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PSN cards available next month at Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Sam's Club
Sony's PlayStation Blog announced today that PSN cards will be available at more national retailers beginning in October. The cards will soon be available in $20 and $50 denominations at Wal-Mart, Best Buy and "select Sam's Club outlets." The cards will assist in destroying GPAs when they become available in November at Barnes & Noble College Bookstores.Sony had previously announced that PSN cards are currently available at Blockbuster, AAFES and a few regional retailers. Yup, still no GameStop.[Photo credit: Flickr ffg]
Zune 80GB price cuts, Zune 120GB and 16GB hitting shelves early
As the story goes, Mr. Blurry Cam walks into a Harborcreek, PA Wal-mart and spots this, the Zune 80GB on rollback ($50 off list) and new $250 Zune 120GB. The blue Zune 16GB (not pictured) was said to be in stock as well. So while the 3.0 firmware won't be official until the 16th, some of you might be lucky enough to stumble upon the new Microsoft gear just a bit early. [Thanks, Craig P.]
Wal-Mart gaming blog holds 'green gaming summit'
We couldn't help but feel a little guilty as we read about a recent "green gaming summit" held by Wal-Mart's gaming blog, Check Out. Perhaps it was the revelation that our consoles, which we constantly leave running in case of emergencies, waste as much energy in a year as six refrigerators. Perhaps it was the knowledge that our towering stack of plastic game cases released more greenhouse emissions during their creation than the average mid-sized car. Perhaps it was the fact that we read the article by light provided by a stack of burning tires and cans of hairspray that we keep in our foyer.The meeting of minds, which in addition to the retail behemoth's ludological division had representatives from Nintendo, Sony, Microsoft, Activision and Electronic Arts in attendance, resulted in the discussion of new industry practices that would focus on environmental sustainability, such as cardboard game cases and reduced-power standby modes for consoles. We suggest reading Check Out's write-up of the summit for a highly interesting (if not slightly inconvenient) read.
Rumor: MGS4 80GB PS3 on the outs, get 'em while they last
It appears that the 80GB PS3 MGS4 bundle has finally been done in by the La-li-lu-le-lo. Our trusted Wal-Mart operative -- who has yet to fail us on a mission -- informs us the status of the bundle within the megacorp's computer is now "deleted." S/he tells us this means that there are no plans to receive any more shipments. We've contacted Sony for official word regarding any plans to restock the model.We always knew the $499 bundle was a limited edition, so this isn't exactly a "!". What we are wondering: Will the model in the bundle be repackaged with a new game? Is this the end of PS3s with any type of PS2 backwards compatibility?%Gallery-30040%
Sony's XEL-1 OLED TV spotted at Sam's Club for $1,748
You can order up Sony's XEL-1 OLED TV from SonyStyle.com right now for $2,499.99 and hope that it ships by tomorrow. Or, you can waltz on down to your local Sam's Club, plunk down for a membership and walk out with the previously mentioned set for just $1,748.51. We can't say for sure if these units are available at Clubs nationwide just yet, but that's a comparatively delicious price for those in the market for an ultra-small, ultrathin OLED TV. Anyone care to guess how cheap this thing will be on Black Friday?[Thanks, Vishal]
Oprah knows where the fun is at
Seriously, she does! Caught by TMZ at a Hawaiian Wal-Mart, the super-celeb was seen doing a little shopping. What did she pick up? The Wii, of course. It's the only way to guarantee a good time. At least, we think so.Hey, Oprah! If you're looking for some games to go with that new Wii, we suggest you check this out.
Rumor: Wal-Mart spotted selling 60GB Xbox 360
If your lack of hard drive space and your lack of patience have finally combined into a boiling, fist-shaking rage, you'd best give your local Wal-Mart a call. An X3F tipster by the name of Gerald already snapped -- and snapped up? -- one of those newfangled 60 gigglebyte Xbox 360 models ahead of their August launch. The Roanoke, Virginia store allegedly has four units in stock, but perhaps you'll find more at a different branch. If not, there's always Target.
