Beta test the new dashboard: http://majornelson.com/2013/07/05/20...now-available/

Warning: Your points will be converted to your local currency when you are in the beta. If your one year until expiration starts when your beta starts, you probably don't want to enroll.

Thanks for the heads up Jeremy. Definite pass then.

I enrolled, only have 200 points left anyways. I wish I would have found some of those points deals everyone keeps talking about

So what happens if I still have a couple point cards left to enter? Should I put them in now and let them convert, or can I still enter them later?

Can you clarify this sentence? It may be the afternoon sun, but I'm not understanding.

Thank you, Walmart Black Friday 2012!

Any funds converted from existing points will expire one year after the conversion, according to what they've told us so far.

Target

Both, since Walmart honored their deal.

Convert them later, most likely.

Like MoviePage said, what we've been told so far is the cash value from converted points will expire after one year.

The beta agreement says that your points will be converted as part of the beta program. It doesn't specifically say that the converted value will expire in a year from the start of the beta, but for many people, it isn't worth the risk.

Nope. Target here would not honor their own ad, but Walmart did.

Ahhh, ok. I only have ~3200 msp left and there is still another CoD Black Ops 2 map pack coming, not to mention the 400 Days DLC. I'm pretty sure I can spend the other 1600 in a year.

I need advice. I have never owned any Xbox product but my son wants one to primarily play Left for Dead Series so I am thinking of picking him up a used system from GameStop as I have some gift cards to use up. I see they have lots of them but I have no idea what is needed or if I can just get the cheapest one and be all set. I have only used PlayStation consoles before which are just plug and play basically. I only need 1 wireless controller but what about wireless connectivity? Is that native like the PS3, or is there some add on I need to buy? I really don't want to spend too much as I won’t be using it and we already have the PS3 and the Wii.

Here are the ones available - http://www.gamestop.com/browse/xbox-...=28xp0,1385-c4

The first models of the 360 were wired ethernet only, with an optional wifi add-on. The revision to the "S" models made wifi standard. Also, with the earlier models, the harddrive was "optional", meaning to save games you'd have to buy a memory unit, use a USB drive, or buy a harddrive seperately if you didn't get one with a harddrive included. Finally, the original models were prone to RROD (Red Ring of Death).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of...configurations
http://support.xbox.com/en-US/xbox-3...sories/storage

So I'd stay away from all the original models, especially the refurbs on Gamestop. The reviews for those mention a lack of harddrive, and a number of RROD.

If you must buy refurb, get at least the 4GB Model S for $179. However, you may be better served getting a 250GB Model S refurb for $229, as Microsoft is giving away 2 free downloadable games to Xbox Live Gold members for the next 6 months, meaning you could get 12 free games for the system. Remember that an Xbox Live Gold membership is required for playing games online, which is what your son may be wanting to do with L4D. Nominally $60 for a year, there's often sales for a year of Gold for $35. Be sure to check the Xbox Live deals thread:
http://forum.dvdtalk.com/video-game-...bucks-fun.html

Also, in reference to the L4D series:

All the campaigns for the original L4D were ported to L4D2 as part of DLC packs. So one could theoretically buy L4D2, then purchase all the DLC, and have both games. The L4D2 DLC also contains additional campaigns, so they may be desired anyway. Buying the three L4D2 DLC campaign packs at $7 each would cost $21, and also need about 2.3GB of harddrive space:

The main downside would be playing multiplayer, he'd be limited to playing with other people who have L4D2 and the DLC, so if he's looking to play with friends, he should make sure he has the same as they do (either the original L4D, or L4D2 + DLC).

http://left4dead.wikia.com/wiki/Campaigns
http://left4dead.wikia.com/wiki/DLC
http://marketplace.xbox.com/en-US/Pr...5-d802454108d4

Also note that the L4D games have a split-screen mode on the 360 for local multiplayer, which can be combined with online multiplayer, so getting more than one controller may be something to look into.

I used to play a ton of L4D 1 and 2. Like hundreds of hours. Sadly, unless it's changed, there wasn't a ton of players and when there was, they were all 'modders' which would screw with the game.

he doesn't have any friends who game so that isn't an issue. also his stepdad has a controller from his rrod xbox 360 if need be.

Also, if he only wants to play L4D, why don't you try to play in a PC? It's almost free in Steam. That would open a lot of different kind of questions though.

he has at my house all this weekend, but he doesnt have a pc at his mothers house

Wow, so is this going to be exclusively for use at his mother's, or will he be porting the 360 back and forth?

up to him. I won't be using it so...

State of decay is out as well and is pretty nice.

Cheap Xbox Live 12 month on eBay via newegg:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Microsoft-Xb...d/380681468442

EDIT: Looks like they all sold out in a few minutes

Ugh, stupid hard drive shows up as unformatted now. Guess I have to buy a new one... seems like the "fake" 360S hard drives on Amazon have good reviews though, I imagine i'll try one of those.

Due to the recent sale I have been playing Asura's Wrath... and the game is surprisingly fun. A little combat and lots of QTEs but I am enjoying the absurd over the top nature of the title.

Anyone else pick it up recently on sale?

Asura's Wrath is fantastic. Really one of the underrated gems of this generation.