Joystiq

Nintendo enjoys its biggest sales week ever in U.S., breaks record

Scott Jon Siegel — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Business

It seems that Black Friday was very, very, very good to Nintendo, as both the DS Lite and the Wii performed quite impressively in the U.S. over the holiday week.

Nintendo has announced that it sold 653,000 DS Lites over the week of November 18-24, setting a new record for the portable, for Nintendo, and for the entire industry. The number of units moved is record-breaking, exceeding the industry's previous record, also held by Nintendo with the Game Boy Advance's sales during Thanksgiving 2005.

The Wii also performed quite admirably, selling 350,000 units, a number topped only by the console's launch week. No word on how these sales figures compare to Sony or Microsoft's, but it's not like it's a competition or anything, right?

Update: Specified sales figures as pertaining to the U.S., and clarified the record as industry-wide.

Read -- Nintendo Sales Go Through the Roof During Thanksgiving Week [GameDaily]
Read -- Nintendo Has Its Biggest Week Of Sales... Ever [Game|Life]

Nintendo enjoys its biggest sales week ever in U.S., breaks record originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Nov 2007 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Amazon.com's great Black Friday deals -- including Wii supply

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Nintendo DS, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Business

Well look what we've got here, a nice list of Amazon.com's Black Friday deals which was conveniently left on our doorstep. The above photo reminds us not to venture anywhere near a retail space on Friday, but, darn it, we gotta shop!

Some of the highlights of the list are Halo 3 Legendary Edition for $80 (saving $50) and BioShock for $40 (saving $20). We've also been told that there will be an allotment of Wiis, but don't expect those to last more than [fill in insanely short amount of time here]. There are also a slew of other deals for every system, check out the full list after the break. Make sure to check Amazon.com on Friday for other deals and revel in shopping from the comfort of your home.

Continue reading Amazon.com's great Black Friday deals -- including Wii supply

Amazon.com's great Black Friday deals -- including Wii supply originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

CAG's Black Friday video game deals

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST

Filed under: Culture

We're nominating the fellas at Cheap Ass Gamer for sainthood. CheapyD and his loyal legion of bargain hunters have compiled a comprehensive list of video game deals for this coming Black Friday. While you stumble through your local strip mall in a tryptophan-fueled stupor, you absolutely must carry this veritable roadmap of penny-savers wherever you may go.

Some of the more eye-catching sales include: Guitar Hero II bundles for $60 at Meijer, K-Mart, Circuit City and Sears (or for free if you buy a Premium 360 at Best Buy), Super Mario Galaxy for $35 at Circuit City, free first-party controllers with purchase of a Premium 360 (with Forza 2 and Marvel Ultimate Alliance packed in) or 40gb PS3 (with five free Blu-Ray movies with mail-in rebate) at Circuit City, and an incredible buy one get one free deal on KB Toys' entire video game stock.

A CAG login is required to view the list, so we recommend you start an account if you don't have one already so you can get the full list of sales. We didn't even breach the surface of the bargains that await you post-turkey day. Spoiler alert: Ninjabread Man for $14.99 at Toys R' Us. That's all we're saying.

CAG's Black Friday video game deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft makes bet: Sony will unveil $399 PS3 this year

Andrew Yoon — Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST

It wasn't too long ago when a Microsoft executive was trash-talking Sony. Nay, going so far as to make a bet against their rival gaming manufacturer. Case in point: J. Allard made predicted that Sony's PSP would downright flop. He was wrong, and to honor a bet with Newsweek's N'Gai Croal, he donned dreads and updated his Microsoft company profile page, admitting "N'Gai had it right," and that the PSP was not a failure.

Looks like Microsoft is up to the same antics again. This time, Xbox director of technical strategy and attack blogger Andre "Ozymandias" Vrignaud, is the one to take a bet with N'Gai. He states that "My prediction is that you're going to see the creation of a new, low-end SKU this holiday. It'll likely remove integrated WiFi, memory card reader, and most controversially, all backward compatibility. (Remember, there's still some back-compat hardware in even the new "software only" back compat SKUs; removing the remaining CPU is a significant cost savings.) You'll see a new WiFi dongle made available. And finally, this low-end SKU will likely come with a smaller 40 GB hard drive. The low-end price will be set at $399, with the higher-end 80 GB SKU dropping to $499."

An interesting concept, to say the least. Ozymandias expects it to arrive by Black Friday, the busiest shopping day of the year in the US. N'Gai accepted Microsoft's bet ... only this time, the loser will have to buy a steak dinner instead of alter their hair styles (which will simply not be as fun to write about).

[Thanks, Copa!]

