Switched http://www.switched.com Switched http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.switched.com/media/feedlogo.gif Switched http://www.switched.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[App Developer Sued for Stealing Customers' iPhone Numbers]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/07/app-developer-sued-for-stealing-customers-iphone-numbers/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/07/app-developer-sued-for-stealing-customers-iphone-numbers/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/07/app-developer-sued-for-stealing-customers-iphone-numbers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

iPhone Game Developer Sued for Secretly Collecting Customer Phone NumbersStorm8, the developer of popular (but terrible) iPhone games like 'Vampires Live' and 'iMobsters,' has found itself on the wrong end of a potential class-action lawsuit.

A lawsuit has been filed, on behalf of Washington resident Michael Turner, that alleges Storm8 built its games with a "feature" that automatically sends the phone number of each host iPhone to the developer. Turner is suing on the grounds that this practice is in violation of both the federal Computer Fraud and Abuse Act and California state law, and is pushing to turn it into a class-action suit, on behalf of all Storm8 customers.

Storm8 has admitted to collecting the phone numbers, but denies any real responsibility, attributing the "phone home" function to a simple bug in the code. The company maintains that the glitch has been fixed. Turner countered that a "glitch" could not lead to the collection of phone numbers and that specialized code would have to be purposely placed within the games to have that effect. Not being programmers,we can't say for certain whether or not the collecting of phone numbers was intentional, but it doesn't sound like the sort of feature that could be accidentally implemented.

Continue reading App Developer Sued for Stealing Customers' iPhone Numbers

SwitchedApp Developer Sued for Stealing Customers' iPhone Numbers originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 07 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>class actionClassActioncomputer crimes and abuse actComputerCrimesAndAbuseActlawsuitprivacysecuritystorm8topSat, 07 Nov 2009 10:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: The Vision One Computer Workstation]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-the-vision-one-computer-workstation/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-the-vision-one-computer-workstation/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/gift-guide-the-vision-one-computer-workstation/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Vision One Computer Workstation (Gamer, Under $2,500)

There are desks, and then there's the V1 ($1,700 starting price), an uncompromising workstation aimed squarely at appeasing the ergonomic needs of the seasoned PC gamer. The standard and corner-room configurations come in 35 colors like solid blue, metallic silver, and "rainbo" -- yep, you read right -- with finishes that include racing stripes and even flames. An adjustable-height monitor stand holds up to three displays while padded elbow rests support your arms; four speaker uprights surround the user so that you're always in the sweet spot. Colors aside, the V1 customization options are plentiful, from the table tops down to chair. If you've got the extra cash, spring for the cushy leather Porsche seat. Why? Because you (and your back) deserve it.

SwitchedGift Guide: The Vision One Computer Workstation originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesdeskfurnituresgamingaccessorieshgghgg-2500hgg-gamerhouseholdv1Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Facebook Hit 'Bejeweled Blitz' Goes Mobile With iPhone App]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/facebook-hit-bejeweled-blitz-goes-mobile-with-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/facebook-hit-bejeweled-blitz-goes-mobile-with-iphone-app/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/facebook-hit-bejeweled-blitz-goes-mobile-with-iphone-app/#commentsFiled under: ,

Fans of the Facebook game 'Bejeweled Blitz' will be able to hone their gem-matching skills on the move when the free 'Bejeweled 2' iPhone add-on hits the App Store next week.

As with previous 'Bejeweled' games, the goal is to swap gems vertically and horizontally to match three or more. (A satisfying cacophony of explosions concludes the round if you've done your job.) But this streamlined edition gives you only one minute to do it, a boon for mobile users with some time, though not too much time, to kill. Best of all, 'Blitz' syncs automatically to Facebook, uploading high scores to a leaderboard in real time.

If users really feel the need to brag, they can post their scores to their Facebook profiles, reminding their family and friends who's the boss -- at least where puzzle games are concerned. [From: Games.com]

SwitchedFacebook Hit 'Bejeweled Blitz' Goes Mobile With iPhone App originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>app storeAppStorebejeweled blitzBejeweledBlitzfacebookiphoneiphone appIphoneApptopFri, 06 Nov 2009 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[No Doubt Sues Activision Over Stefani's 'Band Hero' Avatar]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/no-doubt-sues-activision-over-stefanis-band-hero-avatar/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/no-doubt-sues-activision-over-stefanis-band-hero-avatar/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/06/no-doubt-sues-activision-over-stefanis-band-hero-avatar/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yesteryear's teen ska sensations No Doubt have filed suit against Activision Blizzard, Inc. over a depiction of frontwoman Gwen Stefani in the new game 'Band Hero.' Although No Doubt signed a contract allowing Activision to use the band's music and likenesses, the lawsuit maintains that the contract did not give Activision clearance to feature Stefani's avatar lip-synching to the Rolling Stones' 'Honky Tonk Women,' as the company has apparently done. This lawsuit follows a similar one threatened by Courtney Love in September. The widow of Kurt Cobain, Love claims that she did not expressly authorize the company to defile use her departed husband's likeness in a 'Guitar Hero 5' rendition of a Bon Jovi tune.

