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[Valve and Xsolla set up more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/valve-and-xsolla-set-up-more-than-450-000-cash-kiosks-in-russia/#comments Valve recently embraced the Russian Ruble to make Steam transactions easier for its Russian customers -- while this may have made it easier for Russian gamers to see how much things cost, that didn't mean it was any easier to buy said things, as much of the country uses cash. Unwilling to block an entire market from spending its money, Valve has teamed with Xsolla, a game-monetization company, to establish more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia, where users can add cash directly to their Steam Wallets.

It's nice of companies to make spending money on their products so easy -- it's almost like charity work. Almost.

JoystiqValve and Xsolla set up more than 450,000 cash kiosks in Russia originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-kioskkioskL4DLeft-4-DeadmacpcrublesrussiaSTEAMvalveXsollaSun, 23 Oct 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: PlayStation Move demo kiosks coming in September]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/report-playstation-move-demo-kiosks-coming-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/report-playstation-move-demo-kiosks-coming-in-september/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/03/report-playstation-move-demo-kiosks-coming-in-september/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Haven't had a chance to get your hands on the PlayStation Move during one of its appearances at industry trade shows? According to a report from Destructoid, you'll get your chance to try out the peripheral before its September 19 launch date, as anonymous sources claim Sony is hiring tons of representatives to work demo kiosks which will start appearing in Best Buys and Walmarts across the country starting September 11.

According to the report, the units should stay in stores until late January 2011, giving you plenty of time to determine whether or not the Move is worth your hard-earned cash -- or plenty of time to hard-earn said cash, if you decide to apply to become one of Sony's Move representatives. We've contacted Sony to get a comment on all of these reports.

JoystiqRumor: PlayStation Move demo kiosks coming in September originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demokioskperipheralsplaystationplaystation-moveps3sonyTue, 03 Aug 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hong Kong International Airport gets PS3 kiosks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/hong-kong-international-airport-gets-ps3-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/hong-kong-international-airport-gets-ps3-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/hong-kong-international-airport-gets-ps3-kiosks/#comments
[Image: Flickr user charchlam]
While we Americans are forced to spend our layovers trying not to get chosen for random cavity searches, folks who end up with some free time at Hong Kong International Airport are given a much more pleasant distraction. According to travel news site The Moodie Report, HKIA now plays host to more than a dozen PS3 "game poles," which give visitors a chance to check out a number of the platform's biggest titles, like Final Fantasy XIII and Uncharted 2. Sounds like a pretty neat idea -- we're just glad Modern Warfare 2 isn't one of the featured games. That'd be ... uncomfortable.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqHong Kong International Airport gets PS3 kiosks originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airportdemofinal-fantasy-xiiihong-konghong-kong-international-airportkiosksonytraveluncharted-2Mon, 25 Jan 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Game vending machines 'pop' up in UK]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/game-vending-machines-pop-up-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/game-vending-machines-pop-up-in-uk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/16/game-vending-machines-pop-up-in-uk/#comments POP247 kiosks are popping up at 150 locations around the UK, particularly in locations of heavy human traffic. The dispensaries, which apparently exist in the US too, can hold up to 400 units of games, DVDs and Blu-ray movies. The boxes are a collaboration between Sony Pictures and Universal Studios.

The kiosks will soon provide downloadable games and movies, as well, transferable to Sony memory sticks. This is a feature that should prove convenient for travelers on the go -- especially the PSP Go.

JoystiqGame vending machines 'pop' up in UK originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dispensable-distributionkioskpop247retailukWed, 16 Dec 2009 05:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Best Buy's new trade-in kiosk]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/a-look-at-best-buys-new-trade-in-kiosk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/a-look-at-best-buys-new-trade-in-kiosk/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/26/a-look-at-best-buys-new-trade-in-kiosk/#commentsAfter learning that Best Buy was testing new game trade-in kiosks in some areas of Texas, we visited our local location to find that one of the new stations had just been set up right by the front door. In fact, a nearby employee informed us that we were the first to use it. Shortly after we experimented with it, we watched a group of Best Buy employees gather around the kiosk in quiet awe.

