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[Sony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/sony-vp-in-uk-and-ireland-talks-vita-pricing-says-bigger-memory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/sony-vp-in-uk-and-ireland-talks-vita-pricing-says-bigger-memory/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/sony-vp-in-uk-and-ireland-talks-vita-pricing-says-bigger-memory/#comments Sony's Vice President and Managing Director from the UK and Ireland, Fergal Gara, talked with Eurogamer at the PS Vita launch last night in London, and said there's a lot more in store for the new handheld console. The current pricing and memory concerns are the results of "early days."

On price, for example, Gara says that the system is priced as low as Sony could get it on launch day, "not a lot above an iPod and a hell of a long way below a good tablet." Given the hardware included, Gara says Sony "priced it as attractively as we could afford to, frankly," with an eye toward creating a lasting product over the next few years.

Gara also admitted memory is a concern, with hefty downloadable games filling memory cards up quickly. Having learned from the Japanese Vita release, he says, Sony is already securing memory, chips and deals to release bigger cards in the UK, and presumably in North America as well.

JoystiqSony VP in UK and Ireland talks Vita pricing, says bigger memory cards on the way originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fergal-garahardwarememorymemory-sticksplaystationplaystation-vitapricingps-vitasonyukvitaWed, 22 Feb 2012 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PlayStation Vita cost estimated at $160 in report]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/playstation-vita-cost-estimated-at-160-in-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/playstation-vita-cost-estimated-at-160-in-report/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/playstation-vita-cost-estimated-at-160-in-report/#comments We've got a PlayStation Vita from Japan, sure, but we're not taking it apart all willy-nilly like some people. But if we did, and we also had a keen eye for the price of specific electronics components, we might have already realized the pieces comprising the device could add up to $160 in total.

Unsurprisingly, the display and touchscreens are said to account for the bulk of the estimated cost at $50, while no other piece of the device even crests the $20 mark. Of course, none of this pricing includes the cost of research and development, testing, shipping, manufacturing, marketing, etc., so it's not exactly a perfect representation of the investment Sony has made with its latest handheld.

It does, however, give the Japanese hardware giant approximately $140 of space to work with on making the more expensive Vita (the $300 3G one) profitable from the jump, not to mention the 3G-less $250 model.

JoystiqPlayStation Vita cost estimated at $160 in report originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hardwaremanufacturingplaystationplaystation-vitapricingteardownubmubm-techinsightsvitaFri, 20 Jan 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Lexis Numerique explains Amy's PSN price disparity, poll to decide US price]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/lexis-numerique-on-amys-psn-price-disparity-poll-to-decide-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/lexis-numerique-on-amys-psn-price-disparity-poll-to-decide-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/07/lexis-numerique-on-amys-psn-price-disparity-poll-to-decide-us/#comments Amy, whatchu gonna do? 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

JoystiqLexis 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amyLexis-Numeriquemicrosoftplaystationpricepricingps3psnvectorcellxblaxboxSat, 07 Jan 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: US Vita games will cost less digitally than at retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/12/05/report-us-vita-games-will-cost-less-digitally-than-at-retail/#comments It's a story we saw emerge just a few months ago in Japan, and now it seems North America is in for the same pleasant surprise -- Sony's upcoming PSP successor, the Vita, will offers discounted pricing on games sold digitally versus those bought at retail. The news this time comes from Thrifty Nerd, by way of the Potomac Mills Mall in Woodbridge, VA, where Sony is offering shoppers an early hands-on with the device.

A third-party Sony rep (read: not internal to Sony) confirmed to the site that Vita's digital game offerings would cost less than those sold at retail outlets, even ballparking the discrepancy at around 40 percent. We've reached out to Sony to confirm that price difference, as Japanese Vita games are showing a much more realistic price difference (around 20 percent). As Sony depends on retail to sell its hardware, it seems unlikely that the company would offer such a competitive discount as 40 percent -- without hardware sales at retail, that competitive difference in game pricing may not matter.

Folks interested in getting their hands on the Vita a bit early still have until December 30 to head to their local mall and check it out. If "your mall" is one of these five, of course.

Update: A Sony rep tells us, "We haven't announced pricing for PS Vita software, but we will do so in the near future."

JoystiqReport: US Vita games will cost less digitally than at retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-networkplaystation-vitapricingpsnreportvitaMon, 05 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[More Vita games priced in Japan, cheaper on PSN than retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/more-vita-games-priced-in-japan-cheaper-on-psn-than-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/more-vita-games-priced-in-japan-cheaper-on-psn-than-retail/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/11/more-vita-games-priced-in-japan-cheaper-on-psn-than-retail/#comments Famitsu revealed the Japanese launch price for the PlayStation Vita's Uncharted: Golden Abyss, offering evidence that Vita games in general will follow the same pricing structure seen with Army Corps of Hell (and with the PSP), in which PSN versions are a bit cheaper than retail. The card version will sell for ¥5,980 ($78), with the downloadable version at ¥4,900 ($64).

Namco Bandai will temporarily widen the gap between PSN and retail prices with promotional discounts on the downloadable versions of Ridge Racer and Katamari Damacy no Vita. Katamari is priced at ¥4,980 ($65) in stores and ¥4,480 ($58) on PSN, but will be ¥3,980 ($52) on PSN through March 31. Ridge Racer will be ¥2,980 ($39) on PSN for the same time period, going up to its normal PSN price of ¥3,580 ($47) afterward; retail is set for ¥3,980 ($52).

