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Target ad says Wiis in stores today or Tuesday? [update 1]
To get the most enjoyment out of Wii Fanboy, well, you need a Wii. Really, the site's a lot better when you can care about the screenshots and game announcements. Now, we realize the Wii can be hard to find, so we understand why some of you haven't been enjoying the site in its fullest.A Wii Fanboy friend just reported that his Target in Edmond, Oklahoma was advertising Wii consoles for sale Tuesday. We don't know how many, or if this applies to all Target stores. But, just in case, wait until Tuesday morning to go buy toothpaste, and check for Wiis while you're there. If you're the type of roguish loner who doesn't need an excuse to go somewhere, just go there Tuesday.Anyone else see Wii announcements in their Targets? The weekly ad has a listing for the Wii, but no indication of whether or not it'll be in stores.[Update: The ad might actually have been referring to today, in which case they're all gone! Might as well go check, we suppose. A couple of readers found them in stores today. Thanks to the readers who pointed this out.][Thanks, Zack!]
The retail presence of the format war
With a full year of the format war under our belt we grabbed our camera and took some pictures of both formats on display at local retailers. We hit Best Buy (with a Magnolia built in), Circuit City, Target, Wal-mart, Sears, K-Mart, Sound Advice, and Costco. We tried to get some pictures from the east coast and the west coast of the US in a few major retailers, and discovered how different their offerings are depending on location. Check out the full gallery after the jump and a synopsis.
DS Lite on sale at Target (but not really)
The Consumerist brings forth evidence of a horrible practice: misleading sale documentation. The guilty party is a Target in the Turnersville area (no word on where exactly Turnersville is), as a shopper named Colin found out while hunting down a DS Lite. Upon questioning a nearby employee, Colin found out that such an appropriation of "sale" only means that the product is meeting the price documented in the flyer. That's all well and good, but if something is marked as being on sale, shouldn't it sell for less than its normal price? Call us crazy, but we think so.
Target will sell Apple TV
First it was Best Buy, now AppleInsider is reporting that US retailer Target will become the next third party chain to sell the Apple TV. You can expect to see units in stores by the end of the month (you can currently get one online at Target's website), and a few locations will even feature full-blown demo setups.It has been reported that Apple TV sales have been a bit slow at Best Buy, so who knows what will happen at Target. Let us know if you see any, especially a demo model.
Xbox 360 Elite hits the market early, Target to thank
Waiting around another week or so for Microsoft's Xbox 360 Elite to hit the market didn't seem all that painful from here, but to those looking to get their sweaty palms around the sleek, HDMI-enabled rig on the double, you can apparently fulfill your fantasy right now. Unsurprisingly surfacing on none other than eBay, the world's first Xbox 360 Elite bundle to leave Target's doors in a customer's hands has arrived, and if the small bevy of photos and actual receipt aren't enough to arraign some careless bullseye-sporting employee, we don't know what is. Of course, if you're still unwilling to shell out the above-MSRP asking price, you can always patiently place a pre-order, enjoy the hands-on photos, and envision yourself in the place of those Microsoft drones playing with it on video.[Via Joystiq]
Xbox 360 Elite hits eBay, Target oblivious to street date
If the thought of waiting for the 120GB, HDMI-enabled Xbox 360 Elite to arrive in stores proves unbearable to you, consider how quickly time flies when you're spending money. Cast your view on this third SKU, now available on eBay, seemingly thanks to Target's inability to honor the April 29th street date. The eBay seller (and possible Subaru Impreza driver) has kicked off the bid at an amusing $600 and promises to ship the black box "IMMEDIATELY." IMMEDIATELY after the auction ends next week on 23 April, that is.Even if bidding remains lethargic, you'll be paying at least $100 extra to receive the Xbox 360 Meh-lite less than a week before launch. Sounds like a dubious deal on top of another dubious deal. Best try your luck at a local Target if you're the supremely impatient type.[Via Xbox 360 Fanboy, thanks brodiemash]
Target breaking Elite street date, now on eBay
It seems like the game industry just isn't as solid as it once was. Games are discovered long before they are officially announced and street dates are broken left and right. Case in point: if the photo above is indeed genuine, it looks like Target has broken the street date on the Xbox 360 Elite. Not only has the street date been broken, but it has been broken by more than a week. Way to go, Target! The picture even includes a receipt, which we have magnified so that the $479.99 price is clearly visible. Granted, it could be a display box and some Photoshop trickery, but it looks awfully legit to us.What's more, it appears that the owner of the Elite is selling it on eBay. The listing even has images of the serial number. The opening bid is $600. Of course, if Target is routinely breaking the street date, you could pick one up for a lot less.Anyone else out there manage to snag an Elite from Target (or elsewhere)? We're assuming you aren't planning on winning one. Hit the "read" link for a larger photo.[Via Digg. Thanks, brodiemash]
Red Octane responds to Xbox Guitar Hero II guitar issues
Red Octane has responded to reported issues with the guitar for the Xbox 360 version of Guitar Hero II. Speaking to Joystiq, Red Octane states, "In regards to the controller, we're currently in the process of having our internal QA and production teams look into this possible issue, and are working to quickly isolate this if there is one. In the meantime, we suggest our fans try to replug in their guitars without holding down any buttons or the whammy bar, and that may help immediately resolve the issue."In regards to the Target "recall," Red Octane confirms our information that there was and is no recall. The Target street date lock out caused the system to ring up as "Recall for Sale." As things stand currently, there is no recall and Red Octane is looking into the issue of a faulty Xbox 360 guitar controller.
