Joystiq

DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 May 20

JC Fletcher — Thu, 10 May 2012 09:15:00 EST

The DSi line of handhelds is about to get cheaper. Starting May 20, Nintendo is dropping the MSRP of the DSi to $99.99 (from $150), and the DSi XL to $129.99 (from $170). Finally, the DSi XL will be cheaper than the 3DS - which launches in a new color the same day!

If you don't have a device that can play DSiWare, a $100 DSi opens you up to a variety of great games - especially now that the platform has had a few years to slowly build a library. Yes, there are worthwhile games on DSiWare - like Shantae: Risky's Revenge, Cave Story, Pictobits, and Antipole, to name a few.

Continue reading DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 May 20

DSi drops to $100, DSi XL drops to $130 May 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 May 2012 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes

Jessica Conditt — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:08:00 EST

Sony has updated the PlayStation Network with a slew of semi-high-profile prices, on sale and with permanent price changes, including Resident Evil: Code Veronica X HD on sale for $10, the God of War: Origins Collection for $28, Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood at $21, and Just Cause 2 with a permanent price drop to $20.

This has been a busy week for PSN, with Plus subscribers getting Journey one week early and a bunch of other goodies, and the PSN Gamers' Choice Awards announced and discounted. Peek the price fixes for PSN this week below:

Continue reading PSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes

PSN update includes some sweet sales, permanent price changes originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 18:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Resident Evil: Revelations' price lowered to $39.99 before launch

Jessica Conditt — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST

Resident Evil: Revelations was announced to have a $50 price tag last year, mostly because of its 4GB cartridge, which is 2GB larger than most 3DS games'. After "weeks of effort," Capcom has dropped that price to $40 -- standard for the 3DS -- without infringing on the cart size, Capcom's Brett Elston announced.

Elston said he thinks the title is still worth $50, which is why it's so great that Nintendo's Circle Pad Pro, which we feel is necessary to properly enjoy Revelations, will be an extra $20.

Resident Evil: Revelations' price lowered to $39.99 before launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Walmart dropping Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 on Aug. 28 [update]

Alexander Sliwinski — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:32:00 EST

The upcoming Walmart circular reveals that the mega-retailer will do a "rollback" on the price of the Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle, dropping it to $249 (down $50 from the current price). The flyer we were provided was for the week beginning August 28.

The timing of the price cut could be a reaction to Sony's recent PS3 price snip. Microsoft recently stated it wasn't feeling any pressure to reduce the price of the Xbox 360 in Europe. Meanwhile, in America, the system has performed consistently well in the later years of its life

Update: Microsoft tells Joystiq that "Walmart made an independent decision to implement this temporary price cut." Full statement after the break.

Gallery: Walmart 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle price reduction ad

Continue reading Rumor: Walmart dropping Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 on Aug. 28 [update]

Rumor: Walmart dropping Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 on Aug. 28 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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European Xbox boss not feeling pressured to cut 360 price

Christopher Grant — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST

It's the question every potential buyer wants to know: Will Microsoft respond to Sony's $50 PS3 price cut with an Xbox 360 price cut of its own? After all, it didn't take long for Microsoft to match the lower price of Sony's PS3 Slim, first unveiled at Gamescom two years ago. But over a week in and there's still no sign of a price cut coming from Redmond. At $200 for the 4GB Xbox 360 and $300 for the abnormally large 250GB model, Sony's $250 160GB PS3 not only bests the 'box on hardware (hello Blu-ray!) but on price as well.

So what's Microsoft going to do about it? Nothing, apparently. When asked if he was "feeling any pressure to move [price] down a little" in response to the PS3 price cut, European Xbox bigwig Chris Lewis told VG247 simply, "No." He elaborated, "We think we offer great value now," pointing to features like Xbox Live and Kinect, but insisted, "We're happy with our position." If we were in Lewis' position, tasked with beating back Sony's European sales lead, "happy" probably wouldn't be our first response to Sony's aggressive pricing.

European Xbox boss not feeling pressured to cut 360 price originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Verify your Ambassadorship with Nintendo's eligibility checker

Jordan Mallory — Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST

As one of the first 4 millionish people to buy Nintendo's 3DS prior to its dramatic price drop earlier this month, you've no doubt assumed the role of Ambassador with pride, dignity, and a frantic, ever-present anticipation for all of the dope swag in your near future.

