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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[PlayStation Rewards program to offer free PSN bonuses for 'highly engaged' fans]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/playstation-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/playstation-rewards/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/27/playstation-rewards/#comments Sony is preparing to launch a new incentives program called PlayStation Rewards. A closed beta for the offer is currently invite-only -- for "highly engaged" PlayStation owners -- but the full service will open up to include everyone next year. The program will reward players with a number of PSN bonuses, including "exclusive" avatars, dynamic themes and PlayStation Home content. In addition, Rewards will feature "member-only" sweepstakes, events and giveaways.

At first glance, PlayStation Rewards seems to offer many of the same features as PlayStation Plus. However, the two services are separate from each other and will offer different bonuses. Rewards is free, and will be open to all PlayStation owners, regardless of Plus status -- although, Plus members are more likely to be offered entry into the service during the beta.

Like Club Nintendo and Square Enix Members, PlayStation Rewards is tiered, separating its members into three groups: Select, Pro and Legendary. Playing games, downloading demos, using PlayStation Home, being active on the PlayStation.com Forums, answering surveys and buying content on the PlayStation Store are some of the ways in which members can increase their ranks in a Trophy-inspired leveling system.

Continue reading PlayStation Rewards program to offer free PSN bonuses for 'highly engaged' fans

JoystiqPlayStation Rewards program to offer free PSN bonuses for 'highly engaged' fans originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarsdlcdynamic-themeloyalty-programplaystationplaystation-homeplaystation-rewardsps3psnpspsceasonysusan-panicothemesWed, 27 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout 3 premium theme available now, free to loyal DLC buyers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/fallout-3-premium-theme-available-now-free-to-loyal-dlc-buyers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/fallout-3-premium-theme-available-now-free-to-loyal-dlc-buyers/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/17/fallout-3-premium-theme-available-now-free-to-loyal-dlc-buyers/#comments
Fellow wanderers of the Capital Wasteland, behold what Atom has bestowed upon us: the Fallout 3 premium theme. The glorified post-nuclear wallpaper sells at a standard bottle cap conversion rate of 240 ($3 in pre-war money); however, those who purchased all five of Fallout 3's expansion packs can download the theme for free on October 1.

Those obtaining the theme for free will "receive a token from Microsoft" according to Bethesda. We're still a little fuzzy on the specifics, but that's probably because we've been sniffing punga spores. We're still working on getting more details about how the free version will work, but those who want to buy the theme can drop those caps now.

Update: Microsoft will be emailing the codes, so make sure the email attached to your Live account is functioning.

JoystiqFallout 3 premium theme available now, free to loyal DLC buyers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesda-softworksfallout-3themesxbox-premium-themezenimax-mediaThu, 17 Sep 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass Effect's Pinnacle Station DLC now a premium theme, still unannounced [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/mass-effects-pinnacle-station-dlc-now-a-premium-theme-still-un/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/mass-effects-pinnacle-station-dlc-now-a-premium-theme-still-un/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/mass-effects-pinnacle-station-dlc-now-a-premium-theme-still-un/#comments Update: Reader Codemonkey76 points out that the listing is now on the US Xbox.com page right here. Interesting!

So, at this point, one has to wonder if we're looking at a guerrilla marketing campaign. Not only have achievements popped up for Mass Effect DLC "Pinnacle Station," not only has the Swiss Xbox.com priced the thing, but now a Pinnacle Station theme has actually shown up on Xbox Live. ... Oh, didn't we mention? It's still unannounced.

While you wait for someone to actually confirm its existence, check out the gallery below and see if you're able to extrapolate any hints about the content from the images we captured.

[Thanks, TheDarkWayne]

Gallery: Mass Effect Pinnacle Station DLC theme

pinnacledlc05pinnacledlc06pinnacledlc07pinnacledlc03pinnacledlc04

JoystiqMass Effect's Pinnacle Station DLC now a premium theme, still unannounced [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaElectronic-Artsmass-effectMicrosoftpinnacle-stationthemesXbox-360xbox-liveMon, 24 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Website previews premium Xbox themes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/website-previews-premium-xbox-themes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/website-previews-premium-xbox-themes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/27/website-previews-premium-xbox-themes/#comments
Earlier this year, we reported on NXEThemes.com, which showed off previews of various premium (read: paid) themes for the Xbox 360. Alas, it appears that NXE Themes has gone kaput, so what's a frugal, design-conscious gamer to do? Easy, just head over to Theme Xbox.