As it turns out, the kiosks aren't just for trading in games for store credit -- you can buy, trade, or even rent used games or movies from the device. The one we looked at had a tiny selection of both games and movies available (less than fifty total offerings), but that's most likely because of the early stage of the program.

We snapped some pictures of the kiosk while we were trying it out. Head into our gallery if you ever wanted to see what a game case deposit slot or a disc dispenser looks like.

Gallery: Best Buy trade-in kiosk

Continue reading A look at Best Buy's new trade-in kiosk

JoystiqA look at Best Buy's new trade-in kiosk originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Jun 2009 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buykiosktrade-inused-gamesFri, 26 Jun 2009 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out the PlayStation Pavilion at the new Nationals Park]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/check-out-the-playstation-pavilion-at-nationals-park/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/check-out-the-playstation-pavilion-at-nationals-park/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/31/check-out-the-playstation-pavilion-at-nationals-park/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click to enlarge

A new season of Major League Baseball started up in America last night with the first game ever at Washington's brand new Nationals Park, complete with a presidential first pitch and a thrilling walk-off home run. Why should you care about any of this? Because the opening of the new park also means the opening of its new promotional PlayStation Pavilion, packed with demo kiosks for Gran Turismo 5 Prologue, MLB08: The Show, Guitar Hero 3 and SingStar.

You'd think people at a ballpark would have better things to do than play video games, but the demo area drew quite a crowd among the opening night fans. Need proof? Check out our exclusive gallery of photos from the new pavilion below.

Gallery: PlayStation Pavillion @ Nationals Park

JoystiqCheck out the PlayStation Pavilion at the new Nationals Park originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 31 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baseballdemogh3gt5kioskmlb08nationalspavilionPS2PS3singstarsonyMon, 31 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SNES display kiosk up for grabs, but the price might be too high]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/snes-display-kiosk-up-for-grabs-but-the-price-might-be-too-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/snes-display-kiosk-up-for-grabs-but-the-price-might-be-too-high/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/12/snes-display-kiosk-up-for-grabs-but-the-price-might-be-too-high/#commentsFiled under:


We're not saying the cost of purchasing this SNES display kiosk is too high, because $249.99 isn't that much money (the cost of a Wii, if you can actually find one). No, the high price comes from having to pick this up locally, in Jonesboro, AR (otherwise known as "the south"). Now, we've lived in "the south" before, so we don't want to offend anyone, but we know from experience that those living down there can't be trusted.

Oh, we can regale you with the many times we were fooled by that well-known southern kindness and charm, only to awake an indiscernible amount of time later, duct-taped to a chair in a leaky, dark basement somewhere. If only we had developed muscles by participating in physical activities in the outside world, we could have ripped through that duct tape!

Anyway, this cabinet. Yeah, it looks sweet, but, as we said, you have to pick it up locally. The seller isn't willing to ship the darn thing.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqSNES display kiosk up for grabs, but the price might be too high originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>displayebaykioskretailsnesTue, 12 Feb 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii, Smash Bros. demo kiosks to hit Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/wii-smash-bros-demo-kiosks-to-hit-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/wii-smash-bros-demo-kiosks-to-hit-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/wii-smash-bros-demo-kiosks-to-hit-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Remember way back when Wal-mart was concerned about playable Wii kiosks causing kids to break their arms or knock over expensive electronics (or both)? Apparently Japanese retailers never got over these fears, because up to this point there hasn't been an official, playable Nintendo kiosk to be found in the country. This is about to change, though, as IGN reports that 30 shops nationwide will roll out Smash Bros. Brawl-infused kiosks on Jan. 26, three days before the game's Japanese release.

