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[NPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/npd-monthly-reports-integrate-walmart-data-starting-next-month/#comments Every month, the NPD Group releases a report on the previous month's US sales in the game industry, both consoles and software. While that monthly report is already "projected to 100% of the market," according to NPD Group's David Riley, next month, it'll get bolstered by the nation's largest retailer: Walmart. Despite being revealed this past February, the past several months of NPD reports haven't included Walmart's numbers.

"Our enhanced retail coverage, including the addition of several new retailers, begins with May data released on Thursday, June 14," Riley told me in an email yesterday. While he couldn't supply a list of all of the retailers involved, he told me, "Yes, it does include Walmart."

With any luck, the addition of Walmart to NPD's stable of retailers reporting - which already includes America's largest game retailer, GameStop - will help to thwart claims of NPD being a "very poor indicator of the industry's performance." Then again, between the lack of digital sales accounted for in NPD's monthly report and the urge of publishers to spin poor sales numbers, those complaints likely won't stop anytime soon.

JoystiqNPD monthly reports integrate Walmart data starting next month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdavid-rileydsmicrosoftnintendonpdnpd-groupplaystationplaystation-vitaps3pspsonythe-npd-groupvitawal-martwalmartwiiwii-uxboxThu, 24 May 2012 08:45:00 EST<![CDATA[You don't need to get pepper sprayed for these Walmart 'Cyber Monday' deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/you-dont-need-to-get-pepper-sprayed-for-these-walmart-cyber-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/you-dont-need-to-get-pepper-sprayed-for-these-walmart-cyber-mo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/25/you-dont-need-to-get-pepper-sprayed-for-these-walmart-cyber-mo/#comments As we watch the Black Friday madness from our geodesic hoverdome, we're increasingly happy we waited to do our holiday shopping online. The one retailer to rule them all has just unveiled a few of the bargains it'll boast after the weekend, including an "Xbox 360 Holiday Gamer Bundle with choice of select game plus bonus Halo Reach, Fable 3 and 3-month Xbox Live card" for $319. The 250 online-only deals will technically be in effect all week beginning Sunday, but we don't imagine most will last too far into the week.

The e-savings will be delectable, even more so because no one will pepper spray you in the face for partaking in them.

Continue reading You don't need to get pepper sprayed for these Walmart 'Cyber Monday' deals

JoystiqYou don't need to get pepper sprayed for these Walmart 'Cyber Monday' deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftwalmartxboxFri, 25 Nov 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The big, bad Black Friday game deals post: 2011 Edition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/black-friday-2011-video-game-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/black-friday-2011-video-game-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/18/black-friday-2011-video-game-deals/#commentsIt's nearly the moment you've been preparing for all year, savvy shopper. And right here? Here is the page from which you finalize your Black Friday master plan. You'll show those retailers, alright ... or is it the other way around?
Best Buy GameStop Kmart
Sears Target Walmart
Here we go again, y'all -- one week 'til Black Friday 2011. In that vein, we've once more compiled our annual testament to post-Turkey retail madness, replete with savings from vendors large and small, brick-and-mortar as well as online.

Up above, you can head directly into any of "The Big Six" sections by clicking the individual logos. Down below, some highlights to help guide that process:
  • Best Buy: Consoles on the cheap and the special edition Zelda 3DS [more details]
  • GameStop: Like Best Buy, but you can totally trade in stuff [more details]
  • Kmart: Discounted HD remakes, HD newmakes, and non-HD wagglers [more details]
  • Sears: Mario for the holidays (at home and on-the-go) [more details]
  • Target: Cheapest Mario 3DS bundle, discounted Kinect, in-store Pizza Hut [more details]
  • Walmart: Blue Wiis, the Bats, and so, so many bullets [more details]

Continue reading The big, bad Black Friday game deals post: 2011 Edition

JoystiqThe big, bad Black Friday game deals post: 2011 Edition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsbest-buyblack-fridayblack-friday-2011dsgamestopkinectkmartmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsearssonytargetwalmartwiixboxFri, 18 Nov 2011 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart Black Friday: Batman, Battlefield 3 $28 each, blue Wii $99]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/walmart-black-friday-batman-battlefield-3-28-each-blue-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/walmart-black-friday-batman-battlefield-3-28-each-blue-wii/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/10/walmart-black-friday-batman-battlefield-3-28-each-blue-wii/#comments This year, you say, you're not going to watch retailer websites all Thanksgiving weekend for deals; you're not going to give in and drive to a store at midnight for cheap games. Walmart is the first to try to convince you otherwise, posting its Black Friday circular with discounts and exclusive offers it hopes will bring you back on the most dangerous shopping day of the year.

For $199, you have a choice of console bundles: an Xbox 360 4GB with Gears 3, 3 months of Live, and a $50 gift card; an Xbox 360 4GB with Kinect, Kinect Adventures, and a $50 gift card; or a 160GB PS3 with Ratchet & Clank All 4 One, LittleBigPlanet 2, and 3 months of Plus membership.

The blue Wii, announced in Europe as a Mario & Sonic bundle, will be released in America exclusively to Walmart ... at the crazy low price of $100.

If you're already set for systems, Walmart is also offering limited-time deals on games. From Thanksgiving night at 10pm through Friday, you can get recent releases like Batman: Arkham City, Battlefield 3, Gears of War 3, Infamous 2, and Call of Duty: Black Ops for $28. Dance Central 2, Kinect Sports Season Two, and Epic Mickey (among others) are $15. You can also get Yakuza 4 for ten damn dollars -- plus the cost of having to fight for your life at Walmart.

[Thanks, Justin.]

JoystiqWalmart Black Friday: Batman, Battlefield 3 $28 each, blue Wii $99 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 10 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-friday-2011blue-wiikinectmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3walmartwiixboxThu, 10 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/egm-media-to-produce-walmart-gaming-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/egm-media-to-produce-walmart-gaming-mag/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/04/egm-media-to-produce-walmart-gaming-mag/#comments Walmart logo Apparently, keeping one of the longest running gaming magazines going isn't enough work for the folks at Electronic Gaming Monthly. The mag's publisher, EGM Media, has announced plans to launch a new magazine exclusively for Walmart.

