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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[TPA takes home trophy in League of Legends World Championship]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/tpa-takes-home-trophy-in-league-of-legends-world-championship/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/tpa-takes-home-trophy-in-league-of-legends-world-championship/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/15/tpa-takes-home-trophy-in-league-of-legends-world-championship/#comments TPA wins League of Legends championship and lots of moneyTaiwan team Taipei Assassins won the League of Legends World Championship on Saturday, walking away with the $1 million grand prize. TPA includes members Chen Hui Chung (MiSTakE), Kurtis Lau (Toyz), Alex Sung (Lilballz), Cheng Bo Wei (Bebeisadog) and Wang June Tsan (Stanley). But you can just call them "The Champions."

TPA defeated South Korean team Azubu Frost in the final round. The League of Legends World Championship tournament saw a snowball of delays, beginning with "connectivity issues" and concluding with reports of cheating. Riot Games issued multiple "unsportsmanlike conduct" warnings and slapped one player, Azubu Frost's Woong, with a $30,000 fine (20 percent of the $150,000 prize for advancing to the semifinals).

Still, the tournament ended on time and with a clear winner. Congratulations, TPA, and may the odds be ever in your favor.

JoystiqTPA takes home trophy in League of Legends World Championship originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>league-of-legendspctaipei-assassinstaiwantpaworld-championshipsMon, 15 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[British Telecom says it's 'highly likely' to write off OnLive stake]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/british-telecom-says-its-highly-likely-to-write-off-onlive-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/british-telecom-says-its-highly-likely-to-write-off-onlive-st/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/21/british-telecom-says-its-highly-likely-to-write-off-onlive-st/#comments 0British Telecom has reported that it is "highly likely" to simply write off the 2.6 percent stake it invested in the recently rebooted cloud computing service, OnLive. The issue isn't yet settled, but a BT spokesperson told TechRadar that "the 2.6 percent shareholding in OnLive does not represent a significant investment for BT as a whole. We consider it highly likely that we'll have to write off our investment."

HTC also made a $40 million investment in OnLive, and it has already reported to the Taiwanese Stock Exchange that it considers the money written off. With all of OnLive's assets being transferred to form a new company, getting compensated for their investments may be more trouble than it's worth for both HTC and BT.

But the book isn't closed just yet - BT says it will "keep a close eye on developments" with OnLive, and that current customers who are able to access the service can continue to do so for the time being.

JoystiqBritish Telecom says it's 'highly likely' to write off OnLive stake originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>british-telecombtcompanieshtcinvestmentmobileonlivepcstakestockstaiwanTue, 21 Aug 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[NMA takes animation to real life with 'Video gamers have special brains' video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/nma-takes-animation-to-real-life-with-video-gamers-have-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/nma-takes-animation-to-real-life-with-video-gamers-have-special/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/21/nma-takes-animation-to-real-life-with-video-gamers-have-special/#comments
Bizarre as NMA's brief, often gaming-related videos tend to be, the latest is quite informative as well. For instance, did you know that the Taiwanese media group could blend real life with its hilarious animations? Neither did we!

JoystiqNMA takes animation to real life with 'Video gamers have special brains' video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gamers-have-special-brainsnext-media-animationnmataiwanMon, 21 Nov 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Asia gets limited edition Final Fantasy XIII Lightning controller]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/asia-gets-limited-edition-final-fantasy-xiii-lightning-controlle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/asia-gets-limited-edition-final-fantasy-xiii-lightning-controlle/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/asia-gets-limited-edition-final-fantasy-xiii-lightning-controlle/#commentsDon't you wish you had a matching controller for that limited edition 250GB Lightning PS3 you bought from Japan? Well, if you go to Hong Kong or Taiwan, you'll be able to do just that. To celebrate the new Chinese language release of Final Fantasy XIII, a new special edition DualShock 3 controller will be released. For about $90, you'll be able to get a bundle that includes the Chinese language version of the game, a PSN card, and a special Lightning-branded white DualShock controller, featuring the same pink design as the LE console.