We get the feeling that you already know whether or not you successfully connected to the Nintendo eShop before the deadline, but just to make super double sure, Nintendo has launched an Ambassador eligibility verification tool on its support site. Our eagle-eyed tipsters have informed us that including the last digit of your serial numer (the one in the box) may return a false ineligibility error, so 3DS owners looking for absolute peace of mind regarding their free games should be sure to try the tool both ways.

[Thanks, Sonny!]

Verify your Ambassadorship with Nintendo's eligibility checker originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 20 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Mario Kart bundle drops to $134 on Walmart.com

Jordan Mallory — Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST

If you've just gotta get those blue sparks, but also have to maintain your personal fiscal responsibility during these tough and uncertain economic times, Walmart.com has made your internal struggle between green-backs and green shells a little easier to reconcile by dropping both black and white Wii Mario Kart bundles to $134.00.

Other online storefronts such as Best Buy and Target still have the bundle listed for $149.99, so this appears to be a Walmart-thing, rather than a Nintendo-thing. It will be interesting to see if other retailers follow suit, or if Nintendo will drop the price themselves ahead of the Wii U's launch, which would render Walmart's 15 dollar discount irrelevant. Either way, Walmart certainly seems determined to move some Nintendo merchandise out the door.

[Thanks, Phil!]

Wii Mario Kart bundle drops to $134 on Walmart.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Current 3DS owners eligible for free games

Ludwig Kietzmann — Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:58:00 EST

Nintendo is looking to reward early adopters of 3DS, or at least incur a last-minute sales burst before $80 (that's over 30 percent!) comes off the system, bringing it down to $170 on August 12. Those who own a 3DS and connect to the Nintendo eShop before 11:59PM EST on August 11 will be automatically enrolled into the "Nintendo 3DS Ambassador" program.

3DS ambassadorial duties mostly involve playing a bunch of free games. The status grants you access to 10 free NES Virtual Console games on September 1 before their general release (these include The Legend of Zelda, Balloon Fight and Ice Climber), along with 10 more Game Boy Advance Virtual Console games by the end of 2011. The GBA games -- like Yoshi's Island, Super Mario Advance 3, Mario Kart: Super Circuit, Metroid Fusion, WarioWare, Inc.: Mega Microgames and Mario vs. Donkey Kong -- will not be available to anyone else. Is all that enough to ameliorate early buyer's remorse?

Nintendo claims that it has sold more than 830,000 3DS systems in the US since it debuted in late March, and that it will keep momentum up with several big holiday releases. In the category of games available to everyone: Kid Icarus: Uprising in the holidays, Super Mario Land 3D in November, followed in December by Mario Kart 7.

Current 3DS owners eligible for free games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 04:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Lite drops to $99 on June 5

JC Fletcher — Tue, 31 May 2011 10:25:00 EST

The 3DS just got more competition. Not from Sony or another competitor, but from another, now impulse-buy-priced, DS. Nintendo just announced that the DS Lite has been officially dropped in price from $129.99 to $99.99, effective June 5. Perhaps the old SKU at the old price was what GameStop was clearing out?

The same month, six Mario games (New Super Mario Bros., Mario Kart DS, Super Mario 64 DS, Mario & Luigi: Bowser's Inside Story, Mario vs. Donkey Kong: Mini-Land Mayhem!, and Mario Party DS) will be re-released in red boxes, to " make it easy for [consumers] to find their favorite Mario titles." Not that anyone ever had trouble finding any of these -- Nintendo announced that more than 9.25 million copies of New Super Mario Bros. have been sold in the US.

No price drop was announced for the games. Just fancy new boxes.

DS Lite drops to $99 on June 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 May 2011 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii drops to $150 on May 15, bundled with Mario Kart and wheel

Ludwig Kietzmann — Wed, 04 May 2011 09:15:00 EST

Nintendo has officially announced an impending price drop for the Wii. As of May 15 (confirming our earlier report), the Wii will be sold at a suggested retail price of $149.99, and will come bundled with Mario Kart Wii and the Wii Wheel accessory. The new price applies to both black and white system models.