Despite having about a bazillion control schemes, Smash Bros. is notable for not requiring the Wii's trademark waggle in any way shape or form, presumably making it safe for Japanese in-store play. Whether the kiosks will last past the relatively sedentary game (and whether the Smash Bros. demo will come to U.S. Wii kiosks) is still unknown.

JoystiqWii, Smash Bros. demo kiosks to hit Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoJapankioskNintendoplayableretailsmash-brossmash-bros-brawlSSBBWiiWii-oskThu, 24 Jan 2008 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Japan finally gets themselves some demo kiosks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/japan-finally-gets-themselves-some-demo-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/japan-finally-gets-themselves-some-demo-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/24/japan-finally-gets-themselves-some-demo-kiosks/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you who've had the luxury of stopping by a Wii demo kiosk and giving Super Mario Galaxy or Wii Sports a whirl, it's time to embrace our downtrodden brothers and sisters in Japan. They're finally getting Wii demo kiosks for the first time, starting on the 26th of this month. All because of a little game called Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

So why did it take so long to get demo kiosks to Japanese consumers? Fear of accidents caused by arm-flailing participators, who might throw caution to the wind, along with their fists and elbows. It would seem the benefits of getting the game into the hands of Japanese gamers far outweighs the possible repercussions of an accident.

Personally, we're being a bit selfish about the whole thing. The idea of Japan getting demo versions of Super Smash Bros. Brawl indicates that those of us who know of a nearby demo kiosk can swarm it in the case that we're as lucky and get access to a demo build for the game. Let's hope so.

[Via Go Nintendo]

JoystiqJapan finally gets themselves some demo kiosks originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demojapankiosksmash-bros-brawlThu, 24 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your yummy Halo 3 theme at a kiosk near you]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/get-your-yummy-halo-3-theme-at-a-kiosk-near-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/get-your-yummy-halo-3-theme-at-a-kiosk-near-you/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/23/get-your-yummy-halo-3-theme-at-a-kiosk-near-you/#commentsFiled under: ,

After doing some Xbox.com surfing we came across a news piece talking about a Halo 3 dashboard theme. News that's not all that exciting by itself except for the fact that this theme is only available off of an Xbox 360 retail kiosk, is 100% free and is yummy delicious. Just take a look at each blade background, it's like Halo 3 theme heaven wrapped in bacon, stuffed with gold dollars and sprinkled with magical fairy dust. It's killer! Especially that media blade background ... raWr!

Actually, after taking a deep breathe and looking over this blog, we're realizing that we just expressed an unnatural amount of excitement for a dashboard theme. Maybe we should take it down a notch. But the fact that, in order to get this (super yummy) Halo 3 theme, we have to find a 360 kiosk, stick in our memory card and download makes its appeal so great. Screw it! That's our goal for today. We're finding and downloading that elusive Halo 3 kiosk theme and nobody is stopping us! We want it and we want it now ... status update incoming.

JoystiqGet your yummy Halo 3 theme at a kiosk near you originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungiebungie-studioshalo3kioskthemeFri, 23 Nov 2007 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Delta DS download stations hit JFK airport]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/delta-ds-download-stations-hit-jfk-airport/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/delta-ds-download-stations-hit-jfk-airport/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/16/delta-ds-download-stations-hit-jfk-airport/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, we reported on this quite some time ago, but the program is expanding at an incredible rate. With the latest download kiosk hitting New York's JFK airport, we find ourselves that much closer to living in a world populated with the wonderful machines. Why, even when they become sentient and rise up, crushing their squishy meat bag oppressors, we'll be fine so long as they still offer demo downloads of Elite Beat Agents and Cooking Mama.

The kiosk available at JFK currently has demo versions of Elite Beat Agents, Brain Age, Cooking Mama and Tomb Raider: Legend (ouch). Kiosks can also be currently found at Delta terminals at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. No word on how often the software is updated as Nintendo says it will be "updated periodically and will showcase everything from brain training to action games, appealing to baby boomers and seniors, and to teens and kids."

Hopefully they'll start giving out DS Lites for flights soon, as they have in Japan for quite some time.