[Via Siliconera]

Gallery: Final Fantasy XIII Limited Edition PS3

JoystiqAsia gets limited edition Final Fantasy XIII Lightning controller originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dualshock-3dualshock3final-fantasy-xiiihong-kongsquare-enixtaiwanwhiteFri, 23 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Taiwanese man beats World of Warcraft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/taiwanese-man-beats-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/taiwanese-man-beats-world-of-warcraft/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/taiwanese-man-beats-world-of-warcraft/#comments They said it couldn't be done. Well, to be fair, it can't -- however, if one were to track the completion of Blizzard's super successful World of Warcraft by the number of achievements a player had unlocked, then a Taiwanese player has effectively solved that game tape. A character named "Little Gray" on the Wrathbringer server has completed all 986 of the game's 'cheevos, killing 390,895 creatures and finishing 5,906 quests along the way.

However, this triumph of human resolve has been diminished by one small caveat: one upcoming winter holiday-tied achievement, titled "BB King," remains locked, but due to a glitched PvP achievement that apparently unlocked twice, his statistics say he's batting a thousand. With the game's Winter Veil festivities approaching, we expect Little Gray will unlock that last feat soon, at which point the credits will roll, and his account will be permanently erased. Or the server will explode. Definitely one of those two.

[Via CVG]

JoystiqTaiwanese man beats World of Warcraft originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achievementsblizzardmmommorpgtaiwanworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 02 Dec 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony inks deal with Taiwanese dev consortium]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/sony-inks-deal-with-taiwanese-dev-consortium/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/sony-inks-deal-with-taiwanese-dev-consortium/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/06/sony-inks-deal-with-taiwanese-dev-consortium/#comments
Sony has made big strides in developer relations in Taiwan, as the Taipei Times reports the manufacturer has signed a new deal with Taiwanese developers in an effort to help boost the PS3's and PSP's presence in the region. It's been down due to consumers flocking to the cheaper Wii and, consequently, causing the development manpower to follow.

Through this new deal with Sony Computer Entertainment Asia, six different independent developers will work on PlayStation products. The Taipei Times implies that digital content on the PS3 and PSP Go is likely to result. In addition, the deal will see the Taiwanese government subsidizing development costs by 40%, hopefully making Taiwan a much more attractive place to make games.

JoystiqSony inks deal with Taiwanese dev consortium originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>sony-computer-entertainmentsony-computer-entertainment-asiataipeitaipei-timestaiwanMon, 06 Jul 2009 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Final Fantasy XIII coming to Xbox 360 in Taiwan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/final-fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360-in-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/final-fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360-in-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/05/final-fantasy-xiii-coming-to-xbox-360-in-taiwan/#commentsFiled under: , ,

North America? Check. Europe? Check. Japan? We'll come back to that one. Microsoft can now add Taiwan to its list of territories to have Final Fantasy XIII grace the Xbox 360. At a game exhibition in Taipei (via GNN Gamer), Microsoft executive Grace Chou announced the Chinese territory would be getting the Xbox 360 version, although she said it was currently undecided which localized variant (i.e. Japanese voices, English voices or both) would be used. Also unclear is what other Asian countries, if any, would get the Xbox 360 version.

Our fingers are crossed that this news matters at all before the Mayan-predicted "spiritual transformation" (read: potential apocalypse) of 2012. Seriously, this game isn't coming for a long time.

[Via Kotaku]

JoystiqFinal Fantasy XIII coming to Xbox 360 in Taiwan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinaff13ffxiiifinal-fantasy-13final-fantasy-xiiijapanPS3taiwanXbox-360Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo 'localizes' DS systems for Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/nintendo-localizes-ds-systems-for-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/nintendo-localizes-ds-systems-for-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/07/nintendo-localizes-ds-systems-for-asia/#commentsFiled under:

We may not be getting a redesigned DS in the near future (if you believe the company line), but there will be some "localized" DS systems flooding the markets in the near future. We're not sure what the differences are between a "localized" handheld and a good old-fashioned DS Lite, as Nintendo hasn't offered any specifics. What we do know is this:
  • They'll be releasing in Taiwan, possibly South Korea, and (eventually) China
  • They'll be sold in mobile phone stores
  • They'll be available by the end of the month
We wonder if the fact that these redesigned localized DSes are being sold in phone stores is an indication of cell phone support (or, at the very least, connectivity). We think guessing "yes" is a pretty safe bet, but in any case, we're waiting to hear more details from Nintendo itself before going crazy with speculation. This is certainly an interesting move on the Big N's part, though, in the company's attempt to revive sales and fight the popular PC beast in Asia. Being the analyst wannabes that we are, we can't wait to see if this has any impact on the hardware market.

