Video Game News and Cheats

'Pokémon Go' Beginners Guide

2016-07-25T00:02:00.000-04:00

Pokémon Go continues to chug along as a national phenomenon, but there are still plenty of people who have yet to capture their first Pidgey.

If you have somehow managed to avoid the news for the last few days, the mobile game Pokémon Go has taken over the lives of many smartphone owners. It leverages the classic video game and TV series Pokémon by introducing augmented reality and GPS, bringing the quest to find these colorful creatures to life.

The game has grown so popular, it's daily usage is above popular services such as Twitter, Netflix and Spotify, according to research firm SimilarWeb. People really like Pikachu, it seems.

Are you finally ready to take the plunge into Pokémon Go? Here's how to get started:

First you need to download the app and sign up

It's available on Apple's App Store and Google Play. It's free to download, but you have the option to purchase currency called Pokécoins to buy items (more on that later).

Once you boot up, you can choose to sign up through a Google account or the Pokémon Trainer Club. Earlier this week, the game's maker — Niantic — created a privacy stir when users learned the app was asking for full access to your Google account. They have since fixed that to limit what the app can access. If you are really concerned about it, you can either sign up through Pokémon Trainer Club or create a separate Google account just for the game.

Pokémon Go is a reminder that many apps snoop

Once you create your account, you'll be greeted by the Professor, walking you through the basics. This is where you customize your trainer and give him or her a name. Then the hunt begins.

Choosing that first Pokémon

You get one of three to choose from: Charmander, Squirtle or Bulbasaur. However, there is a trick to snagging the most popular of the Pokémon: Pikachu. Basically, it involves physically walking away from them until they reappear in map view. Do this enough times and Pikachu eventually pops up. It's a lot of hassle, but if you really want Pikachu from the start, then it might be worth your time.

Catching Pokémon

Once you pick your starter, then you learn how to capture it. This is where the augmented reality portion of Pokémon Go enters play. The app launches your smartphone camera, with the creature overlaid on top of the camera's view so it looks like it appears in the real world. At the bottom is your Poké Ball, which is what you use to capture. Before you attempt a throw, you can take a picture of the character or use an item. Swipe up on the touchscreen to fling the ball and initiate the capture. You'll notice a circle that shrinks in size. Wait for the circle to get as small as you can before you throw. You can earn extra experience points depending on how well you toss the ball. The circle will also appear in different colors, indicating how easy it will be to catch the Pokémon.

5 things we learned from 'Pokémon Go'

How do I find them?

The screen players will view most often is the map, which leans on GPS to determine your location. It's not as precise as a navigation app, but works well enough. A radar pulsates from the trainer, with tiny Pokémon popping up when one is spotted. At the bottom right is a button that opens up a list of nearby Pokémon. The footprints underneath each show how close they are to your location. If there are none, that means they're very close and you can catch it. Silhouettes of Pokémon mean they have yet to be discovered.

There are several types of Pokémon, including water, electric, fire and grass. Your location will determine the type of Pokémon you find. For example, if you're by a lake you will find more water-based Pokémon. You can also get Pokémon by snagging eggs and placing them in an incubator. They only hatch once you've walked a specific distance. Players can use incense to attract Pokémon to their spot for 30 minutes.

Don't forget to make them stronger

Watch for Lure Modules at Poké Stops

Notice how some Poké Stops have what looks like purple flower petals trickling down? That means there is a Lure Module attached. The device not only attracts Pokémon to a Stop, but it benefits any player near that Stop (hence all the images you've seen lately of people congregating in one spot). Visit them when you can. You may have heard reports of lures being used to target players, such as the case with a string of robberies in Missouri. Use caution. Do you really need to go to the park at 11 p.m. at night? Safety first.

Seven tips for playing 'Pokémon Go'

Gyms are where the action happens

After you reach Level 5, you pick one of three teams: Valor (red), Mystic (blue) or Instinct (yellow). There's no significant difference between the teams in terms of how you play the game. The best thing to do is go with a team that's most popular in your area.

Teams fight each other to claim ownership of the Gyms. When you visit an opposing Gym, you can fight Pokémon to attempt a takeover. When it's your team's Gym, you can spar with Pokémon to move up the ranks. You can also leave one of your Pokémon in a friendly Gym to help protect it. If they maintain control, players earn more rewards.

Here's how fighting works

When you fight or spar, players move into the arena to do battle. Tapping your Pokémon executes a simple strike. Holding down for a longer period of time performs a Special attack, and swiping left or right dodges. This is where you want to pay special attention to Combat Points. If your Pokémon has lower CP than your opponent, you will likely lose. There's also HP or Hit Points, which determine how much damage a Pokémon takes. When they reach zero, they faint. Players can revive them with a special item and use potions to replenish Hit Points.

You can always purchase items, too

Players can spend money on Pokécoins, which they can then use to buy items like Poké Balls, Lures and Egg Incubators. Unless you are non-stop hunting, there's really no need to buy Poké Balls. They're easy to grab at Poké Stops. Some items like Lures may be more tempting, but even finding Spots with a Lure aren't too tough. If you truly want the free experience, it's definitely doable.

Microsoft: Hologram Headset due out this Year

2015-01-21T14:55:00.004-05:00

Hololens is a holographic headset from Microsoft, due out "in the Windows 10 timeframe." Windows 10 is due out this year, first on Windows Phones after the Super Bowl.

Hololens is not presented as a straight-up virtual reality headset – "We're dreaming about holograms mixed in your world," Microsoft said during a conference today. "Welcome to a new era of Windows. Welcome to Windows Holographic."
Microsoft has been working on Hololens "for years," it said, and to do so it invented the Hologram Processing Unit. Hololens features see-through lenses and allows users to navigate Windows apps and to create 3D objects, projected into the real world in front of the lenses, with gestures. Alongside the hardware, Microsoft announced HoloStudio, software that allows users to create holograms and then 3D print them.

"The Evil Within" video game delayed

2014-05-29T14:29:00.003-04:00

Video game publisher Bethesda Softworks on Tuesday delayed release of eagerly awaited horror action title "The Evil Within" to October.

The team at Tango Gameworks wanted more time to "deliver the polished, terrifying pure survival horror experience they set out to create" when the title was originally given an August release date, according to Bethesda.

