GameStop is pulling out all the stops to earn your buck this holiday season. The retailer/glorified pawn shop is promising to give you a little extra cash back on Super Mario Bros. Wii and Left 4 Dead 2 if you buy the titles from them online an return them no later than December 20th of this year.

In other words, you can rent the games from them for a full price down payment and get roughly $20 less back when you return them. Exact verbiage below.

Purchase New Super Mario Bros. online and get a guaranteed $30 trade credit if you trade in the game at a GameStop store by December 20, 2009. Offer valid for online purchases only. Offer valid for a limited time only. GameStop reserves the right to end this promotion at any time. Coupon for $30 trade credit will be e-mailed November 23, 2009 to the e-mail address used to place the order. Wii versions only.

“Purchase Left 4 Dead 2 online and get a guaranteed $40 trade credit if you trade in the game at a GameStop store by December 20, 2009. Offer valid for online purchases only. Offer valid for a limited time only. GameStop reserves the right to end this promotion at any time. Coupon for $40 trade credit will be e-mailed November 23, 2009 to the e-mail address used to place the order. Xbox 360 version only.”

Considering GameFly lets you rent games everyday for about half the price of this so called “deal”, without the upfront purchase requirement, and no limit on when you have to return the game, this GameStop online offer really doesn’t seem all too great.

[Thanks Siliconera]

Perhaps I should rephrase that. GameStop wants to put you, as a zombie, into Left 4 Dead 2! Of course, not the game itself. It released today (to critical acclaim, I might add) which means it’s a bit too late to get into the actual game, but with the help of GameStop, you can get edited into a video of the game.

If you’ve ever dreamt of being turned into a zombie for a brief period of time, only to take a baseball bat to the face from Vince Vaughn in Swingers, well then today is your lucky day. Just hit this link, upload a photograph of your face, follow the instructions, and bam! You’re on your way to the undead afterlife.

It has leaked on the web that several GameStop locations in the North East (Brooklyn NY, Philadelphia PA, Bowling Green Ohio) have been selling Modern Warfare 2 before its November 10th release date — as in today.

According to Mike Fahey over at Kotaku, at least one location claimed that they received specific permission from Activision to do so based on other retailers (like Best Buy, Wal-Mart, and even Mom n’ Pop shops) already breaking the release date in their district.

Another individual I spoke to said they purchased MW2 from a Brooklyn, NY GameStop and added that their uncle picked a copy up at a Philly location. Activision responded directly, releasing the following statement today:

“Activision has not given any retailer permission to sell Modern Warfare 2 prior to the Nov. 10 street date. The company fully supports the Nov.10 street date.”

I reached out to a hand full of managers at GameStop locations in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. All of them emphatically stated that they will be selling the game in accordance with Activision’s scheduled release date. In addition, I was told that employees working at locations caught breaking the release date are subject to immediate termination.

One GameStop manager added another layer to the convoluted “he said, she said” mess, accusing some individuals of flat out lying. His belief was that many of the leaked videos and images actually obtained from pirated copies of the game on torrent sites were being dishonestly attributed to GameStop broken release date sales a a means to garnish an envious reaction by those desperately seeking attention.

Update: Infinity Ward’s Creative Strategist, Robert Bowling, chimed in a few hours ago with the following tweet:

“ANY store selling #MW2 early is in violation of street date. There are no “special permissions”. That said, we won’t punish players for it.”

What do you think? Is this a case of GameStop greed or lying internet attention whores? Sound off in the comments section below.

In a few days, the latest installment of Infinity Ward’s Modern Warfare series will be upon us, but until then, we will have lots of amped up predictions and mind boggling preorder numbers to discuss. The joys of anticipation.

During a recent interview,GameStop VP, Tony Bartel, said that:

“As of today, the number of pre-order reservations we’ve taken for [Modern Warfare 2] is the highest for any title we’ve ever sold in our 6,200 store network.”

In addition to that, analyst Michael Pachter made some hefty sales predictions as a part of his Q3 Activision Blizzard financial preview:

“Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2 should allow Activision to achieve guidance. We expect global sales to exceed $500 million in the first week following launch, and think that the company can easily sell 10 million units in Q4.”