Now that Mario and his comical transportation have been crammed into the box, Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort are out. On May 15, the original sports collection will join the "Nintendo Selects" line of budget-priced software, alongside The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Animal Crossing: City Folk and Mario Super Sluggers. Expect to pay $19.99 for each of those (and accept the obligatory punishment of polluted box art).

Gallery: Wii Mario Kart hardware bundles

Continue reading Wii drops to $150 on May 15, bundled with Mario Kart and wheel

Wii drops to $150 on May 15, bundled with Mario Kart and wheel originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 May 2011 09:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: 'Wii Select' budget line launching this month

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:00 EST

After only four and a half years, it looks like Nintendo is finally ready to introduce a line of budget titles in North America. Kotaku reports that the "Wii Select" line will launch alongside the newly discounted Wii, which is rumored to drop to $150 two weeks from now. The first titles reported to be part of the $20 lineup include The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, Mario Super Sluggers and Wii Sports.

Yes, Wii Sports is supposedly being removed from its position as the longstanding pack-in for Wii console bundles. Taking the bundle's place will be a Mario Kart Wii bundle, which will be sold at the rumored $150 price point.

Rumor: 'Wii Select' budget line launching this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST

The Wii isn't the only Nintendo product experiencing a price drop. The House of Mario announced today that Wii Sports Resort and Wii Party will have a suggested retail price of $39.99 beginning April 25. The $10 software drop and Wii hardware price cut come in the wake of rumors that Nintendo will announce a new console at E3.

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

Gallery: Wii Sports Resort

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

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

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Nintendo Wii listed for $170 at all major US retailers

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 12:30:00 EST

Well folks, it's not quite May 15 just yet, but it seems that big box retailers have already begun offering discounts on the Nintendo Wii, dropping the price from $200 to $170. It's not exactly a full-on, official price drop -- not yet, at least -- but it certainly looks like one is imminently approaching.

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

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

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Lode Runner XBLA price drops, new DLC available

JC Fletcher — Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST

For a new "Sales & Specials" spot on the XBLA dashboard, Microsoft has dug up Tozai Games' 2009 XBLA version of Lode Runner, whose price has just been permanently cut from 1,200 Microsoft Points to 800 ($10). That does sound like a sale and/or special.

Coinciding with the price drop and featured position, Tozai Games is launching two new DLC packs for the cheapened puzzler. The 160-point "Skill Pack" is available now, according to Tozai, and contains 50 new puzzles (15 of which are co-op) and eight "Hang On" levels. On April 13, Tozai will release the Journey Pack, with eight stages of both the Journey mode and Co-op Journey. That's -- we're so sorry -- a lode of new content.

Gallery: Lode Runner 'Skill Pack' and 'Journey Pack' DLC

Continue reading Lode Runner XBLA price drops, new DLC available

Lode Runner XBLA price drops, new DLC available originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go listed for $150 MSRP on official site; not in effect at retail

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST

Sony's official PSP website has been updated to reflect an apparent PSP Go price drop. "Now you can enjoy the sleek, totally-digital PSP Go system for $149.99 MSRP," reads the product description, "and the unsurpassed PSP-3000 system for $129.99 MSRP." The 3000 price cut was made official last week, but the would-be PSP Go discount is news to us.

Apparently, it would be news to retailers too! As of publishing, outlets including Amazon, Best Buy and GameStop all have the hardware listed at $200 (the price put into effect last October). Given the phasing out of UMD (disc-based PSP games won't be backwards compatible with NGP), people might consider using the all-digital Go at a stepping stone at the new, reduced price. That is, if Sony ever decides to make the price cut happen.

[Thanks, Jason F.]

PSP Go listed for $150 MSRP on official site; not in effect at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP price slashed to $130

Justin McElroy — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:20:00 EST

In what can only be seen as a sign of the Next-Gen Portables to come, Sony will cut, nay, slash (perhaps even hack) the price of the PSP-3000 to $130 beginning this weekend. The new price removes a considerable $40 from the previous $170 MSRP. Additionally, all 3000-bundled "Entertainment Packs" will be reduced to $160. The PSP Go price will remain $200, for now.

