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New PS4, Xbox One Amazon UK pre-orders won't arrive before holidays
Amazon UK warns its customers that any new PS4 or Xbox One pre-orders won't arrive in time for the holidays – notably, the holiday starring a large man in a red suit. The Xbox One Amazon UK page now says orders placed after November 13 may not arrive before Christmas. The PS4 Amazon UK page offers the following notes: "Customers who pre-ordered this console from August 7 up to and including November 13 will receive their consoles before Christmas. Customers who pre-order this console from November 14 will receive their consoles after Christmas." Amazon's North American next-gen pages don't offer any warnings about holiday arrivals, but they also don't offer pre-orders at all. Amazon's Xbox One and PS4 pre-orders are closed at the moment, though it's worth noting the PS4 launches tomorrow, and the Xbox One on November 22.
The Daily Grind: What pre-orders were totally worth it?
Every time a studio announces a new game or expansion, there's always one issue that pops up early on for the community to consider: Is it worth it to buy the pre-order? EverQuest Next Landmark has its Founder's Packs now available, with all sorts of shinies including alpha access, beta head-starts, gear, inventory, and coveted forum titles. Forum titles, people! That's how the peons know that you're their better! Anyway, we were talking about what package might be worth it, and that led our staff into reminiscing about previous pre-orders. Some, of course, were a complete waste of money, but others delivered the goods quite admirably. So in retrospect, what pre-orders were totally worth buying? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
GameStop reopens Xbox One pre-orders, while supplies last
Those unable to secure an Xbox One for launch now have another shot, thanks to GameStop's decision to reopen its pre-order rolls on Microsoft's next console. From now until supplies run dry, GameStop will reserve an Xbox One for anyone willing to place a $100 down payment. The company claims that all players who pre-order this new batch of Xbox One consoles will be able to pick up their new machine at its November 22 launch. There is no word on how many consoles are available for pre-order, nor any information on how close the stock is to being depleted. While speed is going to be of the essence in securing a pre-order, where and how you place the order is up to you: GameStop is now accepting pre-orders both in its retail stores and on its website.
Sony handling PS4 pre-orders 'as responsibly as we possibly can'
Yesterday, Sony revealed that over one million pre-orders have been placed for its next-gen console, the PS4. It's a situation Sony UK managing director Fergal Gara told OPM is "kind of a good problem to have, but it is a problem and we're trying to manage that as responsibly as we possibly can." Gara added the pre-order numbers are "higher than we've ever seen in 20 years in this business." It's this demand that led Sony to tell its retail partners that pre-orders after August 5 would not be guaranteed a console on launch day. Gara elaborated to OPM that Sony is "chasing demand" at this point. GameStop ceased taking pre-orders for the console back in July, while Wal-Mart has stated it will open pre-orders for the console again in North America on August 24. The PS4 will launch for $399 on November 15 in North America and for €399/£349 on November 29 in Europe.
Gran Turismo 6 pre-order extras, GameStop-exclusive 15th Anniversary Edition detailed
As part of what it calls "the most extensive and robust pre-order offer" the Gran Turismo series has ever seen, SCEA has announced pre-orders for Gran Turismo 6 in North America will add four new vehicles to the game's roster: BMW Z4 GT3 '11, Nissan GT-R NISMO GT3 '13, Tesla Model S Signature Performance '13 and Chevrolet Corvette Stingray (C7) '14. GameStop pre-order customers will be updated to the retailer's exclusive "15th Anniversary" edition of Gran Turismo 6 at no additional cost, featuring a total of 20 new rides (including those mentioned above), PlayStation Blog US reports. The 15th Anniversary Edition also features customized paint chips, a race suit, helmet, PSN avatar and Beyond the Apex 2 – the next evolution of the Blu-ray exclusive GT5 Prologue Beyond the Apex experience. Amazon pre-orders will net $1 million in in-game credit, plus the aforementioned four-car pack. In Europe, the Anniversary Edition will be offered through select retailers – full details are over on PlayStation Blog Europe. Gran Turismo 6 is slated to launch this holiday season and Sony has said it is confident there will be no delay. %Gallery-191367%
Splinter Cell: Blacklist Wii U pre-orders go live, get detailed
Wii U (and other platform) pre-orders for Splinter Cell: Blacklist are alive and kicking on Amazon and Gamestop, along with some fresh information about those "enhanced gameplay features" Nintendo promised earlier this month.The WiiPad will display Sam Fisher's OpSat, "allowing the player to operate gadgets such as tri-rotor drones, sticky cam and much more through touch- and motion-based inputs," the Wii U descriptions read. The WiiPad lets players mark and execute enemies, switch weapons and pick gadgets, and displays worldwide stats and friends' progress reports. The Wii U is not a part of the Collector's Edition package available for PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.Splinter Cell: Blacklist comes out on August 20 for all platforms.
