Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2008 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Rumor: MGS4 80GB PS3 on the outs, get 'em while they lasthttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/rumor-mgs4-80gb-ps3-on-the-outs-get-em-while-they-last/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/rumor-mgs4-80gb-ps3-on-the-outs-get-em-while-they-last/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/20/rumor-mgs4-80gb-ps3-on-the-outs-get-em-while-they-last/#commentsFiled under: ,


It appears that the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle has finally been done in by the La-li-lu-le-lo. Our trusted Wal-Mart operative -- who has yet to fail us on a mission -- informs us the status of the bundle within the megacorp's computer is now "deleted." S/he tells us this means that there are no plans to receive any more shipments. We've contacted Sony for official word regarding any plans to restock the model.

We always knew the $499 bundle was a limited edition, so this isn't exactly a "!". What we are wondering: Will the model in the bundle be repackaged with a new game? Is this the end of PS3s with any type of PS2 backwards compatibility?

Gallery: Wal-Mart MGS4 PS3 deletion

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]]>80gb80gb-ps3metal-gear-solid-4mgs4wal-martwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2008-08-20T13:00:00+00:00Wal-Mart corporate confirms $100 PS3 gift card -- YES, even the MGS 4 bundlehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/wal-mart-corporate-confirms-100-ps3-gift-card-yes-even-mgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/wal-mart-corporate-confirms-100-ps3-gift-card-yes-even-mgs/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/11/wal-mart-corporate-confirms-100-ps3-gift-card-yes-even-mgs/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We have confirmed with Wal-Mart Corporate Communications that the company is currently offering a $100 gift card this week with the purchase of any Blu-ray player. This applies to all PS3s, including the Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle (pictured above) available tomorrow. This re-confirms the information and documentation one of our reliable sources gave us two weeks ago.

After we made sure to ask about the MGS4 bundle this morning, Melissa O'Brien, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, told us, "Any Blu-ray player. Blu-ray. All of them." She said that the deal is quite explicit in the Wal-Mart flyer for this week (an image of which we've placed after the break), and the deal is both online and in stores. We hope this clears up any confusion on the matter.

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]]>metal-gear-solid-4mgs4wal-martwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2008-06-11T10:30:00+00:00Wal-Mart offering $100 gift card with PS3 purchasehttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/wal-mart-offering-100-gift-card-with-ps3-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/wal-mart-offering-100-gift-card-with-ps3-purchase/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/30/wal-mart-offering-100-gift-card-with-ps3-purchase/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've received documentation from one of our reliable sources that the $100 gift card Walmart.com is currently offering with the purchase of a PS3 isn't the whole story. According to images shown us (one of which we've placed after the break) from the "Wal-Mart Wire," between June 1-7 Wal-Mart stores will give a $100 gift card to customers who purchase a PS3. The interesting part is that the following week, June 8 - 15, many Blu-ray players will offer the $100 gift card, and this apparently also includes the PS3.

The kicker here is if you're looking to pick up a PS3 with your purchase of Metal Gear Solid 4, the smart money would be to pick up the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle available June 12 because you'll get a $100 gift card out of the deal. Sure, you could be all about the Wal-Mart hate, but we'd take the free $100.

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]]>dealgift-cardgiftcardps3wal-martwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-30T20:00:00+00:00Walmart pushing Wii Fit pre-order for Mother's Dayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/walmart-pushing-wii-fit-pre-order-for-mothers-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/walmart-pushing-wii-fit-pre-order-for-mothers-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/02/walmart-pushing-wii-fit-pre-order-for-mothers-day/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wal-Mart is saying straight-up that mom could stand to lose a few pounds. Reuters reports that the mega-retailer's online division is pushing pre-orders of Wii Fit as a Mother's Day gift. Wii Fit doesn't release until May 19 in North America, but those who order the pressure-sensitive sweat-board before Mother's Day (May 11) will receive a $10 online gift card to use at Walmart.com in the future.

Kelly Thompson, Walmart.com's chief merchant, says the initial sales have been "extremely strong." Due to the fact that the system doesn't come out until a week after the holiday, Thompson recommends giving the $10 online gift card as a present. That's a great idea! We can see it now: "Hey mom, the passive-aggressive gift telling you that you're a fatty mcfat doesn't come for another week. Oh, in the meantime, here's a $10 gift card to Walmart.com." Somehow a nice brunch and flowers sounds like a better option.

