Microsoft's Phil Spencer believes the Xbox 360 has more than two years left in it

 
We're sure that there were many gamers who were looking forward to seeing new consoles unveiled by Sony and Microsoft at E3 this year. Unfortunately this was not the case thus leaving many to speculate that these next-gen consoles would instead arrive in 2013. While that remains to be seen as far as Sony's PlayStation console goes, it might not be the case for the Xbox platform. Speaking to the folks at GameSpot, Microsoft Studios head Phil Spencer was quoted as saying, “Right now the Xbox 360 is really healthy and it's doing incredibly well. I think the 360 has a lot more than two years [left]. It has legs for a long time.”

Of course this does not completely rule out a next-gen console. As GameSpot had pointed out, when Sony launched the PlayStation 3 support for the PlayStation 2 remained. However when the Xbox 360 was launched, the original Xbox had been removed, thus suggesting different practices when it came to new hardware. Assuming Microsoft's practices remain the same, this could mean that as far as a next-gen Xbox is concerned, we've got at least two years to go before we finally see it. So what do you guys think?

Skyrim patch 1.6 now live for the Xbox 360

 
Good news Xbox 360 gamers, if you have been looking forward to the Skyrim 1.6 patch, you're in luck as the patch has gone live. It seems to available only for the Xbox 360 at the moment but we expect it to roll out for the PlayStation 3 and the PC in due time. The patch will be bringing a new feature in the form of mounted combat along with a plethora of bug fixes and what not, so if you have yet to update Skyrim on your Xbox 360, fire the game up and you should receiving the notification informing you of the update. Check out the list of bug fixes after the break (taken from the Steam version).

Bug fixes

• General stability and memory optimizations.
• General AI pathfinding optimizations and bug fixes.
• Optimizations and crash fixes for data leaks.
• Fixed rare crash with lighting.
• Fixed crashes related to loading and saving games.
• Fixed crash with summoned creatures/NPCs.
• Fixed rare issue where saves would be corrupted.
• Improved logic for when ranged kill cams are played.
• Fixed issue with ranged kill cams while killing a dragon.
• Fixed rare issue with certain ranged kill cams not playing properly.
• Fixed issue with nirnroot lighting not properly cleaning up.
• Fixed issue where bow damage was being calculated incorrectly.
• Fixed rare problem with werewolf kill moves would not finish animating properly.
• In "The Break of Dawn" fixed rare issue where Meridia's Beacon would disappear from player's inventory.
• Fixed occasional issue where followers would disappear after player pays off a bounty after committing a crime.
• Fixed issue where certain creatures and NPCs would fail to respawn properly.
• Fixed rare issue with dialogue subtitles not displaying properly.
• Fixed issue with water appearing blurry when loading a saved game after creating a save underwater.
• Fixed issue where map cursor would occasionally disappear after closing a message box with Kinect enabled (Xbox 360).
• Fixed rare issue with shouts only performing the first level and not other unlocked levels with Kinect enabled (Xbox 360).
• Fixed issue where the shout buttons would stop working properly if users mashed LB and RB during cooldown with Kinect enabled (Xbox 360).

Microsoft expanding $99 Xbox program to Best Buy, GameStop

$99 Xbox 360 consoles just got a little bit easier to find. Xbox Live programming director Larry “Major Nelson” Hryb said on Tuesday that Microsoft is expanding its pilot program that lets customers pay just $99 for a 4GB Xbox 360 as long as they sign a two-year service agreement to pay $14.99 a month for an Xbox Gold subscription. While the $99 Xbox deal was initially only available in certain Microsoft retail stores, Hryb said it will soon be available in select Best Buy and Game Stop locations as well. Hryb made sure to emphasize that the $99 Xbox deal is still a pilot program and that gamers shouldn't come to expect $99 consoles to become the new norm just yet. “This next phase of the pilot program will be limited in terms of both timing and the number of units available - we're excited to forge new ground and explore a new retail model for Xbox 360, but also want to emphasize that this is a pilot period for the program,” he said. “Call your local Best Buy, GameStop or Microsoft Store if you'd like more information about how and where to purchase.”

