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Phoenix Wright: Sales for All
Amazon has cut the price of Phoenix Wright: Justice for All, the sequel to everyone's favorite court-based adventure game, bringing it down to $19.99. We don't expect this deal to last for long, so race your shopping cart to the checkout lane as fast as your feet will allow.If for some reason, God forbid, you haven't played Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney yet and are hesitant to start the series midway through, don't forget that you can also pick up a used copy at GameStop or EB Games for as low as $21.99! We admit, that's still pretty expensive for a game as old as this one, but it's better than paying full price. All you'll need to take advantage of this sorta-bargain is the coupon we posted earlier this morning.
Save $5 on overpriced used games at EB/GS
We've always thought that GameStop and EB Games's used titles were, at the very least, $5 too expensive, especially when you consider the pittance they reward you with for trading in your games, old or new. The thrifty among you will find some solace in this coupon that both companies sent out last night, enticing you to "Save $5 when you buy any used DS game priced $14.99 or higher."You'll have a better selection picking out your game from the stores' shelves, but the coupon code, "EBC3002763," should also work with online purchases. If you head to their "Used Games" pages now, you might be able to scavenge preplayed titles like Elite Beat Agents and Resident Evil: Deadly Silence before the wolves descend upon them and tear their availability from your grip. Check past the post break for the coupon.
Store managers detail PS3 failure rate at less than 1%
The inquisitive folks over at Ripten decided to do a little research on the failure rate of current next-gen consoles. Their conclusions should come as no surprise, with the PS3 resulting in a low failure rate. What is surprising however, is the failure rate for one console in particular appears to be higher than previously anticipated. An EB Games associate singled out the Xbox 360 console by advising "failure rates for all other consoles were not high enough for EB to consider revising their policies" further claiming the failure rate of the Sony PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii to be "less than one percent." An EB Games manager reiterated the low failure rates of the Nintendo Wii by exclaiming that "zero [consoles] have come back defective." A Best Buy manager then went on record saying "a quarter to a third" Xbox 360 consoles sold, come back defective, confirming the 33% failure rate percentage. The methods used to determine failure rates for these consoles appear to be too elementary to really prove anything concrete. Nevertheless, this story allows us to breathe a little bit easier, as it continues to prove our console of choice can still fold like a champ and have a longer lifespan than that of its direct competition.[Via digg]
Medal of Honor Heroes gets sequel, according to EB
The retail release calendar has accidentally revealed a new title yet again. This time, it's a sequel to one of the better FPS games on the system, Medal of Honor Heroes. The aptly titled Medal of Honor Heroes 2 listing on EB Games contains no other information, but we think it's safe to assume that the sequel will feature the same massive online battles that the original had.[Via IGN]
Smash Bros. Brawl controllers confirmed
Don't be surprised if heated debates over Smash Bros. Brawl character supremacy take on a terrifying new dimension now that it's been confirmed on the official blog that all Wii-compatible remotes will work with the game. "Sure, Kirby can beat Meta Knight if everybody's using GameCube controllers," the clerk at your local EB Games might say, "but you don't even understand Kirby until you've turned the Wiimote on its side, that's his spinach."If you're puzzling over what does what exactly, keep wondering -- director Masahiro Sakurai is staying mum. He does admit though that he prefers the GameCube controller because he "like[s] the feel of that powerful rumble." ... Wow, we didn't mean to end the post all creepy, sorry, we'll change the subject. So, how are you planning on playing?[Thanks to everybody who sent this in.]
Pre-Order Pushers explores retailer fibs
You're reading Joystiq, so you're probably used to knowing more than the guy on the other side of the counter at your local game store. You may have noticed a few times when they haven't been strictly honest with their spiel ... or strictly intelligent. Now instead of cursing the darkness you can allow yourself to vent at Pre-Order Pushers, created by Nathan Smart of The Game Rag fame with help from our own Kyle Orland (or Ky-Ky Baby as he's known in the office.)There are already some real gems here. We're particularly smitten with the manager who, in the quest to get a Spider-Man 2 pre-order, told customers that the game was like a hybrid of GTA and KOTOR that allows you to punch pedestrians, fill up your evil meter, transform into Venom and infect people with your symbiote to have them fight for you. Yeah, Spider-Man 2. If you're a game store clerk you may be tempted to get your dander up -- don't. They're not talking about you, they're talking about the bad ones. Just think of this as the spiritual counterbalance to Acts of Gord.
Gamestop says no Metal Gear Solid 4 until 2008
Uh oh. Looks like gaming behemoth Gamestop/EB Games is sending a dreaded email to gamers who preordered Metal Gear Solid 4. According to an email sent earlier today, Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots been delayed from its tenative September 1st, 2007 date and is now expected March 1st, 2008. This isn't the first time a high-profile title hits a sudden postponement, but we were gearing up in anticipation for this title to hold us over through the holidays. Without the hugely anticipated title expected until 2008, it could cause Santa's little helpers to drop off something else under the tree. Lets all hope this one doesn't quite pan out as the email indicates.