ZVUE's 1GB Journey DAP comes with 22 tracks you'll never delete
Brace yourselves, dear readers. The item we're about to explain just might be is most certainly the best thing to ever happen to the digital audio player market. ZVUE's 1GB pre-loaded Journey MP3 player not only reeks of the early '80s in design alone, but this thing actually arrives with 22 Journey tracks loaded on (11 new joints, 11 of your childhood favorites). It's like buying Journey's greatest hits and getting a DAP for free -- go on, be good to yourself, it's only $39.88. Jump past the break if you need some encouragement / discouragement.[Via AnythingButiPod, thanks Dula]
Wal-Mart database shows entry for Halo "Blue"
Click to embiggen A trusted Wal-Mart source has sent Joystiq an image taken from the company's intranet, "The Wire," showing a listing for Halo "Blue." We've also received an unverified tip detailing Halo "Blue," though it's unclear whether that information stems from the same retail listing. With so little information available about what Blue is, we're guessing the shown Sept. 30 date is placeholder. The Microsoft press conference is in less than 12 hours, so stay tuned.
Source: Halo "Blue" headed to 360 in September
click to embiggen A trusted source has informed Joystiq that the Wal-Mart internal internet known as "The Wire" contains an entry for a new Halo game entitled Halo "Blue". According to the entry, Halo "Blue" is an M rated shooter and it's set to release on September 30 this year. Of course, we've been hearing plenty of rumors about Bungie projects in the last few days. Halo "Blue" could easily be a part of all that. Will it be the rumored strategy title? Peter Jackson's Halo Project? With the game supposedly coming out this year, it could easily be a repackaged Halo 3 with bonus content -- perhaps all the DLC released thus far.We al but certain that Bungie will be announcing something during the Microsoft Press Briefing that's only a few hours away. More than likely, we'll know whether or not it's Halo "Blue."
Poll: Where do you buy your Blu-ray Discs?
With a report emerging this week pegging Best Buy as the go-to location for Blu-ray Disc purchases, it stirred up some curiosity here at Engadget HQ. Personally, we prefer to snag our discs online; there's just something about receiving those corrugated boxes on our doorstep that does it for us. We're interested to see where you procure most of your own BD titles -- in a store (which one?), online (which e-tailer?) or out of the back of a white panel van? You can keep quiet if it's the latter. %Poll-16683%
Best Buy accounts for most Blu-ray purchases, but Amazon and Wal-mart are catching up
Looks like all those specials are paying off for Amazon and Wal-mart, as surveys done last fall and this spring indicate they're narrowing the gap with "leading Blu-ray shopping destination" Best Buy. No nifty percentage numbers this time, but according to VideoBusiness, Amazon's own findings indicate its share of the Blu-ray retail market is 3.5 times bigger than its DVD slice. That seems to jibe with NPD's finding placing it number two, followed by Wal-mart (benefiting from enhanced Blu-ray displays and sales of its own), then Target and Blockbuster, respectively, having overtaken Circuit City in the period from fall to spring. Is there anything other than deep discounts and BOGOs that decides where you buy Blu?
Wal-Mart spreadsheet claims 40GB PS3 "will be replaced" in August
Not even ten months after rumors began swirling about the introduction of a 40GB PlayStation 3, we're now seeing hints that Sony's low-ender will soon be replaced. Based on this alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet, the 40GB PS3 console "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August," which seems pretty clear cut on the surface. Granted, this "new model" may just include a sweet plastic Olympics medallion to commemorate the occasion or a fancy new vibrating controller, so don't go thinking that an entirely fresh form factor is just around the bend. Not that we'd complain about that, though.[Thanks, Khattab]
Rumor: New PS3 model coming next month
Click for full-resolution image. It looks like it's time to the PS3 SKU dance again. An alleged Wal-Mart spreadsheet sent to Joystiq states the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." What this new model will entail is unclear: it could be a new 40GB bundle, or it could be something different altogether. Perhaps we'll find out more at E3?This isn't the first time hints of a new system were revealed through retail channels. The 40GB model is currently the cheapest model of the PS3, retailing for $399. It is the only model of the PS3 that does not feature any backwards compatibility support for PS2 titles.
