Microsoft's console surging ahead of Sony's, says leading discount site
Leading discount website My Voucher Codes UK has said that sales data from its UK retail partners shows Xbox 360 surging ahead of PS3 in the run up to Christmas.
My Voucher Codes UK offers its nine million monthly users online promotional codes or e-vouchers for stores including Game, Gamestation, Currys, Dixons, Comet, Asda, Tesco and lesser know game retailers including Chips, Simply Games, Gameseek and Click A Game. Monthly UK console sales originating from the discount shopping network number in the thousands and possibly tens of thousands, the firm's PR company told us.
Sales of Xbox 360 and PS3 only marginally favoured Microsoft's console in August and September, according to Mark Pearson, founder of My Voucher Codes UK. However, Xbox 360 outsold PS3 by almost 2:1 in October and by nearly 3:1 in November.
"A couple of months ago, little separated the two in terms of units being sold through our site, but November has seen a huge surge by Microsoft's budget friendly console, backed by a stellar PR campaign," he said.
"The PlayStation 3 is undoubtedly a fantastic console, but Brits are still extremely mindful of their bank balance due to the recession, and although they want Christmas 2009 to be memorable, are seemingly more than happy to choose the cheaper option.
"If sales stay at their current rate, the Xbox 360 will outsell Sony's console by three units to one, a marked defeat," Pearson added. "Both companies want their console to be under the Christmas tree this year, but there can only be one winner."
The firm added that sales of Nintendo's Wii "are down 17 per cent on last year... but it's still beating Sony's PS3 in terms of units sold".
Are you stuck in a game and just have no idea how to get past the point your on, well it just might be a thing of the past thanks to a possable 360 Super Guide system.
GamesIndustry reports: A new patent filing by Microsoft suggests that the company is planning its own online help system for games, with content submitted by both gamers and developers.
As reported by website Siliconera the filing, by Microsoft director of games platform strategy Andre Vrignaud, describes a system where stuck gamers would be able to pause the action and access a database of online user-submitted tips.
The Xbox system appears to be similar in concept to the popular free-to-use website GameFAQs, where users submit guides and tips of varying complexity. The Xbox system would allow gamers to include annotated screenshots and video clips, as well as audio commentaries.
Microsoft is also considering allowing developers to offer their own guides, although there is no indication that any of the content would be paid-for. It is also unclear how the system might affect the existing strategy guide business which has proven a lucrative market for both videogame and book publishers over the years.
Nintendo recently launched the Super Guide system in new title New Super Mario Bros Wii which, along with detailed in-game hints, also allows the user to accede control to the game after a pre-set number of deaths. The game then plays itself on autopilot, allowing the player to take control again when a difficult section is overcome.
The highly successful game Borderlands has it's first set of DLC that rolls out today. For 800 Microsoft points you can have this DLC for yourself.
2K Games announced today that the first game add-on content for Borderlands™, The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned*, is now available for download from the Xbox® LIVE Marketplace for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft and the PlayStation®Network for 800 Microsoft Points and $9.99, respectively. Developed by Gearbox Software, The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned is the first in a series of electrifying downloadable expansions that continue the exhilarating Borderlands experience while upholding the franchise’s core gameplay elements.
Tasked with keeping the workers of Jakobs Cove alive, Dr. Ned does his job a little too well, creating flesh eating zombies and other ghastly abominations that now run rampant in this region. Players will have to work alongside Dr. Ned as they embark on an explosive journey to cure the decaying inhabitants of Jakobs Cove in this expansion filled with new formidable enemies, new grueling quests and rare loot drops.
“We are very excited to present fans of the highly acclaimed Borderlands with the first expansion,” said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. “The Zombie Island of Dr. Ned presents a bold new storyline that entertains and excites, and simultaneously ensures that fans still receive the same great gameplay experience that made the original game a success.”