JoystiqDelta DS download stations hit JFK airport originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsdslitekiosklitenintendonintendodsnintendodsliteWed, 16 May 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS kiosks brighten up Korean mall]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/nintendo-ds-kiosks-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/nintendo-ds-kiosks-in-korea/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/26/nintendo-ds-kiosks-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: ,



These photos from a Korean mall's Nintendo DS kiosks are from a month ago, but it's interesting to see how the handheld is being promoted in the East Asian country. The showroom's walls are lined with posters of celebrities playing with DS Lites, stylish-looking chairs and tables are available for idlers, and a glass divider separates the area from the rest of the shopping center while still attracting passer-bys with gaming treats.

It isn't clear if this is a permanent setup or if the kiosks are only there for the interim to accompany the DS' recent launch in Korea. The way Nintendo has put its games on display, encouraging people to try out titles like New Super Mario Bros., Brain Training, and English Training in an attractive space, reminds us a lot of Apple's brick and mortar stores and the old Xbox 360 Lounge in Japan. Do we have anything like this to advocate the Nintendo DS in the states? Check for more photos after the jump.

[Via Insert Credit]

Continue reading DS kiosks brighten up Korean mall

JoystiqDS kiosks brighten up Korean mall originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appledsdslitekioskkoreakoreannintendonintendodsshopshopsstorestoresThu, 26 Apr 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to market PS3 at English National Opera]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/sony-to-market-ps3-at-english-national-opera/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/sony-to-market-ps3-at-english-national-opera/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/sony-to-market-ps3-at-english-national-opera/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When it comes to video games, marketers tend to focus their in-person efforts on youth oriented events like sports, concert tours, and extreme sports-infused concert tours. Sony is taking a bit of a different tact, marketing the PS3 to the audience at the English National Opera (ENO).

As the London Times reported last week, Sony will be placing a PS3 kiosk in the foyer on the London Coliseum, the ENO's home stage. The kiosk will accompany a Sony-sponsored version of Puccini's La Boheme and an initiative aimed at convincing British schoolteachers that the PSP is useful as a learning tool. Personally, we've learned a lot about taking out cops from our PSPs.

The Times piece goes on to draw a link between controversial games like Grand Theft Auto and controversial operas like Strauss' Elektra or Berg's Wozzeck. Where are the Jack Thompson wannabes crying about the deleterious effects of opera on our troubled youth? Oh, that's right ... our troubled youth doesn't care about opera. We forgot.

JoystiqSony to market PS3 at English National Opera originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advertisingenglish National OrchestraEnglishNationalOrchestrakiosklondon coliseumLondonColiseummarketingoperaPS3PSPTue, 06 Feb 2007 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Outdoor Wii-osks in London]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/13/outdoor-wii-osks-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/13/outdoor-wii-osks-in-london/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/13/outdoor-wii-osks-in-london/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The people of London must be really trustworthy, considering they were treated to outdoor Wii-osks yesterday. Any self-respecting American in a metropolitan city would have asked to demo the unit, taken the Wii-mote, cracked the marketing flack over the head and run off with the system. But alas, these are not Americans.

Reader Limpit writes, "The unit itself consisted of a Wii, nice Samsung HDTV, Wii Sports, 2 Wii-remotes, and 2 guys in some very funky looking white Wii puffer-jackets. They seemed quite happy, and so did the little crowd of people who had gathered to witness the marvel that is Wii Sports."

Limpit correctly goes on to say this display is part of Nintendo's massive marketing machine storming across the globe. Any readers see these outdoor kiosks in your neck of this third rock from the sun?