AT&T to begin HTC One pre-sales this week, starting with 32GB for $250 (update)
True to form, carriers won't stop being so coy about the HTC One. We still haven't received any official information regarding the flagship's pricing or specific availability, but thanks to one of our eagle-eyed tipsters, we at least have a solid idea of AT&T's particular plans for the device. The operator is set to begin pre-orders of the One this week, with the 32GB flavor being offered in both silver and black hues for $249.99. The exclusive 64GB model likely won't be ready in time for early adopters, but it'll go for $299.99 once it does show up on store shelves. Our tipster tells us pre-sales will begin in the retail channel on April 5th, while pending marketing materials indicate the One can be pre-ordered online the day before. If this is the case, we expect it won't be long before AT&T delivers the official news, and hopefully T-Mobile and Sprint will do the same; we'll keep you posted as soon as it happens. [Thanks, anonymous] Update: and AT&T has now gone official -- it appears that our source nailed the 64GB pricing ($300), but the 32GB will actually be $200, which will give HTC a bit of a competitive advantage over the Samsung GS 4. Pre-orders begin April 4th and units will be available in stores and online on April 19th.
Razer begins shipping Edge units to those who pre-ordered this month
Back when the Razer Edge pre-orders kicked off, on March 1st, the company wasn't quite clear as to when exactly the device would commence shipping to early adopters, only going as far as saying it would be later that very month. Well, the good news is today Razer took to its own Facebook page to announce that its new-era gaming PC is now on its way to folks who put in a pre-order "from the March batch." Meanwhile, Razer's hoping other gamers will also shell out the hefty amount of $999-plus for its novel piece of hardware, urging potential buyers on the social network to snag a unit (or two) before they go out of stock -- just don't expect to get a keyboard dock with your order, as the previously reported Q3 availability for this add-on remains intact. Above all, however, it's a great thing to see that what was once just a project, is now getting ready to arrive at consumers' doorsteps.
GameStick pre-orders begin for console and accessories
PlayJam has initiated pre-orders for its ultra-portable GameStick Android console over on its official website. The main $79.00 bundle includes the dongle-like console itself, as well as the controller it's stored inside of when not plugged into a television's HDMI port. The GameStick's wireless charging dock/port hub and protective case are both up for pre-order as well, priced at $24.99 and $9.99, respectively.Delivery is expected to begin once an initial run of devices have been shipped to Kickstarter supporters, which is scheduled to take place during April. Currently, the website lists April 30 as the "available on" date for all three items.
Report: Glitch cancels 3,000 BioShock Infinite pre-orders at Best Buy
Last night an issue struck 3,000 customers who pre-ordered BioShock Infinite at Best Buy, effectively canceling their orders, Side Questing reports. The glitch hit pre-orders for both PS3 and Xbox 360, predominantly online transactions.It's a fixable problem; Best Buy asks anyone who pre-ordered to check their emails and call customer service if their order is canceled. Best Buy offers a $10 gift card to each affected customer, so make sure to ask for that if you run into the problem. After your heart settles back into a normal rhythm and you stop screaming about how you'll miss all the sweet Sky-Hook action this March, of course.
Report: GameStop Wii U game pre-orders at 1.2 million, double the Wii
GameStop patrons are more interested in Wii U than they initially were of the Wii, the retailer has revealed. Over 1.2 million individuals have pre-ordered Wii U games at GameStop, in addition to the 500,000 Wii U consoles claimed since opening up pre-orders back in September.That figure comes out to 2.4 games per console reserved, which GameStop has told Gamasutra is roughly twice the attach rate GameStop saw prior to the Wii launch. Top pre-orders include ZombiU, Assassin's Creed 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Scribblenauts Unlimited and New Super Mario Bros. U.The Wii U officially launches in North America on Sunday, November 18. On launch day, 23 different games will be available; a total of 50 games will be available within the Wii U launch window, which runs up to March 2013.