Microsoft makes bet: Sony will unveil $399 PS3 this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Jul 2007 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Friday leads to a 280 percent sales increase

Andrew Yoon — Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:25:00 EST

Filed under: News

The PSP has been on a roll lately. The launch of PLAYSTATION 3 a few weeks ago increased PSP sales by 30 percent. The Black Friday boost was even more stellar: sales have gone up another 280 percent, according to Dave Karraker, in a statement to GameDaily. Like Martha Stewart would tell you, the PSP is an awesome holiday gift, and it appears early holiday shoppers know that. Of course, the Black Friday price drops certainly didn't hurt at all either: systems were selling for as low as $150. Considering how system sales exploded with a lower price, imagine the gain the PSP would get from a permanent price drop. Why not, Kaz?

Black Friday leads to a 280 percent sales increase originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 27 Nov 2006 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Friday horror stories

Dustin Burg — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: News

If you're reading this ... then you've survived. It was one crazy shopping extravaganza today and I saw some crazy stuff. People getting trampled, Xbox 360's being snatched up like candy, it was great! This will be my last Black Friday post so I thought we could all share our stories from the battlefield. Did you see a fist fight over a Nintendo Wii or a middle aged man clutching onto the last copy of Gears of War? Seriously, I love hearing about Black Friday horror stories or the madness that you experienced and I'm sure your fellow fanboys would too. Commence discussion and by all means include a link to your photographs. We all love blood and violence especially over Xbox products.

Black Friday horror stories originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Engadget's giving away an Xbox 360! [update 1]

Christopher Grant — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360

Some readers (hey Eric!) contacted us to let us know that yesterday's Amazon super sale on the Xbox 360 Core unit didn't really work out for them -- while we were never even able to get the Amazon page to load, their cart didn't reflect the reduced $100 price. Other readers (hey Mark!) let us know that they made it out alive, 360 Core in (virtual) hand. If you count yourself amongst the former, head over to Engadget to try your luck at winning an Xbox 360 Premium. Just leave a comment at Engadget and cross your fingers.

[Update: *ahem* Apologies for the confusion, dear readers. If you want to try your luck at some free Xbox 360 action, you'll need to leave a comment over at Engadget -- not here -- although we appreciate it nonetheless! If you want to win something decidedly less extravagant, throw a comment in for the exlusive Black Friday Lost Planet multiplayer map, or just hightail over to Engadget and make your comment heard!]

Engadget's giving away an Xbox 360! [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 15:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Joystiq White Friday giveaway: Lost Planet codes [update 1]

Christopher Grant — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:20:00 EST

Filed under: Microsoft Xbox 360, First Person Shooters, Joyswag

[Update: Using random.org, we've chosen and contacted our seven winners. Thanks, everyone!]

Capcom wants you to leave your warm house, head still spinning from last night's excessive turkey consumption, and plunge yourself into the retail nightmare that our species has come to know simply as "Black Friday" -- a day when an otherwise loving grannie would gladly spear you with her crutch to get to that last pile of DISCOUNT bath towels at the local box store. So, why would Capcom (they always seemed so nice) expect you to do such a thing? For free stuff, of course!

They've decided to trick us by calling it White Friday (does that mean it's the opposite of that terrible other Friday?) and, if you dare venture to your local game retailer to pre-order the Xbox 360 exclusive Lost Planet: Extreme Condition (no doubt bowled over by yesterday's holiday multiplayer demo), you'll be rewarded with not only a terrible headache but a token card containing a code for Xbox Live that will let you download a separate version of yesterday's multiplayer demo containing an extra map, dubbed "Dilapidation."

Already downloaded the demo, with the Pirate Fortress map, yesterday but still not content? Need that additional multiplayer map, but thousands of years of evolution preclude you from inflicting harm on yourself? Not to worry Joystiqers, Capcom has been so kind as to offer us seven codes which we'll in turn offer to seven lucky readers! All you need to do is leave a comment telling us what you had for dinner last night (not in the US? Tell us anyways!) and we'll select seven winners randomly by midnight tonight (ET). You can spend the rest of the weekend playing against others who, no doubt, will be playing with a severe handicap following the massive head trauma they sustained leaving the house on ~~Black~~ White Friday.

Joystiq White Friday giveaway: Lost Planet codes [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 14:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Friday deals: get a PSP for only $150! [Update 1]

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:01:00 EST

Filed under: Software

Cheapassgamer has rounded up the deals you can get today on Black Friday. So, get off the bed, ignore the tryptophan, and start shopping, like a true American. Here are some of the PSP deals:

Amazon
PSP system only $170. With free shipping.

Circuit City
Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for only $30. That's $20 less than MSRP!
Free Pelican kit with purchase of PSP.
ATV Offroad, Ape Escape, Infected and Hot Shots Golf are all $10 each.
Pirates of the Caribbean 2 is only $17.