JoystiqMore Vita games priced in Japan, cheaper on PSN than retail originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 11 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japankatamari-damacy-no-vitakatamari-damacy-vitaplaystationplaystation-vitapricingpsnridge-racer-vitauncharted-golden-abyssuncharted-ngpvitaTue, 11 Oct 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Trenched digs into XBLA June 22 for $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/trenched-digs-into-xbla-june-22-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/trenched-digs-into-xbla-june-22-for-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/trenched-digs-into-xbla-june-22-for-15/#comments Trenched, Double Fine Productions' co-op third-person action tower defense game (phew!), will be deployed on Xbox Live Arcade this June 22. That should be sufficient enough lead time for you to scavenge the neighbor's trash for bottles to redeem and hit the 1200-point price ($15). If you're curious, that's 300 bottles (at $.05 apiece). Can't redeem bottles in your state? Um, we find putting an extra "tips" jar at the Starbucks counter works too.

Trenched is just the latest salvo in Double Fine's digitally distributed arsenal. The developer previously released the well-received Costume Quest and Stacking. The company is currently working on Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster for Kinect.

Continue reading Trenched digs into XBLA June 22 for $15

JoystiqTrenched digs into XBLA June 22 for $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 25 May 2011 15:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>double-finedouble-fine-productionsmicrosoftpricingrelease-datetrenchedxblaxboxWed, 25 May 2011 15:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/24/duels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012-release-date/#comments Anxious planeswalkers waiting to slap on their favorite pair of Nikes and make with the strutting of their stuff will be delighted to hear that Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 is set for launch on Wednesday, June 15, across Xbox Live Arcade, Steam and PlayStation Network. Wizards of the Coast confirmed the launch date (which we assume will actually be Tuesday, June 14, on PSN) today, along with a $10 price point for the sequel to 2010's surprise hit, Magic: The Gathering - Duels of the Planeswalkers.

Each version of Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 will also include a rare paper card bonus (while supplies last!), which can be acquired at your local card shop by producing a unique in-game code. Check out an image of all three cards just past the break.

Gallery: Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012

Continue reading Duels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10

JoystiqDuels of the Planeswalkers 2012 launches June 15 on XBLA, PSN and Steam for $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duels-of-the-planeswalkersduels-of-the-planeswalkers-2012magic-the-gatheringmicrosoftpcplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-datestainless-gamessteamwizards-of-the-coastxblaxboxTue, 24 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Army of Darkness brings Ash, boomstick to iOS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/army-of-darkness-brings-ash-boomstick-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/army-of-darkness-brings-ash-boomstick-to-ios/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/army-of-darkness-brings-ash-boomstick-to-ios/#comments The Evil Dead series has spawned a handful of mediocre video games throughout the years. Surprisingly, the third film, Army of Darkness -- which centers on a giant medieval battle between humans and the undead -- has never been tapped for a game adaptation. Backflip Studios looks to change that with Army of Darkness: Defense, a tower defense game for iPhone and iPad.

The game has players taking control of Ash, summoning up troops to defend Lord Arthur's castle as the Deadites attempt to steal the Necronomicon. Army of Darkness: Defense also includes "over 150 direct lines of dialogue from Bruce Campbell as Ash Williams," so we hope you're not sick of hearing this just yet.

Army of Darkness: Defense debuts this Thursday for $0.99 on iPhone/iPod and $2.99 on iPad.

JoystiqArmy of Darkness brings Ash, boomstick to iOS originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 May 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>army-of-darkness-defenseipadiphoneipodmobilepricingrelease-dateTue, 10 May 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony Ericsson: Xperia Play games could top $15]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-games-could-top-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-games-could-top-15/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/23/sony-ericsson-xperia-play-games-could-top-15/#comments The game lineup for Sony's Xperia Play (aka PlayStation Phone) -- which includes 10 titles from Gameloft at launch -- will range in price from $1.50 to upwards of $16, this according to an interview with Sony Ericsson UK head of marketing David Hilton. 50 titles are expected to be on tap at launch, some PSOne classics and some "repurposed for Xperia Play" from other platforms.

This price range is more or less what we've come to expect from modern mobile gaming -- iPhone and Android, specifically -- but, as Hilton was keen to point out, "the hardware allows you to play far more complex games." Let's hope that isn't also marketing-speak for "far more expensive games."

JoystiqSony Ericsson: Xperia Play games could top $15 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mobilePlaystation-Phonepricingsonysony-ericssonukxperia-playWed, 23 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Mass Effect 2 DLC sees 'Arrival' on March 29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/18/mass-effect-2-arrival-dlc-release-date/#comments BioWare has dated the long-promised and recently teased final Mass Effect 2 DLC mission, "Mass Effect: Arrival," for release across Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and Bioware.com (for PC) on Tuesday, March 29. The add-on will be available for $7 (£5.49) or the equivalent platform currency.

Leading players into this holiday's Mass Effect 3, "Arrival" will see Commander Shepard "sent to the edge of the galaxy to rescue an undercover operative who may have evidence of an imminent Reaper invasion." Admiral Hackett (voiced by Lance Henriksen) will make a return appearance.

Gallery: Mass Effect: Arrival (teaser screens)

Continue reading Final Mass Effect 2 DLC sees 'Arrival' on March 29

JoystiqFinal Mass Effect 2 DLC sees 'Arrival' on March 29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrivaldlcmass-effect-2microsoftpcplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-datexblmxboxFri, 18 Mar 2011 09:55:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT subscription deals available through March 31]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/rift-subscription-deals-available-through-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/rift-subscription-deals-available-through-march-31/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/11/rift-subscription-deals-available-through-march-31/#comments Trion Worlds' assault on World of Warcraft, the just-launched RIFT, is the same price to play per month -- but if you subscribe now through the end of March, it'll cost you less. Its publisher announced today that it's extending the "Founder's Subscription" pricing plans through March 31, offering as much as $5 per month off in exchange for buying in for six months.