Can you feel it? The hype machine is moving faster than a heat seeking missile, and after a rough patch consisting of dedicated server debate and leaked terrorist gameplay footage, Infinity Ward likely welcomes the positive feedback. As far as I’m concerned, they are one of the best development teams around and they deserve every ounce of it.

Modern Warfare 2 will be available in stores on Tuesday, November 10th for the PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, and PC.

In the latest effort to secure more preorders, GameStop posted Battlefield: Bad Company 2 promotional copy on their site promising:

“free overnight shipping, plus access to the Battlefield: Bad Company 2 Beta beginning November 19th, 11PM PST.”

GameStop later pulled the page down, surely after being contacted by EA, and BFBC2 developer DICE was quick to add the following via the Official BFBC2 Twitter:

“Do not pre-order BFBC2 from anyone for a Beta Code until it’s confirmed by DICE on Twitter and the Blog. Even if it’s GameStop!!!”

Since then, EA has gone on to confirm that official demo release details will be revealed later this week. So as of right now a demo seems certain, but the leaked November 19th release date has yet to be confirmed. Stay tuned.

Thanks Qj.net

“Greetings fellow paranormal enthusiasts. This is Dan Aykroyd, speaking to you through the miracle of 16-bit voice recording to remind you that your copy of Ghostbusters will be at your local GameStop by tomorrow. Don’t forget to bring in your used games because you’ll receive an extra 30 percent credit for games you trade toward Ghostbusters. Thank you, and see you on the other side.”

You can listen to the actual audio file here courtesy of ProtonCharging.com.

Source: GoNintendo

Look, I’ve been reading a heap of articles lately citing both the Eurogamer and GI.biz sit down with Frontier Developments’ founder, David Braben, and I simply couldn’t take it anymore.

For those of you that missed the hoopla, Braben’s gripe is that the used game market will eventually kill the single player aspect of games and force all developers to focus instead on multiplayer due to its high replay factor. While I agree that multiplayer does offer a much higher replay value, I certainly don’t agree with his proposed fix.

My argument is that for every game there are two versions. One is personal, not for resale and it’s made abundantly clear you can’t sell it. And it’s made available for something like GBP 25 [$40]. And a resale and rental copy, which in film is actually about GBP 80 [$130].

Huh? That has got to be the most ass backwards solution I’ve ever heard of. I understand the need for a developer to generate higher revenue, but handcuffing a consumer to their product is not the answer.

The better solution, which is admittedly more difficult, is to come up with incentives that motivate gamers to buy games new. Companies and retailers alike are already putting this plan into action. Look no further than the upcoming release of Gears of War 2 to see this in action. Those who buy the game new will get access to fan favorite levels from the original Gears. Other titles like LittleBigPlanet have been offering up tons of exclusive costumes, levels, and even real world branded merchandise for pre-order customers.

While both of these games have multiplayer aspects, there’s nothing preventing the creators of single player only titles from utilizing these tactics as well. They may not have the luxury of relying on an internet connected consumer, but that wouldn’t prevent them from embedding content into their games that requires a one time use code to unlock via telephone, smoke signal, bong juice, or bat signal.

The point I am trying to make here is that there are other options. And when you’re a company comprised of the type of talent and creativity capable of putting together an interactive game, I have a hard time feeling sorry for you. If you can’t think up ways to help strengthen your consumer bond without the use of restraints, you need to stop pointing fingers at consumers and retail chains and instead point them at yourself.

Chains like GameStop have every right to sell used games without developers pointing their fingers at them in disgust. Looking at the situation realistically, chains like GameStop will cease to exist as soon as more consumers begin to realize that they don’t need fancy middle man pawn shops, offering ridiculously low trade in value, in order to connect with gamers looking for used content.

Personally, you will never catch me selling a used game to a chain like GameStop, but that’s not because I don’t believe they should have the right to sell used products. It’s because I believe the price they offer consumers in exchange for their game is highway robbery. If I have games (or anything for that matter) that I want to sell, I use this lovely tool called the internet created by Al Gore in the 70s. And when I don’t feel like doing that, I whip up a yard sale sign and sit my ass in a lawn chair on my front lawn.

