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[Activision offering refunds for Wii version of Guitar Hero III]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/activision-offering-refunds-for-wii-version-of-guitar-hero-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/activision-offering-refunds-for-wii-version-of-guitar-hero-iii/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/24/activision-offering-refunds-for-wii-version-of-guitar-hero-iii/#commentsFiled under: ,


As our bat-eared readers discovered when the game was first released, the Wii edition of Guitar Hero III, though advertised as possessing Dolby Surround Sound capabilities, could only duplicate one channel of audio through multiple speakers (a.k.a. mono sound). Incensed, Nintendo's virtual troubadours demanded action -- Activision responded with a somewhat less-than-timely disc replacement program. Now, four months after the game was released, Activision has announced another method of atonement for their single-channel sins.

Instead of replacing your half-mute disc with a standard one (though this option is still available), you can now replace said disc with cold, hard cash (or warm, soft cash, depending on your local climate and the weariness of the bills you receive). While we're sure this policy will be exploited by those who tire of faux rocking and simply want the cash, it's refreshing to see Actie-V face their shortcomings so directly -- if not a tad unpunctually.

[Via Evil Avatar]

JoystiqActivision offering refunds for Wii version of Guitar Hero III originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionguitar-hero-iiiguitarheroguitarheroiiineversoftnintendorefundreplacementwiiSun, 24 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guitar Hero replacement discs ship next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/guitar-hero-replacement-discs-ship-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/guitar-hero-replacement-discs-ship-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/22/guitar-hero-replacement-discs-ship-next-month/#commentsFiled under:


Well, just a few days after we received word you could register online for your new Dolby Pro Logic II-enabled version of Guitar Hero III, we finally get confirmation as to when you can expect your disc to arrive. Our previous placeholder date of "early 2008" now becomes "next month," as Activision confirms.

Seeing as now we know just how much money the Guitar Hero name is worth, we wonder what kind of financial detriment this whole debacle has been for the company? How much money is Activision going to lose in shipping out these replacement discs to gamers?

JoystiqGuitar Hero replacement discs ship next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisiongh3ghiiiguitar-hero-iiiguitarhero-guitar-heroreplacementTue, 22 Jan 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Activision opens pre-registration for Guitar Hero Wii replacement discs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/activision-opens-pre-registration-for-gh-wii-replacement-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/activision-opens-pre-registration-for-gh-wii-replacement-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/04/activision-opens-pre-registration-for-gh-wii-replacement-discs/#commentsFiled under: ,


For those of you who own the Wii version of Guitar Hero III and figured out you couldn't hear what the other speaker was saying, Activision is slowly beginning to remedy Guiter Hero Wii's mono sound. There is now a page up on the Activision's support site with information to pre-register for a replacement disc.

The pre-registration is available for North American customers only, and the site claims new discs will be available in "early 2008." If you don't feel like pre-registering at this time, there is also a notification by email option for receiving updates on the situation. Guitar Hero Wii's mono sound should find a nice place in "How'd the heck that happen?" History, right next to Dead Rising's teenie tiny text.

JoystiqActivision opens pre-registration for Guitar Hero Wii replacement discs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionBreakingNewsguitarheroIIImonoRed-OctaneredoctanereplacementWiiFri, 04 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo replaces DS Lite, asks no questions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/nintendo-replaces-ds-lite-asks-no-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/nintendo-replaces-ds-lite-asks-no-questions/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/19/nintendo-replaces-ds-lite-asks-no-questions/#commentsFiled under:


What's that line from Batman Begins, something like "theatricality and deception are powerful agents" or something? Well, Consumerist reader Mike might not have been deceptive, but he certainly didn't do anything to stop the Nintendo rep from sending him a brand new DS Lite to replace his existing one that was rendered inoperable due to negligence.

Nintendo ended up sending his new DS Lite out by 2-day UPS Air, asking that he only send back the damaged DS Lite to them. All of this, considering it was a friend that spilled beer (he wouldn't be our friend after that, as we can't abide by wasted beer) on the DS Lite. Kudos to Nintendo customer service, we suppose, for not inquiring how the unit became damaged and leaping to the rescue, no questions asked.

[Thanks, Tracy!]