The website has YouTube previews of premium NXE themes, allowing you to check out every facet of a given theme before plunking down your hard-earned Microsoft Points. Granted, the website could use some tweaking -- it's currently just a forum -- but it's definitely better than wasting money on a bad theme. Finally, you can stop agonizing over whether or not to pick up that Sonic Unleashed theme.

JoystiqWebsite previews premium Xbox themes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nxethemesMon, 27 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview premium NXE themes before you buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/preview-premium-nxe-themes-before-you-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/preview-premium-nxe-themes-before-you-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/01/28/preview-premium-nxe-themes-before-you-buy/#commentsFiled under:


Like a Phoenix rising from the ashes of the long defunct Dashboard Themes website, comes a new site that has the simple goal of giving XBLM consumers a chance to preview premium dashboard themes. NXE Themes has screenshots of the entire catalog of premium dash skins, including all free and paid content. It's quite the nice community service NXE Themes is offering, seeing that a premium download can cost upwards of 250 Microsoft points.

The only negative we can find with the site is the amount of bandwidth that is required. Dial-up users stay far, far away.

[Thanks, NBA Kirkland]

JoystiqPreview premium NXE themes before you buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboard-themesmicrosoftnew-xbox-experiencenxethemesxbox-360Wed, 28 Jan 2009 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Resistance stuff on the PSN Store tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/free-resistance-stuff-on-the-psn-store-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/free-resistance-stuff-on-the-psn-store-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/free-resistance-stuff-on-the-psn-store-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,

It seems everyone's getting into the Christmas spirit today. First free Santa costumes and now we find out that Insomniac are releasing some Resistance related gifts onto the PSN Store during tomorrow's update. These gifts take the form of Resistance 2 XMB themes and a new trailer for the game. Not only that but the map packs for Resistance: Fall of Man will be made available to download for free, in case you're feeling retro this Christmas.

Bryan Intihar also states that more Resistance 2 patches are on the way and that "some really cool" new features are coming to MyResistance.net. The PlayStation Blog will have more news on both of these in the near future. In the meantime, be sure to grab all these free goodies when they arrive tomorrow and check out G4's X-Play this Friday at 8pm to see Ted Price talk about his favorite games.

JoystiqFree Resistance stuff on the PSN Store tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>christmasinsomniacresistanceresistance-2themesWed, 10 Dec 2008 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gold Live members: Free premium Winter Holiday theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/gold-live-members-free-premium-winter-holiday-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/gold-live-members-free-premium-winter-holiday-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/gold-live-members-free-premium-winter-holiday-theme/#commentsFiled under: ,


Pssst. Hey, Gold Xbox Live members, over here. This post is just for you. Are the Silver members gone? Good. Okay, here's the deal. Major Nelson has informed us that you (just you, not Silver members) are now entitled to a free Winter Holiday theme. Since neither Major nor Xbox.com provide any images of the Winter theme, we snapped a quick spy picture. We even made it kind of blurry and took at an awkward angle to make it seem more clandestine. Cool, huh? Anyway, like we said, it's free. You can download it by clicking this link. Just don't tell the Silver members. If they ever learn of our opulence, surely they will revolt.

JoystiqGold Live members: Free premium Winter Holiday theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>live-marketplacemarketplacethemesxblmxbox-live-marketplaceWed, 10 Dec 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download Dissidia themes for your PSP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/download-dissidia-themes-for-your-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/download-dissidia-themes-for-your-psp/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/04/download-dissidia-themes-for-your-psp/#commentsFiled under: ,

Dissidia: Final Fantasy is out in two weeks, but Square Enix is already offering some sweet, free content. If you love collecting themes for your PSP, then you'll want to download the three that are available off the official Dissidia website. The three themes correspond to the first three Final Fantasies; each theme features their respective hero/villain combination.

Just remember -- in order to transfer the files to your PSP -- hook up your PSP to your PC via USB cable and enter USB mode. Then open up the folder "PSP" and then "Themes." Just drag-and-drop it there. Now your themes are good to go. Also, after the break, check out a vid detailing how the game's story mode progresses.

[via PSP Hyper]

Continue reading Download Dissidia themes for your PSP

JoystiqDownload Dissidia themes for your PSP originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 04 Dec 2008 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dissidiafinal-fantasysquare-enixthemesThu, 04 Dec 2008 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download fresh and free Marketplace content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/download-fresh-and-free-marketplace-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/download-fresh-and-free-marketplace-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/15/download-fresh-and-free-marketplace-content/#commentsFiled under: ,


Available for download off the U.S. Xbox Live Marketplace is quite the mix of free themes and gamer pictures. All, like we said, FREE! You can download and choose between Children's Miracle Network content, Rock the Vote content, Stride, Saw V, Star Ocean 4, etc. Also, don't forget to grab your free Dead Space Elite Suit as soon as possible, because it's only available for a limited time. List of fresh and free XBLM content after the break.