A half-year of play time is going for $10 a month for the time being, with three-months at $11. Once April rolls around, RIFT subscriptions will run $15 a month, or $11 if bought six months at a time. It's not a massive savings, but anything to save come copper, right?

Continue reading RIFT subscription deals available through March 31

JoystiqRIFT subscription deals available through March 31 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmopcpricingriftsubscriptiontrion-worldsFri, 11 Mar 2011 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP Go listed for $150 MSRP on official site; not in effect at retail]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/psp-go-listed-for-150-msrp-on-official-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/psp-go-listed-for-150-msrp-on-official-site/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/psp-go-listed-for-150-msrp-on-official-site/#comments 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.]

JoystiqPSP 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationprice-cutprice-droppricingpsppsp-gosonyThu, 03 Mar 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Bit.Trip Runner's bits take the trip to Steam today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/bit-trip-runners-bits-take-the-trip-to-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/bit-trip-runners-bits-take-the-trip-to-steam-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/28/bit-trip-runners-bits-take-the-trip-to-steam-today/#comments Bit.Trip Flux isn't the only release in Gaijin Games' abstract series to arrive today. While CommanderVideo's journey is ending today on WiiWare in Flux, his highly-choreographed run is just getting started on Steam with the debut of Bit.Trip Runner for PC and Mac. Gaijin announced the surprise SteamPlay port for release today, currently on sale for $9 (the price will bump up to $10 on March 8).

The Steam version of Runner features a graphical upgrade over the original WiiWare release to better showcase the IGF-nominated visual design, along with leaderboards, achievements and new Easy and Hard modes. According to Gaijin, Xbox 360 and Wii (via Bluetooth) controllers are supported, too, which is good -- forced keyboard controls wouldn't have been the best way to alter the difficulty level.

JoystiqBit.Trip Runner's bits take the trip to Steam today originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bit-tripBit-Trip-Runnergaijin-gamesmacpcpricingrelease-datesteamsteamplayMon, 28 Feb 2011 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[PSP price slashed to $130]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/psp-price-slashed-to-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/psp-price-slashed-to-130/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/25/psp-price-slashed-to-130/#comments 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."

JoystiqPSP 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundleentertainment-packplaystationprice-cutprice-droppricingpsppsp-3000sonyFri, 25 Feb 2011 09:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Rush'N Attack: Ex-Patriot launching last week of March on PSN, XBLA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/rushn-attack-ex-patriot-launching-last-week-of-march-on-psn-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/rushn-attack-ex-patriot-launching-last-week-of-march-on-psn-x/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/23/rushn-attack-ex-patriot-launching-last-week-of-march-on-psn-x/#comments The most unnerving thing about the impending Rush'N Attack is that we've never quite known when to expect it. To make matters worse, updates went cold just as soon as we learned of the new threat -- a plot 25 years in the making. Konami has alleviated some of our anxiety -- or perhaps just the opposite -- by confirming with Joystiq that the new Rush'N Attack is indeed going down ... loadable at the end of March. Yikes!

Rush'N Attack: Ex-Patriot is scheduled to strike PlayStation Network on Tuesday, March 29, followed by its launch on Xbox Live Arcade one day later (March 30); at which point you can take a stab at it for $10 (800 points).

Developed by Vatra Games (Silent Hill: Downpour), this sequel to the 1985 Cold War platformer drew comparisons to Shadow Complex when it was first unveiled last April. While certain similarities are undeniable (both are Unreal Engine games in 2.5D), Ex-Patriot is actually set in a Siberian prison complex. So it's totally different until you infiltrate the nuclear weapons base.

JoystiqRush'N Attack: Ex-Patriot launching last week of March on PSN, XBLA originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>konamimicrosoftplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-daterush-n-attack-ex-patriotunreal-engine-3vatra-gamesxblaxboxWed, 23 Feb 2011 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel vs. Capcom 3 alternate costumes fated for DLC packs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/marvel-vs-capcom-3-dlc-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/marvel-vs-capcom-3-dlc-costumes/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/marvel-vs-capcom-3-dlc-costumes/#comments In two weeks' time, no amount of Marvel cologne is going to be able to mask the odor of Marvel vs. Capcom 3's fighters, whose suits will have been drenched and dried in super juices many times over. It's perhaps welcome news, then, that six of the game's heroes will be due for a costume change on Tuesday, March 1, when the first of the (sure to be many) alternate costume packs will be released on PlayStation Network and Xbox Live.

The first pack will provide Team Marvel's Thor, Captain American and Iron Man and Team Capcom's Dante, Ryu and Chris Redfield with fresh garments for $5 total. Additionally, Capcom has confirmed that the first Shadow Mode DLC pack will also be available on March 1 -- a good way to break in the new duds.

The Jill Valentine and Shuma-Gorath character pack will follow on March 15 for an undisclosed price, according to a leaflet in the Special Edition of the game (which includes a code to download the pair now). Capcom has yet to announce any DLC beyond these three releases over the next four weeks.

