The Nintendo Wii is quite the iconic console as it’s largely been regarded as the one to introduce the mass market to motion controlled video gaming. However, as of late both the PS3 and Xbox 360 have got their own motion controllers that, when paired with high definition graphics, have given the Wii a run for its money. Luckily, there have been rumors that say Nintendo will be coming forth soon to release a second generation Wii that will include beefed up hardware but we’ve yet to hear any official announcements.
Well, it seems that some heat is about to be added to the rumor mill as several big name retailers, including Amazon.com, have cut the price tag of the Wii from the previous $200 price point to $170. If the past is anything to go by this means that Nintendo is looking to ramp up sales and sell off their remaining stock prior to an announcement of the second generation Wii. That or these reatilers are all in cahoots to throw off the trail.
We’ll keep you posted as more information is made known.
While most of the big name titles are released with a legit publisher through various retail outlets, several independently developed games featured within digital distribution outlets like the Xbox Live Arcade have been making quite a splash. Unfortunately, those who don’t have access to broadband connection will be missing out on all of the great titles but Microsoft will be directly targeting such folk with their next move.
It’s been announced today that Microsoft will be bundling three of the best Xbox Live Arcade titles – Trials HD, Limbo and Splosion Man – for retail along with a 48-hour Xbox Live Gold trial and 160 Microsoft Points all for $29.99. Even if you have a broadband connection, this is a great time to get down on all of these titles with the bundle hitting store shelves on April 19th.
According to recent rumors, game retailer GameCrazy will be closing all its remaining stores next week, as it’s parent company, Movie Gallery, has filed for chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to Joystiq. GameCrazy operates some 250 stores in the US, and has over the past few years been shutting down stores in order to cut costs.
Did you pick up a game this past easter weekend from UK retailer GAME? If so, you may want to check the game’s quality as reports are coming in that the retailer actually sold used games as brand new.
However, fret not as the retailer has admitted that they are wrong and are offering refunds and/or exchanges for anyone who got shafted out of a new game.
via joystiq
Microsoft has said in the past that they have no plans to sell a standalone 250GB Xbox 360 hard drive. However, earlier this month we let you know that GameStop had a standalone 250GB Xbox 360 hard drive up for sale.
Well, despite these two constrating points, Microsoft has come forth today to say that the hard drive is now available and will retail for $129.99.
via joystiq
Despite recent rumors of a possible sale to a private equity firm, GameStop is posting some pretty impressive numbers. They have even gone on to say that 2009 was the company’s second highest earning year since it was concieved.
Number wise, GameStop has posted $9.08 billion worth of sales in the 2009 fiscal year and $377.3 million in profits. These numbers were broken down into 41.1% of sales worth of new games, 26.4% of used games with the rest falling into hardware and other.
What’s even better is GameStop expects their earnings to grow 14%-18% in 2010.
via joystiq
If you’ve read pretty much any major publication over the past decade you’ll know that Walmart has been faced with some troubles. However, it remains one of the most successful businesses in the entire world. GameStop, which you’re probably a lot more familiar with, has grown to pretty much take over video game retail across the entire United States.
This is all relevant because it was just made known that GameStop’s CFO, Catherine Smith, has resigned from the retailer to join Walmart. CAO, Robert Lloyd will take Smith’s place, effective immediately.
There’s no telling why Smith ditched the video game retailer to join ultra retailer Walmart but I’m sure money had something to do with it.
via yahoo
It was recently made known that 200 of Game Crazy‘s 680 retail locations will be shutting their doors for good by the end of next month. This apparantly isn’t a sign of Game Crazy going under but instead a wise business decision by the company’s executives to weed out the under performing stores
Below is their official statement regarding the matter:
“Movie Gallery, Inc. is currently operating in an unprecedented consumer/retail environment. In order for us to continue to best serve our millions of customers across North America we’re addressing under performing stores and ensuring that there is sufficient [return on investment] associated with each of these stores going forward. The vast majority of our stores will be unaffected by these efforts.”
via joystiq
While we were notified of the XBLA release date for Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Playstation 3 owners were effectively left in the dark.
Luckily, we now know that the game will be re-released for the PSN on August 15, a few weeks after the XBLA, for $15. The game will reportedly also ship in a retail form for the PS3, priced at $20, and feature a DVD with wallpapers, a manual, 2,000 Capcom Unity points and 1-month of access to Marvel Digital Comics.
If you haven’t already played Marvel vs. Capcom 2 when it was first released in back in the early 00s, now’s a perfect chance to get down on this classic title.
Read (Joystiq)
Just in time for its Double XP weekend Gears of War 2 has been discounted from it’s normal $59.99 retail price to a much more palatable $39.99. Best of all, if you order on Amazon, that price (further discounted to $36.99) includes shipping.
There’s no telling if retailers will decide to hike the price back up so if you’re planning on purchasing Gears of War 2 at this discounted price, do it fast.
Read (EBGames)
Read (Amazon)
