Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Wii Sports Resort, Wii Party drop by $10 on April 25]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/wii-sports-resort-wii-party-drop-by-10-on-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/wii-sports-resort-wii-party-drop-by-10-on-april-25/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/wii-sports-resort-wii-party-drop-by-10-on-april-25/#comments The Wii isn't the only Nintendo product experiencing a price drop. The House of Mario announced today that Wii Sports Resort and Wii Party will have a suggested retail price of $39.99 beginning April 25. The $10 software drop and Wii hardware price cut come in the wake of rumors that Nintendo will announce a new console at E3.

According to Nintendo, Wii Sports Resort, which includes the Wii MotionPlus attachment, has sold over 10.7 million units in the US since 2009. No sales figures were given for Wii Party, meaning it's likely considerably less than its Resort cousin.

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort

Continue reading Wii Sports Resort, Wii Party drop by $10 on April 25

JoystiqWii Sports Resort, Wii Party drop by $10 on April 25 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoprice-dropwiiWii-PartyWii-Sports-2Wii-Sports-ResortMon, 18 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii listed for $170 at all major US retailers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/nintendo-wii-listed-for-170-at-all-major-us-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/nintendo-wii-listed-for-170-at-all-major-us-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/18/nintendo-wii-listed-for-170-at-all-major-us-retailers/#comments Well folks, it's not quite May 15 just yet, but it seems that big box retailers have already begun offering discounts on the Nintendo Wii, dropping the price from $200 to $170. It's not exactly a full-on, official price drop -- not yet, at least -- but it certainly looks like one is imminently approaching.

As indicated last week by a leak at Target and corroborated by listings on the websites of GameStop, Toys 'R Us, and Best Buy, various versions of the Nintendo Wii console bundle are being offered for $170 as of today. Best Buy even got in on the action a bit early over this past weekend. However, if what we've heard about an official price drop in mid-May for the Nintendo Wii is true, then you may just want to wait another few weeks and save yourself a full $50.

JoystiqNintendo Wii listed for $170 at all major US retailers originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendoprice-dropretailwiiWii-Sports-2Wii-Sports-ResortMon, 18 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Wii and DSi XL bundles, Wii Remote Plus, and FlingSmash in North America Nov. 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/21/red-wii-and-dsi-xl-bundles-wii-remote-plus-and-flingsmash-in-n/#commentsAfter keeping us in suspense for a couple of weeks, Nintendo of America has finally announced the Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary hardware bundles for North America. Both the red Wii and DSi XL systems will arrive on November 7.

The $200 Wii bundle includes New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Sports, and a red Wii Remote Plus. Neither the package nor the press release mentions anything about the special versions of the NES Super Mario Bros. or Donkey Kong included in other regions. The $180 DSi XL bundle includes Mario Kart DS, and comes pre-loaded with two Brain Age Express games and Photo Clock.

The Wii Remote Plus, combining a Wiimote and a MotionPlus, will be released the same day for $40, in white, black, pink, and blue. It will be the standard Wii controller from now on, included in hardware bundles. FlingSmash will also come packed in with a Wii Remote Plus -- it's out the same day for $50.

Gallery: Super Mario Bros. 25th anniversary systems

Gallery: Wii Remote Plus

JoystiqRed Wii and DSi XL bundles, Wii Remote Plus, and FlingSmash in North America Nov. 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 09:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledsdsi-xlflingsmashNew-Super-Mario-Bros-Wiinintendoq4-2010red-wiirelease-datewiiwii-remote-pluswii-sports-resortThu, 21 Oct 2010 09:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Remote Plus dated for Japan, bundled with Wii Sports Resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wii-remote-plus-dated-for-japan-bundled-with-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wii-remote-plus-dated-for-japan-bundled-with-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wii-remote-plus-dated-for-japan-bundled-with-wii-sports-resort/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The Wii Remote Plus, which almost unimaginably crams MotionPlus tech into a standard-sized Wiimote, has been dated and priced for Japan. The controller will be released on November 11 for ¥3,800 ($46) -- the same price as the normal Wiimote -- and will be available in five colors: white, black, blue, red and pink. A red Nunchuk will be released, as well.

The old Wiimote will ostensibly be phased out, as Nintendo will also begin bundling the Wiimote Plus with Wii systems on the same day. Additionally, Andriasang reports that the Wii Sports Resort bundle, which originally included the MotionPlus attachment, will feature the Wiimote Plus beginning on -- you guessed it -- November 11. The bundle will retail for ¥5,800 ($70).

JoystiqWii Remote Plus dated for Japan, bundled with Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japannintendoperipheralspricingrelease-datewiiwii-motionpluswii-remotewii-remote-pluswii-sports-resortwii-sports-resort-bundlewiimoteThu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Mafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/mafia-2-controls-top-of-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/mafia-2-controls-top-of-uk-charts-for-second-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/06/mafia-2-controls-top-of-uk-charts-for-second-week/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Did you think Take-Two's Mafia 2 would slip off the top spot in the UK charts after one week? Well, fuhgeddaboudit -- Chart-Track notes that despite a 23 percent drop in sales, the crime sandbox maintained its Godfather status. Last week, the publisher announced that it expects the game to continue being a good earner.

Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days maintained its silver status with Nintendo's Wii Sports Resort rallying into bronze (thanks to a Wiimote bundle). Sales stalwarts Toy Story 3 and Red Dead Redemption remain in fourth and fifth, respectively.

It appears that the time for one of Ubisoft's Dance titles is over. Older brother Just Dance is still jammin' at seventh, but Dance on Broadway has a bum leg and laryngitis, slipping even further this week down to 22.

Check out last week's top 10 selling titles in the UK after the break.

Update: Oops, we neglected to mention Metroid: Other M premiered last week at 12. Looks like we weren't the only ones who didn't notice it was available.

Continue reading Mafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week

JoystiqMafia 2 controls top of UK Charts for second week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Sep 2010 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britainchart-trackkane-and-lynch-2kane-and-lynch-2-dog-daysMafia-2microsoftnintendoplaystationps3red-dead-redemptionToy-Story-3ukwiiwii-sports-resortxboxMon, 06 Sep 2010 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii summer competition launches in July]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/wii-summer-competition-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/wii-summer-competition-launches-in-july/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/29/wii-summer-competition-launches-in-july/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Are you ready to totally destroy some people on vacation who felt like trying out a Wii game? Get to your local mall or Six Flags next month! This summer, Nintendo is holding a Wii Games: Summer 2010 competition, with initial matches held throughout the country, culminating in a final showdown in Los Angeles.