According to Reuters, the band objects, in the lawsuit, to the idea of "the Stefani avatar in a male voice boasting about having sex with prostitutes." Why, No Doubt? Because the Stones write songs that have some kind of substance or grit to them? Because Stefani is a woman? Because to do so would be totally f'in punk rock? Listen, Gwen, we've seen Sleater-Kinney's Corin Tucker sing the hell out of Danzig's immortally gross words: "Father, gonna take your daughter out tonight/Gonna show her my world ... If you wanna find Hell with me/I can show you what it's like/Till your bleeding," and it was nothing short of rock'n'roll genius. We recommend you familiarize yourself, via this video, and start taking notes. [From: Reuters, via Pocket Link]

SwitchedNo Doubt Sues Activision Over Stefani's 'Band Hero' Avatar originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 06 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band heroBandHeroguitar heroGuitarHerogwen stefaniGwenStefanilawsuitmusicno doubtNoDoubtvideogamesFri, 06 Nov 2009 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: 'Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition']]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/gift-guide-batman-arkham-asylum-collector-s-edition/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/gift-guide-batman-arkham-asylum-collector-s-edition/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/gift-guide-batman-arkham-asylum-collector-s-edition/#commentsFiled under: ,


'Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition' (Gamer, Under $100)

When we say 'Batman: Arkham Asylum' ($89.99 for Collector's Edition, $49 standard edition, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PC) is the best superhero game of all time, we mean it. Because that's what Rocksteady Studios has achieved -- a gorgeous, adult action adventure that does the Dark Knight justice. Taking place over one evening, Batman must tackle the Joker and his goons and break out of Gotham's nuthouse. Luckily for players, the journey is extremely interactive-using one's surroundings to fight is not only encouraged, it's obligatory. Drop down onto enemies from above, rig explosives to bring walls down, and crash through windows and ceilings. The cast of 'Batman: The Animated Series' provides the voice acting, with Mark Hamill memorably reprising the Joker. The Collector's Edition includes a 14-inch "Batarang," behind-the-scenes DVD, and 48-page book with notes on Arkham Asylum's inmates.

SwitchedGift Guide: 'Batman: Arkham Asylum Collector's Edition' originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>batmanbatman-arkham-asylumhgghgg-100hgg-gamerThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Judge Confiscates Boy's Wii, Will Return for Good Behavior]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/judge-confiscates-boys-wii-will-return-for-good-behavior/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/judge-confiscates-boys-wii-will-return-for-good-behavior/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/05/judge-confiscates-boys-wii-will-return-for-good-behavior/#commentsFiled under:

Parents know that if you want t to get an unruly kid's full and undivided attention (and make them tremble either out fear or anger), all you need to do is hide the TV remote, disconnect the WiFi, and take away the video game controllers.

A Canadian judge, who must be a parent, recently carried that family practice over to his courtroom when he ordered a young ruffian to hand over his Nintendo Wii. The Winnipeg Sun reports the troubled boy had been involved in numerous problems at school, including fights and instances of vandalism, so Judge Marvin Garfinkle decided that the creative confiscation of the Wii, and the promise of its return given certain requirements, might inspire the boy to curb his ways.

Some U.S. gamers might consider this the epitome of cruel and unusual punishment, but these types of atypical sentences, particularly for non-violent offenders, might be exactly what overcrowded U.S. prisons need. And, the sentence definitely beats getting sent to those teen boot camps. [From: The Winnipeg Sun via Yahoo]

SwitchedJudge Confiscates Boy's Wii, Will Return for Good Behavior originally appeared on Switched on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>courtnintendo wiiNintendoWiitopunusual sentencesUnusualSentencesweird court rulingsWeirdCourtRulingswiiThu, 05 Nov 2009 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[China Blocks Access to 'World of Warcraft'... Again]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/china-blocks-access-to-world-of-warcraft-again/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/china-blocks-access-to-world-of-warcraft-again/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/04/china-blocks-access-to-world-of-warcraft-again/#commentsFiled under:

China Blocks Access to WoW... Again.
'World of Warcraft' (WoW) is painfully popular in China. So much so that, out of WoW's roughly 13 million subscribers, 4 million are in China -- almost a third of the company's customer base. Considering the large portion of revenue coming from the psuedo-communist country, WoW publisher Activision Blizzard, is probably having a mini freak-out right now as WoW has again been blocked by the Chinese government.