"The Evil Within" will be available in North America on October 21; in Australia two days later and in Europe on October 24.

Versions of the game are being tailored for play on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 as well as the previous generation of both consoles.

"The Evil Within" will also be playable on personal computers powered by Windows software.

"With limited resources at your disposal, you'll fight for survival and experience profound fear in this perfect blend of horror and action," Bethesda promised.

Players assume the role of a detective who comes up against an evil force while investigating a gruesome mass murder.

The new title is being publish by Bethesda, the US company behind blockbuster video game hits "Fallout" and "Elder Scrolls."
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Sony's PS4 Virtual Reality Headset to debut next week

2014-03-16T11:44:00.001-04:00

Sony already has a sizable lead in the battle for top vendor in the current video game console generation, but that lead may soon be extended even further thanks to the promise of exciting new virtual reality technology for the PlayStation 4. Multiple unnamed video game developers have informed Edge Online that Sony plans to unveil its “Oculus Rift-beating” virtual reality headset next week.

The reveal will apparently come during the annual Game Developers Conference, where Sony has multiple sponsored sessions planned. Sessions include “Driving the Future of Innovation at Sony Computer Entertainment,” “Creating unique interactive experiences with the PlayStation 4,” and “Panel on Indie Development Solutions for PlayStation 4.”

According to the report, Sony has already provided prototypes of its virtual reality headset to several third-party developers, and some have privately said that the device is much more impressive than the Oculus Rift, which has been getting impressive early reviews.

PS4 Virtual Reality Headset

Free Trial Access to Wii Sports Club on Wii U

2014-03-16T11:39:00.000-04:00

Spring is almost here! As the cold weather slowly creeps away, welcome the new season by tossing away the blanket and hopping off the couch to play Wii Sports Club. Starting on March 21 at 9 a.m. PT, Wii U owners can download and play the Wii Sports Club game for free until March 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT. This promotion includes free access to all three currently available sports (Wii Sports Club – Golf, Wii Sports Club – Bowling and Wii Sports Club – Tennis) and is open to all Wii U owners*, even those who have previously tried or have already downloaded Wii Sports Club. As an added bonus, the Resort Course, a new nine-hole course in Wii Sports Club – Golf that was originally featured in Wii Sports Resort, will be permanently added to the game via an update that is available today.

Wii Sports Club is a compilation of the sports from Wii Sports that features high-definition graphics, controls via Wii MotionPlus technology, immersive GamePad integration and an online multiplayer versus mode. In this mode, users with broadband Internet access can face off against other players all over the country online.

Players who want to keep playing after March 23 can purchase a Day Pass for $1.99 in the Nintendo eShop to play all available sports for a 24-hour period, or can buy a Club Pass that provides permanent access to individual sports for $9.99 each.

For more information about this promotion, visit http://www.nintendo.com/eshop/offers. For more information about Wii Sports Club, visit http://wiisportsclub.nintendo.com.

*To participate in this promotion, Wii U owners must have a broadband Internet connection, a Nintendo Network ID and the SpotPass feature enabled on their systems.

Rumors concerning Apple TV

2014-03-16T10:59:00.000-04:00

While the ever-active Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) rumor mill hasn't pointed to any meaningful signs of a physical television from Apple this year, there are consistent signals that the company is planning to completely revamp its Apple TV set-top box in 2014. Apple CEO Tim Cook even said at a Feb. 28 annual shareholders meeting that it no longer considers the Apple TV business a hobby, suggesting the company plans to invest far more energy into the project form now on. What kind of changes can investors expect to be made to the Apple TV?

Apple TV. Image source: Apple.

Camera-less no longer?
Recent camera-related job postings on Apple's website discovered by AppleInsider include the Apple TV as one of the products listed in the job description that the hired engineer could be work on. While it's possible that the list of products is standard in many job postings, some of the camera-related jobs do not include the Apple TV,suggesting that it may have been included in the list of products purposefully.

But the biggest evidence that Apple may be planning to include a camera in the Apple TV is the company's 2013 acquisition of PrimeSense, the maker of 3D sensor responsible for the motion-sensing technology in Microsoft's first-generation Kinect.

Games?A February report from the Financial Times said that the new Apple TV would include support for games. Including games could position a new Apple TV set-top box as a competitor to existing game consoles, expanding the device's addressable market.

An App Store?
Financial Times also said in the same report that the Apple TV will finally gain an App Store. While the company currently has third-party apps on the device, there is no store for users to choose additional apps. Further, developers are hand selected and currently have no software development kit to create their own apps. A move to include an App Store on the Apple TV would undoubtedly give the device a more prominent role in Apple's ecosystem.

While we don't know exactly what features the Apple TV will include, investors can now at least be certain the company is taking the project far more seriously. No longer considered a hobby for Apple, considerable new features will undoubtedly surface.

Apple's greater commitment to Apple TV is excellent news for Apple investors. Sure, Apple TV is a small business for the company; accounting for less than 1% of Apple's revenue, according to Cook's comment at the annual shareholder meeting that the segment brought in $1 billion in revenue in 2013, the product segment likely won't be meaningfully budging Apple's financials in the short-term. But it is a fast growing business that could have a longer-term impact on the business. Apple analyst Horace Dediu estimates that the Apple TV business is growing at about 80%, year over year -- that's faster growth than any other Apple segment.

iPhone 6 Rumors

2014-03-16T10:47:00.000-04:00

With the iPhone 6 supposedly coming this fall, the iRumors are flurrying their way through cyberspace. In celebration of the upcoming release, we’ve gathered six ‘iRumors’ to see what people say the newest iPhone will feature. While there are many out there, we focused on six of the most popular speculations of the upcoming Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) smartphone.

1. The iPhone 6 will have a larger screen

The iPhone may start getting into phablet territory if the rumored 5.7-inch screen rumor is true. This new size would be much larger than the iPhone 5, which has a 4-inch screen. This increase would make the new iPhone’s screen only 2.2 inches smaller than the current version of the iPad Mini.

2. The glass screen may be less fragile than previous iPhones

A cracked screen after a drop or other crash is the hazard of many a smartphone or tablet user, but rumors have it that the iPhone will be using a more expensive less-breakable alternative glass for its latest incarnation of the iPhone. 9to5Mac reports that Apple has procured a facility in Arizona to make sapphire-crystal glass displays for future Apple products, possibly including the iPhone 6.

