Joystiq

Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb expansion is huge, due in late May

Mike Schramm — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST

The Binding of Isaac expansion we heard about back in January, titled The Wrath of the Lamb, is almost here. Creator Edmund McMillen announced in a series of tweets that the expansion will arrive in late May, and that it is jam-packed with content: new challenges and achievements, over ten new bosses, over 100 new items, a new character, a new ending, and tons of other new material. "What I'm getting at is there is a lot of extra shit in this damn thing," tweeted McMillen. "We have been working on it longer than the actual game."

The latest screens of The Wrath of the Lamb are in the gallery below. For all of that content, the expansion will only cost three bucks. McMillen also said there's a trailer on the way, but he's busy right now, working with Steam on release details and testing and polishing the game itself.

Gallery: The Binding of Isaac: The Wrath of the Lamb (PC)

Binding of Isaac's Wrath of the Lamb expansion is huge, due in late May originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Price-fixing PSN: Amy to launch Jan. 17 for $10 in North America

Jessica Conditt — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST

The PSN version of Amy will hit North America on Jan. 17 for $9.99, the same day and price as the XBLA version. After previously announcing the PSN price to be $3 more than the XBLA price, Developer Lexis Numerique asked the US audience through a Facebook poll if it wanted a cheaper game, but one week later. It turns out Americans are more patient than we thought, but just as frugal.

Now it's official -- Amy will launch in Europe on Jan. 11 for €9.9 (£7.99, 800 MS Points) on PSN and XBLA, and on Jan. 17 for $10 (800 MS Points) in North America on both consoles.

Price-fixing PSN: Amy to launch Jan. 17 for $10 in North America originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lexis Numerique explains Amy's PSN price disparity, poll to decide US price

Richard Mitchell — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST

After the announcement of the price and launch date for Amy yesterday, many (including us) were perplexed as the title's pricing disparity. Specifically, the US version of the game was revealed to be 800 MS Points ($10) on Xbox Live Arcade, while the PSN version would cost $3 more at $12.99.

The reason lies in the nebulous nature of Microsoft Points, according to Lexis Numérique CEO José Sanchis. In the US, $10 will buy 800 MS Points. In Europe the cost is €10, or about $12.73. In other words, noted Sanchis, the prices of the PSN and XBLA versions are essentially equal in Europe, but the exchange rate creates a disparity in the US.

To rectify the situation, Lexis Numérique has set up a Facebook poll -- an app that requires a Facebook account and your permission, incidentally -- to determine whether Amy's US PSN price should remain at $12.99 or be reduced to $9.99, the same as its XBLA counterpart. There is, however, a catch: Should the community choose to lower the price -- which seems likely, given current poll results -- the PSN release will have to be delayed at least a week "because of logistic constraints" with Sony's platform. The poll closes January 9.

Continue reading Lexis Numerique explains Amy's PSN price disparity, poll to decide US price

Lexis Numerique explains Amy's PSN price disparity, poll to decide US price originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 07 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Square Enix setting price paradigms on the Vita, close to PSP game prices

Griffin McElroy — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:34:00 EST

Square Enix has announced the price of one of its launch titles for the PS Vita, Army Corps of Hell: The packaged version of the game will hit store shelves for ¥4,980, while the game's downloadable version will cost ¥3,990. Those prices may sound a little high when converted to America-bucks ($64 and $51, respectively), but they fall right in line with the standard PSP game price of ¥4,800, which is similarly decreased for downloadable PSP titles.

We're hoping that the standard price for PS Vita games comes in closer to this price point than the one set by Nippon Ichi, which is charging ¥6,090 for Disgaea 3 Return. (You don't even want us to convert that to dollars. It would probably just make you sad.)

Square Enix setting price paradigms on the Vita, close to PSP game prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PS3 price cut to $250, 320 GB model goes to $300 [update]

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:25:00 EST

Well, this is certainly surprising. Sony closed out its Gamescom 2011 keynote with the startling announcement that the PlayStation 3 (presumably the standard, 160GB model) has had its price cut across the globe: It's now $249.99 in the U.S., €249.99 in Europe and ¥24,980 in Japan. According to Sony's Andrew House, this new price point is available immediately. As in, right now. This hot second.