This isn't a first. In fact, the multiplayer online game was only relaunched in China this September, but internal quarrels (surprisingly, not censorship) have again shut it down. It seems that the General Administration of Press and Publication and the Ministry of Culture can't agree on whose jurisdiction WoW falls under, and until they either reach an solution (or battle to the death), China may not have access to WoW.

Of course, Chinese gamers are quite the dedicated and obsessive bunch (they even have a WoW-themed restaurant!) so we're sure they'll find a way around the blockade -- like logging into servers in neighboring Taiwan. [From: Download Squad]

Continue reading China Blocks Access to 'World of Warcraft'... Again

SwitchedChina Blocks Access to 'World of Warcraft'... Again originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinagamingtopWorld of WarcraftWorldOfWarcraftwowWed, 04 Nov 2009 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA['Baby and Me' Uses Wiimote to Create a Burping, Crying Baby]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/baby-and-me-uses-wiimote-to-create-a-burping-crying-baby/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/baby-and-me-uses-wiimote-to-create-a-burping-crying-baby/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/baby-and-me-uses-wiimote-to-create-a-burping-crying-baby/#commentsFiled under:


The Wii's motion-based gameplay is wonderful, having opened the door to imaginative uses never before possible in video games. While the Wiimote is rugged, that doesn't mean it can handle the sheer abuse of being tossed around, pitched at pets, and rolled haphazardly. Maybe, then, it's fitting that the controller is now being turned into a baby.

The special edition of 'Baby and Me' comes with a doll attachment, meaning that the Wiimote will churn out baby noises while little girls and boys (we hope they're little... ) interact with the toy tot's onscreen counterpart. The fun includes feeding the baby, rocking the baby to sleep, and compatibility with the balance board, which allows, well, rocking the baby to sleep.

Continue reading 'Baby and Me' Uses Wiimote to Create a Burping, Crying Baby

Switched'Baby and Me' Uses Wiimote to Create a Burping, Crying Baby originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby and meBabyAndMetopvideogameswiiwii gamesWiiGameswiimoteMon, 02 Nov 2009 14:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/is-dj-hero-worth-the-hype/#commentsFiled under: , ,



HYPE CHECK

'DJ Hero'

What it is: Until now, rock-and-roll has dominated the rhythm-action gaming charts. 'Rock Band' and 'Guitar Hero' both provide amazing experiences for guitars-and-drums jams, but don't really address either hip hop or dance music (i.e., electronic music). Activision has tried to remedy this situation with its newest 'Hero' game, aptly titled 'DJ Hero.' Just as 'Guitar Hero' attempts to reproduce the feeling of playing in a band, 'DJ Hero' attempts to do the same for club-centric live mixing.

Why it's different: The work of a DJ is fundamentally different from that of a traditional musician. Like 'Guitar Hero,' 'DJ Hero' comes with its own hardware. The custom controller includes a free-spinning turntable with three colored buttons on one side, along with a crossfader, a knob for effects, and a button that glows when you go into "Euphoria mode" (more on that later). Though made of plastic, the controller actually feels solid, as though it could take a beating, and the feel of the turntable and mixer are spot-on. Although the buttons can be awkward to push while scratching (particularly the one on the inside), the hardware -- unlike the guitar games -- generally does a good job of making you feel like an actual DJ (or, at least, what we'd imagine it feels like to be a DJ). Oh, and it's remarkably devoid of logos, making it a surprisingly classy addition to your living room hardware lineup.

Continue reading Is 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype?

SwitchedIs 'DJ Hero' Worth the Hype? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiondj heroDjHerofeatureshgghypecheckmusictopvideogamesMon, 02 Nov 2009 13:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-nvidia-3d-vision-kit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


NVidia 3-D Vision Kit (Gamer, Under $250)

"3-D gaming" is one of those terms that gets bandied about quite a bit these days. And while the experience is best experienced in movie theaters, the home alternatives are finally starting to proliferate. Arguably the best option out there is NVidia's 3-D Vision Kit ($199), which connects to your PC, and displays your compatible games in three glorious dimensions (the list includes such award winners as 'Resident Evil 5,' 'Left 4 Dead,' and 'Batman: Arkham Asylum'). You'll need a high-speed 120 Hz-monitor, HDTV or projector to properly view the games, and an 8800 GT graphics card or better. While the stereoscopic goggles are a bit goofy, the gaming experience provided is quite unlike any you've ever experienced: You'll literally try to reach out and touch the graphics.

