise drown out the 13-year-olds killing us. Repeatedly.
Curious about the New Xbox Experience? Check out our ridiculously informative nine-video feature, covering everything from Avatar creation, Netflix integration, and the 8-player party system to installing games to the hard drive, the new Marketplace, the Blade-like "Guide" interface, and more!

JoystiqEurogamer examines NXE's game installation originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Halo-3HDDLoadingNew-Xbox-ExperienceNXEOrange-BoxXbox-360Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:50:00 EST<![CDATA[HDD-equipped Wiis now taunting you at Nintendo World Store]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/hdd-equipped-wiis-now-taunting-you-at-nintendo-world-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/hdd-equipped-wiis-now-taunting-you-at-nintendo-world-store/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/22/hdd-equipped-wiis-now-taunting-you-at-nintendo-world-store/#commentsFiled under:



The next time you pay a visit to the Nintendo World Store, we advise taking a balaclava and a glass cutter. As the above video demonstrates, the outlet now boasts a bunch of hard drive-equipped Wiis, each of which has around 20 games stored on it, ready for instantaneous selection; generally really good games, as well.

Judging by the menu from which you choose titles, these are identical to the Starlight Foundation Fun Centers that have been getting installed in hospitals. Now, you can try one out for free, without even having to break one of your limbs or anything.

[Via Go Nintendo; thanks, Glare!]

JoystiqHDD-equipped Wiis now taunting you at Nintendo World Store originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fun-centerhard-drivehddnintendo-world-storestorageWed, 22 Oct 2008 12:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Built-in HDD 'prematurely' killed off the original Xbox]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/built-in-hdd-prematurely-killed-off-the-original-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/built-in-hdd-prematurely-killed-off-the-original-xbox/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/17/built-in-hdd-prematurely-killed-off-the-original-xbox/#commentsFiled under:


"The hard drive in every Xbox killed us" admitted Peter Moore who, in an interview with guardian, mentioned that it and the cost associated with the drives was one of the main reasons Microsoft chose to move away from the original Xbox so quickly.

The Xbox's built-in HDD was "why we prematurely left the original" Moore admitted, "we were still selling it [the console] at $199 and the hard drive was like $70 ... it was killing us, and there was no way to bring the price down. So in the end we determined at around the 25 million unit mark that we just needed to slow this thing down and just not sell any more, and move to the 360 as quickly as we possibly could." Intriguing. Maybe now with the 360's not so mandatory HDD, we'll see a console life cycle that'll last beyond five years. Maybe?

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqBuilt-in HDD 'prematurely' killed off the original Xbox originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Sep 2008 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hard-drivehddpeter-moorexboxWed, 17 Sep 2008 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[120GB HDD price drop to $149, still too spendy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/120gb-hdd-price-drop-to-149-still-too-spendy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/120gb-hdd-price-drop-to-149-still-too-spendy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/12/120gb-hdd-price-drop-to-149-still-too-spendy/#commentsFiled under: ,


Looking to increase the size of your hard drive? You know, swap your Xbox 360's measly 20GB or 60GB hard drive for a whopping 120GB of storage goodness all without having to tap into your 401K? Well, you're sorta in luck, because GameDaily was able to probe Microsoft enough to learn that the 360's standalone 120GB HDD has officially dropped its retail price to $149. That's a $30 price drop from its original $179 price tag.

That said, we don't have to tell you that $149 for a 120GB HDD is very spendy and, as GameDaily was keen to point out, you could technically plop down an extra $50 and buy a brand new 360 Arcade. True, you wouldn't get any additional storage capacity with the Arcade, but you'd have a 512MB 256MB memory card and a backup just in case your primary console decides to ring out.

Joystiq120GB HDD price drop to $149, still too spendy originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120-gb-hdd120gb-hdd120gbhddhddperipheralsxbox-360Fri, 12 Sep 2008 09:30:00 EST<![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[No plans for external hardware, says Fischer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/no-plans-for-external-hardware-says-fischer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/no-plans-for-external-hardware-says-fischer/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/17/no-plans-for-external-hardware-says-fischer/#commentsFiled under: ,

After screwing up and subsequently apologizing, Nintendo Europe's Laurent Fischer wants to get back to work. He does so by addressing the ever-present desire for extra Wii storage space. Yeah, kind of a touchy subject to bring up so soon after Fischergate, but there has to be some big revelation, right?

Well, apparently Nintendo are "working on a solution," but "there's no plan to issue hardware." Fischer is referring to an external hard drive, a device that geeks and otaku gamers are eager to get. Iwata gave everyone hope, but those sentiments have been pretty much squared away in the bollocks box. There's always talk, always rumors and speculation, but still no storage -- and now, no plans.