Appropriately titled Walmart Gamecenter, the "regular frequency" magazine will offer "news, previews, interviews and other exclusive stories about gaming culture and the most important game releases." In addition to the print publication at Walmart stores, the magazine will also be offered via "personal computers, iPad and Facebook with EGM's proprietary ScreenPaper publishing platform."

The first issue debuts December 6.

Continue reading EGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag

JoystiqEGM Media to produce Walmart gaming mag originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>egmegm-mediamagazinewalmartwalmart-gamecenterFri, 04 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart hosting Modern Warfare 3 tournaments prior to midnight release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/walmart-hosting-modern-warfare-3-tournaments-prior-to-midnight-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/walmart-hosting-modern-warfare-3-tournaments-prior-to-midnight-r/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/walmart-hosting-modern-warfare-3-tournaments-prior-to-midnight-r/#comments You can go ahead and cancel that intricate, Ocean's Eleven-style Gamestop heist you've been planning -- we've discovered a sure-fire way to get your hands on Modern Warfare 3 before its release. Just roll on up to your nearest (participating) Walmart at 8 p.m. on November 7, and you'll get to participate in a Modern Warfare 3 tournament, the winner of which will get a free copy of the game. The losers? They'll probably get those Walmart smiley face stickers. It's win-win!

Sure, that just gives you four hours with the game before you can play it indefinitely in the comfort of your own gaming cave. Still, have you played competitive Call of Duty at launch before? Four hours of extra insight is enough to turn the tide of any given match. Like the Joes say, knowing is half the battle, and the other half is having ninja-like reflexes and an unending pool of tolerance for having slurs hurled at you by sixth graders.

Continue reading Walmart hosting Modern Warfare 3 tournaments prior to midnight release

JoystiqWalmart hosting Modern Warfare 3 tournaments prior to midnight release originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisioncall-of-duty-modern-warfare-3infinity-wardmicrosoftmodern-warfare-3pcplaystationps3sledgehammer-gameswalmartxboxThu, 03 Nov 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ghost Recon: Future Soldier marches to retail on March 6, 2012 [Update: Ubisoft confirms!]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/rumor-ghost-recon-future-soldier-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/rumor-ghost-recon-future-soldier-release-date/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/03/rumor-ghost-recon-future-soldier-release-date/#comments

Just about every retailer on the planet agrees: the future is a lot closer than you may think! And here we were waiting for 30 Helens to agree this whole time ...

Ghost Recon: Future Soldier is apparently slated for launch on March 6, according to listings on Gamefly, Amazon, Target, GameStop, Wal-Mart and Best Buy. While we'd never consider a retailer listing as fact (most of the time they're placeholders), the proliferation of identical is pretty compelling. And as of right now, all we really know is it'll launch at least after the planned January 2012 beta.

We've reached out to Ubisoft for comment and will let you know what we hear back. Update: We were able to confirm the launch date with Ubisoft. Look for Ghost Recon: Future Soldier on March 6, 2012!

JoystiqGhost Recon: Future Soldier marches to retail on March 6, 2012 [Update: Ubisoft confirms!] originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buygameflygamestopGhost-Recon-Future-Soldierkinectmicrosoftpcplaystationps3targetubisoftubisoft-red-stormwalmartxboxMon, 03 Oct 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[UFC Undisputed 3 pre-order bonuses detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/ufc-undisputed-3-pre-order-bonuses-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/ufc-undisputed-3-pre-order-bonuses-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/22/ufc-undisputed-3-pre-order-bonuses-detailed/#comments
Four potential fighting favorites will only be accessible as DLC in North America if you pre-order UFC Undisputed 3 through GameStop or EB Games: Nick Diaz, Phil Davis, Jason "Mayhem" Miller and Brian Stann.

If extra fighters aren't your thing, pre-ordering through Best Buy can net you early access to 150 in-game items to use with custom-created fighters. A pre-order at Walmart includes a $10 credit, and also ensures access to the "Ultimate Fights: Knockout Pack," DLC compatible with the game's Ultimate Fights mode, and five of the "most memorable knockouts in UFC history."

Finally, if you go through Amazon or FutureShop you'll get the Ultimate Knockout Artist Boost Pack, which will let you cut corners in the game's Create-a-Fighter mode by granting early access to upgrades that would otherwise take hours to unlock.

Continue reading UFC Undisputed 3 pre-order bonuses detailed

JoystiqUFC Undisputed 3 pre-order bonuses detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 22 Sep 2011 15:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buydlcfutureshopgamestopmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3thqufc-undisputed-3walmartxboxThu, 22 Sep 2011 15:16:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart 'rollback' of Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 an error, will honor sale this week]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/walmart-rollback-of-xbox-360-4gb-kinect-bundle-to-249-an-erro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/walmart-rollback-of-xbox-360-4gb-kinect-bundle-to-249-an-erro/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/walmart-rollback-of-xbox-360-4gb-kinect-bundle-to-249-an-erro/#comments It turns out that Walmart's "rollback" of the Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle, dropping it to $249 ($50 off its current price), was an error. A notice posted by Walmart acknowledges "the price was mistakenly labeled as a rollback," a term the retailer uses for permanent price drops.

The silver lining here is that Walmart will honor the $249 price at retail until Monday, September 5, or while supplies last. There will be no rainchecks on the offer.

Microsoft informed us last week that it does not discuss pricing plans in advance, but that "Walmart made an independent decision to implement this temporary price cut."

Gallery: Walmart Xbox 360 Kinect bundle error notice

[Thanks, Todd.]

JoystiqWalmart 'rollback' of Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 an error, will honor sale this week originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 10:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftwalmartxboxMon, 29 Aug 2011 10:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart includes free Resistance 3 with PlayStation 3D Display pre-orders]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/walmart-includes-free-resistance-3-with-playstation-3d-display-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/walmart-includes-free-resistance-3-with-playstation-3d-display-p/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/walmart-includes-free-resistance-3-with-playstation-3d-display-p/#comments At this point, it'll be more difficult not to get a free copy of Resistance 3 with the PlayStation 3D Display than to do so. Walmart is throwing in Insomniac's alien-war game with pre-orders of the 3D monitor as well, mirroring offers from Amazon and GameStop.