SwitchedGift Guide: NVidia 3D Vision Kit originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-D3D3Dgaminghgghgg-250hgg-gamernvidiaMon, 02 Nov 2009 11:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Gift Guide: Scribblenauts]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-scribblenauts/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-scribblenauts/http://www.switched.com/2009/11/02/gift-guide-scribblenauts/#commentsFiled under: ,


Scribblenauts (Gamer, Under $50)

Scribblenauts ($29.99) is one of those games that gets people talking. Essentially a puzzle game at its core, the experience involves inputting words (via either handwriting recognition or an onscreen keyboard) to outfit your character with different objects to solve the problem at hand. A flamethrower may be the easiest way to burn through some impassably thick brush, while a net may let you catch an intimidating shark. The game's vocabulary is rather staggering; input nearly anything you can think of and watch it manifest before you in two-dimensional glory. When your friend starts complaining about the lack of innovation in video games, hand them your copy of Scribblenauts and say, "Play this."

SwitchedGift Guide: Scribblenauts originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsgameshgghgg-50hgg-gamernintendonintendodsscribblenautsMon, 02 Nov 2009 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Founder Laments the Unpopularity of 'Star Fox']]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/nintendo-founder-laments-the-unpopularity-of-star-fox/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/nintendo-founder-laments-the-unpopularity-of-star-fox/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/nintendo-founder-laments-the-unpopularity-of-star-fox/#commentsFiled under:

No matter who you are, you can't always be the best. Even NBA legend Michael Jordan had a bad game every now and then. Apparently, the same holds true for video game developers, too.

In a recent interview with MTV's Multiplayer blog, Miyamoto was asked how he reacts when a game he designs isn't received well by gamers. "I tend to forget those games [laughs]," he said. Miyamoto, the creator of gaming icons Mario and Link, used the example of the 'Star Fox' 3-D space flight game, which featured animals piloting fighter ships. Inspired by "Every time we make a 'Star Fox' game I'm hoping people will enjoy it as much as I do," he said. "...the people that purchase the 'Star Fox' games has decreased over the years."

Don't mistake Miyamoto's words for an indication that he's ready to hang up the 'Star Fox' series. After all, the "Do a Barrel Roll" soundclip from the games has become a meme in its own right. [From: MTV]

SwitchedNintendo Founder Laments the Unpopularity of 'Star Fox' originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>marionintendoshigeru-miyamotostar foxstarfoxtopvideogamesSat, 31 Oct 2009 15:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Muscle Sensors Make for Truly Hands-Free Gaming]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/muscle-sensors-make-for-truly-hands-free-gaming/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/muscle-sensors-make-for-truly-hands-free-gaming/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/31/muscle-sensors-make-for-truly-hands-free-gaming/#commentsFiled under:

From humble origins as paddles and single joysticks with one measly fire button, game controllers have dramatically evolved to incorporate track balls, excessive buttons, motion sensors, light guns, and various other crazy features. The next stage in gaming may not require controllers at all, though.

Microsoft, the University of Washington in Seattle, and the University of Toronto have all teamed up to investigate hands-free, muscle-computer interface technology. The technology, using bands of sensors placed along the forearm, allows users to interact with computers and gadgets without having to use actual, physical controllers.

Continue reading Muscle Sensors Make for Truly Hands-Free Gaming

SwitchedMuscle Sensors Make for Truly Hands-Free Gaming originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game controllersGameControllersgesture recognitionGestureRecognitionhands-free technologymotion sensorsMotionSensorsmuscle-computer interfaceMuscle-computerInterfacesciencetopSat, 31 Oct 2009 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Disney's 'Epic Mickey' Goes Back to Mischievous Side of Iconic Mascot]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/disneys-epic-mickey-goes-back-to-mischevious-side-of-iconic-m/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/disneys-epic-mickey-goes-back-to-mischevious-side-of-iconic-m/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/30/disneys-epic-mickey-goes-back-to-mischevious-side-of-iconic-m/#commentsFiled under: ,

Mickey Mouse is returning to the video game world in a big way. Disney has officially announced 'Epic Mickey,' a new Nintendo Wii game that's aimed at taking the world's most famous mouse back to his roots.