Continue reading Download fresh and free Marketplace content

JoystiqDownload fresh and free Marketplace content originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegamer-picturesthemesxblmWed, 15 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Premium PS3 themes available starting tomorrow]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/premium-ps3-themes-available-starting-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/premium-ps3-themes-available-starting-tomorrow/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/08/premium-ps3-themes-available-starting-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: ,


Sony announced today on the PlayStation Blog that "premium themes" for PS3 will be available on the PSN beginning tomorrow. Of course, "premium" means there will be a price to pay, and that would be $1-2.

The premium themes appear to be a little more artistic than the free ones the company has been doling out on a regular basis since the system launched. Sony states approximately 6-10 premium themes should be available a month and explains in the comments of the post that free themes will continue to be offered along with the premium content.

JoystiqPremium PS3 themes available starting tomorrow originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PS3ps3-themesthemesWed, 08 Oct 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox releases free Canada Day content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/xbox-releases-free-canada-day-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/xbox-releases-free-canada-day-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/xbox-releases-free-canada-day-content/#commentsFiled under: ,



In celebration of Canada's 141st birthday, Canadian Xbox 360 owners have been showered with Xbox related gifts courtesy of Microsoft. Available now on the Xbox Live Marketplace are a set of six five gamer pictures and a classy Canada Day '08 theme for the low, low cost of free. Also, anyone looking to spruce up their wallpaper can pick-up the free Canada Day wallpaper pictured above at Xbox.ca. Make sure to download the art, created by Canadian gamer Sinnix, and ring in Canada Day proper.

JoystiqXbox releases free Canada Day content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canada-daygamer-picturesthemesxblmxbox-live-marketplaceTue, 01 Jul 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Support the Bat w/free Dark Knight XBLM goods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/support-the-bat-w-free-dark-knight-xblm-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/support-the-bat-w-free-dark-knight-xblm-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/24/support-the-bat-w-free-dark-knight-xblm-goods/#commentsFiled under: ,

Preparing for this Summer's sure to be mega hit blockbuster The Dark Knight , the marketing powers that be have just released some free movie themed downloads to the Xbox Live Marketplace. Though, sadly, these are only available to U.S. Live subscribers (frowny face).

Downloadable is a The Dark Night theme featuring some rather sexy promo shots from the film as well as a gamer picture pack including five pictures to choose from. All very Batman-like and all very delicious! And yes, this very, very, very obsessed blogger (obsessiveness proved by my Dark Knight inspired Facebook profile image) is sporting some Joker gamer picture love. You should do the same ... at least until July 18th.

JoystiqSupport the Bat w/free Dark Knight XBLM goods originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-knightgamer-picturesthe-dark-knightthemesxblmTue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA releases official PSP theme tutorial]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/scea-releases-official-psp-theme-tutorial/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/scea-releases-official-psp-theme-tutorial/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/scea-releases-official-psp-theme-tutorial/#commentsFiled under:


Have you thought about making a custom PSP theme? But, maybe you don't know where to start. Or perhaps you're scared by all the work that goes into it. Sony's official PSP theme guide won't make it any less work to create a theme, but it will give you all the tools necessary to make your own PSP themes. The images necessary require precise specifications, so make sure you follow all the instructions.

The theme program offered is available here (Windows only).

JoystiqSCEA releases official PSP theme tutorial originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pspthemethemesFri, 20 Jun 2008 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's official PS3 theme creation how-to]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/sonys-official-ps3-theme-creation-how-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/sonys-official-ps3-theme-creation-how-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/sonys-official-ps3-theme-creation-how-to/#commentsFiled under:


A few days ago, the PlayStation.blog posted an official how-to, going meticulously step-by-step through the process of making original PS3 themes. It shouldn't be surprising, but there quite a number of icons used by the PS3, meaning a total XMB overhaul will take quite a bit of effort. If you're willing to take the jump, download the files you need here.

Unfortunately for Mac users, Sony's official theme program requires Windows. Considering how only 11% of you use Apple OS (according to our stats), it seems like Sony's neglect of the operating system will continue.