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]]>mothers-daymothers-day-giftmothers-day-giftswal-martwalmartwii-fitwiifitAlexander Sliwinski2008-05-02T10:30:00+00:00Wal-Mart's GTA IV launch detailshttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/wal-marts-gta-iv-launch-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/wal-marts-gta-iv-launch-details/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/22/wal-marts-gta-iv-launch-details/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wal-Mart's intranet, "The Wire," recently laid out how the maestro of retail will handle the Grand Theft Auto IV launch. As seen in the picture above -- with the full plan detailed in the gallery below -- 24-hour stores will begin selling the game at midnight and should be prepared for the launch. One of the more interesting parts in the "execution guide" states that Wal-Mart has a "strategic focus on winning in gaming, and GTA IV represents a strong opportunity for [it] to highlight [its] entry into the gaming industry." Customers are supposed to know that Wal-Mart is the: "Fastest way to play GTA IV."

The guide describes that two associates should be manning the register, with one to ring up customers and the other to pass along the requested game version. If the line is too long, an electronics associate should "take quantities of the game to the front register and assist the cashier by handing out the game at time of purchase." Considering Wal-Mart went through the effort of making such a comprehensive guide, corporate would probably love to hear from customers who don't have a pleasant and efficient shopping experience during the GTA IV launch.*

*Metagame: The "execution guide" has a major error on Pg. 2, can you spot it? Hint after the break.

[Thanks Anonymous]

Gallery: Wal-Mart GTA IV plans



Hint: Look at the time at the bottom of the page. Looks like non 24-hour stores are being punished. Yes, we're sure it's a typo.

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]]>grand-theft-auto-ivgrandtheftautoivgta-ivgta4gtaivwal-martwalmartwalmart.comAlexander Sliwinski2008-04-22T09:30:00+00:00Wal-Mart goes 'exclusively' Blu-rayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/15/wal-mart-goes-exclusively-blu-ray/#commentsFiled under:


Wal-Mart declared today that it will "exclusively" back Blu-ray in the high-definition movie format war. We know there's a lot of emotions about this issue still out there, but when Netflix, Blockbuster, Best Buy, almost all of the major movie studios and WAL-MART go Blu-ray, can we finally say this is the end for HD DVD? Wal-Mart stated that "in less than 30 days" customers will see the alpha-dog of retailers go predominantly Blu-ray.

Wal-Mart's release to Joystiq also states that the company is moving "exclusively toward Blu-ray ... players." We've requested clarification as to whether this means they will no longer carry the Xbox 360 HD DVD add-on player. We'll update when we get a response. What we can say is that the 10 Wal-Mart stores we did call either had no idea there was an HD DVD add-on for the Xbox 360 or said they haven't had them for a while.

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]]>blu-rayblurayhd-dvdhddvdsonywal-martwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2008-02-15T20:30:00+00:00Wal-Mart gives $10 gift card to victims (opportunists) of Brawl price errorhttp://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/wal-mart-gives-10-gift-card-to-victims-opportunists-of-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/wal-mart-gives-10-gift-card-to-victims-opportunists-of-brawl/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/18/wal-mart-gives-10-gift-card-to-victims-opportunists-of-brawl/#commentsFiled under: ,


Wal-Mart wants to apologize with a $10 electronic gift card to those who acted on the long-shot dream of purchasing Super Smash Bros. Brawl for $19.82 last week due to an error last week. Wal-Mart shoppers who had their orders canceled by the corporate overlords have now made $10 out of deal, which can be put toward purchasing Brawl for $39.82 from Walmart.com. Brawl buyers who jumped at the error deal, keep an eye on your email, Uncle Wally's sending you a $10 gift card soon.

[Thanks to all who sent this in]

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]]>ssmbsupersmashbrosbrawlwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2008-01-18T23:40:00+00:00Wal-Mart 'ends' $20 Smash Bros. Brawl pre-orders [update]http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/wal-mart-offers-20-smash-bros-brawl-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/wal-mart-offers-20-smash-bros-brawl-pre-orders/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/wal-mart-offers-20-smash-bros-brawl-pre-orders/#commentsFiled under: ,


[Original headline: "Wal-Mart offers $20 Smash Bros. Brawl pre-orders"]

We know, we know. This Wal-Mart listing for Super Smash Bros. Brawl pre-orders at the bargain price of $19.82 is almost certainly a technical error. But, if you're going to buy the game anyway, we figure there can't be any harm in putting your name and two sawbucks down. Worse case scenario, your order gets canceled. Best case: You save $30.