Due in late 2010, the in-game Mickey will be a far cry from the character many people are used to. Instead of the happy-go-lucky mascot, this Mickey will be more akin to the one Walt Disney introduced in the 1920s -- mischievous, and not afraid to get in a fight.

"One of our creative problems [at Disney Interactive] was Mickey Mouse," says Graham Hopper, president of Disney Interactive Studios. "He was one of the most popular characters in the world, but he had never reached his full potential in video games."

Continue reading Disney's 'Epic Mickey' Goes Back to Mischievous Side of Iconic Mascot

SwitchedDisney's 'Epic Mickey' Goes Back to Mischievous Side of Iconic Mascot originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneyfeaturesgamestopupcomingwiiFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Controller-Chewing Dog Spends Money on Xbox Live]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/controller-chewing-dog-spends-money-on-xbox-live/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/controller-chewing-dog-spends-money-on-xbox-live/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/27/controller-chewing-dog-spends-money-on-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under:

When you adopt a dog, you expect to drop some cash on things like food, visits to the vet, and maybe chew toys. But one man's best friend drained his bank account in an unexpected way.

According to Kotaku, a man named Greg says his one-year-old dog, Oscar, purchased 5,000 points on his Xbox Live account, totaling $62.50, while the owner slept in the next room. Somehow, the lab/hound mix (pictured above) managed to spend the money simply by chewing on the plastic controller. Greg says he woke up the next morning to read an e-mail confirming his purchase. After initially being angry, he just laughed it off. Instead of pleading with Microsoft for a refund, he just decided to purchase some new video games and a replacement controller with the points.

Continue reading Controller-Chewing Dog Spends Money on Xbox Live

SwitchedController-Chewing Dog Spends Money on Xbox Live originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animalscontrollerdogsfunnymicrosofttopvideogamesxbox360xboxliveTue, 27 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[North Korea Home to Lamest Arcade in the World]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/24/north-korea-home-to-lamest-arcade-in-the-world/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/24/north-korea-home-to-lamest-arcade-in-the-world/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/24/north-korea-home-to-lamest-arcade-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under:

Under the leadership of ruler Kim Jong Il, the totalitarian state of North Korea has been notoriously isolated and secretive. It's incredibly difficult to obtain information or photographs from within the nation, but an anonymous freedom fighter has apparently released some incriminating photographs that demonstrate a disturbingly cruel attitude toward North Korea's youth.

The photos depict a depressingly sterile, outdated, and lonely video game arcade. The room, which looks like a lounge in a psychiatric hospital, has no invigorating neon lights, strobes, bells, or whistles. Most of the games also appear to be at least a decade old, but the knockoff of the classic Midway submarine game 'Sea Raider,' complete with periscope, does look like it might be entertaining, if it's operational.

Continue reading North Korea Home to Lamest Arcade in the World

SwitchedNorth Korea Home to Lamest Arcade in the World originally appeared on Switched on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadeskim jong ilKimJongIlnorth koreaNorthKoreatopvideo gamesVideoGamesSat, 24 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Money Can't Buy Love, Sure Isn't Buying 'The Beatles: Rock Band']]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/money-cant-buy-love-sure-isnt-buying-the-beatles-rock-band/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/money-cant-buy-love-sure-isnt-buying-the-beatles-rock-band/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/21/money-cant-buy-love-sure-isnt-buying-the-beatles-rock-band/#commentsFiled under:

When it comes to moving video game units, the Fab Four haven't quite lived up to the hype. The September sales numbers from tracking firm NPD Group have arrived, and 'The Beatles: Rock Band' didn't sell as well as predicted. According to USA Today, the game, which released to much hype on September 9th, sold 595,000 copies across all platforms -- about 400,000 copies less than what analysts had predicted.

Still, that doesn't mean the game is a slouch. Those sales were enough to place 'The Beatles: Rock Band' at number five on the Xbox 360 charts (254,000 sold), and number 10 on the Wii charts (208,600). Analyst Jesse Divnich of Electronic Entertainment Design and Research says he expects those numbers to only increase in the future. "I have no doubts we will see a resurgence in sales during the holiday months," he says. Plus, the game still outsold its chief rival, 'Guitar Hero 5.'