The $50 trimming of the system's MSRP comes nearly two years to the day after its original reduction to $299.99. We suppose that goes to show you: If you're planning on purchasing a Sony console, you should probably do so after the Ides of August.

[Update: Sony is rolling our another deal today, according to its official blog: A new Infamous 2 PS3 bundle is now available that includes the game and the 320 GB PS3 for $300.]

PS3 price cut to $250, 320 GB model goes to $300 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New €99 PSP model loses WiFI, debuts this Fall in Europe [update: more details]

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST

Speaking at Sony's Gamescom press conference, new SCEE president Jim Ryan revealed that a new model of the PSP will debut in Europe later this year. This new PSP variant will sport a refined design, though it will not include WiFi. The kicker, however, is the price: a mere €99.00. The new model is expected to launch this fall in Europe. No mention was made of a launch in other territories, but we'll let you know as soon as we hear something!

Update: PlayStation Blog Europe has posted a few more details about the device. The new PSP will be dubbed the E-1000 and will feature the same matte finish as the PlayStation 3 slim console. As the handheld will lack WiFi, the only way to connect to the PlayStation Store will be via Sony's Media Go software. So, uh, we hope there aren't any Mac users among the E-1000's prospective buyers.

A range of discounted UMD titles is also planned to launch alongside the device, including EyePet Adventures, Invizimals: The Lost Tribes and FIFA 12. Each game in the new lineup will be priced at €9.99.

Strangely, another feature completely lacking from the E-1000: Liquid metal.

New €99 PSP model loses WiFI, debuts this Fall in Europe [update: more details] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10

Richard Mitchell — Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST

It looks like Ms. 'Splosion Man will buck the fifteen buck trend on Xbox Live Arcade. Just like her significant other, Ms. 'Splosion Man will be priced at an oh-so-reasonable 800 MS Points ($10). The 'sploderific sequel is set to land on Xbox Live on July 13. A PC version has also been rumored, though not confirmed.

Continue reading Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10

Ms. 'Splosion Man won't make wallets 'splode, priced at $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Jul 2011 17:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PlayStation Vita launches globally by end of 2011, starting at $249

Ben Gilbert — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:32:00 EST

Before Kaz Hirai or any other Sony officials announced the actual price of the recently renamed PlayStation Vita, the company's PR wing tipped us off to the price and release date: PlayStation Vita will launch worldwide starting "by the end of 2011," and will arrive in two models starting at $249. SCE detailed the two separate PSV models as a 3G/Wi-Fi version running $299/€299/¥29,980, and a Wi-Fi-only model for $249/ €249/¥24,980. The release is unclear as to which territory will receive it first.

Sony excuses the bizarre name by explaining its Latin roots, saying "Vita" was specifically chosen for its meaning of "life." Apparently Sony believes mobile gaming is life? We're trying here, but it's ... it's kind of a bizarre name.

Continue reading PlayStation Vita launches globally by end of 2011, starting at $249

PlayStation Vita launches globally by end of 2011, starting at $249 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST

The North American launch details for Nintendo 3DS have been finalized. In addition to Face Raiders and AR Games, both pre-installed on the hardware, the system will launch with three first-party games: Pilotwings Resort, Steel Diver, and nintendogs + cats. Each first-party game has a suggested retail price of $39.99.

Thirteen third-party games will be available on March 27th, including Super Street Fighter IV 3D Edition and Rayman 3D. Nintendo promises that thirty games will be available for the platform by E3 expo. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time 3D, Star Fox 64 3D, Kid Icarus: Uprising and a new Mario Kart game will all be available before year's end.

You'll find the complete launch lineup listed after the break.

Continue reading Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most

Nintendo 3DS to launch with 18 games in North America, $40 each for most originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Feb 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EEDAR's Jesse Divnich estimates NGP will cost $300 to $350

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST

Electronic Entertainment Design and Research analyst Jesse Divnich has a few ideas about what Sony meant by "an affordable price that's appropriate for the handheld gaming space" when talking about the NGP's launch price. Speaking with GamesIndustry, Divnich predicted that the device would retail for between $299 and $349 at launch, which ... um, seems a little high when compared to other contenders in the "handheld gaming space."