Wal-Mart
Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for only $15.
PSP system only $170. That's $30 less than MSRP!

Meijer
PSP system only $150. That's $50 less than MSRP!

Continue reading Black Friday deals: get a PSP for only $150! [Update 1]

Black Friday deals: get a PSP for only $150! [Update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 24 Nov 2006 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Your mission, educate the uninformed

Dustin Burg — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Tomorrow is Black Friday and everyone is going to be going crazy trying to find the best deals and sales. In the heat of this consumer battle there will be numerous parents looking to buy a gaming console for their darling children, but aren't sure which system to choose. Here is where I ask you fellow fanboy reader to help the gaming virgins, inform the uninformed, and tell them about the Xbox 360 and its great features. Tell everyone you meet YOUR opinion on the console war, what games are available for each, and what you think would best suit their needs. If you overhear a salesman giving incorrect information about any gaming console, I give you the permission to butt into their conversation and set the record straight. Tiz the time of year for the Xbox 360 community to grow, spread the word ... but be gentle.

Your mission, educate the uninformed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Friday: Wii/PS3 launch -- Part 2

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 23 Nov 2006 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Business

Tomorrow is "Black Friday," the notorious unofficial start of the holiday shopping season in the United States, but this Black Friday also heralds the second shipment of Wiis and PS3s going on sale. Many Best Buys, Targets, Wal-Marts, Gamestops, EB Games and the like have been sitting on their second shipment of consoles much of the week and will unleash them tomorrow. Now gamers who missed the first launch will compete with all the mothers and grandmothers getting up at 5AM to camp out until the store opens after listening to their children badger them about wanting a console all through Thanksgiving dinner. Set your alarms early people because nothings gonna stop a momma on a mission.

Black Friday: Wii/PS3 launch -- Part 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 23 Nov 2006 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Confirmed: EB Games/GameStop with fresh inventory for Friday

Alisha Karabinus — Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:01:00 EST

Filed under: News

Remember that missing nunchuk? Here it is, Wednesday, and there's still no multiplayer beyond most of Wii Sports ... but after a few calls to the local store regarding the fact that it was supposed to be there Monday, suddenly they've "just received" a shipment. This looks very like confirmation of increased stock for Black Friday.

Of course, it just makes sense -- say what you will about GameStop (I've said a few things myself this past week ...), but they are too savvy to let America's biggest holiday shopping day pass without new inventory. We all expected new shipments of Wii-related goodies (and some for the other guys), but for those who are still sans Wii, it's nice to have confirmation. Happy camping!

Confirmed: EB Games/GameStop with fresh inventory for Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Nov 2006 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Rumor: EB and GameStop to stock up for Black Friday

Alisha Karabinus — Tue, 21 Nov 2006 06:30:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

Crushed because you came away from the Wii launch empty handed? Dealing with waffling salespeople at your favorite retail outlets? Concerned that it may be a while before you can get your hands on one? Relax, dearest fanboys, because a little birdie told us that GameStop and EB are getting in new shipments for this Friday and they're going to open up a few hours early -- we're hearing 7AM. There's no word on the number of units allocated for the forthcoming madness on the year's biggest shopping day, but we expect no less than preorder numbers and likely more.

On a related note -- we spoke with some folks at Best Buy also, and while they couldn't give us a firm date on when they would receive their next shipment, the did tell us that several shipments arrive at stores each week, with games, accessories, and yes, more consoles. So if you're trying to find an extra nunchuk (like we are), a Wiimote, or even to find out when your Best Buy will receive more Wii units, give them a call in the mornings -- keep fishing and you'll catch one.

1UP is also reporting that new shipments are expected, and it seems some of the commenters talked to our little birdie or one of his co-workers, as the 7AM story is repeated there.

So who's camping this week to remedy the lack of Wii?

Rumor: EB and GameStop to stock up for Black Friday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Nov 2006 06:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Black Friday deals on 360 games

Dustin Burg — Sun, 12 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST

Filed under: News, Amped 3, Condemned, NBA Live 06, R* Games Presents: Table Tennis

It's that time of the year when consumers wait outside stores for hours on end to get the best holiday deals. Black Friday is the unofficial start of the holiday season, presents are purchased, kids begin to beg Santa for gifts, and a huge amount of money is spent. And what would Black Friday be without leaked ad scans weeks in advance? Word on the street is that Best Buy will be having a sweet $18.99 sale on a few Xbox 360 games including R* Games Presents: Table Tennis, Condemned, Amped 3, and NBA Live 06. So, if you feel like participating in the Black Friday ritual, make the holy trek to Best Buy and pick up a few games ... just be sure to bring a roll of Tums, because we all know the day after Thanksgiving wreaks havoc on the belly.

Black Friday deals on 360 games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 12 Nov 2006 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments