Major Nelson dished out some bad news for those who have updated their consoles with the leaked New Xbox Experience. Any unauthorized consoles that have the leaked update won't be able to sign in until November 19- the date the update comes out to everyone else. This doesn't apply to those who are part of the Preview Program, whose consoles will still function normally with the update. So, if you're thinking of updating your console with the leaked verision, you'll need to think to yourself: can you last 18 days without Xbox Live? I know I can't last 2 days without LIVE.

International teaser trailer for Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince shows all new footage. As Harry begins his sixth year at Hogwarts, Lord Voldemort wreaks havoc throughout Britain, and the pressure to defeat him grows stronger. Using an old Potions book which previously belonged to the Half-Blood Prince, Harry is able to increase his magical knowledge and prepare for battle. First, however, he must help Dumbledore discover the secret to Voldemort's quest for immortality -- the location of his Horcruxes. But the quest for the Horcruxes and the resulting battle at Hogwarts produce a tragic outcome -- leading Harry to believe he must head out on his own to conquer the Dark Lord.

Patch 3.0.2 will bring with it major changes to the way the game is played, all in preparation for Wrath of the Lich King. Mechanics for virtually all aspects of game-play will change somewhat, and all classes will get new talent trees and spells. The patch notes are long and extensive, and they're not even done.

The notes give a clear warning "The current patch notes are incomplete, but will be progressively more comprehensive in each patch." Things are not done. Indeed, these notes even go on to mention that Blizzard is still modifying and balancing the classes.

Source:
http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/09/14/ptr-3-0-2-patch-notes/

Summer of Arcade


Summer is in full swing, and Xbox LIVE® Arcade is celebrating with the hottest lineup of games ever, starting on Wednesday, July 30 with the highly anticipated retro shooter Geometry Wars: Retro Evolved 2. Also, Xbox LIVE members can earn entries into our Summer of Arcade Sweepstakes* by logging in and playing the trial or full version of the featured Summer Arcade game of the week.

As a special exclusive promotion for Comic-Con 2008, McFarlane Toys will be offering a set of two Halo 3 action figures, available for purchase online only during San Diego Comic-Con and available only while supplies last.

This limited-time special offer features two of McFarlane Toys' highly sought-after Halo 3 action figures in a commemorative combo available only to Comic-Con attendees!

An exclusive Spartan Soldier (EVA "HellSpartan") will be paired with an exclusive clear Spartan Soldier (CQB Active-camouflage) figure. Although packaged individually, the two figures will be sold ONLY as a set for $30 (plus shipping). McFarlane's two exclusive figures have a limited production run of 3,000 each.

Nintendo has announced via press release Wii MotionPlus, an accessory for the Wii remote that works with both the sensor bar and accelerometer to "allow for more comprehensive tracking of a player's arm position and orientation." No other details are provided at the moment, but more information is promised for Nintendo's press conferece tomorrow.

Fun fact: Here's the mass text message Nintendo sent out 2 the press:

On Monday, Microsoft unveiled a new interface for the Xbox 360 system called Xbox Guide. Many wondered what would happen to the existing blades interface and Microsoft quickly clarified that this user interface won't be discontinued; it will built directly in to the new Xbox guide.

What happens with themes? Well, if you were worried that all those themes you had will only work in the blades interface, Microsoft has revealed today that the themes will work in both the blades interface and Xbox Guide.

Here are new images of the Xbox Guide that shows how it looks like when a theme is applied:


Source: TeamXbox

When a ruthless businessman begins turning Vegas into a family-friendly tourist trap, you must start your own powerful empire and resurrect the famous adult playground. Party hard at the hottest clubs to make VIP connections. Grow your bankroll by hitting high stakes tables. Race the fastest cars on the underground circuit to raise your reputation. Fight off enemies with fists and firearms to prove your strength. Where you go and what you do is your call. Whether counting cards, seducing dangerous women, cruising the strip or starting bar brawls, there’s lots of excitement on the way to the top.

Features

Welcome To Vegas – Raising your reputation will require knowing the most fully realized Vegas open world ever created. Whether running around the strip or exploring the highly detailed casinos & clubs, the environment reacts boldly to your actions with outrageous Vegas-themed payoffs. Get a club pumping and see the dance floor fill, the bar get packed, and a line form out the front. Start a hot streak at the tables and you’ll find some beautiful ladies on your arms. Dress in the hippest styles and gain access to exclusive VIP areas. Everything you do gets a reaction out of the world and adds more excitement as you rise to the top.

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Here is all the videos for E3 commercial free. If they don't load for you then go to FireFox or just www.g4tv.com/e3 or www.gamespot.com

MICROSOFT:


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The new Xbox experience represents the first time in history that a mass market consumer electronics device has been reinvented through free software, giving people more fun and intuitive ways to interact, play and enjoy entertainment.

"Xbox LIVE is the world's fastest-growing online social network on TV," said John Schappert, corporate vice president of Interactive Entertainment LIVE, Software and Services Business at Microsoft. "We doubled our membership the past two years, growing from 3 million to 6 million, and then from 6 million to 12 million. And today, we are adding a new member every five seconds. With the best and broadest social entertainment experiences launching this fall, the future is limitless."

Check out some of the features that make the new Xbox experience so groundbreaking:

Entertainment without limits: With LIVE Party, bring your favorite games, TV shows, movies, and pictures to life by sharing those experiences with friends, wherever they are around the world.
Express yourself: With the new Xbox 360 experience, personalize your entertainment like never before. Create your own avatar, designed exclusively by Rare, and jump into a party with friends from around the world.
"Must See TV" and more: The biggest names in entertainment worldwide, such as Netflix, NBC Universal, Universal Studios Home Entertainment, SCI FI Channel, USA Network, Constantin, and MGM are bringing their content to Xbox 360.