3. The iPhone may get smarter with a faster processor chip

This iRumor seems the most likely, as every iPhone released has had an improved processor chip. It’s rumored that the new A8 chip will be the brain behind the iPhone 6. As Apple recently extended its agreement with Imagination Technologies, it’s possible.

4. A curved screen and iPhone

Apple has filed for a patent for a handheld device with a curved screen. As the iPhone is a handheld device,some are speculating that the iPhone may have a curved screen and may generally have more curves than the iPhone’s more boxy past incarnations. Alternatively, the patents behind the rumor may be for another device still in research and development at Apple.

5. The iPhone 6 may take design cues from the iPod Nano and the iPhone 5c

The last generation of iPhones brought us candy-colored and metallic variations of the iPhone in contrast to the previously exclusive black and white options. The rumor is that the iPhone 6 may feature a design with style elements of the iPod Nano, too. As this is the same company that brought us the bright iBook G3, otherwise known as the Clamshell Mac, more color seems somewhat likely.

6. September release date

Past generations of the iPhone have usually been released in either the summer or fall. PC Advisormagazine speculates that the iPhone 6 will continue this tradition. As Apple does have an established pattern for releases, a fall release could happen again.

Apple, of course, is currently mum about its upcoming iPhone 6. So unless an iPhone 6 prototype gets left in a bar anytime soon or an official iPhone 6 announcement is made soon, all of the above iRumors are little more than speculation or gossip.

iPhone News and Reviews

2014-03-05T16:01:00.001-05:00

( by Eric Mack/CNET)

In the great tradition of new iPhone concepts just because comes the below take on what a new iPhone 6 could look like. But we're not talking about just any iPhone 6. This is the iPhone 6C series, the follow-up to the inexpensive, colorful iPhone 5C that appealed to... um, I'll get back to you on that part.

And yet, designer Joseph Farahi has mocked up a very nice-looking plastic iPhone here that certainly has more appeal than the actual iPhone 5C.

Specifically, Farahi imagines an inexpensive iPhone 6 with a 4.7-inch "retina" display, 8-megapixel camera, Touch ID, and a thinner and lighter profile than the 5C.And given the rumors that the next iteration of the iPhone will come in multiple sizes, a design similar to this could actually be in the works. It just seems very unlikely that it will be touted as a follow-up to the 5C.

Check out the video below and let us know in the comments if you think it makes any sense for Apple to take another whack at a new, inexpensive iPhone.

The top iPhone and iPad apps on App Store

2013-12-17T21:34:00.002-05:00

App Store Official Charts for the week ending Dec. 16, 2013:

Top Paid iPhone Apps:

1. "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas", Rockstar Games

2. "Heads Up!", Warner Bros.

3. "Traffic Racer", Soner Kara

4. "Minecraft - Pocket Edition", Mojang

5. "Afterlight", Simon Filip

6. "PNP - Portable North Pole 2013", UGroupMedia inc

7. "Angry Birds Star Wars II", Rovio Entertainment Ltd

8. "Santa's Twerk Shop by JibJab - Starring You! Cast Yourself & Friends as a Dancing Elf, Twerking Elves for Christmas and the Holidays", JibJab Media Inc.

9. "Free Music Download Pro - Mp3 Downloader", ASPS Apps

10. "Plague Inc.", Ndemic Creations

Top Free iPhone Apps:

1. "Angry Birds Go!", Rovio Entertainment Ltd

2. "12 Days of Gifts", iTunes

3. "Facebook Messenger", Facebook, Inc.

4. "QuizUp: The Biggest Trivia Game In The World!", Plain Vanilla Corp

5. "ElfYourself by OfficeMax", Magic Mirror LLC

6. "Circle - The Local Network", Hawthorne Labs

7. "LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga", Warner Bros.

8. "Snapchat", Snapchat, Inc.

9. "YouTube", Google, Inc.

10. "Instagram", Instagram, Inc.

Top Paid iPad Apps:

1. "The Room Two", Fireproof Games

2. "Minecraft - Pocket Edition", Mojang

3. "Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas", Rockstar Games

4. "Toca Lab", Toca Boca AB

5. "Angry Birds Star Wars II", Rovio Entertainment Ltd

6. "Assassin's Creed Pirates", Ubisoft

7. "Cops N Robbers (Jail Break) - Mine Mini Game With Minecraft Skin Exporter (PC Edition) & Multiplayer", JoyDo Entertainment

8. "Heads Up!", Warner Bros.

9. "Ski Safari: Adventure Time", Cartoon Network

10. "Pixel Gun 3D - Block World Pocket Survival Shooter with Skins Maker for minecraft (PC edition) & Multiplayer", Alex Krasnov

Top Free iPad Apps:

1. "Angry Birds Go!", Rovio Entertainment Ltd

2. "12 Days of Gifts", iTunes

3. "LEGO Star Wars: The Complete Saga", Warner Bros.

4. "The Room", Fireproof Games

5. "Beat the Boss 3", Game Hive Corp.

6. "YouTube", Google, Inc.

7. "Cut the Rope: Holiday Gift", Chillingo Ltd

8. "Calculator for iPad Free", International Travel Weather Calculator

9. "Toca Kitchen", Toca Boca AB

10. "ElfYourself by OfficeMax", Magic Mirror LLC

Comparing the Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Wii U

2013-11-23T11:23:00.004-05:00

A lot of products come out each week — we don't highlight all of them, but all of them make it into The Verge Database. In Spec Sheet, a weekly series, we survey the latest product entries to keep track of the state of the art.

The new generation of game consoles is finally here in its entirety. Just about every one of the consoles could still use work in one way or another, be it better games, a better interface, or a better build. But even so, it's pretty hard not to want one today. If you had to pick, which console is going to give you the best graphics, the best next-gen experience, and the best improvements in the years to come?

THERE'S A CLEAR ODD ONE OUT IN THE CONSOLE RACE

While it's not possible to tell much on specs alone, it's clear that one console — yet again — is the odd one out. Nintendo's Wii U is less powerful than the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 in just about every way. It has a slower processor, a less powerful graphics solution, and far fewer media playback options. Like its predecessor, the Wii U is trying to make the story all about a next-gen gaming experience, though it's only just starting to show what that could look like.