Gallery: Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (Costume Pack DLC)

JoystiqMarvel vs. Capcom 3 alternate costumes fated for DLC packs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 11:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>costume-packcostumesdlcfightingmarvel-vs-capcom-3microsoftplaystationpricingps3psnrelease-dateshadow-modexblmxboxTue, 15 Feb 2011 11:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Magicka cast on PC digital retail today, demo summoned on Steam]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/magicka-cast-on-pc-digital-retail-today-demo-summoned-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/magicka-cast-on-pc-digital-retail-today-demo-summoned-on-steam/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/magicka-cast-on-pc-digital-retail-today-demo-summoned-on-steam/#comments Paradox Interactive has narrowly upheld its promise to release the PC version of Magicka this month, as the publisher's "self-deprecating" action-misadventure -- "which pokes fun of other games just to feel better about itself" -- is today available from digital distribution retailers, including Steam, GamersGate and Amazon Digital Services, for $10. (A demo version is also available through Steam.)

Developed by Swedish outfit Arrowhead Game Studios, Magicka features "the parody and satire of a clichéd fantasy world," one-upping the similarly irreverent DeathSpank with support for up to 4-player co-op. Of course, there's no sign of unicorn poop in the launch trailer (after the break) -- so definitely a missed opportunity there.

Continue reading Magicka cast on PC digital retail today, demo summoned on Steam

JoystiqMagicka cast on PC digital retail today, demo summoned on Steam originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrowhead-game-studiosdemomagickaparadox-interactivepcpricingrelease-datesteamTue, 25 Jan 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[You can put a price on Love, and that price is now 10 euros]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/you-can-put-a-price-on-love-and-that-price-is-now-ten-euros/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/you-can-put-a-price-on-love-and-that-price-is-now-ten-euros/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/24/you-can-put-a-price-on-love-and-that-price-is-now-ten-euros/#comments Indie developer Eskil Steenberg's procedural, super-pretty world-building MMO Love has gone through a ton of changes in the past few months -- all of which are highlighted in this press release, which isn't a press release at all, but rather, a Craigslist Missed Connections Listing. How wonderful.

The most significant change? The game's pay-per-play subscription fee has been reduced to €10 (call it: $13.50 and change) for 180 days of playtime. (Previously, €10 got you just 30 days of Love.)

You can check out a video demonstration of some of the game's new features (as well as a basic tutorial led by Eskil himself) after the jump. Just try to stop the video as soon as it's over, because as you might imagine, the YouTube suggestions for a video titled "Love Tutorial" are unspeakably weird.

Continue reading You can put a price on Love, and that price is now 10 euros

JoystiqYou can put a price on Love, and that price is now 10 euros originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 24 Jan 2011 22:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>discounteskil-steenbergLovepcpricingquel-solaarsubscriptionMon, 24 Jan 2011 22:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers: 3DS games priced at $40-50 in US; £33-40 in UK; €50-60 in Europe]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/retailers-3ds-games-priced-at-40-50-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/retailers-3ds-games-priced-at-40-50-in-us/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/retailers-3ds-games-priced-at-40-50-in-us/#comments Nintendo has refuted our attempts to wrangle 3DS game pricing info so far, but retailer listings may be shedding some light on the subject. We hope you weren't hoping for a standard price point, because it looks like there's some wiggle room. A review of GameStop and Amazon listings reveals 3DS prices of either $39.99 or $49.99 in the US. Meanwhile, Eurogamer reports that UK retailer Game has confirmed the standard software price will be £39.99 in the region, though other UK retailers have prices listed as low as £32.99. Finally, we perused Amazon France and spotted prices of €49.95 and €59.95.

The disparate prices between titles matches up with pricing in Japan, though it is a bit more standardized. We'll keep poking Nintendo for official details.

JoystiqRetailers: 3DS games priced at $40-50 in US; £33-40 in UK; €50-60 in Europe originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3ds3ds-launchamazondseuropegamegamestopnintendopricingretailsoftwareukusaWed, 19 Jan 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Breach release date broached: January 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/breach-release-date-broached-january-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/breach-release-date-broached-january-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/14/breach-release-date-broached-january-26/#comments Breach -- the game one guy breached the law to get an early copy of -- has finally been dated for release on Wednesday, January 26 by developer Atomic Games, which will self-publish the title. The date applies to the "worldwide" availability of both the XBLA and PC versions of the multiplayer shooter, breaching initial plans to stagger the releases starting this past summer.

The PC version -- available in boxed-copy format or as a download -- will retail for $20, while the XBLA game has been set at $15 (1200 points). The premium PC edition will indeed be backed by a little more oomph, featuring Nvidia PhysX tech (i.e., "larger explosions"), a "higher performance" Hardcore Mode ("to play the way operatives train") and dedicated servers.

Breach the break [STOP THAT - Ed.] for some new gameplay footage.

Continue reading Breach release date broached: January 26

JoystiqBreach release date broached: January 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomic-gamesbreachdedicated-servermicrosoftnvidia-physxpcpricingrelease-datexblaxboxFri, 14 Jan 2011 10:26:00 EST<![CDATA[UK retailers list 3DS for March 18, £249]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/uk-retailers-list-3ds-for-march-18-249/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/uk-retailers-list-3ds-for-march-18-249/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/12/uk-retailers-list-3ds-for-march-18-249/#commentsListings for the Nintendo 3DS have popped up on UK retailers, including The Hut, Best Buy, Woolworths and WHSmith, offering "pre-order deposits" with a March 18 date. According to these sites, the handheld will be available in blue, black and red. As MCV points out, however, all these sites pull their listings from The Hut's database, so they're essentially all from the same source. (Duplicate 3DS listings on all the sites, featuring a March 25 release date, have been removed since we first looked at these retailer sites.)

Earlier this morning, the sites had listed a placeholder price of £299 (about $466) for the 3DS, but as of publishing, the RRP has changed to £249 ($388). For comparison, the DSi XL is priced at £159.99, roughly $250 by today's currency exchange rate. In the US, the XL's MSRP is $169.99, suggesting that, if Nintendo uses the same strategy of using roughly the same numerical price in pounds and dollars, the 3DS price could be set around the $250 mark, when it's expected to be announced by Nintendo next week. That is, if the UK price here is accurate.