In closing, the solution is not to offer us less by doing away with single player content and it’s not forcing us to retain our copy by placing legal copy on the back of each box. Gamers will respond unanimously to one thing and one thing only — a superior product. If that means the addition of multiplayer, do it. If that means going above and beyond with extra promotional content, do it. Knapsacks, notebooks, pencil sharpers, condoms, lunchboxes, viewfinders — whatever it is — do it, do it, do it, do it.

Deliver a high enough quality product and gamers will not only never sell your title, they’ll worship your box art by framing it on their wall for the whole world to see.

Afterthought: Ok, my rant time is over. What say you loyal readers? Have I lost my mind? Is Braben on to something or should games come with boat loads of swag and other cool perks if we are willing to dish out the cash to buy them new?

Hot off of the Fallout 3 street date news from a few days ago, it seems that GameStop is following Wal-Mart’s lawless ways and is setting out to break street dates- with a twist.

According to PlanetXbox360, GameStop will be selling Call of Duty: World of War (note: Stop calling it, COD5, it’s not COD5.) at 5PM on November 10th, which is a day early. Though they wouldn’t usually announce this, it turns out they’ve harbored a deal with Activision in which they’re going to be allowed to sell the game a day early. Whoopee.

If you’re still in love with World War 2, or just in love with Call of Duty, you might want to go preorder at GameStop so that you don’t have to bother with midnight sale madness. Go on, get to it!

For those of you that hope to observe rocking out to Billy Idol’s White Wedding with a plastic remote as a hobby by the end of this year, you should probably just tape your Wiimote to the Xbox 360 Fender- rumour has it that Harmonix & EA are delaying Rock Band 2 for Wii until early in 2009.

According to Destructoid and their GameStop tipsters, it seems that the Wii version of Rock Band 2 could possibly be delayed until January 2009. GameStop’s inventory apparently shows Jan. 6th, 2009 as the new shipping date for the game, which completely disregards Harmonix’s guess at a December release.

But fret not, mon frêre! As Destructoid points out, there’s always Wii Music, for those who would rather bob their heads to the smash hit Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star, which I’m told gets all of the kids at the playground dancing.

While you can’t have Michael Phelps’ eight gold medals, you can get the same VIP treatment extended to him by Activision during his visit on CBS’ Early Show yesterday.

The host of the show handed Phelps what was thought to be a copy of Call of Duty: World At War on air and stated that she was doing so on behalf of Activision. However, MTV’s Multiplayer Blog contacted their PR department and learned that the box did not contain a game. Instead, it housed an I.O.U note.

Have at the video of Phelps on the Early Show after the jump.

So, you can be just like Mike (sort of). Take a trip to your local GameStop and insist that Activision really wants you to have an empty box as well. Try it out.

Source: multiplayerblog.mtv.com

If you’re lucky enough to have a working Xbox 360 in your home, and you’re also a quick responder to the call to arms that is this article, you just might be playing Battlefield: Bad Company multiplayer in a few hours.

Hosted by IGN and GameStop (who else?), the beta is only playable to those of you who suffer through their corporate evil to obtain a code. IGN offers codes through its Insider program; you can go to their underground smut dealership, FilePlanet, and download a key.

The front page states that only European codes remain (as of this writing), but it also claims subscriber keys are still available. Very curious… This is obviously just another attempt for IGN to get you to shell out cash for their stupid VIP club of douchebags (no offense to any VIP club douchebags who may already be “Insiders”).

GameStop, on the other hand, has 5,000 beta keys reserved for the first people to pre-order the game through their website at www.gamestop.com/badcompanybeta. Please note that this is for the Xbox 360 only, as there is no word on a beta test for the PS3.

Karl-Magnus Troedsson, Senior Producer for Battlefield: Bad Company, had this to say:

“We’re really excited about this beta since it gives us a chance to let a wider audience play our new multiplayer game, ‘Gold Rush’. The feedback coming back from something like this is crucial for us as developers and will help us with the final changes and polish in the game. Battlefield and FPS fans get their first glimpse into how tactical destruction can be applied in multiplayer gameplay. We think offering two of the multiplayer maps will give gamers a fantastic experience and some great insight into the game.”