The spec question gets a lot more complicated when looking between the Xbox One and the Playstation 4. The two consoles are surprisingly similar on the inside, sporting the same CPU with only a minor speed improvement on the Xbox One, or so it's been rumored. Their graphics chips are also quite similar, but here the PlayStation 4 pulls ahead: though the Xbox's GPU is clocked faster, the PS4's GPU is widely reported to include 50 percent more compute units. Microsoft reportedly won't let games take advantage of every bit of the Xbox's power either — some computing and graphics performance is permanently allotted to other tasks. The PS4 could do something similar, but if it is, details on it haven't come out yet.

That all seems to be giving Sony's console the graphical edge for now. In real world terms, that's mainly boiling down to a matter of resolution: one of the consoles' biggest launch titles, Call of Duty: Ghosts, is running at 1080p on the PS4, but only 720p on the Xbox One. It's likely that this immediate different will diminish as developers get acclimated to Microsoft's new console, but it's a clear sign of which is likely to be the better performer in the long run. The Wii U's graphics, of course, don't look nearly as good as either of its competitors, but it is able to run at 1080p.

'Super Mario 3D World' on the Wii U.

THREE INTERESTING NEW CONTROL SCHEMES

As for how fun those games will be, that could depend on how appealing or inventing you think each consoles' peripheral of choice is. Microsoft is betting big on voice and motion controls, while Sony is angling for a seemingly smaller integration with controller-based motion tracking. Nintendo has a more interesting proposition with its GamePad controller, which includes a built-in touchscreen. But while that may open up a bundle of new opportunities, none have really been enough to fully sell the idea yet.

The other big aspect to this console generation is what they can do when doubling as a media player. The PlayStation 4 picks up right where the PlayStation 3 left off, serving as a perfectly fine streaming box for some of the most popular services, and as a way to play Blu-rays and DVDs. The Wii U has some streaming options too, but unfortunately, you won't be playing back any DVDs or Blu-rays on it — on the bright side, it is the only console with backward compatibility.

The Xbox One, of course, pushes media integration much further. It can match the PS4 in media and streaming playback, but it introduces a completely new element by trying to take over your TV's cable box as well. The integration isn't perfect yet, but the Xbox is the console that's seemingly primed to evolve the most down the road. For those who just want to game, that's not necessarily a big deal, but for those willing to see if a console can really take over their living room, there's no other choice.

IT'S GAMES AGAINST MEDIA

Otherwise, making a single console here would boil down to games — which will only keep coming — your controller preference, and maybe the consoles' casing, though there's much better criteria to base a decision on than that. Between the newest two consoles, there seems to be a clear option for those focused gaming and those focused on media. Right now though, neither seems like a particularly bad choice.

We have reviews up for all three consoles (which you can jump to by clicking on their review score in the database box down below), but now that they're all finally in gamers' hands, maybe you'll want to weigh in on what you think about them too. If you've got one, head over to the database to write a review for the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4, or the Wii U
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PS4 Power Indicator Lights Guide from Sony

2013-11-20T23:49:00.001-05:00

Hi,

Some reports have been coming in from users with PS4 units blinking blue, but not entering the powered on state indicated by a white light as noted in the PS4 Power Indicator Lights Guide

Here are some of the symptoms associated with blinking blue lights issue:

blue indicator light blinking
no video/audio output to television
console powering off after blinking blue

This blinking light issue could indicate any number of causes including but not limited to:

TV compatibility
Issues with PS4 power supply
Issues with PS4 hard drive
Issues with other PS4 hardware

TV Compatibility/HDMI Troubleshooting:

Some users have indicated that updating the firmware on their televisions has resolved some cases of no audio/video being displayed. Newer televisions (particularly those with embedded internet connectivity) may have firmware updates that can affect HDMI settings and device compatibility.
Also be sure to check the HDMI ports on both your television and PS4 for any abnormalities. Additionally, you may want to inspect your HDMI cord for any damage or test alternate HDMI cords to see if that affects your HDMI signal.

Power Supply Troubleshooting:

1) Turn PS4 off completely

Touch the power button on the front of the PS4 for at least 7 seconds (until the system beeps twice).

2) Disconnect PS4 AC power cord from electrical outlet

Only disconnect the plug of the AC power cord from the electrical outlet when the power indicator is turned off. If you disconnect it while the power indicator is lit or blinking, data might be lost or corrupted, and the system might be damaged.

3) Check parts A, E, and F for any conspicuous damage or anomalies

You can try using another compatible AC cord (like a power cord from a PS3) to see if that resolves the issue

A) AC IN connector

B )HDMI OUT port

C )HDMI input port

D )HDMI cable

E )AC power cord

F )To an electric outlet

Hard Drive Troubleshooting

1) Turn PS4 off completely

Touch the power button on the front of the PS4 for at least 7 seconds (until the system beeps twice).

2) Disconnect PS4 AC power cord from electrical outlet

Only disconnect the plug of the AC power cord from the electrical outlet when the power indicator is turned off. If you disconnect it while the power indicator is lit or blinking, data might be lost or corrupted, and the system might be damaged.

3) After removing the plug for AC power cord from the electrical outlet, detach the other cables from the PS4.

4) Slide the HDD bay cover in the direction of the arrow to remove it.

5) Inspect the harddrive to make sure it is properly seated in the HDD bay. A loose hard drive connection can prevent the PS4 from powering on completely. A single screw keeps the assembly in place as shown below.

6) If you suspect possible hard drive damage or would simply like to replace the PS4's hard drive with one of your choosing, please refer to this article for full details

https://support.us.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5107

Users can choose to install a new hard drive so long as it complies with these standards, it is no thicker than 9.5mm, and is larger than 160GB.