The five events to get way too serious about include Wii Sports Resort's Basketball and Bowling, Wii Fit Plus's Hula Hoop Challenge, New Super Mario Bros. Wii's Coin Battle, and Mario Kart Wii's Time Trial. The schedule and locations can be found at the competition's official site. Not anywhere near one of those locations? A "home version" will soon be available on the site, so you can try out your inappropriately intense game and trash talk on your own family.

Continue reading Wii summer competition launches in July

JoystiqWii summer competition launches in July originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitionMario-Kart-WiiNew-Super-Mario-Bros-WiinintendowiiWii-Fit-PlusWii-Games-Summer-2010Wii-Sports-2Wii-Sports-ResortTue, 29 Jun 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Finally, a Wii Sports Resort rowing exercise machine]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/finally-a-wii-sports-resort-rowing-exercise-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/finally-a-wii-sports-resort-rowing-exercise-machine/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/20/finally-a-wii-sports-resort-rowing-exercise-machine/#comments Remember when you first played the Rowing event in Wii Sports Resort, and wished that there was some way you could simulate the tactile feedback associated with dragging a paddle through water? Peripheral manufacturer CTA Digital, which brought us the 8-in-1 Wii Sports Kit, the Wii Remote Dumbell Set and the 9-in-1 Wii Sports Kit, has created a device which fills your very specific need: The Wii Rowing machine, currently available on Amazon for $34.99.

Check out a video demonstration of the peripheral after the jump. We know you're probably a little bit dubious, but what you don't know is that you can also use it to do sit-ups. It practically pays for itself, in the sense that having a tight, rippled abdomen counts as its own form of currency.

Continue reading Finally, a Wii Sports Resort rowing exercise machine

JoystiqFinally, a Wii Sports Resort rowing exercise machine originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 May 2010 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canoeingctaexerciseexergamingNintendoperipheralsrowingsportsWiiwii-sports-resortThu, 20 May 2010 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo and the American Heart Association announce Active-Play partnership, co-hosting 'Innovation Summit']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/nintendo-and-the-american-heart-association-announce-active-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/nintendo-and-the-american-heart-association-announce-active-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/17/nintendo-and-the-american-heart-association-announce-active-play/#comments Nintendo of America announced a strategic partnership with the American Heart Association this morning, effectively adding the AHA stamp of approval to all retail boxes of Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort, and the Nintendo Wii itself. "The brand serves as a chance to remind people about the benefits of a healthy approach to living and how active-play video games can be an integral part of a healthy lifestyle," the partnership's official website explains.

In addition to the marketing partnership, the AHA and Nintendo will host a "multidisciplinary summit of representatives from a variety of fields ... to take a closer look at the synergies and benefits of active-play video games," entitled the "Innovation Summit." No details have been provided on when and where said summit will occur. Finally, various "active-play Nintendo video games" will be available to play at select "Start! Heart Walk" events this fall.

Also, no, Nintendo hasn't explained the Vitality Sensor yet.

JoystiqNintendo and the American Heart Association announce Active-Play partnership, co-hosting 'Innovation Summit' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 May 2010 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ahaamerican-heart-associationbrandingNintendostart-heart-walkvitality-sensorWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortwii-vitality-sensorMon, 17 May 2010 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-reaches-8-million-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-reaches-8-million-sold/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/07/pokemon-heartgold-soulsilver-reaches-8-million-sold/#commentsAs an addition to its overall earnings report, Nintendo has released a list of first-party million-sellers from its last fiscal year (ending March 31). Many of these games, including Wii Sports and Wii Fit, have been out for years, but still managed to sell more than a million units over the last four quarters!

On DS, Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver have sold an astonishing 8.4 million copies -- 3.78 million in Japan, where the game's been out since September, and 4.62 million outside of Japan in just a few short weeks of availability before the close of the fiscal year. Nintendo's Japan-only Tomodachi Collection sold 3.2 million copies, and Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box moved a respectable 2.43 million copies outside of Japan. Even Style Savvy, which has a somewhat low profile in North America and Europe, sold 1.21 million copies in those territories. As for two perennial bestsellers, Mario Kart DS and New Super Mario Bros. each sold over three million copies outside of Japan in the last fiscal year.

Nintendo's marquee 2009 Wii titles, Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, sold more than 10 million units each in North America and Europe alone; and worldwide, those titles sold 16.14 million, 12.65 million, and 14.7 million copies, respectively, through the fiscal year. But if you think those are big numbers, think again. Thanks to Wii Sports being bundled with the Wii system outside of Japan, the game now totals 63.46 million units sold. Heck, even Link's Crossbow Training (bundled with the Wii Zapper) broke a million sold in the last fiscal year.

Head past the break for the complete list of million-sellers from Nintendo's fiscal year ending March 31, 2010.

Source [PDF] - Supplementary information about earnings release [Nintendo]

Continue reading Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year

JoystiqPokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver reaches 8.4m sold; other Nintendo million-sellers revealed from last fiscal year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 May 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSLinks-Crossbow-Trainingmillion-sellersnew-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-heartgoldprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxsalessoftwarestyle-savvytomodachi-collectionWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sportswii-sports-resortFri, 07 May 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/black-nintendo-wii-bundle-to-include-motionplus-wii-sports-reso/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/black-nintendo-wii-bundle-to-include-motionplus-wii-sports-reso/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/03/black-nintendo-wii-bundle-to-include-motionplus-wii-sports-reso/#comments Nintendo of America has finally announced the availability of a new colored Wii for North America. First spotted in a leaked GameStop ad, new Nintendo Wii bundles -- available in black or white -- will include a Wii MotionPlus and Wii Sports Resort. This is essentially the same bundle that has been available in Europe since late last year.

The enhanced bundles will be available at retail stores beginning May 9th for the same price as the current Wii package: $199.99. While it may not be the price drop some have been waiting for, Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime thinks the new bundle adds even more "value." In a press release, he stated: "By including even more of our top-quality hardware and software in the basic Wii system package, we're extending that commitment to entertainment and value. Now more than ever, consumers can count on Nintendo to deliver inclusive fun and advanced motion controls at a mass-market price."

