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Wowwee's Roboquad up for pre-order
If you're looking to add yet another anthropomorphic automaton to your growing robotic zoo, hit the Read link for your chance to pre-order Wowwee's spider-esque Roboquad. Shipping as soon as they roll off the assembly line (estimated arrival: June or July), the 'quads feature an advanced sensor array not previously seen on other models from the company, along with adjustable "aggression" settings and a wireless remote. Eighty pounds ($158) is the price of entry here, assuming that RED5 is willing to ship units to the States. [Via TechDigest]
Evan Blass05.30.2007Korea gets Monster Hunter swag
Doesn't that Monster Hunter bracelet (pictured, right) look hot? In celebration of the Korean release of the insanely popular RPG, one random purchaser of the game was treated to one of the sexiest pieces of swag we've seen. According to Ruliweb, ten others were treated to some impressive action figures.However, no one walked away empty-handed. Like the Japanese, Koreans were treated to other swag items for pre-ordering. Early adopters received some premium posters.Capcom hasn't announced any incentives for the impending US release. But, if we're lucky enough, we'll also be able to get our hands on some swag of this caliber.[Thanks, Mike for the translation! Via PSP-Vault]
Andrew Yoon04.04.2007First Xbox 360 Elite pre-order ready for your cash
And in come the Xbox 360 Elite pre-orders. You know when it's coming, for how much, and what you're gonna get, so it's really just a matter of asking yourself whether you're hardcore enough to drop almost five bills on an(other) Xbox 360. Well, that and whether you can sneak that cash out of the old joint checking account without your significant other noticing. (Side note: Circuit City lists all the accessories -- including the 120GB drive -- as being released early on the 25th, unlike the Elite, which is still set for the 29th.)[Thanks, Cosmin]Pre-order: Elite, 120GB drive, black controller, play and charge, black battery pack
Ryan Block04.01.2007Halo 3 for cheap, if you buy now
LionGames.com is offering a $20 discount off of all Halo 3 retail editions. The catch is you'll be paying the full discounted price upon purchasing. Lion Games does imply that this is a limited time offer, encouraging interested shoppers to 'buy now,' meaning you'll be forking over at least $40 for a product that's unlikely to ship for at least another nine months. The deal could certainly be a device for the newly launched retailer to build some quick capital; but if you don't mind contributing to that, then go ahead and purchase a copy (or two). We can't vouch for Lion Games' credibility, but the site, headquartered in Winsted, Connecticut, appears to be a legitimate operation -- we have little doubt that your pre-purchased copy of Halo 3 would be shipped soon after the official release. As an added bonus, Lion Games accepts trade-ins (you pay for shipping). So as an alternative, you could pile up enough games and send 'em in to cancel out the Halo 3 charge -- heck, you could even trade in enough product to get Lion Games to cut you the check. Let us know how the exchange goes. [Thanks, Karl]
James Ransom-Wiley01.30.2007Keep warm with a Monster Hunter scarf [Update 1]
As you may know, Japan loves Monster Hunter. And, Capcom is quickly trying to capitalize on its popularity. As if having over 400,000 pre-orders wasn't enough, Game Watch reports that Capcom will offer this chic Monster Hunter scarf for Japanese customers that pre-order the game at Capcom's electronic store.Why a scarf? Why not? You know, I try to look as fashionable as I can while slaying demons.See also:PSP Fanart Fridays: Monster Hunter[Update 1: Language Police caught me red-handed. Thanks for the correction!]
Andrew Yoon01.20.2007First pics of RED "Spike" camcorder prototype surface
It's been quite awhile since a single camcorder, of all things, got as much hype as the elusive RED machine from Oakley founder Jim Jannard, but this mysterious beast is escaping the treacherous realm of vaporware and emerging into reality according to the man himself over at DVXuser. Aside from shooting HD footage at 60fps with those fine 11.4-megapixels, the all-aluminum cam is finally making its debut, and a few glamour shots of the first prototype, dubbed "Spike," have now been released. It's noted that actual production units will not sport a shiny finish (sorry, blingsters), and the official forums will open up tomorrow at RedUser.net. Ole Jim also mentioned that the machined prototype "should be operational" within days, and hopes to garner a good bit of attention at the next NAB expo. While the initial batch of $17,000 pre-orders are long gone, the firm just might take more orders for a small window of time in "early 2007," but it's shakily committing to a "May 31st" or earlier ship date for those lucky (and loaded) individuals already on that coveted list. Be sure to tag the links below for more very-not-fuzzy sneak peeks.[Via DVGuru]
Darren Murph12.28.2006Nintendo shorting UK pre-orders with supply problems
While Nintendo's Wii has been the undisputed champ of at-launch availability so far, and looks to be well on the way to its projected 4 million sales by the end of the year, supply problems are starting to crop up in Europe. Apparently Nintendo hasn't yet shipped the full quantities it has promised to some retailers, which naturally doesn't sit too well with pre-order customers. Hopes are high for getting the rest of those pre-ordered Wiis by Christmas, but that's little consolation to the fanboys hoping to get their European Wii on by December 8th. Non pre-order customers pretty much don't stand a chance, and we're just hoping this doesn't all end in tears, PS3 style.