Software Installation Troubleshooting;

(Notice: If updating firmware by USB, make sure it is formatted for FAT32)

1) If your hard drive and power supply appear in good shape, you can try to booting your PS4 into Safe Modehttps://support.us.playstation.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5044

The following options are available in Safe Mode:

Restart System - Ends Safe Mode and restarts the PlayStation 4 normally.
Change Resolution - Changes the screen resolution to 480p when the PlayStation 4 is restarted.
Update System Software - Allows the PlayStation 4 to update the system software via Internet, USB Drive, or Disc.
Restore Default Settings - Restores the PlayStation 4 to the default factory settings.
Rebuild Database - Scans the drive and creates a new database of all content.This operation may take a long time depending on the type and number of data items.
Initialize PS4 - IMPORTANT: All data and settings will be lost by performing this step. Deletes all user data and restores the PS4 to as if it just came out of the box. This option is the same as [Initialize PS4 ] in the (Settings) menu. System software (firmware) is not deleted.
Initialize PS4 (Reinstall System Software) - IMPORTANT: Deletes all information on the HDD, including the System Software. A message that states a USB storage device containing the System Software must be connected, is displayed. Then you can confirm the selection. (You will need the full system update installer from http://us.playstation.com/support/systemupdates/ps4/pc_update/index.htm with this option)

For additional service/replacement options please try contacting support:

https://support.us.playstation.com/app/contact_options

Due to the volume of contacts, we would suggest trying Live Chat rather than the phone line as the wait times will be shorter.

If you would like to assist us by submitting information, please share the following:

Issue Symptoms:
TV Brand and Model:
Retailer PS4 was purchased from:
Troubleshooting steps you have tried:

We appreciate your patience while we investigate.

Thanks,

U--J

Sony Ps4 blinking blue light

2013-11-20T23:47:00.000-05:00

(Credit: Sony)

While the launch of the PlayStation 4 has been an inarguable success, Sony hasn't had a lot of time to pop open the champagne. Instead, the company has found itself on the defensive as the Internet has been filled with tales of PS4 hardware failures.

Sony points out that fewer than than one percent of the units sold are defective - but when that works out to as many as 10,000 consoles, it's still a PR nightmare.

The 1 percent figure is a slight upward revision from the initial estimate of 0.4 percent - but still within Sony's "expected range". The company says it does not believe there is a singular problem with the PS4. They hope to alleviate fears of a systemic breakdown such as Microsoft faced with the Xbox 360's infamous "Red Ring of Death".

"There have been several issues reported, which leads us to believe there isn't a singular problem that could impact a broader percentage of PS4 units," the company said in a statement. "We also understand that some units were reportedly damaged during shipping. The number of affected PS4 systems is less than 1 percent, which represents a very small percentage of total units shipped to date and is within the expected range for a new product introduction. We understand the frustration of consumers that have had a problem and are working with them and our retail partners to help troubleshoot issues and ensure affected units are exchanged."

That consumer frustration is spilling out in inconvenient - and very public - places, though. On Amazon's PS4 hardware page, 757 of the 3,111 reviews - roughly 25 percent - give the system just one star, with many of those users complaining of hardware issues, including the so-called "blue light of death". (Once any hardware issue acquires a nickname, it becomes a PR crisis.)

That particular problem occurs when users try to boot up the system. Some PS4 units never make it to the home screen, leaving users staring at a blinking blue line atop the box.

Sony has provided a detailed troubleshooting guide for those facing the issue, but users say it's not a 100 percent effective solution.

For those who are unable to fix the problem via those steps, Sony says it's working to replace the faulty systems. Thankfully, despite the sellouts, the company says it has a "good supply" of PS4 hardware waiting in the wings.

Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag.

2013-06-17T22:25:00.000-04:00

Ubisoft is offering one lucky GamesRadar reader the chance to appear in a massive painting, which is being created to celebrate the release of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, later in 2013. They are offering the chance to have your face painted onto a crew member sailing on one of the two massive ships featured in the artwork.

The massive 2.4m x 4.5m oil painting is being created by the French National School of Art, and it will show a naval battle in the context of the latest Assassin's Creed game. The project is called: Defy History. Want to get your face in a genuine piece of art and become a part of history? Here's how you enter:

- Log in to your GamesRadar account if you have one.

- Send a direct message to GamesRadarAndyHartup. Use 'Assassin Art' as your subject.

- They will be drawing a winner on Wednesday and notify them via direct message. Be aware: the winner will need to submit a number of photographs for the French artists to translate to paint.

2013-05-11T21:32:00.005-04:00

If your life sucks, the problem lies in what you believe -- and in what you do. Not happy with your life, either personally or professionally? If that's the case the culprit is not your upbringing, a lack of opportunities, bad luck,or other people holding you back. The culprit is you..... Sound off here. Get it off your chest. Share what really makes your life suck....

Click Here to Sound off...What Makes your Life Really Suck?

Nintendo announces launch date, pricing for Wii U

2012-09-13T19:55:00.002-04:00

Nintendo's next generation will kick off November 18.

That's the day the Wii U will go on sale in North America, with two versions for consumers to choose from. But neither is going to be dirt-cheap.

During a press event in New York, Nintendo announced that the "basic" white-colored model Wii U will retail for $300 and come packaged with the console, one tablet gamepad, an HDMI cable and 8 GB of memory. For $350, however, gamers can opt for the "deluxe" version, which comes in a sleek black color and includes everything in the basic set as well as a charging cradle for the gamepad, a stand for the system, 32 GB of memory, and a copy of Nintendoland.

Neither bundle will ship with Wii controllers or nunchucks (both of which are compatible with the Wii U), since Nintendo expects most buyers already own them for their Wii systems. The company says there are 100 million Wii remotes in people's hands already.

While Nintendo noted it was still too early to announce the official launch lineup, it did indicate that New Super Mario Bros. U would be the system's flagship title. By the end of the launch window (technically defined as March 31, 2013), it expects to have 50 games available for the system.

Among those will be Call of Duty: Black Ops II, Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate, Mass Effect 3, and Skylanders: Giants. Also in development exclusively for the Wii U is the action-packed sequel Bayonetta 2.

Nintendo is also hoping to branch out beyond its gaming roots with the WIi U, revealing what Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America's president and COO, calls "the most different non-gaming initiative Nintendo has ever introduced."

It's called Nintendo TVii — and no, that's not a typo.

It's a service that brings together various programming options under one umbrella. Using the tablet controller, owners of the system will be able to search for content from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, live TV and even their own DVR. They'll also be able to set individual profiles for each family member, allowing parents and kids to pick separate favorites. Other social elements include polls and live discussion of programs during broadcasts. Nintendo TVii also integrates online resources like IMDb and Wikipedia so that users can research information on the tablet while the show is on the main television. The service will be available for free to all U.S. and Canadian purchasers of the Wii U.