MCV notes that it has been "lead to believe" that the once listed March 25 release date is going to be the real one, and that the 3DS price will be somewhere between £200-230 ($312-359). We hope that turns out to be closer to the truth, for our UK readers' sake. Nintendo will hold a European 3DS event in Amsterdam next Wednesday, at which point we should find out.

JoystiqUK retailers list 3DS for March 18, £249 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendopricingrelease-dateretailthe-hutukWed, 12 Jan 2011 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Runic hopeful Torchlight 2 will come to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/runic-hopeful-torchlight-2-will-come-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/runic-hopeful-torchlight-2-will-come-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/runic-hopeful-torchlight-2-will-come-to-consoles/#comments Runic Games' long-sought goal to port Torchlight to consoles will come to fruition when the game is released on Xbox Live Arcade as part of Microsoft's "House Party" promotion, beginning in mid-February. Depending on its success on the platform, Runic could look to quickly port the sequel to consoles, too, following its launch on PC this spring.

"That will hopefully get to the consoles, as well," Runic CEO Max Schaefer told MTV Multiplayer. "Depending on how [Torchlight on XBLA] does ... we're excited to get Torchlight 2 onto consoles. Hopefully sooner than how long [Torchlight on XBLA] took. We've gone through the exercise, we know what it takes."

Additionally, Schaefer priced Torchlight on XBLA at 1200 Microsoft Points ($15), though a representative for the studio later said that that price was not official. "It will be set by Microsoft, not Runic Games," said the representative, "and we cannot confirm it."

JoystiqRunic hopeful Torchlight 2 will come to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 18:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>house-partymicrosoftportpricingrunic-gamestorchlighttorchlight-2xblaxboxFri, 07 Jan 2011 18:50:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Nicalis' NightSky rolls onto PC today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/nicalis-nightsky-rolls-onto-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/nicalis-nightsky-rolls-onto-pc-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/06/nicalis-nightsky-rolls-onto-pc-today/#comments Nicalis, developer of the excellent WiiWare and DSiWare updates of indie action-platformer Cave Story, has announced that its latest offering has arrived for the PC today. NightSky (formerly titled Night Game) is now available through the studio's site for the oddball price of $7.20.

NightSky sees the player navigating a sphere over, under and through all manner of 2D obstacles set in a beautiful, dusky world. It's a strange concept to be sure, but considering Nicalis' most popular game features gun-toting robots caught in the middle of a rabbit war, it's actually kind of par for the course.

NightSky is also planned for future release on WiiWare.

JoystiqPSA: Nicalis' NightSky rolls onto PC today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nicalisnightskypcpricingThu, 06 Jan 2011 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Section 8 shows Prejudice against retail, will be a $15 download]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/section-8-prejudice-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/section-8-prejudice-download/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/section-8-prejudice-download/#comments The follow-up to Timegate Studios's coldly received 2009 multiplayer shooter, Section 8: Prejudice, will avoid the boxed-copy retail battlefield and will instead aim to "corner" the digital market. The developer announced today that Prejudice will come to Xbox Live, PlayStation Network and PC retail portals, including Steam and Games for Windows Marketplace, as a $15 download when it launches early next year.

Prejudice will include a single-player campaign, support for up to 32 players in online multiplayer and a new four-player co-op mode called Swarm. Offline players will also be able to partake in multiplayer, as the game can swap out those pesky humans for emotionless, calculating bots.

Timegate has also pledged to support the sequel post-launch through "a substantial downloadable content plan," though specific details have yet to be revealed.

Continue reading Section 8 shows Prejudice against retail, will be a $15 download

JoystiqSection 8 shows Prejudice against retail, will be a $15 download originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlcgames-for-windows-live-marketplacemicrosoftpcplaystationpricingps3PSNsection-8-prejudicesteamTimeGateTimeGate-StudiosXBLAXBLMxboxWed, 15 Dec 2010 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Move-based, co-op 'Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves' hits PSN in December]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/sackboys-prehistoric-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/sackboys-prehistoric-moves/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/sackboys-prehistoric-moves/#commentsAs expected, Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves, the title outed by Australia's ratings board, refers to a new LittleBigPlanet spinoff. Sony officially revealed the game today as a multiplayer-only game requiring one PlayStation Move wand and up to three DualShock controllers.

One player uses the Move to clear a path -- by blasting crates, flicking switches and triggering platforms -- allowing up to three other players to make their way through the ten prehistoric-themed levels platforming-style. The game title pretty much sums this one up: Sackboy in a prehistoric landscape, using the Move.

PlayStation Plus members will get to see Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves as early as December 7, for free -- as will an unspecified number of "LBP supporters." The game will be released to the general PSN population one week later for $6. It'll also be included as a bonus on the LittleBigPlanet 2 disc, which will be available on January 18.

Gallery: Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves

JoystiqMove-based, co-op 'Sackboy's Prehistoric Moves' hits PSN in December originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>LittleBigPlanet-2media-moleculeplaystationplaystation-movepricingps3psnrelease-datesackboys-prehistoric-movesThu, 18 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alan Wake LE for $30, other Limited Edition sales on Amazon today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/alan-wake-le-for-30-other-limited-edition-sales-on-amazon-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/alan-wake-le-for-30-other-limited-edition-sales-on-amazon-toda/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/18/alan-wake-le-for-30-other-limited-edition-sales-on-amazon-toda/#comments Amazon has been dropping deals this week like it's trying to single-handedly stimulate the games industry. Today's "Prelude to Black Friday" offering from the online retailer features several special edition games at deep discounts, including Alan Wake: Limited Edition for a mere $30 (down from $80) [update: it's sold out!]. That's the same price (a.k.a. 2400 Microsoft Points) the standard game will cost as a download when it arrives on Xbox Live's Games on Demand next Tuesday, November 23 (sans access to "The Signal" DLC, which is included in the LE).

