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Buy one 3DS game, get one half off at Toys R Us this Sunday
If you're going to lay out $250 for a 3DS next week, we're guessing you really wouldn't mind hearing about a way to save money on games. On March 27, the day the system launches, Toys R Us will offer a "buy one, get one half off" deal on all 3DS games. In addition, if you're not quite sure about that 3DS yet, many TRU locations will feature 3DS demos from 12-3 PM on Sunday. The store is also offering up to $75 on trade-ins of DS hardware towards a 3DS, but getting rid of your DS is something we'd advise against.
Toys R Us now distributing TV's Pikachu to your DS
Sure, you've probably caught plenty of Pikachu across the various generations of the Pokémon franchise, but have you ever added a celebrity Pikachu to your collection? Toys R Us is offering a chance for you to do just that from today through February 13 -- just stop by any participating location with any of the DS Pokémon games in tow, and you can download "Ash's Pikachu" directly to your roster. What sets this particular instance of the electric rat apart from the others? Well, he possesses the same moveset as the Pikachu from the television show (Thunderbolt, Iron Tail and Volt Tackle, for interested parties) and generally has an air of authenticity you'll find lacking in your run-of-the-mill Pikachu. At least, it will until you delete those moves, replacing them with stronger abilities, then breed the little guy into oblivion hoping to get a Pichu with a favorable Nature, whom you can then EV train, evolve and level up until you have a lean, mean, Lv. 100 Raichu-killing-machine. ... We're sad that we know what all of those things mean.
PlayStation Move gets a more heroic, less sporty bundle
Don't feel like a Sports Champion? Feel like a PlayStation Move Hero instead? Then, you'll want to go to Toys R Us to get your hands on the newest PlayStation Move bundle. For $99.99 (the same price as the current bundle), you'll get a PlayStation Eye camera, one PlayStation Move controller and a copy of the Ratchet/Sly/Jak mash-up game, PlayStation Move Heroes. The bundle does not include a navigation controller -- odd, considering the box says it will "enhance your gameplay." Like the standalone game, this will be available on March 22nd.
Gamestop and Toys R Us offering Pokemon download promos next month
If your six-strong roster in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver could use a little sparkle, a little pizazz, a little shimmer -- any of that stuff, a handful of download promotions slated for early next year should satisfy your needs quite well. You can download rare, shiny versions of legendary monsters Raikou, Entei and Suicine during various week-long periods in January at Gamestop. Check out the schedule of their availability after the jump, and plan your retail excursions accordingly. If you're looking for something a little more plain Jane, you can pick up Ash's Pikachu -- a version of the iconic lightning mouse with a special set of abilities -- at Toys R Us between January 30 and February 5. Don't get it twisted, though; this guy starts out at level 50. This isn't the adorable mascot you came to know and love in the anime series. This Pikachu is a hardened killing machine. [Thanks, Michael!]
Toys R Us deal: buy one game, get one half-off through Jan. 1
Did Santa not bring you all the games you placed upon your list of Christmas demands? You can remedy these oversights yourself at Toys R Us this week: Through January 1, all games at the store are eligible for buy one, get one half-off. That's in addition to a few other gaming deals on offer.
Yoomi and Duo join forces for an 'Apples to Apples' esque experience... on your Apple iPad
Because your game board of an iPad can't always be used for heated, futuristic Scrabble matches or perennially peeved pigeons, Discovery Bay Games has devised a divertissement of its own that, in its words (no pun intended), requires no reading. Actually, Yoomi for has a really cool trick in that it uses the Duo, a chip collector that rests on top of the display. Here's how it works: one person picks (the selection hidden from the group by the Duo) between two cards with no criteria whatsoever (e.g. Loch Ness Monster or Big Foot). The rest of the group puts a token into the slot corresponding to their guess. Once the correct answer is revealed, the Duo "magically" (how coy) knows which answer was right and drops the tokens into the connected bin, leaving those who guessed wrong to pick up the pieces and try again. First player to rid themselves of all tokens wins! Interested in actually letting your family drop things on the iPad screen this holiday season? App is free, Duo is $40 from Toys R Us -- and if you're still need more, video is after the break.
Gibson sues WowWee, retailers over Paper Jamz toy guitars; would rather some other company get all that free advertising (video)
It looks like WowWee is learning the implications of that old saw, "imitation is the surest way to get your company sued." That's right, the company's radical looking, fun for about twenty minutes, paper-thin plastic toy guitars have recently drawn legal fire from Gibson, who recognizes a distinct resemblance between some classic axes (like the Flying V and the Les Paul) and the aforementioned Paper Jamz line. Which we could certainly see -- even if WowWee hadn't name dropped Gibson in its product literature (which seems to us to be rather on par with taunting the company outright). And if that weren't bad enough, the company is going after retailers, such as Toys 'R Us and eBay, who it claimed kept selling the things after receiving a cease and desist letter. Of course, this raises a few questions: At which point is a design so ubiquitous that it becomes fair game for companies like WowWee? And wouldn't Gibson want the kiddies (who will be ready to move up to real guitars soon enough) hooked on their brand? And most importantly -- when are we getting a Paper Jamz Rickenbacker? Because there has to be an easier way to be like Paul Weller. Commercial after the break (it adds nothing to the post, but it's kind of a laugh).
