And so, ladies and gentlemen, another week has come and gone. Now, this means two things: 1) PlayStation 4 is only a week away (you ready?!) and 2) Yet another entry for our own Weekly Wrap-Up. It’s okay, you can be more excited for the PS4 launch, we’ll understand.
As usual, you’ll find our top five news stories of the week below. If anything catches your attention and you just have to read more, simply click on the links in the titles. It’s that easy. Also, if you have any suggestions, agreements or disagreements, feel free to email jeremy.tyler@bagogames.com. Be nice.
Now, let’s do this!
Number 5
Redeeming QR Codes on Xbox One is Pretty Fast
In addition to still being able to input 25-digit redeem codes on Xbox One, you’ll also be able to scan the QR code on the back with the Kinect, which not only saves you time, but your poor fingers as well.
Larry Hyrb/Major Nelson released a Vine video today, demonstrating the QR scanning and…well…it’s faster than me typing this sentence. Check it out.
Number 4
Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes Releasing Next Spring
Konami has given Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes, the prequel story to Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, a release window of Spring 2014.
The game will introduce elements and game mechanics that will be fully realized in MGSV, including a day-night cycle, open world areas and dynamic weather.
Said Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear Solid series: “The advanced capabilities of the FOX Engine have allowed me to tell the new story in a new way. There will be a significant difference in what Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain brings to the series, so we want to ease players into the new open world environment
and its potential. As such, Metal Gear Solid: Ground Zeroes has been designed to introduce key elements, allowing them to fully benefit from all that the new game will offer.”
Number 3
Sony Reveals PlayStation 4’s Launch Apps
The PlayStation 4 will launch will 11 digital entertainment apps, Sony has confirmed. These apps can be downloaded from the PlayStation Store (in the TV & Video section) and more apps are set to follow at a later time.
The full list of launch apps are:
- Amazon Instant Video
- Crackle
- Crunchyroll
- EPIX
- Hulu Plus
- NBA Game Time
- Netflix (duh)
- NHL GameCenter Live
- Redbox Instant from Verizon
- VUDU
- and YuppTV
Number 2
Sony Shows Off What’s Inside the PlayStation 4
Sitting down with Wired, Sony engineering lead Yashuhiro Ootori not only unboxes the PlayStation 4, but also dissects it.
When I say “dissect,” I mean that Ootori-san dissects the PS4 down to the motherboard — nothing is sacred. We get a glimpse at the PS4′s custom AMD processor, as well as its companion chip (used for standby mode) and cooling & storage systems.
For those who simply find it uncomfortable to watch the disassembling of a product, this video will undoubtedly make you squeamish. For everyone else, you can watch the dissection below.
Number 1
Xbox One Will Need the Day One Patch to Function
Your Xbox One will be pretty useless when you first pick it up, as you’ll need the system’s day one update to get any functionality out of it. Without that, you can’t even play a game via a physical disc.
Speaking to Engadget, Microsoft senior director of product management Albert Penello confirmed the necessity of the update, stating that, ”Functionally, you will be able to do very little without taking the day one update.” Continuing to add that there’s nothing a person can do with their Xbox One without it, as the system is shipping with an older OS.
Honorable Mentions
- Blockbuster Closing Remaining Stores
- Wii Mini Comes to North America This Month With Mario Kart Wii
- Peggle 2 No Longer a Launch Day Title for Xbox One
If you missed out on the big news items this week, you can check out our weekly podcast and get an audio update of this week’s madness from our podcasting team. Listen to us as we talk about some things seriously and a few other things not so much. We guarantee this episode will make you shake your fist at times and nod your head at others.