Divnich says that such a price wouldn't be prohibitive to your average Joe or Jane, explaining "The market is ripe for portable high-end gaming. The NGP will be a serious threat to all forms of portable entertainment," and later adding, "After seeing the specs today, if the NGP can't succeed, it is clear that the portable gaming landscape has forever changed." Wait, you're saying the popularity of casual mobile games like Angry Birds might last forever? Forever-ever? Forever-ever?

EEDAR's Jesse Divnich estimates NGP will cost $300 to $350 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sony wants NGP hardware to be profitable and affordable

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

The more responsible gaming hardware enthusiasts among you have probably reserved your excitement over the recently announced NGP until you learn the device's ever-important launch price. Given the impressive specs of the handheld -- as well as Sony's infamous tendency to overcharge for its new gaming hardware at launch -- we wouldn't blame you for worrying. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe boss Andrew House recently provided Eurogamer with the first potential hints about the console's MSRP, saying, "I can't put a ballpark on it in terms of figures, but what I would say is that we will shoot for an affordable price that's appropriate for the handheld gaming space."

However, Sony's not going to be giving the things away; House also shot down a Eurogamer source who claimed Sony would be selling the device at a loss. House explained, "we would want to have our hardware be profitable, in addition to our software," later adding, "We've experienced both sides and we know which one we like to be on!" That seems like a tricky balancing act: How exactly is Sony planning on introducing new (assumedly high-investment) technology at an affordable consumer price point and still hope for the NGP to remain profitable? Wizardry? Alchemy? Both?

As far as a firm number, Game Informer was the only outlet able to get anything out of Sony's biggest wigs -- when GI brought up the enormous launch price of the PS3, Sony Computer Entertainment president of worldwide studios Shu Yoshida laughed, and replied, "It's not going to be $599." We're glad events unfolded in that order -- had he said "It's not going to be $599," then laughed maniacally, we would have started to get really nervous.

Sony wants NGP hardware to be profitable and affordable originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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3DS price compared to other portable launches

Justin McElroy — Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

We know, it's painful thinking about trading 250 of your hard-earned bucks away to Uncle Reggie to get three-dimensional gaming on the go. But it could be worse! Just to prove our point, we've collected some of the major portable releases, adjusted their prices for inflation and listed them after the break.

As you'll see, while the 3DS is on the high side of Nintendo portables with its $250 asking price, it's not outlandish when compared with the Atari Lynx, N-Gage or NEC's TurboExpress.

... Okay, so maybe it's not the greatest company to be in.

Continue reading 3DS price compared to other portable launches

3DS price compared to other portable launches originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata: E3 reaction a factor in 3DS pricing

James Ransom-Wiley — Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:50:00 EST

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

We'll admit it: We couldn't keep our mouths shut. Not just that -- we couldn't keep our eyes from bulging out of their sockets and our feet from skipping up and down the LA Convention Center halls. The 3DS technology was that impressive in person (in the midst of an otherwise fairly ho-hum E3 year, especially). In fact, we were so wrapped up in our glee, we didn't notice Nintendo was watching. Very closely, apparently.

During Nintendo of Japan's analysts meeting yesterday, it was suggested that the now official ¥25,000 ($300) price point for the handheld might be pushing consumer limits, as reported by Bloomberg (via Andriasang). (It should be noted that prices have not been confirmed for other regions; though at least one analyst expects the 3DS to retail for $250 in the U.S.) In response, Nintendo boss Satoru Iwata said the price was set by a number of factors that went unspecificed, save for one: reaction to the device at E3.

Rest assured, we're already practicing our poker faces for the next time Nintendo unveils the future before our very eyes.

Iwata: E3 reaction a factor in 3DS pricing originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Sep 2010 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Microsoft defends Kinect pricing

Mike Schramm — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST

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

Analysts were generally unimpressed with the $150 price tag put on the Kinect hardware -- the consensus has been that Microsoft set the price too high and sales will suffer as a result. But Microsoft group marketing manager Brett Siddons disagrees. Speaking at an Amazon event in the UK, he said that once you "do the maths," Kinect is "very competitively priced."

