Kinect for Xbox 360 Goes on Sale at 12:01 A.M. on November 4

Kinect for Xbox 360 is now just hours away for some gamers. Microsoft’s innovative Natural User Interface sensor for Xbox 360 consoles is scheduled to become available at 12:01 A.M. on November 4 in North America.

Excitement is great around the launch of Kinect, with Larry Hryb, the Xbox Live Director of Programming at Microsoft Games Studios (aka Major Nelson) handing out fresh hot doughnuts to customers waiting in line at Toys R Us in Times Square to buy the new device.


Kinect for Xbox 360 brings NUI gaming to a whole other level. Gamers can use gestures and voice commands in order to play, with Kinect delivering what the Redmond company calls controller-free gaming and entertainment.

“We see the future being about computers and sensors learning how to respond to you, instead of you having to learn how to respond to them,” said Don Mattrick, senior vice president of Interactive Entertainment at Microsoft.

“With Kinect, you are the controller,” Mattrick added. “All you have to do is step in front of the sensor and it instantly recognizes you and tracks your movements with no experience required.”

No less than 17 games tailored to Kinect will also go on sale come November 4th, 2010, enabling customers to take advantage of the new gaming experience available on Xbox 360 consoles.

Prices for Kinect will start at $150 for just the Xbox 360 add-on. However, retailers worldwide will offer special bundles with prices as high as $400, as is the case for the 250 GB Kinect Bundle.

Bundles contain not only the Kinect sensor, but also the Xbox 360 console as well as games tailored to the new NUI add-on.

“It was just three years ago that we had a $30,000 prototype, and now this week we are launching Kinect with a full retail game for a great value at just $149,” Mattrick added.

“What we have accomplished in this short period of time is transformative and will change the way people experience games and entertainment.”

Microsoft has already sold 45 million Xbox 360 units worldwide, and in mthis regard, it has a lot of potential Kinect buyers.

It is an exciting time for our company and we are pleased to see the reaction and enthusiasm for Kinect from the media, consumers and our partners,” Mattrick said.

Update: availability correction.

Xbox 360 dashboard update now out

The next time you turn on your Xbox 360, a major update will likely be available which brings with it a new dashboard (assuming you’re online, of course).

One major element this update includes is support for the upcoming Kinect motion controller, which is out on November 10th. It also sprinkles a fresh new look over the dashboard, making it a bit nippier to load and navigate as well.

Major Nelson (Larry Hryb) lists some of the other improvements on his blog, which include improved voice chat quality, a better designed virtual Qwerty keyboard, family settings, and the ability to sign out controllers in the sign-in user interface (a speedier method which will be particularly handy for Rock Band players).

Other major changes are the introduction of Zune Pass, the music streaming service along the lines of Spotify which costs £8.99 per month, and a revamp for the Sky Player.

The update is being rolled out gradually across all Xbox territories today, so if you haven’t received it yet, the download will be on its way imminently (in theory, anyway).

PS3 could catch Xbox 360 in two years

The worldwide install base of PS3 is now just 5.4m units behind that of Xbox 360, according to the latest numbers from Sony and Microsoft.

Eurogamer reports that total PS3 console sales now stand at 39.2m units. Xbox 360 retains a narrow lead for the time being with sales of 44.6m units.

However, in the most recent quarter it was the PS3 that enjoyed the better sales, shifting 3.5m machines. In contrast Microsoft sold 2.8m units. If those sales rates were to remain consistent then the PS3 would overtake the Xbox 360 by this time in 2012.

The big if here, though, is the possible impact of the recently released PS3 Move motion controller and the upcoming launch of Xbox 360 Kinect.

Kinect is proving to be a pre-sales hit, and a number of surveys have predicted that the camera peripheral will outperform Move in the market.

And as Microsoft’s Aaron Greenberg argues, Kinect has been designed to expand the market reach of Xbox 360 whereas, as the Microsoft exec argues at least, Move has been designed to sell to the existing userbase.

