The new ParentDish: helping raise kids of all ages
Posts with tag preorder

Wii Warm Up: So who's buying it?


There seems to be quite a bit of ill will and even more apathy toward the release of Wii Fit among Nintendo fans. Whenever it's mentioned, there are always a few people aggressively against the exergaming title ... and yet, preorders have been huge. So who's buying all these copies? People who want the balance board for later titles, or people genuininely interested in Wii Fit? More importantly: did you preorder? Did your friends?

Grab some real-life Boom Blox with the game


... if you're in France. Despite much frantic hunting on the internets, we've only been able to locate this neat little piece of Boom Blox merchandise at a French outlet, where it's being given away to those who purchase the game early (Boom Blox launches across Europe tomorrow).

Although it lacks a ball to knock your blocks down with once you've finished building, assembling this puzzle is probably the perfect way to pass the time while your family plays on Boom Blox and you stubbornly refuse to admit that you might have been wrong. Bah. Oh, one word of advice, though: handle with care.

Gallery: BOOM BLOX

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: Wii Fit

Walmart fattens Wii Fit with $10 gift card

With preorders already sold out at Amazon, we can bet that Wii Fit will share the same success in North America that the game has seen in Europe and Japan. But, is it just soccer moms and casual gamers who are spending the hefty $90 for this nongame, or do readers like you have an interest in the product as well?

While some core gamers might not have succumbed to the Wii Fit hype, we're sure quite a few of you are more than intrigued by Nintendo's latest innovation. If so, you might be interested to know that Walmart is offering a $10 gift card with Wii Fit preorders. Of course, since shipping and tax will amount to more than $10, you're not actually saving anything. Yet, should you want to avoid the angry mom rush in brick and mortar stores and get something in return for your troubles, it might not be too bad of an idea to take advantage of this offer.

If you're considering this deal, just keep in mind that it ends on May 11th (or possibly earlier if Walmart runs out of stock).

Gallery: Wii Fit


[Thanks, Tristan and bakk!]

Japanese preorder bonus dawns for Tales of Symphonia

Adding to the ever-growing list of "cool stuff Japan gets that we don't," Bandai Namco is offering a sweet preorder bonus with Tales of Symphonia. The RPG, which releases in Japan in late June, will come with a Dramatic DVD for gamers that preorder the title. The DVD will include original animated scenes that add to the game's story, which sounds like a pretty nice extra to us.

We're sure the DVD will never see the light of day outside of Japan (officially), so the rest of us will just have to be content to look at screens and pretend that's dramatic. Some new screens might help you with such a task, so just click on the "Read" link below (or the picture above) to check them out.


[Via Gemaga]

Straps and stands: More preorder bonuses in Korea


Koreans really love free stuff! Then again, who doesn't?

This latest round of preorder incentives rewards gamers who've reserved Wii Sports with branded towels and Wii Remote cell phone straps. Unlike in the states, Wiis will not come bundled with Wii Sports when the console launches in South Korea on April 26th.

EA is also throwing in what looks like Brando's Crystal Cooler with every preorder for FIFA 08. The replacement base features a cooling fan and electric blue LEDs -- not too useful, but it's free, which automatically makes it a hundred times more awesome. Bring five bucks past the post break to get a look at the stand offer.

Continue reading Straps and stands: More preorder bonuses in Korea

Golf With Style! (in Korea)



Publishers in South Korea are pulling out all the stops to make sure gamers pick up their launch titles when the Wii officially debuts in the country on April 26. Though these aren't as glamorous (or as scandalous) as the Zack & Wiki pearl necklaces, Tecmo is giving away free shirts featuring characters Kooh and Arin with preorders for Swing Golf Pangya 2nd Shot.

Interestingly, the golf title will be released in Korea four months after the game arrived in the states, despite being a console spin-off of a Korean MMO. At least they'll get free shirts to make up for the delay! And they're still getting it before Europe (July 4th)!

[Thanks, Nick!]

Capcom gives Koreans pearl necklaces (and mousepads)



When the Nintendo Wii launches in South Korea this April 26th, Zack & Wiki will be sitting pretty on store shelves, too, beckoning adventure gaming fans to pick up a copy to accompany their new consoles. Rather than rely on the critically-acclaimed game's looks to generate sales, Capcom is offering two gifts with each preorder -- a Zack & Wiki-decorated mousepad and a treasure box filled with what looks like candy.

If that isn't enough to motivate Korean gamers, one hundred of those treasure boxes will contain a real pearl necklace! What a strange but awesome incentive! We wish someone would offer to give us a pearl necklace. All we ever received when we picked up Zack & Wiki was a look of derision from the GameStop clerk and a dim-witted quip about kiddie graphics.



[Thanks, Nick!]

Capcom thanks fans for buying Okami

If you've preordered Okami (from the Capcom Store, that is), Capcom has gone out of its way to reward your loyalty. You can expect some goodies in the mail soon (you lucky dogs), including a thank-you card embedded with seeds. That means you can either save the card in a shoebox full of mementos from your fondest Capcom memories (with "Mr." or "Mrs. Capcom" written on the lid), or actually plant the card and watch it grow.

You will have something nice to save though -- mainly, the sweet Amaterasu postage stamp on the envelope. Lastly, the company will also be sending you a coupon code for free shipping on a future purchase. Well done, Capcom! What a great way to show appreciation for your fans.

