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Rumor: Another stash of Wiis coming to Toys R Us
... and another Matthew Lesko picture to summarize our feelings. Tipster HexiJosh was spot on about the last TRU Wii hoard, so we have no reason to disbelieve him now when he tells us that Sunday, March 18 is the day to queue up. Still, we're marking this as a rumor just to be safe.He says that Toys R Us stores are getting even larger shipments this time than last time-- his store is getting a minimum of 12 systems-- and that TRU is planning to sell them bundled with Sonic and the Secret Rings. We hope these bundles don't cost full price-- bundling is only fun when there's a discount involved, and even then it's kind of annoying.But complaining about bundles misses the point, which is HEY THERE ARE PROBABLY GOING TO BE SOME WIIS FOR SALE. Plan your next weekend accordingly![Thanks, HexiJosh!]
Ubisale at Toys R Us
There have been a lot of sales to report lately! If you picked up a Wii at Toys R Us yesterday, you now have an opportunity to get some relatively good games for a decent price, from now until the 10th.Toys R Us is offering three Ubisoft-published Wii games for the price of two. Your choices are GT Pro Series, Open Season, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, Red Steel, and Monster 4x4: World Circuit. This offer is valid online, but we aren't sure about its status in TRU stores. If there are three games in that list you're interested in, or two games you're interested in and one you think you could get a decent price for on eBay, then you are in luck![Via QJ.net]
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!]
Rumor: Nintendo storming TRU Feb. 11th
Have you been completely assed out in your hunt for any Nintendo product? Never fear, for the rumor patrol reports that Toys 'R Us will have both Wiis and DS Lites in stock on February 11th. Don't get too excited just yet -- that's still a little over a week away, but depending on the competition in your area, you might want to start stocking up on your camping supplies. Expect to see more DS Lites than Wiis, but since so many of our readers have been trying to get their hands on a handheld lately, we figure that's not exactly bad news. [Thanks, Josh!]
Toys "R" Us: $100 gift card with Xbox 360 purchase
If you're having trouble finding a Wii and/or a PS3 for your loved ones this Christmas, Toys "R" Us has two possible solutions for you. Solution one: wait for one of the "thousands" of Wii and PS3 consoles the toy giant is promising this week. Solution two: buy a 360.We know, you were waiting for that rumored price cut (which is still a ways off by the way) but TRU is offering a free $100 gift card* when you buy an Xbox 360 in-store by December 24. Sure, it's not a price drop, but it's almost as good -- especially when you factor in all the extra kit you'll be wanting, like the comically priced WiFi adapter (conveniently enough, $100). Rather have the cash? Don't forget about Microcenter's $100 mail-in-rebate, good through December 31. *TRU's small print: "Not valid on "R" Express or phone orders. Gift card valid on your next visit. See back of card for Terms & Conditions. Void where prohibited. Offer valid 12/17-12/24/06. Limit one per customer. Limited quantities available. Sorry, no rain checks. Sale prices valid December 17-24, 2006."[Thanks, nodnetni]
$100 gift card free with Xbox 360 purchase [update 1]
Again, the holiday deals just keep rolling in. This week at Toys R Us when you purchase a Xbox 360 premium pack you'll get a free $100 Toys R Us gift card. The offer looks to be only available in-store as we haven't been able to unearth any information on their website. This has to be one of the best deals on a new 360 purchase in a while, especially for parents who need to pick up other gifts at the toys retailer with the $100 gift card. Or you can totally be a hardcore gamer and pick up a game or two, maybe an extra controller, or even some candy! Spend your $100 gift card wisely.Update 1: Replaced post's image with actual Sunday adscan. Having proof is a good thing.[Thanks, Darrien W.]
Spring 2007 to bring Wii price drops and color choices?
Well it seems the bevy of Nintendo news just isn't slowing down, as the past 24 hours have seen DS / DS Lite power adapters recalled, Wiimote straps deemed unworthy, the truth (right?) behind how much loot Nintendo's pulling in on each Wii sold, and now we've got a potential price drop on our hands. Not even waiting for the backlog of lines that form each morning as Wii hopefuls stand vigilantly and await their prize to calm down, the big N just might have next year all mapped out already. While we've heard whispers of Microsoft knocking a few bucks off the Xbox 360's price, we aren't exactly sold on Nintendo cutting into those (questionably) sweet profits so soon after launch. Nevertheless, a very talkative Toys 'R Us manager apparently let a "few details" about the Spring 2007 plans "slip," insinuating that Nintendo would be "relaunching" (saywha?) the Wii for $200 and in a variety of colors to boot. Notably, this is about the time the firm will start pushing its WiiConnect24 service, but if sales keep up, the company shouldn't have to lower prices to entice folks to hop on in. While we can't entirely dismiss the (admittedly exciting) claims, we've really nothing substantial to go on here, and until we get confirmation from someone other than a retail store overlord, we're taking this one with a dash of salt.[Via Digg]
Nintendo's Wii launch party (Times Square, NYC)
We were joined by our friends at Engadget and Nintendo Wii Fanboy at the Times Square Toys "R" Us last night to partake in the midnight launch of Nintendo's little, white console. Eager fanboys and girls were wrapped around the entire block, from 45th St. down 8th Ave, to 44th St. and back up 7th Ave (peep Engadget's fancy map). When Reggie took the stage at 11:40 to preach to the choir, he said over 3000 people were lined up, but they were prepared with over 4000 consoles (we'd heard over 5000 and even over 8000 from various insiders). Everyone in line got a white wrist band guaranteeing them a Wii; however, not everyone got the baby blue Wii shirt and white knit-cap (things apparently got a little out of hand, so they stopped handing 'em out). We gathered a ton of pictures and video (coming soon) of the event, which you can hit up after the break. Any 'stiqers in attendance?