JoystiqSony's official PS3 theme creation how-to originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>themethemesMon, 09 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Indiana Jones XBLM downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/free-indiana-jones-xblm-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/free-indiana-jones-xblm-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/free-indiana-jones-xblm-downloads/#commentsFiled under: ,

Do NOT remain calm. We repeat, do NOT remain calm, because this is a FREE Xbox Live Marketplace download alert for U.S. Live subscribers. Now get excited!

To celebrate the upcoming release of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (wow, that's one long movie title) the powers that be have put up a free six pack of Indiana Jones gamer pictures as well as an Indiana Jones theme. Make your way to the "New Releases" section of the XBLM to grab your free goods and to admire Harrison Ford's unnatural ability to fend off old age.

JoystiqFree Indiana Jones XBLM downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamer-picturesindiana-jonesthemesxblmTue, 13 May 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Download free Drillbit Taylor and Hitman goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/download-free-drillbit-taylor-and-hitman-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/download-free-drillbit-taylor-and-hitman-goodies/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/download-free-drillbit-taylor-and-hitman-goodies/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you're like us, we need a fresh coat of new gamer picture paint ever once and a while. You know, to keep things fresh and lively. But our only requirement is that all gamer pictures we grab from the XBLM must be free. Call us old fashioned, but that's how we roll. So, we're happy to share with you that two new sets of movie themed gamer pictures (and dashboard themes) are available to U.S. Xbox Live members for free.

Right now on the XBLM, you can grab a free Hitman the movie gamer picture pack and theme as well as a free gamer picture and theme from Owen Wilson's comedy Drillbit Taylor. Like we said, all four sets of downloadable goodness are free and are (surprisingly) quite well done. Especially the Drillbit Taylor pack. You'll have to download to see, but for some reason those gamer pictures make us crack up.

JoystiqDownload free Drillbit Taylor and Hitman goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drillbit-taylorgamer-pictureshitmanhitman-the-moviethemesxblmFri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Ax Men gamer pic and theme downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/free-ax-men-gamer-pic-and-theme-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/free-ax-men-gamer-pic-and-theme-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/28/free-ax-men-gamer-pic-and-theme-downloads/#commentsFiled under: ,


Pimping their new television show to the "youngins", The History Channel is offering free gamer picture and theme downloads for their latest docu-reality show Ax Men. Sadly though, Ax Men isn't about assassins running around New York City on a mission to kill, it's about the people involved in the logging industry. A very dangerous industry. The free downloads are available to U.S. Live subscribers and rate pretty low on the coolness scale. But they're free and we've never, ever been against free goodies. Ax Men premieres March 9th on The History Channel, Ax Men downloads premiere on the XBLM right now. Please be careful when downloading.

JoystiqFree Ax Men gamer pic and theme downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ax-mengamerpictureshistory-channelthemesxblmThu, 28 Feb 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Air Force, Missed Call and Sarah Connor XBLM downloads]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/free-air-force-missed-call-and-sarah-connor-xblm-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/free-air-force-missed-call-and-sarah-connor-xblm-downloads/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/free-air-force-missed-call-and-sarah-connor-xblm-downloads/#commentsFiled under: ,

It has been a long, long while since we've told you about free XBLM theme and gamer picture downloads and we're a little disappointed in ourselves. It's inexcusable and, for our lack of free download notification, we apologize. But today is a new day and a time to re-invent ourselves, so we figured we'd point you towards new and free XBLM downloads. That is if you're in the US. Newly available and free for download is some Air Force content (theme and gamer pictures), One Missed Call content (theme and gamer pictures) and The Sarah Connor Chronicles content too. Enjoy your free goodies US Live members and we promise to keep you better informed about free stuff. This time we'll slap our own wrists.

JoystiqFree Air Force, Missed Call and Sarah Connor XBLM downloads originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>air-forcegamer-picturesone-missed-callsarah-connor-chroniclesthemesxblmTue, 18 Dec 2007 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[European PSN updates for December 6th]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/european-psn-updates-for-december-6th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/european-psn-updates-for-december-6th/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/06/european-psn-updates-for-december-6th/#commentsFiled under:

We hope you like themes, because there's not a lot else available today, apart from a couple of add ons and a demo. In fact, today's update is even lacking trailers - not to mention a huge hole where the Guitar Hero 3 downloadable content should be. Here's the full release list:
  • Kane & Lynch demo (free)
  • Motorstorm "Domino & Adventure" vehicle pack (£1.49)
  • Folklore "The Origin of Belae" add-on pack (£1.49)
  • Blazing Angels 2 Multiplayer trailer (free)
  • Mesmerize theme (free)
  • Tori Emaki theme (free)
  • Heavenly Sword theme (free)
  • Snakeball theme (free)
  • Lemmings theme (free)
  • Killzone 2 theme (free)
  • Singstar theme (free)
Themes are all well and good, but where are the downloadable titles Europe has been promised for ages now? Puzzle Fighter, Everyday Shooter - even Blast Factor: Advanced Research hasn't been made available to us yet. As for the Guitar Hero 3 downloadable content, the least said about that, the better. You were doing so well SCEE. What went wrong?