Rumor: Guitar issues with Xbox 360 Guitar Hero II
Today we received two separate tips from readers telling us that Target stores wouldn't sell them Guitar Hero II on the Xbox 360 because there was a "recall." We couldn't get in touch with Target corporate, but numerous local Target stores we contacted said they hadn't received anything from corporate about a recall. However, they did say that it may take a day and to check back tomorrow. Best Buy and Gamestop also have nothing in their system about a recall. Red Octane wouldn't return our phone call and an Xbox spokesperson at Edelman says they don't "directly handle third-party relationships" for Microsoft.Based on a Gamespot message board GameStooge is reporting that the guitar is having issues with an unresponsive whammy bar. Apparently there were two different guitars manufactured (pictured above) for the game and the problems allegedly exist in the guitar with the pedal jack next to the power cord. We're awaiting word from Red Octane on whether or not there is an issue with their Xbox 360 guitar controller and we'll follow up with Target tomorrow to see if the "recall" is official.
Target pimping out DS Lites
Here we thought it was enough that Target was selling our favorite games on the cheap, but that's not the only gem in their huge DS sale. If you happen to be in the market for a new DS Lite, you can also pick up one of these bad boys, though "bad boys" may not be the most appropriate phrase, considering the bedazzling, beaded array of special edition skins on display here.It's a shame these aren't sold separately. Do we really need a reason to pick up another DS Lite, considering we all own like eight? No, we need reasons not to buy another! No wonder the games are on sale ....[Via Gay Gamer]
Target $24 DS game sale
Target stores have a nice little sale going on this week. All games regularly priced $29.99 (here's the nice part) and above are on sale for $24. Although it is just $5 off in most cases, that's still two gallons of gas, a meal at McDonald's off the dollar menu or a nice way of saving up for the Target exclusive Peach DS lite "bling skin" at the bottom of the ad. We don't want it -- but we do.
Rumor: Target and Toys R Us hoarding Wiis for Sunday
We are a little wary of Internet rumors, but if they help someone get a Wii, we think it's at least worth giving you the heads-up. According to tipsters working at Target and Toys R Us, both of those chains have been receiving shipments of Wiis to be shelved this Sunday, March 4th. Apparently the Wii availability will be featured in the weekly ad circulars for these retailers.If you go to check these rumors out and find a Wii, or especially if you don't, please adhere to the following protocol: No fighting No looting No making deals with employees to buy stuff off of the truck We should all try to avoid anything that would support the negative stereotypes associated with our hobby, and acting like the Tickle-Me Elmo mobs won't help. If in doubt, remember this simple mantra: "Don't do anything that will make TV news."[Thanks to HexiJosh! for the TRU info!]
Deal of the Day: Medal of Honor only $20
You've played the brief, but fun Medal of Honor demo, right? Well, if five minutes of gameplay just isn't enough for you, you'll want to check out this sweet deal at Target. You can get this WWII FPS for only $20. Other stores still have it listed for $40, so this might be the cheapest way to enjoy Medal of Honor's insane 32-player multiplayer modes.[Thanks, Preacher747!]