JoystiqNintendo 'localizes' DS systems for Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacell-phonechinalocalizationmobile-phonesouth-koreataiwanMon, 07 Jul 2008 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii releases in Taiwan next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/wii-releases-in-taiwan-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/wii-releases-in-taiwan-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/26/wii-releases-in-taiwan-next-month/#commentsFiled under:


Following its recent release to Korea, Nintendo has made an official announcement that the console will now also release in Taiwan. On July 12th, gamers will be able to nab a Wii of their very own. And, even better than the Japanese, their console will come bundled with Wii Sports.

Do you think sales will be as poor as Korea?

JoystiqWii releases in Taiwan next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusinessjapankoreasalesfigurestaiwanwii-sportswiisportsThu, 26 Jun 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Nintendo teams up with distributor to bring DS to Taiwan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/nintendo-teams-up-with-distributor-to-bring-ds-to-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/nintendo-teams-up-with-distributor-to-bring-ds-to-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/nintendo-teams-up-with-distributor-to-bring-ds-to-taiwan/#commentsFiled under:

For all of you in Taiwan who have relied on non-official distribution to satisfy your need for Nintendo, know that a new third-party distributor has made a deal with Nintendo to supply the region with video games from the Kyoto-based company. FarEasTone (FET) will be teaming up with Nintendo to provide the region with DS units and hopefully find as receptive a market as the handheld has in all other regions of the world it's available for sale.

Two specific models of DS Lite were mentioned, in the crimson black (or "senior") unit and a "New Super Mario DS Lite console." The handheld will be available from July 3rd on.

JoystiqNintendo teams up with distributor to bring DS to Taiwan originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscrimsonfareastonefetNew-Super-Mario-Bros-DSNintendoPlatformsalessalesfiguresseniortaiwanTue, 10 Jun 2008 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft drops price of Xbox 360 in Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/microsoft-drops-price-of-xbox-360-in-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/microsoft-drops-price-of-xbox-360-in-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/microsoft-drops-price-of-xbox-360-in-asia/#commentsFiled under: ,

Microsoft has dropped the price of its Xbox 360 in four Asian markets: Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan (via Bloomberg). According to Microsoft executive Jeff Bell, price reductions in Europe caused sales of the hardware there to almost double.

Here are the price drops reported by region:
  • Hong Kong: An 11 percent drop
  • Singapore: A 20 percent drop to S$499 (US $366)
  • South Korea: A 5.1 percent to 369,000 won (US $369)
  • Taiwan: A 17 percent drop to NT$10,360 (US $340)
According to a Microsoft spokesperson in Taipei, the Hong Kong and Taiwan price drops will come today. The Singapore and South Korea price drop confirmations came from separate emails with no confirmation as to the effective date.

JoystiqMicrosoft drops price of Xbox 360 in Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiachinahong-kongkoreamicrosoftsingaporesouth-koreataiwanXbox-360Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii heads to Taiwan (officially)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/wii-heads-to-taiwan-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/wii-heads-to-taiwan-officially/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/wii-heads-to-taiwan-officially/#commentsFiled under:


We're going to rep the set for our homies in Taiwan for a second, letting them know that they can floss their own Wii come Q2 of this year when Nintendo bangs on their set. Distribution will be handled by Hakuyu and Weblink International.

This isn't to say the console is just becoming available to the region, however. Consumers have been able to get their hands on imported Wiis for some time now. Now they have actual support to look forward to, though.

[Via Codename Revolution]

JoystiqWii heads to Taiwan (officially) originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hakuyulaunchtaiwanweblink-internationalWed, 27 Feb 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA gets Warhammer Online ready for Asian market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-gets-warhammer-online-ready-to-tap-asian-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-gets-warhammer-online-ready-to-tap-asian-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/31/ea-gets-warhammer-online-ready-to-tap-asian-market/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EA is getting all its orcs, elves and other fantasy creatures in a row over in Asia for the eventual release of EA Mythic's Warhammer Online. EA announced that it has entered into an agreement with GigaMedia to launch and operate WAR in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau.

Working with the team at EA Mythic, GigaMedia will handle marketing, community management, technical support, customer service functions and details regarding the release which "will be announced in the months ahead." With any luck, this means EA is actually putting effort and thought behind Warhammer Online instead of just throwing it to the wolves like the ill-fated Earth and Beyond. That pile-o-WoW-cash sitting at Activision-Blizzard must be acting as a positive influence.