JoystiqNintendo replaces DS Lite, asks no questions originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Nov 2007 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokencustomerservicehingereplacementMon, 19 Nov 2007 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[MS offers free replacements for scratched Halo 3 discs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/ms-offers-free-replacements-for-scratched-halo-3-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/ms-offers-free-replacements-for-scratched-halo-3-discs/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/25/ms-offers-free-replacements-for-scratched-halo-3-discs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Well that was fast. Microsoft is already offering free replacement for Halo 3 discs scratched by shoddy limited edition packaging. Consumers who send in their damaged discs along with a disc replacement form by Dec. 31 will receive pristine new discs within two weeks, according to Xbox.com. The Halo 3 limited edition replacement waives the usual $20 fee charged to replace other scratched, Microsoft-published discs under a program started back in April.

"We have identified that there are some instances of blemishes on discs as a result of the packaging," Microsoft spokesman David Dennis told an AP reporter. "This is a small fraction of the total number of Halo 3 games shipped and sold, and is a limited production version of the game."

In most cases reported so far the scratches appear to be cosmetic and don't impact regular functioning of the game. Still, premium edition purchasers can rightly expect an unblemished disc for their extra money and it's nice of Microsoft to recognize this. Then again, that two week wait could be a killer for gamers who have already waited so long for some Halo 3 action. Reminds us a bit of another time-consuming Microsoft problem.

Read - Xbox disc replacement program
Read - AP story on the problem

JoystiqMS offers free replacements for scratched Halo 3 discs originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingnewshalo3microsoftreplacementscratchXbox-360Tue, 25 Sep 2007 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Super Paper Mario in Europe has game freezing bug]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/super-paper-mario-in-europe-has-game-freezing-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/super-paper-mario-in-europe-has-game-freezing-bug/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/19/super-paper-mario-in-europe-has-game-freezing-bug/#commentsFiled under: ,


Joystiq reader Steven A. sent us word that Nintendo will soon offer to replace copies of Super Paper Mario in the PAL territories due to a game freezing bug. Steven even made a video of the bug which we've placed after the break. Nintendo states the error is very specific and occurs in Chapter 2-2. If you talk to Mimi a second time without picking up a specific key the game will freeze and you'll have to reset the system. If you've passed Chapter 2-2 without any issue, you're in the clear.

For those wondering why this issue is coming up now, it's because Europe just got Super Paper Mario last week. The game freeze does not damage the console and you can avoid the bug by avoiding the trigger described. Nintendo will soon explain the replacement program on their website.

[Thanks Steven]

Continue reading Super Paper Mario in Europe has game freezing bug

JoystiqSuper Paper Mario in Europe has game freezing bug originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Sep 2007 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>europePALrecallreplacementsuperpapermarioWiiWed, 19 Sep 2007 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Replacement straps replaced by replacement replacement straps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/replacement-straps-replaced-by-replacement-replacement-straps/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/replacement-straps-replaced-by-replacement-replacement-straps/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/08/03/replacement-straps-replaced-by-replacement-replacement-straps/#commentsFiled under:

Nintendo has refined their Wiimote wrist strap design again, almost successfully removing all user responsibility for holding the controller. The newest revision has a locking clip that should keep the strap firmly in place. And if this doesn't work, it's time for Krazy Glue.

It's currently unknown if Nintendo is willing to send these out for free as they did with the original replacements, or if these will only be included with new Wiimotes. But if your current strap isn't constantly sliding off your wrist, you don't really need one of the new ones! Unless you just really want it to be more belt-like.

JoystiqReplacement straps replaced by replacement replacement straps originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>replacementwiimotewriststrapFri, 03 Aug 2007 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Lite cover is TOTALLY METAL]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ds-lite-cover-is-totally-metal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ds-lite-cover-is-totally-metal/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/06/27/ds-lite-cover-is-totally-metal/#commentsFiled under: ,



If you're looking for a matte black look for your DS, look no further. Replacement cases are way better than DIY solutions, at least in this instance. This sleek aluminum shell is, frankly, pretty hot, especially with all that white peeking through. And hey -- just in case you harbored a secret desire to replace your soccer ball with a DS Lite one afternoon, this may be just the thing you need. Because it's metal.

The black aluminum shell sells for ¥2,520, or a little more than $20.

