toys r us
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Deal: Buy one PlayStation product, get another 50% off
Toys "R" Us is having a special promo for both our PSP and PS3 Fanboy readers. Buy any PS2, PSP or PS3 game, and get another game at 50% off. That's a pretty sweet deal for those that are interested in getting two games. You can see all the eligible titles here. Offer is valid until July 26th.[Thanks, Brent S.!]
DS Daily: Exclusives
Doesn't it just drive you nuts when a game is an exclusive, like the recent Soul Bubbles seems to be? It seems like a poor choice for the studios; their game may get an extra mention or two, but people still have to go out of their way if they want it, and the chances of stumbling across a game that's exclusive to a particular retailer are smaller. But we've seen a lot of dumb decisions, so it doesn't really surprise us. What we want to know this morning is: do you ever go out of your way to buy exclusives? If yes, when was the last time you did so?%Gallery-15036%
Three for two at Toys R Us next week
Toys R Us is holding its annual "buy two, get one free" DS promotion again starting on Sunday the 22nd, according to the latest weekly ad (as transcribed by CAG denizens). It's a great time for it, too: people getting Guitar Hero On Tour should be able to defray some of the cost by bundling it with two other games. Of course, even if you don't care about On Tour, you can get a great deal on some DS games. We just focused on that because it's new and it's so expensive that any other DS game comes in at an "equal or lesser value."Guitar Hero is expensive enough that, under the right conditions (purchasing two Square Enix games along with it), you could get a free Square Enix game! Final Fantasy Tactics A2 comes out next week, for example -- $90 for Guitar Hero, FFTA2, and The World Ends with You is a relatively non-terrible deal.[Via CAG]
Try Guitar Hero: On Tour one week early at Toys R Us
Some of us here at Joystiq still remember the first time we played Super Mario 64, at a Toys "R" Us kiosk set up a month before the game and the Nintendo 64 system were officially released. Compared to that, a four-hour long in-store sneak peak for Guitar Hero: On Tour might not seem as revolutionary, but hey, we'll take what we can get. Players eager for some portable shredding can head to their local TRU between noon and 4 p.m. on June 14 -- one week before the game's June 22 release. Besides getting the opportunity to "prove their shredding skills on the most diverse set list of master tracks ever offered in a Guitar Hero game," as the release puts it, attendees will also receive a "complimentary Guitar Hero sticker, dog tag, and temporary tattoo." Caution: Wearing all three at once may actually transform you into a rock god, accidentally raining rock-infused destruction on the surrounding area. You've been warned. [Via Press Release]
Wii Fit preorders jog away from retailers
If you plan on getting Wii Fit without being trampled by Oprah-watching woman types, you better have secured your preorder already, as pickings are getting slim.Not only has Amazon stopped taking them for Nintendo's popular fitness game, but IGN reports that GameStop has also suspended preorders for the title and Game Crazy is nearly tapped out. GoNintendo notes that Toys R Us (dot com) has run out of preorder stock, too, leaving Walmart's online store as one of the few options left -- although we're sure it's only a matter of time before that ends, as well. This sounds eerily similar to what happened in the UK a few weeks ago, and now retail copies of Wii Fit seem to be more scarce than holy grails there. The one lesson that we can take away from all this? Nintendo is really good at printing money.%Gallery-4745%
Toys R Us to have Wii this Sunday
Well now, it looks like almost all retailers will have the Wii in stock this weekend, as following up on Circuit City's "deal" is Toys R Us with an ad of their own. You see, Toys R Us is advertising (see image above) that they'll also have the console in stock, alongside Mario Kart Wii, which releases this Sunday. There is a catch with the Toys R Us deal, however.You'll have to put some legwork in, as securing yourself a console means you have to go down to your local Toys R Us and plunk down a $200 deposit. Once done, show up on Sunday with your receipt and you'll be one happy camper. But, hey, as annoying as it is to make two trips, it's far less annoying than having to buy a ridiculously overpriced bundle from Circuit City.[Via Joystiq]
Toys R Us getting big Wii shipment Sunday
Admittedly, it's absurd we're doing a post like this a year and a half after launch, but there's going to be a big Wii shipment at Toys R Us this Sunday. Just in case Wii Fit does cause another sustained Wii shortage, if you're planning on getting the console in the next six months, it's best to get one while the gettin' is good.To guarantee a Wii this Sunday at Toys R Us, customers need to stop by their local store and put down a $200 deposit. The five stores we called were accepting pre-orders for about 50 systems. Meanwhile, two of the stores asked why we wanted the pre-order details when they have them in stock?
Toys R Us providing more Pokemon goodness to shoppers
Pokemaniacs should take note: Toys R Us is once again catering to the needs of Pokefanatics by offering you a chance to catch the uncatchable Darkrai Pokemon. The weekend of May 31 - June 1, participating Toys R Us stores will be providing inn keys to those who bring in their DS, along with a copy of Pokemon Diamond or Pokemon Pearl, which will provide them a shot at catching this bad boy thing.
