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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Morrowind and Oblivion GOTY editions half off all week on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/morrowind-and-oblivion-goty-editions-half-off-all-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/morrowind-and-oblivion-goty-editions-half-off-all-week-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/morrowind-and-oblivion-goty-editions-half-off-all-week-on-steam/#comments ImageThe Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind is celebrating its 10th birthday by giving everyone else a present, the little gentleman. This week, Morrowind and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion game of the year editions are half off, or even two-for-one if that helps justify your purchase. The sale runs through Monday, May 7 at 10 a.m. PT.

Now the real question: What does one get an elderly 10 year old whose only wish is to make everyone else's day a little brighter and wallet slightly lighter? Answer: A Nerf gun. Everyone loves a Nerf gun.

JoystiqMorrowind and Oblivion GOTY editions half off all week on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 May 2012 03:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaymorrowindpcsaleSTEAMThe-Elder-Scrolls-3-MorrowindThe-Elder-Scrolls-IVThe-Elder-Scrolls-IV-OblivionTue, 01 May 2012 03:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard turns 20, thanks fans for support]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/blizzard-turns-20-thanks-fans-for-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/blizzard-turns-20-thanks-fans-for-support/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/blizzard-turns-20-thanks-fans-for-support/#comments Blizzard Entertainment is 20 years old today. Instead of spending it quietly counting the billions of dollars raked in from World of Warcraft players, CEO Mike Morhaime and EVP Frank Pearce sent a message of thanks to Blizzard's loyal fans.

Continue reading Blizzard turns 20, thanks fans for support

JoystiqBlizzard turns 20, thanks fans for support originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayblizzardpcWorld-of-WarcraftWoWThu, 03 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Lord of the Rings Online celebrating 3rd birthday with $10 subscription]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrating-3rd-birthday-with-10-subsc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrating-3rd-birthday-with-10-subsc/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/lord-of-the-rings-online-celebrating-3rd-birthday-with-10-subsc/#comments To celebrate the arrival of its third birthday -- or, as is more accurate when describing the age of MMOs, the third year it's managed to avoid the sweet release of a global server shutdown -- Lord of the Rings Online is seeing a temporary reduction in the cost of its monthly subscription fee. From April 26 to June 30, you can grab a three, six or 12 month subscription for LotRO for just $9.99 a month, down from the standard rate of $14.99 a month.

In addition, Turbine is turning up the rare item drop rate for monsters during the birthday festivities, and is providing each player with a skill which reduces the price of vendor goods by 20 percent. That's awfully nice of the studio, but aren't birthday-havers supposed to receive presents, and not give them? We're not complaining, mind you -- we just feel like we're taking advantage.

JoystiqLord of the Rings Online celebrating 3rd birthday with $10 subscription originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaydiscountlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinemmommorpgsalesubscriptionturbineMon, 26 Apr 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP celebrates 5-year anniversary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/psp-celebrates-5-year-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/psp-celebrates-5-year-anniversary/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/24/psp-celebrates-5-year-anniversary/#comments Happy birthday, PSP! Today, you're five years old. In that time, you've launched 520 games on UMD, 300 games on PSN, sold over 50 million units worldwide, updated your system firmware over 50 times, and gone through three hardware revisions (2000, 3000 and Go). So, think you have five more years left in you?

To commemorate this milestone, each of the Joystiq staff has listed their two most favorite PSP games over the past five years. Let us know what some of your favorites are!

Continue reading PSP celebrates 5-year anniversary

JoystiqPSP celebrates 5-year anniversary originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Mar 2010 14:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-yearanniversarybirthdaypspsonyWed, 24 Mar 2010 14:55:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft celebrates five years of domination]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/world-of-warcraft-celebrates-five-years-of-domination/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/world-of-warcraft-celebrates-five-years-of-domination/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/23/world-of-warcraft-celebrates-five-years-of-domination/#comments
Alpha-build UI
Five years ago today, Blizzard unleashed the World of Warcraft, a scourge that went on to ruin countless lives and make venture capitalists around the globe throw millions at any monkey with an MMO idea. The game has sold beyond 8.6 million units in the US and that's not even accounting for the millions of players happily handing over $15 a month for an Azeroth fix.

The full cultural and financial impact of World of Warcraft can't yet be comprehended, as the phenomenon marches on into the Cataclysm. One day we may be able to grasp the myriad ways WoW has impacted gaming, but that date with epiphany appears to still be a ways off.

JoystiqWorld of Warcraft celebrates five years of domination originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaymmoworld-of-warcraftworld-of-warcraft-anniversarywowMon, 23 Nov 2009 14:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 4th birthday, Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/happy-4th-birthday-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/happy-4th-birthday-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/22/happy-4th-birthday-xbox-360/#comments Cruising the Twitters, as we are wont to do, we stumbled upon a revelation, courtesy of one Major Nelson. That revelation: Today is the fourth anniversary of the launch of the Xbox 360. Yes, just four years ago, on November 22, 2005, the Joystiq universe was just buzzing with excitement. There were freezing cold lines to wait in, boxes to open and new games to play -- in fantastic HD resmolutions! And then, of course, it began.

Check out a sampling of our Xbox 360 launch coverage after the break.