Resistance 3 was originally the default pack-in with the 24" monitor, but it was replaced by MotorStorm: Apocalypse. That decision turned out to be for the best, as now retailers are throwing it in anyway, giving you two freebies instead of one.

JoystiqWalmart includes free Resistance 3 with PlayStation 3D Display pre-orders originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 00:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>playstationplaystation-3d-displaypre-orderps3resistance-3walmartFri, 26 Aug 2011 00:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Walmart dropping Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 on Aug. 28 [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/rumor-walmart-dropping-xbox-360-4gb-kinect-bundle-to-249-on-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/rumor-walmart-dropping-xbox-360-4gb-kinect-bundle-to-249-on-au/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/25/rumor-walmart-dropping-xbox-360-4gb-kinect-bundle-to-249-on-au/#comments The upcoming Walmart circular reveals that the mega-retailer will do a "rollback" on the price of the Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle, dropping it to $249 (down $50 from the current price). The flyer we were provided was for the week beginning August 28.

The timing of the price cut could be a reaction to Sony's recent PS3 price snip. Microsoft recently stated it wasn't feeling any pressure to reduce the price of the Xbox 360 in Europe. Meanwhile, in America, the system has performed consistently well in the later years of its life

Update: Microsoft tells Joystiq that "Walmart made an independent decision to implement this temporary price cut." Full statement after the break.

Gallery: Walmart 4GB Xbox 360 Kinect bundle price reduction ad

Continue reading Rumor: Walmart dropping Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 on Aug. 28 [update]

JoystiqRumor: Walmart dropping Xbox 360 4GB Kinect bundle to $249 on Aug. 28 [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 25 Aug 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectmicrosoftprice-dropwalmartxboxThu, 25 Aug 2011 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Nintendo 3DS available at Walmart for $170 today (get your 20 free games!)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/psa-nintendo-3ds-available-at-walmart-for-170-today-get-your/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/psa-nintendo-3ds-available-at-walmart-for-170-today-get-your/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/psa-nintendo-3ds-available-at-walmart-for-170-today-get-your/#comments As rumored by Cheap Ass Gamer, Walmart has indeed kicked off the massive price cut on the Nintendo 3DS a few days before the competition, bringing the price of the handheld to a cool, crisp $170. Not only is this good for the obscenely impatient among you, but it also means that early purchasers will be able to get the lower price and the 20 free downloadable games which were meant to be reserved for the console's earlier adopters.

Most of the Walmart locations we called to check on the cut confirmed the lower price, though some seemed to have not gotten the memo quite yet. Make sure you call ahead to your location before you make the drive to avoid wasting all your precious time and even-more-precious gasoline.

[Thanks, Rippe!]

JoystiqPSA: Nintendo 3DS available at Walmart for $170 today (get your 20 free games!) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendonintendo-3dsprice-cutwalmartTue, 09 Aug 2011 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Wii Mario Kart bundle drops to $134 on Walmart.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/wii-mario-kart-bundle-drops-to-134-00-on-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/wii-mario-kart-bundle-drops-to-134-00-on-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/wii-mario-kart-bundle-drops-to-134-00-on-walmart-com/#comments If you've just gotta get those blue sparks, but also have to maintain your personal fiscal responsibility during these tough and uncertain economic times, Walmart.com has made your internal struggle between green-backs and green shells a little easier to reconcile by dropping both black and white Wii Mario Kart bundles to $134.00.

Other online storefronts such as Best Buy and Target still have the bundle listed for $149.99, so this appears to be a Walmart-thing, rather than a Nintendo-thing. It will be interesting to see if other retailers follow suit, or if Nintendo will drop the price themselves ahead of the Wii U's launch, which would render Walmart's 15 dollar discount irrelevant. Either way, Walmart certainly seems determined to move some Nintendo merchandise out the door.

[Thanks, Phil!]

JoystiqWii Mario Kart bundle drops to $134 on Walmart.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>best-buyblue-sparksbundlemario-kartMario-Kart-Wiinintendoprice-droptargetwalmartwiiwii-bundlewii-uSun, 07 Aug 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Walmart dropping 3DS price early]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/rumor-walmart-dropping-3ds-price-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/rumor-walmart-dropping-3ds-price-early/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/05/rumor-walmart-dropping-3ds-price-early/#comments Though entirely unintentional, Nintendo offered 3DS comparison shoppers a pretty striking choice for their pending handheld purchase: Either pay the full $250 and get 20 free downloadable games, or grab the 3DS on August 12, after the price plummets to $170. Or, if Cheap Ass Gamer's unnamed source is on the level, you could just grab the free games and the discounted price by shopping at Walmart, which will purportedly drop the MSRP on the device on August 9, two days before the free game offer expires.

If Nintendo's offering free games as an act of contrition to early adopters, we wonder what it'll have to dish out if the full-price bonus is given to the partial-price crowd. We also wonder when this hypothetical chain of freebies will be broken! Probably when all Nintendo consoles are free, and come with twenty free games and, oh, here's some pie.

JoystiqRumor: Walmart dropping 3DS price early originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Aug 2011 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsnintendoprice-cutwalmartFri, 05 Aug 2011 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Gaikai partners with Walmart.com]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gaikai-partners-with-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gaikai-partners-with-walmart-com/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gaikai-partners-with-walmart-com/#comments If you're a game streaming service like Gaikai that's looking to partner with online retailers, Walmart.com seems like a pretty good option. (In case you're reading this on a mobile platform that can't see italics, we put them on those last three words to emphasize that were were understating the point. Classic Joystiq!)

The retailer has, according to VentureBeat, added Gaikai in-browser game streaming to its GameCenter page for Dead Space 2 and possibly other titles. At the moment, none of us on staff can see the option to stream the game, but we know it's automatically disabled if you don't have the requisite bandwidth. Maybe we all just need to get fatter pipes?

