PCR Tech and IT retail, distribution and vendor news
Online gaming continues to grow, and pre-paid cards can be given as a present or used as a secure alternative to card details. PCR looks at the best offerings from distributor InComm, which has cemented itself as the last big player in the market…
Runescape pre-paid cards
RRP: £7.50, £20
They say: RuneScape is recognised by Guinness World Records as the world’s most popular free-to-play MMORPG. Since 2010, RuneScape pre-paid cards have been widely distributed in the UK and are available in several major retail outlets. The cards provide players without access to online payment methods, with a convenient and secure alternative option. They can be used to purchase a wide variety of membership options, RuneCoins or SPIN packages.
PlayStation Network cards
RRP: £25, £35
They say: Use these cards to add funds to your Sony Entertainment Network (SEN) wallet in order to buy games, DLC movies and other content for PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita and PSP through the PlayStation Store. Cards are only compatible with UK SEN accounts and can only be used on the UK PlayStation Store.
Xbox LIVE Gold membership
RRP: £12.99 (three months), £33.99 (12 months)
They say: Xbox LIVE is the online service for your Xbox 360. With an Xbox LIVE Gold membership, take your Xbox 360 online to play Kinect and controller games with friends wherever they are. Instantly watch HD movies, TV shows and sports, and with Kinect, your voice is the remote control. Gold membership includes access to Sky player, Facebook, Twitter, Zune, Last.fm, Windows Phone 7 and Video Kinect, as well as other Gold-only discounts and features.
Steam Wallet
RRP: £5, £10, £20, £50
They say: Steam Gift Cards and Wallet Codes are an easy way to put money into your own Steam Wallet, or give the perfect gift of games to your friend or family member. Steam Gift Cards work just like a gift certificate, while Steam Wallet Codes work just like a game activation code both of which can be redeemed on Steam for the purchase of games, software, wallet credit, and any other item you can purchase on [PC?gaming platform] Steam.
Nintendo eShop Cards
RRP: £15, £25, £50
They say: Nintendo Points can be used to buy WiiWare or Nintendo DSiWare games, Virtual Console games or add-on content for certain titles. Nintendo Points are added to your Wii Shop Channel or Nintendo DSi Shop accounts by entering the code found on the cards. When Nintendo Points are added to your Wii Shop Channel account, they become Wii Points. Likewise, redeeming a Nintendo Points Card in the Nintendo DSi Shop willturn Nintendo Points into Nintendo DSi Points.
PlayStation Plus
RRP: £11.99 (90 days), £36.99 (365 days)
They say: PlayStation Plus is a subscription service from PlayStation Network that gives you access to a whole host of amazing features. From ludicrously great games, to exclusive new game trials, to online storage, themes and avatars. Join the thousands of other people playing, personalising and synchronising with PlayStation Plus. The Instant Game Collection works across both PS3 and PS Vita. Keep subscribing and you will have a constant library of 14 games and at least five new games a month – over 65 games a year.
Space Heroes Membership Cards
RRP: £4.95 (one month), £19.95 (six months)
They say: Space Heroes membership cards allow players to unlock unlimited fun and adventure. Members can personalise their hero, adopt virtual pet ‘kritterz’, decorate their hero’s homepad, turbo-charge their Starjets, rock out at exclusive events and explore the entire game experience. Space Heroes game cards are currently available in over 1,000 retail locations across the UK.
Moshi Monsters Membership
RRP: £4.95 (one month), £19.95 (six months)
They say: Moshi Monsters is a free online game for kids, in which they adopt a monster and look after it. Kids whose parents give us their approval can become members on our site, and can adopt a Moshi Monster. Kids care for their monster by solving puzzle games, which earn their monster virtual rewards called Rox. Kids can spend Rox on virtual items like food, furniture and other treats and toys for their monster. Over time their monster will increase in level, be able to visit new locations in Monstro City, and earn all kinds of in-game rewards for playing.
Disney Club Penguin membership card
RRP: £4.95 (one month), £12.95 (three months), £29.95 (one year)
They say: A Disney Club Penguin membership card is a great gift. Access member-only areas, pick up exclusive gifts at special events, get the latest penguin styles, adopt up to 20 puffles and more.
Facebook/Zynga game cards
RRP: £10, £15, £25
They say: Level up your gameplay. Use Game Cards for in-game currency to buy the items you want. Use the cards to put Facebook Credits in your virtual wallet on Facebook and redeem them to play your favourite games and make purchases in games and apps, such as Farmville and The Sims Social, even when you’re on your mobile.
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn timecard
RRP: £17.99 (60 days)
They say: Get an extra 60 days in the land of Eorzea with this timecard. Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn is a massive multiplayer online roleplaying game that takes the wonder of the Final Fantasy legacy and expands it. Players can form a party and adventure as they create unique stories. As with the game itself, timecards can be purchased for either PC or PlayStation 3.