That said, there is yet a third possibility that's downright mind-blowing. What if this is the actual price? Can you imagine how that would (continue) to move systems? Can you imagine what a sales juggernaut that would be? Sure, the Wii may not need the extra help, but come on, let us have our fantasy until reality brings it crashing down around us, OK?

Update 1: Looks like Wal-Mart is running a major pre-order sale, which also includes reduced prices for upcoming Xbox 360 and PS3 titles.

Update 2: Super Smash Bros. pre-order price has been changed to $49.82.

[Thanks, Dalibor]

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]]>smash-brossmash-bros-brawlsmashbrosbrawlssbbsuper-smash-bros-brawlsupersmashbrosbrawlwalmartJustin McElroy2008-01-11T10:45:00+00:00Wal-Mart goes extra mile in Halo 3 launch madnesshttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/wal-mart-goes-extra-mile-in-halo-3-launch-madness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/wal-mart-goes-extra-mile-in-halo-3-launch-madness/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/09/12/wal-mart-goes-extra-mile-in-halo-3-launch-madness/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Wal-Mart has opened a special page designed just for the Halo 3 launch. It appears Wal-Mart will be open for a midnight launch (those that aren't already 24-hour stores) with a designated Halo 3 checkout lane and dog tags. The website also allows you to send emails to your friends telling them the specific Wal-Mart to rendezvous at. And also, despite how evil Wal-Mart is, we believe them when they say there'll be plenty of copies in stock.

Although we prefer the sexy cool points of walking into a 7-Eleven at 12:01 to just get a copy of Halo 3 and a Slurpee, we can't help but think something will go wrong; however, wandering into a Wal-Mart at 12:01 seems like a guaranteed win -- even if we must mix with the plebeian. Following yesterday's announcement of festivities by Microsoft for the Halo 3 launch, we wouldn't be surprised if a couple more mega-corps announced special Halo 3 launches. BTW, if McDonalds announces that their midnight drive-thrus will be open and selling Halo 3 -- they win.

[Via X3F, Randomn3ss]

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]]>halo3midnightwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2007-09-12T10:00:00+00:00Rumor: Best Buy done with Xbox 360 core modelhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/best-buy-done-with-xbox-360-core-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/best-buy-done-with-xbox-360-core-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/30/best-buy-done-with-xbox-360-core-model/#commentsFiled under: ,


For those hoping that the expected $50 Xbox 360 price cut would bring the Core model down to the Wii-diculously great price of $250, we got some bad news. According to a source at Best Buy who sent Joystiq these images, the Xbox 360 Core model is dead and remaining stocks are all that's left of the system.

The sheet, according to our source, shows the description of the Xbox 360 Core hardware and underneath it is the word "deleted, meaning it is being taken out of the system." The out of stock date reads 7-29-07 and the larger image (found after the break) shows the pref code "y." According to the source, "This means replenishment of this item is not expected."

In a statement from July 16, when we originally heard rumblings that the Xbox 360 Core was over, a Microsoft spokesperson told us in regards to it being discontinued, "No. Xbox 360 Core remains an important member of the Xbox 360 family." Well, if the Best Buy papers end up being true, an important part of the family is about to swim with the fishes. Like Fredo from The Godfather, it breaks our hearts. We've contacted Microsoft to see if they'd like to revise their "important member" statement.

[Thanks Anonymous]

Update: We heard back from a Microsoft representative who said, "Nothing's changed since last week."

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]]>best buycircuitcitypricedroptargettoysruswalmartxbox360Alexander Sliwinski2007-07-30T14:22:00+00:00Toys R Us ad shows Xbox $349 price drophttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/29/toys-r-us-ad-shows-xbox-349-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/29/toys-r-us-ad-shows-xbox-349-price-drop/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/29/toys-r-us-ad-shows-xbox-349-price-drop/#commentsFiled under: ,


Well, CheapyD, who runs CheapAssGamer, is convinced about the $50 price drop coming to the Xbox 360 in August. Following yesterday's leaked "Wal-Mart" ad, today the crew at CAG dug up this Toys R Us ad for the week beginning Sunday, Aug. 12. The image taken by UgamerX is still really hard to make out and was probably taken on the sly, but the picture, in the largest size available, does seem to show toward the right side a "Valid Monday 8/13/07 ..." regarding some other deal, meaning the ad is at least in the same week. Also, Madden 08, which releases Aug. 14, can be clearly seen above the price drop image.

