As of a few minutes ago, XBL went down hard. All access was shut off, including access through XBOX.com. Major Nelson's site hosted by MS is also down.

So was the major traffic influx of Halo 3's launch day to blame? I mean they did triple server capacity to avoid this very thing. Microsoft says "no comment". Uh huh...

More on this as it breaks!

UPDATE: XBL appearsto be back up in some capacity. Bungie.Net only lists 3,000 people on Halo 3 right now, but i am not sure if their site has accurate readings. XBOX.com is still not allowing access to Live features.

UPDATE 2: MS has acknowleged that the servers are having trouble, but still don't admit to the full crash that happened. Servers are slowly making their way back up, so while some people will be able to connect, stats, matchmaking, etc may be unavailable for a while. From my investigation, the majority of the servers are still down.

If you watched G4's Halo special, or checked out any other footage of events, you may have noticed people dressed as Spartans. Some bought the outfit. Some made it from scratch.

The guy pictured below showed up at the launch in Bowling Green, KY. I know the poor guy had to be hot in there, but he was really nice and took pictures with everyone who asked. He made it from scratch using custom moldings, and was the "star" of the launch here.






So we want to hear your stories, see your pictures. Any Cosplayers show up in your area? Send us the pic. Or just post a link in the comments thread.

By now you all must have heard about Meg White of The White Stripes supposed sex tape. The big rumor is that the leaking of the tape is why the Stripes have cancelled their shows.

I will admit, the woman in the video bears a small resemblance, but to my eyes it is most certainly not her. In fact, that is the exact thing that the Stripes' publicist is now saying. In fact, they say Meg has severe anxiety (not because of this incident, but a long standing problem), and that is why the Stripes have been cancelling.

Instead, they are claiming it is a well known porn star named Natasha Nice. Personally I don't think it looks like her either. Take a look at the photos and judge for yourself. I would be willing to bet that it definately isn't Meg. The facial structures just don't match up when put under scrutiny.

This photo is actually Meg White. Notice the distinct area around the mouth.

This one is not her. Dig up the tape and see for yourself, but the facial structure does not match. The eyes and mouth are different.

This photo is Natasha Nice. A closer match to the video if you ask me, but I don't think the video is her's either.

Our verdict: As fake as the Britney Spears BJ video going around. Slight look alike, but definately not the genuine article.

Enjoy this first look at THQ's Saint's Row 2, due out 2008 for the XB360 and PS3!