Earlier this week, news circulated that retail copies of the highly anticipated Activision title Call of Duty: Black Ops had been stolen from a printing press in Alabama. Reports were confirmed Wednesday as a video showing off a stolen disk along with a few moments of game play was posted to YouTube. If there were still any questions as to the authenticity of the disk, Activision answered those questions when it ordered the removal of the aforementioned video along with several images depicting the unreleased game. Call of Duty: Black Ops will be the latest addition to Activision’s wildly successful Call of Duty franchise. It is expected to break numerous sales records when it launches ahead of the holidays next month on November 9 for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and Windows PCs. Hit the jump to watch the official game trailer.

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If you’re an Xbox fan who’s got the Kinect high-up on their holiday wish-list, listen up. Microsoft has announced seventeen game titles that will be available for their motion-sensing gaming peripheral “before the holidays.” Without further ado, the titles are: Kinect Joy Ride, Adrenalin Misfits, Fighters Uncaged, Sonic Free Riders, Kinect Sports, MotionSports, Your Shape: Fitness Evolved, Dance Central, The Biggest Loser Ultimate Workout, DanceMasters, Kinect Adventures (bundled with Kinect), Kinectimals, Game Party: In Motion, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1, EA Sports Active 2, Zumba Fitness, and Deca Sports Freedom. The first twelve games listed will be available on November 4 — launch day — and the remaining five titles will trickle-out through November and early December. Does anything on that list pique your interest?

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Remember that $100 million Verizon Wireless spent to introduce the world to its first Android phone, the Motorola DROID? Bush league. The New York Post reports that Microsoft is preparing to drop a cool $500 million marketing Kinect, its upcoming motion-based gaming controller for the Xbox 360. Add to that another estimated $500 million the Redmond giant is expected to spend on Windows Phone 7 and you’ve got yourself an even $1 billion worth of Microsoft marketing madness. Windows Phone 7 and Kinect clearly represent Microsoft’s two biggest product launches ahead of this holiday season, and now it’s safe to assume we can all be expected to be reminded of that fact constantly. Blitz or no blitz, neither launch can come soon enough if you ask us.

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A Microsoft press release has just made official what many of us already knew: the Kinect sensor will retail for $149.99. However, our friends in Redmond didn’t stop there. Also announced was a new Xbox 360 4GB console that will offer “a sleek new design, Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory, touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish.” The 4G can be purchased bundled with a Kinect sensor and the game Kinect Adventures for $299.99 — or sans bundle for $199 — and will begin shipping on August 3rd. We’ve got the full release for you after the break. Anyone interested in the 4GB offering?

New Xbox 360, Kinect Sensor and “Kinect Adventures” — Get All Your Controller-Free Entertainment in One Complete Package

Microsoft announces pricing for Kinect and a new Xbox 360 4GB console.

REDMOND, Wash. — July 20, 2010 — Microsoft Corp. today announced an all-in-one opportunity to jump into the controller-free fun of Kinect this holiday: the all-new Xbox 360 4GB console, the revolutionary Kinect sensor and “Kinect Adventures” packaged together for $299.99 (U.S. ERP). With “Kinect Adventures,” players will make their way through 20 adventures, navigating roaring rapids and ducking and dodging through mountaintop obstacle courses and other exotic locations — no controller, wand or balance board required. In addition, existing Xbox 360 console owners can purchase the Kinect sensor with “Kinect Adventures” for $149.99 (U.S. ERP). The sensor, which will work with each of the 40 million Xbox 360 consoles currently in households worldwide,(1) is uniquely able to track your full body movements, respond to your voice and deliver a multiplayer experience right out of the box.

In addition, the new Xbox 360 4GB console, which begins shipping on Aug. 3 in the U.S., will be available for $199.99 (U.S. ERP). With a sleek new design, the Xbox 360 4GB console looks great and includes built-in Wi-Fi N, 4GB of internal flash memory, touch-sensitive buttons and a black matte finish. (2)

“Kinect for Xbox 360 offers tremendous entertainment value for the whole family,” said Dennis Durkin, Xbox 360 chief operating officer. “With full body, voice and the ability to play games with your friends right out of the box, Kinect is the most unique, complete and affordable way for everyone to enjoy controller-free fun and entertainment.”

With more than 15 games available at launch, living rooms will become fitness rooms, dance clubs and sports stadiums. Kinect games, including “Kinectimals,” “Kinect Sports,” “Kinect Joy Ride” and MTV Games’ and Harmonix’s “Dance Central” will retail for $49.99 (U.S. ERP). In addition to games, Kinect changes the way you experience entertainment by putting your favorite movies, TV programs, music and live sports from ESPN all in one place. Begin a movie by simply saying, “Xbox, play,” or browse through a music list with the wave of a hand. Kinect also creates new ways for friends and family to have fun together. With Video Kinect,(3) share a smile with friends and family, as you open a window into living rooms around the world.

