Microsoft updates Xbox D-Pad controller

Mafia II now shipping for PS3, Xbox and Windows

Published by 2K games, Mafia II is now available for PlayStation 3, Xbox 360 and Windows PCs. The third-person action/shooter game was announced in August 2008, and is a sequel to Mafia: The City of Lost Heaven. Mafia II was developed by 2K Czech, previously known as Illusion Softworks. Full Story

Halo: Reach review copy hacked into

Hackers who claim to be from the Game-Tut.com website were able to hack into the downloadable review copy of Halo: Reach. The Xbox 360 title scheduled for full release on Sept. 14, 2010 was made available to early media reviewers who could enter a unique code to access the digital copy. The hackers (referred to as modders), were able to remove that access code requirement and play the game. Full Story

PlayStation 3 160GB console now shipping

The PlayStation 3 160GB model is now shipping for $299, the same price as the smaller 120GB model released last year around this time. The 160GB PS3 comes with a Cell Broadband Engine, NVIDIA graphics processor, built-in Wi-Fi, 2 USB ports and HDMI (+ Bravia Synch) and weighs just about 7 pounds.

Accessories include a Dualshock 3 wireless controller, power cable, USB and AV cables, and free basic Playstation Network membership. Purchase the PlayStation 3 160 GB now shipping for $299. Full Story

PlayStation expands capacity to 320GB

Sony officially announced plans to release a higher capacity hard drive for the PlayStation 3 this fall. In North America, the PS3 will be offered with 320GB’s of storage space (an increase of 33% from current capacity), with everything else inside and outside the console remaining the same. The 320Gb model will be bundled with one PlayStation Move controller, a PlayStation Eye camera, a copy of Sports Champions, and a Blu-ray game demo disc for $399.99. Release date for the  320GB bundle is September 19, 2010. Full Story

Blockbuster now renting video games by mail

4GB Xbox 360 Arcade now shipping for $199

The new 4GB Xbox 360 “Arcade” is now shipping and features built-in Wi-Fi (802.11n), reduced power consumption, and less noise than previous models. The model is basically the same as the 250GB elite, except with a 4GB Flash Drive. The 4GB model is also Kinect ready (Kinect controller-free accessory will ship Nov. 4, 2010). Full Story

Michael Jordan Challenge to release for NBA 2K11

2K Sports will release The Jordan Challenge, a new game mode for NBA 2K11 which will release on October 5, 2010. The new game mode will let players relive 10 historic games from Michael Jordan’s career — giving sports gamers the chance to do what Jordan did on the court. Is the likeness close enough for ya? Full Story

Mafia II Gets Detailed

Mafia II is a hotly-anticipated open world crime game that casts gamers as a member of the Sicilian Mafia, familiar territory for any fans of The Godfather. Director of Creative Production Jack Scalici recently spoke about the game to the Official Playstation Blog, and we gleaned the most interesting bits from the interview. Full Story

Dead Rising 2: Zombrex Edition Announced

Announced today and available only in North America, the Dead Rising 2: Zombrex Edition looks to be yet another beautifully packaged deluxe release. (In case you’re wondering, “Zombrex” is the fictional drug in Dead Rising 2 that can help stave off a zombie infection.) Full Story

EA Announces Medal of Honor Limited Edition For PS3, Xbox 360, and PC

EA announced that a “Limited Edition” of their upcoming Medal of Honor will be available for all major consoles with the game’s release this October. For $59.99, the same price as the regular edition, gamers will get early access to three weapons: two shotguns, the TOZ-194 and 870MC2, and the MP7 submachine gun. In a nice addition, PS3 users are getting an exclusive bonus, as that version includes a remastered version of the PS2 classic MOH: Frontline. Full Story

Hulu Plus on PS3 launches for select PlayStation subscribers

Hulu Plus has launched for select PlayStation members and will soon be available to all PS3 console owners within months. For now, selected Playstation subscribers with “Plus” level membership have the option of previewing Hulu Plus starting today for $9.99 per month. Full Story

PS3 3D Blu-ray firmware update to arrive in Sept.

PS3 owners and movie buffs should be happy today to hear that in September, a firmware update will arrive giving users the ability to watch 3D Blu-ray movies on the popular console. The update will allow full 1080p 3D video to be played via Blu-ray disc over HDMI, in conjunction with compatible 3D HDTVs and glasses. It comes on the heels of 3D support for games, which became available in an update this June. Full Story

Rockstar Announces Details For 4 Red Dead Redemption DLC Packs

Rockstar Games announced pricing and details today for the four remaining DLC packs for their best-selling western game Red Dead Redemption, one of which brings zombies into the game. These paid content packs, available for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, follow the free “Outlaws To The End” DLC released on June 22nd. The first, “Legends and Killers Pack,” hits in August for $10 and the rest will come starting in the fall. Here’s details on each of them from the PR: Full Story

Most anticipated upcoming PS3 gaming titles

Gran Turismo 5 is at the top of the list of most anticipated gaming titles for PS3 releasing after July 1, according to Game Plan Insights who measured the game interests of 1,000 gamers. Gran Turismo 5 will be released on November 2, 2010, and be the first of the franchise to be offered in optional Stereoscopic-3D mode. Full Story