JoystiqEuropean PSN updates for December 6th originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>euroreleasesPSNreleasesstorethemesupdateThu, 06 Dec 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[FREE Xbox Originals themes and gamer pictures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/free-xbox-originals-themes-and-gamer-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/free-xbox-originals-themes-and-gamer-pictures/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/04/free-xbox-originals-themes-and-gamer-pictures/#commentsFiled under: ,

If you know anything about us here at X3F, then you've already accepted the fact that we love our free Marketplace content. It's one of the rare things in life that can instantly brighten our day. And today we've got our fair share of free XBLM content with the release of a hand full of themes and gamer picture sets from the new Xbox Originals games. Available to all Xbox Live subscribers is a free theme and gamer picture pack for each Xbox Original game including Crash Bandicoot, Crimson Skies, Fable, Fuzion Frenzy, Halo, Indigo Prophecy and Psychonauts. That's a total of seven free themes and picture packs. And surprise, surprise, they're all actually pretty decent. Especially the free Halo picture pack, because we're suckers for a good Grunt gamer pic.

JoystiqFREE Xbox Originals themes and gamer pictures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamer-picturesthemesxblmxbox-originalsTue, 04 Dec 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More gifts. LIVE is 5IVE sponsoring free themes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/more-gifts-live-is-5ive-sponsoring-free-themes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/more-gifts-live-is-5ive-sponsoring-free-themes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/14/more-gifts-live-is-5ive-sponsoring-free-themes/#commentsFiled under: ,

The LIVE is 5IVE branding is far from over with the Microsoft marketing team releasing a set of six free dashboard themes to the XBLM.

The free themes include Return to Castle Wolfenstein, Mech Assault, Halo 2, Ghost Recon 2, Gears of War and an Xbox LIVE is 5IVE branded theme. But as with anything free, the production quality on a few of these is lacking, especially the LIVE is 5IVE and Wolfenstein themes. Watch out for their guide backgrounds ... eesh! Though, we must say that both the Halo 2 and Gears themes are actually quite enjoyable. Anyhoo, all your free theme'age is listed under the "Xbox LIVE is 5IVE" heading on the Marketplace, so go and get your download on.

JoystiqMore gifts. LIVE is 5IVE sponsoring free themes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freelive-is-5ivethemesxblmWed, 14 Nov 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XBLM freebies: HP, Transformers and Sidekicks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/xblm-freebies-hp-transformers-and-sidekicks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/xblm-freebies-hp-transformers-and-sidekicks/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/02/xblm-freebies-hp-transformers-and-sidekicks/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're not huge supporters of branded XBLM gamer pictures or themes and aren't all about "selling out" when it comes to downloading them. But when the content is free (the 100% free kind of free) then we find no harm in taking a look at the goods ... it's our sick obsession.

Major Nelson gave us a heads up some newly free gamer pictures and themes that await on the Marketplace. Canadian Live members can get themselves both a free Transformers movie sponsored Chevy Camaro gamer picture and a pretty dashboard theme. US Live members have access to a free gamer picture (slash) theme download featuring HP's BlackBird 002 gaming rig and a free set of gamer pictures (slash) theme featuring the new T-Mobile Sidekick LX. Then of course there are is some older (and still free) content including the Ford Sync and LG Mobile. Wait ... we're starting to sound like peddling fools taken over by the corporate giants and their large pocketbooks. We feel dirty now ... that is unless a new Camaro outfitted with a BlackBird 002 gaming setup and a Sidekick holster would appear at Fanboy Towers. Then we'd feel dirty, but be really happy.

JoystiqXBLM freebies: HP, Transformers and Sidekicks originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegamerpicturesthemesxblmFri, 02 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Create your own custom PSP theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/create-your-own-custom-psp-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/create-your-own-custom-psp-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/02/create-your-own-custom-psp-theme/#commentsFiled under:


If you, like us, have gotten a little tired of the "Cookies" and "ClassyPink" themes on your PSP, you'll be happy to hear that the custom PSP theme creation tool has just been released on Sony's Japanese website. What you will, however, be less excited about is that while the program makes full use of English, the instructions do not.