Continue reading Happy 4th birthday, Xbox 360

JoystiqHappy 4th birthday, Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaymicrosoftXbox-360Sun, 22 Nov 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 3rd birthday, PlayStation 3!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/happy-3rd-birthday-playstation3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/happy-3rd-birthday-playstation3/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/happy-3rd-birthday-playstation3/#comments We can hardly believe that it's been three whole years since we first enjoyed the splendor of the PlayStation 3 in our own homes. Sure, there weren't a million fantastic games for the console right at launch, and there were a few issues at some stores with poor crowd management, but here we are three years later with a heap of great memories. Remember that nightmare inducing baby ad? How about Sony's response to PlayStation Home being leaked?

These days, we have hilarious commercials, a smattering of great exclusive games both on disc and through the PlayStation Network - hell, the system even lost some weight (and half its original price)! We're spending the day celebrating the PS3s lifespan by ... folding proteins like mad! If you're so inclined to join along, we've got this convenient 300 person strong team set up. It's a celebration foldathon, folks - ya dig?

JoystiqHappy 3rd birthday, PlayStation 3! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baby-adbirthdayfolding-at-homehomelaunchplaystation-homeplaystation-networkpsnWed, 18 Nov 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigPlanet celebrates its birthday with free costumes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/littlebigplanet-celebrates-its-birthday-with-free-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/littlebigplanet-celebrates-its-birthday-with-free-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/02/littlebigplanet-celebrates-its-birthday-with-free-costumes/#comments With LittleBigPlanet's first birthday coming up, it won't be long until Sackboy grows up and turns into acne-riddled, smelly, moody Sackteen. Before he joins Myspace and listens to Linkin Park, enjoy these precious moments by grabbing a free birthday cake costume from the PlayStation Store this Thursday, November 5th.

If Sackboy's edible outfit wasn't good enough for you (selfish!), Media Molecule has upped the ante just a little bit: the launch-exclusive Spacesuit costume will also be made free for all this week. The spacesuit will certainly come in handy when traveling underwater in the new LBP levels that are coming up.

[Thanks, Pumapayam!]

JoystiqLittleBigPlanet celebrates its birthday with free costumes originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakelittlebigplanetlittlebigplanet-dlcmedia-moleculespacesuitMon, 02 Nov 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 120th birthday, Nintendo!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/happy-120th-birthday-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/happy-120th-birthday-nintendo/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/24/happy-120th-birthday-nintendo/#comments
Wow, has it already been 120 years? It seems like yesterday we were stamping around on our Power Pad and staring in awe at our freshly-opened Super Scope 6 package. But, alas, the house that Mario built is indeed 120 years young today and we'd like to take this opportunity to congratulate the company on its skyscrapers of cash and getting grandma into video games. We hear the execs plan to celebrate with some tasty iced coffee.

JoystiqHappy 120th birthday, Nintendo! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayhappy-birthday-nintendoThu, 24 Sep 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy (belated) 10th birthday, Seaman]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/happy-belated-10th-birthday-seaman/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/happy-belated-10th-birthday-seaman/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/05/happy-belated-10th-birthday-seaman/#comments
We try not to inundate you with birthday posts at Joystiq. They're typically not very exciting and they frankly make us feel really, really old. But this is one occasion we just can't let pass. It's been just a few days over 10 years since Seaman first emerged from the nautilus in Japan.

To mark the blessed day, 1UP's got a great interview from Famitsu Weekly with creator Yoot Saito, who manages to take humility to a whole new, utterly perplexing level. "Seaman received a lot of praise for its concept, but I don't think it's that original," he says. "I think it's something everyone's thought of before. I mean, I'm sure a lot of people have thought at least once in their lives that it'd be funny if a fish had a human face and could talk."

Sure, Yoot. We've all been there.

JoystiqHappy (belated) 10th birthday, Seaman originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 18:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaydreamcastretroseamansegaWed, 05 Aug 2009 18:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 15th Birthday, ESRB]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/happy-15th-birthday-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/happy-15th-birthday-esrb/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/29/happy-15th-birthday-esrb/#comments
Not only did this catch us off guard ... it makes us feel kind of old. Fifteen years ago today, the game industry got on the same page for one shining moment to propose the video game ratings organization, the ESRB, to Congress. It was a moving spirit of cooperation not seen again in the industry until everyone simultaneously decided to start charging $60 for games.

There have been a lot of good times with the ESRB since, but we think we'll always most remember when it tried to stop leaking the existence of games a year ago. How adorable.

JoystiqHappy 15th Birthday, ESRB originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayesrbpoliticsratingsWed, 29 Jul 2009 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy belated 2nd Birthday to PlayStation Blog]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/happy-belated-2nd-birthday-to-playstation-blog/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/happy-belated-2nd-birthday-to-playstation-blog/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/happy-belated-2nd-birthday-to-playstation-blog/#comments
Oops, we totally neglected to mention that yesterday was the 2nd birthday of Sony's PlayStation Blog. It's worth noting because of how the site has grown up under the leadership of Social Media Manager Jeff Rubenstein and the nameless/faceless behind-the-scenes folks at Sony's US PR operations. Since its inception, the site has helped humanize Sony's messaging and worked well in creating a better community among Sony's devotees.

The US PlayStation.Blog is working so well, in fact, that it's clearly the template for the recently launched European PlayStation Blog (which thankfully put two bullets in the back of Three Speech's head). So, congrats to the US PlayStation Blog team! May they have many more years of blending the line between corporate mouthpiece and community site.