[Via Kotaku]

New screenshots, Koppa stand preorders for Shiren 3



Ever the pessimists, we're having a hard time convincing ourselves that Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 3 will ever make it stateside. Yes, we thought the same about the Shiren game that just hit the DS when localization rumors materialized, but we doubt that sales for the niche title impressed Sega, compelling the publisher into adding the Wii sequel to its North America release schedule.

So, until monkeys fly out our butt someone announces a localization deal for Shiren 3, the only way you'll play this revamp of the revered roguelike is an expensive import -- provided that it's compatible with Freeloader. If you're shelling out the big bucks, why not grab the Koppa Wii remote stand, too? NCSX has the stands available to gamers who put down their $65 (plus shipping and handling) for an early preorder. Though Shiren 3 isn't due until June 5th, the import shop has a limited amount of stands, so reserve soon!

Those of you who've played the DS remake of the SNES game -- all four of you -- and aren't sure if Shiren 3's additions are enough to warrant a purchase, make sure you check out the new boss characters in the Famitsu link below!

Read - Preorder Furai no Shiren 3 at NCSX
Read - New Furai no Shiren 3 screenshots

Shiren the Wanderer 3's Japanese release date, adorable bonus revealed


Back in January, Sega announced a delay for the Japanese version of Mystery Dungeon: Shiren the Wanderer 3, bumping the title back from February into June. Today, Sega announced the official release date, confirming that it (probably) won't be bumped further: June 5th.

We're inclined to think that Sega delayed Shiren until production of the limited preorder bonus was finished, but Chunsoft was probably working on the game or something. The two events do happen to coincide, however: along with the release date announcement, Sega sent out a real picture of the Koppa Wii remote stand, which we want almost enough to import the game.

Always bet on black: Neo Geo Stick 2



Much to our delight, SNK's Neo Geo Stick 2 for the Wii will retain that classic black look of the original and PS2 controllers, foregoing the predictable white case that Hori opted for. Jeux France has uncovered several photos of the arcade stick, unboxed and beside its packaging, and it is gorgeous. Leaving one of these displayed on your coffee table sends a clear message to your visitors: "This guy is serious business." Just make sure not to break up that illusion by letting them see your Chewbacca bedsheets -- you don't want people to think that the business you're serious about is living like a twelve-year-old.

Back on topic, the Neo Geo Stick 2 supports both Wii games and Virtual Console titles. Retailers in Japan won't begin selling the arcade controller until April 10th, but you can preorder one now from import shop Play Asia for as cheap as $59.90. Step past the break for more photos from SNK's product page.

Continue reading Always bet on black: Neo Geo Stick 2

Rumor: The early-Brawl-selling side of Sears


A GoNintendo reader, PRC902, reported that Sears was selling Super Smash Bros. Brawl early, and provided the above picture as evidence. The picture comes from NeoGAFfer Tenbatsu, who may or may not be the same person, and doesn't actually explain where the game came from, which is not much confirmation that the game is out on Sears' shelves. We did some journalism and called our local Sears, who didn't have the game in stock. So that's the end of that chapter.

Or is it? Sears' website lists the game as in stock and, in fact, accepted our order (done also for journalism). If it ships within the next couple of days, there's a pretty good chance we'll be receiving it early. We will, of course, let you know what happens. We're hoping for either an early copy of the game or a $10 gift card.

Trade in two games to get Brawl cheap at GameStop


Still not sure how you're going to raise enough money in time to pick up Super Smash Bros. Brawl in two weeks? Before you start robbing any banks or turning tricks at the corner, consider this option -- starting today until March 16th, you can trade in two Wii games at GameStop to reserve the epic fighter for only $9.99. Yes, you'll still need to spend some cash, but at least you won't be getting into cars with strangers. Didn't your parents teach you anything?

We've pasted the list of trade-in games eligible for this preorder deal right after the post break, so check that out if you're interested. Keep in mind that you can manage a better bargain for some of these titles using GameStop's current "trade in two Xbox 360, Wii, or PS3 games and receive an extra $10 trade-in credit" offer.

Continue reading Trade in two games to get Brawl cheap at GameStop

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]

Next Page >

Check out the downloads with Wii Fanboy!Wii Fanboy celebrates Mario Kart!Read our interview with Johnny Chung Lee!
Features
Another Week in ... (30)
Brawl Stage of the Week (5)
Contests / Giveaways (72)
Friday Video (58)
Game Night (19)
Metareview (37)
Mii Spotlight (17)
Point/Counterpoint (1)
Revolutionary (34)
The VC Advantage (44)
VC Monday Madness (123)
Virtually Overlooked (64)
What are you playing? (77)
Wii Fanboy poll (34)
Wii Warm Up (434)
Bits
Channels (63)
Cheats (6)
Controller (380)
Fan stuff (1013)
Features (250)
Homebrew (68)
How-tos (57)
Imports (335)
Interviews (274)
Meta (44)
Mods (115)
News (2801)
Nintendo Wi-Fi (112)
Peripherals (212)
Reviews (96)
Rumors (405)
Sales (70)
Screens (505)
Tech stuff (121)
Video (702)
Virtual Console (413)
Walkthroughs (31)
WiiWare (133)

RESOURCES

RSS NEWSFEEDS

Powered by Blogsmith

Sponsored Links

Featured Galleries

Lost in Blue
MySims Kingdom
Skate It
Brawl Stage of the Week: Another Castle
TV Show King
Pop
Pitfall: The Big Adventure
Protothea
Nick Magdoza's GameCube clock

 

Most Commented On (14 days)

Recent Comments

Weblogs, Inc. Network

Other Weblogs Inc. Network blogs you might be interested in: