Site Meter XBox 360 Rally » Hardware

Hardware

Xbox 360 to go Blu-Ray?

Wednesday, January 9th, 2008

hdblu.jpg

With Blu-Ray seemingly beating HD-DVD into submission like a redheaded stepchild, it really shouldn’t surprise anybody that Microsoft is now considering adding Blu-Ray playback to the Xbox 360.

In an interview with Reuters, Microsoft’s group marketing manager Albert Penello made it pretty clear that Microsoft would be willing to switch sides in the HD-DVD/Blu-Ray debate, saying “It should be a consumer choice, and if that’s the way they vote, that’s something we’ll have to consider”.

That is code for “If HD-DVD gets beaten into the dirt, we’re switching sides.” This may turn out to be the case, as it is widely believed that Paramount Pictures, who just this summer backed HD-DVD, may be ready to switch sides and join the Blu-Ray camp.

HD-DVD is dead. Long live Blu-Ray!

, , ,

Microsoft: Xbox 360 has sold 17.7 million, Halo 3 8.1 million

Friday, January 4th, 2008

xbox360money.jpg

Whether you bought a Wii, Xbox 360 or even a PlayStation 3, you can’t argue that this was an amazing year for console gamers. The industry certainly can’t argue this fact either, as gaming as a whole made over $40 billion in 2007, with much of the success coming between August and November. Microsoft in particular did well for themselves over the year, or so they tell you.

According to Microsoft, thanks to a strong holiday showing which included hits like Mass Effect and Halo 3, the Xbox 360 surpassed the 17.5 million unit mark. In fact, Halo 3 alone has topped 8 million units, with Mass Effect selling another 1.6 million units in just six weeks.

“Microsoft is proud of the contributions Xbox 360 is making to the gaming industry, and looks forward to an even more successful 2008,” Microsoft said.

I would be kind of interested to see if we could find out how many of those 17.7 million consoles Microsoft brags about selling were purchased by people who just didn’t feel like sending their Ringed One in for repair.

[GameDaily BIZ]

, , ,

Xbox 360 Internal HD-DVD coming at CES?

Wednesday, January 2nd, 2008

xbox-360-hddvd.jpg

Before we get back to the business, I just want to wish you all a happy new year once again. I hope you all had a fun, and safe new year celebration, and I’m looking forward to shaming myself for your entertainment until this time next year. Now to business…

Remember when there were rampant rumors that Microsoft and Toshiba were working together in an effort to bring a new Xbox 360 SKU with a built-in HD-DVD drive. Now those rumors have been revived after several reports have indicated that Bill Gates and Microsoft may be ready to reveal a new SKU for the 360 at CES.

Unlike earlier believed, this new SKU will not be a stand-alone, but rather a replacement for the soon-to-be-discontinued Xbox 360 Elite. If true, of course.

While the idea of a Xbox 360 with built-in HD-DVD is a good one, I just feel it’s a bit late. Also, the inclusion of an internal HD-DVD drive would surely drive up the cost of the console, so maybe its best we wait and see before we get excited.

, , ,

Motion Sensing Coming to Xbox 360?

Thursday, December 27th, 2007

x360motion.jpg

Nintendo succeeded, Sony failed, and now Microsoft looks like they want in on the motion sensing market.

According to XboxFamily, Microsoft has contracted a company out of Saratoga, California, Gyration, to develop motion sensor technology for the Xbox 360. Does the company sound familiar? They should – Gyration is the company that developed the prototype for the Nintendo Wiimote, and is currently working on a motion-sensing controller for Microsoft’s Media Center.

Xbox 360 modders have had access to motion sensing for a little while. Devices like the Xilt have given gamers the ability to emulate motion-sensing, albeit if they’re good with a soldering gun. For those of you who aren’t handy with technology (or, like me, scared to death of voiding the warranty) however, the idea of a motion control from Microsoft is sure to make many people happy.

,

MadCatz bringing HDMI to older 360s

Thursday, December 20th, 2007

hdmic.jpgDo you own a pre-HDMI Xbox 360 that HASN’T Red Ringed on you yet? If you do, then listen up — MadCatz is bringing HDMI to you in the form of the HDMI Conversion Kit. Outside of the fact that it it will give you the crystal clear quality of HDMI that we’ve been enjoying for a while (this reminds me, I need to buy a bigger monitor), we also know that it will support 1080p, and it comes with HDMI and optical audio cables.

