Halo: The Master Chief Collection Matchmaking Content Update Delayed November 18, 2014

Since its release, Halo: The Master Chief Collection players have been exposed to a multitude of problems with the game, and most of them revolve around multiplayer matchmaking. 343 and Microsoft have been working on patching the game servers to improve performance non-stop since the game shipped but there is still a lot of work that needs to be done. I’ve personally heard of cases of users waiting in matchmaking for as long as 30 minutes to play a multiplayer game even after all of the recent server updates.

There was a new content update planned for release on Wednesday (11/19) which would have specifically addressed matchmaking problems in the game, but that patch has been delayed as more fixes are being added to the next update. If you want to read all the details about it, you can check it out here. Sadly, we don’t have a release date for the update, so there is no way to know how much longer matchmaking issues will continue.

Halo: The Master Chief Collection is out now exclusively on the Xbox One.

iOS 8.1.1 Released November 17, 2014

iPhone, iPad and Apple TV owners running iOS 8.1 should take a quick look at the Software Update section on their device’s Settings menu. Apple has just released a small system update to their array of personal digital devices, and you can download it right now.

The new update, iOS 8.1.1, lists some very non specific stability improvements, but does specifically mention performance improvements with iPhone 4s and iPad 2 devices.

On the iPhone 5s, the update was about 68MB in size and required 1.6GB of free space to install. If you lack the free space to install the update, you can always connect your device to a computer with iTunes installed and install it that way.

Pokémon Trading Card Game Re-Released on 3DS November 14, 2014

Nintendo has just announced that the much beloved Game Boy Color version of the Pokémon: Trading Card Game has gotten a digital re-release on the Nintendo 3DS through the Nintendo Virtual Console service.

How does the game look? Exactly as you remember. Here’s the official trailer.

While many fans of this game are still lamenting the fact that its sequel never was released in the West, the fact that Nintendo is rereleasing this title is certainly a good sign. Hopefully this won’t be the last Pokémon Game Boy title released on the 3DS Virtual Console, as there is plenty of room for Pokémon Red, Pokémon Blue, Pokémon Yellow, and all of the 2nd Generation titles released for Game Boy Color on my 3DS’s upgraded SD Card.

Pokémon Trading Card Game can be purchased right now from the Virtual Console menu on the Nintendo eShop. It is exclusive to the Nintendo 3DS/2DS.

D4 Patch 1.1 Released, All DLC Re-Released for Two Weeks November 14, 2014

An enormous patch for the Xbox One exclusive adventure game D4 was released earlier this week. The new patch, weighing in at over 8 GB, adds new balance changes and bug fixes to the game.

The changes mentioned in the 1.1 patch include a reduction in the stamina burn rate during dives, and more food options during dives. The developers also tweaked some of the more frustrating control moments, and adjusted controller input for actions like “follow the circle” and “rapid moving thumbstick” moments.

Kinect commands have also been improved for players interested in using the Kinect to play the game. The patch notes mention the developers improved lock-on skeletal tracking and hand state accuracy. Kinect inputs should be faster and more reliable now. You can now also tell your Xbox One to simply “Go to D4” when you want to play the game if you have a Kinect installed.

Oh and for the next two weeks, the game developers have decided to re-release all of the game’s exclusive downloadable content, including exclusive clothing items and beard styles you otherwise won’t be able to unlock in the game. There is a lot of DLC to download, and the content will only be up for two weeks so get it now. All the content is still free, so players have no reason not to download it!

D4 is out now exclusively on Xbox One.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Delta Episode Trailer November 13, 2014

The Pokémon Company has just officially released the latest trailer for their upcoming Generation 3 remakes, Alpha Sapphire and Omega Ruby today. The new trailer showcases not only all of the Legendary Pokémon the games will include, but also give a first look at the Delta Episode.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire will be released November 21st, 2014 exclusively on the Nintendo 3DS and 2DS.

PS4 System Software Update 2.02 Released November 11, 2014

A required system update has just been released for the Playstation 4 in the form of System Software Update 2.02. Sony was unspecific about the changes in the update’s patch log, merely mentioning the update improves system stability, but many players expect that this update addresses system issues brought to the PS4 with version 2.00.

You must download and install the update to continue using the Playstation Network.

Halo 5 Multiplayer Beta Behind the Scenes Preview November 11, 2014

Last night, Microsoft gave Halo fans a very long look at Halo 5‘s upcoming multiplayer beta test during their Halofest 2014 broadcast last night.

A lot has been added to this game’s multiplayer and the developers at 343 Industries break down all the new features and balance tweaks they’re adding. For example, Sprint is back but your shields will no longer charge while sprinting.

There’s a lot more to see. If you want to take a look for yourselves at all the changes, as well as get an early look at some of the new maps, check out this video.

If you’re like me and you missed the Halofest broadcast last night (because you were out waiting in line for your copy of the game) the show is currently being rebroadcast in the Xbox Live Events Viewer app, which you can download on either the Xbox 360 or Xbox One.

Halo 5: Guardians is coming exclusively to the Xbox One. The multiplayer beta test is expected to start December 29, 2014 for owners of Halo: The Master Chief Collection.

Halo Channel Live on Xbox One November 10, 2014

Just a few hours before the official launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection in North America, Microsoft and 343 Industries launched the Halo Channel on Xbox One.

The 45MB download is designed to augment your Halo experience, by giving access to exclusive video content like Halo: Nightfall, streams of Halo E-Sport events, and more. The Xbox One is now truly a Halo Delivery System.

Halo Channel is out now free of charge on Xbox One. It is expected to come to Windows 8/8.1 compliant SmartPhones and Tablets soon.