Some odd news to report today in regards to a previously announced bundle for the PS3 version of Rock Band 3. Harmonix has announced that Mad Catz will no longer be providing keyboard bundles for Sony’s version of the upcoming game in U.S, Medico and Canadian territories. Apparently due to some “agreement terms,” you’ll now have to purchase your keyboard separately.

This isn’t the case for the Wii and Xbox 360 versions however, as keyboard bundles will still be available.

Not a huge deal, but definitely an inconvenience for those that already pre-ordered the bundle. You may want to give your store a call.

GameInformer

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Capcom officially gave Monster Hunter Tri a release window, and the game will be warming up those winter months in early 2010. Maybe it’s just me, but giving  a release time span seems a bit mean. Should I circle two entire months of my calendar? Warn my boss that I usually get really really sick in January… er.. February.. hmm maybe March? Not fair.

Whenever it does land, pending it avoiding a delay, Tri looks to be on par with the quality the series is known for. Players can embark solo, with a friend split screen, or with three friends online, and the large monster filled world is one of the most visually impressive achievements seen on Wii (noted by the screen above). Capcom’s full word after the break.

CAPCOM ANNOUNCES WESTERN RELEASE OF MONSTER HUNTER^TM Tri FOR Wii^TM

Four-Player Online Co-Op, 2-Player Split-Screen and New Underwater Environments Introduced When Japanese Phenomenon Comes To North American and European Markets in 2010

SAN MATEO, Calif. — August 3, 2009 — Capcom® Entertainment, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, today announced that Monster Hunter™ Tri will be released in both North America and Europe for Nintendo’s Wii™ system in early 2010.

Monster Hunter Tri will set a new bar in the action/adventure genre with the introduction of new features and game play elements as the multi-million unit selling franchise makes its debut on the Wii system.

One of the most strikingly beautiful titles ever developed for Wii, Monster Hunter Tri depicts a living, breathing ecosystem where man co-exists with fantastic beasts that roam both the land and the sea. Featuring both online and offline cooperative modes, players can join online hunting parties with up to four players or play with two players on a single TV for select quests. Players also have the option to face Monster Hunter Tri’s challenging quests as a single player experience accompanied by Cha-Cha, an AI hunting partner whose tracking and trapping skills will prove invaluable in the hunt. New items, weapons and armor sets will also be available to assist the hunters as they embark on the most incredible Monster Hunter adventure to date.

“Fans of Nintendo and Monster Hunter are eagerly anticipating the launch of this title in the US, which will be the first time the series is available on a Nintendo home console,” said Steve Singer, Nintendo of America’s Vice President of Licensing. “Having Capcom bring Monster Hunter Tri to the Wii console provides tremendous action, fun and entertainment to both veteran players and series newcomers alike.”

Visitors to this month’s GamesCom European gaming convention in Cologne, Germany August 19-23, will be the first to sample a localized version of the title on Capcom’s stand as it makes its English debut for a western audience. GamesCom attendees will have the opportunity to play the same game that took last year’s Tokyo Game Show by storm, with lines that stretched around Capcom’s stand as eager Japanese gamers waited in excess of five hours to play.

This desire to be one of the first to experience Monster Hunter Tri is indicative of the impact the Monster Hunter franchise has made on videogame culture in Japan. With sales of the series totaling well over 10 million units and 3.5 million sales of Monster Hunter Portable™ 2ndG alone, it’s no surprise to find that Monster Hunter has given rise to dedicated “training camps”, country-wide festivals and numerous licensed products. The franchise doesn’t just top the charts in Japan; it’s become a social phenomenon.

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Nintendo has announced that they will be bringing their Club Nintendo service to North America. For those who may be unfamiliar with Club Nintendo, it’s a service that rewards points for doing certain things, such as buying games or completing surveys. The points can then be exchanged for various prizes. These prizes can range from things like computer wallpapers, to larger prizes such as t-shirts, soundtrack CDs, and even exclusive games.

The service is set to hit North America by the end of the year. Really, how hard is it to get excited at the prospect of free stuff?

Joystiq

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