If you're the sort who's not intimidated by a challenge (or the sort that can read Japanese) feel free to begin crafting your very own Welcome Back Kotter theme*. If you don't mind waiting though, we'd sit tight. We're sure an English download can't be far behind.

*If, for reasons that are an affront to God himself, you wish to base your theme on something other than hilarious 70s hit comedy "Welcome Back Kotter," we're fairly sure that would work too.

JoystiqCreate your own custom PSP theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Oct 2007 09:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pspsonythemesTue, 02 Oct 2007 09:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DashboardThemes.com is no more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/dashboardthemes-com-is-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/dashboardthemes-com-is-no-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/21/dashboardthemes-com-is-no-more/#commentsFiled under:

We just caught wind of some sad community news today as one of the most resourceful Xbox 360 theme preview websites decided to throw in the towel. DashboardThemes.com, the website where you could preview, vote on and talk about Xbox 360 themes, is no more as the owner's of the site decided to end it. The homepage is now stark white with a final farewell and an explanation to why they decided to shut down the site which mostly revolves around the fact that they've "lost interest in maintaining and growing [the website]".

Goodbye DashboardThemes.com, you were a very useful website that helped in our search for the perfect 360 theme. We were with you at the beginning and now we're with you at the end. Rest in peace.

[Thanks, NitroFrost]

JoystiqDashboardThemes.com is no more originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dashboardthemesthemesFri, 21 Sep 2007 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New WipEout, Pursuit Force themes available]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/new-wipeout-pursuit-force-themes-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/new-wipeout-pursuit-force-themes-available/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/new-wipeout-pursuit-force-themes-available/#commentsFiled under:


So you've updated your PSP to firmware 3.70, and you've checked out Joystiq's guide to installing themes. Now you're saying to yourself, "that was fun, but I wish I could have a theme that wasn't bright pink". Well your wish has been granted by the UK Playstation site. Click here for your choice of Lemmings, WipEout, or 6 different Pursuit Force: Extreme Justice themes, as well as Cookies or Classy Pink.

[Thanks Random!]

JoystiqNew WipEout, Pursuit Force themes available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>lemmingspursuit-forcethemeswipeoutWed, 12 Sep 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Scared about themes? Let Joystiq be your guide]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/scared-about-themes-let-joystiq-be-your-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/scared-about-themes-let-joystiq-be-your-guide/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/scared-about-themes-let-joystiq-be-your-guide/#commentsFiled under:

Mr Justin McElroy, resident funny man over at Joystiq.com, has written up a very handy post which guides you through setting up themes on your PSP. In five easy steps (all ending in exclamation marks!) you will learn to download, install and then, finally, remove one of the two offending themes currently available. With more themes available in the near future, however, this is a skill you need to learn. Like driving, except you can do it while drunk.

JoystiqScared about themes? Let Joystiq be your guide originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joystiqthemesWed, 12 Sep 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP firmware version 3.71 and downloadable themes on their way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/psp-firmware-version-3-71-and-downloadable-themes-on-their-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/psp-firmware-version-3-71-and-downloadable-themes-on-their-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/psp-firmware-version-3-71-and-downloadable-themes-on-their-way/#commentsFiled under:

Sony have updated the PlayStation.Blog to tell us that two new firmware updates will be available - one for PS3 and one for PSP. PSP version 3.71 will further improve the functionality given with update 3.70 which hit yesterday. 3.71 will add "many features" that the commenters on the PlayStation.Blog have requested. There's no word what exactly those will be, but they name the main new feature as being the ability to apply themes to your XMB. Wait, wasn't that added in 3.70?

Regardless, Sony have also said that new themes will be available for download at some point on PlayStation.com, the official PSP Site and the PlayStation Store. The PlayStation Store? That sounds great, but why stop there. We'd love to have demos, wallpapers and videos made available that way, too.

