Nintendo has announced that it will be having several Wii launch day (or midnight) events for it's soon to be released (November 19, 2006 in US) Wii console.
From Nintendo: "Toys "R" Us Times Square in Manhattan and GameStop at Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles will host official Nintendo midnight launch events to satiate rabid fans who can't wait to get their hands on Wii. The events will feature live music and entertainment, fun, games, special guests from Nintendo – and a countdown to the moment that will change the way video games are played forever. Other retailers nationwide are expected to hold their own midnight launch events, so consumers should check with their local retail stores that sell video games."
Check with your local retailers for midnight launch events in your area. Wii launches Nov. 19 in the US at an MSRP of $249.99.
Nintendo has been hard at work lately preparing for the launch of their Wii console. The seemingly smooth production process has resulted in a projected launch of about 4 million Wii's globally from launch to the end of 2006. A recent press release states "Nintendo is maximizing all its resources for a rapid replenishment program designed to consistently pump Wii consoles into the supply pipeline and keep retailers' shelves as filled as possible."
With all the good news however, NOA president Reggie Fils-Aime, or the Regginator to some, has warned us shoppers not to get "complacent." Demand will definitely be high, as Wii is one of the most anticipated holiday items around. This means that we as Nintendo fans should probably start preparing our tents and Meals-ready-to-eat right about now.
There is not one person on this planet who is not anticipating the Halo film adaptation. However, it seems as though us 6-billion poor souls will have to wait, as Microsoft and Wingnut Films have officially postponed the movie according to a GameDaily report.
Some rumors have swirled regarding rookie director Neill Blomkamp's skill in handling such a large financial risk, but a Microsoft statement said "We are fully supportive of Director Neill Blomkamp's vision of the film. Neill is a tremendously gifted filmmaker and his preliminary work on Halo is truly awe-inspiring. While it will undoubtedly take a little longer for Halo to reach the big screen, we are confident that the final feature film will be well worth the wait."
While I personally think that Blomkamp should be given a chance to show execs some ideas, I would be fully confident in a Peter Jackson helmed Halo film if it came to that.
In an earlier report, Universal and Fox dropped out of the funding/distribution plans of the Halo film after the distributors asked the filmmakers and Microsoft to take a reduction of the film's profits.
Sierra sent out notification that a demo for Eragon will be available on the Xbox Live Marketplace today.
From Sierra: "In the demo: Players join Eragon and Brom as they journey to Darret Village. Eragon is slowly learning his true power, but in this early level Eragon has not yet mastered his dragon rider magic and must rely on his skills with the sword and bow to escape the forces of Durza and Galbatorix. Sapphira swoops in to take out the enemy forces, but players will look forward to taking to the skies in the full game to experience the dragon rider legacy.
In the game, players will live the legend as Eragon, and with his mighty dragon Saphira ride into epic battle against an evil king’s sinister forces. Players will be able to share the adventure with a friend with two player co-op featuring team attack bonuses and dragon fight/flight combo gameplay."
Eragon will arrive in theatres from Twentieth Century Fox on December 15, 2006. Eragon: The Video Game ships out on November 14, 2006. At the time of this writing (9:30 PM EST), the demo was not on the Xbox Live Marketplace. We'll post an update when it is confirmed.
UPDATE 11/2/06: The demo is now available on the Xbox Live Marketplace (a 415.28 MB download).
The Halo 3 Legendary Edition with the "Halo Spartan Mjolnir Mark VI Helmet" (aka cat helmet), has been listed on Gamestop.com. For the hardcore Halo fans, you can pre-order the Legendary Edition, currently listed for release on 11/1/07.
From Gamestop.com: "Purchase the Halo Legendary Edition and receive a Halo Spartan Mjolnir Mark VI Helmet Replica! Also includes three bonus discs that contain:
* Behind-the-scenes at Bungie Studios with new insights into the Halo Universe and the making of Halo 3.
* A special hi-res collection of all cinematics from Halo 1 and Halo 2 with director commentary from the Bungie Team bonus
* Community content from Red vs. Blue, This Spartan Life and Exclusive Gamer Tiles & a Theme
* Each unit will be serialized for added individuality and collectability"
This will be the ultimate test for Halo fanboys to see how deep their pockets are willing to go for this third installment to Halo (well, with some exclusive goodies thrown in). Gamestop is estimating the Legendary Edition will retail for $99.99.
No details are listed for the Collector's Edition as of yet. We'll keep you posted when more details and official word from Microsoft is announced. 365 days to go!
The Wii will be getting DVD playback functionality in Japan in 2007. A report from Gameindustry.biz says the following:
"An article in the latest issue of Edge magazine states that an "enhanced" Wii with DVD function is due out in Japan some time next year. Speaking to GI.biz, a spokesperson declined to comment on when the new machine will hit the shops, but did confirm, "There are currently plans to release a version of Wii in Japan featuring DVD playback. There are currently no plans to bring this model to Europe or the US."
Target is offering a $20 Playstation 3 branded gift card with the purchase of three PS3 games. The offer will be valid on launch day only, on November 17, 2006. Target is also offering a Wii branded gift card, available for purchase only (there is currently no offer for Wii's launch day).
UPDATE 11/3/06: Looks like Target is offering the same deal for the Wii. See comment below!
Gamers looking for the Wii console have gotten crafty with the Wii's barcode, shown below. If you'd like to know how much stock Walmart will have (or currently has) in it's inventory of the Wii console, printout the barcode below, take it to an Electronics Associate in Walmart and ask them to "scan it with the telzon" to find out.
A new boxing game for the Wii has been revealed in Japan. The game has a similar gameplay perspective to Punchout. No word as of yet if this is a title coming to the US or Europe.
Visit the web site here to check out some of the graphics.