UPDATE: As pointed out by one of our readers, Sony's numbers seem to suggest that the total number of PS3s sold currently stands at 41.6m This would mean at current sales rates PS3 would catch Xbox 360 by the end of 2011.

Kinect predicted to rule Christmas in UK

Microsoft Kinect is predicted to be this Christmas' most-wanted tech toy, according to a new industry report.

Market research outfit Ipsos says that Kinect will be the most popular gaming hardware in the UK in the run-up to Xmas 2010.

Ipsos claims that 13 per cent of Brits intend to buy a Kinect this Christmas, compared with only 11 per cent who are planning on investing in a PlayStation Move controller.

That said, Ipsos' research also adds that Kinect is perceived to have more "uniqueness" and "believability."

Kinect more believable than Move?

"Given a new usage experience, one might expect some level of scepticism among respondents for Kinect," reads Ipsos' report.

"Surprisingly, though, Kinect excels on both uniqueness and believability... PS Move is rather weak on both dimensions."

"While there are a lot of factors other than consumer appeal that influence demand, the underlying potential for Xbox Kinect looks very good."

Kinect is finally out in the UK on November 10. Not long now!

Kinect Sells Out, Xbox 360 Kinect Consoles Next?

Earlier this week, Amazon sold out of the suddenly scarce Microsoft Xbox 360 Kinect!

The Kinect is retailing for $149.99 and comes bundled with Kinect Adventures. As the base unit is sold out, it appears that the new Xbox 360 Kinect console bundles are also seeing some traction on the best seller charts. The Kinect bundles have surpased the base Xbox 360 console units as of this morning. Will these console bundles also be in short supply as well?

Check it out:
Amazon - Xbox 360 250GB Console with Kinect - $399.99
Amazon - Xbox 360 4GB Console with Kinect - $299.99

Last week, the device was featured (and given away) on Oprah. Perhaps all of the soccer mom's are ditching their Wii's in favor of the Kinect? Anyway, the 'Oprah effect' and hype is steadily gripping North America as Microsoft appears to have a holiday hit on it's hands...

The Xbox 360 Kinect is set to release on November 4, 2010.

THQ Announces Fantastic Pets(TM), First Augmented Reality Title on Kinect for Xbox 360

Fantasy experience bridges real and virtual worlds in March 2011...

Offering a highly interactive fantasy experience that erases the line between the virtual and real worlds, THQ today announced Fantastic Pets™ on Kinect™ for Xbox 360®, no controller required. The first augmented reality game for Kinect for Xbox 360, Fantastic Pets puts players on-screen where their movements and voice commands allow them to play side-by-side with a pet of their own creation. Developed by Blitz Games Studios, Fantastic Pets on Kinect for Xbox 360 is scheduled for release in March 2011.

“Fantastic Pets offers an incredibly high level of interactivity, creativity and originality,” said Martin Good, Executive Vice President, THQ Kids, Family, Casual Games, and Global Online Services. “As you discover your pet’s personality and become enmeshed within the world, Fantastic Pets becomes more like a personalized adventure and less like a game.”

Fantastic Pets brings a world of adventure into the living room. Players start with four domestic animals – dog, cat, horse and lizard – that can be morphed into imaginative creations from mystical unicorns to ferocious dragons. Kinect for Xbox 360 technology enables players to step inside the world and onto the screen where they can play and care for their pets. Voice recognition allows players to command their pet throughout mini-games and Talent Shows to reach the professional ranks of a Pet Trainer. Players can unlock news items and activities, in addition to taking pictures of themselves and their pet to share with family and friends.

Sony moves 2.5 million PS3 Moves – sold out in retailers

Recently the head of Playstation Europe, Andrew House revealed that the company sold 1.5 million units in that territory alone. Analysts speculated that the device sold around 300k in America. However, it turns out that the device did significantly better than anticipated.

Famed video game industry analyst, Michael Pachter predicted that Sony sold around 300k Move units in the U.S. during its launch month. However, earlier today Sony sent out an email revealing that Playstation America managed to move a million units in that territory within 30 days.