Continue reading Money Can't Buy Love, Sure Isn't Buying 'The Beatles: Rock Band'

SwitchedMoney Can't Buy Love, Sure Isn't Buying 'The Beatles: Rock Band' originally appeared on Switched on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beatlesrockbandmusicrock-bandsalesthe beatlesTheBeatlestopvideogamesWed, 21 Oct 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Dorky Don Juan Proposes During 'Super Mario World' Session]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/20/dorky-don-juan-proposes-during-super-mario-world-session/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/20/dorky-don-juan-proposes-during-super-mario-world-session/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/20/dorky-don-juan-proposes-during-super-mario-world-session/#commentsFiled under:

When we finished watching this video (after the break) on Geek Sugar, we were a little surprised by our reactions. Sure, it's easy to make fun of this dude for: one, proposing to his girl in front of the living room TV (while she's playing 'Super Mario World,' no less); two, setting up a video camera to capture it; and, three, posting said video to YouTube. But the look in his eye, her immediate "Yes!," their embrace, and that little dog jumping up and down illustrates domestic bliss so idyllic that it's downright Rockwellian. Call us hopeless, but we think this pair of players is bound for some high scores. [From: Geek Sugar]

Continue reading Dorky Don Juan Proposes During 'Super Mario World' Session

SwitchedDorky Don Juan Proposes During 'Super Mario World' Session originally appeared on Switched on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funnygeekmariomarriageproposaltopvideo gamesVideoGamesTue, 20 Oct 2009 08:29:00 EST<![CDATA[HSN Salesman Breaks TV With Wiimote: Real or Fake?]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/hsn-salesman-breaks-tv-with-wiimote-real-or-fake/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/hsn-salesman-breaks-tv-with-wiimote-real-or-fake/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/19/hsn-salesman-breaks-tv-with-wiimote-real-or-fake/#commentsFiled under:

Wiimote accidents are easily preventable. The slippery sucker comes with both a strap and an optional sleeve, hoping to soften whatever damage a klutz might do to his dog or girlfriend. But most importantly, not letting go of the controller requires simple common sense. That's why it continues to be entertaining when hapless gamers fling the things at their screens.

View Poll



When a man helplessly calls for his 'mama' after shattering his flat screen, it's oddly sad. But when a Home Shopping Network host launches a Wii Tennis racket at the screen (jump to 5:05 in the above video), cracks the TV, and continues to plow right through his pitch without missing a beat (with no help from his hysterical co-worker), we laugh at him, and then with him. Hey, he didn't break a sweat, and the savvy production team flawlessly cut to a different shot instead of letting the poor guy suffer. It's almost too good to be true, but we agree with Gizmodo here. A very real screwup that fortunately (for us) was caught on live TV. However, if anyone is going to buy into a bunch of plastic, poorly affixed sports accessories, then it serves them right. [From: Gizmodo and Joystiq]

Continue reading HSN Salesman Breaks TV With Wiimote: Real or Fake?

SwitchedHSN Salesman Breaks TV With Wiimote: Real or Fake? originally appeared on Switched on Mon, 19 Oct 2009 15:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funnytopwiiwii sportswiimotewiimote accessorywiimote accidentsWiimoteAccessoryWiimoteAccidentsWiiSportsMon, 19 Oct 2009 15:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Classic 'Clue' Board Game Gets a High-Tech Makeover]]>http://www.switched.com/2009/10/16/classic-clue-board-game-gets-a-high-tech-makeover/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/16/classic-clue-board-game-gets-a-high-tech-makeover/http://www.switched.com/2009/10/16/classic-clue-board-game-gets-a-high-tech-makeover/#commentsFiled under: ,

Tired of the same old, boring 'Clue' board game? Feel claustrophobic while you wander aimlessly around that old dusty mansion? Have you ever lay awake at night thinking that the only missing ingredient from an otherwise near-perfect storm of a board game was international espionage? Of course you have. Well, your wildest board game dreams, dear reader, are about to come true.

Game company Hasbro has announced the release of a newer, sleeker, more global, and more high-tech version of Clue, titled 'CLUE: Secrets & Spies.' The usual suspects are all there, with their same hues, but are now secret agents, working to foil the elusive "Agent Black" and his C.L.U.E. (Criminal League for Ultimate Espionage) network of evil. The New York Times reports that in addition to the '007'-type narrative, the game also features an ultraviolet decoder, and, for the first time in Hasbro history, text messaging as a built-in part of the game.

Continue reading Classic 'Clue' Board Game Gets a High-Tech Makeover

SwitchedClassic 'Clue' Board Game Gets a High-Tech Makeover originally appeared on Switched on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>board gamesBoardGamescluegameshasbroremaketopFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:22:00 EST