JoystiqPSP firmware version 3.71 and downloadable themes on their way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Sep 2007 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.71firmwarethemesWed, 12 Sep 2007 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vault Boy says Fallout 3 stuff on Xbox Live Marketplace]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/vault-boy-says-fallout-3-stuff-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/vault-boy-says-fallout-3-stuff-on-xbox-live-marketplace/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/04/vault-boy-says-fallout-3-stuff-on-xbox-live-marketplace/#commentsFiled under:

You heard right. Just in time to celebrate Independence Day in the good ol' US of A, we can now download the gorgeous Fallout 3 trailer on the Xbox Live Marketplace -- in 720p glory mind you -- and admire what a post-nuclear apocalypse Washington, D.C. might look like. A little too unpatriotic for the 4th of July? Then why not just download a pack of Fallout 3 gamer pics going for 100 Microsoft Points (about $1.25) featuring Vault Boy (of course) and a Brotherhood of Steel image. Want something a little bigger? Try a Fallout 3 theme for 150 points (about $1.87) featuring the gorgeous concept art we've been seeing for months. Or don't. Exercise your freedom to choose.

Gallery: Fallout 3

JoystiqVault Boy says Fallout 3 stuff on Xbox Live Marketplace originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BethesdaBethesda-SoftworksFallout3gamerpicsThemesVaultBoyXBLMXbox-360Wed, 04 Jul 2007 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[T-Mobile giving out the free goods]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/t-mobile-giving-out-the-free-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/t-mobile-giving-out-the-free-goods/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/15/t-mobile-giving-out-the-free-goods/#commentsFiled under: ,

Today, we have a few new (and free) gamer pictures and a theme up for download off the Xbox Live Marketplace. Cell phone provider T-Mobile has graciously put up a very pink dashboard theme and a few Sidekick gamer pictures. So, for all of you who are proud owners of Sidekicks or are in love with T-Mobile, now you can show off your cell phone pride. Because you know if Paris Hilton had an Xbox Live account, she'd be all over these gamer pictures. And who doesn't want to be like Paris Hilton?

JoystiqT-Mobile giving out the free goods originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamer picturesGamerPicturest mobilet-mobilethemesTMobilexblmxbox live marketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceTue, 15 May 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft bans sexy Xbox 360 theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/microsoft-bans-sexy-xbox-360-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/microsoft-bans-sexy-xbox-360-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/02/microsoft-bans-sexy-xbox-360-theme/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Apparently the 360 Queenz theme was a bit too hot and "provocative" for Microsoft, and they have been quashing the theme and asking people to take down the images of it on various websites. It must have ruffled someone's feathers along the way, or maybe it was just too hot to handle?

For our two cents on the matter ... if we have M-rated video games, then why not M-rated themes? A gamer picture is one thing, since anybody can see it, but the only person seeing your theme is you, so what's all the hubbub? Based on the pictures we saw, the theme wasn't all that racy to begin with. You'll see more skin on the cover of Dead or Alive Xtreme 2.

There's always the DIY option, and we've seen some pretty over-the-top self-made themes out there. What do you have on yours?

JoystiqMicrosoft bans sexy Xbox 360 theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 May 2007 15:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DashboardDOAX2themesXbox LiveXbox-360Wed, 02 May 2007 15:17:00 EST<![CDATA[360 Queenz theme will blow your ... mind]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/360-queenz-theme-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/360-queenz-theme-will-blow-your-mind/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/30/360-queenz-theme-will-blow-your-mind/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Just to make up for ... exposing you to the bleak outlook on the part of the Live community we should best ignore, here's something that will make sure you want to boot to your dashboard every time you start up your 360. Konsole Kingz is bringing us the 360 Queens to Xbox Live Marketplace, in the form of a Dashboard Theme and some gamerpics. All we can say is, "Daaaamn". We have the sneaking suspicion we'll be checking our System blade's preferences far more frequently. The theme will go for 150 MS Points and the picture pack for 80, so that's a fair price for some nice eye candy. Would you want to spice up your 360 with this theme? In case you're too distracted to notice, the rest of the blades can be seen by clicking the "Read" link. Which one's your favorite?

[Via Unscripted360, Thanks Channing Lee]

Joystiq360 Queenz theme will blow your ... mind originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Apr 2007 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Dashboard ThemeDashboard ThemesDashboardThemeDashboardThemesDeacon BladeDeaconBladeKonsole KingzKonsoleKingzMarket PlaceMarketPlaceThemeThemesUnscripted 360Unscripted360X B L MXBLMXbox Live MarketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceMon, 30 Apr 2007 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Cologne and movie = free gamer pics and themes [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/cologne-and-movie-free-gamer-pics-and-themes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/cologne-and-movie-free-gamer-pics-and-themes/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/13/cologne-and-movie-free-gamer-pics-and-themes/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It has been a while since we've received free themes or gamer pictures from the XBLM, but that drought is no more. Jump onto Xbox Live and navigate to the gamer pictures and themes section, new releases of course. There you'll find three free downloads today. First up is from the the new Xbox Rewards program where you'll be able to get a free Old Spice Reward Challenge theme. But be warned, no guide background and a single image for every blade makes this free theme moderately worthless. The other free downloads come from the movie called Shooter, featuring Marky Mark Wahlberg. Here you can download a free picture pack and a theme for the movie. The theme is actually good featuring a blue Shooter logo for the guide and shots from the movie on each blade. That's all we have today for free goods, so get downloading.