JoystiqEA gets Warhammer Online ready for Asian market originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-mythicElectronic-ArtsgigamediaPCtaiwanwarwarhammer-onlineThu, 31 Jan 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DS Style screens for travelers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/ds-style-screens-for-travelers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/ds-style-screens-for-travelers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/06/ds-style-screens-for-travelers/#commentsFiled under: ,

Screens of three new Square Enix DS "games" have made it to Famitsu. Before you get too excited, these are not new RPGs or anything, but rather three of the World Walking programs in Square Enix's DS Style series. There's sort of an upper bound to the enthusiasm that can be generated by maps, unless you're a cartographer, we suppose.

In the absence of megaton-level hype, we'll just say that these programs look very well-designed and incredibly useful for Japanese travelers. We love that they keep time for Japan and for the destination region, and we quite wish our maps were more automated, searchable, and compact.

Read - World Walking Taiwan
Read - World Walking New York
Read - World Walking Hawaii

JoystiqDS Style screens for travelers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dsstylehawaiinewyorknongamestaiwanworldwalkingThu, 06 Sep 2007 13:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Get serious with new DS Style screens]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-ds-style-series-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-ds-style-series-screens/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/09/new-ds-style-series-screens/#commentsFiled under: ,

We're expecting a load of news when the Square Enix Party starts. For now, we've got new screens from the DS Style series, which is obviously too serious for parties. Specifically, new screens were released of Flower Blooming DS: Gardening Life, Shall We Listen to Classical Music on the DS?, and three World Walking map programs: Italy, France and Taiwan.

We could kind of see picking up a DS map program instead of a guidebook when we go on vacation, since we tend to take the DS with us anyway. We are definitely feeling a strong urge to buy the classical music "game" as well, since it's being developed by iNiS. Smart move, Squeenix.

Continue reading Get serious with new DS Style screens

JoystiqGet serious with new DS Style screens originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 09 May 2007 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classicalclassicalmusicdsds liteds styleDsLitedsstyleenixfrancegardengardeninginisitalylitemapmapsmusicnintendonintendo dsNintendoDsnon-gamenon-gamesnongamenongamessquaresquare enixSquareEnixstyletaiwanwalkingworldwalkingWed, 09 May 2007 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Foxconn production: Not enough for Wii, plenty for PS3?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/foxconn-production-not-enough-for-wii-plenty-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/foxconn-production-not-enough-for-wii-plenty-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/11/foxconn-production-not-enough-for-wii-plenty-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Taiwan's DigiTimes is reporting today that Foxconn Precision Components is set to "begin volume production of PS3 in the second half of 2007 in order to meet strong demand in the upcoming peak season." Foxconn, Foxconn ... why does that name sound so familiar? Oh yeah, they're the company that sources said had production facilities that were "insufficient to meet persistent strong sales of the [Wii]" a few weeks ago, leading Nintendo to search for additional production partners.

So, if we're reading this right, Foxconn has enough additional capacity to meet the "strong demand" expected for the PS3, but not enough additional capacity to keep up with the "consistent strong sales" of the Wii going forward. It's a bit circumstantial, but it's enough to make us wonder just how many systems each company is planning on producing for the coming fiscal year.

Read - Foxconn ready for volume production of PS3 gaming consoles
Read - Shakeups expected in Wii and Xbox 360 supply chains

JoystiqFoxconn production: Not enough for Wii, plenty for PS3? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>productionPS3system warsSystemWarstaiwanwiiWed, 11 Apr 2007 18:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix brings lifestyle titles to DS]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/square-enix-brings-lifestyle-titles-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/square-enix-brings-lifestyle-titles-to-ds/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/04/04/square-enix-brings-lifestyle-titles-to-ds/#commentsFiled under:

Continuing its praiseworthy support for the Nintendo DS, Square Enix has announced DS Style, a new line of software for the casual gaming audience. According to the latest issue of Famitsu, the company is venturing away from its RPG franchises for a moment, focusing instead on leisure activities like yoga, classical music, and gardening. It might not sound as exciting as SRPG battles or Chocobo mini-games, but different strokes for different folks.