Paul Miller12.07.2006British Wii shortages expected into 2007
GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that British gamers without a Wii pre-order are likely to have a hard time finding the system before the new year. Despite four separate shipments from Nintendo by year's end, DSG spokesman Hamish Thompson said the group's stores (Currys, PC World and Dixon's Online) probably won't be done filling pre-orders before Christmas. Computer and Video Games reports a similar outlook from major British retailers HMV, GAME and Virgin megastores.Nintendo, for its part, says its doing everything it can to meet the demand, and stressed some stores that haven't taken pre-orders are likely to have day one system available when the system officially launches tomorrow. Still, if you aren't in line already, it seems you Brit's will be stuck playing the Wii at your mate's flat this holiday season.Read - GI.biz articleRead - C & VG articleRead - GI.biz on Nintendo efforts to meet demand
Kyle Orland12.07.2006Cingular Premier customers can pre-order BlackBerry Pearl
Apparently today was the agreed upon date to launch (or "prelaunch," anyway) svelte new mobiles that we'd been waiting ever so patiently on, as this discovery comes just hours after Motorola officially released its MOTOFONE F3. While we've known the BlackBerry Pearl was coming, sneaked a few peeks of it in action, heard all about the pre-release reviews, and had strong suspicions (twice) that it was headed to Cingular, today we can finally say it's here -- well, almost. Accessible through Cingular's Premier web portal, the Pearl is available for pre-order as an interestingly-labeled prelaunch affair. While the design nor the specs have changed up on us, we're finally getting some concrete info on the price; it'll run you $579.99 straight up, or around $179.99 after corporate and web discounts, and while we're sure plain ole consumer pricing will be similar, you'll (probably) only snag this jewel for under $200 if you sign away your cellular soul for a couple years.[Thanks, Scott V.]
Darren Murph11.28.2006CompUSA offering PS3s with Sony HDTV purchases
We know it's been a rough couple of nights for you folks who didn't get your pre-order on (or got the shaft, even so) trying to hunt down a Playstation 3 without becoming the hunted, but there's an off chance that CompUSA may still be able to save your sanity. If 48 (or more) hours of sleeplessness has you ready to drop an inconceivable amount of cash to secure your machine through eBay, hold tight. Certain CompUSA locations will be bundling Playstation 3 units with any Sony HDTV purchase of 40-inches or larger, which could be fabulous news if you were planning on picking up a svelte new set (or dropping $2,000 in some entrepreneur's pocket) anyway. Currently, the lowest priced display compatible with the offer is Sony's $1,999 KDL-40S2010, which means that you'd be ponying up nearly $2,500 for the 20GB PS3 kit, or $2,600 for the 60GB package. Representatives have stated that some stores are "devoting their entire PS3 allocation" to the offer, which isn't exactly surprising considering last year's Xbox 360 bundle fiascoes. Regardless, for gamers looking to go all out, this may not be such an awful idea (especially if they end up including Wiis), but we're not sure if this offer will last past the (admittedly scant) first wave of shipments -- but hey, it sure beats getting shot up or beat down while squandering vacation days, right?[Via GameSpot]
Darren Murph11.18.2006PS3 hopefuls shot with BB's at Kentucky Best Buy
If you thought shacking up outside of a Best Buy in near-freezing temperatures (say, Ann Arbor, Michigan) for nearly two weeks is hardcore, imagine how folks waiting in Lexington, Kentucky felt when a drive-by shooter let the pellets fly into a group of PS3 hopefuls. Apparently bitter and distraught from not getting their name on a (shaky) pre-order list, enraged suspects drove by a Best Buy on Nicholasville Road and "injured four people with BB pellets," including a news reporter who was conducting an interview with one of the campers. Although none of the folks were seriously injured, we can't help but wonder who pulls off a drive-by shooting with cameras rolling, and moreover, did the "mildly wounded" individuals waiting in line forfeit their position to visit a hospital? The soldier in us says negative.[Via digg]
Darren Murph11.16.2006Nintendo Wii review roundup
Alright, so you've seen the photos surface, watched us unwrap it, checked out the setup, and longed to be on the tactile end of our gameplay video, and now you need someone reliable to convince you that surviving all that pre-order madness was worth it. We've got a collection of early adopter reviews to tide you over until Saturday night (or Sunday morning), and the general consensus is that you'll be pleased. Admittedly, the Wii's graphical output isn't up to snuff with its HD-toutin' brethren, but as PC Mag states, "within a half hour, you won't care." The big N apparently did everything right with its newfangled Wiimote, leaving reviewers "amazed" and craving just one more round of Bowling, but some folks did point out that the built-in software "lacked some promising features" and "felt unpolished" in some areas. Nevertheless, CNET probably said it best when they recommended that pixel freaks let the Xbox 360 or PS3 win over their hearts, while those clamoring for innovative, fresh gameplay should be more than pleased with Nintendo's $250 machine.Read - CNET (8 out of 10; Excellent)Read - PC Mag (4 out of 5; Editor's Choice)Read - Time (Recommended)Read - CNN Money ("A heck of a lot of fun.")
