Wii U Firmware 5.00 Released June 3, 2014

Just a week after the release of Mario Kart 8, Nintendo has released a major system update to the Wii U. Firmware 5.00 includes multiple system improvements including a faster boot option, a standby option which can send notifications to the Wii U gamepad even when the system is off, and other bug fixes and optimizations.

The Wii U will download the update automatically the next time it is turned on. It will notify you to perform the update upon completion. If you prefer to do the update manually, you can also update the Wii U from the System Settings menu.

PS4 Firmware 1.71 Released June 3, 2014

Sony has just released a required update for the PS4 in the form of firmware 1.71. Sony’s release notes mention that the update adds no new features but improves the system stability during certain tasks.

Could this update be in response to the PS4 corruption error that put my PS4 in the shop for almost a month? Post a comment with your thoughts.

Firmware 1.71 is required to connect to PSN.

Dark Souls Free Through Games With Gold June 2, 2014

The Xbox 360 version of the cult classic game Dark Souls has been made free of charge to all current Xbox Live Gold members thanks to Microsoft’s Games With Gold promotion.

Dark Souls will continue to be available to download for free to Xbox Live Gold members on the Xbox 360 until June 16th. After the Dark Souls promotion expires, Charlie Murder and Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition will be made free until the end of the month.

Just remember, as long as you download this game during the period it is free, your ownership of this game will not expire even if your Xbox Live Gold account expires. However, Microsoft has recently announced that when they bring this promotion to the Xbox One, you will lose access to any Xbox One games you download through Games With Gold.

The initial titles coming to the Xbox One’s Games With Gold promotion are expected to be Max: The Curse of Brotherhood and Halo: Spartan Assault.

Quantum Break Gameplay Video May 29, 2014

There is no game for the Xbox One that I’m anticipating more than Remedy’s Quantum Break. Developed by the creators of Alan Wake and Max Payne, it was the first game Microsoft announced for the console.

Today, Remedy has released this new teaser trailer for Quantum Break with the promise that more footage will get released this summer at GamesCom. If you had any reservations about the power of the Xbox One, give this a look.

Quantum Break is coming in 2015 exclusively to the Xbox One.

Watch Dogs Companion App Released, Uplay Down May 27, 2014

As promised, UbiSoft released the official smartphone companion app for their hit game Watch_Dogs on the day of the game’s official release.  The app, as originally detailed, allows you a deeper level of connectivity with the game, allowing you to manipulate the game in real time.  With the app, you can keep track of your friends from your mobile phone, unlock more abilities for yourself in-game, and do a whole lot more.

The Watch Dogs app can work from any internet connection, so you can play from either a cellular connection or through your home WiFi.  The app works by connecting you through your Ubisoft Uplay account.  Your game console or PC must be connected to the internet in order to use the app.

Sadly, when I attempted to use the app just before posting this news, I was unable to log in.  I believe that Ubisoft is having some issues with Uplay this morning, and without a stable Uplay connection, you won’t be able to use the app.  I will continue to monitor Uplay through the day and will keep you guys updated when the service is restored.

iPhone users can download the Compaion App right now through Apple’s App Store.  It weighs in at around 45 MB in size.  It should also be out for Android phones as well.  The download is completely free of charge.

Watch Dogs is out now for the PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One.  A Wii U version will be coming later this year.

UPDATE: At around 5:45pm EST the Uplay login servers have started to allow connections. However, players are still being randomly disconnected from the service. Because of this there are still some players having issues playing the game on PC.

Watch Dogs Launches Tonight at Midnight May 26, 2014

When it was first announced at UbiSoft’s E3 Press Conference during E3 2012, Watch_Dogs was the biggest surprise of the show.

Tonight, GameStop has announced that many of their stores across the country will be opening tonight at midnight to sell the game to any players who have preordered the game at the store.

You can see which GameStop locations are participating in this promotion here.

If you’re still on the fence about picking the game up, check out the game’s official launch trailer.

Watch_Dogs is launching tonight at midnight for the PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 and Xbox One. The Wii U version is coming later this year. Sony has announced the Playstation versions of the game will have some exclusive content.

The Wolf Among Us Episode 4 Launch Trailer and Release Date May 22, 2014

Telltale Games released the official launch trailer for the penultimate episode in their five part episodic adventure series, The Wolf Among Us.  If you haven’t played through episodes 1-3 yet, don’t watch this, there will be spoilers for some of the earlier episodes.  If you’re like me and have been playing the episodes as soon as they’ve been released, give it a watch!

The Wolf Among Us Episode 4 is coming May 27th, 2014 to the PC and PS3s in North America.  It is coming May 28th, 2014 to Xbox 360 Worldwide and May 29th, 2014 to iOS.

First Gameplay Footage From Batman: Arkham Knight May 21, 2014

WB Games and Rocksteady have officially released the first official trailer for Batman: Arkham Knight made entirely from in-game footage.  You’re going to have to see it to believe it.

Batman: Arkham Knight is coming to the Xbox One and Playstation 4.  Exclusive content featuring a playable Harley Quinn will be available to anyone who preorders the game from participating retailers.

Playstation Now Beta Signups May 19, 2014

Sony has announced that they plan to start the Beta Test for their Playstation Now service tomorrow.  The Playstation Now service, first announced alongside the Playstation 4 and detailed in depth at this year’s CES, allows gamers to play earlier generation Playstation games through an online streaming service without any need for a console.  It can be integrated into all currently operational Playstation platforms (including the Vita), tablets, smartphones, and the next generation Bravia HDTV.

If you are interested in participating in the beta, Sony is accepting beta signups here.