iPod games must be repurchased for new iPods
By Donald Melanson 
posted September 19th 2007 11:16AM
posted September 19th 2007 11:16AM
It looks like those hoping to port their collection of iPod games over to their shiny new iPod nano or iPod classic are going to be out of luck, unless they fork over the cash for new "reformatted" versions of the games. Unfortunately, according to iLounge, only three iPod games have been updated for the latest-gen players, including EA's Tetris and Sudoku, and Namco's Ms. Pac-Man. On the upside, those three games have all received some changes of various degrees, including most notably an all new control scheme on Tetris that'll let you use the click wheel for block rotation. While there's no word on a timeline for upgraded versions of the remaining 15 games, the three that have been reformatted are apparently available for download now for $4.99 apiece.
[Image courtesy of iLounge]
[Image courtesy of iLounge]
Even as a self-proclaimed Apple-fanboy, I've gotta say, that sucks. After the iPhone price drops and the whole iMovie debacle, I'm starting to wonder how much Apple cares about its customers.
Sure, one could say that it can't be totally unexpected, given other products lose some functionality when a new model comes along, but this is like not being able to watch the videos or listen to the music you bought from the iTMS. That's full of crap. Now I'm glad I bought a Sony S616 instead of a new nano. Guess I better start selling off my Apple stocks...
That's some bullsh*t right there, but the games do pretty much suck anyways.
Wait a minute here. Apple doesn't make the games, they just distribute them.
Shouldn't everyone be directing their wratch at the game's developers? (EA, Tiburon, etc)
Wrath, not wratch!
Wow.
That's some reward for your loyalty.
yet another reason why I won't give iTunes any money
If you want to play games, why do it on an iPod? It's not a game system, it's a personal media player. Buy a PSP/Nintendo DS if you want games or if you're that hard up play then use your phone (unless it's an iPhone, then you're sol).
Utterly disgraceful.
I have purchased more iPods and Macs than I can count, but Apple has started to take a turn for the worse.
The iPod quality (bugs, screens) is terrible, and there are starting to do stupid big company "sales-guys" moves.
This is one of them.
Has Apple jumped the shark? If so, it will be this moment when we all should have known.
I'm pretty sure it will take a lot of complaints about this for apple do anything about it. Unfortunately this is hurting the people who upgrade their iPods often, hence people who spend beaucoup money on Apple products and services. Probably some of the same crowd who suffered from the iPhone drop in price.
Maybe it has to be updated? Maybe the firmware is different or something. You guys are so quick to judge...
How ridiculous.
LMFAO....All these apple stories on Engadger are begining to grow on me. Its fun watching the iTard squeam and contort to protect the dear corporation.
Such mindless sheep...Apple truly has done something remarkable lobotmizing a whole consumer base.
Slowly but surely, Apple is messing up. The suckers who bought the game pay, the hackers and piraters win again. Guess the lesson is to pirate and hack when you can because paying for this content crap only means one thing, "You get raped and disrespected in the end."
So are iPod games compatible with the new iTouch? If so, how are the controls?
Why is *anyone* surprised by this? Reselling the same products to the same customers over and over has been Apple's business model for years. Look at the iPod. Do you really think 100 million DIFFERENT people have iPods? Not a chance. It's probably more like 30-50 million people buying 2-3 iPods a piece because they either break or want to "upgrade" to the new model.
Seriously... this is nothing new.
I'd encourage everyone reading this, not just those who are burned by this, to email sjobs@apple.com and voice your displeasure with what a bad customer relations move this is.
Normally Apple does the right thing. But this is so anti-consumer its ridiculous. Some people say "it's only $5!" Well, yeah.. its only $5. Unless you've purchased more than one game. Numerous people have purchased multiple games. And that "just $5" turned into $40 or more. Being forced to buy updates of ALL of their games could push them $80 or above total.
Those who bought iPod games should email both sjobs@apple.com as well as the iTunes Store customer support. It worked for me in getting free upgrades to the three available games.
We'll see if it works on the other 5 I've purchased when they upgrade those.
I'm gonna be there for Apple, they need our support! Rock on Steve!
Wow....I'm so bored I actually read about 75% of y'all's whinney crap! Go Big Business and rape the sheep of their wool, that they are so willing to give! Thanks for the entertainment, Peeps! or Sheeps!
For people wanting to support Apple, this is only fair. Apple needs us. Remember that.
This is a shitty move and my Apple appreciation wanes with each passing day, much as my BMW love does the same. I'll stick to my 14-year-old 3-series, 2-year-old iMac and 2-and-a-half-year-old iPod for a while longer yet. They all still work flawlessly.
Big deal. If your idiot enough to actually BUY ipod games (or ANYTHING from the crapple store) your idiot enough to pay for them twice. In fact I am sure you'll love paying for it a third time because it makes you feel so swell that your making Jobs smile.
Updated to a Classic 160GB and my pre owned game Vortex works fine. No need to update.
Maybe I am just lucky.
It's an awesome Ipod. Very impressed with the battery life
" It Just Works" - Douchebags