[Image]

JoystiqHappy belated 2nd Birthday to PlayStation Blog originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayjeff-rubensteinplaystation-blogpublic-relationssonyFri, 12 Jun 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Konami celebrates 40th birthday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/konami-celebrates-40th-birthday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/konami-celebrates-40th-birthday/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/06/konami-celebrates-40th-birthday/#comments
Before you blow out the candles on your cake, take a deep breath first. There's 40 of them, after all. Storied publisher Konami celebrates four decades of whip-cracking this month. The company's secret behind its youthful good looks? Konami's European president Kunio Neo tells MCV, "Consistency plays a major part in everything Konami does." Well there's that, and eating piping hot plates of wall-turkey at every opportunity.

Neo also notes that Konami already has big plans for the future, with "a wealth of other new titles in development." Now, after all this excitement, we're going to go lay down. I feel asleep.

JoystiqKonami celebrates 40th birthday originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 06 Mar 2009 09:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>40birthdaycastlevaniakonamimetal-gearFri, 06 Mar 2009 09:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy second birthday to the Nintendo Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/happy-second-birthday-to-the-nintendo-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/happy-second-birthday-to-the-nintendo-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/happy-second-birthday-to-the-nintendo-wii/#commentsFiled under:


Well, we extended the courtesy to the PS3 on its special day, so it seems only fair that Nintendo's little guy should get his own day in the sun. Two years ago today you either discovered that you really could have fun flailing around looking like a dork or, if you're a senior citizen, discovered that video games had been invented.

In those two years the Wii has carved its own niche, bridging gaps between different gaming audiences and (occasionally) leaving some feeling left out of the fun. What do you think of the first 24 months and what are you looking for in the Wii's next 12?

JoystiqHappy second birthday to the Nintendo Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaynintendowiiWed, 19 Nov 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Win a LBP Prize Crown by creating a birthday level]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/win-a-lbp-prize-crown-by-creating-a-birthday-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/win-a-lbp-prize-crown-by-creating-a-birthday-level/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/win-a-lbp-prize-crown-by-creating-a-birthday-level/#commentsFiled under:


Want to win a limited edition (virtual) item that almost no one else will be able to get? Well, here's your chance. To celebrate PS3's second birthday, Sony is challenging LBP players to create a level celebrating two years of Sony's black box. The rules are simple, but you must create your level by December 9th. Then, LBP community members will vote on their favorites.

Here are the rules:

1. Create an original LittleBigPlanet level celebrating the PLAYSTATION 3 second anniversary.

2. You must name your Level using this format. "LBC1 -< YourLevelNameHere >".

3. Publish your Level to the LittleBigPlanet online server at any time up until 11:59am PST December 9, 2008 when the contest closes.

4. Send an e-mail submission to community_support@playstation.sony.com and indicate your level name (LBC1 - < YourLevelNameHere >) in the subject line. Include your PlayStation Network ID along with the name of your Level in your e-mail submission.

Good luck!

JoystiqWin a LBP Prize Crown by creating a birthday level originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaylittlebigplanetps3Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Nine years later, the Dream(cast) continues]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/nine-years-later-the-dream-cast-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/nine-years-later-the-dream-cast-continues/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/09/nine-years-later-the-dream-cast-continues/#commentsFiled under: ,

It was nine years ago today that Sega launched its final entry into the video game console market in North America. Still very near and dear to our hearts, the Dreamcast was home to new takes on classic Sega franchises and gave birth to some beloved ones of its own.

It's hard to imagine a gaming world without the likes of Jet Set Radio, Shenmue, Samba de Amigo, Space Channel 5 and the 2K Sports series, not to mention wonderful one-offs like Rez, Skies of Arcadia and Typing of the Dead. Of course, there was also perhaps its greatest contribution to the annuls of gaming: Seaman. (Sorry, Pen Pen TriIcelon.)

So, Dreamcast may be gone, but it's certainly not forgotten. Series that began life on the console continue to this day on other platfoms, and there are still one or two indie Dreamcast games in the works. Do you have any especially fond Dreamcast-related memories? Share them in comments! We could totally get in on a nice, nostalgic DC love-in with some fellow Fans For Life.

JoystiqNine years later, the Dream(cast) continues originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaydreamcastsegaTue, 09 Sep 2008 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[LittleBigInsideJoke]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/littlebiginsidejoke/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/littlebiginsidejoke/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/19/littlebiginsidejoke/#commentsFiled under:


Kylie Prymus is the first columnist for PS Fanboy. A Ph.D candidate in philosophy, Kylie specializes in the sociology of technology. Through this new weekly column, Kylie will explore the impact of PlayStation on thought and culture.

I believe I owe it to you, Inconstant Reader, to let you in on a little secret. I haven't booted up my PS3 in nearly 3 weeks. There's no opportunity that I foresee which will allow me to press that glorious PS button for at least another month. Most summers I spend 6 weeks away from home teaching existentialism to high school students (don't be ashamed CTYers, I know at least a few of you reading this were once one). This summer a series of logistical difficulties forced me to leave my beloved system behind, though I shouldn't complain as this may have prevented an inadvertent bricking. Aside from a few softly stolen moments with a dozen warmongering eyeballs, my sole interaction with the Kingdom of Sony consists of several hundred RSS feeds per day and the occasionally glimpsed television commercial on the dining hall's plasma screens.