Siddons is talking about UK prices, but his argument works the same for the American retail listings. The Kinect pack comes with support for two players (six non-active) and the Kinect Adventures game, with no other accessories needed. That's compared to PlayStation Move, which gives you the main controller, a camera, and Sports Champions for $100. But Siddons says the "Navigation controller" will cost $30 more, and expanding to full controls for two players actually makes things more expensive than Kinect. Even two Wii remotes and Nunchucks will run you $140, and that's without Motion Plus add-ons. When you look at it that way, you can see why Microsoft believes Kinect is priced competitively.

Of course, Siddons is obviously speaking from Microsoft's perspective -- you don't necessarily need the Navigation controller (you can replace it with a Dual Shock, which most people already have), or two full players' worth of controls anyway. Still, even if that $150 buys an experience similar to what's on other consoles, there's still a question of whether you'll want to write that big check in the first place.

Microsoft defends Kinect pricing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Walmart offering $200 Kinect bundles, includes game and gift card

Griffin McElroy — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST

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

The saga of the ambiguous price point for Microsoft's Kinect continues today with a new hardware bundle from Walmart. For $199.99, shoppers can pre-order the peripheral itself along with one of the device's launch titles, including Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part One, Dance Central, Joy Ride, Kinectimals, Kinect Sports and Kinect Adventures. Shoppers can also grab another game from this list for an additional $60 (or $50 for Harry Potter). The bundle also includes a $30 Walmart eGift Card.

It's worth noting that Walmart's $60 price point for Kinect software and $150 price for the device itself corroborates listings we've seen from other retailers. Of course, Microsoft has yet to confirm any official pricing details for the motion-sensing peripheral -- still, with that free gift card, Walmart's offer seems like the most cost-effective one to date. Unless, of course, Kinect ends up being cheaper than $150, in which case, just tell us the freaking price already.

Walmart offering $200 Kinect bundles, includes game and gift card originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Retail consensus has Kinect at $150

Alexander Sliwinski — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:40:00 EST

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

Retail titans Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart and Amazon agree: Kinect will cost $150. Microsoft will not comment on the posted pricing beyond saying that it's speculative. Microsoft's Xbox bigwig Aaron Greenberg wrote on Twitter (twice), "No Kinect price announced yet, retail price estimates are purely speculative, final price & pack-in details are not yet determined."

We understand that the retail listings are speculative, but it may be worth putting aside $1.08 aside every day until Kinect's release just in case -- unless it ends up being more.

[Thanks, Elias]

Retail consensus has Kinect at $150 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Project Natal priced at $150; bundled with Arcade SKU for $300

David Hinkle — Wed, 26 May 2010 17:00:00 EST

If a report by Edge proves accurate (wait till E3), then Pachter's estimation that Project Natal will cost less than an average game is off. Instead, a source backed by Edge has alleged a $150 price point (with plenty of room to drop) for the forthcoming Xbox 360 motion tech camera -- or $300 when bundled with the Xbox 360 Arcade console. Additionally, the source has suggested an October 26 worldwide release -- give or take "a few weeks."

Of course, both the rumored pricing and release date remain uncorroborated (we repeat: wait till E3). But, hey, that doesn't mean we can't have a bit of fun with the supposed intel. And by "fun," we mean, "host an online poll asking if you'd spend $150 on Project Natal" ...

View Poll

Rumor: Project Natal priced at $150; bundled with Arcade SKU for $300 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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PSP Go priced at GBP 224.99 in the U.K.

Griffin McElroy — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST

It looks like Sony isn't following the ever-popular "give U.K. products the same numerical price as U.S. products and pretend the value of their monetary denominations are equal" strategy for the PSP Go. Instead, Sony's attached a £224.99 price tag to the slide-screened handheld -- which is still considerably more expensive than £179.99, the very first PSP's U.K. price point.

Still, it's a well-known fact the good people of the United Kingdom possess an unnatural, caveman-esque fear of Universal Media Discs -- we're sure they won't mind shilling out the extra poundage.