The new price will go into effect this Sunday, just in time for the Academy Awards. "And the Oscar goes to ... value."

PSP price slashed to $130 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 09:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata: No Wii price drop in 'near future'

JC Fletcher — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:10:00 EST

A Wii price cut could be just the thing to spoil Kinect's and Move's first holiday season, but, according to Satoru Iwata, it's not going to happen. In response to a question about a potential price drop, Nintendo's president recently told investors (as translated by the Associated Press), "Of course, we cannot say it will never happen, but we are not thinking of it for the near future." Instead, Nintendo is offering the limited-edition red Wii to lure new consumers to choose Wii this holiday.

Of course, in August 2009, Iwata similarly denied plans to drop the Wii's price. "At present," he said during an investor meeting at the time, "we're not thinking of doing anything with the price." And then the price was cut by $50 a month later.

Iwata: No Wii price drop in 'near future' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go drops to $199 in US [update: price drops in UK too]

JC Fletcher — Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:25:00 EST

Sony has announced price cuts for the PSP Go in both Japan and the US. Originally launched at ¥26,800 ($332), the tiny, UMD-free system will retail for ¥16,800 ($208) in Japan starting tomorrow. In America (according to Reuters), the system will drop somewhat less dramatically, from $249 to $199. This matches information we received from a retailer -- though it's happening a bit later than that retail leak predicted. Of course, Amazon shoppers have had a "preview" of that price for several months, as have others thanks to retail discounts.

The Japanese price drop makes both the PSP Go and the PSP 3000 the same price in that region -- your decision is now based on whether or not you want to be limited to PlayStation Store releases.

Update: Eurogamer reports that the price will drop to £159.99 in the UK starting November 1.

PSP Go drops to $199 in US [update: price drops in UK too] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Oct 2010 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PSP Go drops price to $200 this Friday in North America

Ben Gilbert — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST

Due to our strict silk pants-only policy, the PSP Go (and, really, any other handheld) has been a hard sell -- sure, the $250 asking price isn't helping, but that may be changing in the near future. A dutiful tipster sent us the above image from his AAFES-based store of employment, indicating a $50 North American price drop to $200 for the digital-only handheld. Oddly, Sony has kept mum on the possibility, not even offering a "We don't comment on rumor and speculation" to our repeated attempts at contact.

Our friends in other retailers have yet to uncover any news of the price drop, but Sony's silence gives us the impression something's up. Perhaps you have something to share? Don't hesitate to drop us a line!

Rumor: PSP Go drops price to $200 this Friday in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pachter predicts $50 price cuts in 2011, Xbox first to drop

Justin McElroy — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:55:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Gaming analyst Michael Pachter expects good things from the industry in 2011, but not without a little sacrifice from the Big Three. Pach Attack prognosticated to Industry Gamers that "a $50 console price cut across the board will impact software sales by a positive 5 percent." (He expects to see an additional market boost from sales of 3DS, as well as Move and Kinect products.) Pachter further predicted the Xbox 360 to be the first to fall in price at some point during the spring of next year.

When questioned, competing analysts The Joystiq Consortium had a far more monolithic picture of 2011 to paint, saying, "It's basically just going to be Minecraft." Time will tell, we suppose.

Pachter predicts $50 price cuts in 2011, Xbox first to drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Price drop for DSi and DSi XL in North America on September 12

JC Fletcher — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:55:00 EST

Filed under: Weird But True, Opinions, New In Pop Culture

Nintendo of America has announced price reductions for the DSi and DSi XL systems. Starting September 12, the handhelds will retail for $149.99 and 169.99, respectively.

Americans have been waiting patiently for this price drop, which occurred in the UK and Japan this June. The DSi had a price drop in Australia way back in April. We were all waiting for a price drop even before that, of course, since the 3DS is on the way to make both of these things appear a little more antiquated.

Price drop for DSi and DSi XL in North America on September 12 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 receives 'limited promotional' price cut in Spain

Alexander Sliwinski — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:59:00 EST

Effective today, May 3, the Xbox 360 received a price reduction in Spain. The Arcade model was cut by €30 to €169 ($223), while the Elite experienced a €20 drop to €199 ($262). No other European countries seem to be experiencing a similar price drop.