While thoroughly enjoying my undercooked homefries one morning I happened to hear the snippet of a rousing pre-battle morale speech the likes of which long preceded the Mel Gibsons and Viggo Mortensons of the world. Lifting my head to peer through the digital window I caught the tail end of Sony's most recent commercial for the PS3. You know the one - I call it Acronymial 2008 - with the MGS4 and the GT5:P and the LBP and the spiritually affected voice of KB. It certainly showcases a good lineup of exclusive titles, two of which I own and one which I assuredly will, and it brought a tear to my eye to see them, ever so briefly, in all their high definition glory. But then it got me thinking (because I certainly didn't want to think about planning that morning's class): What does that particular trio of games say about our beloved product?

Continue reading LittleBigInsideJoke

JoystiqLittleBigInsideJoke originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingbirthdaycommercialfraternityjoystiqfeatureslpbnarrativephilosonySat, 19 Jul 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Famicom leaves college and settles in to a secure office job]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/famicom-leaves-college-and-settles-in-to-a-secure-office-job/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/famicom-leaves-college-and-settles-in-to-a-secure-office-job/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/15/famicom-leaves-college-and-settles-in-to-a-secure-office-job/#commentsFiled under: ,

Time to get nostalgic, proud, and teary-eyed all at the same time. On this fifteenth day of July in the year 2008, the legendary Famicom turns 25 years young. Some of us (though not all of us) weren't even born when the Famicom was released in Japan in 1983, and that day marked the beginning of Nintendo's plot of world domination. They didn't get around to the United States until 1985 with the NES, but it's the thought that counts.

A few committed folks at 1up have gone to extreme lengths marking this occasion, reminiscing about the life and times and significant games that made the little white box of fun so legendary. Is the Famicom dead? Hellz to the no -- in fact, you might say the Famicom legacy is just taking shape with new games and new ideas, all with origins dating back a quarter of a century.

As we begin today's E3 proceedings, spare a single thought for the console that changed the world for the better. Happy 25th birthday, Famicom!

JoystiqFamicom leaves college and settles in to a secure office job originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakefamicomjapannesTue, 15 Jul 2008 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy belated 17th birthday Sonic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/happy-belated-17th-birthday-sonic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/happy-belated-17th-birthday-sonic/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/happy-belated-17th-birthday-sonic/#commentsFiled under:


You know that feeling that nags at the back of your skull, reminding you that you've forgotten something, but stopping just short of recalling what exactly that something is. Well, we've been struggling with that for a few days, and let me tell you, it's been enough to drive us crazy. It turns out, however, that what we overlooked was none other than Sega's 'tude-fueled azure marsupial's 17th birthday.

Sonic first sped into North America households on June 23, 1991 in Sonic the Hedgehog for the Genesis as Sega's answer to a certain Mushroom-hungry plumber, and has since been featured in numerous games, toys, and breakfast cereals. Happy belated birthday sonic. We hope you didn't forget to blow out your candles and make a wish. We suggest something simple, like a game that doesn't continue to dilute your good name. That, or you know, a pony.

JoystiqHappy belated 17th birthday Sonic originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaysegasonicThu, 26 Jun 2008 11:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Three years of PSP history]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/three-years-of-psp-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/three-years-of-psp-history/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/three-years-of-psp-history/#commentsFiled under:


March 24, 2005. That was the day PSP was unleashed to the American gaming public. It's been a long and interesting ride since then. Come join us as we take a retrospective look on three years of PSP history.
  • What did the first PSP concept model look like? Find out.
  • When did PSP get its internet browser? Find out.
  • How quickly did the homebrew scene develop? Find out.
  • What was one of Sony's worst marketing disasters? Find out.
  • What importer was closed because it sold Japanese PSP systems? Find out.
  • How long did it take for PSP to get its first real price drop? Find out.
  • What sold 77,777 copies on day one? Find out.
Rewind to 2004! >

JoystiqThree years of PSP history originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayjoystiqfeaturespspMon, 24 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Birthday, Nintendo DS!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/happy-birthday-nintendo-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/happy-birthday-nintendo-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/21/happy-birthday-nintendo-ds/#commentsFiled under: ,



It's Alf! Remember Alf? He's back ... in birthday form.

With our one-year anniversary event for the Wii in full swing and Thanksgiving only hours away, we nearly forgot that today marks the third year since the Nintendo DS made its debut in North America. Can you believe it's been three years already? Three years since we first brought the GBA's successor home! Three years since Vicarious Visions tricked us into buying Spider-Man 2!

In its three years on the market, our dual-screened handheld has gone through one hardware revision, dozens of color variations and limited edition bundles (some of which were actually accidentally released in the US), and about twenty million Mega Man games. The system's software library has managed to cover just about every conceivable genre, even creating a few new ones to expand its money-printing capabilities.

We plan to celebrate the portable's birthday by drawing misshapen cakes and genitalia in PictoChat, just like we did during our first few hours of DS ownership. How about you?

[Thanks, Llamapalooza!]