The entire package will sell for $89.99, and will be available at or shortly after the new year.

[GameStop]

, ,

Toys R Us Offering $130 HD DVD drive

Wednesday, December 5th, 2007

hd-tru.jpg

Michael Bay is either incredibly crafty, or phenomenally paranoid, but either way his theory that Microsoft wants to keep HD DVD alive long enough for them to perfect digital downloading seems to be carrying more and more weight. Why do I say this? Because it had appeared that Microsoft had dropped the price of their HD DVD drive yet again.

Toys ‘R’ Us currently is offering the HD DVD drive for the low, low price of $129.98, and according to some reports, Amazon also had this price listed earlier today.

Pretty cool, huh? …yeah, doesn’t matter to me, either. I mean, once you had the one ultimate HD DVD deal, they all fail to compare. The only thing I have that’s HD-ready is my 19″ PC monitor, and really… what’s the point? High Def is meant to be enjoyed on HUGE screens, not computer monitors.

, , ,

Friendly Reminder: WE WANT TO LEAVE, ALREADY!

Wednesday, October 24th, 2007

xbox-360-rally.jpg

Hi, boys and girls. It’s just me, your friendly neighborhood JW, here to remind you all that we’re currently looking for people to replace us here at Xbox 360 Rally. All you have to do is go HERE, fill out the form, and wait to hear back. It’s really not that hard.

So, get to it already — so Paco and I can get to the NEW site!

Red Ring’d 360? Send it to Microsoft, it comes back “Brand New”

Saturday, September 22nd, 2007

so 1337
Kotaku had a sit down with Aaron Greenberg regarding many interesting things I’m sure, however, they decided to just post a blip of what was said. An interesting blip none the less, on the topic of the 360 quality issues:

We have made all the improvements in our manufacturing process… All the consoles on the market have those improvements…. [We will] repair the console sent to us with these improvements. It should be similar to buying a new console off the shelf.

Now, I am on my second console, so far, it has red ringed on me once, however never again (still, I don’t care as much as I should, I called Microsoft and am getting another new one, included with a free game which they actually already shipped me, but still haven’t received a coffin for it). Sadly, I have faith that what he speaks is true. I mean, if the trend of returned 360’s being returned and returned again went on, even the mighty Microsoft could fall. Once the general public found out about the Xbox’s breaking a lot, they did get right on top of things with the warranty extended and the new chips/heat sinks.


, , , , , , , , ,

Microsoft announces new HD-DVD drive!

Thursday, September 20th, 2007

x360_hd-dvd_w_publish.jpg

As reported at 1PStart… by me… Microsoft announced at their 25th anniversary bash in London a new HD-DVD drive for the Xbox 360. No price tag has been revealed, however we were told to expect the new drive sometime in ‘08.

Director of Business for Microsoft Europe, Mark Bennett, showed off the new features of the upcoming upgraded drive:

The interactive features actually work on HD DVD whereas Blu-ray titles are six to nine months away from getting features that actually work… there are more plans to incorporate HD DVD into the PC platform in the future.

I have to think that those of you who bought the HD-DVD drive for the 360 may be a little ticked off about this. I know I would, especially when you consider just how much this damn thing costs.

[PCW]

, ,

We want YOU! …to replace us!

Wednesday, September 19th, 2007

xbox-360-rally.jpg

Ok, people, here’s the deal — Paco and I are on our way out. We’re taking over at 1PStart.com in an effort to restore it to it’s former glory. …that, and I just plain want to write about another game every once in a while, is that so wrong?!

Anyways, here is what we’re looking for: A competent, capable writer with a love for all things Xbox. Now, by competent writer, we mean someone who spells “you” correctly, and knows when to capitalize. If you can do that, you’re a shoe-in. So, CLICK THIS DAMN LINK, do the required stuff, then get paid to play video games and write about stuff.

…hell, Mike and I did the hard stuff already, and YES, the GTA4 Banner contest will continue, and I will still give you a copy of GTA IV… or something. So, hop to it.