LTE iPad mini pre-orders begin arriving
If you've been waiting on the delivery of a shiny new iPad mini with LTE capability, you should probably get ready to sign for it. That's because, as MacRumors and some of our readers report, pre-ordered LTE iPad mini units are starting to arrive at the homes and businesses of Apple aficionados. Unless, that is, a thief happened to snag yours somewhere along the way. LTE fourth-generation iPads are also said to be showing up as well. There's still no firm date for when you should be able to stroll into your nearest Apple Store and buy an LTE iPad Mini or fourth-generation iPad, however. AT&T stores are expected to begin selling on Friday.
Neo Geo X is still super boss, now comes in Limited Edition with an extra game
Nintendo's Wii U isn't the only gaming console launching this holiday -- portable Neo Geo hardware is arriving on December 6, and it's called the Neo Geo X. The somewhat pricey handheld is now available for pre-order, and incentivizing that pre-order is the promise of an extra game (ADK-developed fighting game Ninja Master), bringing the total of pre-loaded game software to 21 titles. This "limited edition" version still costs the same $200 that the normal version does, and it still comes with the same variety of supplementary hardware we've seen before (that $130 standalone remains date-less, sadly). For the full list of games in the LE, head past the break (spoilers: it's all the previously revealed 20 games, plus Ninja Master).
Samsung starts taking pre-orders for its Windows 8 PC lineup
While most eyes have been focused on Microsoft finally slapping an official price tag on its upcoming Surface tablet this morning, let's not forget there other companies involved in the Windows 8 madness as well. Just a few moments ago, Samsung announced it's now ready to take your money in exchange for one of the many offerings inside its hefty PC repertoire, such as the ATIV Smart PC, Series 5 Ultra Touch, Series 7 Notebook, Series 9 Premium Ultrabook and the Series 5, Series 7 all-in-ones -- all of which will be available on that now-famed October 26th date. Naturally, pricing depends on what kind of setup gets added to your cart, but chances are you'll find one that's right for you amongst this extensive PC feast from the Korean electronics giant.
ASUS TAICHI 21 and VivoBook X202 go up for US pre-orders, spoil the party a bit early (update: VivoTab RT, too)
Just because ASUS has planned a grand October 23rd event to outline its US Windows 8 lineup doesn't mean we can't get an advance peek. Pre-orders have officially kicked off for at least two touchscreen PCs that also give us a very good feeling for the hardware we'll see at our doors. The dual-screened TAICHI 21 is naturally the star of the show, but it will cost you: a base version of the 11.6-inch hybrid with a 1.7GHz Core i5, 4GB of RAM and a 128GB SSD starts at $1,300, while an uprated model with a 1.9GHz Core i7 and a 256GB SSD will set early adopters back by $1,600. We'd say the VivoBook X202 is more likely to get some purchases sight-unseen at $600 for an entry laptop with an 11.6-inch touchscreen, a 1.8GHz Core i3, 4GB of RAM and a conventional 500GB hard drive. Both of the systems should arrive in tandem with Windows 8's October 26th launch and compound the traffic jams for couriers and retailers on what could be a very busy day. [Thanks, Donny] Update: As Computerworld noticed, Newegg also has a pre-order listing for the VivoTab RT, which costs $599 in its lone 32GB configuration. It ships the same day as its bigger cousins.
Rumor: AT&T will start taking pre-orders for Windows Phone 8 devices on October 21st
Color us not-too-shocked if it's true, but the Verge has reported that AT&T will begin taking orders for Windows Phone 8 models from the likes of Nokia and HTC on October 21st. Microsoft has already sent invites around for a formal launch of the new smartphone OS for October 29th in San Francisco, so it would make sense for AT&T to start building its own list a week or so ahead of that. The company will also (supposedly) start taking your money for its US-exclusive Samsung Ativ Smart PC and Asus Vivo Tab RT on that day, which also jibes well with Redmond's Windows 8 launch event on October 25th. Availability of those devices is rumored to be the day after (October 26th), while eager Windows Phone 8 users will get their hands on those models "in early November," according to the source. We've reached out to Microsoft for confirmation, though it would be more surprising if all the order-taking didn't commence around those dates.