[Via Famitsu]

JoystiqDS Lite cover is TOTALLY METAL originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jun 2007 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumblackds liteDsLiteimportmetalreplacementshellWed, 27 Jun 2007 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[SHOCKii Wii case replacement prototype photos]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/shockii-wii-case-replacement-prototype-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/shockii-wii-case-replacement-prototype-photos/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/06/shockii-wii-case-replacement-prototype-photos/#commentsFiled under:


While most are satisfied with the sterile white casing of their Wii, many still pine for the variety of color options Nintendo originally promised. Gamers looking to add a bit of spice to their vanilla systems will welcome SHOCKii, a collection of replacement Wii cases from the same people behind the CHUCKii nunchuck shells and SHOCK DS Lite cases.

Singapore-based XTreme Enterprise has put up the first photos of their prototype "cool black" casing. The ABS plastic faceplate, buttons and controller panels manage to not look cheap at all, despite the planned pricing being equivalent to "a Wii/DS game." The final SHOCKii cases will be available in Astro Yellow, Dreamy Blue, Dynamic Red, Cool Black and Strat Clear.

JoystiqSHOCKii Wii case replacement prototype photos originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Mar 2007 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casecasingchuckiicolorscool blackCoolBlackmodnintendonintendowiireplacementshellshockshockiiwiixtremeenterpriseTue, 06 Mar 2007 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Warm Up: Had to replace anything yet?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/wii-warm-up-had-to-replace-anything-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/wii-warm-up-had-to-replace-anything-yet/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/02/wii-warm-up-had-to-replace-anything-yet/#commentsFiled under:

When it comes to your Wii, have you had to replace anything yet? We're not talking about televisions here (let's hope you're not one of those victims), but actual system-related gear. Any controller malfunctions? We're particularly concerned about the cord connecting the remote and nunchuk -- it seems just a little short in moments of excitement, but maybe we flail a little too enthusiastically. What about the sensor bar? Any ripped cords or crushed plastic? Any problems with the system itself so far? Not anything that was broken out of the box, mind you, and not errors, but things you had to replace due to failure. Yeah, we know, it's specific. But we're curious about how long all these little items are going to last, since the controllers aren't exactly cheap. So how are they doing so far?

JoystiqWii Warm Up: Had to replace anything yet? originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brokenNintendoreplacementWiiwwuFri, 02 Mar 2007 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters adds a 'Rainbow' to Bubble Bobble replacements]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/codemasters-adds-a-rainbow-to-bubble-bobble-replacements/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/codemasters-adds-a-rainbow-to-bubble-bobble-replacements/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/23/codemasters-adds-a-rainbow-to-bubble-bobble-replacements/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

taste the rainbowWere you affected by the Bubble Bobble Revolution recall? Of course you weren't -- you didn't buy a game that was known to be broken: "The game is so broken that it isn't worth purchasing. Do not support sloppy game making. Do not buy this game" (Digital Entertainment News). Did you?

Apparently some did. Now, five months later the fixed replacements are shipping out. And guess what? Codemasters has packed a tiny Rainbow into every box. Aw, how thoughtful... (too bad it's rubbish -- but it's all the team had).

Was that too harsh? Yeah, probably. Um, well, then let's just say this was indeed a kind gesture -- and leave it at that. Anyone else care to make nice? We're looking at you two, Microsoft and Treyarch.

JoystiqCodemasters adds a 'Rainbow' to Bubble Bobble replacements originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bubble Bobble RevolutionBubbleBobbleBubbleBobbleRevolutionCodemastersDSRainbow Islands RevolutionRainbowIslandsRevolutionReplacementFri, 23 Feb 2007 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Case mods: New colors sooner than you think]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/case-mods-new-colors-sooner-than-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/case-mods-new-colors-sooner-than-you-think/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/12/case-mods-new-colors-sooner-than-you-think/#commentsFiled under:

The absence of colorNDSCentral.com, which has long offered case-mod replacement shells for the DS and DS Lite, is getting ready to open up a new section for Wii case mods. Replacement shells for the Wiimote, nunchuck, and Wii unit itself are now available in black, red, yellow, blue, and translucent. Though the shells are covered in acrylic paint, as opposed to the high-gloss finish of the original units, the added color is just sure to go with your outfit. The shells for the accessories are quite cheap ($14.90 and $11.90 USD for the Wiimote and nunchuck, respectively), so if you're feeling iridescent, head on over.