Cheapy D says, "When they become available, I fully expect the other retailer's ads to reflect the $50 price drop." Another member at CAG named Speedy, who was the one to expose the price drop for the PS3, typically gets Circuit City, Target and Best Buy flyers early; so we'll see what's really going on that week when he posts that week's flyer information. No word yet on how this will affect the Core or the Elite models of the Xbox 360.

[Thanks CheapyD, James, Zewone]


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]]>circuitcitypricedroptargettoysruswalmartxbox360Alexander Sliwinski2007-07-29T09:50:00+00:00Rumor: Xbox 360 at $349 in advertisementhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/28/rumor-xbox-360-at-345-in-advertisement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/28/rumor-xbox-360-at-345-in-advertisement/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/28/rumor-xbox-360-at-345-in-advertisement/#commentsFiled under: ,

A post on CheapAssGamer allegedly shows an ad of a "Wal-Mart" flyer -- although you really can't tell what it is -- indicating an Xbox 360 with a $349 price tag. The resolution in the image is complete garbage and it's very difficult to tell if this has anything to do with the supposed Aug. 8 price drop. An even larger and worse image can be found after the break. Although we are working to nail this date and the $50 reduction down, there really hasn't been a solid piece of evidence we've seen yet.

In another thread done by the same CAG poster who exposed the Circuit City PS3 price cut, the Xbox 360 price drop doesn't appear in either the Target or Circuit City flyers for that week. Best Buy's flyer will be uploaded Monday. Just keep picking up those grains of salt as the information flows in going toward that supposed Aug. 8 date.

Update: Apparently the CC and Target info is for the week ending Aug. 10, so the info for the Sunday following Aug. 8 is still up in the air.

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]]>circuitcityprice droptargetwalmartxbox360Alexander Sliwinski2007-07-28T15:45:00+00:00Target targets Blu-ray as the wayhttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-targets-blu-ray-as-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-targets-blu-ray-as-the-way/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/07/26/target-targets-blu-ray-as-the-way/#commentsFiled under: , ,

According to Reuters, retail mega-chain Target announced today it will only carry Blu-ray disc players. They will begin in October and go "at least through the holiday season." This comes a month after Blockbuster, the U.S.' largest brick-and-mortar video rental chain, said they would be going Blu-ray exclusively too. Heavens to Murgatroyd, is Sony actually going to win a format war? Blu-ray shall avenge its cousins Betamax and MiniDisc if it emerges victorious against HD-DVD.

The Reuters information is currently being further explained by Universal Home Entertainment. Universal would like to clearly point out Target will continue to carry the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive and movies, they also say that Target is still currently selling HD-DVD players. Well, yes, because it's not October yet.

Universal has a right to feel defensive. Target's declaration probably shouldn't be taken too lightly -- although, when Wal-Mart declares Blu-ray, it's all over. So, even with the HD-DVD attachment price drop for your Xbox 360, plus five movies, is it worth getting? Umm, might want to put that money aside for now. It's a nice $179 dent in the cost of the PS3, which comes with Blu-ray playback built in. The holiday season is approaching and that'll be a pretty big indicator of what's to come. The last thing any consumer wants is to have an expensive machine which plays a dying format.

Update: Added Universal statement info to story.

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]]>blockbusterblurayhddvdtargetwalmartAlexander Sliwinski2007-07-26T20:17:00+00:00Microsoft and Wal-Mart sued over Xbox-related firehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/faulty-xbox-kills-baby-microsoft-and-wal-mart-sued/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/faulty-xbox-kills-baby-microsoft-and-wal-mart-sued/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/05/26/faulty-xbox-kills-baby-microsoft-and-wal-mart-sued/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

An Illinois family blames a faulty Xbox system for the death of their child in December 2004. The console overheated and caused the wall outlet to spark a fire, likely due to one of the recalled power cords. The family is suing Microsoft, retail giant Wal-Mart, and an unnamed power supply manufacturer for damages in excess of $50,000. Pocket change to these companies, but the press is sure to incite cries from myopic pundits in the industry. It's interesting to note that the suit names an Xbox 360 as the culprit, though according to our records the 360 wasn't available in 2004.