Halo: Reach - Legendary Edition is also on sale, for a reasonable $75 (50-percent off), as the day's lightning deal, which expires at 5PM ET. Other all-day discounts on Amazon include the special edition bundles for Dead Rising 2, Modern Warfare 2 and Castlevania: Lords of Shadow. Head past the break to peruse our galleries of some of these limited editions ... if you haven't deserted us for Amazon already!

Continue reading Alan Wake LE for $30, other Limited Edition sales on Amazon today

JoystiqAlan Wake LE for $30, other Limited Edition sales on Amazon today originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 18 Nov 2010 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Alan-WakeAmazongames-on-demandlimited-editionmicrosoftplaystationpricingps3xboxThu, 18 Nov 2010 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' DLC drops Dec. 21 on Xbox Live]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-dlc-drops-dec-21-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-dlc-drops-dec-21-on-xbox-live/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/fallout-new-vegas-dead-money-dlc-drops-dec-21-on-xbox-live/#comments Bethesda has dated the first Fallout: New Vegas add-on -- the one "exclusive" to Xbox 360 -- for December 21 on Xbox Live Marketplace. Dubbed "Dead Money," the 800 points-priced (that's $10) DLC will challenge players to retrieve the "legendary" treasure of the Sierra Madre ... Casino.

Dead Money will feature "new terrain, foes and choices," according to Bethesda, as well as "three other captured wastelanders" (new Companions, perhaps). There are currently no announced plans to offer the add-on for the PS3 or PC version of the game -- though you'd be a fool to bet against it.

[Pictured: The Treasure of the Sierra Madre (1948); source: IMDb]

Continue reading Fallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' DLC drops Dec. 21 on Xbox Live

JoystiqFallout: New Vegas 'Dead Money' DLC drops Dec. 21 on Xbox Live originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 10:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksdead-moneydlcfallout-new-vegasmicrosoftpricingrelease-datexblmxboxWed, 17 Nov 2010 10:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Fender's Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster guitar rocks out March 1, 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/fender-rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-guitar-rocks-out-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/fender-rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-guitar-rocks-out-march/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/fender-rock-band-3-squier-stratocaster-guitar-rocks-out-march/#comments Fender has finally announced when its Squier Stratocaster guitar, the one built and licensed for Rock Band 3, will be available and, more importantly, how much it will cost prospective rockers. The guitar is expected to be released on March 1, 2011 for $280 (with pre-orders beginning January 1). The Strat certainly isn't cheap, but it's competitively priced in the world of electric guitars.

It is an actual guitar, after all, as opposed to the 102-button Mustang controller from Mad Catz, and the Squier is expected to provide a greater level of realism to RB3's Pro Mode. In addition to teaching players some real rock chops, Fender's guitar can also be plugged into an amp and, like the Mustang, serves as a fully functional MIDI instrument.

It's worth reiterating that Mad Catz's $40 MIDI PRO-Adapter is required to use the Squier with RB3. And it should also be noted that the Squier can't be used to play the game's standard modes, meaning you'll have to resort to a good ol' plastic guitar if you want to rock along with the classic multicolored gems.

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[Thanks Nick!]

Continue reading Fender's Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster guitar rocks out March 1, 2011

JoystiqFender's Rock Band 3 Squier Stratocaster guitar rocks out March 1, 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerFenderGuitarHeroHarmonixmicrosoftnintendoperipheralsplaystationpricingps3release-dateRock-Band-3SquierSquier-StratocasterwiixboxTue, 02 Nov 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bejeweled 3 drops a gem on us December 7]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/bejeweled-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/bejeweled-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/01/bejeweled-3/#comments Just when you thought you were ready to kick that decade-old "habit," PopCap goes and announces Bejeweled 3. You might be thinking: Okay, so they just added the number three to the title ... I can resist that. Really? Can you?

The only good news is you don't have to lie to yourself, because it's not just the number three that's been added. The new Bejeweled -- coming in, uh-oh, just five short weeks -- appears to offer plenty of excuses for your imminent relapse, including new Quest and Zen modes, plus unlockable "secret" game variants. Of course, you can always blame it on the "ultra-smooth gameplay" and "mellifluous music and sound" -- that's probably even grounds for a class action right there.

Beginning December 7, Bejeweled 3 will be peddled for $20 through online and retail outlets across North America, Europe and Asia. A Popcap representative confirmed to Joystiq that at that time the game will be available for PC and Mac, with other unannounced platforms to follow.

Gallery: Bejeweled 3 (first screens)

Continue reading Bejeweled 3 drops a gem on us December 7

JoystiqBejeweled 3 drops a gem on us December 7 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bejeweledbejeweled-3macpcpopcappricingrelease-dateMon, 01 Nov 2010 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[StarCraft 2 Razer peripherals light up November]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/starcraft-2-razer-peripherals-light-up-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/starcraft-2-razer-peripherals-light-up-november/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/starcraft-2-razer-peripherals-light-up-november/#commentsIf your performance in StarCraft 2: Wings of Liberty isn't where you'd like it to be, perhaps it's because your controllers aren't glowing enough. Sure, the StarCraft 2-branded Spectre mouse, Marauder keyboard and Banshee headset from Razer (all designed in collaboration with Blizzard) have other features that make them well-suited for games -- like specialized configuration utilities and quick response times -- but those aren't why anyone would buy one of these. Cool backlighting is.