Assuming it'll all work as designed sooner or later, this could set a pretty important preceden for online game shopping. We just selfishly hope you'll still read our reviews when Skynet lets you try everything before you buy it.

JoystiqGaikai partners with Walmart.com originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dead-space-2gaikaigame-streaminggamecentermacpcwalmartTue, 21 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First copies of Forza 4 include five extra cars, pre-order bonuses revealed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/first-copies-of-forza-4-include-five-extra-cars-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/first-copies-of-forza-4-include-five-extra-cars-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/27/first-copies-of-forza-4-include-five-extra-cars-pre-order-bonus/#comments Despite the fact that retailers will assuredly have plenty of extra copies of Forza 4 when it arrives at retail, perhaps you're interested in pre-ordering the game long before its planned fall launch? Well that's just peachy, 'cause today Microsoft announced pre-order bonuses that folks can pick up at a variety of retailers.

Unfortunately -- as has become de rigeur as of late -- rather than making it so fans of the series can actually acquire all the pre-order items that they're nicely plunking down money for ahead of time, various retailers have exclusive in-game content that can only be attained through a pre-order at their stores. In essence, this means that folks who pre-order Forza 4 at Target are locked out of the bonuses being offered at Amazon, GameStop, Walmart, and Best Buy... at least, unless the retailer DLC is offered later through XBLM.

At very least, fans who pick up the game (at any store) around its launch later this year will snag a quintet of free vehicles in the "Ship Bonus" car pack, listed alongside the aforementioned pre-order items below the break. The car pack will only be free to folks purchasing the "first production run" of Forza 4, so be sure to choose your fastest supercar for shuttling to the local brick and mortar.

Gallery: Forza Motorsport 4 (Pre-order Cars)

Continue reading First copies of Forza 4 include five extra cars, pre-order bonuses revealed

JoystiqFirst copies of Forza 4 include five extra cars, pre-order bonuses revealed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 May 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buyforza-4forza-motorsport-4gamestopkinect-forzamicrosoftmicrosoft-game-studiospre-orderpre-orderstargetturn-10turn-10-studioswalmartxboxFri, 27 May 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One arrives on Oct. 18, pre-order bonuses detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/ratchet-and-clank-all-4-one-arrives-on-oct-18-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/ratchet-and-clank-all-4-one-arrives-on-oct-18-pre-order-bonus/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/ratchet-and-clank-all-4-one-arrives-on-oct-18-pre-order-bonus/#comments Four friends, armed to the teeth with an enormous arsenal of weapons, may be sufficient to overcome Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One's menagerie of levels, but wouldn't it be helpful to have an extra Mr. Zurkon hovering overhead? The trailer we've dropped after the break answers that question with a resounding "YES," showing off Mr. Zurkon and the other three pre-order bonuses that folks will pick up at various (sigh) retailers.

Alongside the pre-order news, Sony announced that Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One will launch on October 18, living up to its previously noted "Fall 2011" launch window. That leaves just five months to decide where to pre-order -- but let's not kid ourselves, you're gonna go with Zurkon. It's just the right thing to do.

Gallery: Ratchet & Clank: All 4 One (pre-order bonuses / box art)

Continue reading Ratchet and Clank: All 4 One arrives on Oct. 18, pre-order bonuses detailed

JoystiqRatchet and Clank: All 4 One arrives on Oct. 18, pre-order bonuses detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 May 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buygamestopinsomniacinsomniac-gamesplaystationpre-orderps3q4-2011Ratchet-and-Clank-All-4-Onerelease-datesceasony-computer-entertainment-americatrailerwalmartFri, 20 May 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Noire trailer demos 'Slip of the Tongue' pre-order bonus case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/la-noire-trailer-demos-slip-of-the-tongue-pre-order-bonus-case/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/la-noire-trailer-demos-slip-of-the-tongue-pre-order-bonus-case/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/la-noire-trailer-demos-slip-of-the-tongue-pre-order-bonus-case/#comments There are plenty of similarities between LA Noire and Rockstar's other crime-centric franchise, Grand Theft Auto. Namely, the former contains a lot of grand theft auto. Check out the trailer for "A Slip of the Tongue," a case offered exclusively as a Walmart pre-order bonus, posted just below.

Continue reading LA Noire trailer demos 'Slip of the Tongue' pre-order bonus case

JoystiqLA Noire trailer demos 'Slip of the Tongue' pre-order bonus case originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonusLA-Noiremicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3rockstar-gamesteam-bondiwalmartxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart.com lists SOCOM 4, Michael Jackson: The Experience pre-order exclusives]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/walmart-com-lists-socom-4-michael-jackson-the-experience-pre-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/walmart-com-lists-socom-4-michael-jackson-the-experience-pre-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/walmart-com-lists-socom-4-michael-jackson-the-experience-pre-o/#comments Walmart is offering up two exclusives on pre-orders for upcoming games this week. First up, Ubisoft's Michael Jackson: The Experience is available for pre-order on Xbox 360 and PS3 via retailer's site right now. Not only is the game on sale for $46.54, but you'll get the exclusive track "Another Part of Me" -- featured in Captain EO and in the old Moonwalker arcade game -- as part of the deal.

There's also a promotion going down with SOCOM 4, where you can pre-order the game and get an exclusive SU90-S Shotgun to use right away (as opposed to, say, GameStop's exclusive map). Let's see: a gun or an entire map? Hmmm ...

JoystiqWalmart.com lists SOCOM 4, Michael Jackson: The Experience pre-order exclusives originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dealsexclusiveMichael-Jackson-The-Experiencemicrosoftplaystationpreorderps3shotgunsocom-4walmartxboxThu, 31 Mar 2011 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Faction: Armageddon pre-orders get Battlegrounds at GameStop, Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/red-faction-armageddon-pre-orders-get-battlegrounds-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/red-faction-armageddon-pre-orders-get-battlegrounds-at-gamestop/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/red-faction-armageddon-pre-orders-get-battlegrounds-at-gamestop/#comments Red Faction: Armageddon may seem like a generally mean addition to the video game industry, what with all its subterranean maneaters and appetite for destruction. In reality, it's actually quite generous -- the list of pre-order bonuses for the title is long and varied, featuring in-game freebies like the sneaky Recon uniform (Best Buy), a 24-page comic prequel to the game (Walmart) and even vouchers for a free download of Red Faction: Battlegrounds (GameStop and Amazon).