Target mixes up Crackdown and N3
Crackdown and Ninety-Nine Nights, while sharing a few fundamental mechanics -- i.e. leveling and combat -- are practically opposites. N3 is a linear action game set in a fantasy world. Crackdown is an open sandbox game set in a futuristic urban landscape. Ninety-Nine Nights received loads of hype, ranging from its epic Kurosawa inspired story, to its association with Lumines creator, Tetsuya Mizuguchi. Upon its release, the game fell flat. Crackdown didn't receive much hype until late in its development cycle, although it too has a well known creator behind it (Dave Jones, creator of GTA). Crackdown's early reviews, so far, have been great. To sum up, Crackdown and Ninety-Nine Nights are, in fact, different games. It looks like someone forgot to inform Target, as their product page for Crackdown proudly displays the box art for Ninety-Nine Nights. Oops. We know it was an honest mistake, but this is actually the kind of thing that might make someone wary of pre-ordering from Target. Who knows, maybe they'll stick the box art for Grand Theft Auto IV on the product page for Halo 3. [Thanks, DjDATZ]
Gamecube for Wii credit, and tomorrow's chaos
Perhaps some of you are reading this article via your smartphone, waiting in bitter cold weather because you're sick and tired of not having a precious Nintendo Wii. We understand. Tomorrow's deluge of Wii's, which should be occurring at many nation-wide outlets (Best Buy, Target, and Circuit City all seem to be proper candidates), may make many people quite happy. It may make many people really, really pissed off.While you might be willing to spend whatever it takes, we have a bit of thrifty advice. First off, EB Games is taking your soon-to-be-completely-worthless Gamecube as fifty dollars of trade-in credit for a Wii. Normally, they only give twenty-five. While EBG and Gamestop have not been officially confirmed as having units available for tomorrow, it's worth a phone call (why would they advertise such a deal if it were impossible to use?). Also, it seems Tower Records is having a massive sale, with 25% off of pretty much everything, including games. Pick 'em up cheap! And good luck, troopers.[Thanks, Dave and Vincent!]
This Sunday's newspaper circulars promise Wiis
Despite the obvious popularity of the system, we're completely unable to reconcile the extreme shortages of Nintendo's Wii console, which hasn't been available in any significant number since Christmas. Until now that is. An anonymous tipster got his hands on this Sunday's newspaper circulars and managed to snap a couple blurry camera-phone pics (are there any other kind?) before the flux capacitor on his time machine started acting up and he had to high-tail it back to now.From the January 21st circulars from the future: Circuit City has Wiis. Limited quantities. No rainchecks. While supplies last. Limit 1 per household. Vouchers will be handed out Sunday, 1 hour prior to opening (10am). Best Buy has Wiis. Minimum 20 per store. No rainchecks. Stores open at 11am on Sunday. Target only has Wii remotes and nunchucks in the ad (who knows if they've been stockpiling consoles). Let's hope this is the end of the shortages and that Nintendo is finally able to leverage the Wii's modest hardware specs to saturate the now barren retail channel ... but not too much.
Xbox 360 bundle with 20MB HD, what?
That silly online retailer Target is up to no good again. If you recall, months ago on the Xbox 360 page at Target.com they showed a possessed picture of a 360 which scared everyone and some even cried. Now, it looks like they messed up again by drastically cutting down the HD capacity on their exclusive premium bundle to a measly 20MB (wait, do they even make 20MB HDs?). Anyway, we're thinking our opinion on those upcoming 256MB memory cards was a little off, you'll need a LOT more storage than what this uber special 20MB HD has to offer. Target, get your details right or else we're sending our kitty Burger after you. And we're not kidding.[Via Digg]
December 12th -- time to bum rush Target again...
This is just a rumor, but it may as well be true. Tomorrow, it seems that most Targets will be getting a shipment of PS3's in. What does this mean to you, oh PS3-owning crowd? Not much. How about to the rest of us who don't have one (read: me)? It's another chance to score. It might be our last chance before the big ol' Christmas rush. Perhaps it's even too late for that. Hmm, there's not really much more to say about that. Good luck? Make sure you give the Target a call before storming in there -- it might not be every store that's getting some. I'll do my part and check around the local stores here and let you know tomorrow. By then, though, it'll probably be too late. Sorry!
Deals of the Day: cheap Memory Sticks and more
There are a ton of great post-Thanksgiving deals at retailers everywhere. 2GB Memory Stick for $40 at Target[Via PlayStation Forums] 4GB Memory Stick for $70 at Buy.comAfter rebate, and Google Checkout discount.[Via IGN Boards] Medal of Honor: Heroes for $33 at Circuit CityThat's $7 cheaper than MSRP.[Via IGN Boards] It's a little depressing for people like myself who remember how costly Memory Sticks were at the PSP launch. My measly 256MB card cost as much as the 2GB does now!
Black Friday deals: get a PSP for only $150! [Update 1]
Cheapassgamer has rounded up the deals you can get today on Black Friday. So, get off the bed, ignore the tryptophan, and start shopping, like a true American. Here are some of the PSP deals:AmazonPSP system only $170. With free shipping.Circuit CityGrand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories for only $30. That's $20 less than MSRP!Free Pelican kit with purchase of PSP.ATV Offroad, Ape Escape, Infected and Hot Shots Golf are all $10 each.Pirates of the Caribbean 2 is only $17.Wal-MartGrand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories for only $15.PSP system only $170. That's $30 less than MSRP!MeijerPSP system only $150. That's $50 less than MSRP!