Jack Tretton, CEO of SCEA stated:

"Retail demand is incredibly strong and we’re working hard to keep the product in stock. We believe consumers have already shown their preference for a precise, interactive game experience. We are on target to meet our end of year goals and expect sales to increase…"

A quick check across various retailers seems to indeed indicate that supply is limited with some retailers. In most cases the Move wand by itself was sold out. Sports Champion was also interestingly sold out at Walmart.

Michael Pachter admitted that PS3 Move sales have exceeded his expectations and has now predicted that Sony will move more than five million devices by the end of the fiscal year. House also stated that demand has been outstripping supply in Europe prompting SCEE to ramp up manufacturing for that territory.

Honestly, I am not sure if these sales figures are spectacular but its probably better than what Sony was expecting. I don’t see the device revolutionizing the PS3 like Microsoft is claiming with the Kinect, but it will most likely be a solid peripheral for the PS3 and an affordable stocking stuffer this holiday.

Xbox LIVE Silver becomes Xbox LIVE Free

Xbox LIVE's Silver membership level has been re-branded Xbox LIVE Free, Xbox Europe's community manager Graeme Boyd has revealed.

Posting on Twitter, Boyd said: "Just been told that 'Xbox Live Silver Membership' will now officially be called 'Xbox Live Free Membership'. The times they are a-changin..."

The change is in name only, with previous functionality and services unchanged.

Xbox Kinect games line-up unveiled

Microsoft Xbox has announced there will be 19 games ready to launch alongside its new Kinect add-on next month.

The hands-free, motion controller system will finally hit the shelves in the UK on 10 November, six days after America.

Covering sport, fitness, adventure and racing Xbox hopes the line up will persuade enough people it's worth £130.

But in a deliberate move the titles are very family friendly.

Bosses are hoping Kinect will help Xbox grow into the family orientated side of gaming.

It's a market dominated by the Nintendo Wii.

Microsoft's Chris Lewis says: "The line-up of games delivers an astonishing range of experiences and entertainment which can be enjoyed by everyone."
Strong Competition

Most of the games will be ready for launch day although two will follow a week later, while four will hit shelves two weeks after Kinect is released.


The public had their first chance to play Kinect at Gamescom in Cologne.

But Xbox won't have it all its own way.

Despite timing the launch of Kinect almost perfectly for the Christmas market, it's facing tough competition from Sony PlayStation's Move.

That was released in September, while next spring sees Nintendo launch its 3DS handheld console.

The titles due for release are: Kinect Adventures; Kinectimals; Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows -part 1 The Videogame; Game Party;

Dance Central; Your Shape: Fitness Evolved; The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout; EA Sports Active 2; Zumba Fitness; Get Fit with Mel B;

DanceEvolution; Dance Paradise; Kinect Sports; MotionSports; Sports Island Freedom; Kinect Joy Ride; Fighters Uncaged; Sonic Free Riders; Crossboard 7

Kinect's $500m Marketing Blitz, Launch Titles

Microsoft wasn't kidding when it said that Kinect's launch would be treated like that of a home console - the company has revealed to the New York Post that it is spending $500 million on "a major movie-style marketing blitz," while the peripheral's UK launch game tally is close to that of the Xbox 360's own in 2005.

19 games are being prepped for Kinect's 4th November release in the UK (17 titles will launch in North America), and include five fitness games, two dancing games and one movie tie-in. Alongside first-party titles like Kinect Adventures and Kinect Sports, Ubisoft's Motion Sports and THQ's The Biggest Loser will be on store shelves to carry the device.

Konami announced that it will be bringing Dance Masters and Crossboard 7 to Kinect, with Hudson's Sports Island Freedom arriving later in the month on the 25th November. While Major Nelson only lists the US launch titles, over here we get the added bonus of Get Fit With Mel B and Dance Paradise.

