Microsoft Kinect Launches at $149 July 20, 2010

The price for the highly anticipated Xbox 360 peripheral, the Microsoft Kinect has been announced, and it’s $149 US.

Formally known as Project Natal and first premiered at E3 2009, the Kinect is a motion capture camera peripheral, allowing players full body motion capture for gaming input, increasing the functionality of the Xbox 360.

The price is 50 dollars higher than the Playstation Move controller bundle of the Move Controller and Playstation Eye Toy, but gaming reviewers seem to forget that the second part of the Move controller (similar to the Wii’s nunchuck) is an extra 25.

Microsoft Kinect is coming November 4th, 2010.  15 launch titles will come out with the peripheral.  It is only compatable with the Xbox 360.

Rock Band 3 Preorder Incentives Announced July 20, 2010

Harmonix has announced that several retailers are offering goodies to people who preorder Rock Band 3.

GameStop Pre-order* Opportunity:
GameStop shoppers who reserve Rock Band 3 for PlayStation 3 or Xbox 360 in advance receive three downloadable Rock Band songs at launch:

• Burning Down the House by Talking Heads
• My Own Summer by Deftones
• Blue Monday by New Order

Amazon Pre-order* Opportunity:
Amazon shoppers who reserve Rock Band 3 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii in advance will receive access to an exclusive in-game guitar. Additionally, for a limited time only, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 owners who pre-order Rock Band 3 in advance on Amazon will receive $10 off a future videogame purchase.

Wal-Mart Pre-order* Opportunity:
Walmart.com shoppers who reserve Rock Band 3 for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Wii in advance will receive a $10 eGift card for a limited time.

Rock Band 3 has really impressed me with all the new gameplay possibilities that it offers, including the keyboard instrument, multi-person vocals, and the pro mode.  By evolving the gameplay with every release they’re really offering their players a lot of incentive to buy the game at full retail price opposed to offering a song pack as DLC.

Rock Band 3 is coming for Xbox 360, PS3 and Wii October 26th, 2010.

DC Universe Online Taking Beta Testers July 20, 2010

Sony Online Entertainment is taking beta testers for the highly anticipated DC Universe Online, where you will be able to fight alongside the superheros of the DC Universe against supervillians and other rogues.

Beta tests are being accepted for both the PS3 and PC version of the game.  You can sign up for the beta here.

The PC version will also get a Collector’s Edition, featuring issue #0 of DC Universe Online: Legends comic book.