Save the Sixaxis: New MGS4 'Welcome Box' bundles announced for Japan

47 Comments by James Ransom-Wiley May 2nd 2008 11:00AM
Filed under: Sony PlayStation 3

Not one to sit back and let the Sixaxis suffer into extinction, Sony Japan will carefully package the feathery gamepad into a trifecta of new Metal Gear Solid 4 bundles. Dubbed the "Welcome Box," the new limited edition bundle will be offered in three standard flavors (Clear Black, Ceramic White and Satin Silver) and will include a 40GB console, rumblin' DualShock 3 and copy of MGS4 -- oh, and yes, one's very own Sixaxis. The Welcome Box (shouldn't it be "Goodriddance Box?") will be made available in concurrence with the worldwide release of MGS4 on June 12 for a reasonable ¥49,800 (roughly $470). Comparatively, the "Hagane" Grey MGS4 bundle will retail for ¥51,800; and so essentially, Sony's offering a savings of ¥2,000 (about $20) to folks who adopt a Sixaxis. Too bad no Welcome Box's been announced for North America. We'd so love to join the cause: Save the Sixaxis!

Gallery: MGS4 Welcome Box (Japan)

Tags: bundle, ceramic-white, clear-black, dualshock-3, japan, konami, metal-gear-solid-4, mgs4, satin-silver, scej, sixaxis, welcome-box

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(Page 1) Reader Comments

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 11:03AM

I just wish it wasn't only the 40gb model that was offered in multiple colors. How about the 80gb Sony?
: (

jorojoserojas: May 2nd 2008; 11:05AM

I kind of wish they'd bring back the 60GB. I think that version was probably the best one yet!

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 11:08AM

Yeah, I'm trying to buy the 60gb model, but everyone who has one for sale in my area is selling it at unreasonable prices, I know its rare now but come on!

The problem with the 60gb was that it was the most expensive to manufacture what with the PS2 hardware integrated, the 40gb noticeably reduces the costs and also runs cooler, quieter and takes less energy.

FOXHOUND: May 2nd 2008; 12:07PM

To be honest, the 60GB or 80GB would be just fine for anyone who doesn't have a PS3 yet. Despite the 80GB not being 100% compatible with all PS1 & PS2 games(c'mon... who honestly has a copy of ADVENTURES OF COOKIES & CREAM and are complaining that they can't play it? Or even NFL GAMEDAY'99? ); you still get the best bang for the buck.

And the hard drive isn't even an issue -- just remove the HDD flap on the bottom, unscrew the blue phillips-head screw, and slide out the SATA2.5 drive and insert another of your choice, of any size. It's in the manual and the process is backed by Sony's warranty(dunno if GameStop or any other retailer would uphold it though).

xGeneral DEATHx: May 2nd 2008; 11:06AM

WELCOME to MGS4 Guns of Patriots Happy Fun Time!

Seriously, that title is a bit odd.

copa: May 2nd 2008; 11:21AM

While they're at it, they should go just bundle an HD-DVD drive as well.

jorojoserojas: May 2nd 2008; 11:07AM

I'm extremely pumped for this game. THIS is what sold me on the PS3 (even though I bought it back in November)...which leads me to think, does a system have to sell near a game's release date before it's considered a system seller? I bought my 360 about 7 months before Halo 3 came out, but I'll be perfectly honest and admit that I bought it for Halo 3. Just wondering out loud.

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 11:10AM

As I stated in previous stories, my little brother bought and returned a Gamecube just to play MGS: Twin Snakes. MGS4 is a huge reason he wants a PS3, and since he's willing to split the cost of the PS3 if I buy it vs a 360, thats seals my decision. There's other nice exclusvies too to make it worthwhile of course. : )

jorojoserojas: May 2nd 2008; 11:14AM

I hear ya...I love the MGS series the same way. I've got the Twin Snakes for GC, MGS2: Substance for Xbox, and MGS3: Subsistence for PS2, along with the Metal Gear Solid Collection that came out recently.