Microsoft aims to spend its colossal marketing dollars by slapping Kinect on TVs, cereal boxes, print and online media and soda cans. Hollywood director Steven Spielberg has even been involved in the planning of the campaign. It'll certainly be interesting to see whether all that marketing spend translates into sales...

Gran Turismo 5 delayed again

In what will surely prove to be the least surprising piece of gaming news this week, Sony has announced that Gran Turismo 5 has been delayed again. The much-anticipated latest addition to the long-running simulation series was due to be launched on November 2 in the US with Japanese and UK debuts following the day after. However, the project has already been held back several times, with a previous Japanese launch date pencilled in for March 2010.

In a curt blogpost on the Official PlayStation site, SCEA producer Taku Imasaki states:

We sincerely apologize to GT fans for the delay, however, creator Kazunori Yamauchi and the team at Polyphony Digital want to make certain they are creating the perfect racing experience, and we are confident that this ambitious game will exceed expectations when it launches.

Imasaki promises that the release will be, "this holiday season", although fans will no doubt now be bracing themselves for further disappointment.

GT5 was originally announced at the E3 games event back in 2006 and had already been in development for two years before that. Last year, in an interview with AutoWeek, the game's creator Kazunori Yamauchi claimed that the game had cost $60m to develop; that figure will have certainly risen in the following 12 months.

So any takers on March 2011?

Force Unleashed 2 demo hits Live

LucasArts has released a demo for Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II via Xbox Live Marketplace.
The demo, which weights in at around 700Mb allows you to get a taster of the games brand new force powers. You can add the demo to your queue here.  Star Wars: The Force Unleashed II releases on October 29 for PS3, 360, PC, Wii and DS.

PlayStation Move Calibration Problems: Recalibrate to magnetic sensor

I do not own the PlayStation Move yet, but after playing on my cousin’s for a few hours the other night I noticed that he had an issue with the calibration. However, he found that once he restarted his system everything was fine. (Read his hands-on review) There are times when this does not work, but there is another way around this problem.
Joshua Harris wrote on World Gamin Network about the problems that he had with calibrating his motion controller, when the game asks for you to point the controller towards the screen. He said that at this point it would fail every time, even though he followed the instructions carefully.
We are certain that Harris is not the only PS3 user to have the same issue, but he believes that he may have found a fix for this problem. Did you know that you could recalibrate PlayStation Move while in the PS3 menu?
The process is a simple one, which can be easily explained in the video below. Have you had issues trying to calibrate PlayStation Move?

First accessory for hands-free Kinect: the 'Game Boat' dinghy

The hands-free, consumer friendly Xbox 360 Kinect controller is to receive its first accessory, according to manufacturers Atomic Accessories, in the form of a fully operational inflatable dinghy.

Designed to complement whitewater rafting contained within Kinect's November 4 launch title Kinect Adventures, the Game Boat can accommodate up to two players in seated or standing positions, whether in the living room, at sea, or in the pool.

With product news breaking on specialist gaming websites such as Joystiq, Kotaku and CVG, experienced gamers reacted with incredulity, coming to terms with the otherwise standalone Kinect's hands-free system receiving its first after-market enhancement.

Kinect Adventures features 20 distinct mini-games, and the whitewater rapids of the River Rush section have become its most widely demonstrated feature. One or two players race downstream, leaning left or right to steer the in-game boat, and timing their jumps in order to reach bonus items.

Though the 150cm x 150cm blow-up bateau is labelled as 'Kinect compatible,' there are now concerns that its fully inflated prow could interfere with the Kinect camera's tracking of lower leg movements.

Still, let's not presume that it couldn't be put to good use by owners of other titles with watersport or seafaring connections: Sega Bass Fishing, Diddy Kong Racing, The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Sid Meier's Pirates!, or perhaps even Larry Bond's Harpoon 3: Advanced Naval Warfare.

Those that remain determined to gain a competitive advantage in Kinect Adventures would be better served by an indoor trampoline, or a clinical psychiatrist.