Following up with Microsoft in the States, the company's official comment to Joystiq was that "the limited promotional price of Xbox 360 Arcade in Spain does not reflect an official price drop." The company's statement continues, "We work closely with retailers to determine the best approach for our products on a region-by-region basis."

[Thanks, Antonio R.; Via VG247, ElOtroLado]

Xbox 360 receives 'limited promotional' price cut in Spain originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 May 2010 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo Australia drops Wii price

JC Fletcher — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST

Nintendo of Australia is dropping prices left and right! That is, if you imagine a DSi on the left and a Wii on the right. The company announced a substantial price drop for the Wii console today, from its original AU $399.95 (US $369) down to AU $299.95 (US $277). The new price is still painfully expensive compared to other regions, but it's better. And EBGames is sweetening the deal by throwing in The Bigs 2 and Overlord: Dark Legend.

The price drop is taking place concurrently with the release of Monster Hunter Tri, making Capcom's ARPG essentially the unofficial "launch" game for the new, cheaper Wii. If you buy that and the black Wii, it's sort of like you bought a bundle!

[Thanks, Alejandro]

Nintendo Australia drops Wii price originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Apr 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DSi now cheaper in Australia

JC Fletcher — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:46:00 EST

With the DSi XL arriving April 15, Nintendo's Australian branch has announced a price drop for the original DSi; a move none of the other regional branches have made. It's still pretty expensive, though: the system will now sell for $249.95 (US $233.35) instead of $299.95 (US $280).

The DSi XL will now occupy that $299.95 slot, which explains why Nintendo chose to drop the price of the smaller model. Still, if you're in Australia and you want to be even remotely pleased with these prices, try not to look into how much this stuff costs anywhere else.

DSi now cheaper in Australia originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 Arcade for $159 at Amazon [update]

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:45:00 EST

Amazon has dropped the price of the Xbox 360 Arcade console to $159, as noticed by CheapCollegeGamer. The retailer doesn't mention an end-date for the promotion, but the listing notes that the price isn't shown without clicking to add it to the cart "because [Amazon's] price on this item is lower than the manufacturer's suggested retail price." It's rare for consoles to go on sale without it being an official price drop.

We've followed up with Amazon and Microsoft to verify that the promotion is isolated to just Amazon and not indicative of a general price cut.

Update: It's back to $199. Curiouser and curiouser.

[Via CheapCollegeGamer]

Xbox 360 Arcade for $159 at Amazon [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Apr 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Xbox 360 Arcade currently $130 in Canada

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST

If you've been holding out on buying an Xbox 360 for the last five years you live in Canada, you'll be totally psyched to hear that the Arcade bundle of Microsoft's console is currently on sale in for $130.

The Xbox Canada site lists the price drop for both Futureshop and Best Buy, though we also found it over at Amazon Canada and GameStop Canada. Get 'em while you can! We've followed up with Microsoft to clarify whether or not this is a permanent change for our Canadian friends, and, of course, if we'll be seeing a similar sale/price drop in the US.

Xbox 360 Arcade currently $130 in Canada originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Mar 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst: Time for another Wii price drop

JC Fletcher — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Somebody had to be the first to start it up again. Last year, analysts clamored for months about the need for a Wii price drop, a din Nintendo quelled by actually dropping the price of the Wii to $200. On Industry Gamers, Janco Partners analyst Mike Hickey has kicked off the next round of calling for a discount, declaring that Nintendo needs to cut the price of the console to $150 to stop the declining sales and fill out as much of its install base as it can before its competitors' motion controls hit the market.

"We believe they also need to generate strong hardware sales momentum into their competitors release," Hickey said, "or face the draconian consumer perception of the Wii having a dramatically reduced entertainment value proposition over a faded technology innovation; Rock Band anyone?" In other words, with compelling motion control devices on the way from Microsoft and Sony, Nintendo needs to do something drastic to prevent the Wii from slipping from #1 to #1 by a smaller margin.

Analyst: Time for another Wii price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: PSP Go relaunch in the works

Justin McElroy — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST

We weren't absolutely smitten with the PSP Go when it launched last October, but according to Gamervision, Sony may be hoping for a second chance at a first impression. Citing unnamed sources, Gamervision suggests that a relaunch of the handheld is "imminent" and speculates that it will include a price drop.