"It has always been our goal to maximize consumer value with what we include in the hardware purchase," said Fils-Aime. "It's not just a high definition console that will change the way people play. Wii U is the only game console with a seamlessly connected, fully integrated second screen."

The $300-$350 pricing plan could be a sticking point for consumers during what's expected to be a busy holiday season. A starter Xbox 360 retails for $200, while a basic PS3 costs $250. Nintendo did not reveal how much a standalone tablet controller will cost.

Nintendo could certainly use the boost. Wii sales have slumped in the past year, dropping to roughly half of what it sold in 2011.

Gamers in other regions will have to wait a big longer to get their Wii U fix. The system hits Europe on November 30 and arrives in Japan on December 8.

First Impressions of the iPhone 5(Video)

2012-09-13T16:23:00.002-04:00

Apple iPhone 5 release date revealed

2012-08-21T19:51:00.002-04:00

A trusted Verizon employee has just confirmed to TechCrunch that the carrier is having an all-staff vacation blackout from the dates of Friday, September 21 to September 30. You know what that means, right?

The next iPhone, whether it’s called the iPhone 5 or simply the new iPhone, will almost certainly be available in stores (with lines wrapping around the back of them) starting Friday, September 21.

It’s largely expected that the next-gen iPhone will be announced on September 12, in usual Apple fashion. (Though the spectacle may be a bit different this time around considering that Apple’slead presentation executive was fired in December.)

If we travel back a bit and examine the historical timeline from Apple’s announcement, to pre-order, to launch, the dates all seem to match up.

Last year Apple announced the iPhone 4S on a Tuesday, October 4th. The phone went up for pre-order on that Friday, October 7, and was available in stores on Friday, October 14, a week later.

The iPhone 5/2012 timeline looks almost identical:

Expected announcement: Wednesday, September 12
Expected pre-order date: Wednesday, September 12
Launch date, as confirmed by our trusted source: Friday, September 21

Video Games: What's new this week

2012-08-14T14:52:00.000-04:00

Darksiders IIPlatform: Xbox 360, PS3

Despite countless delays, the anticipated sequel to 2010's demonic sleeper hit finally hits shelves this week -- and for action fans, that could be a very, very good thing. Taking its cue from games like God of War and The Legend of Zelda (with a touch of Prince of Persia thrown in for good measure), it blends heavy action and adventure while adding a brand new loot system to give it a little Diablo flair. Sound awesome? Early word is that it's a monster.

Sleeping Dogs
Platform: Xbox 360, PS3

Actually, action fans have a tough choice to make this week thanks to Sleeping Dogs. It's been a wild ride for this open-world crime game (previously known as True Crime: Hong Kong), which was dropped by publisher Activision and lost in limbo until it was picked up by Square-Enix. Judging by the early looks, that was a great move. Think Grand Theft Auto set in Hong Kong's seedy underworld and you've got the idea.

The Last Story
Platform: Wii

Is this the last great Wii game? With the Wii U launching later this year, it sure might be. Created by famed Final Fantasy mastermind Hironobu Sakaguchi, it's already racked up loads of praise for its rich story and fun combat system. If you've got a soft spot for Japanese RPGs, it's not to be missed.

Dust: An Elysian Tail
Platform: Xbox 360 (download)

Considering that it's given us past gems like Braid, Limbo, and Bastion, Microsoft's annual 'Summer of Arcade' has been a bit lackluster so far. This fairy-tale action romp, however, might have the makings of a classic, thanks in no small part to its gorgeous visuals and brilliant, Metroid-like level design. Most impressive? It was made almost entirely by one guy.

Papo & YoPlatform: PS3 (download)

The abusive relationship between an alcoholic father and his frightened child set the backdrop for this emotional PS3 downloadable game. Too heavy? Might be, but the gameplay looks inventive and fun. Based on the game's recent launch trailer, it's likely to be a pretty artsy -- and possibly unforgettable -- experience.

New Super Mario Bros 2 is out

2012-08-14T14:50:00.002-04:00

Nintendo faces a tough task with each new Mario game release: they've got to recapture the familiar platforming comfort food that fans have been craving for over a quarter-century, yet add something fresh to reassure us that the formula hasn't gotten stale. The most acclaimed Mario titles -- from Super Mario 64, with its triumphant entry into the third dimension, to Super Mario Galaxy, with its ingenious miniature planets -- have found a way to strike that delicate balance between old and new.

Releasing Sunday for the 3DS, New Super Mario Bros. 2 aims to do exactly that by focusing squarely on gold. Yes, you still hop on Goombas, smash blocks, and munch mushrooms, but now it's less about saving the princess and more about saving as many gold coins as you can. A curious tweak, but is it enough to make this particular Mario another must-have?

Critics aren't so sure. Releasing this Sunday, New Super Mario Bros. 2 arrives with a respectable (but far from Mario-esque) 79 rating on Metacritic.

While acknowledging that the Super Mario formula "hasn't changed much over the years," EGM's Ray Carsillo enthuses that the new release "definitely succeeds with its own share of secrets, collectibles, and branching pathways." Carsillo gives it a 9/10, assuring us that "fans old and new shouldn't wait to jump into the world's most famous plumber's latest adventure."

IGN's Keza MacDonald is also impressed, rating it 8.5/10 and calling it a "masterclass in level design" and "a delightful game while it lasts." However, MacDonald laments, it's "a surprisingly conservative entry" in the Super Mario franchise, and "doesn't move the series forward." MacDonald also notes that the co-op multiplayer feels phoned-in: it's "fun, but inessential — on a small screen, the camera often has trouble keeping focus on both of you at once, and it doesn't let you run off and explore separately."

Gamespot's Marc Walton concurs about the co-op: "[I]t's a constant battle to stick together, lest you get separated, trapped in a bubble, and left to float around aimlessly while you wait for your partner to free you." He gives the game a 7/10, conceding that it's "thoroughly competent and enjoyable," but complaining that "[t]here's a lack of variety and imagination to the level design that makes the stages some of the blandest and most repetitive to ever grace a Mario game."

A couple of innovations do come in for additional praise. MacDonald lauds the competitive Coin Rush Mode, a fast-paced affair in which players must grab as many coins as possible across three randomly-selected levels without dying. It "gives New Super Mario Bros. 2 a little longevity, which it desperately needs," MacDonald notes.