I guess you could say I'm a fan. ^_^

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 11:17AM

Impressive.......but have you played the original Metal Gear games? Yeah, I haven't, their just too old for me to play now, they have to be remade in my opinion for our generation to enjoy.

I don't think those games were very popular and it was Metal Gear Solid that got many interested in the series in the first place.

jorojoserojas: May 2nd 2008; 11:21AM

No, the original Metal Gear games were quite alright. I enjoyed them, at least. They're included in Metal Gear Solid 3: Subsistence as unlockables (unless I'm mistaken and those are actually different games.)

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 11:22AM

I also bought the MGS Essential Collection for my brother and its too bad all the extras from Subsistence weren't included, like the Metal Gear games.

Yeah, they are the same original games with a few minor changes, you can look them up on Wikipedia.

xFenixKnightx: May 2nd 2008; 11:47AM

Yea the sixaxis feels very cheap. Still havent picked up a DS3 but I know it has to be better overall.

deaftly: May 2nd 2008; 11:14AM

The Sixasses was seriously one of the cheapest shittiest controllers ever made.

jorojoserojas: May 2nd 2008; 11:16AM

I don't know...the Playstation controls were always very functional. Definitely better than the original Xbox controls. And I also hate the Dreamcast controls, but put up with them for the sake of the games.

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 11:19AM

What deaftly must have meant was the cheap feel of the Sixaxis, it was too light and felt fragile in your hands.

I still love the Playstation DualShock design after being 10 years on the market, its still my most favorite controller after all these years, which is very impressive considering how tech can become obsolete so fast.

The 360 controller is a very close second behind it though, but I dislike it for fighting games at least.

Hyams: May 2nd 2008; 11:19AM

Really? It's one of my favourites.

el serpiente: May 2nd 2008; 11:22AM

Deaftly, stop whining. We know you don't like sony. Even if it printed money, and transformed into a lear jet and flew you to paris for the weekend, you still wouldn't like it.

jorojoserojas: May 2nd 2008; 11:26AM

The only problem I have with the 360 control is the d-pad. That thing is HORRIBLE, and I can't possibly fathom using it for fighting games - or much else, for that matter.

The Playstation contol was my favorite control last generation, with the GC control and the Xbox S control at 2nd and 3rd, respectively.

My favorite control all time? The Classic control for Wii. Try it before you knock it! It only lacks rumble, and then it would be perfect.

deaftly: May 2nd 2008; 11:30AM

I dont like Sony? I had a ps1, ps2, and currently own a ps3 and psp. I actually love their products. The sixasses was just a pos though. Leave the fanboy shit out it el serpenis.

el serpiente: May 2nd 2008; 11:43AM

So the same form factor controller as last gen +wireless + motion control - rumble = p.o.s.?

Phranctoast: May 2nd 2008; 11:45AM

@deafy

Did it break?

Without the vibration tech in there it is indeed, a lot lighter......but cheap? I paid $50 for it ;)

baby sea tuna: May 2nd 2008; 11:46AM

No, he's right. While I wasn't the biggest fan of the Dualshock (fix the d-pad's placement and you're golden), compared to the SIXAXIS, the DS2/3 is a workhorse piece of hardware. The SIXAXIS just never felt substantial enough for me to take it seriously.

xFenixKnightx: May 2nd 2008; 11:51AM

Yea the sixaxis feels very cheap. Still haven't picked up a DS3 but I know it has to be better overall. 360's controller is better overall, design, weight, button and stiq placements, rumble, comfort, even with the gimped dpad which just takes getting used to.

Shagittarius: May 2nd 2008; 11:52AM

At least say it right, its, "SuxAsses".

xFenixKnightx: May 2nd 2008; 11:55AM

ZING?

deaftly: May 2nd 2008; 11:57AM

The DS3 feels MUCH better, alot sturdier and a much nicer weight to it. Had mine since December, I could never go back to the old one.

