Do you like Magikarps and the Pokémon Trading Card Game?  Well you’re in luck!

Target will be celebrating Pokemon’s 20th anniversary its own way on March 19, by offering all shoppers in the toy department a free promo Shiny Magikarp TCG card and Pikachu visor!  This variant of Magikarp is brand new so many people will probably by trying to get their hands on it (hint: show up early)!

There will also be a photo booth available, along with a Pokémon product sale that details a buy two get one free on all Pokémon TCG and 3DS Pokémon games.

New Charizard EX and other TCG tins will also be available for purchase.

Target-PokemonDay-PikachuVisor-ShinyMagikarp

I’m always looking for more opportunities to celebrate Pokémon, so this will be no exception!  Will you all be getting your free card as well?

Source: Pokebeach and Jason Inquires (twitter), via Nintendo Inquirer

Update: Tentacle Kitty’s Cyber Monday offer starts now!

Use the coupon code “CyberMonday15” to get 30% off all orders until Monday at midnight (December 1st at 12 am)!

 

For the most part, there are two ways to attack Black Friday: in a line or on the computer. If you favor the latter (or just want to get your cuddly shopping done before the rush), Tentacle Kitty’s online store just announced its holiday deals, active now through until midnight on December 1.

All products get 15% off with discount code: BlackWeek15

25% off any order over $100: BlackWeek25

Not sure which cutie to pick up? You can’t go wrong with Tentacle Kitty in her traditional pink coloring. I would also recommend the Rat Tailed Unicorn (that rodent tail and curly mane combo gets me every time). Want something a little smaller? Those teeny-tiny Little Ones are always a hit. You can even order a Dragon Con exclusive version Little One at present.

Are you planning on taking advantage of this sale? Which Kitty will you be picking up? Sound out below!

Briefly: Sony last gave us an update on the PS4’s cumulative all the way back in February, when the console had surpassed 5.3 million units just before the device’s Japanese launch.

Today, the company revealed the latest numbers with the following blog post:

Hi guys! I’ve got a quick update to share with you. Sony Computer Entertainment, Inc. just announced that PS4 has cumulatively sold through more than 7.0 million units globally as of April 6th, 2014. PS4 software sales are another bright spot, with more than 20.5 million copies sold at retail and PlayStation Store worldwide as of April 13th, 2014.

 

On behalf of the entire global team at PlayStation, I want to thank you for your unprecedented support and for making PS4 your next-generation console of choice. We couldn’t have done this without you! And please keep the feedback coming: we are listening.

 

On that note, we’ll have some great new details to share with you regarding our upcoming PS4 system software update very soon. Stay tuned!

That’s a lot of units.

Have you picked up a system yet? Are you planning on it? Aside from release night (which is when I picked up mine), I’ve actually never seen a PS4 on a shore shelf!

Sony has also previewed the main new feature in the console’s next firmware update, which actually looks really cool if you’re into sharing stuff. Check it out below.

Briefly: It was barely two weeks ago that Sony revealed that over 5 million PS4 units had been sold, and today the company marked another milestone: 6 million freaking units.

The console launched in Japan on February 22nd, so I’m sure the surge of units had something to do with that. In any case, it’s an insanely impressive number.

Take a look at what the company had to say below, and let us know if you’ve picked up a unit!

As you’ve probably read by now, cumulative PS4 sales have now surpassed six million units worldwide following the successful launch in Japan just over a week ago. It’s truly humbling to see the rate at which gamers across the globe are choosing PS4 as their next gen console of choice. Even more exciting is what happens when gamers power up their PS4s. In the United States, more than 90% of PS4s are online, enabling gamers to connect, compete and share their greatness with friends and fellow gamers.

 

There have now been more than 3.6 million live broadcasts, and more than 56 million spectate sessions on PS4 through Twitch and Ustream. In fact, since January 1st, PS4 gamers account for 20% of daily broadcasters on Twitch. PS4 owners are also embracing the Share button on the DUALSHOCK 4 Wireless Controller, with more than 100 million shares captured as fans show friends their latest achievements on Facebook and Twitter.

