getINside: The best deals for “Marvel VS. Capcom 3″

Sometimes, you need a little assistance figuring things out. We like to consider ourselves experts on some things. We want you to make sure you getINside with gaijINside.

We’ve done the research. Marvel VS. Capcom 3: Fate Of Two Worlds is coming out on Tuesday, February 15th… but if you want the best deal, act now. There are two versions of the game.

The Standard Edition comes with the game, straight-out, with no bells and whistles. The Special Edition comes with a comic and art book, one month of Marvel Digital Comics, and a SteelBook with exclusive artwork. Codes for the DLC characters of Jill Valentine and Shuma Gorath are in the package, and will be available 30 days after launch.

All the sites are out of Special Editions at the moment, but have Standard Editions in-stock. If you want the Special Edition, it’s best to check out stores at launch or in-store pre-orders.

Amazon

Amazon is officially out of Special Editions, and list the release date for a conservative February 15th. Despite this, they have both the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 version of the Standard Edition for $59.99. Standard price, with no tax for most. Additionally, both versions come with a $10 future credit. Here’s where things get tricky: if you happened to preorder Dead Rising 2 for the Xbox 360, you’d be getting the game for $18.99.

How? Pre-orders of Dead Rising 2 came with an Avatar outfit… which kept getting delayed. In a conciliatory manner, Amazon offered up a $10 future credit when it was taking time. When it looked they wouldn’t be giving them at all, they offered half off of Marvel VS. Capcom 3. Days later, they delivered on the Avatar outfits, and people could have combined the deals for knock down the game at the time to a hair under $20. (Editor’s Note: I did!).

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for $59.99
• Free Shipping available
• No Tax
• $10 Future Game Credit

Best Buy

The website is out of the Special Editions, but have the Standard Editions available for pre-order for $59.99. Shipping varies on whatever status of Reward Zone member you are, but you do get points. Best Buy is not running any store-specific deals, but will likely have the Special Edition in the store.

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for $59.99
• Possibly free shipping
• Tax

Capcom Store

You can get a good deal direct from the people in charge. Capcom has both Standard Versions available for pre-order, yet are out of the Special Editions. Both come complete with free economy post shipping. All four versions come with the Waste Of Flesh t-shirt designed by Meat Bun, starring Shuma Gorath and Servbots. Things get a little cheaper with the code THANKYOUTEN, which knocks off 10% from the total.

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for $53.99
• Free shipping
• No tax
• Free Waste Of Flesh t-shirt

GameStop

They’re probably taking pre-orders until Monday, at least in-store. They only have the Standard Edition available for pre-order online, which comes with the store exclusive console decals by Fathead. The website allows you to pre-order until February 14th at 11AM CST and get the game on the 15th with overnight shipping (and if it doesn’t get there by then, they reimburse you the cost). You can get free economy shipping with the code SAVER. At this point, you’re best to check out GameStop at some point in the week and see if you can get the Special Edition. They’re offering a bonus 25% trade-in for the game until February 20th, if you want to go that route.

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for $59.99
• Free shipping available
• Tax
• Console decals

K-Mart

Yes, they still exist, and they’re offering a decent deal (surprisingly, K-Mart is good for deals in launch week). Shop Your Way Rewards members get 25,000 points, which equates to $25 in credit. Additionally, each store will be getting an 8″ x 11″ print of the game, with only a few per store.

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for $59.99
• 99 cent shipping
• Tax
• 8″ x 11″ print
• $25 credit

Target

At the moment, we know of no deals going on at Target. Check out the store, though, as they may be offering a $1 pre-order that will net you a $5 gift card when you pick it up. The site even only lists the PlayStation 3 Standard Edition for normal price, so we’re going to  suggest checking out the store.

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for PlayStation 3 for $59.99
• Free shipping available

Walmart

There’s a few benefits to being one of the biggest brands known to humanity. Open 24 hours, you can likely grab it at midnight if your store is run well… and even before if it’s not. They’ll give you an e-Gift Card when you pre-order, worth $10.

Final Score:

• Standard Edition for $59.82
• 97 cent shipping
• $10 e-Gift Card

So, what’s our recommendation? Obviously, the best deal for those that just want the game was to have Dead Rising 2 pre-ordered from Amazon. If you’re willing to tackle a K-Mart (come prepared) and sign up for that club, it’s the best deal on day one. If you can slide in an order, though, go to the official Capcom Store for a cheap price, no tax, free shipping, and a shirt.

(Editor’s Note: I have three copies on order. Beat that. No promo copies here…)