The beta will run from today through April 25th. Battlefield: Bad Company is scheduled for release on June 24th for the PS3 and Xbox 360.

Seems like we’ve all been hit with the MC Hammer plague (after all, he lost 33 million dollars) and being broke isn’t fun, but scrounging money for deals is smart. Here are this week’s deals that will save you lots of money.

Still haven’t rocked out with your jock out? Well, Circuit City has Rock Band for $152.99 with 10% off coupon code – G3ACMHRA9G. Offer expires this Saturday, Jan. 26.

Amazon.com has Gran Turismo 5: Prologue for pre-order at $39.99, and remember Amazon doesn’t charge tax and has free shipping.

Gran Turismo 5: Prologue

Blu-ray? HD-DVD? Who cares? At buy 2 get 2 free at Gamestop on all used DVDs including high definition disc, you don’t have to decide on a next-gen movie format quite yet. Deals in-store and your mileage may vary on stock at participating locations.

We all know how Ripten hates Wii bundles. With Hammer money it wouldn’t even matter, but Gamestop is offering a nicely priced bundle for only $474.93. There are two to choose from which both include 3 games, memory card, extra controller and charging station. The games are good depending on which bundle you decide to get.

Gamestop Wii Bundle

That’s it for this week! If you had Hammer money from the early 90s, then you wouldn’t have a problem with cash flow, but we’re all as broke as Hammer is now! Stop! Hammer Time!

A Steampunk Version of Sam Fisher’s Goggles

Fans of the old Commodore 64 classic Impossible Mission might be interested in the new DS version, available now exclusively at Gamestop stores.

In Impossible Mission, you play as an unarmed spy trying to foil the plot of criminal genius Professor Elvin Atombender. The name Elvin Atombender should be enough to justify the $10 price tag on this baby.

The object of the game was to make your way through the Professor’s fortress, looking for puzzle pieces and trying to stay alive amidst various traps and evil robots. The premise sounds like standard platform puzzler fare, but the hook comes in the randomly generated content. Each time you play, the rooms are different and the robots all have different abilities.

As well as being available for Nintendo DS, Sony PSP, Playstation 2 and Nintendo Wii versions are also in the works, yet no specific release date has been announced sinced missing their August and September release dates in Europe.

Via Go Nintendo

In a conference call this morning, Nintendo’s executive mangod Reginald Fils-Aime announced the implementation of a “Wii Raincheck” program for parents or gamers unable to find a console this Christmas.

Nintendo is partnering with Gamestop on this one, selling “tens-of-thousands” of reserve slips through individual stores. You’ll have to go to your local shop and pay for a Wii in full if you want to receive one, which guarantees you a console in January.

Of course, it won’t do much to assuage your recipient’s disappointment come the morning of the 25th. Don’t expect any N64-kid style outbursts when they find a mere certificate under the tree. Rather, it seems like a good way to pad Nintendo’s bottom line (and console sales) for the month of December, as what you’re essentially doing is “pre-ordering” a system a year-plus after its launch.

Nonetheless, we can see a lot of people taking advantage of this new program, effectively cutting out what might’ve been competitor console purchases made to get something in time for Chirstmas.

Good news, though, is that there will apparently be plenty of Wiis this weekend, so call your local retailers and ask or check out your Sunday-morning circulars for details (of course, by then it may just be too late!).

[Source: Wired Game|Life]

Wander into Games On, nestled in the Pacific Beach neighborhood of San Diego, and you’ll be confronted with the usual fixtures — demo stations, box-lined shelves, and monitors showing off footage from the latest titles dangling from the ceiling. Everything you come to expect from a store specializing in the sale of video games is present and accounted for, but just as alien as it is familiar.

Wide, open spaces replace haphazard obstacle courses around magazine racks and rival shoppers, games are given breathing room on the see-through shelves (Games On seems to know the difference between “display” and “storage”), and sleek flat-screens do next-gen games more justice than the smudgiest television in a traditional game retailer.

There’s a mock living room in the window space, currently featuring a Rock Band setup for patrons to play with, and an even sexier theater in the back for the games that deserve more “cinematic” attention, to boot.