[Via Engadget]

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]]>lawsuitlegalmicrosoftrecallwalmartJohn Bardinelli2007-05-26T11:01:00+00:00Walmart bets big on Burning Crusadehttp://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/walmart-bets-big-on-burning-crusade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/walmart-bets-big-on-burning-crusade/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/01/11/walmart-bets-big-on-burning-crusade/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Our pals at WoW Insider have obtained a page from Walmart's Release Playbook concerning World of Warcraft's new expansion, The Burning Crusade. Though the page itself is somewhat dated ("December 27is so last year, Joystiq"), the information reveals a sign of confidence in Blizzard as a major source of revenue for the big box retailer.

The Playbook page cites figures from an unspecified source that 90% of current WoW players intend on purchasing the expansion, with 75% purchasing within the initial 10 days. The document also notes that, of the then-7.5 million players of the MMO, 450,000 of them purchased their copy from Wal-Mart. Assuming they can keep up with the supply (eBay bidders seem to think otherwise), repeat customers tally approximately 303,750 in sales for the first 10 days, with 405,000 total expected. More generally, Wal-Mart expects The Burning Crusade to sell 5 million in the first 10 days and at least 6.75 million in its lifetime. Holy Market Value, Batman!

To this end, the Wal-Mart playbook page outlines that 2,008 stores have been selected, based on sales data of the original WoW, to receive at least one half-pallet containing 60 copies of The Burning Crusade. Those packages were noted to arrive January 8 in stores and amount to at least 120,480 in expected first-day sales. Wal-Mart has told its stores to release the product to the masses at 12:01 a.m. January 16, so if you have a pre-sell card (or just hope to be lucky), then you better expect a midnight-sale camp-out of console release proportions.

[Thanks, Nelson]

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]]>blizzardburning crusadeBurningCrusadeeconomicswal martWalMartworld of warcraftWorldOfWarcraftwowRoss Miller2007-01-11T16:55:00+00:00PS3 launch shipments restricted to top 5 retailers?http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/ps3-launch-shipments-restricted-to-top-5-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/ps3-launch-shipments-restricted-to-top-5-retailers/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/15/ps3-launch-shipments-restricted-to-top-5-retailers/#commentsFiled under: ,

According to a memo obtained by GameDaily BIZ from smaller video game chain Rhino Video Games, Sony has "decided to limit the supply of hardware (systems and accessories) to its top five volume retailers (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)" on the November 17 launch day.

However, we know of at least seven major retailers receiving PlayStation 3 units on launch day. In addition to Target and Wal-Mart, we know GameStop / EB Games, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and Toys 'R' Us are having PS3s on launch day. We know supplies will be very limited and GameStop won't be fulfilling all of its PS3 pre-orders (already conservative figures).

That smaller retail chains will not have PS3s on launch day is not that surprising, but only the "top five retailers" is wrong and makes the memo a bit suspect. Rhino Video Games will not be getting PS3s on launch day -- a fact reaffirmed on its website -- the rest is not true. Rest assured, there will be PS3s for sale at all retailers by the end of 2007. We hope.

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]]>best buyBestBuycircuit cityCircuitCityeb gamesEbGamesgame stopGameStopretailerrhinosearstargettoys r usToysRUswal martWalMartRoss Miller2006-11-15T16:55:00+00:00Walmart.com taking Wii bundle pre-orders... for now [update 1]http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/walmart-com-taking-wii-bundle-pre-orders-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/walmart-com-taking-wii-bundle-pre-orders-for-now/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/14/walmart-com-taking-wii-bundle-pre-orders-for-now/#commentsFiled under:

[Update: Not three minutes after this post went up, the site listed the systems as out of stock. Hope some of you were lucky enough to get in there.]

We just got a tip that Walmart.com is taking pre-orders for the Nintendo Wii, as long as you choose eight launch games to go along with it. The $648.38 bundle is likely to go fast, as the similar, 12-game $1421.98 PS3 bundle is already sold out. We're not trying to whip anyone into a state of consumer-oriented frenzy or anything, but if you're still looking to guarantee a launch day Wii, this might be a good opportunity.