JoystiqBlack Nintendo Wii bundle to include MotionPlus, Wii Sports Resort; available May 9 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 08:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackblack-wiibundlenintendonintendo-of-americanintendo-wiiwiiwii-motionpluswii-sports-resortMon, 03 May 2010 08:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Leaked GameStop ad reveals black Wii bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/rumor-leaked-gamestop-ad-reveals-black-wii-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/rumor-leaked-gamestop-ad-reveals-black-wii-bundle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/28/rumor-leaked-gamestop-ad-reveals-black-wii-bundle/#commentsIf you've been waiting for a chance to buy one of those lovely black Wii systems that every region in the world except for North America has, your chance may come soon. An image of a purported GameStop display ad acquired by Kotaku shows a bundle, containing a black Wii, a Wiimote and MotionPlus, and both Wii Sportses, for $200. Kotaku asserts that this ad was not to be placed in stores until May 4.

Earlier rumors suggest that the black Wii would be released in the U.S. on May 9 and in Canada on May 23, a timeline that roughly fits in with the supposed timing of the GameStop ad. When we spoke to Nintendo yesterday about those rumors, the company told us only that it "does not comment on rumors or speculation." Additionally, an Amazon rep told Joystiq, "There has been no official announcement from Nintendo" about the black system's release date in North America.

JoystiqRumor: Leaked GameStop ad reveals black Wii bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-wiibundlegamestopleakNintendoretailWiiwii-sports-resortWed, 28 Apr 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Natal game 'River Rush' revealed by film writer James Gunn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/natal-game-river-rush-revealed-by-film-writer-james-gunn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/natal-game-river-rush-revealed-by-film-writer-james-gunn/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/18/natal-game-river-rush-revealed-by-film-writer-james-gunn/#comments What is Project Natal's "River Rush" game, you ask? Well, it sounds an awful lot like Wii Sports Resort's canoe-paddling game, albeit minus the whole "physical controller" thing. Hollywood writer James Gunn (Dawn of the Dead, Slither) got to demo the game at a media preview held by Microsoft recently in Los Angeles, where the company was showing off its latest consumer offerings -- from Project Natal to the Courier to Halo: Reach (Gunn says he "was slaughtered instantly and numerous times by the Microsoft employees playing when they're supposed to be working" of Reach) -- and couldn't help but share his feelings about the experience with the world via his blog.

Gunn describes River Rush as "a game where you stand side by side in a river raft, so it's two people playing at once ... to move right, you have to step right; to move left, you have to step left." The game also features a jumping mechanic that, as you might guess, involves players actually leaping into the air. "As you rush down right rapids, you have to jump up and slap floating stars in the air -- the whole raft jumps up every time you do." You'll forgive our reticence, but it only takes one life lesson to learn that jumping into the air blindly near friends and expensive technology almost always results in bad memories. We've asked Microsoft for more information, but the chances of that before the company's E3 press event are about as likely as us going upstream without a paddle.

[Thanks, Jonathan Dixon]

JoystiqNatal game 'River Rush' revealed by film writer James Gunn originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementcourierhalo-reachjames-gunnMicrosoftproject-natalriver-rushwii-sports-resortXbox-360Sun, 18 Apr 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Wii Sports Resort with Wii hardware at Target next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/free-wii-sports-resort-with-wii-hardware-at-target-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/free-wii-sports-resort-with-wii-hardware-at-target-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/09/free-wii-sports-resort-with-wii-hardware-at-target-next-week/#commentsTarget is stepping up to match Walmart's $199 Wii bundle, which contains both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. While it won't come in a single box like Walmart's bundle, Target is offering a free copy of Wii Sports Resort with MotionPlus (normally with every Wii system purchased starting April 11. The retailer is also offering select Wii games including Super Monkey Ball: Step and Roll and the inexplicable Just Dance for $30 each.

Though it's hardly competing with the pre-order deal Amazon has, Target also has a bonus offer for Splinter Cell: Conviction on Xbox 360, in the form of a one-month Xbox Live card with purchase.

JoystiqFree Wii Sports Resort with Wii hardware at Target next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledealMicrosoftNintendosalesalessplinter-cell-convictiontargetWiiWii-Sportswii-sports-resortXbox-360xbox-liveFri, 09 Apr 2010 17:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Reggie: Nintendo doesn't like pushing control schemes on devs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/reggie-nintendo-doesnt-like-pushing-control-schemes-on-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/reggie-nintendo-doesnt-like-pushing-control-schemes-on-devs/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/reggie-nintendo-doesnt-like-pushing-control-schemes-on-devs/#comments The thing about Wii MotionPlus is that there haven't been a whole lot of games supporting it. Outside of last summer's Wii Sports Resort (and upcoming Red Steel 2 and Flingsmash) there's really only some sports games utilizing the tech. According to a recent interview with Reggie over at MTV Multiplayer, it's because Nintendo isn't really pushing for any kind of control scheme from third parties.

"What's unique with Nintendo is we don't force our developers to stick to a particular type of control scheme, and you've seen that -- everything from the new Metroid title to be single remote driven to FlingSmash utilizing the Wii MotionPlus," he said. "So it's all about what's right for the game." While we're inclined to agree with the latter part, we still wonder why nothing is using MotionPlus -- especially since it's something that greatly improves the core functionality of the Wiimote. And considering almost everyone has MotionPlus by now (or soon will, if they're Walmart shoppers looking for a great bundle), why not develop with MotionPlus in mind?

As for more MotionPlus games from Nintendo, Reggie teases "more titles that are coming" and that it "continues to be a core part of what we do." So, the take away is this: even though Nintendo just released a new piece of hardware, it's not too worried about supporting it with content -- kinda like every other peripheral the company has ever released. Yeah, we're talking about you, Wii Speak!

Continue reading Reggie: Nintendo doesn't like pushing control schemes on devs

JoystiqReggie: Nintendo doesn't like pushing control schemes on devs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flingsmashmotionplusNintendored-steel-2ubisoftWiiwii-motionpluswii-sports-resortFri, 19 Mar 2010 19:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart-exclusive Wii bundle includes Wii Sports Resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/walmart-exclusive-wii-bundle-includes-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/walmart-exclusive-wii-bundle-includes-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/walmart-exclusive-wii-bundle-includes-wii-sports-resort/#comments Walmart just announced an exclusive Wii bundle, containing both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort, as well as the necessary MotionPlus attachment. It'll be available in stores today, and on Walmart.com this Sunday. There's no reason not to pick this one up instead of the normal Wii package: this new bundle sells for the same $199 price!