[Thanks Limpit]

JoystiqOutdoor Wii-osks in London originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiosklondonoutdoorwiiSat, 13 Jan 2007 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii demonstration kiosks now at Target]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/wii-demonstration-kiosks-now-at-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/wii-demonstration-kiosks-now-at-target/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/wii-demonstration-kiosks-now-at-target/#commentsFiled under:


One of our readers was recently in Target and saw the above Wii demonstration kiosk. It is very much like other, non-playable kiosks we have seen in various retail outlets such as Wal-Mart where, instead of game demos, there is a constant video loop playing that describes the Wii and shows one how to play its games. Undoubtedly designed to get those who might otherwise be uninterested or in the dark about the console looking its way, we've personally seen a few people stopping to check it out.

[Thanks Author X!]

JoystiqWii demonstration kiosks now at Target originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiosknintendonintendowiitargetwiiThu, 16 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii kiosks using composite cables]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/wii-kiosks-using-composite-cables/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/wii-kiosks-using-composite-cables/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/wii-kiosks-using-composite-cables/#commentsFiled under:


... or, at least, on the Wii kiosk pictured above. Reader wigglesxjr, who is responsible for taking the above picture with his camera phone, assures us this is totally real and comes from his local EB Games in West Covina, CA. Using Samsung LCD TVs for their kiosks, you'd think that Nintendo would go the extra mile and use component cables for all of their displays, right? I mean, you could even have the EB/GameStop folks pushing the cables saying customers won't get as clear and good a picture as on the kiosk at home without them.

JoystiqWii kiosks using composite cables originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ebgamesgamestopkiosknintendonintendowiiwiiwiikioskFri, 10 Nov 2006 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii demo kiosk gets run through the gauntlet]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/wii-demo-kiosk-gets-run-through-the-gauntlet/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/wii-demo-kiosk-gets-run-through-the-gauntlet/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/08/wii-demo-kiosk-gets-run-through-the-gauntlet/#commentsFiled under:


Turns out there just might be one individual out there who can rival the amount of excitement we feel for the impending launch of the Wii. So, when his local EB finally got their Wii demo kiosk in, he went to town with his camcorder and filmed every single thing he could think of. The end product is a 6 minute+ video showing some Excite Truck and the Wii menu interface.

[Via Go Nintendo]

Continue reading Wii demo kiosk gets run through the gauntlet

JoystiqWii demo kiosk gets run through the gauntlet originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Nov 2006 10:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demodemokioskkiosknintendonintendowiiwiiWed, 08 Nov 2006 10:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii start up disc is used for console set up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/wii-start-up-disc-is-used-for-console-set-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/wii-start-up-disc-is-used-for-console-set-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/wii-start-up-disc-is-used-for-console-set-up/#commentsFiled under:


Remember when we learned about the mysterious "Startup Disc" from the back of a Wii box? Turns out the disc will be used once to set up your Wii on its initial cycling of power. One Joystiq reader, and Engadget blogger, named Paul miller snapped the above picture of a Wii kiosk in a South Shore Mall Software Etc. store, located in Bay Shore, NY. The message, which is in English, Spanish, and French, reads:

"Please insert your Wii Startup Disc. This will set up your Wii console."

JoystiqWii start up disc is used for console set up originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 18:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>engadgetjoystiqkiosknintendonintendowiistartupdiscwiiMon, 06 Nov 2006 18:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Nongamer on Wii: it's better than buttons [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/nongamer-on-wii-its-better-than-buttons/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/nongamer-on-wii-its-better-than-buttons/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/nongamer-on-wii-its-better-than-buttons/#commentsFiled under: ,



It begins -- as the Wii kiosks go up around in GameStops everywhere, we're starting to see more hands-on impressions of the system. Reader Nick tipped us off on this one, and it's not much, but there's something interesting in these few quick lines about the Wii. He and his wife, Katie (who he says is "pretty much a nongamer") stopped by their local store to check out the Excite Truck demo in action. In their blog, Katie reports that Nick had a little trouble with it, but she found it easy. Why? Because it was really like steering and not just about pushing buttons. That was something we noticed at the Fusion Tour as well -- that those of us who spend vast oceans of time with a controller in hand may not have it so easy with the Wii, at least in the beginning.