Check out the full feature for more details, but beyond telling us what we already know, Fischer and Nintendo aren't revealing anything.

JoystiqNo plans for external hardware, says Fischer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hard-drivehddlaurent-fischersdstorageTue, 17 Jun 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Possibilities to reduce unemployment, increase USB usage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/possibilities-to-reduce-unemployment-increase-usb-usage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/possibilities-to-reduce-unemployment-increase-usb-usage/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/possibilities-to-reduce-unemployment-increase-usb-usage/#commentsFiled under: ,

Unemployed loafers might do well to apply down at Nintendo, as they need a new lackey to take care of some business. That business might be very interesting, as the opening is for an experienced USB ... dude. This means the under-utilized USB capabilities on the Wii might be getting some decent stuff for future pluggage. External memory is the hot ticket, but that's still kinda boring. How about this thing for plenty of cool air during a hot, sweaty Wii Sports session?

Hit the jump for full details of the position up for grabs.

Continue reading Possibilities to reduce unemployment, increase USB usage

JoystiqPossibilities to reduce unemployment, increase USB usage originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>external-hard-driveexternal-storagehardware-testerhddjobssoftware-testeruniversal-serial-bususbMon, 09 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon discounts 20GB and 120GB 360 hard drives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/amazon-discounts-20gb-and-120gb-360-hard-drives/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/amazon-discounts-20gb-and-120gb-360-hard-drives/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/amazon-discounts-20gb-and-120gb-360-hard-drives/#commentsFiled under: ,

Going hand in hand with this week's retail Xbox 360 deals thus making this a money savings morning, we bring you word that Amazon.com has a few good deals on Xbox 360 hard drives. Money savings on both the 20GB drive and uber large 120GB model.

As part of their gaming "Deal of the Day", today and today only Amazon.com has discounted the 360's (already overpriced) 20GB hard drive to $65 and the 120GB hard drive to $135. As always, Amazon doesn't charge shipping on orders over $25 and (for most buyers) is also tax free. So, if you're in the market for a new 360 hard drive, today just might be the day for you to jump in and ease the purchasing pain by saving yourself 25% off of retail. Every penny counts.

[Thanks, Ben]

JoystiqAmazon discounts 20GB and 120GB 360 hard drives originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120-gb-hdd20-gb-hddamazonhard-drivehddperipheralsMon, 09 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Joystiq: On region-free downloading, Xbox streaming and Karnov]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/ask-joystiq-on-region-free-downloading-xbox-streaming-and-karn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/ask-joystiq-on-region-free-downloading-xbox-streaming-and-karn/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/04/ask-joystiq-on-region-free-downloading-xbox-streaming-and-karn/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

This week on Ask Joystiq, we look at downloading foreign content to a foreign system, streaming content to an Xbox 360, and identifying one --or possibly two? -- obscure Argentinian NES games.

If you have any burning questions, unsolved gaming mysteries, or just a desire for musings from our knowledgeable cadre of writers, drop us a line at ask AAT joystiq DAWT com (and yes, we write it that way for a reason).

Q: I might be going to Japan towards the end of the summer and might pick up some games or a system. If I get a system, how would that work when I bring it back to the states and log on-line for a Wii, PS3 or 360?? Would a Japanese Wii let me log in to only US servers or would I be able to download Japanese games from the marketplace. Same question applied to the other systems...
-- iwantmymtv

A: For the Wii, the region of the console corresponds to the region of the Wii Shop Channel -- Japanese systems will access the Japanese store, no matter where you plug them into the intertubes. You have to buy Wii Points that correspond to the system's region too, which means using a Japanese credit card or getting some Japanese Wii Points cards imported. [source]

Any PS3 will play downloads from any region, but each PSN account is locked to a specific region when you create it. Luckily, it's relatively easy to set up "dummy accounts" for each region you want to buy content, as long as you have a credit card from that country. Be warned, though: there is a significant language barrier for navigating the Japanese store.

Xbox Live users can also create dummy accounts to get around regional restrictions, but there are reports that Microsoft has been blocking downloads from accounts where this practice is detected. As always, let the international buyer beware.
-Kyle Orland

Continue reading Ask Joystiq: On region-free downloading, Xbox streaming and Karnov

