Rockstar's M-rated Wii console

by JC Fletcher { Oct 4th 2007 at 11:20AM }

My, is this Manhunt 2-themed Wii ever disgusting. If not for the fact that the Manhunt 2 logo is clearly visible, and the nominal stickering of the Nunchuk, it would look pretty much just like a blood-stained Wii. And Rockstar is betting that you'll find that cool enough to enter their Radio Rebellion Sweepstakes.

They're probably right, anyway. Limited-edition anything is a good way to get people's interest. Or free anything, for that matter. Did we mention you also get a 50" plasma TV?

While the Wii may not match our usual aesthetic, we still think it's a cool idea for a bizarre giveaway item, and another chance for Rockstar to capture some of the controversy they need to push copies of their game. Maybe later they'll release this as a skin for people who want the look, but already have a Wii. Or, we suppose, you could do it the old-fashioned way.

[Via GamesRadar]

Tags: blood, contest, manhunt-2, manhunt2, rockstar

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Michael C. Sherrin @ Oct 4th 2007 12:23PM

Wow, that looks just my Wii console after my parents came over and criticized me for spending so much on video games...uh, I think I've said too much.

*******

Michael C. Sherrin
http://www.prodigeek.com/

Dr. Reverend Shmoove, PhD @ Oct 4th 2007 12:35PM

this thing is definitely banned in england

JIB @ Oct 4th 2007 12:45PM

Hey guys, lets win a TV that we cant play our Wii on because of image burn.

vidGuy @ Oct 4th 2007 1:27PM

I entered the contest yesterday. It looks like the sales tax on the grand prize would be above $300, so 'winning' this could be pretty expensive. Personally, that Wii doesn't look that exciting, so I'd probably sell it to pay off the tax - free 50" plasma!

JIB, I played the Wii for 30 to 40 hours on a plasma TV over the summer, no image burn whatsoever.

ELIJAH @ Oct 4th 2007 1:55PM

THIS IS WRONG ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAX US IF WE WON.

vidGuy @ Oct 4th 2007 2:08PM

Why? Taxation is placed on all earnings of this kind. Whether you win the lottery, win prizes on The Price Is Right, or simply earn interest on savings bonds, you pay tax on it.

Mandabar @ Oct 4th 2007 2:12PM

Damn... What happens when I win this... and can't afford to win this?

JIB @ Oct 4th 2007 2:20PM

Well then, thats good to know seeing how Im thinking of buying an HDTV. BTW were you using the component cable?

vidGuy @ Oct 4th 2007 3:22PM

Yep, got an official Nintendo component cable for $5.99 on sale online somewhere months back. It definitely makes a difference on the HDTV, though the Wii does look more aliased with the pixels blown up like that. But playing MP3 in progressive scan 16:9 on 50" was still REALLY impressive!

Fullmetal Salchemist @ Oct 4th 2007 3:56PM

If you're not old enough to understand how taxes work (yes, you have to pay taxes on winnings), then you're not old enough to play Manhunt.

"M for mature" not "M for 'My mom drives me to middle school.'"

Kev @ Oct 4th 2007 4:06PM

"M for mature" not "M for 'My mom drives me to middle school.'"

Best comment I've seen all day. :)

Jeremy @ Oct 4th 2007 4:17PM

I want blood and guts on my Wii. But the look would only work for this time of year. Now the winning things and paying tax on it is true to an extent. I have won some things and didn't have to pay taxes on it. I think the value of the winnings has to be over a certain amount before taxes are charged. Just look at the lottery If you win like a hundred bucks then I have never had to pay taxes on it but if you hit a big jackpot like a grand or so then yeah you are taxed.

mian @ Oct 4th 2007 4:54PM

@#10

Just because something works a certain doesn't make it right. Taxation on earnings is disruptive to economic development in a way that taxation on spending wouldn't be. It also discourages personal savings and aids in pushing people to the edge of their viability--a la the recent sub prime crash.

Mr. All Caps does sound a bit young, but that doesn't make him wrong.

Fullmetal Salchemist @ Oct 4th 2007 5:18PM

"THIS IS WRONG ON HOW THE GOVERNMENT WOULD TAX US IF WE WON."

Does that really strike you as the response of a person who is concerned with economic development?

vidGuy @ Oct 4th 2007 5:33PM

Discouraging savings is exactly what we need to spur economic spending and prevent a recession. Plus, if someone is spending it someone is earning it - how can taxing one be okay but not the other?

Jandi @ Oct 8th 2007 11:49AM

People just love picking on suspected youngins. what kind of maturity is that? im sure i wouldnt talk to my grandchildren like that if they wanted help in their multiplication skills. what would you say, "aw, you n00b, you don't belong in this world because you were born after i was."

no one likes paying taxes. give em a break.

mian @ Oct 6th 2007 8:30PM

@14: What if he isn't? 95% of the country doesn't think in those terms. His gut reaction still has merit.

@15: While it's true that you can rack up temporary economic gains by encouraging reckless spending (a favorite of most administrations since they get to take credit for the gain and be gone before it's time to pay the piper), the negative effects like bankruptcy far outweigh the benefits. It's dangerous and reckless short-term thinking. Everyone who spreads themselves too thin eventually either takes cover in legal protections that cost the economy, or they go straight to the government for aid and assistance, and all the gains we got by getting them to max out their credit cards disappear. Money saved also doesn't disappear from the markets--usually people attempt to earn some form of return, leading to economic investment that has a long and strong impact.

Also, 1) you are somewhat wrong in saying that because you're spending money (on an annual basis--people can spend money they've earned in prior years, or money they flat out inherited at birth) you must have earned it, and 2) it is different because you get to choose what taxes to pay and WHEN. Say you can't afford the tax rates this year--you can cut down on your tax burden by cutting back on discretionary spending. Later on when things are looking up, you may choose to ramp up spending--possibly even spending money you earned in prior years. The choice provides additional incentive for people to think through their finances, and to cushion themselves rather than depending on you and me to do it for them.

On top of which people who have massive wealth (inherited from the earnings of others, for instance) but are not massive earners usually end up getting a pass on taxes since this country chooses to tax earnings on the national level.