JoystiqHappy Birthday, Nintendo DS! originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 21:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alfanniversarybirthdayWed, 21 Nov 2007 21:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate PS3's birthday by winning an 80GB system]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/celebrate-ps3s-birthday-by-winning-an-80gb-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/celebrate-ps3s-birthday-by-winning-an-80gb-system/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/celebrate-ps3s-birthday-by-winning-an-80gb-system/#commentsFiled under:


Do you want it? Let me hear it! Ladies and gentleman, we're celebrating the one year anniversary of the PS3 by giving away a free system. Yes, you heard right: a free system. Join the PS3 Fanboy ranks by nabbing this 80GB system, which includes Motorstorm and a bonus copy of Uncharted: Drake's Fortune simply by commenting on this page.

To enter, shout out "Happy Birthday PS3" in a language of your choice. The comment must be left before November 23rd, 5PM EST. You may enter only once. One (1) winner will be selected in a random drawing. Winners will receive an 80GB PS3 with Motorstorm and Uncharted: Drake's Fortune (ARV $559.98). Click here for complete Official Rules. You must be a US resident, age 18 or older to enter.

Once again, thanks to everyone that's been reading us for the past year. We're growing as a community, and we have to thank all of you for that. Good luck! Also, don't forget to check out our other anniversary features:

JoystiqCelebrate PS3's birthday by winning an 80GB system originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaycontestfanswagjoystiqfeaturesps3Mon, 19 Nov 2007 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The games press looks at the PS3's first year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/the-games-press-looks-at-the-ps3s-first-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/the-games-press-looks-at-the-ps3s-first-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/the-games-press-looks-at-the-ps3s-first-year/#commentsFiled under:


The PS3's first year has come to a close, and we wanted to ask our friends at various gaming outlets to tell us what they thought about Sony's debut performance in this new gaming generation. Obviously, the company has received a lot of flak, but can they turn it around? Read on in this PS3 Fanboy exclusive:


Siliconera
Sony took a step in the right direction by slashing the price of the Playstation 3 and introducing the 40 GB model. Sure, it doesn't play Playstation 2 games, but the cheaper model will get the PS3 into more homes and that makes it a more viable console for third party developers. Yes, the Playstation 3 needs more games, but more importantly it needs a unique experience that is only on the PS3. Easier said than done right? Perhaps, developers can look at the Playstation 3's underutilized features for inspiration like remote play, the MMC slot for importing media and the Playstation 3's internal web browser. I'm imagining an alternate reality hacking/detective game where players surf websites, carry their PSPs to get data from sham networks around the world and then create their own mysteries with the help of the MMC reader.
-- Spencer Yip


GameTrailers
Sony's sheer dominance in the prior generation of consoles seemed to pave the way for a clear run at the crown in this generation of gaming, but by not offering the complete online experience or game play innovations delivered by its prime competitors, Sony has taken a significant hit in the current console war. A revamped online presence, key PS3 exclusives and a clear approach to the system as game machine and not just an media centerpiece for high-income families will be essential for Sony to return to it's once dominant position of prominence.
-- Daniel Kayser

Continue reading The games press looks at the PS3's first year

JoystiqThe games press looks at the PS3's first year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaygames-pressjoystiqfeaturesps3Mon, 19 Nov 2007 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo Wii celebrates 1st birthday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/nintendo-wii-celebrates-1st-birthday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/nintendo-wii-celebrates-1st-birthday/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/nintendo-wii-celebrates-1st-birthday/#commentsFiled under: ,

Two days after we blew out Sony's candles celebrating the PlayStation 3's first year or existence, Nintendo reminds us that its latest console the Wii turns one today. And with age hopefully comes more experience and knowledge - such as knowing how to keep up with the console's demand.

All this week, Nintendo Wii Fanboy is celebrating the console's birthday, starting off with a game giveaway including the hidden gem Zack and Wiki, potentially the last complex game for the Wii. In the interim, dear esteemed and unbiased Joystiq readers, how would you grade the Wii's performance so far?

[Image credit: Kristy and Eva's Flickr account]

JoystiqNintendo Wii celebrates 1st birthday originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaymarionintendonwfwiiMon, 19 Nov 2007 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SCEA's Kim Nguyen looks at the PS3's first year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/sceas-kim-nguyen-looks-at-the-ps3s-first-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/sceas-kim-nguyen-looks-at-the-ps3s-first-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/sceas-kim-nguyen-looks-at-the-ps3s-first-year/#commentsFiled under:


Happy Birthday PS3! One year down, nine more to go. Sony's first year in the new video game generation has been a rough one. But, what does Sony have to say about it? We chatted with SCEA's Kim Nguyen, Marketing Manager of the PS3, to find out more.

PS3 has struggled quite a bit during its first year of release. Why do you think the games media has bashed the PS3 so much?
Looking back on year one, we're proud at how far the PS3 has come and are sure that the future will only be brighter. There were some bumps in the road but that's to be expected during the first year of a platform's lifecycle. Regardless, we are very confident in the future of PS3 given our new hardware and pricing, along with the strong line up of upcoming software titles that will place PS3 in a very strong position this holiday and for years to come.

What has Sony done to turn things around?
We recently launched new PS3 hardware and pricing and are already seeing strong sales momentum at retail--PS3 sales have increased by 192% over the past 2 weeks at major retailers in North America . We have more than 160 games coming to the platform including 19 exclusives. We also recently launched a new ad campaign, our biggest marketing effort to date, that conveys the overall benefits of PS3 including Blu-ray and PLAYSTATION Network. Again we feel PS3 is in a very strong position this holiday and for years to come.