“I think Kinect is a major leap forward in the gaming experience that will appeal to both mainstream and casual gamers,” said Michael Gartenberg, partner, Altimeter Group, and author of the Engadget Entelligence column.

Starting today, select retailers are taking pre-orders for the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle at $299.99 (U.S. ERP) and Kinect for Xbox 360 at $149.99 (U.S. ERP). Pre-order Kinect or the Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle today, and at launch receive a token to download three exclusive game levels for “Kinect Adventures,” the game included with Kinect.(4) Those wanting more information or to pre-order now should go to http://www.xbox.com/en-US/hardware/wheretobuy.

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June was a topsy turvy month for gaming sales according to NPD, as overall sales were down 6% year-over-year but up significantly from May. Leading the way for June was the Xbox 360 which sold 451,700 units, which more than doubled its May sales of a measly 194,000 units. Hot on the heels of the Xbox was the Nintendo Wii which sold 422,500 units and the PlayStation 3 which sold 304,800 units. June was also a good month for hardware and accessory sales, as hardware sales were up 5% year-over-year and and accessory sales were up 6% year-over-year. Though console and accessory sales were brisk, software sales declined 15% from last year, with Red Dead Redemption as the one bright spot in an otherwise disappointing month. In its second month of sales, the popular title from Rockstar continues to be very well received with the Xbox 360 and PS3 versions taking two of the top three slots for the best selling software titles in June.

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Amazon’s German website leaked the initial details on the rumored Arcade edition of the the new, slim Xbox 360. According to the product listing page, the Arcade version will sport 4GB of flash memory, a €149 ($189 USD) price tag, and is projected to launch on August 20th. The timing of the launch is apropos as the upcoming GameCon conference is slated for August 18-22 in Cologne, Germany. Hopefully this rumor pans out and Microsoft will launch the Xbox 360 Slim Arcade in Germany and beyond later this summer.

[Via Kotaku]

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Microsoft has not yet announced the pricing on its upcoming Kinect motion device, but that has not stopped the Xbox 360 accessory from making the rounds on retail websites including Microsoft’s. This week the device made its debut on Walmart’s website in a $199.99 bundle that includes a $30 Walmart eGift Card and your choice of a free launch title, those of which include Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, Dance Central, Joy Ride, Kinectimals, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures. Take off $60 for the game and $30 for the gift card and you have the best value thus far on this not-yet-released accessory. Now we just have to wait for Microsoft to confirm the pricing so this awkward, pre-release price war can come to its timely end.

[Via Joystiq]

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According to analyst estimates, Microsoft’s Xbox Live premium gaming service may generate over $1 billion in revenue for the fiscal year that ended on June 30th. Much of this revenue is coming from Xbox Live Gold members who pony up cash for additional content like game add-ons, avatars, and movies. Microsoft was uncharacteristically forthcoming about its Xbox Live memberships and confirmed that over half of its Xbox Live members pay for the premium Gold service at an average price tag of $50 per year. Though it still plays second fiddle to the Nintendo Wii in total console sales, this is good news for Microsoft’s gaming division and bodes well for the upcoming launch of its Kinect motion controller.

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The folks at Colorware have added the latest Xbox 360 S to their impressive repertoire of custom-colored electronics. The new slim and sleek Xbox 360 S can be painted in your choice of 46 custom colors for $175 if you already own the gaming console, or for a reasonable $500 if you buy the system with a custom paint job directly from Colorware. We’ve been impressed with Colorware’s work in the past and highly recommend the service if you want something more than drab black for one of the hubs of your home entertainment system and don’t mind the cost.

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Announced earlier today after months of speculation, Hulu Plus has finally become official. For $9.99 per month, subscribers will be able to watch their favorite shows — including those from seasons past — on a multitude of internet-connected devices. Mobile devices are a go, with iOS devices including the iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPad, and iPod touch (3rd generation) being the main attraction at this point in time. The best part as far as mobile is concerned is that streaming will work on both Wi-Fi and 3G networks. Several internet-connected HDTVs and Blu-ray players from Samsung already have support for the streaming service, and later on in the year, both Sony and Vizio will introduce support in some of their sets ad Blu-ray players. The PlayStation 3 will support the service “soon”, while the Xbox 360 will play nice come 2011. Hulu Plus will officially launch is July, but if you’re lucky you might just be able snag a preview invite.

