Says Major Nelson, the Xbox Live community guru:

When Preview Program members start receiving the Xbox 360 system update next week, one of the changes is that unauthorized Memory Units will no longer work with the Xbox 360. If you've moved your profile or saved games onto one to "back it up," you'd better move it back onto an authorized Xbox 360 storage device prior to taking the update. If you continue to use an unauthorized Memory Unit after the update, you will not be able to access your stored profile or saved games.

One way to be sure you have an authorized storage device is to check it against this list.

Note: Unauthorized does not necessarily mean "third party." This link identifies the brands featured on third party products - including memory units - that are authorized.

Don't Use Unauthorized Xbox 360 Storage Devices [Major Nelson, via Gamers Reports]

In an interview with Eurogamer, Namco Bandai's Keita Takahashi reveals that downloadable content is already in the works for his new PlayStation Network title, Noby Noby Boy, with a major update in store "approximately two months after the release". While Takaashi didn't reveal details on the first update, which we'll assume contains more levels to stretch your Noby Noby Boy around or maybe bigger frogs, he did basically beg people to play his game so he can keep working on it.

"Without having a lot of people playing the game, I don't think that the decison-makers at the company will allow another update," he said. "So I want many people to play the game. Please allow me to keep updating the game!"

You heard the man! He can't make more frogs if you don't love the frogs he gives you.

Noby Noby Boy to get DLC soon News [Eurogamer]

Update 1.06 actually hit while we were in the middle of recording a very special LittleBigPlanet podcast, which was fun. It added some new features to level moderation, including the ability for unpublished levels to be edited by their creators rather than disappearing forever, and actual explanations for creators who've had their creations removed from circulation. Now they'll not only know what they did wrong, but they'll also be able to fix it! What a brilliant idea!

Update 1.07 just hit this morning, bringing with it new, easier ways to search for user-created levels, and (finally) a LittleBigStore in the game, where you can purchase and download the latest DLC. It even put the new free Christmas DLC into my cart without me asking it to, which was rather nifty.

LittleBigPlanet is constantly evolving, and these two update are excellent examples of how user feedback is taken into consideration as they update and modify the experience.

The latest update introduces a new faction system, two new PVP controlled towns, new areas, and level 8 spells. It's a mighty hefty amount of content for a game I was almost positive didn't exist anymore.

Release Notes - August [Asheron's Call via Eurogamer]

"Cagney," already applied to the PS3 version, was originally slated for release on July 10. The update is free and is far more than a patch or a fix. Three new online game modes, two additional cars, and 70 new timed multipart challenges come with the new version, as well as "a complete overhaul of our Online Racing System and a stack of other major improvement," says Criterion. A full listing of features is in this announcement.

Cagney Pack Dated [Criterion]

The Axtinguisher does half damage as a regular axe, unless the target is on fire. Then it's an automatic critical hit. So my friend Sander, who plays Pyro relentlessly, will now add "swing ax if anyone gets close" to his "backpedal and barbecue" combat strategy.

Valve didn't say when the new stuff hits, only that it's "almost completely wrapped." This latest build incorporates feedback from the April update to the Medic class. That one delivered three new unlockable weapons. However, in addition to the Axtinguisher, Valve says there will be "significant changes to the Pyro class for everyone," regardless of unlocked items, but didn't specify. So stay tuned.

Axtinguisher, Other Changes for Pyro in the Works [Steam]

This Wednesday Microsoft is releasing SNK Playmore's heralded classic Metal Slug 3 to XBLA for 800 points. Now in 720p and featuring online co-op multiplayer, I'm almost glad I didn't pump a boatload of quarters into the game when I spotted a cabinet a few months back. But man I've gotta pick up a joystick for the 360 already.

Metal Slug 3 [xbox]

We're trying to certainly cut down on the amount of times we do it. But on occasion when we've got these good features ready to go, let's give them out to the consumers. Let's get them out there. We definitely understand that it does happen frequently and that can be somewhat annoying to some users.

We hear you. We hear everyone. Yeah. There's some challenges, but we definitely hear you.

Because of the latest issue of PSM3, now we know. And correct me if I'm wrong, but it's sounding a lot like Lair:

1. You can now only play the female character, Tyris Flar, a single protagonist as opposed to choosing the dwarf etc.
2. Free-roaming environments promote flying around on various beasts.
3. You can go on land to do some standard hack 'n slashing.

Honestly, the pitch lost me at "you can only be one character." Hopefully I'm being prematurely negative for unfounded reasons. We'll see.

Golden Axe PS3: First details [cvg]