Continue reading SCEA's Kim Nguyen looks at the PS3's first year

JoystiqSCEA's Kim Nguyen looks at the PS3's first year originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayinterviewjoystiqfeatureskim-nguyenps3retrospectiveMon, 19 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy birthday, Miyamoto-san!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/happy-birthday-miyamoto-san/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/happy-birthday-miyamoto-san/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/happy-birthday-miyamoto-san/#commentsFiled under:



He created Mario, Donkey Kong, and Zelda. He has been indirectly responsible for using up thousands of hours of our lives. We sort of want him to be our Dad. Yes, Nintendo design guru and general gaming god Shigeru Miyamoto turned 55 years young today (hasn't he aged well?), so it felt only right that we took the time to wish Shiggy many happy returns.

Here's to a long and prosperous future, sir! One with lots of cake.

JoystiqHappy birthday, Miyamoto-san! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaydonkey-kongmariomiyamotonintendoshigerushiggyzeldaFri, 16 Nov 2007 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 gets a birthday cake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/ps3-gets-a-birthday-cake/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/ps3-gets-a-birthday-cake/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/16/ps3-gets-a-birthday-cake/#commentsFiled under:


We don't know exactly what Russel does, but his office received a cake from the fine folks at SCEA, celebrating the first birthday of PS3. While it looks pretty, supposedly it doesn't taste too great. Too bad! Of course, we're celebrating next Monday, in time for the launch of Uncharted.

JoystiqPS3 gets a birthday cake originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakeps3Fri, 16 Nov 2007 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PS2 turns seven years old]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/ps2-turns-seven-years-old/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/ps2-turns-seven-years-old/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/26/ps2-turns-seven-years-old/#commentsFiled under: ,


It may have been a fat baby, but the PS2 has slimmed down and celebrates its seventh birthday in the States today. GI.biz has a nice little rundown of the unit's life. Since Oct. 26, 2000, the heir to the PlayStation name has shipped 120 million units and a billion units in software. Another 10 million PS2 units are expected to sell worldwide by March 2008. Peter Dille, Sony America's senior vp of marketing says, "Never before has an in-home game system experienced this type of worldwide success on such a long-lasting scale." That's absolutely true, PlayStation gave PS2 a good start in life -- now, about the grandkid.

We have the list after the break of the PS2's top-selling titles, but if you ever needed to know how important the Grand Theft Auto franchise is to PlayStation, it becomes quite apparent looking at the list. The top three games are GTA: Vice City (13 million units), GTA: San Andreas (12 million) and Grand Theft Auto III (11 million). Looking at the full list quickly, it's made up of GTA, Gran Turismo, Metal Gear Solid, Final Fantasy and Kingdom Hearts. Strictly based on PS2 software sales, it appears Sony needs to do what it can to hold on to Metal Gear Solid and Final Fantasy. But this story isn't about the PS3, it's about the PS2, and nobody can argue its success. Happy Birthday PS2, enjoy the rest of your ten-year cycle.

Continue reading PS2 turns seven years old

JoystiqPS2 turns seven years old originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayps2ps3Fri, 26 Oct 2007 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Evites invite friends to the birthday bash]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/wii-evites-invite-friends-to-the-birthday-bash/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/wii-evites-invite-friends-to-the-birthday-bash/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/06/wii-evites-invite-friends-to-the-birthday-bash/#commentsFiled under: ,


Like the last batch of Evites that asked you to invite friends to the Wii party, these newest Evites also allow you to ask friends and family over for a party. This time, though, the focus is on birthdays, allowing thoughtful parents who might be giving their child (or children) a Wii for their birthday to invite friends and family to enjoy the new gift. Or, maybe a family is doing away with the tired cliche of clowns, cowboys or pretty, pretty princesses for a time that can only be described as "more fun than a barrel full of monkeys drunk on laughing gas."

JoystiqWii Evites invite friends to the birthday bash originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 06 Oct 2007 22:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayevitemarioSat, 06 Oct 2007 22:54:00 EST<![CDATA[The DS Life: Unrestrained glee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/the-ds-life-unrestrained-glee/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/the-ds-life-unrestrained-glee/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/the-ds-life-unrestrained-glee/#commentsFiled under: ,

The DS Life is a weekly feature in which we scour the known world for narrative images of Nintendo's handheld and handheld gamers. If you have a photo and a story to match it with, send both to thedslife at dsfanboy dot com.

Sometimes, everything just seems to be going your way. There isn't a single worry plaguing your usually beleaguered mind, you've got a girl back at home who loves you, and the world is yours to conquer. Then something unexpected comes along and makes your day even better!

Continue reading The DS Life: Unrestrained glee

JoystiqThe DS Life: Unrestrained glee originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaymanuelminish-capminishcapphantom-hourglasszeldazelda-weekWed, 03 Oct 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Show and Tell: Gaming is so delicious]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/show-and-tell-gaming-is-so-delicious/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/show-and-tell-gaming-is-so-delicious/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/09/show-and-tell-gaming-is-so-delicious/#commentsFiled under:


The awesome (and yet disturbing) Kirby cake we showed you a few weeks ago inspired reader Ricky to send in his own bit of sugary birthday gaming goodness, and does it ever make our mouths water. His girlfriend put this together for a 20th birthday celebration that we wish had been ours -- and from the care that obviously went into this cake, Ricky's princess is probably not in another castle. We're certain he's found her. It's not just pretty on the outside, either; beneath the super-sweet recreation of a classic gaming screen lie layers of chocolate cake, strawberries, and chocolate mousse. Ricky reports that, while it hurt a little, deep inside, to munch on his beloved Mario, the cake was totally worth it. If only he'd sent us a piece.