Update 1: Fixed spelling error. And we counted each download separately, one gamer picture set and two themes.

JoystiqCologne and movie = free gamer pics and themes [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>freegamer picturesGamerPicturesold spiceOldSpiceshooterthemesxblmxbox livexbox live marketplacexbox rewardsXboxLiveXboxLiveMarketplaceXboxRewardsTue, 13 Feb 2007 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview all 360 themes before you buy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/01/preview-all-360-themes-before-you-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/01/preview-all-360-themes-before-you-buy/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/01/preview-all-360-themes-before-you-buy/#commentsFiled under: ,


A new site just popped up on the net called Dashboard Themes and it looks to be quite useful. They have every theme released for the 360 on the site with screenshots of each blade and guide. Also built into the site is a ranking system, newly released themes list, and the layout is well thought out. Now how cool is that? So now you know where to go before you purchase a theme off of the marketplace or just a place to get an idea of what others like ... this is definitely a great resource.

[Via Digg]

JoystiqPreview all 360 themes before you buy originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marketplacethemethemesxblmxbox live marketplaceXboxLiveMarketplaceMon, 01 Jan 2007 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fall Update: Textual healing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/fall-update-textual-healing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/fall-update-textual-healing/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/31/fall-update-textual-healing/#commentsFiled under:

Buried in the slew of Fall Update features is an answer to my personal pet peeve:
  • Improved visual display of text in themes.
I seriously hope this fix makes a difference because hard-to-read text really discourages the use of themes. This could turn a novelty into something practical. What other less flashy upgrades do you think will have a big impact on your Xbox 360 experience?

JoystiqFall Update: Textual healing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Oct 2006 02:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fall updatetextthemesxblmTue, 31 Oct 2006 02:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo Trilogy theme on XBLM]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/halo-trilogy-theme-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/halo-trilogy-theme-on-xblm/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/30/halo-trilogy-theme-on-xblm/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Halo 3 theme is now available on Marketplace for 150 MS Points or as a bonus with the new Halo faceplate out tomorrow. Here's the official description:

The Halo Trilogy dashboard theme is a must-have for serious Halo fans. Available as a free gift with the purchase of the Halo 3 Xbox 360 faceplate, or right now as downloadable marketplace content, the theme features never-before seen scenes from Bungie Studio Halo 1, 2 and 3. Each blade presents a re-imagined view from the Halo universe, including all three iterations of the Master Chief's iconic Spartan armor, from past, present and future.

Buyers please weigh in with your review. Does everybody agree that just about all of the game-related themes on XBLM make the text too hard to read?

JoystiqHalo Trilogy theme on XBLM originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiehalo 3Halo3marketplacethemesxblmMon, 30 Oct 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MC360 XBMC Superman Returns theme]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/mc360-xbmc-superman-returns-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/mc360-xbmc-superman-returns-theme/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/31/mc360-xbmc-superman-returns-theme/#commentsFiled under:


The lameness of most of the themes available on Marketplace (shift a color here, shift a color there) makes this sweet Blackbolt Superman Returns theme for the MC360 XBMC skin look that much cooler. Once again the hacking community puts the pros to shame. Put some effort in it Microsoft, especially if you're going to charge us for this stuff.

JoystiqMC360 XBMC Superman Returns theme originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Jul 2006 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hacksmc360moddingsupermanthemesxbmcMon, 31 Jul 2006 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox 360 theme for XP]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/18/xbox-360-theme-for-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/18/xbox-360-theme-for-xp/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/18/xbox-360-theme-for-xp/#commentsFiled under:


I gave up on messing around with Windows themes after an old Xbox skin baked my laptop, but this Xbox 360 theme for XP makes me feel like slowing my computer to a crawl all over again. The feedback on WinMatrix says it's a nice skin including four sub-styles, an icon package and wallpapers. If you decide to try it out, please comment with a review.

[Thanks Abuzar]

JoystiqXbox 360 theme for XP originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 18 Mar 2006 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>themeswindowsSat, 18 Mar 2006 03:00:00 EST