Check out the full list of who's offering what just past the jump!

Continue reading Red Faction: Armageddon pre-orders get Battlegrounds at GameStop, Amazon

JoystiqRed Faction: Armageddon pre-orders get Battlegrounds at GameStop, Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buygamestopmicrosoftplaystationpre-orderps3Red-Faction-Armageddonred-faction-battlegroundsthqVolitionwalmartxboxMon, 28 Mar 2011 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Select Walmart stores offering $100 credit toward 3DS with old DS trade-in]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/select-walmart-stores-offering-100-credit-toward-3ds-with-old-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/select-walmart-stores-offering-100-credit-toward-3ds-with-old-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/25/select-walmart-stores-offering-100-credit-toward-3ds-with-old-d/#comments This Sunday, the 3DS launches in the US and, to celebrate the occasion, US-based megastore Walmart is offering quite the deal for anyone who lives in one of a dozen states. When purchasing the new handheld, consumers in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Missouri, Mississippi, Oklahoma, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and South Carolina will have the option of trading in their used DS for a $100 credit towards their 3DS purchase. If they've got two old DS systems laying around, both can be traded in for $200 towards a 3DS, but that's as high as Walmart's willing to go.

The trade-in program will start this Sunday with the 3DS launch and continue through April 30. This promotion is in-store only -- sorry, no online orders.

JoystiqSelect Walmart stores offering $100 credit toward 3DS with old DS trade-in originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsdsds-litedsidsi-xlface-raidersnintendotrade-inused-gameswalmartFri, 25 Mar 2011 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Homefront just $42 from Walmart, Amazon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-just-42-from-walmart-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-just-42-from-walmart-amazon/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/16/homefront-just-42-from-walmart-amazon/#comments Just as Homefront's citizen soldiers attempt to roll back a fictionalized North Korean invasion of our homes and chain restaurants, Walmart and Amazon have valiantly rolled back the price of the newly launched game.

Just a day after Homefront's official release date, monolithic superstore Walmart began selling the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions of the game for $41.96, both for in-store and online (though brick-and-mortar stores still have it at full price, according to a reader). Online purchases also include an "exclusive Goliath Drone Avatar." (The PC edition remains $49.96.)

Seemingly in response to Walmart's discount (it's unknown whether it's temporary or permanent), Amazon has dropped the price of its Homefront console copies to exactly the same $41.96. The game's approaching "White Castle takeout" prices at a rapid clip!

JoystiqHomefront just $42 from Walmart, Amazon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Mar 2011 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonhomefrontmicrosoftplaystationps3thqwalmartxboxWed, 16 Mar 2011 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever pre-order bonuses ripped from time]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/duke-nukem-forever-pre-order-bonuses-ripped-from-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/duke-nukem-forever-pre-order-bonuses-ripped-from-time/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/duke-nukem-forever-pre-order-bonuses-ripped-from-time/#comments If the Duke Nukem Forever "Balls of Steel" Edition is just too big for you, GameStop and Walmart are offering pre-order bonuses with the regular-sized editions. Walmart is giving out the prior decade fashion icon - the "trucker hat" - with pre-purchases. We have no idea when the hats were actually manufactured, but given the extended development cycle of the game it could very well have been back when Ashton Kutcher helped popularize the fad on now-defunct TV show Punk'd.

GameStop wants to stuff its pants with pre-order cash using a simpler DNF bundle: "Duke's Big Package." The bonus is a group of downloadable items that offer in-game EGO boost (health), big head mode (boom shakalaka!) and t-shirt pack. Honestly, given our other-era experience with the game, the trucker hat is sure to deliver that unstuck-in-time feeling of living in the 90s.

JoystiqDuke Nukem Forever pre-order bonuses ripped from time originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 13:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>duke-nukem-forevergamestopgearboxgearbox-softwaremicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderpre-ordersps3walmartxboxTue, 15 Feb 2011 13:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart wants your 3DS pre-order so bad it's throwing in this bonus case]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/walmart-wants-your-3ds-pre-order-so-bad-its-throwing-in-this-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/walmart-wants-your-3ds-pre-order-so-bad-its-throwing-in-this-bo/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/21/walmart-wants-your-3ds-pre-order-so-bad-its-throwing-in-this-bo/#comments Little known fact: 3-Dee is powered by microscopic hamsters on equally microscopic wheels. Not only does the technology's dependency on living organisms jack up the price, it also means that the 3DS will require a constant supply of oxygen. It's a good thing, then, that Walmart's 3DS pre-order freebie, a Power A-designed case (pictured), has plenty of breathing holes. Just remember to take the device out of its cage every once in awhile -- it needs direct sunlight too!

You can see more images of the bonus Power A "Flex Case" (a $10 value, you could brag) in Walmart's product gallery. Actually, no -- wait. These are ... GoldenEye screenshots?

JoystiqWalmart wants your 3DS pre-order so bad it's throwing in this bonus case originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dsaccessoriescasedsflex-casenintendopower-apre-orderwalmartFri, 21 Jan 2011 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[$20 MS Point cards discounted to $15 at Walmart [update: They're gone]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/20-ms-point-cards-discounted-to-15-at-walmart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/20-ms-point-cards-discounted-to-15-at-walmart/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/07/20-ms-point-cards-discounted-to-15-at-walmart/#comments Update: And ... they're sold out!

There may be no such thing as free money, but in this age of digital economies we're getting quite accustomed to discounted fake money. Enter Walmart, which is currently selling 1600 MS Point cards -- that's $20 worth -- for $14.96. Thrifty Nerd tells us that you don't even have to pay shipping costs if you choose the in-store pick up option.

The Xbox Live Arcade House Party begins next month, including the likes of Torchlight and Beyond Good and Evil, so you might want to stock up on a few of these before they sell out. And they will, very fast.