Joystiq's JC Fletcher, in a generally unenthusiastic 3.5/5 review, admires a few past-paced levels in which Mario is shot out of a cannon and must run at breakneck speed with the player controlling only the timing of jumps. "These levels are thrilling, difficult, and feel like nothing I've ever experienced in a Mario game," gushes Fletcher, who adds that "this should have been the whole game."

So, if you're a devotee of classic platform action and need your annual Super Mario fix, the portly plumber's new effort looks like it won't disappoint. But those craving innovation and never-before-seen gameplay mechanics might want to leave Princess Peach to fend for herself this time around.

Xbox development system sells for $20K on eBay

2012-08-14T14:43:00.001-04:00

Despite plenty of leaks, Microsoft has yet to officially confirm that it's working on the next Xbox. But the first one may already have been sold.

An eBay auction over the weekend found a buyer for a purported Xbox 'Durango' Development Kit — a system game developers use to create games for the upcoming console. The buyer, who remained anonymous, shelled out $20,100 for the kit, which apparently looks like a black computer tower.

The sale comes with a load of questions, the foremost being: Is this thing real?

There's no way to know for sure. But the seller, who goes by the name SuperDaE, does have a track history of leaking information about the next Xbox, including the first images of Kinect 2.

SuperDaE boasted about the sale on his Twitter account, saying "I sold one of two I own. I still have the one that featured in news, the other one wasn't really necessary to keep as a leg rest." He also says his lawyers told him to "Go for it!"

Assuming that's true, he might want to reconsider his legal counsel. Development kits are never given or sold to game developers. They're leased -- and remain the property of the console manufacturer. They're also in extremely short supply. And while there have been plenty of leaks, the NDA Microsoft has put into place surrounding Durango (the codename for the next system) has been called 'draconian' by people familiar with it.

If this sale goes through, eBay will have contact information for both the buyer and seller and could turn that over to Microsoft if requested to do so. It's likely, in fact, given Microsoft could make a case that the auction was for the sale of stolen property.

So why would anyone want a development kit? After all, there are no games on the market for the next Xbox, obviously.

Given the price tag of the sale, the buyer is almost certainly not just a curiosity seeker. Corporate espionage is a very real thing, so it's plausible a competing company would want to get its hands on the system to learn more about what it will be facing, though doing so this way would be incredibly risky. Hackers could also be interested, as it would give them a head start at cracking the new system, which would be a true nightmare for Microsoft.

SuperDaE is brushing off the legal ramifications, though. He says he plans to use the $20K to help buy a new car and says he has already spoken with eBay to verify his account.

On the other hand, it could be nothing more than an elaborate prank meant to capture more media attention (in which case, mission accomplished). That's not necessarily bad news for the buyer, though, as eBay does have a system in place protecting buyers from false auctions.

More than anything, the presence of a functional development kit lends even more weight to rumors that Microsoft will be releasing a new system in 2013.

Rare Legend of Zelda cartridge is now the world’s most expensive video game

2012-08-06T20:58:00.001-04:00

Tom Curtin didn't get what he was asking for one of the rarest video games ever found, but you won't hear him complaining too much about that.

Earlier this week, Curtin launched an eBay auction for an exceptionally hard-to-find The Legend of Zelda prototype cartridge. The price? A whopping $150,000. That proved too steep, but a buyer quickly stepped forward and offered $55,000 — and just like that, there was a new record for the most expensive video game in the world.

"I still think there's some more values with it, but I was happy with what I got," says Curtin. "Zelda belongs atop the video game world."

Up until now, the record was held by a copy of Stadium Events that sold for $41,300 back in 2010.

The buyer has gone to lengths to stay anonymous, even insisting that Curtin agree to a non-disclosure agreement about his identity. Curtin can say, though, that this person has one of the world's largest collections of rare video game memorabilia. The prototype cartridge itself -- which contains a fully playable, pre-release version of NES classic The Legend of Zelda -- is thought to be unique, hence the abnormally high asking price.

Curtin didn't actually have the Zelda cartridge for very long. He bought it about three months ago from Jason Wilson, a leader in the prototype collectible field who had owned it for about 10 years previously. Curtin had planned to keep it, but soon noticed his collecting habits were shifting from cartridges and systems to original prints of cover art. That's when he decided to put it up for auction.

Because the cartridge is a piece of video game history, Curtin, who is an account manager at Oracle in Boston, wanted to ensure the buyer was reputable. And while he's limited in what he can say, he does note "I do believe it's going to a good home."

While the Zelda prototype cartridge was the crown jewel in his collection, Curtin is hardly bereft of video game memorabilia. His collection, he says, fills an 8'x 8' room and includes a Magnavox Odyssey, sealed classic games, and original artwork from Mega Man and Castlevania.

The one regret he has is that despite playing the cartridge a bit in a YouTube video to verify its authenticity, he stopped short of playing it through completely. That's something he hopes to rectify.

"I am going to reach out to the buyer and ask if I can play it through before I send it," he says.

Virtual Reality Makes a comeback

2012-08-06T20:55:00.001-04:00

Virtual reality got a bad reputation in the early 1990s. Proponents overpromised and underdelivered, with crummy graphics and headache-inducing headgear -- not to mention prices that were so stratospheric, there was no way anyone could afford to buy a system.

It was a technology that became an afterthought -- until game design guru John Carmack took an interest, at least. During the E3 conference in June, Carmack showed off the Oculus Rift headset, a virtual reality device he helped to create using (no joke) Oakley ski goggles, duct tape, and spare miniaturized rocket parts he had lying around his shop.

Flash forward to last week, when Carmack's partners launched a Kickstarter for the Oculus Rift, hoping to raise $250,000. In less than 5 days, gamers have pledged over $1.3 million — and excitement isn't slowing down.

The Rift is a lot fancier than the Frankenstein headset Carmack initially created. Packing a much wider field of view, lower latency and higher resolutions than comparably-priced VR sets, it's being hailed as something of a breakthrough.

(Credit: Darren Gladstone)We got some hands-on (eyes on?) with Carmack's cobbled together version during E3, and suffice to say, the experience of using the Rift itself is unlike anything you might have tried in the past. It puts you inside the game in a way that redefines immersion. Look right, and the view seamlessly shifts right. Look up and the view adjusts. Fuse that with Doom's horror-centric gameplay and you'll find yourself jumping a lot more than you did with the original game.

