PAX Prime weekend (and how you can win a Halo Console)

As we head into PAX Prime this weekend in Seattle, I’d like to point out some things to add to your long TO DO list. We’ve got a whole team of people headed to to the event and we have so much stuff for you to see, we needed four booths show it all off:

Booth 412 (in the same area as the Xbox booth from last year) we’ll have Halo: Reach, Fable III and Gears of War 3.

Booth 670  We’ll be showing off new tiles for Xbox LIVE Arcade, Games for Windows and Windows Phone 7

Booth 682  Stop by and try out Kinect. We’ll have Kinect Adventures, Kinect Joyride, Kinect Sports and more

Booth 822  Halo: Reach

While you are planning what sessions to attend over the three-days, allow me to shamelessly plug one that has the potential be slightly entertaining: Join me, e, lollip0p and Stepto Sunday morning at 10:30am as we record the show live in front of a studio audience at the luxurious Benaroya Hall. I know it’s an early session, but we’ll try to make it worth your while; in addition to being able to observe the dysfunction for yourself, we have some cool prizes to give away including a few of the just announced controllers and one lucky attendee will walk away with the very first Xbox 360 Limited Edition Halo: Reach Console.

See you this weekend!

Edit: Let us know if you plan on joining us

Crackdown 2: Toy Box

Content: Free Toy Box Pack Preview
Price: Free
Availability: Not available in Germany
Dash Text: Get a taste of the Crackdown 2 Premium Toy Box Pack with this free preview! Wreak havoc with Vehicle Tag and an expanded Keys to the City mode and play co-op with players who have purchased the Premium version. Upgrade to the Premium Toy Box Pack to unlock extra toys and treasures, including the Squad Chopper, Suit Thrusters, new Agent armor colors, and Vehicle Tag, just to name a few.

Add the free preview to your Xbox 360 download queue

Content: Premium Toy Box Pack 
Price: 560 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Germany
Dash Text: Expand Crackdown 2 with the Toy Box Pack! It's bursting at the seams with extra toys and treasures, including an expanded Keys to the City mode, the ATV Assault Vehicle, the Squad Chopper, Suit Thrusters, new Agent armor colors, and a Vehicle Tag game, just to name a few. The Toy Box Pack is packed so full it would take a Level 5 Agent to hold it closed!

Purchase the Premium Toy Box Pack and add it to your Xbox 360 download queue

You’ll need the full version of the game to use this game add-on

New Xbox 360 Wireless controller featuring a transforming D-Pad

We’ve just made the Xbox 360 Wireless controller even better with a brand new version that includes a transforming D-pad.  The engineers have come up with an ingenious solution with a d-pad that can go from a plus to a disc with the twist of the wrist.

From this:	To this instantly:

Here is a video that shows how it work:

In addition to the new d-pad, the matte silver controller also features concave analog sticks and gray A,B,X,Y buttons for added style. 

The controller will only be available with the new Play & Charge Kit that will launch on November 9th for US $64.99.

More photos on my flickr

If you are headed to PAX Prime this weekend in Seattle, drop by the recording of my LIVE Podcast on Sunday where I’ll have a few of these controllers to give away for free.

Edit: It’s now up on Xbox.com

Update: The Play & Charge Kit is now available for pre-order

Coming soon to the Xbox LIVE Marketplace

Here is a list of upcoming content scheduled for the Xbox LIVE Marketplace*

Please see the blog post I’ll make for each of these for pricing and/or regional availability.

Dead Rising 2: Case Zero (400 Points) is now available exclusively on Xbox LIVE and Games for Windows LIVE. Any status and items you earn in Case Zero will carry over to the full game of Dead Rising 2 when it releases next month.

This year’s Summer of Arcade may be over, but you still have time to reap some rewards. Purchase all five featured titles before August 31, 2010 11:59pm EST and receive 1200 Microsoft Points for free! Or, purchase at least three Summer of Arcade games and receive 400 Microsoft Points. Details here.