Joystiq$20 MS Point cards discounted to $15 at Walmart [update: They're gone] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microsoftmicrosoft-pointswalmartxboxFri, 07 Jan 2011 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart offers 12 months of Xbox Live and a (good) game for $81]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/walmart-xbox-live-gold-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/walmart-xbox-live-gold-deal/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/walmart-xbox-live-gold-deal/#comments Walmart has a pretty spectacular deal going on for Xbox owners. The chain is currently offering one year of Xbox Live Gold and a select game for $79. SlickDeals notes that shipping is only $1.97. Don't fret about that "select game" business in the previous sentence either, as the eligible games are actually pretty good, including Assassin's Creed: Brotherhood, Call of Duty: Black Ops, Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit, Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and many, many others.

Considering a 12 month Xbox Live sub usually runs for $60 on its own, you might as well toss in a $20 game (that also usually runs for $60), right?

JoystiqWalmart offers 12 months of Xbox Live and a (good) game for $81 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 16:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-brotherhoodcall-of-duty-black-opscastlevania-lords-of-shadowhalo-reachmicrosoftwalmartxboxxbox-livexbox-live-goldWed, 15 Dec 2010 16:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart loses its mind, offers third-party Wii Remote and game for $35]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/walmart-loses-its-mind-offers-third-party-wii-remote-and-game-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/walmart-loses-its-mind-offers-third-party-wii-remote-and-game-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/walmart-loses-its-mind-offers-third-party-wii-remote-and-game-f/#comments Walmart's apparently spread its retail dominance over so much of the country that it no longer has a need for your usual economic motivators like ... um, profit. The store is offering shoppers a $35 bundle which includes either a Nyko-brand Wii Remote or a Power A Wii Pro Pack (which we demoed earlier this year), and their choice of one out of a list of pre-selected games. At that price, you'd expect the bundled games to be shovelware, but the inclusion of Epic Mickey, New Super Mario Bros. Wii and Super Mario Galaxy 2 might convince you otherwise.

We don't know how long this deal will be available, but considering you can purchase a Wii Remote, Nunchuk and a game for less than the standard retail price of a Wii game by its lonesome, we're going to wager that it won't be available for very long at all.

JoystiqWalmart loses its mind, offers third-party Wii Remote and game for $35 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>controllerepic-mickeyNew-Super-Mario-Bros-Wiinintendonykoperipheralspower-asuper-mario-galaxy-2walmartwiiwiimoteFri, 03 Dec 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst: Walmart could 'expand' used game market]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/analyst-walmart-could-expand-used-game-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/analyst-walmart-could-expand-used-game-market/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/03/analyst-walmart-could-expand-used-game-market/#comments According to a recent report from Lazard Capital Markets' Colin Sebastian, the firm's "industry checks" have revealed that Walmart has begun selling used games in over 500 of its stores. We decided to perform our own industry check, and the very first Walmart we called (in Tulsa, Oklahoma) was indeed stocking used games. The clerk we spoke to said that the store "just started carrying them." Further investigation revealed that used titles are also available on Walmart's website.

The company revealed plans to begin a used game program earlier this year, and Sebastian believes Walmart will "focus on the deep-value end of the market (e.g., games under $20 ASP)," potentially preventing "overlap" with used game juggernaut GameStop. Cheaper, older games do seem to dominate Walmart's used inventory, although we did spot Rock Band 3 for $50. Assuming Walmart maintains this focus on cheaper games, Sebastian believes the program could "ultimately expand the market for used games."

Sebastian notes that getting into the used game business isn't easy, requiring extensive inventory tracking, refurbishment and restocking. He concludes that it's unlikely for other used game distributors to be as "tightly integrated" as GameStop. We've certainly seen big names try and fail at the used game racket before ... Walmart included.

JoystiqAnalyst: Walmart could 'expand' used game market originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 03 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colin-sebastiandslazard-capital-marketsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3pspsonyused-gamesWalmartwiixboxFri, 03 Dec 2010 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Test Drive Unlimited 2 due on Feb. 8, pre-orders detailed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/test-drive-unlimited-2-due-on-feb-8-pre-orders-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/test-drive-unlimited-2-due-on-feb-8-pre-orders-detailed/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/23/test-drive-unlimited-2-due-on-feb-8-pre-orders-detailed/#comments Test Drive Unlimited 2 developer Eden Games is betting you'll be all done with Gran Turismo 5 and ready for a new driving game by early next year, announcing plans to drop TDU2's opening flag on February 8. It appears the studio is using its extra half year of development time -- the game was pushed back from September to "Q1 2011" this past August -- to create an unbelievably complex pre-order incentive plan at several different retailers, broken down after the break.

We'll parse it for you real quick right here, should you not have the time: GameStop pre-orders get the Casino DLC while every other retailer just gives you a car. Sure, Walmart's offer of an in-game Bugati Veyron Supersport 2010 is tempting, but it's not a whole freakin' game mode.

Continue reading Test Drive Unlimited 2 due on Feb. 8, pre-orders detailed

JoystiqTest Drive Unlimited 2 due on Feb. 8, pre-orders detailed originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonataribest-buydirect2driveeden-gamesgamestopk-martmicrosoftpcplaystationpre-orderps3q1-2011release-datesteamTest-Drive-Unlimited-2walmartxboxTue, 23 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The big, bad Black Friday game deals post]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/black-friday-2010-video-game-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/black-friday-2010-video-game-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/19/black-friday-2010-video-game-deals/#commentsUpdate: Follow our coverage of Cyber Monday deals from across the web.