Games On wouldn’t necessarily be the first store to go with the modern, urban aesthetic, but it might be the first for an independent video game retailer. Intrigued as to how such a unique alternative could work in the face of the GameStop mega-empire, I wanted to talk with owner Andrew Urbanek. Here’s what he had to say.

Cavin: So how did your store come into being? Was it born of a general frustration with the way game shops are normally run or was there one specific incident that made you snap and say you could do it better?

Andrew: Games On came about through a number of needs. I had just finished another project, so I needed something to which I could apply my efforts. The area where I lived certainly needed a good game store; and the retail side of gaming needed to grow up a bit.

That last one was really the force that has driven Games On from the start. The video game industry is just starting to mature, both from the development and the gamer side of things, but the retail side hasn’t changed in over a decade.

Cavin: What, if anything, inspired the design of GamesOn?

Andrew: My wife (who is my partner in this) and my love of modern design. Clean lines, natural materials, open space…so when we designed this store, it all came out. Other stores that we look to for inspiration were places like the Apple Store (their 1.0 design, not their current layout), SonyStyle, the Metreon in San Francisco, and the SFMOMA.

There was an early idea of hanging the games by museum wire, to just have them ‘floating’ in space, but that was obviously not functional. The ‘invisible’ acrylic shelves were a great compromise.

Cavin: What kinds of store design problems did you try to address?

Andrew: The biggest criticism I have of existing video game retail trends is that they’re a visual mess. Game boxes have loud enough designs as is, but to stack them edge to edge, floor to ceiling just causes so much visual noise that it become impossible for anyone not “in the know” to navigate.

A casual gamer, or someone who may just be looking into the hobby cannot walk into most game stores and be able to comfortably browse on their own. They either have to rely solely on the employees to help them make sense of it all, or they simply get overwhelmed and leave. This, above all, is what I wanted to avoid.

Moreso, from working in game development, I have to admit it’s hard walking into a store and seeing your game getting buried under ten boxes of the latest big release. I wanted to give each title its space, and allow the art of each box to speak for itself rather than having to stuff multiple copies of the same game on the shelf just to get it noticed. I have found that by having only a single copy of every game displayed, it makes the store look “emptier.” Despite having hundreds of games, it still gives the impression of a limited stock, but I’d rather deal with that than the alternative.

Cavin: Did you run into any major complications when trying to set things up?

Andrew: Hah, about one every day. Honestly, check out a show called ‘Ultimate Retail’ on the FineLiving channel. Every problem that comes up on that show, we’ve probably had to deal with, from finding good suppliers to the floor not being laid correctly, to month-long delays. But these sorts of issues come up in any project of this size, be it a remodel on a house or establishing a new business.

The problem that stands out the most, and was unique to Games On, was everything surrounding our shelving system. It’s hard to go into detail, but you’d be surprised at how few moving companies will actually take on the job of moving something unique.

Cavin: If you had an underlying philosophy about this whole project, what would it be?

Andrew: Well, I’ve mentioned the need for video game retail to mature, but I guess if I were to break it down to the most simple terms, I just wanted to create a game store that I’d love to see. Really nothing more than that.

Cavin: You’ve talked a lot about location. Normally, game retailers are shoved into non-descript strip malls. How did you choose your location and what’s significant about it?

Andrew: Location was a huge concern. In fact, we delayed the entire project over a year just because we wanted to hold out for the perfect space. As I’ve said, I thought my town needed a game store (the nearest one is a few towns over) and, if I was going to make something more high-end, it had to be in a visible location with pre-existing walking/shopping traffic.

Well, this started to narrow down my options considerably. Then I had to start looking at what types of stores I’d be neighboring with. There was one space that I looked at, but it was between a dentist and an escrow agency. Nobody shops after a root canal.

Cavin: What kind of stock are you planning on carrying? New systems? Old systems? Rare stuff?

Andrew: Right now we are only focusing on current generation consoles and handhelds. That was a decision that had to be made early on. Even though the store was going to have a lot of space to work with, it could rapidly get over-filled if we decided to build a stock of previous generations, and I wouldn’t want to have to have too limited a selection in any field.