According to Walmart, it'll only be available "while supplies last," which, given the history of the Wii platform, could be a surprisingly short time.

Update: We were additionally informed by a Walmart representative that the bundle contains "[one] normal Wii console you would purchase -- comes with all the same components -- for $199, except that you're getting Wii Sports Resort (with the packaged Wii MotionPlus)." Still quite a deal!

JoystiqWalmart-exclusive Wii bundle includes Wii Sports Resort originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlemotionplusNintendospecial-value-editionwalmartWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortFri, 05 Mar 2010 17:21:00 EST<![CDATA[BAFTA people's choice GOTY voting now open]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/bafta-peoples-choice-goty-voting-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/bafta-peoples-choice-goty-voting-now-open/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/12/bafta-peoples-choice-goty-voting-now-open/#comments Do you live in the UK and dream every night about the possibility of one day voting on a people's choice game of the year award? Right, us neither, but if you're into that kinda thing, UK retailer GAME is holding the second annual GAME British Academy Video Games Awards at the London Hilton on March 19 and you can vote for the awards show's top "honour." Sure, you can't actually buy tickets and attend or anything crazy like that (the event is live-streamed online, in fairness), but you still have just over a month to put in your vote for one of the 10 games in the running -- games that were chosen from a list comprising "the top selling games of the year sold in GAME stores."

At the very least, voters will automatically be entered into a contest to win a "Sony Home Entertainment Package," so, if nothing else, there's always the possibility of winning a Sony ... something (or somethings). Click through or glance a few inches up for the people's choice award contestant list.

Continue reading BAFTA people's choice GOTY voting now open

JoystiqBAFTA people's choice GOTY voting now open originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2baftabatman-arkham-asylumchinatown-warsDSgame-awardsgame-british-academy-video-games-awardsMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2Nintendostreet-fighter-ivthe-beatles-rock-bandthe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-tracksuncharted-2Uncharted-2-Among-ThievesWiiwii-sports-resortXbox-360Fri, 12 Feb 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GfK-ChartTrack analyzes 2009's global software and hardware sales trends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/gfk-charttrack-analyzes-2009s-global-software-and-hardware-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/gfk-charttrack-analyzes-2009s-global-software-and-hardware-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/gfk-charttrack-analyzes-2009s-global-software-and-hardware-sale/#comments We've seen some pretty comprehensive breakdowns of how the U.S. gaming industry performed last year -- however, industry analysis firm GfK-ChartTrack recently compiled a sizable amount of data to inform us how the whole planet did. In short, the planet did okay. U.S. sales faltered somewhat, the U.K.'s past-gen console sales sunk like a rock (or, rather, an original Xbox), and Japan stayed afloat upon a makeshift raft of Nintendo DS RPGs.

The worldwide best-selling game of 2009 was (you'll never guess) Modern Warfare 2, with 11.86 million units sold. The runners-up were all proud members of the casual Wii suite: Wii Sports Resort, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Fit Plus, and plain ol' Wii Fit. For more details on how the gaming industry did across this great big terrestrial mass we call home, check out MCV's analysis of the statistics.

JoystiqGfK-ChartTrack analyzes 2009's global software and hardware sales trends originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>call-of-dutycall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2charttrackGfK-Chart-TrackMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2NintendosalesWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortXbox-360Wed, 03 Feb 2010 13:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Nintendo software sales report features large numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/latest-nintendo-software-sales-report-features-large-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/latest-nintendo-software-sales-report-features-large-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/29/latest-nintendo-software-sales-report-features-large-numbers/#comments Look, we get just as tired of seeing Nintendo's remarkably high software sales figures every few months as you do -- that's why, this time around, we're going to do things a little differently. We're just going to add up all the life-to-date totals for the company's biggest titles, and just drop them in one big chunk. Ready? Okay, here we go: 247,780,000.

Well, that sure didn't work. Fine, we'll break down each of the games highlighted by Nintendo's recent financial report (warning: .pdf link) and post their FY2010 sales and life-to-date sales after the jump. (Fun fact: All of the Wii games actually have "Wii" in the title. It's like the Nintendo 64 days all over again!)

Continue reading Latest Nintendo software sales report features large numbers

JoystiqLatest Nintendo software sales report features large numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSNintendopokemonpokemon-heart-goldpokemon-soul-silversalesWiiWii-Sportswii-sports-resortFri, 29 Jan 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New DSi bundle, Q1 games dated in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/new-dsi-bundle-q1-games-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/new-dsi-bundle-q1-games-dated-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/new-dsi-bundle-q1-games-dated-in-europe/#commentsMuch as it did for North America, Nintendo just tossed out a huge list of release dates for Europe in Q1. And right at the top of the list is a new DSi hardware bundle, to be released on February 12. If you don't feel like holding out one more month for the out-sized DSi XL, you can get a pink DSi with a copy of Nintendo Presents Style Boutique.

In other hardware news, the company announced that it will continue offering the previously limited-edition black Wii bundle, which includes both Wii Sportses, a Wiimote, a Nunchuk, and a MotionPlus.

As for the games, there's a lot coming up on Wii and DS in the next few months, including both Tatsunoko vs. Capcom and Ace Attorney Investigations from Capcom, Silent Hill: Shattered Memories, Phantasy Star Zero, Excitebike World Rally and more.

Source (PDF link)

JoystiqNew DSi bundle, Q1 games dated in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ace-attorney-investigationsblack-wiiDSdsieuropeNintendorelease-datetatsunoko-vs-capcomWiiwii-sports-resortTue, 19 Jan 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[UK charts: MW2 show continues, Bayonetta and Darksiders debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/uk-charts-mw2-show-continues-bayonetta-and-darksiders-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/uk-charts-mw2-show-continues-bayonetta-and-darksiders-debut/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/11/uk-charts-mw2-show-continues-bayonetta-and-darksiders-debut/#comments Reporting the UK sales chart is starting to feel like being a weatherman in Los Angeles. For the ninth week in a row, Modern Warfare 2 sits atop the all formats chart. If Modern Warfare 2 makes it to ten weeks in a row, we're expecting a communique from Hitchhiker's Marvin.