Here it is. Home base. This is the page from which you plot your Black Friday assault on retail. Or ... Is it the other way around?
Best Buy GameStop Kmart
Sears Target Walmart
Meet the "Big Six" -- the most prominent, national retailers to feature big, bad-ass Black Friday game sales. Go ahead -- click them! Highlights include:
  • Best Buy: Family-friendly, custom console bundles [more details]
  • GameStop: Pre-owned merch that's even more affordable [more details]
  • Kmart: Bonus credit with most console purchases [more details]
  • Sears: Order consoles (safely) online, then pick up after the mob has thinned [more details]
  • Target: Solid sales on solid games (or store credit with purchase) [more details]
  • Walmart: Is that a Medal of Honor in the PS3 Uncharted 2 bundle, and $10 Greatest Hits? [more details]

Continue reading The big, bad Black Friday game deals post

JoystiqThe big, bad Black Friday game deals post originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buyblack-fridayblack-friday-2010cyber-mondaycyber-monday-2010dsgamestopkmartmicrosoftnintendopcplaystationps3pspsearssonytargettoys-r-uswalmartwiixboxFri, 19 Nov 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pick up a FightStick and Street Fighter 4 for $29]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/pick-up-a-fightstick-and-street-fighter-4-for-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/pick-up-a-fightstick-and-street-fighter-4-for-29/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/pick-up-a-fightstick-and-street-fighter-4-for-29/#commentsWell, this is most definitely the best deal on a Mad Catz FightStick we've ever seen -- we're tempted to predict it's the best deal we ever will see. Walmart.com is selling the standard edition FightStick, along with a copy of Street Fighter IV, for just $29.

Even if you already have an arcade stick, don't you need one for a second player? Or to experiment with modding? As for that Street Fighter IV, you probably already have it (or even Super SFIV) if you're shopping for arcade sticks, but who cares? Trade it in or give it away. The FightStick itself usually sells for much more than that -- even at Walmart.

[Thanks, Joe]

JoystiqPick up a FightStick and Street Fighter 4 for $29 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 13:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FightStickMad-Catzmicrosoftplaystationps3Street-Fighter-IVWalmartxboxWed, 17 Nov 2010 13:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart Black Friday ad includes holiday bundles, games under $10]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/walmart-black-friday-ad-includes-holiday-bundles-games-under-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/walmart-black-friday-ad-includes-holiday-bundles-games-under-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/16/walmart-black-friday-ad-includes-holiday-bundles-games-under-1/#comments Most of the retailers' Black Friday catalogs we've seen thus far have begun to blend together, as almost all seem to be offering the same selection of holiday hardware bundles with various perks and bonuses. Walmart's recently released list of doorbusters and deals follows suit, including its own takes on the New Super Mario Bros. Wii Bundle (which includes an extra Wii Remote Plus and 'chuck) for $250 and the 160GB Uncharted 2 PS3 bundle (which also includes a limited edition Medal of Honor) for $300.

However! Walmart is also marking down a metric ton of games to $10 or less, including inFamous, the God of War Collection, Call of Duty 4: Modern Warfare, Red Steel 2 and a whole lot more. A few more recent titles will be discounted to $29, and, finally, all of the store's DS Lites will be marked down to $89. Check out more details about these offers (and more!) after the jump!

Continue reading Walmart Black Friday ad includes holiday bundles, games under $10

JoystiqWalmart Black Friday ad includes holiday bundles, games under $10 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-fridayblack-friday-2010dsmicrosoftnintendoplaystationps3walmartwiixboxTue, 16 Nov 2010 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions on PC is Walmart exclusive for Thanksgiving weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-on-pc-is-walmart-exclusive-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-on-pc-is-walmart-exclusive-for/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/12/spider-man-shattered-dimensions-on-pc-is-walmart-exclusive-for/#comments Spider-Man: Shattered Dimensions is getting a PC release right around Thanksgiving this year -- kind of. According to the game's official Facebook page, the North American PC version will only be available at Walmart over the Thanksgiving weekend, which means if you want it, you'll have to brave the unwashed crowds to get it (or just send the scariest member of your family). After that first weekend, it'll presumably go on sale elsewhere, so you can wait the extra week if you so choose.

The rest of the world doesn't have to deal with any exclusivity agreements -- the PC version will be on sale in Australia and Asia on November 24, and in Europe on November 26.

[Thanks, Steve]

JoystiqSpider-Man: Shattered Dimensions on PC is Walmart exclusive for Thanksgiving weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Nov 2010 07:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionbeenoxexclusivepcreleasespider-manspider-man-shattered-dimensionsthanksgivingwalmartFri, 12 Nov 2010 07:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/retailers-gran-turismo-5-to-miss-christmas-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/retailers-gran-turismo-5-to-miss-christmas-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/retailers-gran-turismo-5-to-miss-christmas-release/#comments Today was the day we were supposed to finally, maybe play Gran Turismo 5 -- not even Walmart, it seems, can get over the latest delay. A search for the game today on the retailer's site turned up an "In Stock" result (pictured above); though clicking through to the product prompted only a pre-order option.

While there remains no definitive release date for the comically-delayed sim racer, a Sony representative reiterated in a statement to Joystiq today that the publisher is "still aiming for this holiday" to launch GT5. Sony has backed up this target window by recently updating retailers, which passed the information along to their customers. Specifically, Amazon has notified GT5 pre-orderers of a "new delivery estimate based on the new release date" -- that date being December 31, 2010. (A full copy of one such email is posted after the break.)

Although there are exceptions (first-party Nintendo games tend to be released on Sundays), almost all video games are released on Tuesdays -- just like today -- in the U.S. And though Amazon appears to be acting on a date provided by the publisher, Sony confirmed December 31 is just a placeholder. "As far as the Amazon date goes," a Sony representative told us, "retailers have arbitrary dates that get listed to coincide with any given title's launch window if we haven't provided a specific date. So it's completely driven from their side [...] A placeholder if you will." Similarly, GameStop and Target now list January 1, 2011 placeholder release dates for GT5 (whereas GameFly is sticking with "TBD," for now).

Technically, you can get away with extending the holiday season into early January, and by all accounts, GT5 is still on track to meet this rather dubious date range. According to retailer expectations, however, no gamer -- big or small -- is going to be unwrapping Gran Turismo 5 from under the Christmas tree, or from any other location their loved ones might stack their presents this holiday. Unless, of course, Sony can pull off a last-minute miracle.