Additionally, the design focus, both physical and financial, would have been drastically different if I wanted to create the best used/retro game store possible. I know a lot of hardcore gamers aren’t thrilled with that, but it was one way or the other. In the coming year, I want to start carrying import titles, but, again, will only do so if I can offer a fairly comprehensive selection, which means finding a good import distributor. Know any?

Cavin: Afraid I don’t, but that brings up a good question. How else do you plan to compete with established retailers?

Andrew: Do things better. In any business, there are only a few ways to truly compete. This generally boils down to either doing things cheaper, or doing things better. The video game retail market is an interesting one in that prices are generally set. A Wii is $250, a 40 Gig PS3 is $400, new games are $50 or $60. There’s not a lot of room for competitive pricing outside of bundles and repeat shopper incentives.

Instead, I’m working to make shopping at Games On a vastly different experience than the leading video game chain. Heck, since I’m not constrained by corporate design decisions, I’ve been able to make just stepping into the store something different.

Cavin: So, what would you ask of someone who walks into your store to apply for a job?

Andrew: Well, first I’d say that we’re not hiring yet, though that may change soon. We do have a fairly standard application (thank you, online templates) except I’ve added one section. I ask the applicant to name three great games from every system from the current and previous generation (Dreamcast to PS3, basically).

This serves two functions. First, I certainly would like video game enthusiasts behind the counter, but I’m more concerned with system and genre bias. I’d rather have someone who doesn’t know much about games, but is eager to learn than someone who leads their clan in kills but looks down on platformers.

Cavin: If it’s successful, do you have any plans for expansion? Have you thought about other cities or regions of the country? Your store has an “urban chic” vibe to it. Are there places you don’t think it would fly?

Andrew: First things first, gotta get one store up and running. At least, that’s what I keep getting told. Yeah, there are thoughts (read: dreams) of expansion. First a few more locally, then hitting some other urban/suburban markets. Then ????. Then World Domination. Still working on a few steps, though.

As for places that it wouldn’t fly, that’s an interesting one. At first, yes, I think the store would really only work in certain neighborhoods, but over time the gentrification of pretty much everywhere in the states allows “urban chic” to show up where it otherwise wouldn’t. Heck, twenty years ago Smallville would have laughed at the thought of paying $5 for some Frappemochasspresso thing, but marketing and expansion happens.

Only having opened in the past couple of weeks, Games On has already received a genuinely positive response. Urbanek says,”Most people just can’t believe it’s a game store, a lot of ‘finally a game store here…we needed one,’ most are surprised that we don’t charge any more for the games, and everyone seems to love the design.”

As attractive and well run as it seems to be, a labor of love like this has an uphill battle to face. Evil conglomerates loom high overhead and business these days is never quite fair to the little guy, but if you see yourself patronizing Games On in the future, you can find it at the following address:

953 Garnet Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109

Hours are currently 11AM-8PM every day except Monday, when the store is closed. Games On can be contacted at 858-272-4212.

Beowulf: The Game has only just released on the Xbox360 and Playstation3, but low and behold, what do we spy on the retailer Gamestop’s website? The game has been reduced to $19.99 on both next-generation consoles. In fact, no sign of a reduced price is there at all, or a crossed out higher price – it’s simply listed as $19.99.

Has the game bombed already? It’s dropped to a budget price, a price that most Playstation2 games don’t hit this early on.

What’s going on? Have Gamestop got to the brandy and slipped at the keyboard? Or do the profits from the film mean the game doesn’t need to make that much profit, or that $20 means it will fly off the shelves this holiday?

Who knows – I’d say they spent very little on making the game in the first place so are only set to gain, which begs the question; is developing for next-generation consoles and especially the Playstation3, really that expensive?

We will be posting a “deals of the week” column each week meant to help frugal gamers get the games and gadgets they love without breaking the bank.

Looking to buy an Xbox 360? Well, look no further because Microcenter is selling refurbished Xbox 360’s with 1 yr. exchange warranties for $229. Be aware that these are REFURBS, but Microcenter will honor it through their stores – meaning they will do the exchange themselves.

When you purchase this though, remember to mention the warranty to the sales associate. Also, take note that this 360 is the older version and does not include the built in HDMI input. If that doesn’t bother you then head over to your local Microcenter soon, because the deal is only good until Sunday, November 4th.