The next three spots are occupied by a casual alliance, consisting of Wii Fit Plus, Just Dance for Wii and Wii Sports Resort, respectively. Proving that the UK still has interest in games beyond war, sports and losing weight, Bayonetta's hair grabbed the fifth spot on the chart for its debut. THQ's Zelda meets God of War hybrid, Darksiders, also had a strong debut in eighth place. Had it bested the current chart champ, we'd be checking for signs of the apocalypse.

Source - 9 successive weeks at No1 for Call of Duty [GFK Chart-Track]
Source - Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]

JoystiqUK charts: MW2 show continues, Bayonetta and Darksiders debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bayonettabritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackdarksidersjust-danceMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2NintendoukWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortXbox-360Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo celebrates DS, Wii, software sales milestones in Europe, U.S.]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/nintendo-celebrates-ds-wii-software-sales-milestones-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/nintendo-celebrates-ds-wii-software-sales-milestones-in-europe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/05/nintendo-celebrates-ds-wii-software-sales-milestones-in-europe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Across two of Nintendo's biggest markets, the US and Europe, the house that Mario built has managed to get a lot of its hardware and software into customers' hands, reporting huge sales milestones and a very prosperous December. In Europe, the DS is now the best-selling video game console of all time, surpassing the 40 million mark in the region. The Wii now tops 20 million, becoming the fastest-selling console in the region since its release three years ago. There's also some data on Nintendo's games to chew on, including Wii Sports Resort, which sold five million since releasing in July, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii, which just reached 2.5 million units sold.

As for the States, Nintendo's been raking in equally impressive amounts of cash here. In December, three million Wii consoles were purchased and the DS set "a new all-time calendar-year U.S. sales record for any console or hand-held system." You know, just like the company did last year. Also, New Super Mario Bros. Wii had quite the stellar showing in the U.S., achieving lifetime sales of four million units in the region.

In short: Nintendo is pretty much the same as always.

Source - Nintendo UK press release
Source - Nintendo of America press release

JoystiqNintendo celebrates DS, Wii, software sales milestones in Europe, U.S. originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSeuropeNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNew-Super-Mario-Bros-WiiNintendoPlatformsalesWiiWii-Sportswii-sports-resortTue, 05 Jan 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 spends sixth week atop UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/modern-warfare-2-spends-sixth-week-atop-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/modern-warfare-2-spends-sixth-week-atop-uk-sales-chart/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/21/modern-warfare-2-spends-sixth-week-atop-uk-sales-chart/#comments
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 has been entrenched at the top spot of the UK sales chart for six weeks now. FIFA 10's expected pre-holiday sales surge happened and the game rebounded from fifth to second place, but it still wasn't enough to suppress the firepower of Activision's FPS (it seems the only thing more powerful than Call of Duty is Waldo). While stuffing themselves with Turkish delight, Chart-Track has declared this the "Official Christmas Chart" of 2009. Nintendo has Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus at the third and fourth spots, respectively.

Despite serious competition during the holiday week from more family-friendly fare, Assassin's Creed 2 maintains a respectable foothold, slipping only two spots down to fifth place. Thanks to the movie release, James Cameron's Avatar got its blue butt on some big bird-lizard things and flew up 17 spots (129%) to reach 12th place.

Gallery: Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 (11/10/09)

Source -- Modern Warfare 2 captures Christmas No1 [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 spends sixth week atop UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2avatarbritaincall-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackfpsMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2NintendoukWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortXbox-360Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[UK Charts: Modern Warfare still tops; Assassin's Creed 2 outperforms original's debut]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/uk-charts-modern-warfare-still-tops-assassins-creed-2-outperf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/uk-charts-modern-warfare-still-tops-assassins-creed-2-outperf/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/uk-charts-modern-warfare-still-tops-assassins-creed-2-outperf/#comments The Assassin's Creed sequel may not have taken out Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 from the top spot on the UK charts, but the game did outperform the original's 2007 debut by 12 percent in unit sales. Although Chart Track doesn't give specific unit sales figures, it's staggering to think that Infinity Ward's FPS dropped 86 percent after its launch week and still retained the top spot.

Behind the big boys of violence, Nintendo's New Super Mario Bros. Wii, Wii Sports Resort and Wii Fit Plus took the next three spots, respectively. The hardened Left 4 Dead 2 shambled up to seventh spot.

Source -- Call of Duty stands firm [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

JoystiqUK Charts: Modern Warfare still tops; Assassin's Creed 2 outperforms original's debut originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-2call-of-duty-modern-warfare-2chart-trackMicrosoftmodern-warfare-2new-super-mario-bros-wiiNintendoukuk-chartsWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortXbox-360Mon, 23 Nov 2009 10:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Mall Experience tour heads cross-country next week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/nintendo-mall-experience-tour-heads-cross-country-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/nintendo-mall-experience-tour-heads-cross-country-next-week/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/nintendo-mall-experience-tour-heads-cross-country-next-week/#comments Nintendo must've had some luck with its Great Lakes and Wii Sports Resort tours recently, as the company has announced the Nintendo Mall Experience tour. Starting next week through December 20, The Big N will be stopping at shopping centers across the country to get some of its Wii and DS titles in the faces of holiday shoppers.

On the Wii side, Nintendo will show off its top three games for the holiday season: Wii Sports Resort, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Wii Fit Plus. For the handheld crowd, Nintendo will be pushing the new Style Savvy, Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box and The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks. Head past the break for the full list of stops on Nintendo's Mall Experience tour.

Continue reading Nintendo Mall Experience tour heads cross-country next week

JoystiqNintendo Mall Experience tour heads cross-country next week originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>New-Super-Mario-Bros-WiiNintendonintendo-mall-experiencePlatformprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxspirit-tracksstyle-savvythe-legend-of-zeldathe-legend-of-zelda-spirit-trackswii-sportswii-sports-resortWed, 18 Nov 2009 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Modern Warfare 2 makes a killing, bundled games rally in UK sales chart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/modern-warfare-2-makes-a-killing-bundled-games-rally-in-uk-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/modern-warfare-2-makes-a-killing-bundled-games-rally-in-uk-sale/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/16/modern-warfare-2-makes-a-killing-bundled-games-rally-in-uk-sale/#comments Much like a dude-seeking missile dropped from an overhead predator drone, Modern Warfare 2 sales plummeted in the UK after the game's first day of availability. As you already know, the game moved 1.23 million copies on its launch day -- however, according to Chart Track's calculations, it finished off the week with a paltry 1.78 million units (for £67.4 million) sold. With pathetic figures like that, you know Activision's got to be feeling disappointed.