Featuring extensive co-op integration that seamlessly blends the single-player and multiplayer experiences, Borderlands allows players to freely join or leave each other’s games at any time for collaborative mayhem or the freedom to choose to play in full single-player mode to experience the world on their own. Borderlands also includes a groundbreaking weapon generation system that offers a near infinite variety of weapons to the player. Borderlands combines these fan favorite features with addictive non-stop action to form a breakthrough experience that challenges the conventions of modern shooters and RPGs.
Datel has filed a lawsuit against Microsoft after the software company locked down all unauthorized Xbox 360 memory units..
Datel Design & Development, a maker of memory units for Microsoft's Xbox 360, has filed an antitrust suit against Microsoft over its moves to prevent the U.K.-based company's products from working with the game console. The complaint, filed in U.S. District Court in San Francisco, says Microsoft is unfairly favoring its own Xbox 360 accessories by disabling the functionality of competing technologies.
Microsoft announced last month that a software update would block unauthorized memory units from working with the console. The move was ostensibly meant to crack down on cheating enabled by unauthorized memory units -- including a Datel unit that uses removable MicroSD cards -- but it also drew complaints from gamers over the price that Microsoft charges for its own memory units.
The suit seeks an injunction to prevent Microsoft from "disabling or erecting technological barriers to Datel accessories," in current and future game consoles. It also seeks unspecified monetary damages.
Team Xecuter have just released news on their latest product. "XFRAG 360" is for the hardcore gamer who craves the accuracy and freedom of using their beloved keyboard and mouse on an Xbox 360. Shipping to resellers is due to begin in early December 2009.
The "Xecuter XFRAG 360" is the ultimate accessory for the hardcore gamer who craves the accuracy and freedom of using their beloved keyboard and mouse on an Xbox 360. We have looked at other products on the market and taken it to the next level by looking at gamers wish lists and then fine tuning every aspect of quality and performance and giving it to you at a price that doesn't break the bank.
XFRAG 360 Features
Connect a PS/2 or USB keyboard & Mouse to the Xbox 360
Connect a Playstation DualShock2 controller to the Xbox 360
All Xbox 360 buttons including analogue can be mapped to any keys on the keyboard
Rapid Fire and Auto Fire Function (8 Customizable Buttons)
High Precision Mouse Support - Super Accurate Adjustable X&Y Sensitivity
Compatible with most PS/2 or USB Keyboard & Mouse combination's
Compatible with all Xbox 360 Games
Compatible with all Xbox 360 Console Versions
Compatible with both CL & the new Matrix Xbox 360 Wired Controllers
Connect any PS2 peripheral including Guitars, Dance mats, Light Guns, Racing Wheels etc
Trusted Xecuter Design & Quality
This product has finished development and testing and is currently at the manufacturing stage. Shipping to resellers is due to begin in early December 2009. RRP will be announced sometime in November 2009.
A new demo for Jurassic: The Hunted has been released. Jurassic: the Hunted is an epic shooter set on a dark, mysterious island lost in time. The Demo weighs in at 589MB and is currently only available to Xbox Live users from the united states.
Content: Jurassic: The Hunted Demo Price: Free File Size: 589 MB Availability: United States Dash Text: Jurassic: The Hunted is an epic, story-driven first-person shooter set on a dark, mysterious island that connects the modern world with the age of dinosaurs. Players take on the role of Craig Dylan, a weapons and survival expert, hired to protect a research team sent to study the strange temporal energy of the island and recover whatever is left of the expedition lost on the island over twenty years earlier. Every minute is a fight for survival as Dylan must scavenge weapons, defend barricades, and battle titanic dinosaurs to return to his own time.
Dune: Awakening Shows Off Stunning Unreal Engine 5 Gameplay & More Funcom (@Funcom) revealed a stunning new gameplay trailer and featurette for Dune: Awakening, the first episode of the new Dune: Awakening Direct series. Embark on a breathtaking journey across Arraki..
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Microsoft announced last month that a software update would block unauthorized memory units from working with the console. The move was ostensibly meant to crack down on cheating enabled by unauthorized memory units -- including a Datel unit that uses removable MicroSD cards -- but it also drew complaints from gamers over the price that Microsoft charges for its own memory units.