Deal of the Day: Free SIXAXIS with PS3 purchase
Today's Deal of the Day comes to us from EBGames. For the next week (5/11-5/17) you get a free SIXAXIS controller with the purchase of a PlayStation 3. A great deal for people planning on picking up a PlayStation 3 soon, it saves you enough to (almost) buy another game and sets you up nicely for multiplayer action. The coupon is required though, so make sure to print out the one posted on the official PlayStation forums.
ESRB says 90 percent of parents aware of ratings
The ESRB is attempting to prove with a new study that their ratings system is doing more than just cluttering up game boxes. The group says that 90% of American parents of gaming kids are aware of the ratings and 85% use them regularly when buying games. Those numbers are up from 84% and 73% from last year.While it's certainly good news for fans of industry self-regulation if accurate, this surprisingly high number of rating-literate parents comes at a conveniently good time for the ESRB, which currently has its independence threatened yet again by the "Truth in Video Games" act reintroduced by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kansas).But who knows? Maybe the ratings are catching on. One concerned 4-foot-tall man pre-ordering Grand Theft Auto IV in our local game store who assured us that was "really a parent" certainly thought so. "Yes, I don't want my son, the son that I really have, playing those awful violent games," he said, pressing on his waxy-looking mustache nervously for emphasis. "When I have a legally-obtained beer with my adult friends at adult parties, we often talk about the ratings of games being played by our children, our real children ... the ones who are not us. Now, if you'll excuse me I hear my mom honking. Wait, no -- my wife. It's my wife honking. The wife that I have."
Somewhat more Sedate Truck found at Gamestop
This profoundly limited-edition copy of Excite Truck was spotted on the shelf at GameStop. Evidently, an employee drew this charmingly quaint alternate boxart instead of using the default GameStop display box for loose games. You can see from the little motion lines that the truck is clearly excited, which is a much subtler approach than the usual bright colors and EXTREME explosions.We totally prefer the lunch-break line art shown here to the real boxart, but we're still a little shocked that they're selling this copy as a new game with no discount.[Via Siliconera]
Euro retailer Game buys Gamestation for $150 million
The European game retail space just got a little less competitive. American movie rental giant Blockbuster announced today that it is selling its British Gamestation subsidiary to European mega-retailer Game Group PLC for $150 million (approx. £74 million). The move will increase Game's British footprint by over 200 stores and leave the chain as the largest games retailer in Europe by a sizable margin.The consolidation is reminiscent of the merger between Gamestop and EBGames a few years back that created a virtual monopoly on U.S. game retailers. There had been some speculation that GameStop would scoop up GameStation next, getting a larger toehold in the British market in the process, but that now seems to be a missed opportunity. "Instead of gaining traction in the market through an acquisition of Gamestation, GameStop allowed its key rival in the UK, Game Group, to create a greater barrier to entry in that market," analyst Michael Pachter said. "We are not optimistic that GameStop will be able to grow a grass roots presence in the UK for at least three years."
WRUP: Getting ready for the weekend stock edition
Not much on the weekly releases radar this week, so maybe you don't have much planned in the way of gaming this weekend? Well, what about the rest of you? What about the people who still can't find a Wii? What are they to do? Well, the news this week shows the Wii will be in stock at Gamestop and EB, at least, so perhaps you want to get up early and try over there? Of course, there's always the long shot of entering a contest ...Remember, if you can't find a Wii, there's always those kids meal toys from Wendy's to cheer you up!Previous posts: What were you playing?
Confirmed: 360 trade-in value increased [update 2]
Over the past few days there has been a few rumors hitting the web about potential Xbox 360 trade-in prices increasing over at EB Games and Gamestop for the launch of the Elite. Well, we got in touch with a few Gamestop managers and it's true. The promotion started today and dramatically increases the trade-in value for original Xboxes, Xbox 360 Cores, and Xbox 360 Premiums. If you trade in a Premium 360 they'll give you $250 in-store credit, $200 in-store credit for a 360 Core, and $50 for an original Xbox. These trade-in price have increased pretty dramatically, because last week Gamestop was only paying $190 for an Xbox 360 Premium, now upped by $60. Both Gamestop managers also said that the new trade-in credit does not have to go towards an Xbox 360 Elite, but what other reason would you have for selling your 360? There you have it all wrapped up and confirmed. More trade-in cash for your old Xbox 360 to buy yourself a black Elite if you so choose.Update 1: We're thinking there may be a little confusion in Gamestop's head. We just got word from Kevin (who works at Gamestop) that the trade-in program uses coupons that are not valid until April 29th. Kevin says that the only way to increase the trade-in value is to use these coupons and the only way to get these coupons is to buy an Elite. So, according to him, you need to buy an Elite to get the increased trade in value. But, we double checked with our local Gamestop managers and they still are saying we could come in today and they'll pay us $250 for a Premium 360. Maybe all the stores just aren't on the same page ... silly Gamestop.Update 2: Even more details have emerged.