JoystiqAsk Joystiq: On region-free downloading, Xbox streaming and Karnov originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-joystiqconnect-360connect360famicomHDDkarnovPS3region-freestreamingwhomp 'emWhomp'emWiixbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[7200 rpm HDD may increase your PS3's performance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/7200-rpm-hdd-may-increase-your-ps3s-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/7200-rpm-hdd-may-increase-your-ps3s-performance/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/7200-rpm-hdd-may-increase-your-ps3s-performance/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The standard HDD that comes with your PS3 is 5400 rpm -- not bad, but not the best on the market. We've stumbled across a write-up detailing the addition of a different hard drive, running at 7200 rpm, and its effect on a various array of games and other such things. While we wouldn't recommend you all rush out and do this, as long-term effects can't possibly be gauged just yet, it's still interesting to consider the ways Sony fans can customize their console to be unique. We'll outline the results below.
  • Temperature testing against the two hard drives yielded a minimal difference; no overheating will occur with a 7200 rpm drive, ostensibly.
  • Installing demos after downloading off the PSN had an average of ten seconds shaved off due to the higher rpm drive, except that Tony Hawk demo, with destroyed over forty seconds of install time. Impressive.
  • Loading games generally yielded minimal results, unless you consider 2 seconds of load time a big deal.
In conclusion, yes, a 7200 rpm drive increases your PS3's performance, but it's generally nothing that makes soil our underwear. While two seconds off load time is nice, it's not like we'd do much besides scratch ourselves in that time frame. And sometimes, it's a great itch to scratch and playing a game would totally throw us off. Thoughts?

Joystiq7200 rpm HDD may increase your PS3's performance originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7200-rpmhddTue, 02 Oct 2007 19:30:00 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[Borderlands on the 360 will require a HDD]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/borderlands-on-the-360-will-require-a-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/borderlands-on-the-360-will-require-a-hdd/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/22/borderlands-on-the-360-will-require-a-hdd/#commentsFiled under:

Concluding a Games Convention demo of the 2008 release Borderlands (that Diablo meets Mad Max shooter), the president of Gearbox Randy Pitchford confirmed with 1UP that when the game releases, it will require a HDD if played on the Xbox 360. Pitchford is fully aware of Microsoft's opinion on HDD required games, but still sticks to his studios' development guns stating that Borderlands needs a caching HDD due to the unique nature of the game and all its randomly generated missions of randomness. Honestly, we're just curious to see how Microsoft will handle games and developers when talk of HDD required games begins to bubble up. Cue death stare!

JoystiqBorderlands on the 360 will require a HDD originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Aug 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2kgamesborderlandsgearboxhddWed, 22 Aug 2007 15:30:00 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[Snag 20GB HDD for $50, 120GB for $145]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/snag-20gb-hdd-for-50-120gb-for-145/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/snag-20gb-hdd-for-50-120gb-for-145/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/snag-20gb-hdd-for-50-120gb-for-145/#commentsFiled under:

Let's face it, 360 accessories are expensive. In the case of hard drives, 360 accessories are ridiculously expensive. As a service to our readers, we bring you the news that you can snag a 20GB 360 HDD for the tempting price of $49.90 from GoGamer.com (for now at least). Add $2.59 for shipping and you've got a brand new hard drive for $52.49. Not bad. But wait! there's more. Why grab a measly 20GB HDD when you can get a 120GB HDD for the bargain price of $144.99 ($35 off retail)? Head over to Newegg.com and you can purchase one for $164.99. Just slap on the promo code "Paypal20" and pay with PayPal and you'll get an additional $20 off. After shipping, you'll pay somewhere in the range of $150. Again, not bad.

Read -- 20GB deal at GoGamer
Read -- 120GB deal at Newegg

[Via TechBargains. Thanks, djphatjive]

JoystiqSnag 20GB HDD for $50, 120GB for $145 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120gb20gbdealshddThu, 09 Aug 2007 12:30:00 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[Elite owners, get HDD migration cable for free]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/elite-owners-get-hdd-migration-cable-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/elite-owners-get-hdd-migration-cable-for-free/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/elite-owners-get-hdd-migration-cable-for-free/#commentsFiled under:

New Xbox 360 Elite owners who've upgraded from a Core/Premium 360 may have been a little bummed to find out that there is no way to transfer an old HDD's data over to the Elite. But fear not, because Microsoft will give you a HDD migration cable for free ... you just have to ask for it. Either give Microsoft a ring-ring on the telephone or use the official migration cable order form and send it off. Full details can be found here. And be sure to keep using your 20GB HDD until the migration cable arrives, otherwise you'll have game saves on two HDDs causing you to lose data. And lost data is the suxorz.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqElite owners, get HDD migration cable for free originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elitehddmigration cableMigrationCablexbox 360 elitexbox eliteXbox360EliteXboxEliteMon, 30 Apr 2007 13:00:00 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[Joystiq hands-on: Xbox 360 Hard-Drive Transfer Kit]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/joystiq-hands-on-xbox-360-hard-drive-transfer-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/joystiq-hands-on-xbox-360-hard-drive-transfer-kit/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/joystiq-hands-on-xbox-360-hard-drive-transfer-kit/#commentsFiled under: ,

