Gamestop -- Engadget

GameStop to start testing game downloads early next year

by Donald Melanson posted Nov 13th 2009 at 2:33AM

GameStop has been dropping hints about its digital download plans for a little while now, but it looks to have done its most extensive and official talking about the matter yet at the recent BMO Capital Management Digital Entertainment conference, where it confirmed that it will start testing the program "early next year" with kiosks in an unspecified number of stores. That program will apparently work in conjunction with services "such as Microsoft Corp's Xbox Live and Sony Corp's PlayStation Network," and will focus primarily on add-on content rather than full game downloads. Why's that, you ask? Well it seems that GameStop thinks "a large market for full game downloads is not imminent, (but) the add-on downloadable market will grow" -- a view that some would obviously beg to differ with.

[Via Joystiq]

Exclusive two-tone Xbox 360 Play and Charge kit coming to GameStop

by Nilay Patel posted Oct 16th 2009 at 2:11PM

We still think those crazy Mad Catz Modern Warfare 2 Xbox 360 controllers are the coolest around at the moment, but if you're committed to staying first-party this new GameStop-exclusive Play and Charge bundle is right up there -- black carbon fiber with red inserts never did anyone wrong, you know? Pre-orders are up now in all kinds of countries for $70.

Gallery: Exclusive two-tone Xbox 360 Play and Charge kit coming to GameStop

GameStop listing points to November 3rd launch, $100 price for 802.11n Xbox 360 adapter

by Donald Melanson posted Oct 5th 2009 at 4:53PM

We already had some indication that Microsoft's new Wireless N adapter for the Xbox 360 would pack the same $100 MSRP as its predecessor, but it looks like a new GameStop listing has now all but confirmed it, and the other big remaining detail: a release date. Unless someone seriously got their wires crossed, it looks like the adapter will start shipping on November 3rd, which we presume is also the date that the MSRP of the previous generation WiFi adapter will officially drop (to $80, last we heard), 'cause GameStop sure isn't going to be moving many of them at the $100 it's asking right now.

[Via Joystiq]

PS3 Slim already sold out at many a retail store

by Paul Miller posted Aug 28th 2009 at 11:48AM

The fine folks at GameSpot called around in San Francisco to find that many of their local GameStops and Best Buys have been selling the PS3 Slim, but some have already sold out of their first shipments. Our own calls to a few New York GameStops showed that they'd sold out of their first shipments as well (so much for that September 1 ship date, huh?) and were expecting their next shipment early next week. We also know plenty of folks who've had no trouble scoring one online, but who knows how long that supply will last. How about you, any luck tracking down this not-so-elusive console? Personally, we're still waiting on the go-ahead from our main man Kevin Butler to believe any of this is true.

[Via PC World]

DJ Hero Renegade Edition now accepting callers, lists for $199.99

by Ross Miller posted Jul 30th 2009 at 11:56PM

So how badly do you want that metallic DJ Hero turntable? The game's official website is now directing your attention to GameStop and Amazon, both of which are now accepting pre-orders for the Renegade Edition (due to launch October 27th alongside the standard bundle) for just one copper Lincoln under $200. That's a $80 premium over the regular bundle but does also include a stand / carrying case hybrid and a two-CD collection. Then again, it's also well over the cost of the entire instrument bundle for Rock Band 2 or Guitar Hero World Tour. Anyone gonna bite?

[Thanks, HArry]

GameStop hits the sauce for the 4th, offers up bizarre Wii bundles

by Darren Murph posted Jul 4th 2009 at 10:01AM

Are you in the market for a "Summer Fun" Wii bundle to get your Independence Day started right? Oh, yeah? Fantastic, 'cause GameStop has just the packages for you. For the low, low price of $249.99, the aforementioned bundle consists of a Nintendo Wii console, a water gun and... wait, what? Amazingly enough, GameStop has seen fit to bundle a $0.25 water gun with a Wii and call it a bundle; heck, it's even limiting them to two per household. If that's not strange enough for you, there's also the Pirate Tattoo bundle and Take a Bath with a Buddy (a rubber ducky, just so we're clear) bundle. Talk about really taking advantage of that whole "freedom" thing.

Read - Summer Fun bundle
Read - Pirate Tattoo bundle
Read - Take a Bath with a Buddy bundle

[Via Joystiq]

DJ Hero spinning a $120 price tag, October 27th ship date?

by Ross Miller posted Jun 18th 2009 at 9:25PM

While far from being a confirmation, major online retailers Gamestop and Amazon have independently of one another put up listings for the DJ Hero / turntable bundle with the same October 27th ship date and $119.99 price tag for Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 owners -- the PS2 version is either the same price or $20 cheaper, depending on which site you trust. That's a good $70 less than the two-instrument Guitar Hero World Tour package, but of course you're paying for a more single-player setup. Again, we haven't heard word one from Activision, and with over four months until this supposed date, things are likely subject to change (assuming these even came from the publisher in the first place, and weren't just magically pulled out of a large, black cap with frilly edges). We wouldn't be surprised to see this being the final price, though, and either way, it serves as a nagging reminder that the life of a fake plastic musician doesn't come cheap.

[Via Joystiq]

Read - Gamestop listing
Read - Amazon listing

Gametrak Freedom Xbox 360 motion controller up for pre-order with Squeeballs

by Darren Murph posted May 31st 2009 at 11:18PM

We get the feeling this isn't the motion sensing surprise that's likely in store for Xbox 360 fans at E3, but it's still great to see this controller moving beyond the hype stage. After being spied late last year and detailed around two months ago, the Gametrak Freedom motion controller is now listed at GameStop with an October 15th ship date. The controller, which will come bundled with Squeeballs: Island Party for the Xbox 360, is already up for pre-order, promising gamers who shell out $69.99 a grand total of 11 motion sensing party games. Unfortunately, there's no word on how much extra Freedom sticks will run, but based on the price of this kit, we'd wager not much.