The big, bad Black Friday game deals post
Update: Follow our coverage of Cyber Monday deals from across the web. Here it is. Home base. This is the page from which you plot your Black Friday assault on retail. Or ... Is it the other way around? Meet the "Big Six" -- the most prominent, national retailers to feature big, bad-ass Black Friday game sales. Go ahead -- click them! Highlights include: Best Buy: Family-friendly, custom console bundles [more details] GameStop: Pre-owned merch that's even more affordable [more details] Kmart: Bonus credit with most console purchases [more details] Sears: Order consoles (safely) online, then pick up after the mob has thinned [more details] Target: Solid sales on solid games (or store credit with purchase) [more details] Walmart: Is that a Medal of Honor in the PS3 Uncharted 2 bundle, and $10 Greatest Hits? [more details]
Ubisoft's Battle Tag launches assault on Texas tomorrow, Canada next week
One of Ubisoft's more bizarre products at E3, Battle Tag, finally has a release date. In Texas and Canada. And, as of writing, only Texas and Canada. Ubisoft's self-described "hybrid" toy/game lets you recreate a laser tag experience at home, but with a number of game-inspired twists. There are health packs, ammo crates, and multiple game modes, customizable via an included PC app. For more info on how the setup process works, check out our video preview. The two player "Starter Pack" will be available for $129.99. The Canadian release is set for November 22, exclusively at Zellers and on Ubisoft's official website. Texas will serve as a "test release" for the US market, with fifteen Toys R Us stores in Houston and Austin to begin selling the toys tomorrow. Ubisoft has created an action-packed trailer of lots of people having fun with the Battle Tag gear, which we've embedded after the break. Provided you live in Texas or Canada, and have lots of money to spare, maybe you'll be able to join in on the fun as well. Call your local store to see if it's one of the fifteen. %Gallery-107787%
Toys R Us Black Friday doorbuster includes $80 netbook, $140 Sylvania tablet
Believe it or not, America's favorite holiday is under a fortnight away. And this year, it looks as if Toys R Us won't even wait for Thanksgiving Day to conclude before forcing employees behind registers and breaking families apart as they seek out lukewarm deals camouflaged as revolutionary purchases. This year, Black Friday begins at 10PM on Thanksgiving Eve, meaning that quite a few desperate souls will be lined up in a parking lot rather than circling a stuffed bird and chuckling with loved ones. The culprit? Two devices in particular. The first is an unnamed 7-inch netbook, complete with WiFi, three USB sockets, a sub-two pound weight, a red chassis and a mind-scrambling $79.99 price tag. The second is a 7-inch Sylvania tablet, sporting Android 2.1, WiFi and an SD card slot; we're assuming it's the same unit Kmart is hawking for $180, but Toys R Us will have it for the low, low price of $139.99. Other hidden treasures include a Vivitar point-and-shoot for $39.99, 7-inch Coby digiframe for $24.99 and a Vivitar pocket camcorder for just $19.99. We know your gears are already turning, but lest we forget that time with family is priceless... right? [Thanks, Dave]
Toys R Us Black Friday is light on game deals
If it was up to just you, sure, the Toys R Us parking lot wouldn't be your first choice from which to make your Black Friday stand ... in line ... in the freezing cold darkness. But sometimes, the little ones' wish lists trump your own and ... Toy R Us it is! Lucky for you, there are at least a few Black Friday video game sales that you might reach for as you race up and down the aisles in search of that last Little Mommy All-in-1 Nursery set -- just $40 while supplies last! Past the break, we've highlighted a few of the (game) deals that popped out at us from the ad scan. Spot anything else? [Thanks, Jason]
Kinect's first purchasers talk about camping out, system's potential
Did you want to be the first person to buy Kinect? You were well beaten. The first person -- in a warm purple hoodie -- arrived on Monday, more than two days ago. Thankfully, he had some friends to keep him company. We chatted with the collective group, and asked about what compelled them to wait in the New York City cold. "The deal! It's just so good," one person shouted. "The deal is just -- that's what attracted me. You're getting $160 free and you're buying a $150 system." Certainly, being the first person on line is one way of guaranteeing access to the deal. Unfortunately, there is a downside to waiting on line for the Kinect, other than the cold, the hunger and inconvenient bathroom breaks. Whilst standing at the entrance of the Times Square Toys R Us, you could faintly see Microsoft's extravagant dance performance (of 600 people!), a block away. "You can be first on line, but you miss everything else," one person lamented. "It's a tease." But what about the games? "Dance Central looks good. I actually like Kinect Adventures -- that free one that they're giving? That rafting one?"
