iOS 7.1 Released March 10, 2014

A quick notice for Apple Device owners that Apple quietly released iOS 7.1 today to the iPhone and iPad. The new iOS update includes a slew of new features including CarPlay, improved HDR photo settings on iPhone 5s, performance on iPhone 4, and several more bug fixes.

Check your iDevice’s software update feature to see if your device is compatible with iOS 7.1. If you are planning to update your handheld on its own without connecting it to iTunes through your PC or Mac, it is about a 250MB download, depending on your device and how recent its software is. It also requires 2.5GB of free space.

If you’re planning to update the device though iTunes, you must download a 1.5GB update file on your computer, but you will not need 2.5GB of free space on your device. Make sure you have the most recent version of iTunes installed before performing the update.

Twitch.TV Streaming on Xbox One Activated March 10, 2014

I think I may actually be breaking news about this tonight. Xbox One can now natively stream gameplay (with microphone and video commentary from the Kinect) from the new Xbox One Twitch.TV app. This feature was made possible with the recent Xbox One firmware update, but it required an updated Twitch.TV app to enable the feature. Today, that app is now live, and Xbox One owners can start broadcasting their games immediately. Just update your Twitch.TV app on your Xbox One, or download it now from the Xbox Live App Store if you do not yet have it installed.

Here’s a quick rundown of how to stream your gameplay.

All you will need is a free Twitch.TV account to stream your gameplay. You can get one here.

inFAMOUS: Second Son Live Action Trailer March 7, 2014

The highest profile Playstation 4 exclusive title is getting released later on this month.  To commemorate the game’s impending release, this live-action trailer was posted up today.  While it does not feature actual PS4 gameplay, having seen an actual live gameplay preview recently, I can assure you that the awesome move the game’s protagonist does at the end of the trailer is something you will be able to do in the game.

inFAMOUS: Second Son is coming March 21st, 2014 exclusive to the Playstation 4.

Watch Dogs Release Date March 6, 2014

No this isn’t a repost.  After two amazing E3 showings, and a delay of several months, UbiSoft has announced the release date for Watch Dogs, a very ambitious open-world game which allows you to use the urban environment you find yourself in an entirely new way.  If you’re not familiar with the story of Watch Dogs, take a look at this new trailer.

Watch Dogs is coming May 27th, 2014 to the PC, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Playstation 3, and Playstation 4.  A Wii U version is also in development and will be released later.

Xbox One March Multiplayer System Update Live March 5, 2014

The second of two major system updates to the Xbox One’s Operating System is being phased in as I write this.  The latest Xbox One update addresses several problems with the Xbox One’s interface, including the Party System, Friends Lists, and includes several other optimizations and bug fixes.

However, the biggest addition this new update will bring probably won’t get noticed immediatly.  One of the first features that Microsoft showcased for the Xbox One at E3 last year was live game streaming, a feature that was not available in the Xbox One at launch (but is a feature of the Playstation 4).  The System Update will allow game streaming from the Xbox One, and the feature will be available to users as soon as the Xbox One Twitch TV app gets updated some time next week.

Until then, check out this video from Xbox Live’s Major Nelson on all the new features.

Batman: Arkham Knight Announced March 4, 2014

The fourth and final game in the Batman: Arkham series has been announced. Following the events of Batman: Arkham City, this new game puts you back into the shoes of The Dark Knight as he protects the citizens of Gotham from the Scarecrow, Two Face, The Penguin, and Harley Quinn.

That’s right. This time, we get to drive the Batmobile.

Batman: Arkham Knight is coming this year to the PC, Xbox One and Playstation 4.

Quinni-Con 2014 This Weekend February 26, 2014

This is just a reminder for anyone who may be in my neck of the woods, Quinn-Con 2014 will be taking place this weekend, and to celebrate the event, enjoy this promo by the Pokémon ‘Bridged team, who will be returning for their third year at the convention.

Quinni-Con is a free convention hosted by Quinnipiac University.  It focuses mostly on Japanese Culture, Anime, Cosplay and Video Games.

Preregistration is currently closed, but anyone interested in attending can register at the door, and it is completely free of charge.  You can read a full schedule of all the events here.  The event itself is open to all ages, but if you’re over 18, make sure to bring an ID with you when you register to guarantee access to all panels.

Quinni-Con 2014 is hosted at the Quinnipiac University York Hill Campus March 1st and 2nd, 2014.  Hope to see you there!

The Last of Us – Version 1.6 Patch Notes February 13, 2014

In anticipation for the release of the game’s first single player expansion, Naughty Dog is releasing patch 1.6 for The Last of Us at 10 PM PST.  The patch adds required content for the Left Behind expansion including new Trophies as well as several single player and multiplayer bug fixes.  You can read all of the details about what the patch will change right here.

Patch 1.6 is required to play The Last of Us: Left Behind, when it releases tomorrow.

The Last of Us is out now exclusively for the Playstation 3.

Bayonetta 2 – Did You Miss Me? Trailer February 13, 2014

Nintendo premiered the latest trailer for Bayonetta 2 during today’s Nintendo Direct.  The new trailer is fantastic, giving a hint as to the game’s story, a deeper look into Bayonetta’s universe, and all the incredible gameplay the series has made popular.

Bayonetta 2 is coming in 2014 exclusively to the Nintendo Wii U.

Wii U Game Boy Advance Virtual Console Titles Announced February 13, 2014

Nintendo’s Virtual Console service is a major component of their newest consoles.  With one of the biggest back catalogs of any game developer, Nintendo has been able to capitalize on rereleasing some of their greatest titles in the past twenty years by offering them for sale through digital download.  I have to admit, the fact that the Nintendo Wii gave me the chance to finally replay games like Super Mario Bros or Starfox 64 was a huge selling point, and that tradition continues with the Wii U and 3DS platforms.

When the Wii U Virtual Console was first announced early last year, Nintendo stated that the Wii U would be able to offer games from the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) , Super Nintendo (SNES), and Game Boy Advance (GBA) libraries through the service.  However, up to this point, Nintendo has not offered any Game Boy Advance games through the Wii U’s Virtual Console, and instead have been focusing on rereleasing NES and SNES games.

Today, Nintendo officially announced that starting this April they will be offering GBA exclusive titles on the Wii U Virtual Console.  Two titles that were specifically mentioned were two major platform hits I’ve been wanting to play for quite a long time, Metroid Fusion and Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga.

Nintendo also mentioned that more titles were in development.  Nintendo has not yet announced a specific release date or price point for these games, but we can expect it at a later time.  Currently, Virtual Console titles range between five and ten US dollars.

This is fantastic news, Nintendo, now please begin porting Pokémon Emerald.