[Thanks, Josh]

DJ Hero website and pre-orders go live, Jay-Z Special Edition seen in the distance

by Darren Murph posted May 30th 2009 at 11:34AM

With just days to go before the gaming world goes wild at E3, the hotly anticipated DJ Hero is now spinning on its very own website. Granted, a few of the sections are still labeled as "coming soon," but we're given a few more sneak peeks at the hardware, the gameplay and even a duo of handy links to pre-order it. According to listings on both GameStop and Amazon, the software and turntable are slated to ship on October 27th, with the bundle priced at $119.99 for all four of the major consoles (yes, new games are still being made for the PS2). Better still, the latter e-tailer has the Jay-Z Special Edition Bundle listed for Sony's PS3 and Nintendo's Wii, though neither of those are accompanied by MSRPs or expected ship dates. And to think, those are just two of our 99 problems...

[Thanks, Joey]

Read - DJ Hero official website
Read - GameStop pre-order page
Read - Amazon pre-order page
Read - DJ Hero game trailers

Continue reading DJ Hero website and pre-orders go live, Jay-Z Special Edition seen in the distance

GameStop offers up silver DualShock 3 controller for North America

by Darren Murph posted Apr 18th 2009 at 3:07AM

If that all-black DualShock 3 controller has just grown stale, and you're not about to drop any coinage to have Colorware liven things up, GameStop has a fantastic solution -- so long as you're a fan of silver, that is. As of today, the firm's website has a clear listing for a satin silver version of the wireless SIXAXIS, and anyone familiar with the silver PS2 controller will no doubt notice the striking similarities. Just so you know, this one's been available in the Japanese market for eight centuries now, but it looks like the North American crowd can finally yell "me too!" when parting with $54.99 on June 24th.

[Via Joystiq]

Wii shortage finally nearing its end, says GameStop exec

by Ross Miller posted Mar 20th 2009 at 4:26AM

We never, ever thought it'd take this long, but we've finally received a sign that the Wii supply and demand might be nearing some equilibrium, almost two and a half years later. According to GameStop SVP Bob McKenzie, the retailer now has a couple weeks' worth of supply, which seems to be fairly unprecedented given the numerous shortage stories we've heard over the console's 852-day lifespan. That's not to say the console's popularity is waning -- it's still topping US sales charts, and according to NPD, pushed over 750,000 units last month. So now that one shortage might be nearing its end, how about Nintendo find a way to keep Wii Fit in stock?

[Via Joystiq]

Read - McKenzie on Wii supply
Read - February NPD figures

KORG DS-10 synthesizer up for pre-order in America

by Darren Murph posted Jan 28th 2009 at 6:22AM

DS owners in Japan have been enjoying the spoils of the KORG DS-10 synthesizer for over half a year, but at long (long!) last, we Americans are about to receive equal treatment. The game itself, which is graciously priced at just $29.99, is now up for pre-order on GameStop's website. The listed ship date is February 9th, but we wouldn't go betting the farm on that being entirely accurate. Nevertheless, we're down to counting days and hours rather than months and weeks before we'll be able to shove a synth in our pockets without paying import prices. Huzzah!

[Via Joystiq]

Video: game consoles stored in Gamestop bathroom

by Darren Murph posted Sep 28th 2008 at 11:28AM

On a serious note, we're telling ourselves that there's just no way this happens in even a meaningful amount of Gamestop locations, but more than anything, the video waiting just after the break is for chuckles and chuckles alone. Apparently, one quick-thinking videographer-to-be captured a few stacks of Xbox 360s and PS3s in the store bathroom. Yes, the store bathroom. So the Gamestop-sourced console you're playing on right now could have all sorts of restroom-related germs on it. Yikes.

[Thanks, gamestopped]

Continue reading Video: game consoles stored in Gamestop bathroom

Guitar Hero World Tour priced, given release date

by Joshua Fruhlinger posted May 24th 2008 at 7:03PM

Now that we've been enticed with what Guitar Hero World Tour will look like, GameStop has revealed the upcoming rock simulator's price and release date. $189.99 will get you the Guitar Hero World Tour "Band Kit" with drum kit, guitar, and microphone. Meanwhile, the "Guitar Kit" at $99.99 will come with just the guitar controller. For those of you who want to use your current controller (assuming current controllers will work), the game-only version will run $59.99 (or $49.99 for the PS2 and Wii). The game's ship date, as of now, is set at 10/27/08.

Gamestop ain't your Zunestop

by Joshua Fruhlinger posted May 23rd 2008 at 2:05PM

GameStop will no longer stock or sell the Zune, citing weak sales and a poor fit with its "product mix". Despite recent positive sales numbers and only weeks short of Microsoft's launch of games for Zune, Microsoft's player will no longer be found at the gaming retail giant. The decision came about a month ago, and sales will continue at Gamestop.com until stock is depleted. Adam Sohn, director of Zune marketing, confirmed the announcement this afternoon by not denying it:

"We have a set of great retail partnerships that give Zune a strong presence at retail including Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and others. We will continue to invest in deep retail partnerships, and have seen good momentum online and at retail over the last few months including a great response to our recent Spring Update. We're looking forward to a continued strong presence at retail with our partners."

We can't help but thinking better Xbox integration could've gone a long way, but perhaps it was just never meant to be.