A price drop is definitely the place to start over (if the rumor is accurate), and some Kevin Butler spots would certainly help too. As for a new campaign slogan? We say stick with what's worked for the PS3: "It Only Does Everything*."

*Y'know, the PSP-3000.

Rumor: PSP Go relaunch in the works originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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inFamous becomes almost-Greatest Hits game, drops to $40

Andrew Yoon — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST

Click to read the inFamous comic.

Sucker Punch's superpower game has sold 1.2 million copies, according to a recent update by the PlayStation.Blog. According to Sony's rules, that's enough to make the game a certifiable "Greatest Hits" title. However, a game can't don the ugly budget box art until ten months after the game's original ship date.

Until then, inFamous will get an almost-Greatest Hits price for its almost-Greatest Hits status: $39.99, effective immediately. Also, the former GameStop-exclusive power-up Gigawatt Blades will be available for all as a free PSN download, starting December 10 -- a nice freebie for latecomers to the game.

Considering Black Friday has already passed, it seems like Sony may have missed the best opportunity to announce a price drop on inFamous. Of course, there might be another motive behind this move: to keep this game on the mind of video game editors (and fans) readying their GOTY lists.

inFamous becomes almost-Greatest Hits game, drops to $40 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii price cut in Europe excludes UK [update]

Ben Gilbert — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST

Update: Nintendo has told us that the price in Canada has dropped accordingly to $219.95 and will go into effect the same day as the US. The representative also said more details on the European price drop will arrive next Monday.

Though online portals to major European retailers have yet to reflect the claim, the price for a Wii is reported to drop by €50 across Europe, bringing the total cost to €199, according to GamesIndustry.biz. Unfortunately, it appears that the price cut won't bridge the gap of the English Channel, as the discount is reportedly confirmed for all of Europe except for the UK.

Nintendo officially dropped the price of its console in the US late Wednesday night (during Sony's TGS press conference, those scoundrels!), leaving us wondering why Europe, a key market, was left out of the equation -- until now. With no price cut yet announced for the UK though, that rumored bundle seems all the more likely.

Wii price cut in Europe excludes UK [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 11:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo officially announces Wii price drop to $199 in US

Ben Gilbert — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:08:00 EST

The second volley has officially been fired from one of Sony's competitors during its Tokyo Game Show 2009 liveblog with Nintendo officially unveiling the Wii price dropping to $199.99 in the US. The much rumored price drop goes into effect on Sunday, September 27 (that's this Sunday, folks), confirming reports from earlier today from a leaked Best Buy internal memo.

The official info from Nintendo doesn't comment on price drops anywhere else in the world or the rumored UK re-bundling. We'll follow up with Nintendo as TGS continues this week.

Nintendo officially announces Wii price drop to $199 in US originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 22:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NPD: 40-60% sales increase projection for PS3 was misquoted

Randy Nelson — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST

Last week, IndustryGamers quoted an InformationWeek article on post price-drop PS3 sales forecasts ... which just so happens to have misquoted NPD. According to the former, the number-cruncher of video game sales told the latter that, "based on history, price cuts tend to increase month-over-month unit sales in the 40%-60% range," which ended up as, "We would expect to see in the range of a 40% to 60% unit sales increase when September sales are reported."

If you read InformationWeek's version of what NPD said, it sounds like, once September's sales numbers come in, PS3 will have sold 40 to 60 percent more than it did in August. The original quote, though, indicates that based on past price drops, it's seen console sales increase by that amount -- though it wasn't saying that would necessarily be the case with PS3.

We're not exactly sure how quote No. 1 became quote No. 2 -- they're just a tad different, as you can see -- so we've contacted NPD to get its actual projections for $299 PS3 sales. (Which we promise to quote accurately.)

NPD: 40-60% sales increase projection for PS3 was misquoted originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's official: PlayStation 3 price drops to $299

Randy Nelson — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:40:00 EST

As foreshadowed by retailers and called for by analysts (it's pretty nice for us lowly consumers, too), Sony has officially cut the US retail price of the PlayStation 3 by $100, effective ~~tomorrow~~ immediately. This new pricing affects all PS3 systems currently in the retail stream, and will carry over to the just-announced PS3 Slim.