Continue reading Retailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release

JoystiqRetailers: Gran Turismo 5 to miss Christmas release originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazondelaysgameflygamestopGran-Turismo-5holiday-2010playstationpre-orderps3release-dateretailsceasonytargetwalmartTue, 02 Nov 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bonus Wiimote with Wii Party purchase at Walmart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/bonus-wiimote-with-wii-party-purchase-at-walmart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/bonus-wiimote-with-wii-party-purchase-at-walmart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/02/bonus-wiimote-with-wii-party-purchase-at-walmart/#comments An extra Wiimote can always come in handy, especially if you're the type to throw your "Wii Party" with no wrist straps allowed. You can back up your bold throwdown with a spare Wiimote, included in Walmart versions of Wii Party, while supplies last. The game will be released this Sunday nationwide.

Continue reading Bonus Wiimote with Wii Party purchase at Walmart

JoystiqBonus Wiimote with Wii Party purchase at Walmart originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 02 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>nintendowalmartwiiSat, 02 Oct 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach Walmart ad doles out the smack talk between friends]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/halo-reach-walmart-ad-doles-out-the-smack-talk-between-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/halo-reach-walmart-ad-doles-out-the-smack-talk-between-friends/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/13/halo-reach-walmart-ad-doles-out-the-smack-talk-between-friends/#comments Jim Gaffigan summed up the "merits" of camping rather well, which we point out because there's a new Walmart ad that shows you how to deal with a friend stupid enough to go camping the night Halo: Reach launches. Personally, we'd never befriend somebody who had their priorities that mixed up.

Continue reading Halo: Reach Walmart ad doles out the smack talk between friends

JoystiqHalo: Reach Walmart ad doles out the smack talk between friends originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 13 Sep 2010 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BungieBungie-StudioshaloHalo-ReachmicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-Studioswal-martwalmartxboxMon, 13 Sep 2010 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Walmart lists ICO and Shadow of the Colossus pack for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/walmart-lists-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-pack-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/walmart-lists-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-pack-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/11/walmart-lists-ico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-pack-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Once again, Walmart has added a product listing for a heretofore unannounced (but heavily rumored) PS3 title: A bundle including (presumably visually updated versions of) ICO and Shadow of the Colossus. The mega-retailer included an April 1, 2011 release date for the game -- hopefully not an indication of an outrageously early April Fools' Day joke -- and a bargain-level price tag of $39.82.

We've contacted representatives at Sony and Walmart (again) to try to get a comment on the listing, and will let you know when we hear more.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

JoystiqWalmart lists ICO and Shadow of the Colossus pack for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>icoico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionplaystationps3Shadow-of-the-Colossussonyteam-icoTeam-ICO-CollectionwalmartSat, 11 Sep 2010 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA['MAG 2' listed by Walmart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/mag-2-listed-by-walmart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/mag-2-listed-by-walmart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/10/mag-2-listed-by-walmart/#commentsFiled under: , ,

A listing for "MAG 2" has popped up on Walmart's site, brandishing a $60 price tag and a tentative release date of January 25, 2011. This is the first we've heard of a sequel to this year's 256-player online shooter MAG, but the very fact that it's listed leads us to believe something is in the works.

Could it be a re-released version of MAG packing in all of the DLC? Perhaps a repackaging with PlayStation Move support? Only time will tell. Or Sony, who we've reached out to for comment. Whichever comes first.

Update: Sony told us, "Any information posted on Walmart.com in regards to MAG 2 is pure speculation." We've yet to hear back from Walmart representatives.

[Thanks, Kromis]

Joystiq'MAG 2' listed by Walmart originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Sep 2010 11:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mag-2playstationps3walmartFri, 10 Sep 2010 11:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Halo: Reach launch festivities detailed by Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/halo-reach-launch-festivities-detailed-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/halo-reach-launch-festivities-detailed-by-microsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/09/07/halo-reach-launch-festivities-detailed-by-microsoft/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Next week's release of Halo: Reach carries with it some dire consequences for one New York City Best Buy-owned location -- the Times Square Best Buy theater will be taken over by thousands of rabid Halo fans, patiently waiting for their copy of Reach at 12:01am Tuesday on the dot. Additionally, the theater will feature a "surprise musical performance" and a chance to meet the creators of Reach.

Seattle will also be holding a major launch event. The Experience Music Project / Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame will host folks from both Bungie and 343 Industries, as well as a chance to compete in tournaments and win "coveted Halo prizes." Will you finally get that real-life plasma sword? We certainly hope not. That's dangerous!

As expected, US game retailers (from GameStop to Walmart) will be holding midnight launch events across the country, though we suggest you check with your local retail outlet before lining up next Monday night. A week's worth of Xbox Live-based activities -- named "Invasion Week" -- are also planned, which you can find detailed after the break.

[Thanks, p01nt.]

Continue reading Halo: Reach launch festivities detailed by Microsoft

JoystiqHalo: Reach launch festivities detailed by Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>343-industriesbest-buybungiebungie-studiosexperience-music-projectgamestophaloHalo-Reachinvasion-weeklaunch-eventmicrosoftnew-york-cityscience-fiction-museum-and-hall-of-fameseattlewalmartxboxxbox-liveTue, 07 Sep 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hunted: The Demon's Forge crafts exclusive pre-order content]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/hunted-the-demons-forge-crafts-exclusive-pre-order-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/hunted-the-demons-forge-crafts-exclusive-pre-order-content/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/hunted-the-demons-forge-crafts-exclusive-pre-order-content/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Americans anxious to get down to the business of paying money for a game should know that Bethesda has announced pre-order incentives for its upcoming Unreal Engine 3-powered fantasy RPG, Hunted: The Demon's Forge. Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, Steam, Direct2Drive and GameStop will all offer specific bonus content, so head on past the break to get it all straight. (Why does buying a game have to be like this?)

Continue reading Hunted: The Demon's Forge crafts exclusive pre-order content

JoystiqHunted: The Demon's Forge crafts exclusive pre-order content originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonbest-buybethesdaBethesda-Softworksdirect2drivefantasygamestopHuntedHunted-The-Demons-Forgeinxileinxile-entertainmentmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rpgsteamvalvewalmartxboxTue, 17 Aug 2010 05:30:00 EST