Besides, when the keyboard description lists things like "Optimized Key Travel Distance" as a selling point, "pretty lights" doesn't seem like such a minor thing to latch on to. The set will be released in the US, Europe and Korea in November, with the mouse retailing for $80 (€80/94,800 won), and the keyboard and headset for $120 (€120/142,800 won) each.

Gallery: StarCraft 2 accessories by Razer

JoystiqStarCraft 2 Razer peripherals light up November originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessoriesblizzardheadsetkeyboardmousepcperipheralspricingq4-2010razerrelease-dateStarcraft-2Wed, 20 Oct 2010 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blacklight: Tango Down advances to PSN on Oct. 26]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/blacklight-tango-down-advances-to-psn-on-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/blacklight-tango-down-advances-to-psn-on-oct-26/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/19/blacklight-tango-down-advances-to-psn-on-oct-26/#comments
 Blacklight: Tango Down 2 may already be in production and on schedule for next summer, but Zombie Studios isn't letting go of its promise to bring Blacklight: Tango Down to PlayStation 3 owners across the globe. Publisher UTV Ignition has announced an October 26 release date for the download-only FPS in North America, followed by a November 3 release on the European PSN.

In the announcement, UTV says the game will come with "PSN-exclusive content," including a "join-in-progress" option for multiplayer -- the publisher teases more info on the exclusive content will be revealed "shortly." Like it's Xbox 360 and PC counterparts, the PS3 version of Blacklight will be priced at $15 (£10/€13) when it arrives on PSN.

Continue reading Blacklight: Tango Down advances to PSN on Oct. 26

JoystiqBlacklight: Tango Down advances to PSN on Oct. 26 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blacklight-tango-downeuropeignition-entertainmentnorth-americaplaystationpricingps3psnq4-2010release-dateunited-kingdomutv-ignitionzombie-studiosTue, 19 Oct 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Remote Plus dated for Japan, bundled with Wii Sports Resort]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wii-remote-plus-dated-for-japan-bundled-with-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wii-remote-plus-dated-for-japan-bundled-with-wii-sports-resort/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/wii-remote-plus-dated-for-japan-bundled-with-wii-sports-resort/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>japannintendoperipheralspricingrelease-datewiiwii-motionpluswii-remotewii-remote-pluswii-sports-resortwii-sports-resort-bundlewiimoteThu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:00 EST<![CDATA[OnLive ditching monthly charge, goes free; MicroConsole in manufacturing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/onlive-ditching-proposed-monthly-charge-microconsoles-in-manufa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/onlive-ditching-proposed-monthly-charge-microconsoles-in-manufa/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/04/onlive-ditching-proposed-monthly-charge-microconsoles-in-manufa/#comments "Although we wish we could have confirmed no monthly free from the get-go, pioneering a major new video game paradigm is hard," OnLive CEO Steve Perlman writes in a blog post, continuing, "we had to first grow to a large base of regular users before we could understand usage patterns and operating costs."

And just like that, the formerly $14.95 per month service -- which, through its Founding Members program, has offered a year of free service since its launch earlier this year (meaning it never actually collected any monthly fees) -- is free, greatly reducing the mostly psychological barrier many gamers had regarding OnLive. To capitalize on that lower barrier of entry, OnLive is "kicking off this change with the introduction of its Free Trial program for new users to its service," giving curious gamers quick access to the service sans credit card.

With no monthly cost, no credit card needed for sign-up, and plenty of free demos, we're not sure why someone would elect to not at least try the service. Here's how it works: You push buttons and those go to a server somewhere, and then it sends you back video of your game. It's freaky. Not interested until you can get the service on your telly? Perlman notes that "MicroConsole TV Adapters are in manufacturing," giving us hope the device will make its planned 2010 release.

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Continue reading OnLive ditching monthly charge, goes free; MicroConsole in manufacturing

JoystiqOnLive ditching monthly charge, goes free; MicroConsole in manufacturing originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 16:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>macmicroconsoleOnLivepcpricingSteve-PerlmanMon, 04 Oct 2010 16:23:00 EST<![CDATA[Iwata: E3 reaction a factor in 3DS pricing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/iwata-e3-reaction-a-factor-in-3ds-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/iwata-e3-reaction-a-factor-in-3ds-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/30/iwata-e3-reaction-a-factor-in-3ds-pricing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

JoystiqIwata: 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdse3e3-2010nintendopricepricingsatoru-iwataThu, 30 Sep 2010 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Xbox Live subscription prices to rise; $60 for 1 year beginning in Nov. [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/xbox-live-subscription-prices-to-rise-60-for-1-year-beginning/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/xbox-live-subscription-prices-to-rise-60-for-1-year-beginning/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/30/xbox-live-subscription-prices-to-rise-60-for-1-year-beginning/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As if to balance out the news of Nintendo's DSi price drops, Microsoft has announced via Major Nelson that the cost of an Xbox Live Gold membership will increase starting on November 1 in the US, Canada, Mexico and the UK.

In the US, a one-month Gold subscription will rise for $7.99 to $9.99; three months from $19.99 to $24.99; and a full year from $49.99 to $59.99. Check Major Nelson's post for price changes in other regions.

If you want to extend your Xbox Live membership without paying the new higher costs, you have two choices: 1) you could renew your subscription for one year through Xbox.com for for $40; or 2) load up on prepaid subscription cards, like, now!