(Don't forget to pick up a tri-wing screwdriver to affix the mod!)

[Thanks, Capt. Castellanos!]

JoystiqCase mods: New colors sooner than you think originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Feb 2007 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CaseColorModReplacementShellMon, 12 Feb 2007 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Why your Wii is glowing]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/why-your-wii-is-glowing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/why-your-wii-is-glowing/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/07/why-your-wii-is-glowing/#commentsFiled under:

Glowy funYou could simply turn on the unit and check for yourself, but that would mean depriving yourself of that hypnotic glow that fills your soul with abject bliss. No, come to us instead! We will keep you well-informed.

It's nothing earth-shattering, alas. Nintendo simply sent out a responsible message to all Wii-owners about the original pack-in wrist straps, still the subject of much debate. Along with a friendly reminder not to be a retard, the message also directs gamers to a website at which they can exchange their puny straps for the beefy, meaty kind. We love when companies take responsibility for their mistakes, but sometimes, they take too much responsibility ... damn friend codes.

JoystiqWhy your Wii is glowing originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlueGlowMessagePrettyReplacementStrapWristWed, 07 Feb 2007 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii email informs consumers of strap replacement]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/wii-email-informs-consumers-of-strap-replacement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/wii-email-informs-consumers-of-strap-replacement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/06/wii-email-informs-consumers-of-strap-replacement/#commentsFiled under: ,


This evening Nintendo sent strap replacement information directly to Wii owners who have an internet connection. Using the Wii's mail function, Nintendo sent an email to Wii owners regarding replacement straps: "Nintendo has received some reports that when consumers swing the Wii Remote with the original version of the wrist-strap using excessive force and accidentally let go, the cord connecting the controller to the wrist strap can break."

The wrist strap replacement program has been in place since December. The interesting thing here is that Nintendo sent the information directly to consumers, albeit a little late, instead of solely depending on the press to disseminate the information. When Microsoft extended the warranty on the Xbox 360, we don't recall if any post was made on the Xbox Live network informing consumers. We appreciate that Nintendo sent this email out to consumers. Next time though, it might help to do it during the scandal, rather than three months later.

JoystiqWii email informs consumers of strap replacement originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Feb 2007 23:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>replacementstrapwiiwii-moteTue, 06 Feb 2007 23:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Have the replacements been replaced?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/have-the-replacements-been-replaced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/have-the-replacements-been-replaced/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/22/have-the-replacements-been-replaced/#commentsFiled under: ,



Well, either demand for replacement wrist straps was higher than Nintendo anticipated, or they just decided the new console and everything that goes with it was just too pretty. Whatever the reason, some gamers are crying foul because their replacement wrist straps are arriving, and they're not quite what was expected.

In a word, they're ugly. At least, that seems to be the general consensus thus far. But whatever your opinion on the aesthetic qualities of the new new wrist straps, they're certainly different from what we've seen before. But perhaps there is a method to the madness. It's been reported that the new end pieces are rubber instead of plastic. Perhaps the were concerned about a new bevy of Wii-based injuries now that the breakage issue has been addressed. Have cries of "you'll Wii your eye out!" been averted? Either way, reports vary; some folks have the new, rubberized version, and some folks have the sleeker, Nintendo-fied replacements. So long as they work, we're mostly happy. How about you?

JoystiqHave the replacements been replaced? originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>NintendoreplacementWiiWiimotewrist strapWristStrapMon, 22 Jan 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Lost your game case? Print new artwork]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/lost-your-game-case-print-new-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/lost-your-game-case-print-new-artwork/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/19/lost-your-game-case-print-new-artwork/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ever lost your Xbox 360 game case? Do you miss that pretty case artwork, lovely marketing jargon on the back, and wordy warnings? Don't worry, CDcovers is here to save the day! CDcovers offers downloadable box artwork for some Xbox 360 games for you to print, cut, and put back into an empty game case. They offer multiple versions of each game including PAL, French, NTSC and custom. And if you are the artsy type, you could theoretically print off a bunch of cover artwork and make a collage. Fire up your printer, you've got work to do.

[Via GamingBits]
[Thanks, Jonah]

JoystiqLost your game case? Print new artwork originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Jan 2007 11:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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