Even now, after its unveiling, the Xbox One is a chaotic singularity of mixed messages and warped noise. After an embarrassing slip up that suggested Microsoft would esentially be able to switch off your Xbox One and access to games on command, Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has moved to assure people that those banned from Xbox LIVE would still have access to their games on Xbox One.

Some of the most persistent rumours surrounding Xbox Live have finally been confirmed: the Xbox One Marketplace will phase out Microsoft Points to be replaced by real money. The exact currency will depend on where you live, which will make things easier to budget for, but stop us stocking up on masses of cheap points for ludicrous savings.

I'm sure we won't miss having a random 40 MSP left at the bottom of the barrel, mind. We also learned that Xbox Live Gold subscribers will soon receive two free games per month, though the starting selection isn't all that inspiring...

Microsoft announced that Xbox LIVE Gold is getting a little bit of an upgrade, and it's about time too. The subscription based membership service, which previously just let you play with your chums online and use services you're already paying for like Netflix, will now offer a little bit more.

Microsoft revealed during their press conference earlier today that being an Xbox LIVE Gold member will earn you two free games per month, which is pretty cool.

The first month will see loyal subscribers take home...

Assassin's Creed II and Halo 3.

Which we already have... and have had for a few years.

Still, baby steps, eh.

One of the things being hotly debated before today's reveal was whether or not Microsoft would be scrapping their yearly subscription service Xbox Live Gold for their next-gen console, especially given Sony and Nintendo's approach to free online multiplayer.

Well, the answer is "no". Xbox LIVE Gold will still exist on the Xbox One, and will apparently "carry over seamlessly" from Xbox 360, "becoming more valuable than ever," according to the freshly published Xbox One fact sheet.

We don't know exactly what that will entail, nor whether we'll see the price increase because of it, but we're fairly certain that we'll find out soon.

UPDATE: Microsoft have also now confirmed that your Xbox LIVE Gold Membership will carry over to the Xbox One as well.

Microsoft have confirmed that the Xbox One will allow your existing Gamertag, avatar, and all of your hard-earned points for your Gamerscore to be ported over from the Xbox 360.

Major Nelson has lifted the lid on the Xbox LIVE updates coming this fortnight a little early, presumably due to some event thingy happening this evening.

Highlights over the next two weeks involve the surprisingly awesome Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, the complete DLC bundle for NFS: Most Wanted, the addition of Batgirl to the Injustice roster, and a big price cut on Ghost Recon: Future Soldier downloadables and Darkstalkers Resurrection.

Microsoft have announced that Xbox LIVE will play host to a new interactive TV project called The Music Room -- a "two-part series delivering the hottest up-and-coming bands direct to your living room".

12 Months Xbox LIVE Gold Membership | £25.64 | CDKeys

The listed price at the moment is £26.99 (which is still seriously awesome), but if you click the 'Like' button near the top (or here), you'll be taken to CDKeys' Facebook page where you'll receive a 5% off voucher (ours at the time of writing is CDK6767) to drop the price.

Please note, you're paying for a digital code, not a boxed card. We preach caution with sites like this, but we've never had any issue with CDKeys in the past, usually receiving codes within an hour (often immediately), and the buyer protection offered through Paypal is certainly welcome.

Shoutout to TimJWL @ HUKD for bringing this to our attention.

The good Major has unveiled the latest in the Xbox LIVE Marketplace's fortnightly updates, deals, and new releases. Heist 'em up Monaco is coming to the platform later this week, soon to be joined by Sanctum 2 and Hunters Trophy America.

There are discounts for a whole host of Serious Sam games this week, with Battlefield 3 getting in on the deal-related action next week. And finally, you'll be able to buy Fist of the North Star: Ken's Rage 2 -- which, as everybody knows, is Jon's most favourite game -- from Games on Demand. Woop.

New predictions from tech blogger Paul Thurrott (who was spot-on about the May 21st reveal) suggest that the next-gen Xbox console could feature a two-tier pricing model, with a discount if you sign up to a monthly subscription for two years.

Major Nelson has unveiled the latest slew of updates, deals, and new releases to hit the Xbox LIVE Marketplace from today. There are deals on the likes of Peggle, Plants vs. Zombies, From Dust, and Quantum Conundrum; you can feast on the delights of the Kinect Central sale; and keep an eye out for new ACIII DLC.

All praise the shining golden calf of Ballmer! Microsoft is bestowing free Xbox Live Gold weekend upon North America, Latin America and Japan.

Just a quickie: Microsoft have released a campaign-only edition of Halo 3: ODST on Xbox Live. The £11.99, 3.47GB download contains the full singleplayer experience for a reduced price, but no Firefight options whatsoever.

We strongly feel that letting players choose which bits of the game they want to buy is a great idea, and a concept worth exploring as development costs continue to rise, though must also point out that you could just buy a full copy for £8.94 from Coolshop. Or pick it up pre-owned for peanuts.

Major Nelson has unveiled the latest slew of updates, deals, and new releases to hit the Xbox LIVE Marketplace from today. Prince of Persia Classic and Counter-strike: Global Offensive get the top billing in Deal of the Week, and remember to save a few MS Points for Blops II: Uprising next week.

Xbox Live Rewards members will be able to earn a few extras by playing and consuming Xbox Live Arcade games throughout April. Consume! Go on, it's fun and good for you. Consume some more, yes, yesssss.

Ladies and gentlemen, the Xbox LIVE Spring Sale has begun, slashing prices on  whole bunch of selected XBLA titles, Games on Demand, Add-ons, and films.

The promotion will run until April 2nd, and features such games as Hitman: Absolution, FIFA 13, Dead Rising 2, and The Walking Dead. The good adventure games, not the hurried Activision TV spin-off.

Not got XBL Gold? Not to worry, these deals are open to all!

Check out the sale here.

Another day, another round of Xbox LIVE deals. This time it's all about price reductions that should please fighting fans. In the mix are Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter x Tekken, with a number of the games on offer discounted 50% or more.

Microsoft have released the details for this fortnight's Xbox LIVE Marketplace updates, detailing the Deal of the Week, as well as the EA Publisher sale. Particularly worthy of note are the following deals:

• Shank- 400 MSP
• Shank 2- 400 MSP
• Warp - 400 MSP

Skulls of the Shogun and Special Forces Seal Team X form the double trouble of new releases over the next couple of weeks, with Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Need for Speed Most Wanted, and Cabela’s Hunting Expeditions hitting Games on Demand today.

A new report suggests that Microsoft will be "consolidating all their communications technology" in the near future, meaning that Skype will take over from Xbox LIVE Chat and MSN Messenger to become the default communication service on the next-gen Xbox console, alongside PCs and tablets.

There's a boatload of new apps coming to Xbox LIVE between now at spring 2013, Microsoft have announced. Alongside MS's microtransaction-oriented Karaoke service, the platform will feature applications from the likes of orange-clad supermarket chain Sainsbury's, cloud storage service SkyDrive, and music streaming service Napster. The last two re slated to launch this week.

The Karaoke channel will be free to download, and you'll then pay for the amount of singing time you desire. It'll be 240 Microsoft Points for two hours, 400 Points for six hours or 800 Points for 24 hours. "Karaoke fans will be able to sing along to more than 8,000 tracks while their Xbox LIVE avatar performs the song on stage with a full complement of stage props, backup band and an adoring audience," said Microsoft.

Karaoke is set to launch today.