Live in Canada? Have a lot of games? Get a PS3 for $400!
We're assuming the $399.99 price tag is in Canadian currency -- and the price does go towards the 60GB model PS3. What do you have to do to get this deal? Trade in 10 applicable games and get the deal of a lifetime. Well... probably not. Applicable titles is a tricky situation -- they're probably games that either just came out or have a certain trade-in value (an excuse to finally get rid of Disgaea -- the game that's worse than crack).Don't want the 60GB? Well, you can also get a deal on the 20GB model while it still exists -- same conditions apply, but the discount drops the console to $290. That's all we know, since we're a bit far from Canada to test it out. Anyone interested, see what the deal is and drop a comment. We're going to say that unless you beat games really quickly and trade them in, it won't be a great deal. But it seems like it might.[thanks, Cagalli!]
EB Games lists Super Paper Mario for the Xbox 360 - HA HA LOLZ!
Similar to the Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam for Sony Wii typo a few weeks ago, the front page of EB Games lists Super Paper Mario as an Xbox 360 game. Quick! Everyone run into the streets screaming "NINTENDO WAS BOUGHHT BAI MICRO$OFT HAHALOL!!!!1!!1"! Not only is the system listed incorrectly, but the price tag is a rather steep $89.99. Looks like the database went cross-eyed and displayed the neighboring Guitar Hero II information for both entries. Oopsies. Clicking through to the Super Paper Mario product page shows all is well behind-the-scenes.[Via digg]
Current and ex-clerks speak about working in a game store
It's a fact of life. For most of us, when we need to get a game, we have to walk into the game store. Some times it's just easier to go down the street for a game then to wait the time it takes to arrive on our door step from ordering online, and don't get us started on shipping fees! That's why Games Radar's latest story about a couple brave individuals who spoke out about their experience working in games retail captivated us so.The story is broken up into three different parts, each detailing a certain aspect of the job and the pros and cons of such. The entirety of the story spans 17 pages and has eight different anonymous individuals commenting on their current or past experiences working in the games retail space. And if you've ever found yourself on the buyer's side of the desk, smashing your fists against your temples in anger as you scream for the 18th time that you do not want a strategy guide, nor do you wish to reserve anything, it's definitely worth a read.
PSP Core pack unsurprisingly falling to $169.99
Although the PSP Core pack isn't dropping to the lows in which we had hoped it would, the stripped-down package is getting a slashing nonetheless as it attempts to attract buyers who still aren't down with a $200 Value pack. Apparently, GameStop / EB Games locations have already received displays and instructions (posted after the jump) to lower the Core's price down a few notches starting on April 3rd, which means that you should put your PSP shopping trip on hiatus until tomorrow rolls around. Of course, this leveling out of pricing doesn't come to anyone's surprise, but if you've managed to both hold off on a PSP until now and still have an urge to pick one up outside of the used market, Wednesday's your day.
PSP gets even lower price: $170 for Core
Ever since GameStop reduced the price of the PSP Value Pack to the price of the Core System ($199.99), we expected the Core System to drop in price as well. Looks like our suspicions were true. Starting tomorrow (April 3), all GameStop and EB Games locations will drop the PSP's price down to a paltry $169.99--a savings of $30.Think this is a hoax? You'd be wrong! Joystiq confirmed with GameStop, even providing images from their tipster. Check out more proof, after the break. With PSP's new lower price, will it be able to more effectively compete against the Nintendo DS?
Pre-order the Xbox 360 Elite? Not at GameStop
According to Evil Avatar, GameStop and EB Games will not be taking pre-orders for the upcoming Xbox 360 Elite. The decision not to take pre-orders apparently stems from an uncertain number of consoles being allocated to each store. EvAv notes that there is no confirmation about whether or not customers will be able to pre-order the fabulously expensive 120GB hard drive.So, if you want to snag an Xbox 360 Elite, you'd best be prepared to wait in line for one. Well, that or you could pre-order it somewhere else. Has anyone out there pre-ordered an Elite?
Play NHL 2K7, go the the Stanley Cup playoffs
Canadian residents and professional NHL 2K7 gamers, listen up. You have a chance to win a trip to Canada's mecca of all sporting events ... the Stanley Cup playoffs. To win, you'll have to be a skilled NHL 2K7 player and have luck on your side. Starting March 11th in Montreal and running through April 8th, various EB Games locations will be holding NHL 2K7 tournaments where the winner from each store will be entered into the grand prize drawing. Full list of EB Games stores and dates are listed after the jump. Brush up on your hockey skills and sign up, because you have a religious sports journey to embark upon where winner takes all. [Thanks, DjDATZ]