Other UK chart staples (Wii Fit Plus, Wii Sports Resort, FIFA 10) all maintained their top 10 ranking this week -- though the list had two unfamiliar visitors who vaulted to the top of the charts on the back of a new 360 bundle: Lego Batman (which jumped from 14th place to 7th) and Pure (which sprung from 23rd place to 9th). That's quite a comeback for these two titles, though perhaps they would have fared even better had they been bundled with copies of Modern Warfare 2 instead.

Source -- Modern Warfare 2 Smashes All Records [Chart Track]
Source -- All formats chart [Chart Track]

JoystiqModern Warfare 2 makes a killing, bundled games rally in UK sales chart originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlechart-trackfifa-10Microsoftmodern-warfare-2NintendosalesukWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortXbox-360Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor Layton and the Million-Selling Sequel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/professor-layton-and-the-million-selling-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/professor-layton-and-the-million-selling-sequel/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/professor-layton-and-the-million-selling-sequel/#commentsIt would appear that Nintendo made the right decision in finally getting around to releasing Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box worldwide, as the company was able to trade that box for one filled with cash money. The company released a supplement to its earnings report, listing the million-selling first-party Wii and DS games of its Q3 (April-September), and Diabolical Box made the list with 1.26 million units sold. The entirety of that 1.26 million comes from outside of Japan, since it wasn't a first-party game in Japan, and it was released in 2007.

The other new additions to the million-seller club on DS: Tomodachi Collection, the Mii communication game, and Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver, which mysteriously managed to rack up 10,000 overseas sales despite not having been released outside of Japan. Is Nintendo tracking import retailers differently somehow?

On Wii, Wii Sports Resort has reached 6.97 million units worldwide, and Wii Fit Plus has already sold 2.13 million, a nice complement to the 4.28 million that the first Wii Fit sold in the last quarter.

Gallery: Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box (DS)


Source (PDF)

JoystiqProfessor Layton and the Million-Selling Sequel originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DSearningsNintendoprofessor-laytonprofessor-layton-and-the-diabolical-boxsalestomodachi-collectionWiiwii-fit-pluswii-sports-resortFri, 30 Oct 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Survey says, yes, teens and tweens still want video games this holiday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/survey-says-yes-teens-and-tweens-still-want-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/survey-says-yes-teens-and-tweens-still-want-video-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/survey-says-yes-teens-and-tweens-still-want-video-games/#comments
Image credit: alliet

What we want to know: If 86 percent of surveyed youngsters are asking for at least one video game this holiday gift-getting season, what miserable manner of childhood have the other 14 percent been living? No doubt leading a crusade to bring joy to teens and tweens everywhere (and, uh, recoup some losses), retailer Game Crazy has put together a handy buyer's guide for concerned parents.

Don't know which video games to get your kids because they haven't clearly indicated them in large, bold, triple-underlined letters on their wish lists? Just follow these simple guidelines:
  • For the "Girly Girl" whose fashion obsession is getting way too costly: Wii Sports Resort
  • For the "Music Addict" who's not worth spending real guitar lessons on: Guitar Hero 5
  • For the "All Things Sports" lover who's just a tad bit uncoordinated to enjoy "outside" sports: Wii Sports Resort
  • For "The Adventurer" who needs to learn that "real life" is largely confined to the indoors: New Super Mario Brothers Wii
Oh, and parents, whatever you do, don't buy the oft-requested "Call of Duty" for your kids. It's rated M -- for Mature! -- for a reason. Might we suggest Ubisoft's wonderful line of imagination-expanding titles in its place? Don't worry, their initial weeps are totally normal. Trust us. They'll thank you later, once they've grown up to become animal doctors, champion riders, master chefs, movie stars, and ... babyz.

JoystiqSurvey says, yes, teens and tweens still want video games this holiday originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>game-crazyguitar-hero-5holiday-2009new-super-mario-bros-wiisurveyteenstweenswii-sports-resortTue, 27 Oct 2009 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAL PSA: Black Wii bundle now available for pre-order, discounted in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/pal-psa-black-wii-bundle-now-available-for-pre-order-discounte/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/pal-psa-black-wii-bundle-now-available-for-pre-order-discounte/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/27/pal-psa-black-wii-bundle-now-available-for-pre-order-discounte/#commentsWe've got some welcome news for European readers who somehow don't already own a Wii -- or for those of you who already have one, but just can't resist the temptation of the new black model. Amazon.uk has opened pre-orders for the new Wii Sports Resort bundle, which includes a Wiimote, a Nunchuk and a MotionPlus all dressed in black, along with both Wii Sports games. The bundle will ship on November 6 and is available on additional Amazon branches, as well; though the release dates for other European territories is November 20.

The UK pre-order price is even discounted a bit to £164.99 (roughly $270) -- the same bundle in boring old white normally retails for £179.99. (The black and white bundles are priced the same, at €209.99, elsewhere in Europe.) The white bundle, however, includes your choice of two additional games -- a small sacrifice for that spooky black coating, we say.

As for you importers, we suppose this could be the ideal time to pursue a PAL model, if you simply can't wait for the black system to be announced for North America. Then again, in doing so, you'll also have to import all of your games. Patience.

[Via Engadget]

JoystiqPAL PSA: Black Wii bundle now available for pre-order, discounted in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonblackblack-wiibundleeuropeNintendopalpre-orderretailukWiiwii-sports-resortTue, 27 Oct 2009 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Wii system going to Europe as part of Wii Sports Resort bundle]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/black-wii-system-going-to-europe-as-part-of-wii-sports-resort-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/black-wii-system-going-to-europe-as-part-of-wii-sports-resort-bu/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/20/black-wii-system-going-to-europe-as-part-of-wii-sports-resort-bu/#commentsNintendo UK will release the black Wii system on November 6, as part of a limited edition bundle including matching Wii Remote, Nunchuk, and MotionPlus peripherals, and both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort. This bundle will be available elsewhere in Europe on November 20.