PSP Go priced at GBP 224.99 in the U.K. originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Aug 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GameStop prices DJ Hero: Renegade Edition at $200

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST

If you're looking to drop a few extra presidential flash cards in order to ensure that your DJ Hero experience is as fulfilling as possible, GameStop's got you covered -- the retailer recently priced the rhythm title's limited "Renegade Edition" at $199.99. That's a bit of a markup from the standard version's $119.99 price tag, but big enough fans of Jay-Z, Eminem, high quality turntable peripherals and collapsible stands for said controllers may be willing to part with the extra bones.

Gallery: DJ Hero Renegade Edition

GameStop prices DJ Hero: Renegade Edition at $200 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Report: Modern Warfare 2 triggering UK games price hike, EA not budging

Griffin McElroy — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST

We feel for our UK-based gaming brothers-and-sisters-in-arms. We've seen the gaming industry putting them through the financial wringer many times in the past, but a recent report from MCV describes the cruelest economic hardships they've ever had to face -- Activision has kicked the UK price of Modern Warfare 2 up to £54.99 (close to $90), and according to the report, other publishers may plan to follow suit, raising the prices on their titles as we move into the holiday season.

The price hike is attributed to rising game development costs and the faltering strength of the pound -- still, compared to last holiday season, when titles like Prince of Persia and Far Cry 2 hit store shelves for around £40, it's a pretty sizable leap to make in just one year. However, not everyone is following Activision's example -- Electronic Arts responded to MCV's report, confirming that it would not increase the RRP of its holiday releases. We'll see which strategy pays off once the smoke from the holiday shopping season clears.

Report: Modern Warfare 2 triggering UK games price hike, EA not budging originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Jul 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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LGJ: The Anti-Trust Game

Mark Methenitis — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:59:00 EST

Filed under: Features

Each week Mark Methenitis contributes Law of the Game on Joystiq ("LGJ"), a column on legal issues as they relate to video games:

I've mentioned before that both in the latter years of the previous administration and under the new administration, certain kinds of enforcement actions were increasing in number. Past commentaries in LGJ have focused on trade, but another one of those areas is anti-trust. What got my attention in this regard was a conversation I had the other day with a partner in the firm who has dealt with a number of anti-trust issues. We were discussing the game industry, and he asked what the price range was on games these days. My response was a range, with the caveat that for pretty much all new PS3 and Xbox 360 games, the price was $60. His thought was that had to be on someone's radar screen to investigate, even if there's no actual anti-trust violation going on.

Given the investigative climate, I would tend to agree, though based on what I know in the industry, I don't think there's any actual collusion going on. Instead, we likely have a case of 'conscious parallelism,' which isn't illegal per se, though a government official looking for their "big break" might just take on this case hoping to see a shift in the law from the higher courts. I'm getting well ahead of myself, though, since a better background in anti-trust needs to be set out before getting into the specifics.

Continue reading LGJ: The Anti-Trust Game

LGJ: The Anti-Trust Game originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Jun 2009 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warren Spector wants games to cost less

David Hinkle — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EST

Warren Spector, the man behind Deus Ex, thinks that games cost a little too much. In competing with other forms of media on the market, he says that video games have too high a price for admission, and that these prices only act as a barrier for drawing new customers in.

Of course, there are plenty of things to consider even beyond that. With publishers enjoying profits (they aren't in this to make friends), and the game industry reporting record numbers last year, there are valid points of argument all over the place. Plus, there's this horrible economy to consider, which Spector thinks could aid in bringing prices down. We will say this, however: We like saving money. It helps us purchase more games.

Warren Spector wants games to cost less originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Mar 2009 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Resident Evil 5 'Versus' DLC dated and priced in Japan

Griffin McElroy — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST

If you're a member of the enraged masses protesting the pricing of Resident Evil 5's 'Versus' DLC pack, which adds new online co-op and competitive options to the game, we doubt this news will do anything to soothe your frayed nerves -- Capcom recently revealed the DLC's price for Japan: 160 on Xbox Live, or ¥250 on PSN. That's less than half of the North American cost for the same content.

