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In anticipation for what has been touted as "the biggest entertainment launch of all time", Activision and Microsoft today unveiled a global Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 limited-edition console to get gamers excited about the upcoming Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
The 250GB Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Limited Edition
Beginning with the game's worldwide release on November 10, fans of the franchise can arm themselves with the limited-edition Xbox 360, which will feature a custom black case design inspired by the game, a 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, an Xbox 360 headset, and a standard-edition copy of the Modern Warfare 2 game. The announcement comes just as an increasing number of rumors point to Sony readying a 250GB PlayStation 3.
The Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 limited-edition console will be sold in Europe, the Middle East, the UK, the US, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand and will retail in the US for US$399 and in Australia for A$599. In the UK, the console will retail exclusively in Game and Gamestation stores. Also, the first two Modern Warfare 2 maps to be released will be available first on Xbox Live.
The 250GB Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 Limited Edition
Beginning with the game's worldwide release on November 10, fans of the franchise can arm themselves with the limited-edition Xbox 360, which will feature a custom black case design inspired by the game, a 250GB hard drive, two wireless controllers, an Xbox 360 headset, and a standard-edition copy of the Modern Warfare 2 game. The announcement comes just as an increasing number of rumors point to Sony readying a 250GB PlayStation 3.
The Xbox 360 Modern Warfare 2 limited-edition console will be sold in Europe, the Middle East, the UK, the US, Canada, Mexico, Colombia, Chile, Australia, and New Zealand and will retail in the US for US$399 and in Australia for A$599. In the UK, the console will retail exclusively in Game and Gamestation stores. Also, the first two Modern Warfare 2 maps to be released will be available first on Xbox Live.
Nicely played on Microsoft's part.
That rumor of the 250GB PS3 Slim (also from Gamespot)
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Source: See below.
What we heard: Speculation is mounting that Sony will soon reveal the 250GB PlayStation 3 it secretly tested with the Federal Communications Commission earlier this year. Reports out of Europe have said that, besides a potential DVR "movie" package, the super-sized console will also be bundled with one of several games: Gran Turismo 5 Assassin's Creed II, FIFA 10, and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
Now, tech blog Engadget has published an image purportedly of the 250GB PS3 Uncharted 2 bundle, sans price. Besides looking convincing, the image bears the imprint of a T for Teen rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, which only rates games for release in the US and Canada. If authentic, the art would be the first indicator since the original FCC filing that the 250GB PS3 will be released in North America.
The official story: Sony Computer Entertainment America did not return requests for comment.
Bogus or not bogus?: While anything's possible with PhotoShop, the packaging looks legit, with screens from the game on the side and the logos in all the appropriate places. So if it's a fake, it's a well-crafted fake.
However, if the box is real, it begs the question--when will Sony unveil the 250GB Uncharted 2 bundle? Though Uncharted 2 doesn't come out until October 13, the most likely occasion is at next week's Tokyo Game Show, where Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai will give a keynote tentatively titled "Sony Computer Entertainment 2009 Strategy". GameSpot will be live-blogging the event, which begins at 10:30 a.m. on September 24 Tokyo Time and 6:30pm September 23 Pacific Daylight Time (US).
What we heard: Speculation is mounting that Sony will soon reveal the 250GB PlayStation 3 it secretly tested with the Federal Communications Commission earlier this year. Reports out of Europe have said that, besides a potential DVR "movie" package, the super-sized console will also be bundled with one of several games: Gran Turismo 5 Assassin's Creed II, FIFA 10, and Uncharted 2: Among Thieves.
Now, tech blog Engadget has published an image purportedly of the 250GB PS3 Uncharted 2 bundle, sans price. Besides looking convincing, the image bears the imprint of a T for Teen rating from the Entertainment Software Ratings Board, which only rates games for release in the US and Canada. If authentic, the art would be the first indicator since the original FCC filing that the 250GB PS3 will be released in North America.
The official story: Sony Computer Entertainment America did not return requests for comment.
Bogus or not bogus?: While anything's possible with PhotoShop, the packaging looks legit, with screens from the game on the side and the logos in all the appropriate places. So if it's a fake, it's a well-crafted fake.