Free Kinect Sports, Joy Ride for first 3,000 Kinect buyers at NYC launch
Microsoft isn't just trying to bring families together in front of the TV with Kinect, it's also doing its best to bring thousands of New Yorkers together. The official launch event for the sensor will take place at the Times Square Toys R Us, and Microsoft is giving away substantial bonuses to early buyers. The first 3,000 people to buy Kinects at the event will receive free copies of Kinect Sports and Kinect Joy Ride, along with a free year of Xbox Live Gold membership. And then, after all those hours of standing around, they'll get to go home and ... play games while standing. Random attendees will be handed prizes while in line, as well. Basically, what we're saying is you should go right now. Preferably sooner.
Toys R Us offering iPod trade-in
We here at TUAW aren't quite sure how great a deal this is, but just in case you want to take advantage, Toys R Us is apparently offering trade-ins on old iPods. From October 17 to the 23rd, the toy chain will take old iPods (no model is specified, but I'd assume older won't get you as much money) at the customer counter, paying out up to $100 in gift cards, just to buy a new version of the device. Unfortunately, the deal's not available online, and not all stores are participating in the promotion, so the old "Your mileage may vary" adage very much applies here. Definitely call before you go, and if you do bring an iPod in, you probably shouldn't expect to get any extra money for that full catalog of Aerosmith CDs you've got saved on there. Who knows, though -- if your household happens to have a few old nanos sitting in a drawer somewhere and you want a quick and easy way to turn them into a new device, this might be worth trying out. If it works for you, be sure to let us know.
Tony Hawk Shreds October 26, Toys R Us to sell exclusive board
Activision's second attempt at peripheral-based skateboarding will be available in stores on October 26th. Tony Hawk Shred promises "Big Air! Bigger Tricks!' in a more kid-friendly approach to the franchise. Keeping in line with the game's younger vibe, it's fitting that Activision has partnered up with Toys R Us on an exclusive version of the board-and-game bundle. For $99, you'll get a copy of the game and a board featuring one of "Tony's custom Birdhouse graphics." Of course, if you still have your Tony Hawk Ride board, you can opt to reuse that for the sequel.
EyePet PlayStation Move bundle at Toys R Us
Sony's virtual Monchichi will be available at Toys R Us in a Move EyePet Bundle. The $100 kit includes fuzzy companion simulator EyePet, a PlayStation Eye Camera and PlayStation Move Motion Controller. The bundle will be available in TRU stores and online starting September 24. Also, if you've got the cash to burn, remember that EyePet also supports 3D -- and assists in the war against puppies.
Toys R Us to start selling used games at 500 of its stores
Toys R Us is looking to get in on the used game biz. We know -- back in September, Toys R Us said the opposite, but it would appear that was all a ruse. (That's the last time we let The Giraffes trick us!) The retailer will sell these used games at 500 of its 850 stores in the US, GameSpot reports. The games -- which are handed over to a third-party company for testing before being sent back to be resold -- will go for no more than $30 each. Those trading in games can do so at an in-store kiosk for gift cards redeemable at any Toys R Us location and through its online store.
Toys R Us having 'Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off' sale this week
Sorry, sorry, we know we should have gotten this up earlier, but even after all these years, Toys R Us' delicious "buy 1, get 1 50% off" sales knock us out. The sale includes all video games except PC games and pre-orders, so don't think you're getting clever by purchasing Fable 3 and Halo: Reach in full now. This sale only comes around a few times a year, so it's always good to pounce on it if you've been saving your nickels (idiom inflation). Oh, yes, and because it comes up every time: if two games have different values, the discount is applied to the game that costs less.
Get a $50 gift card with Wii purchase at Toys R Us
If you're in the market for a Wii and you don't mind buying one before seeing how that rumored black Wii situation shakes out, Toys R Us has a pretty appealing deal right now. Today and tomorrow, you'll get a $50 gift card with the purchase of the $200 console. It's like the Wii Sports Resort deals Walmart and Target have offered recently, except you can get pretty much any game instead of Resort. Check the weekly ad for your ZIP code before going in. We don't want any of you to drive down to Toys R Us just to be disappointed. [Thanks, Israel]
DJ Hero price scratched down to $50 at Toys 'R Us
If you skipped out on last year's crossfading, record-scratching simulator DJ Hero due to its once-outlandish price, you're running out of excuses to not pick it up. Toys 'R Us recently knocked the price of the 360, Wii and PS3 (but puzzlingly, not the PS2) versions of the game down to a scant $49.99 -- a significant decrease from its launch price of $120. Still wondering whether the game's worth your hard-earned Grantpaper? That's a decision you have to make on your own -- though, wait! Dizzee Rascal is here to help! Oh, and so's Chuck Brown! And look, it's Daft Punk! How nice of them to aid you with your soul-searching.
