Firmware 2.01 On the Way

A short while after the release of firmware 2.00, Sony has announced on its Playstation Blog that firmware 2.01 is on the way, to be released in a few days. Those hoping for substantial updates (including the already confirmed Divx Support) are going to be a bit disappointed, as this update will only offer minor improvements to the stability of the Playstation 3.

Get Halo 3 for Free?

IGN has reported that, from now until December 21st, Microsoft will be sending a free copy of Halo 3 to anyone who buys a new Xbox 360 signs up for a new Xbox Live account and registers their system. Combined with the two free games that come packed in with the Xbox 360, this makes for one enticing deal. Almost too good to be true.

Well, it may very well be. Since IGN posted their article, the web page advertising this deal has since disappeared and as of this writing, the registration link for the program is having problems.

We'll keep you posted if this deal turns out to be legitimate or another case of something being too good to be true.

Source: IGN.com

The GUFU Weekly News Roundup 11/12 - 11/16

The Week's Hottest Gaming News, all in one place. The GUFU Weekly News Roundup

Singapore Bans Mass Effect!

Reuters has reported that Singapore's Media Development Authority has placed a ban on Bioware's latest opus because of the love scene that can occur between a female human and an alien woman.

Singapore Changes Its Mind! Mass Effect No Longer Banned!

After an incredibly short span of time, the ban on Mass Effect has been lifted and instead the game will release with an M18 rating. The Board of Film Censors has also stated that they plan to devise a ratings system to "enable highly anticipated games to be launched in Singapore."

NPD October Totals Released

The totals for October have been released from the NPD. The Xbox 360's Halo 3 sparked lead in Septemberwas indeed short-lived, clocking in at 366,000 systems and the Wii has once again retaken the top spot with 519,000 units shipped followed closely by the Nintendo DS with 458,000 shipped. The Playstation Portable checked in at a respectable 286,000 units while the Playstation 2 followed with 184,000 systems shipped. Playstation 3 total, at a mere 121,000 units were a bit disappointing but were likely caused by Sony's early reports that the cheaper 40 GB console would launch in the early part of November.

Microsoft to offer Original Xbox Games on the Xbox Live Marketplace

Microsoft announced early this week that, as part of their seasonal Xbox 360 firmware update, they would offer Original Xbox games for download from the Xbox Live Marketplace early next month for 1200 Microsoft Pointe ($15). The games to be initially available are Halo: Combat Evolved, Crash Bandicoot: The Wrath of Cortex, Crimson Skies: High Road To Revenge, Fable, Burnout 3: Takedown and the often overlooked but critically acclaimed Psychonauts.

Super Smash Bros Brawl to Offer Unconventional Spectator Mode

Not only can you watch online matches (sans player names to protect users identities) you will also be able to bet on them before the match begins! Players will be able to bet on which character they think will winthe upcoming match with their own coins. The more players in the match, the higher the winning payout will be, and there's even a chance for even greater prizes!

Resistance Map Pack #2 Revealed

IGN and Insomniac's Ted Price give us the lowdown on the two all-new maps, Bracknell and Axbridge. Insomniac hasn't confirmed a solid release date, but the word from Ted Price is they are aiming for the end of November.

Nintendo Releases Special SNES Controller For The Wii!

The only catch? You have to live in Japan and be a member of the Japanese only Club Nintendo to get your hands on it. The Special SNES Controller, shaped like a classic Super Famicom controller will be released to Club Nintendo members who have fulfilled certain requirements along with a host of other goodies. Western gamers can only hope that Nintendo will release the controller and other goodies here as well.

Divx Support Coming To The PS3, Rumored for the Xbox 360

PS3 Fanboy is reporting that Divx support has been confirmed by a recent press release sent out by Divx Inc. and that the functionality will soon be enabled in an upcoming firmware update. No specifics as to when this update will be made available were released.

Xbox 360 Fanboy has also reported that Divx support is rumored to be part of the Xbox 360's upcoming fall firmware update. As of writing, no such reports have been verified.

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Well, that'll do it for this week's edition of the GUFU Weekly News Roundup. Stay tuned in to this blog for the latest news as it comes in.

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