So, now that it's finally happened, the waiting game to see just how much the drop actually helps PS3 sales begins. Take our poll below if you've been sitting on the fence, waiting for Sony to lighten the load on your wallet.

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It's official: PlayStation 3 price drops to $299 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Aug 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 price drops spotted in Europe, US cut a possibility [update: Hastings responds]

Andrew Yoon — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST

Update: Hastings has since issued a cease & desist letter to Joystiq, requesting we remove the image. According to Hastings' director of merchandising, the ad is "blatantly false," although we have good reason to believe otherwise. SCEA's Patrick Seybold also offered a rare comment, saying the ad "is fake." Thankfully, he did not do this to us.

While we're respecting the request of Hastings, it's clear that a significant change is happening to Sony's business strategy regarding the PS3. As seen above, many European retailers are already cutting the price of the PS3 [Image credit: niels]. Reports from Engadget and Engadget Spanish also confirm cuts in multiple stores in Europe.

Lending credibility to the image we received, the ad in question was sent to Joystiq before SCEA's announcement yesterday of the Greatest Hits version of Uncharted, though precisely that was part of the Hastings ad. Coupled with the C&D and Europe's retail actions lead us to believe a price drop is happening. We've included the original post (sans image) after the break.

Continue reading PS3 price drops spotted in Europe, US cut a possibility [update: Hastings responds]

PS3 price drops spotted in Europe, US cut a possibility [update: Hastings responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata continues to deny Wii price drop

JC Fletcher — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:36:00 EST

Following its quarterly financial report, Nintendo released an investor Q&A with president Satoru Iwata. It has yet to be released in English, but Andriasang translated a few key excerpts. Most notably, Iwata's continued denial of any plans for a Wii price drop. "At present, we're not thinking of doing anything with the price," he said. Not that he'd announce it beforehand. Iwata didn't mention it, but we suspect the black Wii will reinvigorate sales in Japan, even at the original price.

Iwata also admitted that last holiday's Wii lineup, specifically Wii Music and Animal Crossing: City Folk, didn't have the long-term sales Nintendo expects from its big titles. He has high hopes for this year's big three games: Wii Sports Resort, Wii Fit Plus, and New Super Mario Bros. Wii. In fact, he expects all three of these to break ten million sold by March 2010, the end of Nintendo's fiscal year.

Iwata continues to deny Wii price drop originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Aug 2009 09:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst: GameStop expects 'meaningful' PS3 price cut soon

Ludwig Kietzmann — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST

Meaningful -- as in it'll mean Sony would finally bow to ubiquitous suggestions, predictions and occasional threats that see the PlayStation 3 being lowered in price please please oh please. Sterne Agee analyst Arvind Bhatia is the latest to join the frugal chorus, telling Industry Gamers, "We continue to believe a $100 price cut on PS3 will occur around the launch of EA's Madden NFL 2010, which is scheduled for release on 8/18."

Agee claims to have encountered similar sentiment at a recent GameStop executive meeting, overhearing talk of a "highly likely" and "meaningful" near-term price drop even over the clinking of diamond-encrusted chalices and relentless pre-order thrusting.

It's Sony's decision, ultimately, but if it's alright with you, we'd rather just get this price drop over with. A lower price means more people get in on the fun ... especially when they also get to stop reading these things.

Analyst: GameStop expects 'meaningful' PS3 price cut soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop CEO reckons there 'will have to be price cuts' for Wii, PS3

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 22 May 2009 10:30:00 EST

Sitting atop his throne made with the profits from used games, GameStop CEO Daniel DeMatteo said in an investor call that he believes a price drop for the Wii and PS3 is due. Edge reports (echoing Seeking Alpha's transcript) that DeMatteo thinks, given the current economy, that console prices are too high. He believes that by the third quarter there need to be "price cuts in order to get the hardware moving" to where the company's projections expect them to be.

Dematteo had previously mentioned in a CNBC interview that he'd like to see a $100 cut for the PS3, the same figure that Lazard Capital's Colin Sebastian is expecting by fall. As for a Wii cut, Nintendo doesn't really need one, even as it cut manufacturing costs by 45 percent. If Nintendo does cut the price of the Wii, it would almost feel like charity.