Square Enix will also be releasing DS travel guides based on the popular World Walking tour book series in Japan. These guides will provide maps and other useful information for sightseers visiting countries like France or Thailand. Check past the post break for the full list of destination guides and verbose titles from Square Enix's DS Style lineup.

[Via NeoGAF]

Continue reading Square Enix brings lifestyle titles to DS

JoystiqSquare Enix brings lifestyle titles to DS originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualcasualsclassicalclassicalmusicdsstyleenixflowerflowerbloomingflowersfrancegardengardeninghawaiiitalylifelifestylemusicnewyorknintendodsnintendodslitenongamesquaresquareenixstyletaiwanthailandtourguidetourguidesworldwalkingyogayogalessonsWed, 04 Apr 2007 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The NCC allows the Wii in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/the-ncc-allows-the-wii-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/the-ncc-allows-the-wii-in/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/03/20/the-ncc-allows-the-wii-in/#commentsFiled under:

Apparently, travelers to the Taipei, Taiwan airport over the last few months, whilst carrying a Nintendo Wii, have had their console confiscated. The console is no doubt destined for a cold chair in a dark room, to be interrogated under a single light, confessing to numerous crimes. "I let them ... download software from my Wii Shop and surf the web ... on my browser," it cries, the dim blue light of its disc tray barely visible through all the tears. Just as the the two officers interrogating the unit have heard enough, pulling out their handcuffs to whisk the Wii away to some gulag, the disc slot lights up. A new message!

The new message informs the officers that the Nintendo Wii is now permitted entry into the country, as the government gave in to pressure from those who have had their console confiscated in the past, as well as those with common sense. So, if you're planning a trip to the country, you could bring your Wii, but honestly ... don't you have better things to do on your vacation than play some video games?

JoystiqThe NCC allows the Wii in originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2007 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendonintendotaiwannintendowiitaiwanwiiTue, 20 Mar 2007 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft celebrates Year of the Boar with boring bundles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/09/microsoft-celebrates-year-of-the-boar-with-boring-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/09/microsoft-celebrates-year-of-the-boar-with-boring-bundles/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/09/microsoft-celebrates-year-of-the-boar-with-boring-bundles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

boar-ingMicrosoft is ushering in the (Lunar) New Year with a pair of discounted Xbox 360 game packs. One set includes Project Gotham Racing 3 and Ridge Racer 6; the other, Dead or Alive 4 and Dead or Alive Xtreme 2. The 'Year of the Boar' branded bundles are being sold in Taiwan, where Xbox 360 launched last March. At $1,490 TWD (about $45 USD) a pop, the festive fun-packs aren't screaming "buy me" -- at least from our perspective. We're looking at three launch titles that have since been bargain-binned and a virtual peep show. This the best Microsoft could scoop outta the over-manufactured heap? Or do these hit the "target"?

JoystiqMicrosoft celebrates Year of the Boar with boring bundles originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360BoarBundleDead-or-AliveDead-or-Alive-4Dead-or-Alive-Xtreme-2DOA-4FightingMicrosoftProject GothamProjectGothamRidge RacerRidgeRacerTaiwanTeam NinjaTeam-NinjaTeamNinjaTecmoXbox 360Xbox-360Xbox360Fri, 09 Feb 2007 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft asks what's wrong with Asian gamers [update 1]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/microsoft-asks-whats-wrong-with-se-asian-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/microsoft-asks-whats-wrong-with-se-asian-gamers/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/02/05/microsoft-asks-whats-wrong-with-se-asian-gamers/#commentsMarketing rule #1: If you want people to want your product, imply that not wanting it is somehow abnormal.

That seems to be the idea behind WhatsWrongWithU.com, a site promoting the Xbox 360 in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea. The English version (for Singapore) starts things off by posting a a big, "What's Wrong With U" on your screen and drives the point home by showing a snazzy picture of the system with a hand scrawled "You don't want this?" next to it. And what if we don't, huh? You won't be our friend? You won't share your lunch with us? What?

If the rhetorical question didn't convince you, how about a list of six totally gnarly features for the system, like "awesome gaming experiences" and "looks cool." The Xbox 360 has it all, and if you enter your e-mail address, you can have some awesomely rad Xbox 360 icons, emoticons and wallpapers, as well as more advertisements in your e-mail box.