Gibson lays lawsuit on GameStop, other major retailers
Gibson seems to be poking its straw into any hole it can find these days, trying to desperately suck up some of that gooey Guitar Hero money before it's all gone. On Monday, the guitar maker filed a federal lawsuit against major retailers that sell Guitar Hero games, including GameStop, Wal-Mart, Target, Kmart, Amazon, and Toys "R" Us, seeking to prohibit sales of the games. In a statement released Thursday, the company claimed it took "this action reluctantly, but is required to protect its intellectual property."Though Gibson has yet to file suit against Guitar Hero owner Activision, the guitar company has made a legal claim alleging that the games (when played with the guitar controllers) violate Gibson's patent for a type of virtual music performance. Subsequently, Activision filed a preemptive lawsuit against Gibson last week, and then publicly dismissed Gibson's patent infringement claim. Most recently, Gibson targeted Guitar Hero creator and former developer Harmonix, its daddy's daddy Viacom and Rock Band co-publisher Electronic Arts for allegedly violating the same patent ... Yeah, our head's spinning too. [Via Engadget]
Toys "R" Us: Quest for a Brawl deal
Haven't hopped onto the Brawl bandwagon yet? If you're still looking for one more reason to pick up the epic fighter, keep this deal in mind! Starting today until next Sunday, Toys "R" Us will throw in an extra game for half its regular price with every order of Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The list of eligible titles isn't 100% quality, but there are a few that you might be interested in: Bee Movie Game My Sims Mario & Sonic At the Olympic Games Raving Rabbids 2 The Spiderwick Chronicles Super Smash Brothers Brawl (Buy two copies!) Super Smash Bros. Brawl Guide (Prima book) Zack & Wiki: Quest for Barbaros' Treasure (only $14.98!) Now is the time to use up that Super Mario Galaxy gift card you've been saving for a special occasion!%Gallery-3283%
Toys R Us drops Canadian Xbox 360 price
What was just a rumor as recently as this morning has apparently already become reality -- the Canadian Toys R Us web site is showing $50 reductions in price for the Xbox 360 Pro (now $349.99) and Halo Edition - (now $399.99). An informant at a Canadian Toys R Us has also told us that the Xbox 360 Arcade has been reduced $20 (to $279.99) and the Elite has come down $50 (to $449.99 -- all prices are in Canadian dollars, eh?)Ironically enough, FutureShop, where this morning's rumor first originated, has not lowered their web site prices as of press time. Perhaps they're waiting until Friday to unleash that Turok Elite bundle on an unsuspecting public?Does this surprise move mean an American price drop is in the cards? Probably not -- much like the previous Microsoft Canada price drop, the adjustment seems designed to bring prices up North in line with the weakening American dollar.Update: Apologies for the inadvertent act of bad foreign relations. No offense was meant, Canada. Are we still cool?[Thanks Stephen]
A sign of guitars to come?
When it comes to Guitar Hero III, we don't know what's worse -- not being able to hear the game in stereo and surround sound, or not being able to buy another guitar. Yes, the lack of Dolby Pro Logic II just downright sucks. But, we'd still be having a lot more fun with the game if we were able to rock out with our friends locally. Activision has let us know when replacement discs for Guitar Hero will be available, but what about the guitars? All we've heard is "early 2008," which seems to be the company motto. Still, there is hope.Toys "R" Us is now letting shoppers preorder the Les Paul online, listing the peripheral as having a February 26th release date. Since we have no official word from Activision, of course, this can't be taken too seriously. We do see it as a good sign, however, and will let you know as we hear more. [Via GoNintendo]
Markdown of Fate
Mazes of Fate has some impressive graphics for a GBA release, and it also has the distinction of being the first Latin American-developed game for a Nintendo console. So, why did no one pick it up? Three reasons: As a handheld first-person RPG -- think Eye of the Beholder -- it has no mainstream appeal It's a GBA title that didn't come out until late 2006, long after most people stopped paying attention to GBA games It has virtually no presence in brick and mortar locations; the official site suggests you purchase Mazes of Fate on eBay Seeing as none of those issues relate to the actual quality of the game, we think you should still pick up Mazes of Fate if you're interested in it at all, especially since Toys "R" US has the dungeon crawler on sale for only $9.99! Move forward and past the break to watch the four-minute trailer publisher Graffiti Entertainment put out for the game. See also: Mazes of Fate getting ported from GBA
TRU Sale: Buy 2 Wii games, get 1 free