PS3 launch shipments restricted to top 5 retailers?
According to a memo obtained by GameDaily BIZ from smaller video game chain Rhino Video Games, Sony has "decided to limit the supply of hardware (systems and accessories) to its top five volume retailers (Wal-Mart, Target, etc.)" on the November 17 launch day. However, we know of at least seven major retailers receiving PlayStation 3 units on launch day. In addition to Target and Wal-Mart, we know GameStop / EB Games, Best Buy, Circuit City, Sears and Toys 'R' Us are having PS3s on launch day. We know supplies will be very limited and GameStop won't be fulfilling all of its PS3 pre-orders (already conservative figures).That smaller retail chains will not have PS3s on launch day is not that surprising, but only the "top five retailers" is wrong and makes the memo a bit suspect. Rhino Video Games will not be getting PS3s on launch day -- a fact reaffirmed on its website -- the rest is not true. Rest assured, there will be PS3s for sale at all retailers by the end of 2007. We hope.
Forget Best Buy, head to Sears for the PS3 launch
On Nov. 17, everyone and their mother will likely be descending on big video game retailers like Best Buy, Circuit City and Toys "R" Us to try and pick up an unreserved PlayStation 3. But after breaking down some demographic and retail data, Gaming Target thinks that more obscure locations like Sears, K-mart, and CompUSA might be a better bet for anticipatory gamers.While long lines at a big box retailer like Target are almost sure to gobble up the ten or so launch units available at each store, a specialty retailer like FYE that doesn't heavily advertise video games might have some units left over. And while most people know warehouse clubs like BJ's and Sam's for carrying 50 pound bags of cat food, members could also benefit from their little-known video game sales.Of course, now that this recommendation is out on the web, people may leave the popular stores to line up at the once-obscure retailers, thus leaving Best Buy and company near deserted come launch day. Or maybe people will read the previous sentence and head over to the big guys because they think everyone else is heading to the smaller retailers. Is there a game theory expert in the house?
Toys R' Us nonsense [update 1]
I ntrepid, daring reporter than I am, I decided to brave the intense, soul-freezing cold that is Central Florida in October. My destination? Toys R' Us ... which I had heretofore not even known existed in my tiny town of Gainesville, Florida ... to check out the line. Reports were coming in of many TRU stores giving raffle tickets to everyone there, and having a lottery to determine the winners ... poppycock! The most devoted should get the system, and devoted there were. The first couple folks were out there at 8:45 AM on Saturday morning, bravely camping out for ... wait, a PS3? [update 1 -- fixed a small typo]
Toys R Us Wii/PS3 pre-orders start tomorrow - last chance on game sale
If you haven't taken advantage of Toys R Us' buy 2 get the 3rd game free yet, today is your last chance. Sadly, unlike some CompUSAs and other retailers across the country, Toys R Us hasn't broken Final Fantasy XII's street date. Looks like the rest of us will have to wait till Tuesday. Thankfully, sources tell us that most retailers have their copies in the store already, just sitting there ... taunting them.Also, beginning tomorrow Wii/PS3 pre-orders will begin at Toys R Us. For $50 deposit you're guaranteed a Wii and/or PS3 system at launch. No word yet on pre-order numbers, the stores we contacted aren't allowed to release that information until tomorrow. Previous reports are speculative on both systems' pre-order numbers. One Toys R Us manager told us, "If you see a line at Toys R Us tomorrow morning, you aren't getting one." When pressed if there would be more or less than Gamestop and EB Games' 32 Wii pre-order units, he said negatively, "Not even close."