We can't really picture the type of person who is going to be swayed by the petty schoolyard logic behind this site. In fact, because of this site, we'll now always associate the Xbox 360 with Eddie Murphy's ill-advised single WazUpWitU. Marketing rule #2: Being associated with Eddie Murphy's singing is not a good idea.

[Update: Fixed typos in the headline and 2nd parapgraph. Thanks commenters.]

JoystiqMicrosoft asks what's wrong with Asian gamers [update 1] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AdvertsiingEddieMurphyHongKongKoreamarketingSingaporeTaiwanWhat'sWrongWhat'sWrongWithYouWithYouXbox 360Xbox360Mon, 05 Feb 2007 17:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Yeah, Taiwan sold out of PS3's, but...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/yeah-taiwan-sold-out-of-ps3s-but/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/yeah-taiwan-sold-out-of-ps3s-but/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/16/yeah-taiwan-sold-out-of-ps3s-but/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yeah, yeah. We know that Taiwan sold out and we're well aware that they probably didn't get a very large number of units. But speculations abounded as to the actual number of units. In fact, kayzai and Andir2.0 were exactly right -- 500 units. Interestingly, only 150 will be available during a launch party in downtown Taipei in addition to the 350 units allocated to specific retail stores. So yes, while saying Taiwan sold out is akin to saying I sold my only pair of shoes (thus I'm sold out of shoes), it's still something marginally positive. Would it not be far worse news if those systems just sat on the shelves? Yes, it would.

JoystiqYeah, Taiwan sold out of PS3's, but... originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Playstation 3Playstation3PS3SonyTaiwanThu, 16 Nov 2006 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 to hit Taiwan, Hong Kong Nov. 17]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/ps3-to-hit-taiwan-hong-kong-nov-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/ps3-to-hit-taiwan-hong-kong-nov-17/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/03/ps3-to-hit-taiwan-hong-kong-nov-17/#commentsFiled under: ,

The websites for Sony Hong Kong and Taiwan confirm that the Playstation 3 will launch in both territories on Nov. 17, the same day the system hits North America and six days after it hits Japan. Only the 60GB version will be available initially for NT$17,980 and HK$3,780 respectively, with the 20GB version coming in December for NT$14,980 and HK$3,180.

Non-Japanese Asian markets tend to get systems much later than their brethren in the land of the rising sun -- both the Xbox 360 and DS Lite launched in Taiwan months after their Japanese counterparts. The quick launch is made more quixotic because of Sony's well-reported supply problems, which recently led the console-maker to scale back launch shipment projections in Japan to 80,000 units. Taiwan tech site DigiTimes quotes Sony Computer Entertainment Asia Managing Director Tetsuhiko Yasuda as targeting a million buyers in the region, but didn't indicate how long it might take to reach that number.


[Thanks D123]

JoystiqPS3 to hit Taiwan, Hong Kong Nov. 17 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiahong kongHongKongPS3taiwanFri, 03 Nov 2006 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's reallocated to Hong Kong and Taiwan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ps3s-reallocated-to-hong-kong-and-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ps3s-reallocated-to-hong-kong-and-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/02/ps3s-reallocated-to-hong-kong-and-taiwan/#commentsFiled under: ,

You guys implied it, now we supply it -- the news about the drop of PS3's allocated to Japan and the rumors of redistribution elsewhere. Related? Well, it's not a rumor anymore! On November 17th, the same day North America gets to try to get their hands on the PS3 (but about 12 hours sooner), so too will Hong Kong and Taiwan. The price? Well, conversion tables aside, the amount listed at the original article for the 60GB version is "NT$17,980" in Taiwan.

How many are being shipped there? That information was not disclosed, but with the 20% cut in Japan's expected numbers and so short thereafter this announcement, it's safe to say that it's not going to be very many. Anyone want to take bets? SCE Asia managing director Tetsuhiko Yasuda has stated they plan to "attract a million buyers." Perhaps by the end of the year? Even so, good call for those of you who said something about this the other day. It is indeed true. Kudos. Hats off. We bow to you. Congratulations. Uh... any more congratulatory/flattering remarks?

