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Wii U 'Splatoon' bundle lands at Best Buy on May 29th
Nintendo must be really, really confident that you'll want Splatoon. It's launching a Best Buy-exclusive Wii U bundle that includes the ink-drenched, kid-friendly shooter, Nintendoland and a 32GB Deluxe console for $300. That's a good deal, but a bit of a gamble for a brand new game series -- normally, Nintendo thrives on bundling familiar titles that lure you in based on the name alone. If you're new to the Wii U and don't mind trying something genuinely new, though, you can snag this bundle on May 29th.
ESPN objects to Verizon's flexible FiOS TV plans
You may like Verizon's more flexible FiOS TV packages, but ESPN sure doesn't. The Disney-owned sports network claims that these offerings break contracts which prevent carriers from putting ESPN and ESPN2 into a separate sports package -- typically, they have to be included with other Disney channels. The company isn't directly accusing Verizon of going rogue, but a Recode source claims that the telecom didn't ask for permission. While Verizon tells the Wall Street Journal that it crafted the packages to avoid trouble, the insider says that the provider believed its existing deals would let it test these smaller bundles without a conflict. Clearly, ESPN would beg to differ.
Verizon's new 'Custom' FiOS TV plans are a little more flexible
Every time we talk about a new TV service, from Sling TV to PlayStation Vue to whatever Apple might be working on, there's inevitably disappointment when it's lacking a la carte channel selection. That's still the case for the new FiOS Custom TV packages Verizon tells us it will start offering on Sunday, but they do give customers a little more choice on what channels to pay for, or leave out. The way it works, is there's a 35-channel base package (CNN, AMC, HGTV, locals networks, etc.) combined with internet service. For $65, customers get that, plus any two add-on channel packages. The add-on packs are bundled by genre in a manner similar to Sling TV, with Sports (where ESPN lives), News & Info, Pop Culture, Entertainment, Kids, Lifestyle, and Sports Plus (regional sports networks, NFL Network and so on).
Limited edition 'Batman' PlayStation 4 scratches that superhero itch
If you missed out on that coveted 20th Anniversary PlayStation 4, don't fret: there's another special-run model coming soon. Sony has unveiled a limited edition Batman: Arkham Knight PS4 bundle that gives you a "steel grey" console emblazoned with the Caped Crusader's silhouette alongside the matching controller and, of course, the game. You'll want to pre-order the $450 pack quickly if you want to stand a chance of getting it on its June 23rd launch day, but there is a standard $400 bundle if you're either late to the party or are more interested in saving Gotham than showing off.
Lenovo wants cleaner software bundles to avoid security disasters
Lenovo was quick to stop preloading Superfish and clean up its immediate PC security problem, but what about preventing problems going forward? Well, you can relax a little -- the company is thinking about the long term. In an open letter, technical chief Peter Hortensius reveals that Lenovo is investigating a "wide range of options" to avoid software that poses a threat to your data. Among its choices are preloading a "cleaner" software bundle (definitely our pick) and consulting with both security experts and regular users to determine what programs it should use. The computer builder doesn't have a firm plan of action yet, but it's promising one by week's end -- while you probably won't see truly bloat-free Lenovo PCs, your next IdeaPad or Yoga should have a bit less cruft.
Mario Party 10 throws an amiibo get-together on March 20
Mario Party 10 will launch on March 20, Nintendo revealed today. The publisher showed off the new "amiibo Party Mode" for the game during its Nintendo Direct presentation this morning, adding compatibility for Super Smash Bros. and Super Mario series figures. Nintendo noted that the mode requires at least one amiibo, though other players can link their own figures to the game to use their respective characters as game pieces and access game boards inspired by the characters. Nintendo also announced that a limited edition version of Mario Party 10 will arrive on Wii U that same day, packing in a Mario amiibo figure with the party game. The game's latest trailer shows off both the amiibo Party Mode and the game's Bowser Party mode. [Image: Nintendo]
Majora's Mask 3D bundle sports a Skull Kid figurine
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask 3D will receive a limited edition bundle at the game's launch that includes a Skull Kid figurine. The $50 bundle doesn't include any of the goodies packed in to Europe's special edition, as Nintendo noted that it only features a copy of the game and the figurine. The publisher has yet to offer a launch date for the remastered game. Nintendo announced plans to remake Majora's Mask for 3DS during a Nintendo Direct livestream in November. The original game launched in 2000 for Nintendo 64, putting series hero Link in the doomed land of Terminus, months after the events of the other cherished Zelda game for the system, Ocarina of Time. Word of a possible 3D remake of Majora's Mask began in November 2011, when series producer Eiji Aonuma said the publisher was "seriously considering" it following the success of Ocarina of Time's own 3DS remake. [Image: Nintendo]
Canada celebrates Boxing Day with two-game PS4 bundle