GameStop CEO reckons there 'will have to be price cuts' for Wii, PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 May 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst expecting $100 PS3 price cut before Fall 09

Richard Mitchell — Thu, 14 May 2009 17:30:00 EST

According to Lazard Capital Markets analyst Colin Sebastian, the PS3 is due for a price cut sometime between E3 and the end of the summer. More specifically, Sebastian expects a cut of $100 from the console's current $399 price tag, putting it at a much more consumer-friendly $299. Anything less than $100, Sebastian told Gamasutra, "would likely be perceived negatively by the market."

Given that both the Wii and Xbox 360 are priced at or below the $299 mark (with the exception of the Xbox 360 Elite), we'd say Sebastian is right to claim that any cut less than $100 would be unacceptable. Taking the current economic conditions into consideration, it's likely difficult for most people to justify the $399 price tag when there are comparable consoles to be had for less.

Sebastian joins a cavalcade of companies and analysts making similar predictions lately, noting that it would be a win for everybody. Sony could push its upcoming first-party lineup into more gamers' hands, publishers would gain a larger audience and retailers would enjoy better margins. Sebastian says that "the next 12 months are critical to regain market share" for the Playstation, especially with demand for the Wii finally slowing down and Microsoft reportedly prepping its own motion control interface. And, of course, with Sony aiming to increase PS3 sales by 30 percent this year, a price cut certainly wouldn't hurt.

Analyst expecting $100 PS3 price cut before Fall 09 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop CEO: PS3, Wii could drop price, 'key' Nintendo title coming this year

JC Fletcher — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:25:00 EST

For once, someone at GameStop wants customers to be able to pay less. Of course, the items CEO Dan DeMatteo thinks are overpriced happen to be consoles, which don't have much of a retail markup -- so dropping the price on them would only give consumers more to spend on stuff with bigger markups.

The console most in need of a cut, according to CNBC's interview with DeMatteo? The PlayStation 3. "That price point is clearly an issue in this economy," DeMatteo said of the $399 PS3 price. And DeMatteo would prefer a $100 cut over a $50 cut when it does happen (which CNBC thinks will obviously be this E3). "I don't know that $50 gets you that much," DeMatteo said.

The executive also sees the possibility for a Wii price drop as soon as demand drops. "I think [demand for] the Wii could slow down to the extent that Nintendo may want to cut the price," he says. "Nintendo has it within its arsenal to do that. The component costs have come down considerably. They used to break even on the Wii, but now they're making a considerable margin."

If DeMatteo's prediction of a "key" Nintendo game out this year is true (and if it turns out to be a Wii game), the demand may stay steady. The CEO told CNBC, "They haven't given us any insight, but they have told us to reserve [shelf] space." Both CNBC and IGN speculate that it could be a new Wii Zelda. What about the Zelda game that we already know is coming out? Nintendo already told us about one. And it's coming out on a console with better sales than the Wii. Doesn't that count?

[Image: Penny Arcade]

GameStop CEO: PS3, Wii could drop price, 'key' Nintendo title coming this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Apr 2009 09:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analysts: PS2 sales to increase 30% after price drop, others question effect on software

Alexander Sliwinski — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:45:00 EST

Analyst Jesse Divnich of EEDAR believes that the PS2 price drop to a Franklin will boost US sales of the console by 30 percent. Divnich's report also estimates that PS2 software will maintain an 18 percent market share, rather than drop down to 16 percent had there not been a cut.

Gamasutra also spoke with analyst Matt Matthews, who points out that any consumer waiting for the PS2 to reach $100 is "cost-conscious" enough to buy games from the used bin at GameStop, meaning those consumers aren't likely to help new software sales. Apparently, Sony's Jack Tretton agreed with this notion last summer in an Edge interview, when he asked, "If that $30 was the difference between buying a console and not buying a console, how many games are you going to sell to that person?"

At the time, he questioned how strategically important that consumer really is. Apparently, nine months and a fiscal crisis at the company is enough to change some minds.

Analysts: PS2 sales to increase 30% after price drop, others question effect on software originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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