[Thanks, Nick!]

[Update: Removed photograph at reader request.]

JoystiqNongamer on Wii: it's better than buttons [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoExcite TruckExciteTruckkioskNintendoWiiMon, 06 Nov 2006 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii-osk in action at Gamestop]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/wii-osk-in-action-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/wii-osk-in-action-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/wii-osk-in-action-at-gamestop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We visited a Gamestop in California last night, only to find a darkened Wii kiosk, which was very sad. Although it was almost made up for after we found a Gears of War console case, that thing is just flippin' sweet. Anyhow, digression aside, we asked the guy behind the counter when the Wii would be switched on, and he said "We need an ID." Stupid us replied with, "Oh, so someone from Nintendo has to come out and set it up? When will that happen?" And he said, "Uh ... no, dude. I need your ID." Clearly, we be geniuses.

So we handed over our IDs and a major credit card (what's a minor credit card these days? Discover? Diner's Club?) and were handed two Wii-motes. He fired the system up and left us to it. They hold on to your plastic to make sure you don't run down the street laughing with their hardware in hand. The only game they had on display was Excite Truck, but we had a blast playing it and literally everyone in the store, which was oddly packed for a Sunday night, came over to watch us play.

Quote of the minute from the whole experience by two teenage bystanders:

Guy #1 -- "Dude, those graphics don't look that good ..."

Guy #2 -- "Are you kiddin'? They look pretty good to me, and check out the badass controllers!"

We assume he meant the Wii-motes and not us. Check out pix and video after the jump.

Continue reading Wii-osk in action at Gamestop

JoystiqWii-osk in action at Gamestop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Excite TruckGamestopjoystiqkioskNintendoNintendo WiiNintendoWiivideoWiiWii-moteWiimotepMon, 06 Nov 2006 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[It's on: Wii kiosks are going up]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/its-on-wii-kiosks-are-going-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/its-on-wii-kiosks-are-going-up/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/its-on-wii-kiosks-are-going-up/#commentsFiled under: ,



Check around all the usual haunts for Wiiosks this weekend. A few are already up across the country, like this one reader Scott Johnson caught as it was being put together. Thank all that is holy for cell phones and fast action!

Several readers have tipped us that they've heard this is the big weekend for the debut of the kiosks, but this is the only photo we've seen. If you catch a kiosk in the wild this weekend, break out that camera phone and send us a picture!

So, uh ... the question has to be asked. When seeing the setting-up process in action, anyone have the urge to snatch one and run like mad?

[Thanks to everyone who's keeping us posted on this!]

JoystiqIt's on: Wii kiosks are going up originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EB GamesEbGamesGameStopkioskNintendoWiiFri, 03 Nov 2006 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation 3 kiosks invade Japan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/playstation-3-kiosks-invade-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/playstation-3-kiosks-invade-japan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/26/playstation-3-kiosks-invade-japan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

PS3 KioskFamitsu's posted Sony's PlayStation 3 kiosk distribution strategy, which -- if our interpretation of the Google translation is accurate -- will see 1,000 units dumped across Japan by year's end.

The kiosks, the first of which are currently being installed, will include demos of Devil May Cry 4, Gran Turismo HD, Ridge Racer 7, and Sega's Power Smash 3. In addition, some level of network functionality will be active, presumably to beam down upcoming demos to the individual stations. The kiosks will also feature "Cross Media Bar" functionality, suggesting that videos, photos, and music will also be installed and regularly updated -- and possibly distributable onto memory units.