Darren Murph11.16.2006Up-close with the Metal Gear Solid pre-order case
TGBus.com has some very revealing pictures of the upcoming Metal Gear Solid: Portable Ops pre-order case. If you didn't know, you get this swag for free by pre-ordering the upcoming PSP-exclusive action game at Gamestop. It appears that it actually latches onto your PSP in a snap-on fashion. While it looks cool, it doesn't appear to protect the PSP's screen... defeating the purpose of a case? Regardless, it looks good, and Metal Gear fans won't want to miss this.[Thanks, Joel!]
Andrew Yoon11.08.2006When is a pre-order not really a pre-order?
When it's from Best Buy, that's when. Turns out those suckers valuable consumers who nabbed a PS3 pre-order from Best Buy's online store are getting the cold shoulder from the mega retailer. Best Buy sent out a curt email to customers the other day saying, "Your preorder for the PlayStation 3 gaming system will be canceled." Best Buy sez that its online store system was not "intended to take preorders," despite the fact that Best Buy availed its online store system to just such an purpose. As a consolation, pre-orderers are getting a $10 Digital Coupon towards a future www.bestbuy.com purchase, but we're not sure that's going to do much to cheer up little Jimmy on Chrismahanukwanzakah morning. In other news, tipster Robert K. just got word that his Play.com pre-order of the Wii won't be honored at launch. His note blamed "European shortage of the Nintendo Wii Consoles," so we'll be watching to see if this is part of a larger problem of Nintendo delivery in Europe, or simply a screw-up on the part of Play.com.
Paul Miller11.07.2006Xbox 360 HD DVD pre-order costs $99 if you do some funny math
If you love cooked-books math as much as we do, get ready for some fun with the forthcoming $200 Xbox 360 HD DVD drive bundle: as reader Edison points out, initial shipments are bundled with King Kong on HD DVD (MSRP $40) and the Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote (MSRP $30); if you apply for an Amazon card when pre-ordering the unit (did we mention it's now available for pre-order?) that drops it down another $30, making your unit "$100." We know, that's some pretty shady math to justify yet another $200 on the old credit card, so instead we'd recommend you just say you're treating yourself for being such a good girl/boy this year and not worry so much about what the thing's going to cost. C'mon, you're worth it.
Ryan Block11.05.2006A Playstation 3 Confession
Friends, I have a confession to make. Last year when our beloved Xbox 360 hit store shelves there was a bit of a shortage, fanboys went crazy, parents were angry, and kids were sad. Microsoft just couldn't make enough consoles to supply the consumer's massive demand. And so many people felt they had no other options left, no where to turn, no other choice but one. Those consumers who needed a 360 by Christmas had to go spend their money on eBay where Xbox 360s were selling for crazy inflated amounts. Those who preordered the white console or had an extra one made a killing on eBay, racked in the big bucks and chuckled as they were selling Xbox 360s for two to three times their value. Well... we've come to a similar situation this holiday season with the release of the ::shiver:: Playstation 3...