Want to make sure your Nintendo Wii gets from point A to point “Bii” safely? If you answered yes, then you’ll be happy to know that Buy.com is offering a Wii carrying case and charge station combo for $29.99 after $10 rebate.

First time Google Checkout users will receive another $10 off, brining the total to $19.99. Free shipping is available right now as well, and as a reminder, tax does apply to purchases made in CA, MA, and TN.

With Crysis on the horizon, many PC gamers are on the market for a new video card. The latest NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GT has finally hit, and if you have a Fry’s Electronics around you, they are selling the 512MB PCI-E version for $229.99. This is the cheapest price we have seen for the newly released card. Specs include DirectX 10 compatibility, 2 Dual-Link DVI-I’s, and an HDTV + TV Out.

If you are looking for some great deals on games, Gamestop.com is offering 10 % off all new in-stock PC games including the extremely popular as Half-Life 2: Orange Box, and Clive Barker’s Jericho.

Simply proceed with your online purchase and enter the coupon code: NOV10PC when instructed, and the discount will appear. Shipping will ring in at $2.99, and the offer ends Thursday, November 15th. Taxes apply in most states. Check back next week for more deals.

An open invite has just gone out courtesy of Activision and Infinity Ward! Select GameStop locations will be opening their doors allowing eager gamers to experience the single player version of the game hands on before the official release on November 6th.

To get in on the fun, be one of the first 100 to enlist on the scene at participating GameStop locations. Swag and prizes include a signed call sheet from Infinity Ward.

Here is the list of participating stores currently listed on GameStop.com (this list may change)

New York
Store# 1363 33rd/Broadway
1282 Broadway,10001
(212) 967-9070 Los Angeles
Store# 4619 Universal Citywalk
1000 Universal Studios Blvd, Ste 101, 91608
(818) 980-5766

Chicago
Store# 4866 Broadview Village
7550 Braodview Village Sq, 60155
708-410-1830 San Francisco
Store# 4437 San Francisco/Powell
151 Powell St, 94102
(415) 362-7601

Dallas-Ft Worth
Store# 815 Arlington B&N
934 East Copeland Road, 76011
(817) 261-8981 Houston-Galveston
Store# 4558 Woodlands Mall
1201 Lake Woodlands Drive, Space 2182, 77380
(281) 296-8315

Philadelphia
Store# 620 Whitman Plaza
330 Oregon Ave., 19148
(215) 271-9399 Washington DC
Store# 662 Smoketown Square
13277 Worth Avenue, 22192
(703) 492-8627

Atlanta
Store# 2373 Camp Creek
3662 Marketplace Blvd., 30344
(404) 349-5719 Minneapolis
Store# 606 Rosedale Commons
2480 Fairview Ave. N., 55113
(651) 638-9551

For more information, including an up to date list of participating GameStop locations, head on over to: http://www.gamestop.com/gs/cod4ftp/default.asp. Good luck.

Now while we do not believe the information to be true, we do feel compelled to report it to you as a rumor and hope that you form your own conclusions based on the information at hand.

A website called “gamers-creed.com” has posted an article and screen shot that they claim is a Gamestop.com online newsletter which highlights a “$399.99″ price tag on the Playstation 3. At this point in time, do we believe this image is the real deal, no. We will be looking into it further but as for now are money is on complete fake or typo. Check back for updates.

For those interested in seeing the piece on the site click here.

Update: 7/2/07 – 4:00PM EST
As expected Gamestop is reports the price as a misprint.

The Electronics Boutique / GameStop Memorial Day 2007 Sale starts today and runs through 6/17. Here are just a few of the deals they will be offering…

• Save $20 when you buy a new GameCube system and new Legend of Zelda Twightlight Princess.
  (GameCube version only, in select stores)
  Sale Price: $129.99
  Regularly $149.99
• Big Daddy, Hellboy, Saw III, xXx, and many more great PSP movies to chose from.
  Sale Price: $4.99 each
  Regularly $9.99 – $19.99 each
• Hundreds of NEW games to chose from.
  Sale Price: $9.99 each
  Regularly 19.99 each

For a complete list of games available click here

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