Along with the black bundle, Nintendo is releasing the black Classic Controller Pro accessory. No price has been announced for any of these items. Nintendo of America has yet to announce any plans to release any of these items -- in fact, it has announced that there are no plans. But, really, it's waiting until every holdout gets impatient and buys a white system.

JoystiqBlack Wii system going to Europe as part of Wii Sports Resort bundle originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-wiibundleclassic-controller-proeuropeNintendorelease-dateukWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortTue, 20 Oct 2009 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[EEDAR: Game sales slowdown turned around in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/09/eedar-game-sales-slowdown-turned-around-in-september/#comments
2009 hasn't been the best year for the games industry. Month after month, we hear reports of reduced sales figures, company closures, and layoffs. Things may be turning around, though, as EEDAR analyst Jesse Divnich believes software sales during September 2009 have actually gone up from 2008, the first time in seven months thanks to strong sales of Halo 3: ODST, Wii Sports Resort, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2, Madden NFL 10 and Batman: Arkham Asylum. All in all, software sales should come in at $715 million, a 16% increase over last year.

The music genre may be slowing down, but Divnich notes that "both Guitar Hero 5 and The Beatles: Rock Band have performed at levels ahead of retail expectations," with sales predicted at 800k and 1 million units respectively. The same analyst at EEDAR previously predicted that Guitar Hero 5 would outsell The Beatles 2:1. With NPD sales results dropping next week, we'll soon see how accurate Divnich's latest analysis is.

JoystiqEEDAR: Game sales slowdown turned around in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystbatman-arkham-asylumeedarguitar-hero-5halo-3-odstjesse-divnichmadden-10music-gamespredictionssalesthe-beatles-rock-bandwii-sports-resortFri, 09 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports Resort sales reach 1.25m in US]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/wii-sports-resort-sales-reach-1-25m-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/wii-sports-resort-sales-reach-1-25m-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/25/wii-sports-resort-sales-reach-1-25m-in-us/#comments

Wii Sports Resort, Nintendo's sequel to its police-distracting killer app, has sold 1.25 million copies in the United States, according to the House of Mario. And the peripheral that makes all of Resorts one to (not so much) one controls possible, the MotionPlus accessory, has moved 2.9 million units in the region. EA's Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10 swung 257,000 MotionPlus units into homes, while 1.36 million sales were standalone.

For those who haven't picked up Wii Sports Resort yet, it may be worth holding off until October 12, when Nintendo releases a bundle of the game with two MotionPlus devices for $60 - a $10 savings, worth it for those planning to play the game co-op.

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort

JoystiqWii Sports Resort sales reach 1.25m in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>MotionPlusNintendoWiiWii-MotionPluswii-sports-resortFri, 25 Sep 2009 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wii Sports Resort bundle packs two MotionPlus add-ons, coming Oct. 12]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/new-wii-sports-resort-bundle-packs-two-motionplus-add-ons-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/new-wii-sports-resort-bundle-packs-two-motionplus-add-ons-comin/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/new-wii-sports-resort-bundle-packs-two-motionplus-add-ons-comin/#comments
Nintendo has a steady stream of announcements flowing forth during Tokyo Game Show week, this time involving a new, limited release of Wii Sports Resort which will include two Wii MotionPlus remote add-ons. Set to arrive at retail on October 12 -- and coexist with the current single MotionPlus SKU -- this set will be available "while supplies last" and carry a price tag of $59.99 ($10 more than the "basic" Wii Sports Resort).

It's definitely a good deal for all two of the Wii owners who haven't already picked up the game, considering that they'll be getting an extra MotionPlus for 10 bucks, instead of the usual $19.99. We somehow get the feeling that if this bundle does well -- which we can't see it doing anything but -- it'll be the $49.99 SKU that eventually vanishes.

JoystiqNew Wii Sports Resort bundle packs two MotionPlus add-ons, coming Oct. 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundlenintendoWiiwii-motion-pluswii-sports-resortThu, 24 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: No Euro Wii price cut, new bundle to include both Wii Sports games, MotionPlus]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/rumor-no-euro-wii-price-cut-new-bundle-to-include-both-wii-spo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/rumor-no-euro-wii-price-cut-new-bundle-to-include-both-wii-spo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/23/rumor-no-euro-wii-price-cut-new-bundle-to-include-both-wii-spo/#commentsJust like we saw earlier this year with the PlayStation 3 Slim, the rumor mill is churning at breakneck pace -- though this time around a possible Nintendo Wii price cut rather than a slimmer console. Aside from multiple retailer listings and today's alleged internal Best Buy memo, MCV reports that a "retail source" told it the UK won't be receiving the same price cut that North America and Japan are expected to receive. Instead, the current model will be given the bundle treatment.

GamesIndustry.biz spotted the new bundle on ShopTo.net -- it has since been removed, though an image and a shell of the page still exist -- which includes both Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort as well as a MotionPlus attachment, for the same £199.99 ($326.76) the system is priced at now. If it is true, at least UK Wii buyers will be getting a bit more for their pounds. It's not quite the Duck Hunt/Super Mario Bros. with a Zapper combo of yore, but it'll have to do.

Source -- No Wii price cut for UK [GamesIndustry.biz]
Source -- New UK Wii bundle leaked [MCV]

JoystiqRumor: No Euro Wii price cut, new bundle to include both Wii Sports games, MotionPlus originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 16:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleduck-huntgamesindustry.bizmcvmotionplusNintendoprice-cutrumorsuper-mario-brosukWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortzapperWed, 23 Sep 2009 16:27:00 EST<![CDATA[The Batman remains atop UK sales charts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/the-batman-remains-atop-uk-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/the-batman-remains-atop-uk-sales-charts/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/07/the-batman-remains-atop-uk-sales-charts/#comments
For a second consecutive week, Batman: Arkham Asylum has countered the incoming blows of Wii Sports Resort, leaving the brooding hero perched at the very top spot of the UK sales charts. Chart Track notes the Dark Knight's sales are down 27 percent in the second week, a slide softened by Sony's PlayStation 3 price drop.

The real beneficiary of Sony's slim console is Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, which shot up seven spots on the charts with a 128-percent increase in sales. The PS3 versions of COD: World at War and Fight Night Round 4 also got a bump after the drop.