Elon Musk says Tesla will be 'cash flow positive' soon, announces early repayment of DOE loan
After Tesla Motors' recent SEC filing painted a picture of production delays, revenue shortfalls and stock sales to raise cash, CEO Elon Musk has gone on the record to say everything's a-okay. The omnipresent executive said that "if the calendar were simply shifted a few weeks to the right" Tesla would have actually exceeded its vehicle delivery targets for the quarter, and said that the share release was merely held to mitigate risk from suppliers. He also claimed that the Department of Energy's request for early repayment was not a poor reflection of the EV maker's financial state, but actually a hearty endorsement -- the government branch expects Tesla to make loads of cash, and wants it to repay the loan early rather than hoarding it. As such, Musk announced the Model S builder had initiated its first early payment today and would pay off the principal loan prior to its March 2013 due date. We'll have to see if that's enough to keep the automaker's name out of any future presidential debates. [Image credit: Tesla Motors]
Oculus Rift developer kits go up for regular pre-order, catch VR procrastinators
Anyone who's been wanting to make a game for the Oculus Rift headset, but hemmed and hawed during the Kickstarter run, now has a second chance. Oculus has kicked off its own pre-order campaign that offers the VR developer kit at the same $300 that it cost for the more proactive among us, or $345 for those beyond US borders. As an added incentive, the first 1,000 who pull the trigger still get a copy of Doom 3: BFG Edition to show what the Oculus Rift can do. Twiddling your thumbs will have cost at least a month -- these new kits won't ship until January -- but the pre-order still means a head start over competing developers that haven't yet seen the virtual light.
Tesla behind on Model S production goals, aims for extra cash with stock sale
Sure, topping off a Model S in 30 minutes with a Supercharger is awfully handy, but production delays of the sedan will keep some future owners away from quick charge times -- and most importantly -- their cars for a little while longer. In a freshly published filing with the US Securities Exchange and Commission, Tesla revealed that it hasn't reached its goal of producing 400 Model S vehicles a week, which places them four to five weeks behind their 2012 delivery expectations. To date, just 255 of the autos have rolled off the assembly line, 132 of which have made their way to new homes. According to the Palo Alto-based outfit, ramping up production has been slower than expected for a number of reasons, including supplier delays and taking a deliberately measured pace for quality assurance purposes. Before the year draws to a close, Musk and Co. anticipate meeting their goal of churning out 400 cars each week, and a total of 20,000 by the end of 2013. Currently, the automaker has racked up around 13,000 reservations and thinks it'll be working to fulfill even more throughout 2013. As a result of the manufacturing lag, the firm has slashed its revenue forecast by as much as $200 million, estimating it'll rake in anywhere from $400 million to $440 million this year. In an effort to add cash to its coffers, the company is putting up roughly 5 million shares of stock for sale. Who's buying, you say? Tesla mentioned its CEO Elon Musk is interested in putting down a cool million bucks.
Halo 4 pre-order goods plant their flag in select retailers
In the old days, we used to just toss our cash upward into the wind, wait 3-5 business days, then find a game waiting on our doorstep. Today, retailers compete for your gaming dollars with pre-order incentives, and Halo 4 is the latest to play into that retail shuffle.Depending on the retailer you hitch your Warthog to, you'll snag some very different things: Amazon will offer a golden "web" skin for use in multiplayer and a pair of exclusive emblems, while GameStop will offer the customizable "forest" skin for multiplayer. UK retailer GAME is tossing in the blue circuit armor skin, an arctic weapon skin and six specializations – these are further cosmetic tweaks to help you stand out from the rest of the cybernetic crowd.Other specific UK retailers have their pre-order items listed past the break, like Blockbuster (you guys still have those over there?). And if you're really looking to buy everything with Halo 4 printed on it, the soundtrack and special editions are also tempting offers.Halo 4 launches on November 6 worldwide, exclusively for the Xbox 360.
