Long-time Nintendo programmer Colin Reed has left Nintendo for a position at Microsoft, Shacknews has learned.

During his 11 years at Nintendo, Reed served in many key programming roles, including technical lead on NST's Metroid Prime: Hunters (NDS) and main system programmer on Nintendo EAD's Pikmin (GCN).

Reed will be joining the team at Microsoft responsible for the racing-sim series Forza Motorsport, which is headed up by internal studio Turn 10. Prior to his departure, he was working with NST on an undisclosed project.

His resignation marks the latest high-profile departure from Nintendo. In late April, Metroid Prime series developer and wholly-owned Nintendo subsidiary Retro Studios lost three pivotal staff members.

The third downloadable set of new vehicles for Turn 10's customization-heavy racer Forza Motorsport 2 (X360) will be available via Xbox Live Maketplace this Wednesday, March 19, publisher and studio owner Microsoft has announced.

Priced at 400 Microsoft Points ($5), the March Car Pack includes 13 new automobiles, including the 2007 Audi S5, 2007 Lamborghini Murcielago LP640, and 2008 Porsche 911 GT2 (997). A complete list of the new cars follows:... Read more

A new downloadable race track is available to owners of Turn 10's Forza Motorsport 2 (X360). Selling for 100 Microsoft Points ($1.25) via the online Xbox Live Marketplace, the Road America Track Pack adds the world-famous Road America raceway to the game.

Located in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, Road America is known to host events for the Champ Car World Series, SCCA, Kohler/Brian Redman International Challenge, AMA Superbike, and now, your living room.