Microsoft Xbox 360 Arcade internal memory confirmed

Microsoft have confirmed that the Xbox 360 Arcade consoles will from now on be shipping with 256MB of memory fitted internally.  In a statement made to Xbox 360 Fanboy, an unnamed Microsoft spokesperson described the move as part of "constantly updating" the console's hardware, confirming that the new internal storage is the same size as the external memory cards that were previously supplied. "We are constantly updating the console's more than 1700 internal components. We can confirm that we are moving to internal memory for the Xbox 360 Arcade. The physical internal memory is the same size as the previous external memory units - 256MB" Microsoft spokesperson The new memory was first spotted as part of the Jasper 65nm update.  Xbox 360 Arcade consoles previously came with only 16MB inside the box, relying instead on a removable memory card; however the New Xbox Experience now requires more storage to load, and it seems this switch is in part an attempt to reduce errors where users lose their memory card or remove it an an untimely moment. Of course, on the flip-side it means that new Xbox 360 Arcade buyers will not be able to take their saved games and downloaded content elsewhere, at least not as standard.  The memory card is still available as an aftermarket accessory.

 

Acekard 2i flash-cart for Nintendo DSi

Acekard have unveiled their latest flash-cart, which is compatible with the new Nintendo DSi.  Unlocking the handheld for homebrew tinkering, such as running PMP software, ebook reader and unofficial games, as well as supporting cheats and game saves, the Acekard 2i is functionally the same as its DS predecessor but simply adds DSi compatibility. Demo video of the Acekard 2i in action after the cut Although commonly associated with pirated software, flash-carts also give console owners more flexibility in how they use their handhelds and legitimately-obtained games.  The Acekard 2i can be used to store game save-files directly to a microSD card, removing memory capacity as an issue limiting save points, as well as running backups. It will also let you use Action Replay cheat codes, if you're not as impressive in a particular title as you'd like to be.  The DSi is not yet available outside of Japan. Click here to view the embedded video. [via Hack-a-Day]

 

Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days for DS coming to US

Apparently the makers of Kingdom Hearts really like to name their games strangely. The Kingdom Hearts Re: Chain of Memories game just came out today but it seems another Kingdom Hearts game will be coming to the US as well. And it has a strange name, too. The game is called Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days and will be available for the Nintendo DS. In this new game, you will be able to portray the role of Roxas, a member of Organization XIII. Sure, this sounds completely unrelated to Mickey Mouse, but it does have a tie in. According to the press release, Roxas as the "other" hero from Kingdom Hearts II and this new game focuses on what happened while Sora was asleep. Roxas travels across the Disney Worlds and you will then uncover the ties between him, Sora and the 14th member and why he left the organization. Sounds interesting. Kingdom Hearts 358/2 Days will also have a multiplayer mode.

 

Guitar Hero World Tour launches for mobile devices

Music games seem to be everywhere these days. More specifically, Guitar Hero is absolutely everywhere, and now with the release of Guitar Hero World Tour, more people are gaining exposure to the game. And for those that love it, they'll be pleased to hear that they can now play it on their mobile phones. You can get Guitar Hero World Tour mobile now on most major cell phone carriers and it will be released for Android next month. Within the game, you can play in multiplayer mode across networks and interact in real-time. Included in the mobile version of Guitar Hero World Tour are 15 music tracks that can be played on the guitar or drums. Bonus songs will be added each month. You can expect tracks from Blondie, Sublime, Lenny Kravitz and Oasis in the initial release. [via Slippery Brick]

 

Nintendo DS New Super Mario Bros bundle gets unboxed: it’s red

Nintendo's DS Lite New Super Mario Bros. bundle might not be all that spectacular - it's a red DS Lite with an "M" logo, together with a game - but that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve its own unboxing.  Engadget China have done the honors, stripping the colorful console from its plumber packaging. Once you get inside, things are as you'd likely expect them to be.  The same old Nintendo DS with a new paint-job and a big "M" slapped on it.  Aside from the game and the color, there's nothing different from standard DS handhelds. Still, if there's $150 burning a hole in your pocket, you can't wait for the Nintendo DSi and you're desperate for a new Mario game, this is a straightforward way to get it.  According to Nintendo the bundle is a limited edition, but there's no telling exactly how many they've produced.

 

Deals: Call of Duty: WaW $35, 50% off Blu-ray discs

Didn't get what you really wanted for holidays? Like Nazi zombies? Not to worry, Call of Duty: World at War is on sale for today only (or until supplies run out) for $34.98. Did your girlfriend get you Sex and the City: The Movie on Blu-ray and claimed it was present for you? Don't shed those manly tears, my friend -- there's a sale going on right now for all sorts of Blu-ray titles, some of which will surely resonate with your macho self. About 200 titles are on sale, including Band of Brothers for $37.49, so check out the selection here. For those of you with children or are just simply young at heart, you can buy The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian (2-disc edition) and Wall-E (2-disc edition) together for $29.98, just click here and then scroll down to "Best Value" and click "Add both to Cart". This discount is also available here (again, just scroll down) for the 3-disc editions of both movies for $39.98. Finally, if you don't mind waiting for it to come back in stock, The Chronicles of Narnia Blu-ray Bundle, which includes both movies in the franchise, is on sale for $31.99. Source -- Call of Duty: World at War for $34.98 Source -- Save Up to 50% on Blu-ray Discs [via Cinematical and Slickdeals]

 

Blu-ray releases for the week of December 28th

Nothing too exciting in terms of Blu-ray releases this week, but Firefly fans will be extremely glad to see Serenity make its debut in the HD format of our choice: An American Carol Days of Thunder Event Horizon Ghost Last Holiday (2006) Serenity Surfer, Dude The Truman Show Wedding Crashers Oh, you mean you didn't get enough of Matthew McConaughey's hair plugs and shirtless torso in the tabloids and Fool's Gold? Then we highly recommend Surfer, Dude. If you liked Dead Space, you should check out Event Horizon -- both are of the sci-fi/horror genre with religious overtones. The rest of the theatrical releases are above.