Whether you love to play them or just plan on giving them as gifts, there's always a reason to buy more video games. Fortunately, there are a few times in the year when our wallets feel some slight relief, and now is one of those times, as Toys "R" Us is currently holding a sale that will let you buy two Wii games and get one free. Now, normally you probably would have better luck finding good games in a brick and mortar store rather than online, since many of the better games online go out of stock quickly. Yet, before you run to your nearest Toys "R" Us store, you might want to know that a Super Smash Bros. Brawl preorder is eligible for the buy two, get one free deal.Also of note, a preorder of NiGHTS: Journey of Dreams works with the sale, too. Normally Toys "R" Us doesn't include preoders in their deals, so either they made a mistake or are feeling extra generous for the holidays. Whatever the case, this might be the smartest way to pick up Brawl if you can find two other games that strike your (or someone else's, it is the holidays after all!) fancy. The sale ends Wednesday, so you'd best hurry if you want to take advantage of this offer.One last thing: it seems that Toys "R" Us didn't get the memo about Brawl's delay, as they have the game listed for release in December. If you do preorder, don't expect your game to come until February![Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
No Super Mario Galaxy 'R' Us
Yes, we made the trek to Toys "R" Us yesterday to purchase Super Mario Galaxy and take advantage of the "Free $25 Gift Card" offer, only to come out empty-handed. We haven't been this depressed since James died in Good Times.We weren't the only ones who found ourselves sans Super Mario Galaxy, as many are reporting similar experiences with the toy superstore. Some locations only received enough copies to cover preorders, while others quickly sold out of their limited stock. In our case, as well as many of our reader's, we waited around for an hour with several dozen anxious customers before a manager announced that DHL hadn't made its delivery to the store. Hell was raised and magazine racks were knocked over, but to no avail.How did your Toys "R" Us experience go? Were you able to acquire Super Mario Galaxy, the free gift card, and the preorder bonus coin without any problems? Or did you mope around all night like we did, walking aimlessly from room to room, head hanging dejectedly while the sad music from A Charlie Brown Christmas played.
TRU just says no to Dementium
Looks like Target isn't the only one turning down titles lately -- Toys 'R' Us is getting into the game as well by not carrying either Manhunt 2 ... or Dementium! We're terribly disappointed in the retailer, but we could understand the motivation -- after all, if any store was ever aimed at children, it's TRU, and Dementium is a mature title.However, it's not that simple. Word around the campfire is that the TRU folks made the decision not because of the game's rating, but because they didn't think it would be very popular and they didn't want to waste the space. Now, we're not sure what the gaming section is like at your local Toys 'R' Us, but we've seen some pretty questionable shovelware gracing the shelves down here. Is it an excuse to avoid any controversy, or is the retail giant planning to focus future shelf space only on release they feel are more likely to sell?Regardless of the reason, while we can again understand a retailer aimed at children skipping mature titles (if they were consistent about it, that is), but randomly deciding what will and will not be popular is pretty lame. We remember another little game that got such treatment at first ....
Buy Super Mario Galaxy at Toys 'R' Us, get a $25 gift card
var digg_url = 'http://www.digg.com/nintendo_wii/Buy_Super_Mario_Galaxy_at_TRU_Get_25_Gift_Card'; If you had plans to buy Super Mario Galaxy at any other store besides Toys "R" Us, it looks like you're going to have to change them; this deal is too good to pass up. An upcoming weekly circular (11/11-11-17) reveals that the giraffe-fronted retailer will be rewarding anyone who makes an in-store purchase of Super Mario Galaxy with a $25 gift card. Here's a quick list of possible things you can buy at Toys "R" Us with the free $25, according to their online shop: 2000 Nintendo Wii Points Card Wii Classic Controller or Nunchuck Controller Nyko Nintendo Wii Charge Station Picross DS Bratz Talk Back Alarm Clock [Via CAG]
Xbox 360 price drop gets more ammo from leaked Toys R Us ad
Hot on the heels of the dubious Wal-mart advertisement, comes the above Toys R Us circular pic, which should add some juice to the price cut rumors. The boys at CheapAssGamer (who snagged the original ad) have gotten their hands on more evidence that the $50 Xbox 360 price cut is indeed coming. Of course, this could be Photoshopped too, but who's really going to all the trouble of doctoring two separate ads to depict this price drop? [Via Joystiq]
DS games at Toys R Us are buy 2 get 1 free this week
If there is any company that treats gamers right a few times a year it's Toys R Us with their buy two get one free deal. It's always worth putting a few dollars aside every week for that magical time they unleash the joyful occasion. Well, this week, they're doing the same deal, but only with Nintendo DS games.Until this Saturday, both online and in stores, Toys R Us is offering their buy two, get one free, on all Nintendo DS games. Of course, you should try to get games of the same price because the cheapest one you pick is the free one. Now you can pick up a good game for free that you just couldn't bring yourself to spend actual money on ... yeah, we're talking about Super Princess Peach.[Via CAG]
Toys "ARRRR" Us: Piracy in the Philippines
Pirated video games in the Philippines is certainly nothing new -- we remember seeing counterfeit Famicom carts being sold there back in the day -- but its ubiquity in the Southeast Asian country is startling. GameOPS' John Phillips Bengero sent us some pictures to illustrate just how dire the DS and GBA bootlegging situation is. Far from being confined to Manila's seedier markets, these shots were taken at a recently opened Toys "R" Us branch in TriNoma mall! Bring a pocket full of pesos past the post break for the photos.