, , ,

Gamercize - Workout While You Game - Not Such a Bad Idea

Saturday, September 15th, 2007

oh baby let me grab your joystickThough a complete rip off of that World of Warcraft diet guy (link), the concept of Gamercize is that you have to keep working out (like on one of those walk/run in place type machines) and that will keep your controller on. The way I think it worked with the Warcraft guy was that the exercise becomes a second thought, as you are concentrating on the video game.

Some information directly from their site:
“Gamercize interacts with your game console’s controller stopping it working when you are not exercising and letting you play normally when you are exercising.

Gamercize does not limit gameplay by physical skill or ability, and does not make games harder to control. You choose the exercise level for maximum enjoyment of the game and greatest fitness benefit for you.

Gamercize can work with any type of exercise machine but cycle and stepper are the best choice, as these machines leave your hands free to operate the controller.”

Honestly, this isn’t a bad idea at all, sort of takes the Nintendo’s Wii Fit game idea and expands it to let you play any game, but there is a sad part to all this, the people who make this have the worst marketing team ever. Do yourself a favor and hit up Gamercize.net, where you too can find out that “Gamercize is 6 times more popular than exercise alone.” (I would like to see the scientific studies to back up such a claim of grandeur). Be prepared, the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions are coming soon!

(more…)

August NPD Figures: Month of Madden Edition!

Thursday, September 13th, 2007

banner-jwsnotes.jpg

The newest NPD numbers are out, and it’s lookin’ good for the Xbox 360. In the month of August, the 360 sold 276,700 units, coming in second out of the three consoles (and third overall, DS being #2) behind the Wii.

Also, two Xbox 360 titles were in the Top 20 SKUs for August: Madden NFL 08 at 896,600 units, and BioShock at 490,900 units. Two Workds, Guitar Hero II and Tiger Woods PGA Tour 08 for the Xbox 360 were also in the top 20, as well as Madden NFL 08 for the Xbox.

You can see a full list of consoles AND games after the break.

(more…)

BioShock update: Nothing major

Friday, September 7th, 2007

bigdaddykoolaid.jpg
(Again…awesome image)

Earlier this week we reporetd on the “mysterios BioShock update” that was released, to which 2K Games didn’t really tell us what it was for. Well, now we know:

Just a few bug fixes, nothing big. It took care of some reported audio issues at the main title screen, as well as the unstable autosave system.

Yup, that’s about it. Nothing new has been added to the game, so y’all can get right over that. Now, if you don’t mind me, I have a Microsoft Tech Center to call.

, , , ,

Microsoft ships 20,000 US consoles to UK. Whoopsies!

Thursday, September 6th, 2007

uk_plug.jpg

This should be included in t3h w31rd, but I’m at school, and I’m bored shitless.

It appears that Microsoft has committed a bit of a booboo. You see, a worker in the UK discovered that, after a customer returned their Xbox 360 Premium because of an incompatible power socket, their entire stock is American! Turns out, Microsoft accidentally shipped twenty THOUSAND (that’s four zeros) US consoles to the UK.

Smooth.

You see, because the UK uses a different style of power outlet than we do in the US, this essentially makes these twenty-thousand units useless. But what I am curious about is whether or not there are 20K UK units floating around the US somewhere.

Because I would buy one — and give it away via one of our popular contests.

[NeoWin]

, , , ,

Messenger Kit, Halo 3 Accessories on sale Sept. 4th

Friday, August 31st, 2007

msstuff.jpg

Microsoft has announced that the Halo 3 wireless controllers, Halo 3 headset, and the Xbox 360 Messenger Kit will be released on September 4th.

The Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Controllers, featuring both Spartan and Brute artwork from Todd McFarlane, will each sell for $59.99. Also selling for $59.99 is the Limited Edition Halo 3 Wireless Headset.

The Xbox 360 Messenger Kit will sell for $29.99. It’s an interesting little device that will allow you to chat with your MSN contacts while you’re signed onto LIVE. It plugs in to the bottom of the controller and the keypad is backlit. It’ll also come with a wired headset that plugs into the chatpad, so don’t worry about not being able to use your headset while the chatpad is plugged in.

, , , , ,

About XBox 360 Rally

Welcome to Xbox 360 Rally, the only home for all the Xbox 360 news that matters, with a touch of “home flavor” not associated with most major gaming sites. Xbox 360 Rally brings you all the Xbox 360 News, Reviews and Previews you could ever ask for, with a healthy dose of sarcasm, and a dash of cynicism to get you through your day.