 

And soon, you’ll be able to share your greatness in new ways. Developers are beginning to take advantage of PS4’s new interactive live broadcasting gaming features, integrating modes that allow broadcasted gameplay to become interactive for spectators. Even as a viewer, you can now influence livestreamed gameplay.

 

For example, Dead Nation: Apocalypse Edition features a built-in Broadcast+ mode where you can stream your gameplay while viewers on the PS4 or a web browser influence positive and negative effects during gameplay. More social feedback is on the way too, with Dynasty Warriors 8 Xtreme Legends Complete Edition in March and Daylight in April.

 

We love the enthusiasm that all of you have had for the PS4 since launch, and we can’t wait to share more great games, experiences and features with you soon. Greatness awaits!

Source: Sony

Briefly: Sony has just revealed that, preceding the PS4’s launch in Japan on February 22nd, the console has over 5.3 million units.

That’s a lot of freaking consoles, and they’re likely to sell a boatload more in Japan next week.

“I am thrilled that so many customers around the globe have continued to select PS4 as the best place to play throughout and beyond the holiday season,” said Andrew House, President and Group CEO of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. “We are delighted that according to the NPD Group’s latest data, PS4 was January’s top-selling console in the United States. The PS4 system’s momentum just keeps growing stronger, and we are extremely grateful for the continued passion and support of PlayStation fans. February 22 sees the launch of PS4 in Japan, and I’m looking forward to Japanese fans sharing the excitement of the deep social capabilities and entertainment experiences only possible on PS4.”

The company has also released their first advertisement for Playstation Plus, which is required for online gaming on the PS4, and is an absolutely worthwhile service that nets you free games and steep discounts every single month. Take a look at the ad below, and let us know if you’ve picked up a unit yet.

http://youtu.be/ZnN6DFr4Rbs

Briefly: Just yesterday Microsoft revealed that they had sold over 3 million Xbox One units through the end of 2013.

Today, during their CES presentation, Sony revealed that PS4 sales have surpassed 4.2 million units worldwide.

You can watch Sony’s ongoing presentation below, but be sure to let us know what you think of the news!



Live streaming video by Ustream

Briefly: All the way back in November, Microsoft revealed that the Xbox One had sold over 1 million units in its first 24 hours of availability.

The company has just announced that, as of the end of 2013, over 3 million consoles have been sold worldwide. Here’s the entire announcement, straight from Xbox Wire:

Thanks to you, 2013 was an incredible year for gamers, entertainment fans, our industry and Xbox. With Xbox One we saw the most epic launch for Xbox by all measures. We are humbled and grateful for your loyalty and delighted by the millions of hours of gameplay and entertainment enjoyed on Xbox.

 

Together, we ushered in a new era of games and entertainment with Xbox One. Over 3 million Xbox One consoles were sold to consumers in 13 countries before the end of 2013. It’s been incredible to see Xbox One selling at a record-setting pace for Xbox, and we were honored to see Xbox One become the fastest-selling console in the U.S. during our launch month in November. Since our launch, demand for Xbox One has been strong, selling out throughout the holidays at most retailers worldwide. We are continuing to work hard to deliver additional consoles to retailers as fast as possible.

 

The reaction from our fans was mind-blowing for our team. As we see your excitement, your energy and your hours of gameplay, we continue to be inspired to do great work – for you. Whether you’re racing through the streets of Prague in “Forza Motorsport 5,” creating crazy weapons for zombie destruction in “Dead Rising 3,” exploring the Colosseum in Gladiator mode in “Ryse: Son of Rome,” helping your children create their own personal zoo in “Zoo Tycoon,” or enjoying epic multiplayer battles, we love that you’re having fun on Xbox One.