However, if the box is real, it begs the question--when will Sony unveil the 250GB Uncharted 2 bundle? Though Uncharted 2 doesn't come out until October 13, the most likely occasion is at next week's Tokyo Game Show, where Sony Computer Entertainment CEO Kaz Hirai will give a keynote tentatively titled "Sony Computer Entertainment 2009 Strategy". GameSpot will be live-blogging the event, which begins at 10:30 a.m. on September 24 Tokyo Time and 6:30pm September 23 Pacific Daylight Time (US).
Even better played. If this doesn't turn out to be bogus, it's a lot smarter than what Microsoft is doing, imo. Keep the bundles exclusive.
Can't wait until TGS now.
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Source: British trade mag MCV.
What we heard: Last month, federal documents surfaced that revealed Sony had tested a 250GB version of the PlayStation 3 Slim. This month, reports out of Europe have indicated that the supersized console could go on sale as early as October via a variety of game bundles costing £299.99 ($500) or €350 ($510).
Now, yet another report from across the Atlantic is claiming to known exactly why Sony would put out a PS3 with over twice the memory of the 120GB Slim so close to the latter's launch. Citing sources at a "leading entertainment retailer," MCV claims that the 250GB PS3 will be unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show (Sept. 24-27). Furthermore, one configuration of the 250GB console is reportedly already being referred to as a "movie bundle" internally and will come with a Blu-ray movie and Bluetooth remote control.
The magazine then adds some of its own speculation, saying the bundle might "possibly [have] Sony's PlayTV attachment which turns [the] PS3 into a fully-functional Freeview TV recorder." (Emphasis added.) Available only in the EU, the PlayTV peripheral attaches a tuner to the PS3 and installs software that adds TiVo-like digital video recording (DVR) functionality to the console.
The official story: "We've never announced a 250GB PS3, so there is nothing I can say about this rumour." -- Sony Europe rep.
Bogus or not bogus?: While too thin for a firm call, a 250GB PS3 would have the exact same memory capacity HD TiVos currently come with. Another factor to consider is Sony's proclivity for experimenting with multimedia technology like PlayTV in the UK--while leaving other territories high and dry.
What we heard: Last month, federal documents surfaced that revealed Sony had tested a 250GB version of the PlayStation 3 Slim. This month, reports out of Europe have indicated that the supersized console could go on sale as early as October via a variety of game bundles costing £299.99 ($500) or €350 ($510).
Now, yet another report from across the Atlantic is claiming to known exactly why Sony would put out a PS3 with over twice the memory of the 120GB Slim so close to the latter's launch. Citing sources at a "leading entertainment retailer," MCV claims that the 250GB PS3 will be unveiled at the Tokyo Game Show (Sept. 24-27). Furthermore, one configuration of the 250GB console is reportedly already being referred to as a "movie bundle" internally and will come with a Blu-ray movie and Bluetooth remote control.
The magazine then adds some of its own speculation, saying the bundle might "possibly [have] Sony's PlayTV attachment which turns [the] PS3 into a fully-functional Freeview TV recorder." (Emphasis added.) Available only in the EU, the PlayTV peripheral attaches a tuner to the PS3 and installs software that adds TiVo-like digital video recording (DVR) functionality to the console.
The official story: "We've never announced a 250GB PS3, so there is nothing I can say about this rumour." -- Sony Europe rep.
Bogus or not bogus?: While too thin for a firm call, a 250GB PS3 would have the exact same memory capacity HD TiVos currently come with. Another factor to consider is Sony's proclivity for experimenting with multimedia technology like PlayTV in the UK--while leaving other territories high and dry.
Hm... bit more divided on this one. While the DVR would be a somewhat nice addition along with all of the movie stuff, I feel the PS3 should be pointed more towards gaming as that's its primary use. Gaming first, then other entertaintment stuff.
Although, I'll probably still just go with my original plan: Buy the least expensive PS3 and a 500GB HDD and replace the HDD with the 500.
Your thoughts?
Oh, and I don't think either rumor is bogus.