It’s time for some Fall fun with The Game Feast. Starting September 29 through October 20 we’ve got a solid line up of XBLA games:

September 29: Hydrophobia, 1200 Microsoft Points

October 6: Comic Jumper, 1200 Microsoft Points

October 13: Pinball FX 2, Tables purchased individually, free import from original Pinball FX

October 20: Super Meat Boy, Pricing TBD

From September 17 (12pm ET / 9am PT/1600 GMT) through September 20 (12pm ET /9am PT/1600 GMT) Xbox LIVE Silver members can take advantage of industry-leading multiplayer, not to mention exclusive access to movies, TV shows, music and friends via Netflix, Last.fm, Facebook and more. These Gold-only features will be available all weekend long for the whole Xbox LIVE community.

Xbox LIVE Arcade:

September 8: Plants vs. Zombies, 1200 Microsoft Points

September 8: Dance! It’s your Stage, 800 Microsoft Points

September 15: Sonic Adventure, 800 Microsoft Points

Xbox LIVE Deal of the Week** :

Week of September 5th: Select Resident Evil content

Week of September 13:

BUST-A-MOVE Live!, 400 Microsoft Points

Gyromancer, 800 Microsoft Points

Tower Bloxx Deluxe,  400 Microsoft Points

Puzzle Chronicles, 400 Microsoft Points

**Special pricing available for Xbox LIVE Gold Members

Xbox Game Add-Ons

September 2: Crackdown 2 Toy Box available at no cost to Crackdown 2 owners; 560 Microsoft Points for additional content and available worldwide

September 7: Mass Effect 2 Lair of the Shadow Broker , 800 Microsoft Points

September 7: Dragon Age: Origins Witch Hunt , 560 Microsoft Points

September 7: Rock Band Snoop Dog 8 Single Tracks, 160 Microsoft Points for each track and available worldwide

*Current schedule. Subject to change. All content may not be available in all Xbox LIVE regions.

Demo: VANQUISH

Content: VANQUISH OFFICIAL DEMO – VELOCITY ATTACK
Price: Free
Availability: Not available Korea and Germany
Dash Text: Boost into the ultra-fast and frenetic third-person-action-shooter, Vanquish. Boost from cover point to cover point blasting robot enemies with your transforming weapon pod. Use the high-tech Augmented Reaction Suit to amplify your senses to a critical state and get the drop on your opponents, thrashing before they ever knew what hit them. If enemies get too close, punch, kick and pummel them into scrap. See what the "action" in third-person-action-shooter is really all about. VANQUISH OFFICIAL DEMO - VELOCITY ATTACK is set in the landing bay of the Providence Space Colony in a desperate fight to gain control of the facility. But the enemy has more in store as the massive Argus robot emerges to dominate the battlefield.

Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

Like the demo? Purchase the full game

DEAD RISING 2: CASE ZERO

Get a head start on Dead Rising 2 when it releases next month

Content: DEAD RISING 2: CASE ZERO
Price: 400 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Germany, Japan and Korea 
Dash Text: Get a taste of what Dead Rising 2 has to offer in this full-featured prologue! Chuck Greene and his daughter Katey have barely escaped the Las Vegas zombie outbreak with their lives. They arrive in the lonely desert town of Still Creek looking for some rest, but unfortunately there is no rest to be had as this sleepy town has become overrun with zombies. Chuck must kill zombies, rescue survivors and escape from the zombie nightmare that is Still Creek before time runs out. Any PP, clothing, and Combo Cards gained in CASE ZERO will carry over into your Dead Rising 2 game! There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Purchase DEAD RISING 2: CASE ZERO and add it to your Xbox 360 download queue

BioShock 2 Game Add-on: Minerva's Den

Content: Minerva's Den
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: Minerva's Den offers a brand-new, self-contained BioShock story, presenting a side of Rapture you've never seen before. Seek out the tools you'll need to unlock new goals and spaces in the order you choose. Face Rapture's full range of opposition as you increase in power---a new challenge is always right around the corner. Expand your combat abilities with the experimental Ion Laser and chaotic Gravity Well Plasmid, unique to Minerva's Den. Face off against the new Lancer Big Daddy, the most advanced Protector that Rapture ever produced. Explore every shadowy corner of Minerva's Den, unraveling the mysterious past of The Thinker's inventor, and the dark secrets hidden within the unfeeling, omniscient machine he created. There are no refunds for this item.