 

We also love that you are seeing the promise of an all-in-one entertainment system. Millions of hours of live TV have been watched and millions of hours of app entertainment have been enjoyed. We are proud to have the most passionate, engaged, and simply the best fans in the world. It was fun to share the holidays with so many of you.

 

We’re excited for the year ahead and will be working hard to bring Xbox One to more fans and more markets around the globe. 2014 will be a promising year with many more great games on the way for Xbox One including “Titanfall,” “Watch_Dogs,” “Project Spark,” “Sunset Overdrive,” “Tom Clancy’s The Division,” “The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt,” “Destiny,” “Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare,” and “The Elder Scrolls Online,” among others. More games, more features, more content, more fun – all coming your way this year.

 

Thank you for making 2013 truly epic for Xbox and here’s to 2014!

That’s a pretty amazing stat for just two months of availability. We last heard from Sony in early December, who had sold over 2.1 million consoles at that time. In any case, both consoles should surpass the lifetime sales of Nintendo’s struggling (but awesome) Wii U (which has seen increased sales in the past few months) long before this year is over.

What do you think of the announcement? Have you picked up a next-gen console yet?

Xbox One

Brielfy: Just last week, Sony made the surprise announcement that they had sold over one million PS4 units on the console’s launch day.

Now, it’s Microsoft’s turn. Here’s the news straight from the press release.

Following a worldwide celebration, Xbox One launched in 13 markets yesterday to great fanfare. The team is excited to confirm the launch of Xbox One was the biggest launch in Xbox history, with more than one million consoles sold through worldwide in less than 24 hours – surpassing day one Xbox 360 sales and setting a new record for Microsoft.

 

Xbox One is now sold out at most retailers. We are working to replenish stock as fast as possible to meet the unprecedented demand from our customers.

“We are humbled and grateful for the excitement of Xbox fans around the world,” said Yusuf Mehdi, Corporate Vice President of Marketing and Strategy, Xbox. “Seeing thousands of excited fans lined up to get their Xbox One and their love for gaming was truly a special moment for everyone on the Xbox team. We are working hard to create more Xbox One consoles and look forward to fulfilling holiday gift wishes this season.”

Regardless of whether you are (or a set to become) a PS4, Xbox One, or Wii U owner, Boogie2988 said it best: modern gaming is miraculous.

The launch of Pokemon X and Y this past weekend was one of the most anticipated releases in franchise history, with a move to full 3D, a new world to explore and tons of new Pokemon to catch. Launching simultaneously worldwide was a first for the series, and it seems the move paid off with over four million units sold in two days.

In comparison to previous entries, early data suggests that X and Y will go down as the fastest selling Pokemon games yet, trumping the previous entries, Black 2 and White 2 by selling over 70 percent more. This is huge news for Nintendo and developer Game Freak, especially when you consider how insanely popular the franchise has been. Who knows if it was the new Pokemon, the shift to 3D, the hype for this being the first version made for the 3DS or the worldwide release keeping the mystique in check for the regions outside of Japan, but whatever it was, it seems to have worked.

How long can X and Y ride this momentum? If our review is any indication, it deserves this success for a long, long time. Were you one of the 4 million people that picked up a copy? What do you think of the adventure so far? Comment below and let us know!

When will companies learn. You can’t have a great handheld gaming system without great games. When there are games to actually play at a regular interval on your portable system, people are happy. When people are happy, they spend money on your products.

Case in point, according to Andriasang.com, the PS Vita more than doubled its sales from 13,383 to 34,549 in one week. All this because Persona 4: The Golden was released. Of course, this is in Japan but you can see that if games come out regularly and are good, people will buy your products. Although Gravity Rush came out this month, it almost feels like the US has to wait too long in between releases to really feel like the PS Vita was worth buying at launch. Let’s hope the Fall gaming season has a lot more to offer for the poor PS Vita so I can stop using it mainly as my Twitter feed/Netflix machine.