Source -- Batman hangs on to No1 (Chart Track)
Source -- All formats chart (Chart Track)

JoystiqThe Batman remains atop UK sales charts originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkham-asylumbatman-arkham-asylumcall-of-duty-4-modern-warfarechart-trackeidosMicrosoftwarner-bros-interactive-entertainmentwbiewii-sports-resortXbox-360Mon, 07 Sep 2009 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports Resort: The lost games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/wii-sports-resort-the-lost-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/wii-sports-resort-the-lost-games/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/04/wii-sports-resort-the-lost-games/#commentsIn an email interview with Wired, Wii Sports Resort producer Katsuya Eguchi revealed that, beyond the twelve events included in the final game, even more were planned that didn't quite make it in the game.

"We considered fishing and a water slide activity before deciding on the final twelve events," Eguchi said. We're having a hard time imagining a controllable, skill-based water slide game, which may have been one reason it didn't end up in Resort. "As for more unconventional concepts, we created a pretty fun prototype of kendama, a traditional Japanese toy, that just didn't fit the game's theme." So, a toy didn't fit the "resort" theme, but fighting with fake swords was completely appropriate? Working at Nintendo is complicated.

JoystiqWii Sports Resort: The lost games originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>katsuya-eguchiNintendoWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortFri, 04 Sep 2009 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports Resort lands in one million US homes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/wii-sports-resort-lands-in-one-million-us-homes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/wii-sports-resort-lands-in-one-million-us-homes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/25/wii-sports-resort-lands-in-one-million-us-homes/#comments
Nintendo's tropical minigame getaway, Wii Sports Resort, has managed to entice one million gamers in the US, the publisher has announced. Debuting July 26, it didn't take the game long to reach that number (it sold 508,000 in July), and we're sure that we'll be writing another post like this one in a month or so when the game reaches two million in sales. Anyone taking bets?

JoystiqWii Sports Resort lands in one million US homes originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessNintendonpdsalesusWiiwii-sportswii-sports-resortTue, 25 Aug 2009 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Sports Resort barely bests Wolfenstein in the UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/wii-sports-resort-barely-bests-wolfenstein-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/wii-sports-resort-barely-bests-wolfenstein-in-the-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/24/wii-sports-resort-barely-bests-wolfenstein-in-the-uk/#comments We're not sure what's more impressive: That a cricket game was actually outselling Wii Sports Resort for two weeks in the UK, or that Nintendo's latest minigame melange only outsold Wolfenstein by 2,000 copies for the week of August 16 to 22. That's what the latest numbers and report from Chart Track show, placing the id Software / Raven shooter at the top of the PS3, 360 and PC charts for its first week on sale.

We'll have to wait for NPD's numbers to see how the FPS fared on this side of the pond, but it's pretty obvious that -- the world over -- everybody loves killing some Nazis. Take a peek after the break to see what else the Brits have been buying up lately.

Source -- Chart Trak, week ending 8/22
Source -- Wii Sports Resort keeps Wolfenstein at bay

Continue reading Wii Sports Resort barely bests Wolfenstein in the UK

JoystiqWii Sports Resort barely bests Wolfenstein in the UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chartsMicrosoftNintendosalesuk-chartsWiiwii-sports-resortwolfensteinXbox-360Mon, 24 Aug 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Papercraft recreates Wii Sports Resort's Wuhu Island]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/papercraft-recreates-wii-sports-resorts-wuhu-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/papercraft-recreates-wii-sports-resorts-wuhu-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/papercraft-recreates-wii-sports-resorts-wuhu-island/#comments
You know, we often wonder why we don't have a large, flammable recreation of Wii Sports Resort's Wuhu Island sitting on our desk, but then we remember most of our work is done while being chained to a laptop in some random dungeon in Philadelphia. While we may be starved for sunlight (not to mention just plain starving), seeing things like this piece of papercraft gives us hope. Hope that we can make cheap pieces of art when we're finally so malnourished that we can slip out of our shackles.

Hit up the gallery below for more Nintendo-inspired papercraft, including this awesome Wolf Link.

JoystiqPapercraft recreates Wii Sports Resort's Wuhu Island originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>papercraftwii-sportswii-sports-resortFri, 21 Aug 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: July Wii hardware sales lowest since launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/analyst-july-wii-hardware-sales-lowest-since-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/analyst-july-wii-hardware-sales-lowest-since-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/14/analyst-july-wii-hardware-sales-lowest-since-launch/#commentsAccording to Broadpoint AmTech analyst Ben Schachter, the Wii hardware sales numbers that NPD reported yesterday were the lowest since the November 2006 launch of the system. "Although Wii Sports Resort sold well," he commented to IndustryGamers, "it appears to have offered little lift to Wii hardware sales, increasing the probability in our view that Nintendo must lower the price soon (we expect a September cut)."

Of course, Schachter didn't mention the Wii's position relative to its competitors. Considering that the Wii's worst month ever meant that it plummeted into the #1 position among home consoles, and #2 overall behind the DS, it's possible that Nintendo could see this a bit differently from analysts and ... price drop enthusiasts.

JoystiqAnalyst: July Wii hardware sales lowest since launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analystben-schachterNintendonpdprice-cutWiiwii-sports-resortFri, 14 Aug 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[July NPD: Hardware sales slide, Wii Sports Resort soars]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/july-npd-hardware-sales-slide-wii-sports-resort-soars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/july-npd-hardware-sales-slide-wii-sports-resort-soars/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/13/july-npd-hardware-sales-slide-wii-sports-resort-soars/#comments By now, you're already aware that Wii Sports Resort sold more than 500k copies in the US alone during July. Who would ever have thought that a Wii Sports sequel would do so well? Despite the game's success, the platform it calls home saw a 30% drop-off in sales for the month. In fact, see all that red down there? Sales of every console were down.

-DS: 539K227K (-29%)
-Wii: 253K108K (-30%)
-Xbox 360: 203K37K (-15%)
-PSP: 123K41K (-25%)
-PS3: 122K42K (-25%)
-PS2: 108K45K (-29%

Check out the software sales chart after the break.

Continue reading July NPD: Hardware sales slide, Wii Sports Resort soars

JoystiqJuly NPD: Hardware sales slide, Wii Sports Resort soars originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftnintendonpdnpd-monthlysalessonywii-sports-resortThu, 13 Aug 2009 21:40:00 EST