Has someone put together a unique gift for your special day? Are you sitting atop a throne made of NES carts as you read this? Maybe you just own a particularly cool gaming shirt or two, or are proud of how your gaming set-up looks. If you have something you want to show off, snap some pics and send them over to us at showmeit at dsfanboy dot com. We'll take care of the rest.

JoystiqShow and Tell: Gaming is so delicious originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Aug 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakeMariotastytreatsThu, 09 Aug 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Show and Tell: In Dreamland, cake eats you!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/show-and-tell-in-dreamland-cake-eats-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/show-and-tell-in-dreamland-cake-eats-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/12/show-and-tell-in-dreamland-cake-eats-you/#commentsFiled under:



Okay, we admit it. We're cheating a little. Instead of letting someone come to us with their nifty gaming goodness, we saw something that was simply so awesome we had to ask if we could share it with you ... and luckily, NeoGAFfer cloudwalking had no problem with us showing off this incredible cake. Hey, if it was ours, we'd want to show the world as well!

Birthday girl cloudwalking's good pal jarosh had this Kirby cake made, but the fun didn't stop there. As he was slowly dismembered devoured, the pair had fun changing his features around, as you can see in the gallery ... though the reddish filling on the knife is a little disturbing. Poor Kirby! We're not sure we could have made ourselves eat the little guy. Then again, it could be revenge for the times we've been inhaled in various Smash Bros. matches.

Can you top a nummy Kirby cake? If so -- or if you have anything else you want to show off -- you too can be in this spot, with everyone cooing over your awesome stuff. Just take some pictures and send them to showmeit at dsfanboy dot com. We'll take care of the rest.

JoystiqShow and Tell: In Dreamland, cake eats you! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakegalleryimageskirbyneogafshowtellThu, 12 Jul 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Sonic the Hedgehog turns 16]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/sonic-the-hedgehog-turns-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/sonic-the-hedgehog-turns-16/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/23/sonic-the-hedgehog-turns-16/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today is Sonic the Hedgehog's 16th birthday. He was cute as a baby and burst into the world with the delightful Sonic the Hedgehog. As of late though, he has certainly been experiencing the highs (Sonic Rush) and lows (Sonic on Xbox 360) of being a teenager. However, like a 16-year-old, Sonic may finally be coming into his own after Sega said that their mascot is going on a blue ambition reinvention tour.

The most shocking news of Sonic's reinvention isn't even his pairing with Mario for an Olympics game. Something that we might have cared about and made our head explode in the the early '90s. Nope, the most shocking news came two days ago when BioWare (Mass Effect, Knights of the Old Republic) announced that they were working on a Sonic RPG for the Nintendo DS, the game is expected in 2008. Who knows, maybe when Sonic turns 18 he'll be cool again. And then he can go pick up a pack of smokes from the corner store, fly to Europe, and party to the point where he forgets everything between the late '90s and now. Happy birthday Sonic!

JoystiqSonic the Hedgehog turns 16 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 23 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayDSPS3segaWiiXbox-360Sat, 23 Jun 2007 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy 10th un-birthday Duke Nukem Forever!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/happy-10th-un-birthday-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/happy-10th-un-birthday-duke-nukem-forever/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/27/happy-10th-un-birthday-duke-nukem-forever/#commentsFiled under: ,


Hold on, Wii! Your name isn't the only thing celebrating a birthday today! Well, it's not so much a "birth" day in this other case, seeing as how we're still waiting for the baby to drop ...

So, happy 10th un-birthday Duke Nukem Forever! CVG reminds us that ten years ago, on this very day, you were conceived and hurriedly scribbled into tiny notebooks (computers weren't even invented yet!) and from there typed up into magazines (remember them?) the world over. Sure, a lot of things have happened in the last ten years (no, seriously, A LOT) -- including some awards, you assiduous devil -- but we still remember where we were when you were announced to the world. Find out where after the break:

Continue reading Happy 10th un-birthday Duke Nukem Forever!

JoystiqHappy 10th un-birthday Duke Nukem Forever! originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Apr 2007 13:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3drealmsbirthdaydukenukemforeverPCvaporwareFri, 27 Apr 2007 13:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii classic controller birthday cake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/wii-classic-controller-birthday-cake/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/wii-classic-controller-birthday-cake/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/09/wii-classic-controller-birthday-cake/#commentsFiled under:


We've seen plenty of cakes shaped into Wii remotes and even the Wii console itself before, but a classic controller cake? That's a new one for us! A thoughtful girlfriend treated her gamer paramour with this chocolate dessert for his 21st birthday. We're not sure if he will be able to actually play Virtual Console games with it, but he'll have to find a Wii remote cake to hook the controller onto first before we can find out!