[Thanks Kevin Whipps]

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]]>preorderretailwalmartwiiKyle Orland2006-11-14T15:35:00+00:00Rumor: Wal-Mart wii-ly concerned for the childrenhttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/24/rumor-wal-mart-wii-ly-concerned-for-the-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/24/rumor-wal-mart-wii-ly-concerned-for-the-children/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/09/24/rumor-wal-mart-wii-ly-concerned-for-the-children/#commentsFiled under: ,

Wal-Mart's electronics department layout does not have an allotment of space to demo the Nintendo Wii for the fourth quarter. Our tipster says that after asking for greater details as to why they wouldn't be installing any Wii demo units, he was told by his manager that they had "fear of some kid getting hurt or injuring others in the process of flailing his arms around."

Although "Nintendo doesn't comment on rumors" and Wal-Mart corporate hasn't answered our query, after calling numerous Wal-Marts across the country, we have confirmed that it is true that the Wii is not part of the Q4 layout.

Did Wal-Mart executives decide that the Wii was just too dangerous to demo in its stores? Is Sony paying off the world's largest retailer in an attempt to sway consumer mind-share when shopping?

Doesn't look that way. Although Nintendo and Wal-Mart won't talk, employees from various Wal-Marts have stated that they expect to get their Wii demo units in for Q1 2007 and believe it was a timing issue. They did stress that although they will not be demoing the unit, they will certainly have the Wii for sale at launch in November.

[Thanks Ben]

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]]>nintendowal-martwalmartwiiAlexander Sliwinski2006-09-24T13:00:00+00:00Wal-mart stops Bully pre-sales under pressure [Update 1]http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/17/wal-mart-stops-bully-pre-sales-under-pressure/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/17/wal-mart-stops-bully-pre-sales-under-pressure/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/08/17/wal-mart-stops-bully-pre-sales-under-pressure/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

[Update: John Simley from Walmart media relations contacted Joystiq to clear up the ciircumstances behind the Bully pre-order situation. Simley said that Wal-mart policy is to not carry any unrated or Rating Pending games for pre-order or sale, in-store or online. This decision was made recently, Simley said, but just reflected on the web site starting this week, hence the pulling of Bully pre-orders. The policy is in response to consumer's concerns, Simley said, and had nothing to do with any letters or lawsuits from Jack Thompson.]

UK news site The Register is reporting that Wal-Mart has stopped taking pre-orders for the controversial game Bully after a lawsuit filed by Jack Thompson in Florida circuit court named the retailer as a defendant. Thompson targeted the big box store for "recklessly pre-selling Bully to children with no age rating having even been affixed to the game."

Though Wal-mart wouldn't confirm to The Register that the halt was in response to the complaint, the timing is certainly suspect (we're still waiting for a response to a request for comment from Walmart). Thompson has also reportedly sent letters to Amazon and Toys R Us requesting they stop taking pre-orders for the game.

Thompson's argued that pre-selling Bully to children is "akin to a pharmaceutical company selling a new and controversial drug without prior FDA approval." This seems a little ridiculous to us -- assuming the game is rated M before its release (a relatively safe assumption), any store that took pre-orders could simply refund the money and refuse to give the game to any unaccompanied child that comes to pick it up. Preventing the 83 percent of console game purchasers that are adults from reserving a game just because children may try to get it seems to us like too draconian a response.

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]]>BullyJack ThompsonJackThompsonThompsonWalmartKyle Orland2006-08-17T16:25:00+00:00'Wii' not unique enough, search engines yield strange resultshttp://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/22/wii-not-unique-enough-search-engines-yield-strange-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/22/wii-not-unique-enough-search-engines-yield-strange-results/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/22/wii-not-unique-enough-search-engines-yield-strange-results/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Google
Anyone that has conducted a simple online search for "Wii" since the name of Nintendo's next-gen console was officially unveiled less than one month ago has undoubtedly turned up some interesting results. PunchJump.com has put together a status report of the search term, which still yields the Wildlife Institute of India as the top result on Google. Turning to the websites of many major retailers, "Wii" searches often produce shopping lists of World War II memorabilia.

But Nintendo's Wii is quickly gaining ground, already nabbing most of Yahoo's top results. Now, it's only a matter of time before Nintendo's console dominates search engines across the 'net. Still, the current results suggest that "Wii" isn't as unique a name as it's been chalked up to be.

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]]>Googlesearch engineSearchEngineWalmartWWIIYahooJames Ransom-Wiley2006-05-22T18:25:00+00:00