Hasta La Gadget!

Activision never disappoints when it comes to limited edition Call of Duty release bundles, and for the upcoming Black Ops II, it actually may have outdone itself. Besting the RC-XD from its predecessor, $180 will let you snag the Care Package edition for Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3. This massive bundle is actually boxed as an in-gamed care package (aerial drop-off not included) that’s loaded with a remote controlled MQ-27 Dragonfire quadrocopter drone (!) — we really wish we’d picked up those Modern Warfare 2 night vision goggles now (not at all for full-fledged, after hours recon of our Aol office-mates…). Naturally, it also comes loaded with the requisite DLC goodies; namely, two extra maps (Nuketown Zombies and Nuketown 2025), exclusive weapon camo, a pair of Player Card backgrounds and copy of the soundtrack. Furthermore, PS3 owners will get a pair of dynamic themes, while those with 360s will receive an XBL Zombie avatar and Claw prop. Lastly, you’ll also receive a couple more tangible items in the way of an art book and a duo of “Challenge” coins.

Not looking to terrorize your local airspace? Shave off the $100 premium for the drone and case (not too shabby if the AR.Drone is too expensive for your budget) and you’ll be able to grab the Hardened edition packed with everything else. Last, and seemingly least in this case, Activision is putting out a Digital Deluxe for PC users — similar to the Hardened variant, but with a download code for the aging World at War in place of the physical goodies and PSN / XBL content. Wallet already prepared for the future of secret warfare? You’ll find details to place your own pre-order ahead of the November 13th launch at the source links below and trailer courtesy of Joystiq after the break.

Continue reading Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 ‘Care Package’ includes aerial drone

Filed under: Misc, Gaming, Peripherals

Call of Duty: Black Ops II limited editions unveiled, $180 ‘Care Package’ includes aerial drone originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 22:45:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Can’t get enough coverage of the US presidential race even with YouTube in the mix? Microsoft’s Election 2012 Hub for Xbox Live may be able to satisfy your inner political junkie. Redmond’s initiative will provide video of town hall events at both the Democratic and Republican national conventions, daily content from NBC and full coverage of results as ballots are cast and counted on November 6th. Throughout live streams of the debates, users will be able to rate the performances of public office hopefuls and see what marks other viewers give them in real-time. Information on voter registration, politicians and their take on issues will also be included. According to Microsoft, roughly 40 percent of Xbox-owning voters surveyed aren’t concretely committed to a candidate running for the Oval Office, placing them in the highly-prized swing voter category. The service won’t launch until the Grand Old Party’s powwow kicks off on August 27th, but we hear there’s plenty of relevant reading to keep you busy until then.

Continue reading US presidential campaign trail winds its way to Xbox Live on August 27th with Election 2012 Hub

US presidential campaign trail winds its way to Xbox Live on August 27th with Election 2012 Hub originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Aug 2012 02:37:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Even if you didn’t make the cut for the most recent Dashboard beta, Microsoft’s still got some goodies for you. It’s helping budget-conscious gamers with more than one friend swell their collection of accessories with the Xbox 360 Essentials pack. The package includes a controller, media remote, three months’ Gold subscription and a HDMI cable you’ll probably leave in a drawer. The set will arrive Stateside in October, setting you back $80 before the holiday shopping begins in earnest.

Filed under: Gaming

Xbox Essentials Pack coming in October for $80 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 12:55:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Companies are no strangers to superlatives where new kit is concerned and Mad Catz is definitely no exception. With the release of its newest flagship, the Tritton Warhead 7.1, the outfit’s claiming a novelty in the Xbox 360 space, labeling these cans as the “first… to deliver two-way communication” without the need for wires or controller adapters. Made specifically for Microsoft’s green X gaming platform, the pair of 50mm drivers pump out Dolby 7.1 virtual surround sound over a 5.8GHz channel for up to 33ft of interference-free smack talk. The headset also offers gamers the ability to monitor their in-ear voice levels (SVM), control the volume of other players, as well as select EQ presets for a variety of media playback. And just so you never have to press pause to keep the friendly banter (read: cusses) flowing, the company’s bundled in a dock and pair of of Li-ion batteries for “hot-swappable” recharging. These over-ears are available now for a cool $299 at BestBuy and the company’s own site, so if you take your first-person action seriously, prepare to part with a few Benjamins. Official presser after the break.

Continue reading Tritton Warhead 7.1 two-way headset for Xbox 360 now shipping

Filed under: Gaming, Peripherals

Tritton Warhead 7.1 two-way headset for Xbox 360 now shipping originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 05:48:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft is working on another update for the Xbox 360 dashboard, which means some lucky individuals will be able to get a sneaky peek thanks to the company’s closed beta. Our tipsters have told us it’s adding a further 500,000 slots for users on a first come, first served basis for this year’s annual refresh — expected to include Internet Explorer, Pins, and Smartglass amongst others. If you’re interested in getting involved, we suggest sprinting on down to the source link to try and beat the rush.

[Thanks, Anonymous!]

Filed under: Gaming

PSA: XBox 360 Dashboard Beta re-opens, offers 500,000 more slots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 12:12:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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