[Google translation]

JoystiqPlayStation 3 kiosks invade Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Oct 2006 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demoDevil May CryDevilMayCryGran TurismoGranTurismokioskPS3Ridge RacerRidgeRacerThu, 26 Oct 2006 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[The PS3 in 23 simple facts]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/the-ps3-in-23-simple-facts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/the-ps3-in-23-simple-facts/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/24/the-ps3-in-23-simple-facts/#commentsFiled under:

PS3
Here's a collection of useful (and useless) PlayStation 3 facts compiled by GamePro -- and complimented by our parenthetical remarks:
  • Touch-sensitive power and eject buttons are a nice touch - literally (but we prefer handling said activities from the couch, with a remote or controller)
  • 15,000 kiosks across the nation by the end of November (you might not be able to score a unit until 2007, but at least your local retailer will have one)
  • The PS3 is not just a cheap Blu-ray player (actually, it's relatively inexpensive)
  • Not all games will be 1080p (now that's an understatement!)
  • The Sixaxis controller doesn't feel too light (we disagree)
  • Speaking of which, the Sixaxis motion sensing takes some getting used to. (uh-huh)
  • The PSP will connect via Wi-Fi to the PS3's hard drive (a good reason not to sell your PSP)
  • The Sixaxis gets roughly 30 hours of battery life (if true, it blows Microsoft's Xbox 360 rechargeable -- but easily replaced -- battery away)
  • There's no "lag" on the wireless Sixaxis controller, either (and there shouldn't be!)
  • The Sixaxis's wireless range tops out at over 65 feet (20 meters) (how far away do you sit from the TV?)
  • A new controller will set you back 50 beans (and there's no first-party wired alternative)
  • Your PlayStation 2 save game files can be transferred to the PS3 (thank goodness! Transferring Xbox saves to 360 is tedious and requires purchasing third-party apps/equipment)
  • The Blu-ray disc drive is slot loading, and it works like a dream (yeah, but does it have a paperclip-hole fail-safe?)
  • One LED on the PS3 seems dedicated to tracking hard drive activity (so ... ?)
  • The first 500,000 PS3s will be packaged with a free Blu-ray feature film (but it's Ferrel's "Talladega Nights")
  • There's still a hard "power-off" switch on the back of the system, just like the PS2 (annoying)
  • The PS3 is very, very shiny (so keep your greasy paws off it)
  • As a whole, the PS3 itself looks incredibly sexy (see previous)
  • The PS3 is super quiet (we hope -- 'cause the 360 is damned loud!)
  • You can plug in a USB keyboard and surf the 'Net (and a mouse too?)
  • The power supply is integrated directly into the system (in other words, there's no brick to trip over)
  • Re-download all your merch to someone else's PS3 (or better, download a friend's merch on to your PS3)
  • First-party games are priced at $59.99 (so are some of the 360's -- *sigh*)
[Via Digg]

JoystiqThe PS3 in 23 simple facts originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Oct 2006 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blu-raykioskPlayStation 2Playstation2PS2PS3PSPSixaxisUSBWi-FiTue, 24 Oct 2006 09:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Kiosks]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/wii-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/wii-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/10/17/wii-kiosks/#commentsFiled under:

LOL WiioskWe could have named this post "Wiiosks", but we have more respect for you than that. Anyway, in IGN's generally uninformative "Nintendo Minute" section, George Harrison takes the opportunity to reveal a few of the more specific details about the upcoming Wii kiosks. The rumored Gamestop/EB Games exclusivity might still be true, as it appears that the pre-built, completely self-contained units will only go toward "certain retailers". However, many other retailers will simply receive a Wii console and Wiimote or two, and will be left to their own devices in regards to display and setup.

Also, despite some worries about safety and theft, it appears that the Wiimotes will indeed be wireless. This could be some clever wordplay--a Wiimote tethered by a non-electrical cord is still technically wireless--but we'll give George the benefit of the doubt. Now, when will these kiosks be rolling into stores? Your guess is certainly at least as good as ours.

[Note: the picture shown is not necessarily of the final unit, or in fact in existence at all.]