Update: Microsoft has informed Joystiq that the $99 price will not change for the Xbox Live Family Plan, also launching this November. So that's suddenly a better deal.

JoystiqXbox Live subscription prices to rise; $60 for 1 year beginning in Nov. [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 30 Aug 2010 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftprice-hikepricingxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldMon, 30 Aug 2010 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft defends Kinect pricing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/microsoft-defends-kinect-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/microsoft-defends-kinect-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/28/microsoft-defends-kinect-pricing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbrett-siddonskinectmicrosoftplaystationplaystation-movepricepricingps3retailerukxboxWed, 28 Jul 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Roundup: Analyst commentary on Kinect pricing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/roundup-analyst-commentary-on-kinect-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/roundup-analyst-commentary-on-kinect-pricing/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/roundup-analyst-commentary-on-kinect-pricing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kinect retail box
Everybody has an opinion at the moment about Kinect's $150 price tag, but let's hear what the analysts who get paid for their opinions think. We've got reactions from EEDAR's Jesse Divnich, Lazard's Colin Sebastian and Wedbush Morgan's Michael Pachter, after the break.

Continue reading Roundup: Analyst commentary on Kinect pricing

JoystiqRoundup: Analyst commentary on Kinect pricing originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 13:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AnalystAnalystscolin-sebastianEEDARJesse-DivnichKinectlazard-capital-marketsMichael-PachtermicrosoftpricingWedbush-MorganxboxTue, 20 Jul 2010 13:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect priced at $150, includes Kinect Adventures]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-priced-at-150-includes-kinect-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-priced-at-150-includes-kinect-adventures/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/20/kinect-priced-at-150-includes-kinect-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kinect retail box
The question of Kinect pricing is over ... insomuch as there was any question. As was widely assumed - and widely listed on retailers, from GameStop to Microsoft itself - the Xbox's newfangled motion-sensing camera will retail for $149.99 this fall.

There's also an answer regarding the pricing of Kinect retail software. While most stores have been listing Kinect software for the usual $60 Xbox asking price, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg told Joystiq, "All of our Kinect retail games, from a first-party standpoint - Kinectimals, Kinect Sports, Kinect Joy Ride - will all be retailing for $49." Microsoft later followed up, letting us know that Dance Central, Harmonix's Kinect-powered rhythm game (and arguably the most well-received title in Microsoft's Kinect launch lineup) will also match the $50 first-party pricing.

That $149.99 hardware price also comes with a copy of Kinect Adventures, the casual title from Microsoft's Good Science Studio, formerly known as SpawnPoint Studios. Microsoft promises that those who pre-order Kinect or the $300 Xbox 360 Kinect Console Bundle "today" will "receive a token to download three exclusive game levels for Kinect Adventures." Before you get to that, why not let us know where you stand in our highly scientific poll?

Update: @AceyBongos (think Major Nelson, but with an accent) just let Twitter know that the European prices are "149.99 Euro for the camera + Kinect Adventures, 299.99 Euro for the 4GB console bundle." Some quick Google math puts those prices at roughly $200 and $390, respectively. Update 2: The UK prices are £129.99 for the Kinect and £249.99 for the bundle, as reported by Yahoo UK.

View Poll


Gallery: Kinect (retail)

JoystiqKinect priced at $150, includes Kinect Adventures originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aaron-GreenbergKinectKinect-AdventuresmicrosoftpricingxboxTue, 20 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart offering $200 Kinect bundles, includes game and gift card]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/walmart-offering-200-kinect-bundles-includes-game-and-gift-car/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/walmart-offering-200-kinect-bundles-includes-game-and-gift-car/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/walmart-offering-200-kinect-bundles-includes-game-and-gift-car/#commentsFiled under: , ,

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.

JoystiqWalmart 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bundledance-centralharry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallows-part-1joy-ridekinectkinect-adventureskinect-sportskinectimalsmicrosoftpricepricingwalmartxboxTue, 13 Jul 2010 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision not fully supporting Move/Kinect, wary of high prices]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/activision-not-fully-supporting-move-kinect-weary-of-high-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/activision-not-fully-supporting-move-kinect-weary-of-high-price/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/24/activision-not-fully-supporting-move-kinect-weary-of-high-price/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Wondering why we didn't see a Kinect version of Guitar Hero or a Move-enabled Call of Duty at E3? COO Thomas Tippl told Gamasutra it's because Activision is hesitant to dive into the motion market, mostly due to the high price point of Move and expected high price of Microsoft's Kinect.

"I think as a publisher, you have to be concerned about how the price drives a lot of the outcome of how big of an install base there's going to be," he said. "The bigger the install base, the more likely that you can make sense out of your investment. So, the lower the price, the better. In this economic environment, it's probably more important than ever." He makes a solid point: a lot of the driving power (not all) behind Nintendo's Wii has been its low price point, which many feel has helped sell the idea of motion-based gaming to the mainstream -- the exact audience both Microsoft and Sony are trying to captivate with their new motion control tech.

Tippl also added that, while this new tech affords interesting new opportunities for developers and third-party publishers, it's not an experience suited for every type of game, yet he feels it could benefit some of Activision's brands. "We have a few franchises where we think this could be an interesting value to improve the experience for the player. Tony Hawk is an example. We have our Rapala Fishing franchise. But it's not going to be something that will be in every game, because I don't think it's one size fits all. It's not going to enhance the experience for every game."

JoystiqActivision not fully supporting Move/Kinect, wary of high prices originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft-kinectmoveplaystationplaystation-movepricingps3thomas-tipplxboxThu, 24 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST