Pokémon X and Y 1.2 Update Released December 13, 2013

Nintendo has released a second software update to Pokémon X and Pokémon Y.  Dubbed Version 1.2, the update contains all of the fixes in the previous update, as well as several new fixes in the game resolving problems with Wonder Trade, internet connectivity issues, and Pokémon Trainer PR videos.

The fastest way to get these updates would probably be to download them manually at no charge through the Nintendo eShop.  Simply run the Nintendo eShop application from any Wireless Hotspot or Nintendo Zone location and download the 1.2 updates from the Pokémon X and Y section of the eShop.  There is no charge for either update and they are compatible with either the physical retail or digital downloadable versions of the game.  Make sure to download the correct patch for your version of the game as there are separate patches for Pokémon X and Pokémon Y, and if you have both games you will need to download both patches.

You may need to update your Nintendo 3DS to its latest firmware to access the Nintendo eShop.  The 1.2 update is required to play Pokémon X or Pokémon Y online after December 12th.

Pokémon X and Pokémon Y are out now exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS.

Pokémon Bank Release Date December 13, 2013

Before Pokémon X and Pokémon Y launched in October of this year, Nintendo announced during a Pokémon Direct video that a new service called Pokémon Bank would be coming this month.  Pokémon Bank would allow Pokémon players the ability to keep all their collected Pokémon from the current and older Pokémon games safe online.  By keeping them online, it would ensure that the loss or destruction of a handheld device or game cartridge would not destroy a Pokémon Trainer’s Pokémon collection, and make it easier to bring Pokémon collected in earlier games to newer ones.

The Pokémon Company has released this helpful video on how this process will work and when we can expect the service to launch.

Pokémon Bank will activate December 27th, 2013.  The service will cost an annual fee of $4.99 US, but there will be a 30-day trial period for anyone who downloads the program before January 31st, 2014.  You will need to download the Poké Transporter program to your Nintendo 2DS/3DS to transfer any Pokémon captured in the 5th Generation games to Pokémon Bank.

UPDATE:  Due to the issues Nintendo was having with the eShop during Christmas, Nintendo has delayed the launch of Pokémon Bank in North America and has not provided a solid release date for when they plan to launch it.  We will endeavor to keep readers posted when Nintendo announces the service’s new release date.

Mario Warfare Part 5 December 13, 2013

The guys over at Beatdown Boogie have done it again.  The filmamkers who previously made the cult classic Modern War Gear Solid have just released the fifth part of their latest series, Mario Warfare, which casts the Mushroom Kingdom and the two Italian plumber brothers in a completely different light.  Let’s take a look.

Quantum Break VGX Preview December 13, 2013

It’s been a few days since the webcast of the confusing VGX awards show, but now one of the biggest games previewed at that event has finally gotten that preview posted for all to see.  Quantum Break is my highest anticipated Xbox One exclusive game, and developer Remedy was at the VGX this year to deliver this preview.  If you had any questions about how the story or the gameplay of Quantum Break will play out, here is your answer.  Take it away, Sam.

Also announced at the VGX was Remedy’s secret iOS project, which they promise will be a cross between action, strategy and role-playing with a focus on characters and story called Ages of Storm.  That will be coming in early 2014 for the iPhone and iPad.

Quantum Break is coming exclusive to the Xbox One.

Nintendo 3DS Miiverse Update Released December 10, 2013

Without a doubt one of the best features of the Nintendo Wii U is its Social Networking client, Miiverse.  With it, you can post drawings or tweets about all the different Nintendo Wii U games or major properties, and connect with other like-minded Nintendo fans.  Today, Nintendo has brought that service to the Nintendo 3DS for free to all 3DS owners.

Starting today, you can run the Software Update feature on your Nintendo portable device and it will automatically install the Nintendo Miiverse client.  If you already have a Nintendo Network account, you can carry your Miiverse profile over to the Nintendo 3DS

Just be aware, you only have ONE chance to link your Nintendo Network account to your Nintendo 3DS.  If you already own a Wii U, make sure that you link the same account to your 3DS to share funds between the two platforms.  Once you lock a Nintendo Network account to a device it cannot be brought to a different one unless you perform a complete system transfer.  Once you install the new firmware, you may need to perform an update to your StreetPass Mii Plaza as well.