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At $49.99 per year, a subscription to Xbox Live Gold isn’t all that bad of a deal — unless you compare it to the newly announced Xbox Live Gold Family Pack. Starting in November, $99.99 a year will give up to four users access to all of the perks that the single user membership offers. You know, great stuff like multiplayer gaming, a Zune Pass, Netflix streaming, video chat and 3,500 live sporting events from ESPN. Hit the jump to check out the press release.

Xbox 360 makes family time, quality time. Only Xbox LIVE delivers a world of games, movies, social entertainment and starting this November, live sports, allowing you to share them with the people you care about, around the world.

This November, the new Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack will offer up to four individual Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for only US$99.99 – the price of two regular Xbox LIVE Gold subscriptions. Now as you prepare for the launch of Kinect for Xbox 360, which makes YOU the controller, consider giving your family premium Gold experience and access to the biggest names in entertainment.

Perfect for families, the Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack will also offer access to additional conveniences and services including the new Family Center, accessible on the Xbox dashboard and Xbox.com for easier family management, access to activity monitoring reports, and the ability to purchase and give Microsoft Points to other Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack members.

An Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack includes:

• Up to four individual Xbox LIVE Gold memberships for the price of two – (US) $99.99.
• Family Center – a single, easy to use, destination for Family Settings and account management, accessible on the Xbox dashboard and on Xbox.com.
• The primary account member has the ability to purchase and dispense Microsoft Points to other Xbox LIVE Gold Family Pack members.
• Activity monitoring reports viewable on Xbox.com to help encourage discussions about safer more balanced gaming and entertainment habits.
• Simplified billing that applies all purchase charges to the primary account holder’s billing account and the ability to authorize purchases, helping to manage the family’s entertainment budget.
• Exclusive family content and discounts.

The industry-leading, built-in Xbox 360 Family Settings are also being taken to the next level this November. It’s Microsoft’s goal to provide parents and caregivers with tools and resources to manage their children’s gaming and entertainment experiences, and these features are available to all Xbox LIVE members:

• Family Programming that removes all mature games, movies, and content from the dashboard, based on ESRB, Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) ratings and the TV Parental Guidelines system. Family Programming is password protected, and easy to turn on and off for each member. (Compatible with international ratings systems.)
• Title exceptions – the ability to allow your family members to play specific games above the console’s designated ESRB rating if you deem appropriate. (Compatible with international ratings systems.)
• Intelligent default settings for child, teen, and adult profiles. Xbox will automatically assign default privacy and activity settings for each member that can later be individually customized.
• Family Settings are displayed prominently in the MyXbox channel. Current tools include the Family Timer, which allows you to control the amount of time – either daily or weekly – your children may use the console.

Whether you want to play your favorite games, stream movies and music from Zune, or watch the latest sporting event together via ESPN on Xbox LIVE, Xbox 360 brings the best family-friendly entertainment straight to your living room.

Eschewing the traditional press release route, Microsoft has quietly gone live with its Kinect product page and has unofficially confirmed a $149.99 price tag for the highly anticipated motion controller. For those keeping track, this initial MSRP agrees with the pricing that has appeared on both Gamestop’s and Walmart’s websites. Though it is not written in stone, interested gamers should plan on the $149 price tag and be pleasantly surprised if Mircosoft lowers it as the launch day nears.

[Via Engadget]

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Did you order yourself an Xbox 360 Slim? Do you have an innate desire to rip that sucker down to the frame once you get it? If so, AnandTech has got an article for you. The hardware analysis website has meticulously disassembled and documented the inner workings of the new Xbox 360 Slim. From power usage while idle and in gameplay to fan noise while idle and seeking, the tear-down and critique in this article is real candy for the gaming geek. It also contains some great spec comparisons between the original Xbox 360 and the its newer, svelter cousin. Hit the read link and check out the full article in all its glory.

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At E3 this afternoon, Microsoft announced that it will be bringing over 3,500 live sporting events a year to the Xbox 360 via a partnership with ESPN. The new alliance will bring ESPN3 content, polls, instant replays, and social data directly to your Xbox gaming rig, complete with Kinect integration; all that is required of you is an Xbox LIVE gold membership and a love of sports.

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Microsoft just finished up officially announcing their newest gaming innovation for the Xbox 360, say hello to Kinect. Kinect is Microsoft’s new “controller-free gaming device” that is “an entirely new way to experience entertainment in the living room.” The system, formally known as Project Natal, works with an array of sensors and cameras to recognize your face as well as hand and body gestures. Kinect can understand audio commands, but more importantly “can perform full-motion tracking of the human body at 30 frames per second.” Kinect is set to launch on November 4th with 15 titles ready to go. Looks good Microsoft!

UPDATE: Looks like Engadget found some pricing info from GameStop, it would appear the price of the Kinect will be $149.99.

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