However, if you're still planning on picking up the additional modes, you might be interested to hear the Japanese DLC received a release date that's far less vague than our "in a few weeks" release timetable -- Japan will be able to participate in immobilized online combat as of March 26. Why the disparities in pricing and dating in the two regions? We're not sure -- though we suspect some sort of zombie trade tariff is involved.

Resident Evil 5 'Versus' DLC dated and priced in Japan originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst: PS3 price cut could happen very soon

David Hinkle — Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:03:00 EST

According to Janco analyst Mike Hickey, Sony could be set to announce a new, lower price point for the PS3 in the next few days. He says Sony needs to slash $100 off the price of the console to "effectively restart unit velocity at retail." He sees this cut taking effect in "April or by June at the latest." Without the cut, he predicts PS3 sales will continue to steadily decline.

There's also speculation regarding a potential Blu-ray-less PS3, which would "enable them to make the aforementioned hardware price reduction," though that sounds kind of ridiculous. Without all of that Blu-ray goodness, how are you supposed to play any software on the thing? It's not like people will go running out to buy a cheaper PS3 that will only play PS2, PSOne and PSN games, after all.

[Via Yahoo Tech]

Analyst: PS3 price cut could happen very soon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 Feb 2009 11:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Noby Noby Boy's European price revealed

Jem Alexander — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:10:00 EST

It looks like SCEE has its act together nowadays. While third-party PSN releases can still be a bit tardy, Noby Noby Boy will be the second first-party game in as many weeks to arrive day and date with the American release. The bizarrely adorable experiment will be available in the UK this Thursday for £3.19, making it an easy impulse buy for those who don't know much about it. In other words, all of us.

Noby Noby Boy's European price revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: $179.99

JC Fletcher — Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

IGN recently let slip a rumor that was specific enough to be believable: that the Nintendo DSi would show up in North America on April 4, at a $179.99 price point. For some of us, it's almost a new platform, with neat new (potentially) lifestyle-enhancing features and, of course, downloadable games. And for others, it's the same DS with some attached junk.

But we wonder if the price might be seen as too high for even the biggest future DSiWare fanboys. Is $180 too much for a DS, even when it's a cool new DS? Even if it's a DS that is compatible with the super-sweet Slime DSi case seen here? What's your reaction to the (likely) price?

DS Daily: $179.99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 17 Jan 2009 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DS Daily: Right price point?

David Hinkle — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: DS Daily

We've asked this question a long ways back before, but with the busy shopping season on us, and the Black Friday and Cyber Monday shenanigans coming to a close, we felt it was appropriate to ask again. What's the right price for you? Do you pick up games when they first release because you absolutely have to have them, or are you a patient consumer, waiting for that certain title to fall in price before snatching it up. What do you think is the proper entry price point for DS games? We know Square Enix likes to toss that $39.99 price tag on their new games (boo!), but usually it's $30 for non-Nintendo games. Is this the sweet spot?

DS Daily: Right price point? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Wii Warm Up: Expense

Alisha Karabinus — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Wii Warm Up

So the Wii is two years old now. Huzzah! But looking back, with everything you might have bought for your system (excluding games), do you feel like it was a bargain? It was the cheapest of this generation's home consoles, after all, and the bargain aspect was played up by a lot of people. At this point in time, do you feel like you got a good deal on your Wii? Even if you don't, was it/is it worth it?

Wii Warm Up: Expense originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Analyst doubts Wii price cut, recommends more peripherals

Chris Greenhough — Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EST

Filed under: News, Peripherals

Mito Securities analyst Yoichiro Watanabe has weighed in on the buzz surrounding tomorrow's Nintendo Media Summit, suggesting that a Wii price cut is unlikely. Frankly, it's hard to disagree with the man. As Watanabe points out, demand is still through the roof, and the Holiday season is only going to ramp up Wii fever to ridiculous, hair-pulling levels.

More controversially, Watanabe thinks Nintendo should force us all to add to our growing collection of plastic doohickeys and controller shells, on the basis that adding new peripherals to the Wii has worked well for the company. That's not exactly a move we're in favor of (our living rooms are now mostly plastic), and Iwata has already stated that new add-ons are unlikely.