XBox 360 Rally Author(s)
    » JW

Blogging Flair

eXTReMe Tracker

Gaming Channel Posts

  • Blizzard Announce Uses of Old Content
    We've always wondered what's going in certain places of the world where Blizzard has created the potential for content but hasn't fleshed everything out yet. Think about the Caverns of Time [...]
  • Rock Band Wii
    For those who have been waiting for Rock Band for the Wii, the wait it over. EA Games released Rock Band for the Wii at the end of June. There are five bonus tracks for the Wii version of [...]
  • PS3 Trophies Not Retroactive
    While playing GTA IV (I'm so close to the end I can taste it), I thought that it was a shame that I wouldn't get any "trophies" (aka Achievements on the PS3) for my hard work. I wondered what [...]
  • AddOns to Help You Level
    If you're like me, the prospect of leveling a brand new character can be somewhat daunting. After all there's a lot of time and effort that goes into bringing your newly formed character up [...]
  • Rock Band DLC Update: Week of 6-30-08
    Metal fans should be happy with this week's Rock Band DLC. The songs come from the Motley Crue themed musicfest called Cruefest. The Cruefest Pack will cost $2.99 (240 Microsoft points). The [...]
  • Rock Band 2 Announced!
    Everyone knew it was coming, but Harmonix has officially announced the arrival of Rock Band 2... in September! The name of the sequel appears to be Rock Band: Opening Act. I'm really hoping they [...]
  • Suspense Ends: Diablo III Announced!
    Well in typical Blizzard fashion, it looks like the ice-themed splash page was not in fact anything related to Warcraft or, as some expected, Wrath of the Lich King. I had assumed as much, as [...]
  • Does The Sony Playstation Portable Have A Future?
    The Playstation Portable has been something of a failure for Sony so far. In every single territory around the world, it has been roundly beaten by the cheaper and more innovative Nintendo DS, [...]
  • Guitar Hero Action Figures... wait... what?
    Normally this is something I'd cover on the toy blog ToyBender.com, but since that site is perpetually down, you get the full on toy coverage here, so if this is too "inside the toy world" for [...]
  • What Does the Splash Page Mean?
    If you've visited Warcraft's home page in the last few days, you've probably noticed the new prominent splash page featuring a rather cryptic image of ice slowly cracking away. Speculation [...]

Hot Off The Press

  • Cartoon Network Racing for Nintendo DS
    Cartoon Network Racing for Nintendo DS has gotten bad reviews, but personally I actually found it to be a decent racing game and have enjoyed many hours of playing it. It also came out for the [...]
  • 4th of July Take 3
    Photo by Mary MacIntyre "Whoa, there are mysteries in this world!" Here's my chance to recreate a blog posted that showed up blank on my computer anyway. I think that once a year, it [...]
  • Happy 4th of July Tom Cruise Fans!
    Have a safe and happy 4th of July. I bet Tom's out there having a BBQ today. What will you be doing? [...]
  • Official Smackdown Preview: Independence Day
    WWE Champion Triple H and former World Heavyweight Champion Edge both retained their respective titles at Night of Champions, and SmackDown was poised to be home to two World titles under its [...]
  • Summer Iowa Games, through 9 p.m....
    Through 9 p.m.free (888) 777-8881 [...]
  • Fourth of July in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Surrounding Green Country
    Tulsa FreedomFest '08 Independence Day Celebrations will be held the 4th of July on the banks of the Arkansas River. There will be musical entertainment, food vendors and kids activities [...]
  • Happy July 4th!
    It's the birthday of the United States! On July 4th, 1543 Colubus signed some treaty with the native Americans or something. I suppose that I should know more about the history of my nation, so how [...]
  • Fruits of the Spirit: Faith of a mustard seed
    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Galatians 5:22-23 Ah, faith. [...]
  • Happy 4th of July
    Have a happy and safe 4th of July, Miami! From Wikipedia: Observance In 1776, John Adams declared, "The second day of July, 1776, will be the most memorable epocha in the history of [...]
  • Happy Fourth of July!
    Happy Fourth of July everyone! (Everyone in the US anyway.) Is anyone planning on seeing some fireworks? The town I live in seems to celebrate July 4 two weeks later - on the 19th, there is [...]