Dustin Burg11.05.2006EB-Gamestop & eBay not conspiring to cancel PS3 pre-orders
The rumor -- PlayStation 3 pre-orders sold on eBay will be cancelled by EB-Gamestop -- was a stretch when it first surfaced two days ago, and now EB-Gamestop's director of public & media relations Chris Olivera has officially debunked it. "Are we canceling pre-orders that appear on eBay? The answer to that is no," Olivera confirmed.eBay will continue to moderate PlayStation 3 (and Wii) pre-order auctions using these guidelines: Only one of each console can be listed per eBay account prior to the launch of the console The seller must only accept payment through PayPal, and have at least 50 feedback with a 98% or greater positive rating so that they qualify for PayPal Buyer Protection The pre-sale item must be listed in the 3, 5, 7 or 10-day formats, and cannot use Buy It Now The listing must include a photo of your pre-order receipt in the description
James Ransom-Wiley11.01.2006Wal-Mart Wii-order mania [update 2]
Wal-Mart's Wii pre-orders, despite coming with a ridiculous four game (!) bundle, apparently came and went in the space of a heartbeat. Tipsters have told Wii Fanboy that though they signed up for a newsletter or notification e-mail, nothing arrived ... so unless you were one of the lucky ones who got one, or you were camping Wal-Mart's site, odds are you didn't snag one of these pricey bundles. There is, however, the possibility of a light at the end of this tunnel. At this time, we have not located anyone who actually obtained one of the bundles, and there is some question as to whether or not they even went on sale. Most of the people we've talked to who were camping the preorder got a big nothing. In the interest of getting the whole story (including how many units they had available for this), we've put in a call to Wal-Mart, but in the meantime, if you got one or know someone who did, we'd love to hear about it. We'll update you as the information comes in. It certainly looks like they really did sell out -- the main page at Walmart.com is advertising the pre-orders and the actual page is reporting them as out of stock ... but where are the lucky folks who got one, if that's the case?Dislike forced bundles? Who doesn't! But word is that after the Xbox 360 launch (which featured another enormous bundle at Wal-Mart), buyers had little trouble returning unwanted items for a refund. That takes some pain out of the bundle, if there's a repeat of that policy this year ....[Thanks to everyone who's been sending this in!][Update 1: Now seeing a few posts on forums from people who say they got one (where are the screencaps of evidence, guys?), but still waiting to hear back from Wal-Mart rep on veracity and number of units.][Update 2: Reader WedgeTalon forwarded us the text of an e-mail posted at Cheap Ass Gamer (it's somewhere in the 20+ page thread, we expect), and we quote this line only: Amount Charged to Your Credit Card: $ 597.66. Ouch! Looks like the two minutes of preorders did go down -- now we have to hope for the callback from Wal-Mart verifying number of units.]
Alisha Karabinus11.01.2006EB-Gamestop wants your Halo 3 money -- now!
EB-Gamestop has launched an aggressive campaign to secure your Halo 3 pre-order, today -- well, technically, yesterday. Chances are if you're on file, the company spammed you yesterday, via phone, to let you know that pre-orders for three different Halo 3 editions are now being accepted.First, the details (or lack thereof): EB-Gamestop is collecting $5 for the standard edition, $10 for a collector's edition, and $25 for Legendary Edition (a.k.a. Master Chief's bust). The company cannot confirm the final retail price for any of these items*, nor does it know when it will stop accepting your free money. "We stop taking pre-orders the day they call and tell us to," a Gamestop employee in the New York area told us today.Certainly there's a pre-order cap, but what is it? Collectively, retailers sold more than 1.5 million Halo 2 pre-orders. Let's assume each of those pre-orders cost $5 -- knowing that many were sold for more. That's $7,500,000. Say, EB-Gamestop secured 30% of those pre-orders; then the company alone pulled in $2.25 million, plus interest.Accepting Halo 3 pre-orders now is taking advantage of us, the consumers. The game isn't due until at least next year, but for fear of pre-orders suddenly ceasing, for fear of not owning Halo 3 on day one, we go out there and hand over our security deposits; and the retailers sit on it, making money off of our money -- the money that bought us nothing more than a promise.It's fine to offer pre-orders a few months in advance. In fact, it's a good idea -- but only once the release date is known; the retail prices confirmed; and shipment numbers allocated. But asking for our Halo 3 money now? Today? C'mon, you really gonna play us like that?*Legendary Edition is rumored to be priced at $100.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
James Ransom-Wiley11.01.2006Amazon honors Wii test pre-orders, actual pre-orders to recommence
Amazon has decided to honor "several pre-orders" for Wii that slipped through the cracks as the site performed system maintenance on Friday. Pre-orders were accidentally reactivated for testing purposes during an unspecified window of time, and anyone who happened to purchase the non-item will be entitled to a Wii console, though not necessarily at launch.Amazon's video games editor also confirmed that the site will re-launch pre-orders on a future date -- Amazon briefly offered pre-orders in September. Interested parties can sign-up to be notified of pre-order availability on Wii's product page. Anyone reading get lucky this past Friday?[Thanks, killcount]
James Ransom-Wiley10.30.2006