[Via Gamasutra]

Analyst doubts Wii price cut, recommends more peripherals originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Oct 2008 13:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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You'd be foolish not to buy WipEout HD at $20

Jem Alexander — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: e-Distribution Games

One last piece of information has snuck out of the recent WipEout HD event in San Francisco. It's a small detail, but one that make or break your decision to buy the game: the price. You can stop holding your breath now, the price is almost ridiculously low. $20 is nothing when you consider what you'll be getting in the game. Don't forget, Europeans, you also get it nice and cheap too. For only $20/£11.99 you'd be mad not to pick it up once it arrives -- whenever that might be (judging from the amount of press the game is getting, we're betting it's soon!).

You'd be foolish not to buy WipEout HD at $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Point/Counterpoint: Time for a price cut?

Chris Greenhough — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Point/Counterpoint

Since its release into the wild in 2006, the DS Lite has retained its launch price point in all regions. On the face of it, there's been little reason for Nintendo to tweak the cost of owning the world's greatest handheld. Sales have been consistently sky-high, with demand outstripping supply to an almost embarrassing degree in the early days. But with the holiday season already on the horizon, and the Lite now widely available in stores, should Nintendo consider slashing the price of its handheld phenomenon before the end of this year?

Click onwards to see two bloggers slug it out over this issue, possibly until one meets a bloody, horrible demise, and then cast your vote!

NEXT >>

Point/Counterpoint: Time for a price cut? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Save $9800 on the Madden PSP bundle!

Andrew Yoon — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fan Stuff

How much would you pay for a Blue PSP and a copy of Madden 09? You would pay $10,000, wouldn't you? But wait! Circuit City is offering a great deal! Pre-order now and you'll get the system, the game, a 1GB Memory Stick, a UMD movie and a download for beats -- all for only $200. You save $9,800!

Hilarious copy error, Circuit City. Please don't change it.

[Via CAG]

Save $9800 on the Madden PSP bundle! originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Point/Counterpoint: The worth of Chrono Trigger DS

David Hinkle — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:01:00 EST

Filed under: Point/Counterpoint

One of the biggest titles to release on the DS this year is none other than Chrono Trigger DS. But, is it worth the $40 that Square Enix is demanding gamers cough up in order to enjoy this RPG classic on their handheld? The DS Fanboy staff has drawn a line in the sand and been split down the middle, with each side presenting a solid argument that effectively states their case. Instead of letting this get violent and taking it out into the streets, we've decided to turn to our computers and take it out into the virtual streets of the DS Fanboy blog. So, read on and then decide for yourself if Chrono Trigger DS is really worth the price of admission.

NEXT >>

Point/Counterpoint: The worth of Chrono Trigger DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Aug 2008 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty $14.99 this summer

Mike Schramm — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:18:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, E3

The newest iteration in the terrific Ratchet and Clank series is going for quality over quantity -- Sony has announced that the game will release for $15 on the PSN sometime this summer, and will feature "a shorter game at a lower price." The game will describe what happens to Clank after the end of Ratchet and Clank: Future, and will serve as a "great introduction to what R&C is all about."

No official date yet ("just this summer"), but looks like some good and cheap Ratchet and Clank fun.

Ratchet and Clank: Quest for Booty $14.99 this summer originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamestop prices Guitar Hero: World Tour bundle at $189

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 25 May 2008 13:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 2, Sony PlayStation 3, Nintendo Wii, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

In order to remain competitive with Harmonix's pre-existing multi-instrument rockstar simulator, Activision's upcoming entry in their insanely lucrative franchise, Guitar Hero: World Tour, needs to match the price of the game it so closely resembles, Rock Band. According to a recent listing on Gamestop, it'll do just that -- the game alone will cost $59.99 on PS3 and 360 ($49.99 on Wii and PS2), a "guitar kit" bundle will run you $99.99, and the full band kit (which we assume will contain a guitar, a mic, and a drum kit) will run you $189.99 on 360, Wii and PS3, and $179.99 on PS2.