The update is required to access the Nintendo eShop.

Halo: Spartan Assault Xbox One Release Date December 9, 2013

In anticipation of their 343 Day festivities, 343 Industries has announced the release date for the Xbox One version of Halo: Spartan Assault, a downloadable twin sticks action game originally released for Windows 8 PCs and portable devices.  The new downloadable console game takes place between the events of Halo 3 and Halo 4 and includes all the content originally released for the Windows 8 version, including its expansion, but will also feature an entirely new cooperative campaign exclusive to the console versions.

The Xbox One version of the game will cost $14.99 US.  Anyone who already purchased the game on their Windows 8 PC or portable device will be able to buy the console version at a discounted price of $4.99 US.  343 Industries will be streaming new content about the game on their Twitch.TV Channel starting at 1PM PST, along with other Halo content.

Halo: Spartan Assault is coming December 24th, 2013 to the Xbox One.  The Xbox 360 version is expected to come in January 2014.  It is out now for Windows 8 devices.

343 Day Announced December 8, 2013

343 Industries, who now control the Halo franchise, has announced that Monday, December 9th, 2013 will be 343 Day!  To celebrate, they will be doing a live stream on their Twitch.TV channel between 1pm and 4pm PST.  They’re going to kick off the broadcast with the latest information on Halo: Spartan Assault for the Xbox One, which is expected to launch on the Xbox One and Xbox 360 this month.  There are also going to be developer interviews, giveaways, and live gameplay from Halo 4 matches.

Because they’re streaming through Twitch.TV, you should be able to watch it on a wide array of devices including your Smartphone, PC, or Xbox.  You can read all the details about the event here.

Halo: Spartan Assault is coming this month to Xbox 360 and Xbox One.  It is out now for Windows 8 PCs and portable devices.

Destiny Release Date December 7, 2013

Bungie has announced the release date of one of next year’s largest profile multiplatform titles, Destiny.  Very little is known about the game’s larger story, but we do know it will take place in a persistent multiplayer world and you will receive game notifications through the Bungie mobile app.

Anyone who has preordered the game, regardless of the platform they chose to play on, will be granted access to the Destiny beta test next year.  The PS3 and PS4 versions of the beta will launch first in Spring 2014, with the Xbox 360 and Xbox One versions to follow afterwards.  If you preordered the game, make sure to check your preorder receipt for your beta access code.

Destiny is coming September 9th, 2014 to the Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Playstation 4 and Xbox One.

Nintendo Announces 3DS StreetPass Weekend December 6, 2013

Nintendo has just announced that December 14th and 15th (next weekend) will officially be StreetPass Weekend!  Any user with a Nintendo 3DS or 2DS system can bring their handheld to any Nintendo Zone location (usually located in Starbucks, McDonald’s, Barnes and Noble, or AT&T retail stores) and trade StreetPass data with players from other Nintendo Zone locations across North America.  Take a look at the video below to see all the details.

This may be a great opportunity for people who haven’t had the chance to take their portable systems where they could StreetPass with players from other regions.  The 3DS actually keeps track and issues achievements based upon how many players you StreetPass with, and what regions the other players come from.

Nintendo also promises something special may be coming at New Year’s, but didn’t elaborate further on that.  If you’re interested to learn more about our thoughts on Nintendo’s StreetPass feature, you can check out this video.

Playstation 3 Firmware 4.53 Released December 5, 2013

Fire up your PS3 system update, the latest firmware for the Playstation 3 has been released.  Version 4.53 adds a closed-captioning feature for all Blu-Ray Discs which should help out the hard of hearing.  The new update also includes a way to modify the font of the closed captioning text, which could help people having an issue reading the printed text when on the screen.

You can download the firmware update right now through the PS3 System Update feature.  The firmware is currently not required to access the Playstation Network.