Toys "R" Us PS3/Wii pre-orders Sunday
Those unlucky souls who missed out on getting their next-gen system pre-orders at Gamestop will have another chance to throw money at a large, multinational corporation this weekend. Toys "R" Us will be taking pre-orders for the PS3 and Wii for $50 down starting on Sunday, Oct. 29.Stores contacted by Joystiq said they didn't know exactly how many pre-orders they would be taking, but a poster on the Gaming-Age forums estimates 12 to 25 Wiis and five to 14 PS3s per store (take these estimates with an unconfirmed grain of salt). The offer will be well-publicized in the Toys "R" Us "big book" (see pp. 64, 66) due in this weekend's newspapers, so be sure to get to the store early if you want to beat out little Billy's kindly old grandmother and others like her.
Buy 2 get 1 free at Toys R Us = get some DS games
We cannot possibly believe we missed this deal when our father site Joystiq reported on it, and just as soon as we realized there was a deal, we'd already found one flickr user who had taken full advantage of the deal to score some excellent games. With this user getting ahold of Mega Man ZX, Dragon Quest Heroes: Rocket Slime, and Clubhouse Games, we'd really like to know what you readers would get, so let us know!
Buy 2 games, get 1 free at Toys R Us
Toys R Us is kicking off the Holiday Season with their annual buy 2 games, get 1 free sale. The selection isn't comprehensive, but you should be able to pick three games you can live with. Offer Expires October 28.[Thanks Fargo]
Toys R Us: Buy 2 games, get 1 free [update 1]
Deals don't come along very often for gamers. Pre-order bundle packages, $60 games, along with the nickle and diming of Xbox Live -- it's all sinister and dirty. That's why the Toys R Us buy 2, get 1 free, is always a beacon of hope in a relatively dismal consumer market.If you've never experienced the joy of this deal, it is as legit as it gets. Naturally, the free game is the one of the three with the cheapest price tag. This deal works best when you get all $60 games or $20 games in a bundle. The sale runs until Saturday in stores and online -- it doesn't work on pre-orders.If you don't mind sloppy seconds, Gamestop and EB Games is also having a buy 2, get 1 free sale, on used games and DVDs. Nothing wrong with used, just means it has more experience.[Update 1: Added Gamestop and EB Games info]
Another chance to pre-order a Wii?
If you're like some of us, then you're still out in the proverbial cold in regards to a Wii-orde ... no, no, it's not worth it.In any case, some rumors are flyin' around the intertron, as they often do, and one of particular interest mentions that last bastion of childhood, Toys R' Us, taking Wii preorders on October 29th. Perhaps they'll have more than eleven units, but regardless, TRU representatives refuse to comment on such baseless grounds. The company's forthcoming "BigBook", full of awesome holiday-like sales, will spill the beans, so stay tuned for verification.[Thanks, Matt Heff!]
Wii on another holiday hot list
Toy industry trade magazine, Toy Wishes, complied compiled its annual "Hot Dozen" list of this year's push-down-anyone-weaker-than-you, must-grab toys. Nestled among Elmos that yearn to be tickled (to the extreme!) and playfully misspelled dolls that mistake "S" for "Z," sits the console with its own strange spelling. Yes, the Wii is the only videogame system that Toy Wishes thinks will earn stampeding parents and childrens' love.The Reuters coverage of the Hot Dozen -- Toy Wishes hasn't published it online -- mentions that the Wii qualifies as "family entertainment," a possible reason the PS3 didn't make the cut. Toys "R" Us took a similar angle when naming only the Wii to its list, saying the PS3 is "geared to a savvy gaming enthusiast," and the Wii is for kids and adults.Published since 1999, previous lists have accurately predicted sell-outs, according to About.com.See also: Toys "R" Us nods the Wi
Toys "R" us names Wii "hot toy"
Apparently, it's the first time that Toys "R" Us has ever nominated a video game system as one of its holiday "hot toys." We couldn't agree more; the Wii is at the top of our holiday shopping list. We know what you're thinking and no, we do not plan to blow all of our holiday gift money on a Wii for ourselves, we plan to blow all of our money on Wiis for everyone else. We're pretty sure our grandma will love it. According to Toys "R" Us, the reason they came to the conclusion that the list needed Nintendo's console was due to it's incredible appeal across all ages. Toys "R" Us said "The Wii system appeals to young kids as well as adults," where the PS3 is "really geared to a savvy gaming enthusiast." [Via Joystiq]
Toys "R" Us to open store in China
First Best Buy took the plunge in China, now Toys "R" Us is following suit. In December, the North American toy retailer will open its first Chinese store at The Super Brand Mall in Shanghai Pudong. I noticed some construction activities when I was there a few weeks ago, but the store space didn't look very big. Store sizes are somewhat limited given the mall's Guggenheim-ish floor structure. Still, this should help spur console and handheld game sales in a market that has been traditionally dominated by PC gaming. Toys "R" Us will provide a nice complement to the mall's Lotus Supercenter, which sells only PC titles.See also: China online gaming trends House of Flying Daggers MMO in development