While we're going through the manual that came with the Hard-Drive Transfer Kit, we though we'd share some pics of the little devil. It connects to the underside of the Xbox 360 hard drive and to the console via USB. This kit did not come with the Xbox 360 Elite. Microsoft anticipates most customers purchasing the Elite will be new customers; however, if you're upgrading, they'll provide a free Hard-Drive transfer kit redeemable at Xbox.com. While that's working (estimated time: 42 minutes), here's some info from the process:
  • You need to snap your 20GB drive onto the Elite, and plug the 120GB drive into the Transfer Kit (yeah, we thought it was the other way around at first, too)
  • Despite the image on the CD sleeve and software screen, the manual says "be sure to connect the transfer cable to the back port, not a port on the front of the console."
  • This process does not copy your 20GB hard drive; it moves that data over to the 120GB drive and erases the 20GB drive
  • The preloaded content on the Elite will be erased and replaced with your old data (not Hexic! Not again! Our refurbed 20GB drive didn't have Hexic on it ... and now the Elite won't either)
  • XBLM and XBLA data will be moved, but the licenses "are tied to your console not your hard drive." This means you will only be able to play/watch those items while connected to Xbox Live. (Update: this only applies to switching consoles -- users upgrading to the 120GB drive on their existing console shouldn't encounter this shortcoming)
  • Movie rentals will not be moved at all and will need to be watched before transferring data.
Update: And we're done. The update took just under 40 minutes, and we needed to re-enter the network security settings for the 360's wireless adapter, but otherwise it went smooth enough. Our save games are intact and operable, our XBLA games are intact and semi-operable (as long as we're signed onto XBL, otherwise they behave like demos) and, whaddya know, Hexic remained on the drive!

Gallery: Xbox 360 Hard-Drive Transfer Kit

JoystiqJoystiq hands-on: Xbox 360 Hard-Drive Transfer Kit originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HDDHDD-transfer-kitMicrosoftXbox-360xbox360eliteThu, 26 Apr 2007 15:02:00 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[Roll your own Xbox 360 HDD, save $100]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/roll-your-own-xbox-360-hdd-save-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/roll-your-own-xbox-360-hdd-save-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/23/roll-your-own-xbox-360-hdd-save-100/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're not buying Microsoft's excuses for why their 120GB hard drive costs $179, you don't have to buy the drive either. A mysterious hacker called "TheSpecialist" has released a new version of his program HDDHackr, which now allows you to make your own 120GB drive for the Xbox 360. It's not perfect -- you can only use a Western Digital SATA drive and you need a certain file from an official Microsoft drive. But with some time, effort, and around $80 for the drive, you'll get to keep about $100 of your hard-earned money in your nacho-cheese-stained paws. (With a little more work, you can even install the drive internally.)

[Thanks, XanTium]

JoystiqRoll your own Xbox 360 HDD, save $100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120gbhdd360diyhddripoffxboxXbox-360xbox360Mon, 23 Apr 2007 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[120GB 360 HDD worth only $100]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/120gb-360-hdd-worth-only-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/120gb-360-hdd-worth-only-100/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/20/120gb-360-hdd-worth-only-100/#commentsFiled under:

Perhaps you've heard of the brand new, super fancy Xbox 360 Elite. You know, it's black, has HDMI and a 120GB hard drive, and it's super cool. You may have heard that the Elite has been utterly gutted, all of its vitals exposed to the world. It just so happens the 120GB hard drive was part of this dismantling process. With the drive cracked open and exposed, we can finally see the wondrous, ultra high-tech hard drive that justifies Microsoft's $179 price tag. Or can we?

It turns out that the drive inside the plastic case is in fact a Fujitsu MHW2120BH 2.5" laptop drive. Shindakun.net did some Google searching and discovered that these drives generally cost around $100. Not long ago, Aaron Greenberg stated that the drive in the Xbox 360 is comparable to a self-powered external hard drive for a PC. Alright, so there must be some sort of additional work that justifies an $80 increase above retail, right? The thing is, according to Shindakun, the 360 drive isn't self powered. You have to shut down the console to install it, because it's just an SATA drive with a proprietary connector. So, where does the extra cost come from? The plastic casing isn't that nice. Granted, there are R&D costs to consider, but $80 extra per unit seems a little steep. Without a direct explanation of the costs from Microsoft, we can make only one conclusion: we're getting ripped off.

Buyer beware.

Joystiq120GB 360 HDD worth only $100 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>120 gb120 gb hdd120 gig120 gig hard drive120Gb120GbHdd120Gig120GigHardDrivehddFri, 20 Apr 2007 17:30:00 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