Boxing Day, the festive day following Christmas in which folks shop even more is upon us, friends. To celebrate, Sony will offer Canadian players a new PS4 bundle that includes two games. For $450, players can pick up the 500 GB PS4 console with NHL 15 (because Canada) and LittleBigPlanet 3 this Friday, December 26. Pre-orders for the Boxing Day bundle open on Wednesday, and it will be available through "major retailers." Canada's Boxing Day bundle's value compares fairly well to previous ones: Sony offered a PS4 for $400 earlier this month that packed in the buyer's choice of one game out of four options, LittleBigPlanet 3 being one of them. Walmart later sweetened that deal by tacking a $50 gift card onto the offer. While NHL 15 wasn't received well at its launch due to a number of missing modes, some of which returned in via patches, the platforming sequel starring Sackboy did get praise in our review for its "vibrant and inviting" world. [Image: Sony]
Amazon offers PS4, camera and two games for under $450
Black Friday is now a distant memory, but it's not too late to score a solid deal on a current-gen console in the days leading up to Christmas. Amazon is currently selling a PlayStation 4 hardware bundle that includes a PlayStation camera and two additional games for $440.99. Along with the hardware on offer, buyers will also receive a digital copy of The Last of Us Remastered and a code for their choice of one of four additional games. Eligible titles include Destiny, NBA 2K15, Far Cry 4, and LittleBigPlanet 3. If you're looking for a similar deal on the Glacier White PlayStation 4 Destiny Bundle, Best Buy is offering a free copy of Killzone Shadow Fall with the $399.99 package this week. [Image: Sony]
PS Vita Borderlands 2 bundle $170 at GameStop, Amazon
Christmas is fast approaching, and if you're looking to pick up a PlayStation Vita for a pal (or for yourself, if the Grinch in you overtakes your giving spirit), GameStop and Amazon are both offering a solid discount on a Borderlands 2-bundled limited edition unit. Normally priced at $199.99, the Borderlands 2 Vita bundle is now up for grabs at both retailers for $169.99. The package includes a slim-model Vita, a voucher code for a downloadable copy of Borderlands 2, and an 8 GB memory card. There's no word on when the package will return to full price, so make sure to pick one up soon if you're in the market for a solid stocking stuffer. [Image: Sony]
Microsoft Store offers free games with Xbox One bundles
Microsoft is offering up free copies of retail Xbox One games for shoppers who pick up one of three available Xbox One console bundles via the online Microsoft Store. Eligible packages include the Assassin's Creed Unity bundle ($349), the Assassin's Creed Unity Kinect bundle ($449.99), and the refurbished Xbox One Kinect bundle ($399.99). To receive the offer, just add any eligible bundle to your shopping cart at the Microsoft Store. Buyers are then prompted to add any retail Xbox One game to their shopping cart free of charge, including recent releases like Sunset Overdrive, Grand Theft Auto 5, and Dragon Age: Inquisition. [Image: Microsoft]
New PS4 bundle includes console, choice of game for $400
Just in time for the holidays, Sony unveils a new PlayStation 4 bundle that includes both the console and your choice game from one of four recent hits. Priced at $400, the bundle offers buyers a choice between Far Cry 4, Destiny, NBA 2K15 and LittleBigPlanet 3, all games that still fetch $60 at retail. Box art pack rats be warned: This bundle only includes a code that can be redeemed for a digital copy of your chosen game, and not a physical copy. [Image: Sony]
Sonic Adventure, Nights headline Humble Sega Bundle
Sega peeks into its storied past this week with the Humble Sega Bundle, a pay-what-you-want collection featuring a handful of classics adapted from the Saturn and Dreamcast eras. Pay any amount for the bundle and you'll get the surreal score-attack action game Nights Into Dreams, kart racer Sonic & All-Stars Racing Transformed, and the Dreamcast Collection, which includes PC versions of Sonic Adventure, Sega Bass Fishing, Crazy Taxi, and Space Channel 5 Part 2. The package also offers Total War: Rome II's "Caesar in Gaul" expansion and the Miles' Tactic DLC for Football Manager 2015. Beat the bundle's average purchase price (currently $3.68) and you'll unlock Empire: Total War, Company of Heroes 2 - The Western Front Armies: Oberkommando West, and additional games that will be revealed as the bundle enters its final week. Total War: Shogun 2 - Fall of the Samurai is up for grabs as a $12 incentive, and you can also get an exclusive Dreamcast-themed t-shirt with a purchase of $50 or more. The Humble Sega Bundle will be available through December 9. [Video: Humble Bundle / Sega]
BitTorrent now lets any artist offer paid bundles
BitTorrent's experiments with paid music and video bundles have clearly seen some early success -- and accordingly, it's opening up the floodgates. The peer-to-peer service now lets any artist apply to distribute content through paywall-based downloads, whether they're releasing music, apps or movies. As before, the allure is the sheer flexibility that artists get in deciding not just what you pay for, but when you pay for it. A musician might let the first 500 downloaders listen to an album for free, for instance, but can ask latecomers to pay for some or all of the songs. They also get 90 percent of the revenue instead of the 70 percent they get from most online music services, so there's a chance they'll take home more money if they produce a hit.
