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Researchers developing reactor powered by nuclear waste
Nuclear energy could have curbed C02 emissions long ago if not for one problem: the waste is toxic for over 100,000 years. That's quite a commitment for humanity, but Hitachi thinks it has the answer: burn the spent fuel in small reactors to generate more power. That would produce manageable waste that would be harmless in a mere century or so. Hitachi has been studying such reactors for awhile with GE, and has enlisted MIT, the University of Michigan (U-M) and University of California, Berkeley (UCB) for the next phase. The goal is to re-purpose existing boiling water reactors (RBWRs), so that their turbines, safety systems and other components could be reused. Researchers could then focus on the core tech needed to burn highly refined "transuranium elements," aka spent nuclear fuel. They've enlisted the three schools to jointly analyze the safety and performance of potential core designs, with the aim of eventually building a test reactor. Commercialization is probably decades off, but the way toxic waste is building up, they may want to hustle it along.
Toys R Us rolls out national game trade-in program, classic games accepted [update]
digg_url = 'http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/10/toys-r-us-rolls-out-national-game-trade-in-program-classic-game/'; Toys R Us is rolling out its video game trade-in program nationwide today, allowing customers to sell games from as far back as the (OMG!) Intellivision. Those who use the program will receive gift cards for the value of their trade-in, which can be used for any product at Toys R Us, Babies R Us or online at Toysrus.com. Exchanging games works by going to the "guest services desk" with the merchandise, it'll be scanned and, if the value is acceptable, the customer will receive a gift card. We're honestly shocked at Toys R Us accepting trade-ins that go all the way back to systems like the Atari 2600. We're following up for some more details and will update as soon as we hear back. Update: Toys R Us is not getting into the used games resale business, it is merely accepting the used merchandise. A representative for the company tells us the games "are taken by a third party company that refurbishes them for resale." We're still following up to find out what company that would be. We'll update again when we find out.
One Shots: Squigstacking
Don't worry, today's Warhammer Online screenshot isn't a prank - Mythic isn't letting Squig Herders run around on doubled-up mounts. It is, however, a rather strange graphical glitch that was caught by Tru and sent in for us to all giggle at. He writes in: This image is of a graphical glitch with squig herders. When you get killed while trying to get into squig armor, when you re-spawn you look like you're in squig armor, but you're not. So that means you can use all of your ranged attacks and even get on your mount, which is what I'm doing here.If you've caught a strange screen in your favorite game, send it in to us.! We love to see wild, weird, and otherwise interesting goings-on in all the different MMOs out there. Just email it to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the game it's from, and a quick description. We'll post it here and let everyone gawk at it too. %Gallery-9798%
Toys R Us does 50% off select Wii games
Starting tomorrow and lasting until Saturday, Toys R Us will be offering select Wii games at 50% off. These games are actually some quality titles, too. None of that burning through their stock of Anubis II or anything, we're talking top-notch games. So what's on offer? Fire Emblem: Radiant Dawn Resident Evil: Umbrella Chronicles BWii: Battalion Wars 2 Metroid Prime 3: Corruption Not bad, right? So be sure to check their site first thing tomorrow. Who's planning on picking up a game? And what game would that be? [Thanks, TheResidentEvil!]
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 ....
Toys R Us and GameFly deals before the holiday flood
CheapAssGamer points the way this week to two retailers that have consistently brought on the great gaming deals: Toys R Us and GameFly. Toys R Us apparently took their famous "Buy 2 get the 3rd game free" deal underground this week. It's going on right now without a flyer being produced for last Sunday's papers -- a first as far as we're aware. Maybe they're testing to see if the web does the work for them? The deal is both online and in the stores. We're just completely baffled why TRU said nothing about the event we're consistently excited for whenever it happens. Some are even rumoring that this could be a two-week deal and that it'll actually be advertised this Sunday, so get in now before the general populace finds out. They are also doing a "buy one, get one accessory 50% off deal." No word yet if you could work the Circuit City MS point angle on that.If you don't know about GameFly's store, well let us inform you about another hidden gem of value on these intertubes. According to CAG, this week GameFly is offering free shipping to non-subscribers who purchase select used games. GameFly subscribers always get free shipping. The purchased used games are sent with the original case and manual practically untouched. Save as much money as you can while feeding the need for gaming. The storm is coming.[Thanks Anonymous]
Toys R Us summer toys list contains up to one video game
Toys R Us has put out their list of the top 24 hottest toys for this summer, and, surprisingly, there is only one video game on the list-- and even that one's kind of a non-game, according to some people's definitions. Nintendo's brain-teasin' hit Brain Age represents the entirety of our hobby in Toys R Us's summer marketing campaign, despite being a game about math problems, and despite being over a year old. Technically, they also advertise the Leapster, but ... don't worry about the Leapster..Are we seeing early signs of a Japan-style Brain Age phenomenon? Should we start hoarding DS Lites? [Via Game|Life]
Biweekly Toys R Us Wii Alert
We look forward to the day when a store maybe having some Wiis in stock isn't news. Until then, we'll be totally indebted to our TRU tipster HexiJosh, who has brought us another Sunday shipment update! And we have another chance to use Matthew Lesko's enthusiastic face as an indicator of Wii shipment excitement!He tells us via secret message that a shipment similar in size to the one two weeks ago will be hitting TRU stores for sale on Sunday. This time there's no word of any bundling, which is nice. By now, you know the deal: go early Sunday, hope we're not all getting jerked around, and hope you can beat the crowd.[Thanks again, HexiJosh!]
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!]
Outwit, outlast, and outcamp your way to a Wii
Planning to camp out this weekend in search of a Wii? We understand. Promises of plenty of consoles for everyone be damned -- when it's launch day, it's time to get your camp on. But there's a problem, see. There will probably be other people camping, too, and when it comes to a console launch, anything goes. We don't advocate violence ... but if someone tries to get between us and a Wii, well, we might have to kill them in front of their momma (apologies for quote bastardization). But no worries, fanfolk -- the crew at Gaming Out Loud did a little research* for you and they have some tips for outcamping all the other console-crazed individuals.We favor tip #3 (check out the original article for the rest): Nothing gives you more insta-cred than whipping out a DS lite while waiting for the sun to rise. Not only does it validate your nerdocity, but it can be a great way to spark conversations with others. "Hey, is that DS lite?" "Yes." Isn't that amazing? That right there has bonded you two for life. Though now it's going to seem like copying if we take a DS. Thanks, Alec. Thanks a lot. *They read a wiki. Not the Wiki, just a wiki.[Thanks, izzyb412!]
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]
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!]
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