PlayStation Vita unboxing + hands-on

The PlayStation Vita will be released in the US market on February 22, but one has landed in our office, and we gave it the unboxing and hands-on treatment.  The packaging is classic, nothing new there, but the PlayStation Vita, or PS Vita, is a beautifully crafted device. In my opinion, it looks more “polished” then the PSP ever was. The device fits rather comfortably in my hands and all the controls fall right under my fingers. I will have to use it for a period of time to see if the first-impression sticks in terms of ergonomics. As you may be aware, there are two memory slots: one for a small card with the permanent user storage, and another one (larger) for games and purchased apps. You may also download most if not all the apps and save a bit of money.The display, which is the main point of focus of the console, has a resolution of 960×544, which is not the highest pixel density out there (far from it), but it looks surprisingly sharp. I think that Sony and the game developers did a good job of getting the best of this screen. I haven't had time to try all the games yet, but so far titles like Wipeout 2048 do have a quality and speed that is beyond most of the smartphone games that I have seen. The responsiveness of the general user interface is also excellent. You can tell that PlayStation developers try to live by the 60FPS rule. Although the PS Vita competes for the same dollars than a smartphone, it clearly doesn't address the same need. Chances are that PS Vita users will also own a smartphone, so can Sony still turn this into a good business? The numbers will tell us, but in the meantime, the productivity at the office just came to a halt. Stay tuned for a complete review! [PS Vita specifications]

Stop Everything You're Doing and Download Zenonia 4 – Now Available In The Android Market

It was almost a month ago to this day that I showed you guys leaked images of Gamevil’s upcoming sequel to one of the best action RPG franchises Android has to offer — Zenonia 4. I think it’s safe to say we were all pretty much floored with what we’ve saw. Well, I have great news for all you Android gamers out there. Zenonia 4 is now officially available in the Android Market. Featuring all new, high-resolution graphics, Zenonia 4 finally brings the franchise into the wonderful world of HD. Have to admit, I almost wept after seeing the bright new visuals on my wonderful SAMOLED Plus display. Can’t say I’ve never been a more proud father, than I am right now. Zenonia 4, which actually launched a few short days ago, has been receiving near perfect reviews from user in the Market despite  being considered a “freemium” title — but it’s freemium done right. Players who wish to enhance their gameplay experience (or cough: cheat) can do say through the use of in-app payments that will yield extra items and upgrades. Keep in mind, unlike most freemium titles, this is by no means necessary to progress along in the game. So, really. Stop everything you’re doing, and get to downloading this shining example of how far gaming has come and where it’s headed on on our Android smartphones.

Minecraft - Pocket Edition updated

Great news Minecraft players on mobile devices, the long-awaited Survival mode for the game is finally here! Mojang has just pushed out a new update for Minecraft - Pocket Edition that introduces a host of brand new features, bringing it one step closer to the desktop version of the game. The most notable addition is Survival mode that introduces other sheep and zombies into the game. Users now get to hunt for food and flee or fight zombies in the game instead of just building structures aimlessly, expect more creatures to be introduced in the future. Other new features include: tons of new blocks, flying in Creative mode, day and night in Survival mode (monsters come at night), the ability to gather resources from nature, and tools for different purposes (digging, attacking, shearing). Minecraft just got a lot more exciting. The update is currently available for Android devices, while the iOS version is awaiting App Store approval. Download it out on the Android Market now (free if you've previously bought the game).

Minecraft Pocket Edition update brings survival mode and more

Minecraft players know that the pocket edition is by no means as fun as the full (PC) game. But if you have been waiting for this game to become a bit more like the desktop version, the update will be to your liking. Version 0.2.0 includes survival mode, adding a little bit of violence and adventure to your building fun. In Survival mode, you will be able to go out and look for materials raise your buildings. Hunting for food and running away from flesh-eating zombies is also part of the new additions. Not to mention the fact that you can now fly in Creativity Mode. Those dying to try out the new features can simply update or purchase the app via the Android Market. The game still goes for $6.99, but you can also check out the free demo if you are willing to give up a substantial portion of the materials, as well as single-player world-saving and multi-player environments.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Second DLC

Activision will launch the second DLC for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. Dubbed as the Overwatch, the DLC features a map called Black Box and two new spec ops missions: Black Ice and Negotiator. Overwatch will be released to Call of Duty Elite Premium members on February 21st, 2012. [Ubergizmo]