JoystiqPS3's reallocated to Hong Kong and Taiwan originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 02 Nov 2006 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hong KongHongKongPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3SCE AsiaSceAsiaSonyTaiwanThu, 02 Nov 2006 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New price cut rumor? Put it on the pile...]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/new-price-cut-rumor-put-it-on-the-pile/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/new-price-cut-rumor-put-it-on-the-pile/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/26/new-price-cut-rumor-put-it-on-the-pile/#commentsFiled under: ,

"Xbox 360 to receive price cut by Christmas," that old chestnut that refuses to die, has reared its ugly head once again. This time the news comes from Taiwanese manufacturers who claim that Microsoft has negotiated a lower cost for 360 production and will reduce the retail price of 360s by US $100. According to these Taiwanese sources, cheaper components and a more refined production process could reduce overall production costs by 15-20%. Additionally, this would allow Microsoft to bundle the HD-DVD drive while staying under $399.

Of course, Microsoft Taiwan has denied the rumor. And, it should be noted that cheaper production costs do not necessarily lead to cheaper retail prices. Not only that, but with the core system already being a full $200 cheaper than the low end PS3, Microsoft doesn't really need to lower its price.

Who knows, it might actually be true, but don't hold your breath. The much ballyhooed PGR and Points bundle is much more likely.

[Via OpenXBOX360]

JoystiqNew price cut rumor? Put it on the pile... originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cutmicrosoft taiwanMicrosoftTaiwanpriceprice cutprice reductionPriceCutPriceReductionretailtaiwanxbox 360Xbox360Wed, 26 Jul 2006 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 begins production in Taiwan]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/ps3-begins-production-in-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/ps3-begins-production-in-taiwan/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/19/ps3-begins-production-in-taiwan/#commentsFiled under:

According to Chinese-language outlets Apple Daily and Commercial Times, Taiwanese manufacturer Asustek Computer began shipping PlayStation 3 consoles in "small volume" in early July. The papers report Asustek recieved 200,000 component sets in June, inferring Asus could have produced as many as 200,000 consoles. As production ramps up, additional manufacturers (FoxConn) will be added to receive the more than one million component sets suppliers hope to deliver per month in September and October.

Sony plans to deliver 2mln PS3 consoles during the "launch window," 4mln by the end of 2006, and 6mln by March '07. In comparison, Microsoft had hoped to sell 10mln Xbox 360 consoles within the first 12 to 16 months giving them a 2.5x larger install base by the beginning of next year. Sony's numbers are looking good if they can meet the torrent of demand this holiday.

[Thanks to everyone for the tips; via X-bit Labs]

JoystiqPS3 begins production in Taiwan originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AsusAsusTekManufacturingPS3SonyTaiwanWed, 19 Jul 2006 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Giant 360 launch in Asia]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/17/giant-360-launch-in-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/17/giant-360-launch-in-asia/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/03/17/giant-360-launch-in-asia/#commentsMicrosoft launched the Xbox 360 in Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan yesterday, causing productivity to plummet among the hard working and good at math. Gamerscore Blog has pics of the kick-off events.

In a surprise move, the Xbox 360s being sold in this region (see photo at right) are apparently 10 feet tall, meaning the DVDs must be the size of trampolines-tough to fit through the door of the average Hong Kong apartment. This explains why gamers in this part of the world only have to pay $30.90 for Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter.

See also:
360 makes its Korean debut
Mexico and Colombia welcome the 360
Xbox 360 launch pictures from Berlin
Japanese launch extravaganza!

[Thanks, Cesar]

JoystiqGiant 360 launch in Asia originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Mar 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Hong KongHongKongSingaporeTaiwanFri, 17 Mar 2006 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony to strut PS3 at the other TGS?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/09/sony-to-strut-ps3-at-the-other-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/09/sony-to-strut-ps3-at-the-other-tgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/02/09/sony-to-strut-ps3-at-the-other-tgs/#commentsFiled under:


Sony is devoting one quarter of its booth space at the Taipei Game Show (the other TGS) to the PlayStation 3, according to the Chinese-language Commercial Times. It is not clear if Sony intends on displaying the unit behind glass, with nothing playable and no demos, similar to the console's appearance at CES. Considering the torrent of info unleashed from magazine scans lately, it sounds like Sony may be ready to give us more than a little peak. Heck, one quarter of their booth sounds like Sony is gonna be a little frisky.

[Thanks, mike]

JoystiqSony to strut PS3 at the other TGS? originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 09 Feb 2006 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PS3TaipeiTaiwanTGSThu, 09 Feb 2006 21:00:00 EST