Microsoft bundles Office 365, Xbox and Skype subscriptions for $199
You may want to write this down so you can remember it later on, in case you really can't think of a better gift for someone in your life who depends on several Microsoft services. The company has just released a limited edition Work & Play bundle, which contains one-year subscriptions each to Office 365 Home (comes with unlimited OneDrive storage), Xbox Live, Xbox Music Pass and Skype Unlimited World and WiFi for a total of $199. We've listed down the price of each service for you, so you can figure out if the bundle's worth buying: Office 365 Home: $9.99/month or $99.99/year Xbox Live 12-month Gold Membership: $59.99/year 12-Month Xbox Music Pass: $99.90/year Skype Unlimited World: €10.49 ($13.05)/month or $156.60/year if the numbers you're calling are mostly located in the US
Humble Weekly Bundle revs up with Joe Danger 2, Dirt 3
Start your engines, race fans - the latest Humble Weekly Bundle collects a handful of PC racing games, with Codemasters' Dirt 3 available as an incentive for supporters who pay $9 or more for the package. All bundle buyers receive copies of motorbike stunt sim Urban Trial Freestyle, offroad racer WRC Powerslide, and top-down driving game Real World Racing. Pitch in $6 or more and you'll also get Dirt Showdown and Hello Games' Joe Danger 2: The Movie. A customer-chosen portion of proceeds benefit the SpecialEffect and Save the Children charities. Humble Weekly's Racing bundle will be available through November 13. [Image: Hello Games]
Europe's heroic Vita Mega Pack has Worms, Ratchet & Clank
Sony Europe revealed a new "PS Vita Heroes Mega Pack" for its handheld system today, bundling together five games and a memory card for the console just in time for the holiday season. Slated to launch on November 19 (November 21 in the UK), the pack includes the following games: Worms Revolution Extreme Ratchet and Clank Jak and Daxter Lemmings Touch LocoRoco Players can opt to pick up the games alone with an 8 GB memory card for €40 ($49.75). Those without the console can also choose to purchase the games, memory card and a PlayStation Vita in one pack for €200 ($248.80) instead, the same price as a standalone Vita system. Sony issued other "Mega Pack" bundles for the Vita in the past, including the more recent adventure game pack revealed in August, which includes Uncharted: Golden Abyss, Tearaway and Gravity Rush. [Image: SCEE]
Humble Indie Bundle 13 features Jazzpunk, OlliOlli
Comedy adventure game Jazzpunk and side-scrolling skateboarding sim OlliOlli headline the latest Humble Indie Bundle, with Shadowrun Returns available as an incentive for buyers who pay $12 or more for the package. All bundle buyers receive copies of OlliOlli, 2D exploration game Insanely Twisted Shadow Planet, and twitch FPS Tower of Guns. Beat the average purchase price (currently $6.93) and you'll unlock Jazzpunk, survival horror sequel Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs, and four giftable copies of the 2D action-roguelike Risk of Rain. Humble Bundle's organizers are also offering up Teleglitch: Die More Edition free of charge for Halloween. The Humble Indie Bundle 13 is up for grabs through November 11. [Video: Humble Bundle]
Pokemon Omega/Alpha 'dual pack' has healing powers [Update]
Nintendo is packaging both versions of its upcoming Pokemon remake together, though the benefit to buying both games in one box isn't monetary. While both Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will debut next month for $40 each, the "dual pack" bundle will still cost $80. The catch to Nintendo's two-for-two-in-different-packaging deal is that both games come with individual download codes that give players 100 potions in each game, making the familiar journey a tad easier. Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire were announced for 3DS in May as "fresh takes" on the 2003 Game Boy Advance games. Like last year's Pokemon X and Y, the games feature a load of mega-evolved versions of existing 'mon. Players can still obtain a download code to access the game's demo in the next few days by purchasing one of a handful of apps or games. Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire will launch on November 21. Update: As a minor point of clarification, the dual pack is exclusive to Best Buy stores. [Image: Nintendo]
Humble Weekly Bundle features crazed plants, chemical bonds
The latest Humble Weekly Bundle is designed to test your squishy brain matter, offering up to seven PC puzzlers for a price that you choose. Pay $1 or more for the bundle and you'll get Steam keys for BulkyPix's typographic adventure game Type:Rider, Ovos' spacefaring puzzler Ludwig, and botany-themed breed-'em-up Crazy Plant Shop. Toss in a few dollars more to beat the average (currently $5.79) and you'll also receive Draknek's chemistry puzzler Sokobond and Three Flip Studios' language-learning game Influent. Purchases of $9 or more will additionally unlock Spotkin's Contraption Maker and Little Worlds' Counting Kingdom. The bundle will be up for grabs through October 30. [Image: FIlament Games]