Purchase this Game Add-on and add it to your Xbox 360 download queue

You’ll need the full version of this game to use this content

Price change for Xbox LIVE Gold subscription

I wanted to let you know that as of November 1, 2010 we are increasing the price of an Xbox LIVE for some members. This price increase only affects Xbox LIVE Members in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom or the United States.

Unless listed above, there is no change in any other subscription packages.

Since launching Xbox LIVE in 2002 we have continually added more content and entertainment experiences for our members, while keeping the price the same. We’re confident that when the new pricing takes effect, an Xbox LIVE Gold membership will continue to offer the best value in the industry.

However, we do want to thank our loyal members and give you the opportunity to lock in your current price with an additional discount, so now would be a good time to renew your subscription.

Again, the only subscription packages impacted are those mentioned above. For instance, the 12m UK Price? Not affected since it is not mentioned above.

Edit: You can sign in and hit this page on Xbox.com to find out when your Xbox LIVE subscription expires.

This weeks Deal of the Week theme: Aliens

The following content has been specially priced for Xbox LIVE gold members until September 6, 2010:

Zeno Clash Ultimate Edition, 800 Microsoft Points

Aliens vs Predator Swarm Map Pack , 400 Microsoft Points
Alien Breed Episode 1, 400 Microsoft points

Galaga Legions, 400 Microsoft Points

Show 367: Getting ready for PAX Prime 2010

Host: Larry Hryb, Xbox LIVE’s Major Nelson (Xbox LIVE ) (Twitter)  
Co-host : e (Xbox LIVE ) (Twitter)  
Co-host : lollip0p (Xbox LIVE) (Twitter)
Co-Host: Stepto (Xbox LIVE) (Twitter)

Confirmed: We’re going to record the show live in front of a studio audience at PAX Prime

Interview: Jacob Benton and Jeremy Patenaude, Halo Tweetup at PAX (36:27 – 44:41)

What are we playing ?

Your last chance to WIN BIG with Name the Game

Xbox 101 gadget talk and much more

Note: I’ve added the above show notes to the ID3 Lyrics data field. Check your device if this is supported

Links to some of the things mentioned in this episode:

http://www.paxsite.com/paxprime/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benaroya_Hall

Sid Meier's Civilization V

http://civilization5.com/

http://www.ageofempiresonline.com/beta/

http://ardrone.parrot.com/parrot-ar-drone/en
http://vimeo.com/14496610

Crackdown 2 - Toy Box Game Add-On

Show Details: 

Subscribe:
Subscribe directly using your preferred podcasting tool:

Or, copy and paste this URL into a podcasting tool: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MajorNelsonblogcast
 
Listen now:

Click the player below to stream this show to your browser and listen to the show: 

Download Latest Episode->  Download the latest episode to your computer or preferred device

Note: This show was produced using new audio processing techniques to even all of the levels out. That means it should make it easier to hear all of our voices. Let me know in the comments what you think.