[Via Digg]

JoystiqWii classic controller birthday cake originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakeclassiccontrollcontrollernintendowiivirtualconsolewiiFri, 09 Mar 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Your birthday means nothing on the Wii]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/your-birthday-means-nothing-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/your-birthday-means-nothing-on-the-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/your-birthday-means-nothing-on-the-wii/#commentsFiled under:

This threw us for a curve ball. See, we all know that when you enter Pictochat on your DS during your birthday, there's a message there waiting for you, so we always assumed that on the Wii something similar would be done. Why else make you input your birthday when making a Mii, right? Well, according to one blogger expecting a small Mii party to be taking place in his Mii Plaza, instead he was greeted with nothing but a crew of apathetic digital Miis.

That's right, there was no party, nor were there party hats or confetti, nothing. So we're wondering just why we're asked to input our birthday when creating a Mii. Now, we assume this blogger's Wii is online, so we can rule out Nintendo sending a message congratulating us on another year of life on this planet.

What do you guys think?

[via Infendo]

JoystiqYour birthday means nothing on the Wii originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaymiimiiplazanintendonintendowiiwiiFri, 02 Mar 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Birthday 360 box turns up empty]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/05/birthday-360-box-turns-up-empty/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/05/birthday-360-box-turns-up-empty/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/12/05/birthday-360-box-turns-up-empty/#commentsFiled under:

A November birthday boy from New York, Danny Santos, recently received a box full of heartbreak. Upon ripping the paper off of a large birthday present, the boy was no doubt delighted to see and Xbox 360 box. Opening the box, he fished through a pile of white paper to find ... nothing. The box was empty. Some of you might suspect that this was either a cruel prank or a sign of an IOU from the boy's parents, but that was unfortunately not the case. Danny's parents had bought the box in September, hoping to beat the holiday rush before the child's birthday, and were just as surprised to see the box empty.

Danny's mother subsequently spent hours on the phone with both Microsoft and Circuit City, both of whom have refused to replace the unit, which cost the family a total of $540. It is reportedly very hard to replace a missing product, as companies have only the word of the customer on which to rely. To make matters even more difficult, because the item was purchased in September, it is well past Circuit City's 30 day exchange policy. Unfortunately, it seems that Danny's family has no other choice but to buy another console.

While there was little this family could have done, let this be a warning to the holiday shoppers out there. It's not uncommon for certain people to swindle people out of their hard earned cash during the holidays. When you buy a console, check the box's contents immediately. Also, be sure to read every word of auction descriptions, because there are plenty of people who will try to trick you into paying hundreds of dollars for an empty box (or worse). Our best wishes to Danny's family. Hopefully, the next 360 will be winner. Maybe Microsoft could send them one as a Christmas present.

[Via MAXCONSOLE]

JoystiqBirthday 360 box turns up empty originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayempty boxEmptyBoxxbox 360Xbox360Tue, 05 Dec 2006 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy birthday, Shiggy!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/happy-birthday-shiggy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/happy-birthday-shiggy/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/happy-birthday-shiggy/#commentsFiled under:



How could we possibly let the birthday of our overlord, Shigeru Miyamoto, pass unnoticed? He's at the center of all our favorite (photoshopped) pictures, he's funny ... oh, and yeah, he is responsible for a few video games or something.

Who are we kidding? We can't be coy. Miyamoto is the reason we're here every day; if not for his crazy creations, we might be doing something else, and that would be a tragedy. Here's to you, Mr. Miyamoto, and may you have 54 more.

JoystiqHappy birthday, Shiggy! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayMiyamotoShigeru MiyamotoShigeruMiyamotoThu, 16 Nov 2006 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq at Sonic's 15th birthday party]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/joystiq-at-sonics-15th-birthday-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/joystiq-at-sonics-15th-birthday-party/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/13/joystiq-at-sonics-15th-birthday-party/#commentsFiled under: , ,


The blue dude with an attitude turned fifteen years old yesterday and he celebrated at NYC's DigitalLife show. Fans and confused onlookers watched as Sonic was presented a ridiculously large birthday cake by psuedo-celebrity Lacey Chabert. Hungry attendees of the show (myself included) scarfed down the cake, and laughed at the man inside the Sonic suit, knowing it was impossible for him to blow out the candles on his cake, let alone eat it. Sonic, the cake was delicious.

When questioned about how it felt to be 15, Sonic responded, "It's strange. I'm growing hair in places I've never had hair before." He then sped away and, like in his upcoming Xbox 360 game, my camera was unable to follow him. Read on to see more pictures, and video from the celebration.

Continue reading Joystiq at Sonic's 15th birthday party

JoystiqJoystiq at Sonic's 15th birthday party originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Oct 2006 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdaycakedigital lifeDigitalLifehedgehoglacey chabertLaceyChabertpms clanPmsClansonicvideoFri, 13 Oct 2006 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Happy Birthday Mario!]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/happy-birthday-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/happy-birthday-mario/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/07/happy-birthday-mario/#commentsFiled under:

September 13 is the 'birthday' of everyone's favorite plumber, and Nintendo's not letting September pass without a little recognition. Two new DS games this month feature Mario and company: the highly anticipated Mario Hoops 3 on 3 and the offbeat Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis. Salut! And many happy returns.

Mario Hoops is scheduled for release next week, and March of the Minis follows two weeks later. If only every month could be September.

JoystiqHappy Birthday Mario! originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Sep 2006 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthdayDonkey KongDonkeyKongMarch of the MinisMarchOfTheMinisMarioMario HoopsMarioHoopsSeptemberThu, 07 Sep 2006 15:27:00 EST