Speaking of which, the Oculus Rift will be compatible with the Doom 3 BFG edition coming out later this year (Kickstarter supporters who contribute $300 or more will get the headset and a copy of the game), and during the Quakecon convention, Carmack noted that Doom 4 will support the technology as well.

It may not end there. Markus 'Notch' Persson, the creator of mega-hit Minecraft, has expressed interest in the device. Valve Software owner/president Gabe Newell and Epic Games' Cliff Bleszinski are both vocal supporters of Oculus, and while neither has committed to building a specific game that supports it, it's hardly out of the realm of possibility.

Carmack's the most visible face of Oculus, but he's not the founder of the project. Palmer Luckey launched the company and designed the system.

"What we're doing at Oculus is trying to create the world's best virtual reality headset designed very specifically for gaming," says Luckey. "There's a lot of great head mounted displays out there, but they're all really, really expensive — up to over $100,000. What the Rift does [is] it makes a high end virtual reality experience available to the average gamer."

It's still very early -- and there's currently only one game supporting the technology -- but it's possible that virtual reality may go from being a punchline to a true evolutionary step.

Video Game Industry is Ailing

2012-07-28T15:10:00.003-04:00

(Credit: Getty Images)Things aren't rosy for those hoping to make big bucks in video games.

Five years ago, the idea of a 29 percent year-over-year decline would have sent shock waves throughout the industry. But when NPD reported that shortfall a few weeks ago, publishers, gamers and investors shrugged briefly, then promptly forgot about it.

But the problem isn't going away. Sales of traditional video games are clearly suffering. Game studios are closing left and right. Even game makers who used to print money are backpedaling. Monthly sales numbers at brick and mortar retailers have declined steadily for the past seven months, and while apologists argue that digital distribution is making up that gap, the numbers don't back that up.

The NPD Group recently issued updated sales numbers for the first fiscal quarter of the year, folding in digital sales, used game sales and rentals. That raised the number from $1.5 billion to $3.4 billion — which sounds like a nice jump, until you realize that in the first quarter of 2011, that number was $5.9 billion.

Investors in the industry's publishers aren't happy. BMO Capital Markets' Edward Williams says shareholders believe the industry "is in a secular decline." That might be a bit dire, but things truly aren't good.

So what's wrong? And is there a turnaround in sight?

Many point to the fact that we're experiencing an unprecedented gap between new console generations. With the current console cycle in its seventh year (the Xbox 360 was released back in 2005), which is considerably longer than what previous consoles have faced, consumer fatigue has set in. Gamers are simply growing a little bored with their devices.

While the industry tends to focus on software sales, the hardware numbers of late have been dreadful. Despite routinely outselling its rivals, the Xbox 360 has seen its sales fall year-over-year for 10 of the past 12 months. PS3 sales are down nine months in the past year. And the Wii… oh, the poor Wii. Since January 2009, it has only recorded year-over-year gains eight times. That's 34 months -- nearly 3 years -- of declines.

Some hold out hope that Nintendo's Wii U, due out later this year, will turn things around dramatically. But while the system could give a small boost to sales numbers, most analysts predict the real turn of the tide will come following the launch of the next Xbox and Playstation. Few expect the Wii U to perform anywhere near as well as the Wii (and considering how well the Wii has sold over its lifetime, that's not exactly a shocker).

Then there are the problems with games. New intellectual properties rarely launch at the end of a console's life cycle. Publishers, instead, roll those out when new consoles hit the market, since buyers are more open to them at that point. That has led to the bout of sequel-itis the industry is currently mired in.

And while it's always nice to play a new installment in a beloved series, players are getting a little tired of the same old franchises.

In addition, publishers have severely cut back the number of titles they're releasing in the past few years. Major triple-A releases are still coming out, but the mid-tier titles that used to be released regularly (to moderate sales) have dried up.

"We believe there are few new intellectual properties to reinvigorate interest in the games sector," says Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter. "Consumers have been offered a never-ending series of sequels, and have been offered fewer choices each year for the last several years, with the result being waning interest in new software purchases and an unprecedented three years of software sales declines."

"The poster children for limiting consumer choice are Activision, Electronic Arts and THQ, with each company offering 50 percent as many titles as they offered several years ago, with only one new intellectual property launched among the three companies over the last year," he says.

There's some good news on the horizon, though. This holiday season is packed with potential hits, which could at least stanch the bleeding -- and the expected release of games like Grand Theft Auto V, Bioshock Infinite, Dead Space 3 and Crysis 3 early next year could return the industry to positive territory, at least temporarily.

"We continue to believe most of the months for the balance of this year could be down double digits," says Arvind Bhatia, of Sterne Agee. "That said, declines in Nov/Dec may be less severe. … [and the first quarter of] calendar year 2013 has the potential to see year over year growth."

And while some investors might view the numbers as imminent signs of a second industry implosion (the first coming in the heyday of arcade games and Atari), industry observers say they don't think that's happening. Instead, they say, it could be an evolution of gaming into the next stage of interactive entertainment.

"It is unlikely that gamers are abandoning their passion in favor of other forms of entertainment, and inconceivable that if packaged goods sales have declined, people formerly playing games are now doing something unrelated," says Pachter.

Watch Live Now European Challenger Circuit Poland Finals

2012-07-28T13:09:00.001-04:00

Watch Live now European Challenger Circuit Poland Finals
With a $40,000 prize pool on the line, the best League of Legends teams from all over Europe will arrive in Warsaw this weekend for the European Challenger Circuit. Tune in this weekend to see who comes out victorious as Curse.eu, Meet Your Makers, SK Gaming, Team Acer, CLG, EloHell, x6tence and Moscow Five all strive to be the best.

Watch Live ESV Grand Prix Finals 6PM PST 9PM EST

2012-07-28T12:50:00.000-04:00

Watch Live ESV Grand Prix Finals 6PM PST 9PM EST
It all comes down to this! The ESV Grand Prix Finals pits two of the best StarCraft II players in the game today against one another for $3500 in prizes. Fresh off his MLG Summer Arena win, Liquid'TaeJa has appeared unstoppable, proving that Terran is never to be counted out. His opponent, ST.Squirtle, is not only one of the best Protoss in the world, but he also holds a Code S victory over TaeJa that he'll be taking with him to the grand finals.