Deal of the Week: Select BioShock 2 content

Xbox LIVE Gold members can save on the following BioShock 2 content until August 22nd:

BioShock 2 Rapture Metro, 400 Microsoft Points

BioShock 2 Sinclair Solutions Tester Pack, 240 Microsoft

BioShock Rosie Big Daddy Outfit 240 Microsoft Points (Male) (Female)

BioShock Watchface Big Daddy Doll, 160 Microsoft Points

Demo: NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja STORM 2

Content: NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja STORM 2 Demo
Price: Free
Availability: All Xbox LIVE Regions
Dash Text: The NARUTO Ultimate Ninja series has sold over 6.5 million copies worldwide. We present a demo for the latest game in this hit series, NARUTO Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 2. Our concept is to combine video games and animation. The previous title in the series stretched the limited animation style popularized by Japanese anime to its limits. This game stretches it even further, successfully establishing a new standard in real-time CG animation. It's a cinemagraphic experience like none other, in which the player finds themselves controlling the action in an anime all their own. This demo includes the entire boss battle with Kakashi. We hope players will enjoy it.

Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

Like the demo? Pre-order the full game

Arcade: SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD: THE GAME and Shank

Content: SCOTT PILGRIM VS. THE WORLD: THE GAME
Price: 800 Microsoft Points
Availability: All Xbox LIVE Regions
Dash Text: SCOTT PILGRIM is the ROCK-N-ROLL ACTION LOVE-STORY for the 8-BIT GENERATION. Scott Pilgrim is a lovable loser and the best fighter in the province. He is in love with Ramona Flowers. But she has baggage! To get the girl, Scott must defeat the League of Ramona’s evil exes. Be prepared for some serious action... - Team-up with up to 3 of your friends as SCOTT, RAMONA, STEPHEN and KIM, each with their own signature moves and attacks. - 8-BIT animations by the world-famous Pixel Artist PAUL ROBERTSON. - More than 30 original music tracks by chiptune heroes ANAMANAGUCHI. - Unlock secret modes - Collect up to 12 achievements and 200 gamescore. There are no refunds for this item. For more information, see www.xbox.com/live/accounts.

Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

Content: Shank
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points
Availability: Not available in Japan
Dash Text: Shank is a 2D cinematic brawler inspired by classic beat 'em ups and graphic novels. Embark on a tale of revenge using chainsaws, dual pistols, knives and more. Play in the storymode or cooperatively with a friend in the backstory!

Add the free demo to your Xbox 360 download queue

Crackdown 2 - Toy Box Game Add-On

Finished up Crackdown 2 and are looking for something else to do in Pacific City? Wait no more. This morning we announced the Toy Box game add-on. Two new vehicles, five new toys, 10 new achievements and much more for 560 points. Once I find out the release date, I’ll let you know. Until then, full details are in the press release.

This week on Arcade: Scott Pilgrim and Shank

Look for Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game and Shank this Wednesday.

Show 366: Shank, Summer of Arcade ends and more

Host: Larry Hryb, Xbox LIVE’s Major Nelson (Xbox LIVE ) (Twitter)  
Co-host : lollip0p (Xbox LIVE) (Twitter)
Co-Host: Stepto (Xbox LIVE) (Twitter)

Interview: Jaime Cheng, Shank (17:26 - 22:29)

WIN BIG with this weeks Name the Game

Xbox 101
Gadget talk and more

Note: I’ve added the above show notes to the ID3 Lyrics data field. Check your device if this is supported

Links to some of the things mentioned in this episode:

Starcraft II: Wings of Liberty

http://www.xbox.com/games/l/laracroftgolxbla/

http://www.xbox.com/games/s/shankxbla/

http://www.xbox.com/games/s/scottpilgrimvtwxbla/

Win this arcade cabinet on this weeks Name The Game

Show Details: 

Subscribe:
Subscribe directly using your preferred podcasting tool:

Or, copy and paste this URL into a podcasting tool: http://feeds.feedburner.com/MajorNelsonblogcast
 
Listen now:

Click the player below to stream this show to your browser and listen to the show: 

Download Latest Episode->  Download the latest episode to your computer or preferred device

Note: This show was produced using new audio processing techniques to even all of the levels out. That means it should make it easier to hear all of our voices. Let me know in the comments what you think.