Kevin: May 2nd 2008; 12:01PM

i prefer the sticks on the six-axis to the ones on the ds3

Noshino: May 2nd 2008; 12:22PM

deaftly is right, the lightness of the Sixaxismade it feel VERY cheap, but that was fixed with the DS3...

"360's controller is better overall, design, weight, button and stiq placements, rumble, comfort, even with the gimped dpad which just takes getting used to."

Stiq Placements: Better
Weight: Same
Comfort: Maybe
Rumble: Maybe
Buttom Placements: Are you kidding me?
Design: Okish, would be great but lack of symmetry, buttom placements and the horrendous D-Pad make it the less desireable of the 2 controllers...

Fenix, don't glorify the controller, as all it has coming for it is the stiq placement and a more "ergonomic" shape (I still find uncomfortable tho)...was it you that said that the 360 controller was an award winning one?...lol

xFenixKnightx: May 2nd 2008; 12:36PM

Sure Noshino you win. Hey Joystiq we need a poll here 360's controller or PS's never ending same design controller.

Take my poll!

xFenixKnightx: May 2nd 2008; 12:38PM

Ahhh, Joystiq wont let me post it :(

Here goes again, maybe.

http://poll.pollcode.com/4ndH

Noshino: May 2nd 2008; 12:59PM

Here, I made another one Fenix, we need to be more specific

http://poll.pollcode.com/lh4G

koehler83: May 2nd 2008; 11:27AM

Where's this SIXAXIS coming from? It says on that box it comes with a Dualshock 3.. there's no mention of SIXAXIS. Are you high?

REUYL: May 2nd 2008; 11:29AM

That's only one box. Other bundles are including the Sixaxis.

baby sea tuna: May 2nd 2008; 11:47AM

"Are you high?"

Yes, but that doesn't make it any less true.

Noshino: May 2nd 2008; 12:14PM

follow the link provided, read the article, and you'll find out where the Sixaxis is coming from...

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 2:32PM

Can't you see two controllers on the box? A PS3 and Sixaxis controller are standard, with a Dualshock 3 and MGS4 also included as extras in the bundle.

I'd be fine using the DS3 as the main controller and Sixaxis for my friends/brother playing 2 player games.

PojoMofo: May 2nd 2008; 12:01PM

My eyesight isnt the best, but I see 2 controller on that box, Im betting there is a 6axis and DS3 in that bundle

Vegeta (aka Ska Oreo): May 2nd 2008; 12:48PM

Man how many MGS bundles is Sony planning on putting out? Seems like everyday there's another super special awesome bundle.

Mr.ESC: May 2nd 2008; 1:12PM

I hate Sony,They always release these cool bundles in Japan and they don't release crap for America.Like the MGS:ops PSP.

I really want a MGS Bundle.

Ender: May 2nd 2008; 1:40PM

If they offered this in the US I would most definitely buy this package as my first PS3. I have the other Two consoles already. I'm just waiting for something like this to jump on the boat.

ILPC: May 2nd 2008; 2:05PM

Hear, hear!

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 2:33PM

I read that the FCC had gotten the white 40gb PS3 for testing, and Wikipedia hinted it would be released in North America. Come on Sony, make it happen! : )

But a white 60/80gb would be even better! : D

Meloche: May 2nd 2008; 2:34PM

There are two controllers in this bundle. A Sixasis and a Dualshock.

Personally, I want the 80GB bundle. Do anyone knows when it is coming out in America?

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 2:36PM

Sometime in June, I think right on the MGS4 launch.

Ninjakamster: May 2nd 2008; 2:36PM

Also, why the HELL is the North American boxart for the game on this Japanese bundle box??????????

I thought this was the Japanese cover art?

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.ps3fanboy.com/media/2008/02/425_mgs4coverart.jpg

Pichink: May 7th 2008; 1:34AM

did anyone knows..Is there will be a bundle pack for Asia?well since Japan, Europe and North America got one..I think Asia deserve one too..^^ Oh yeah..one last question..does it include the MGO starter pack in the bundle?