JoystiqWii Kiosks originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Oct 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DemoEB GamesEbGamesGamestopKioskWiioskWirelessTue, 17 Oct 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Best Buy PS3 and Wii rollout plans?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/best-buy-ps3-and-wii-rollout-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/best-buy-ps3-and-wii-rollout-plans/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/best-buy-ps3-and-wii-rollout-plans/#commentsFiled under: ,


Images detailing Best Buy's Playstation 3 and Nintendo Wii rollout plans surfaced on the web today, although the general consensus is that they are fakes. Images show kiosk rollouts for the Wii on October 29th, with pre-launch marketing sales happening the same day. "Demo Area" rollouts reportedly on October 20th for the PS3 will have gamers trying that system out more than a week before.

With the launches of both consoles less than two months away, don't they get your blood pumping (even if these are fake)?

JoystiqBest Buy PS3 and Wii rollout plans? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 20:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kiosklaunchNintendo WiiPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3rolloutWiiWed, 27 Sep 2006 20:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Wii kiosks in your local Best Buy in October [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/rumor-wii-kiosks-in-your-local-best-buy-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/rumor-wii-kiosks-in-your-local-best-buy-in-october/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/27/rumor-wii-kiosks-in-your-local-best-buy-in-october/#commentsFiled under:


Over at GWN, there is some speculation pointing towards Best Buys getting Wii kiosks set up on October 29th. The information suggests that the Wii area will have two Wiimotes, Wii Sports, and a Phillips 480i, standard definition television set hooked to surround sound. Sounds good to us, but we would've liked to see them sooner! I guess we're just selfish like that.

Check after the break for the images.

[Thanks Nushio!]

[Update 1: Turns out the second image is fake, as we initially thought. We're still holding out for the date though. Thanks Neko!]

Continue reading Rumor: Wii kiosks in your local Best Buy in October [update 1]

JoystiqRumor: Wii kiosks in your local Best Buy in October [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bestbestbuybuykiosknintendonintendowiiwiiWed, 27 Sep 2006 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A peek at this fall's Wii kiosks?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/a-peek-at-this-falls-wii-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/a-peek-at-this-falls-wii-kiosks/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/31/a-peek-at-this-falls-wii-kiosks/#commentsFiled under:

Alert the rumor patrol -- our big daddy blog Joystiq stumbled across pictures on the Internet and they may be news. This time it's the (possible) demo kiosks for the Wii. Note that this picture does not feature a widescreen television. If real, this could reflect part of Nintendo's marketing to mainstream consumers rather than just gamers, as mainstream audiences tend to be less likely to have the best and brightest tech. A display like this would give regular folks a good idea of how the Wii could look in their living room.

On the one hand, we think that the best marketing scheme for the Wii is the console itself -- just let people play it, as Nintendo has pledged to do. But after discussions of interference from other electronics at E3 affecting the exchange of data between the Wiimote and the console, we've gotta ask: how will the Wii play at your local Best Buy or Wal-Mart? They can't exactly ask everyone shopping to turn off all wireless devices, now can they?

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Despite the poor quality of the image, this seems like a good possibility.

JoystiqA peek at this fall's Wii kiosks? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Aug 2006 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>demokioskNintendorumorThu, 31 Aug 2006 17:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Spot may appear at Sony's presscon in May]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/playstation-spot-may-appear-at-sonys-presscon-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/playstation-spot-may-appear-at-sonys-presscon-in-may/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/playstation-spot-may-appear-at-sonys-presscon-in-may/#commentsFiled under:

Joystiq reports an interesting tidbit they came across while registering for Sony's Pre-E3 press conference in Culver City, California this May. In the invite, attendees were encouraged to bring along their PSPs "for access to downloadable content". While not explicity said, our fellow bloggers surmise that this will likely happen via a PlayStation Spot kiosk (the very same ones that have already come out in Japan) considering its appearance at this year's Game Developers Conference. This news, of course, means nothing to Joe Everyman unless he or she can score an invite to this exclusive event. Here's hoping Sony decides to have Christmas early by declaring these kioks US-bound.

JoystiqPlayStation Spot may appear at Sony's presscon in May originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 22:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>E32006joystiqkioskplaystation spot kioskpspFri, 21 Apr 2006 22:35:00 EST