Rumor: Wal-Mart memo says 40GB PS3 to be 'replaced' in August
Click to embiggen A Wal-Mart spreadsheet allegedly listing products that the company is having difficulty stocking states that the 40GB PS3 "will be replaced with [a] new model in early August." We received this sheet from an employee that's sent us solid information in the past though s/he can't confirm the origin of the note that the model will be replaced. Of course, in the eternal battle over semantics, "replaced" could simply mean some minor tweaks to the model and the addition of the DualShock 3.For those keeping track, if the 40GB version actually ceases production it would be the third version of the PS3 to do so. Let's take a trip down memory lane: The 60GB PS3 was last seen in late 2007 roaming the plains of retail (some still speak of finding them in random places today) and the 20GB was officially declared dead in early 2007 after it went missing from retail for months. Perhaps next week's E3 will shed some light on the fate of the 40GB unit.Update: Adjusted for the possibility that "replaced" could mean basic changes to 40GB model, like the addition of DualShock 3.
Elvis: Viva Las Vegas Blu-ray disc hitting Wal-mart shelves in August
We know you're looking forward to Country Music Television's two-hour TV event Elvis: Viva Las Vegas August 11 at 8 p.m., so why not preorder it on Blu-ray for delivery the day after? We can't think of a world where we wouldn't want to see Elvis' music performed and/or discussed by such luminaries as 50 Cent, Willie Nelson, Three 6 Mafia, Rob Thomas and others. Those still interested can grab the HD disc exclusively from Wal-mart for $19, over the standard $10 standard DVD price.
VIZIO does 'em cheap: 32-inch VP322 / 42-inch VP422 plasmas under $800
If VIZIO's brand new XVT Series is a bit rich for your blood, how's about a pair of plasmas for under eight bones? Yep, the 32-inch VP322 and 42-inch VP422 -- which were announced at CES at $689 and $999, respectively -- are now available in Wal-Mart locations across America, and they're selling for even less than that. Right now, those longing to hop in the HDTV game without breaking the bank can secure the VP322 for just $599, while the VP422 will set you back just $799. Both sets possess a 30,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, 720p panel, 3 HDMI sockets (along with component / VGA) and a built-in ATSC digital tuner with ClearQAM support. Not too shabby for the price, wouldn't you agree? [Warning: PDF read link] %Gallery-26083%
Aiptek's HDV21X brings 1080p HD video to the sub-$200 Wal-Mart market
Aiptek is making a habit of bringing portable HD recording to some seriously affordable levels. The HDV21X Action HD 1080p High Definition Camcorder w/ Optical Zoom (known as the AHD Z500 Plus in Europe) records H.264 HD video (1,440 x 1080, 16 x 9) on a 5 megapixel sensor at 30 frames per second and 720P at 60 frames all for a paltry $199.99 at your local Wal-Mart. Expect to get up to 8 hours of 1080p video on a 32GB SDHC card. As for still images, the Z500 shoots at 8 megapixels and even sports a macro mode for both video and still. Also on board is a 3x optical zoom, CIF mode for easy YouTube uploads, a 2.4-inch swivel-mount TFT LCD, and component outputs for all the HD goodness. To top it all of, its diminutive size is worth mentioning: 4.4 x 2.75 x 1.3-inches.
Wal-Mart corporate confirms $100 PS3 gift card -- YES, even the MGS 4 bundle
We have confirmed with Wal-Mart Corporate Communications that the company is currently offering a $100 gift card this week with the purchase of any Blu-ray player. This applies to all PS3s, including the Metal Gear Solid 4 PS3 bundle (pictured above) available tomorrow. This re-confirms the information and documentation one of our reliable sources gave us two weeks ago.After we made sure to ask about the MGS4 bundle this morning, Melissa O'Brien, a spokeswoman for Wal-Mart, told us, "Any Blu-ray player. Blu-ray. All of them." She said that the deal is quite explicit in the Wal-Mart flyer for this week (an image of which we've placed after the break), and the deal is both online and in stores. We hope this clears up any confusion on the matter.
Wal-Mart throws in $100 gift card with Blu-ray player purchase
Given that $100 at Wal-mart is essentially as good as cash, we can only imagine how titillating this offer may seem for Blu-ray holdouts. Announced today, the mega-retailer will be offering a $100 gift card with the purchase of any Blu-ray player from June 8th through 14th -- and yes, Sony's PlayStation 3 is included. In case this wasn't enough to maybe-possibly get the general public to actually pay attention to the format, Wally World will also sell "select" BD titles for $15 starting on the 8th. Since the format war ended earlier this year, we've seen report after report proclaiming that Blu-ray adoption just wasn't taking off here in America, but with a theoretical net price now close to $200 (albeit for a few days only), we can certainly see the masses taking notice at long last.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