If these prices are accurate, you'll be paying $20 more for Activision's bundle than Harmonix's -- perhaps their five-piece drum kit costs more to produce than Rock Band's four-head. We don't mind shelling out the extra Jackson to get our hands on Activision's new skins -- the thousands of dollars we'll spend expanding our living room to contain two fake drum kits and four fake guitars, however, may have a noticeable impact on our finances.

[Thanks, Hashbrown Hunter.]

Gamestop prices Guitar Hero: World Tour bundle at $189 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 25 May 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nintendo not dropping Wii or DS Lite price anytime soon [Update]

Griffin McElroy — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Business

Update: Oops! We've realized we covered this before, but think of it this way -- now you're two times more aware of these firm, firm prices as the other denizens of the internet.

Whether you've yet to join the hunt for the Golden Ticket-esque Nintendo Wii, or you're one of the eight people yet to buy a Nintendo DS of some shape or color, we certainly hope that the reasoning behind your reluctance to join Camp N isn't the anticipation of a price drop for the two (relatively) affordable consoles. According to a recent statement from Ninty's Satoru Iwata, there are currently no plans to lower the retail price on either of their money-printing apparatuses.

While this fact isn't exactly surprising considering the systems' sales success at their current costs, Iwata's reason for the set-in-stone price is rather intriguing -- should either system undergo a cheapening, he explained, it would upset those who bought the console at its former price. Yes, we're sure it has nothing to do with the near completion of Miyamoto's personal, Scrooge McDuck-style gold coin swimming pool.

Nintendo not dropping Wii or DS Lite price anytime soon [Update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Iwata: No DS price cut this year

David Hinkle — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: News

Well, we would think so, since the current price point of $129.99 seems to be far too small a hurdle to leap for those thinking of purchasing the handheld system. Nintendo is rolling in the dough, so if it ain't broke, don't fix it, right?

"Our earnings projection for the year is not based on hardware price cuts, and I don't think we are going to need them," said Iwata. And we can't blame them, as demand for the Wii and DS looks like it could only be curbed by the announcement of a new handheld and console. Until that happens, it looks like consumers will need to get used to the price tag on each system, as well as not seeing them on shelves while shopping.

[Via Joystiq]

Iwata: No DS price cut this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's pricey to be Wii Fit

David Hinkle — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST

Filed under: News

Nintendo just sent us a press release confirming our darkest fears: Wii Fit is going to cost almost 1/3rd the price of a Wii at $90. Ouch, our wallets!

Of course, we all pretty much knew this was coming, but it's one thing to think something and another to have it told to you. That sound you hear? It's our wallets breathing a sigh of relief, for they know that us lowly bloggers cannot afford such a costly package.

With the bundle costing so much, we wonder if it'll do as well as some think it will?

It's pricey to be Wii Fit originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Apr 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Amazon selling Rock Band for $148, drums on sale too

Alexander Sliwinski — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3, Microsoft Xbox 360, Rhythm

Amazon.com has a little sale going on for those who haven't jumped on the Rock Band tour bus yet. Cheapy D and his frugal army point the way to savings, with both the PS3 and Xbox 360 Special Editions priced for $148 (which include the game, drums, guitar and mic). The $22 saved won't even come back to bite back on shipping with the use of "Super Saver Shipping."

For those who've already picked up the game and are just in the market for the drum set, the normally $80 peripheral is currently $54 on Xbox 360 and $69 for PS3. Feel free to use the money saved on some Rock Band DLC.

Amazon selling Rock Band for $148, drums on sale too originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Wii Fit to lighten American wallets by $90

JC Fletcher — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: Rumors

Nintendo did say that Wii Fit would come in at under $100. According to (a blurry snapshot of what looks like) a Gamestop release list, American gamers will be shelling out $89.99 for the game and the included Balance Board peripheral when it releases on May 19th. According to this semi-mysterious source, the preorder deposit for the game will be $10 instead of the normal $5.

$90 is certainly a lot less than Europe and Australia will be paying for Wii Fit, and it seems like a fair price for the program and the hardware. But we can't help but feel slightly amused that we (and so many others) will gladly shell out almost $100 just to have our game consoles call us fat every day.

[Via GoNintendo]

Rumor: Wii Fit to lighten American wallets by $90 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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