For those getting a 360 on launch (or shortly thereafter)

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 1:42 pm

reeche wrote:The constant prattle and badgering from sales reps at nearly every store you enter nowadays has driven me to buy more and more online anyway.

No s***. I avoid Best Buy if at all possible because I haven't managed to find a purchase that doesn't make me eligible for a free 2 week trial of Rhapsody, Netflix, or some 8-week trial subscription to Entertainment Weekly. How f***in annoying.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:02 pm

Leebo33 wrote:Speaking of EB, it seems like the shortage of pre-orders is official...at least at my local store. The manager told me last night they have 100 pre-orders and have been told they are only getting 33 units before the end of the year (16 at launch).

Same thing at my store. I was told that they were initially supposed to get 57 units at launch, but now they were expecting significantly less, maybe only 1/3 to 1/2 of what they had expected. In fact, when I told him I wanted to pay off my system, he told me that he hated to tell me this, but there was a very good chance I wouldn't be getting a system at launch unless I was very high on the list. Luckily, when he looked it up I was 5th, so he said I'm going to be fine no matter how much their initial shipment is cut.

One thing that came up when he told me my place on the list was that he said "not counting employees, you are number 5 on the list". Does that mean that store employees get their systems first, and then whatever systems are left after that go to the customers?

I don't mean to make it sound like I am bashing EB, I really don't mind them pushing game and accessory preorders. It's just that when they say stuff like I need to show them that I am serious about my Xbox 360 preorder, it seems like they are threatening to sell my launch system to somebody with more stuff preordered than me. I would think preordering the system six months ago and paying it off in full two weeks ahead of the launch would show my interest in the Xbox 360 is serious.

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:09 pm

HipE wrote:I don't mean to make it sound like I am bashing EB, I really don't mind them pushing game and accessory preorders. It's just that when they say stuff like I need to show them that I am serious about my Xbox 360 preorder, it seems like they are threatening to sell my launch system to somebody with more stuff preordered than me. I would think preordering the system six months ago and paying it off in full two weeks ahead of the launch would show my interest in the Xbox 360 is serious.

LOL apparently pre-ordering an Xbox 360 is akin to getting married. Next up will be blood tests and urine samples....

I love the concept that to buy something I must now be in concert with my store manager to make his store the most profitable in the district. Somewhere capitalism took a bad left turn

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:11 pm

HipE wrote:
One thing that came up when he told me my place on the list was that he said "not counting employees, you are number 5 on the list". Does that mean that store employees get their systems first, and then whatever systems are left after that go to the customers?

Depends on the store and the manager. There is no set rule. Since employees get no discount on hardware it makes no matter to the Manager/DM/etc. A manager putting his employees first might look at it as a tool in keeping them happy and trying to cut down turnover.

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:15 pm

One other question- is everyone's local EB/Gamestop having a midnight sale for the Xbox 360 release? I asked about this at my local store, and was told that since they are not expecting to get very many systems, they may call off the midnight release because it isn't worth it. Considering Best Buy is about a two minute walk from this EB, it's going to look pretty bad when they are having a midnight sale and the dedicated videogame store is closed.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:36 pm

I know my EB is planning one but I can see why they would cancel it. All of 12 customers may show up for the launch. If it were like 50 customers sure, but 10-15...nope. Either way EB gets their money.

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:53 pm

After reading the thread, it seems a lot of people are getting the same type of games that have been out already on the xbox (Madden 06, NHL 2k6, COD2), the soon to be released King Kong (I hear good things so far) but I haven't heard a title that has opened anyone's eyes to say "mama I gotta get the system now" because of that particular game like Halo did to a lot of people.

Don't get me wrong, smashing title or not I'll be getting my 360 sometimes next year (newborn coming, my gameplay has decreased already as my wife becomes more demanding

) but is there a release coming up that has caused you to say WOW!

If I was lucky enough like a lot of you on launching day, my picks would have been COD2, and NHL 2K6 (not for $60 though) and if anyone has impressions on TopSpin 2, I'd like to hear them.

bdoughty · Post by **bdoughty** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 2:57 pm

Top Spin 2 is scheduled for next year.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 3:12 pm

10spro wrote:...but is there a release coming up that has caused you to say WOW!

PGR3 is like whoa...and you can't get it on the current gen.

Spooky · Post by **Spooky** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 3:13 pm

bdoughty wrote:
Spooky wrote: Ahhhh...Membership does have it's privileges.
So does selling your soul.

Been there and done that. So what are they giving you for discounts now? I remember the good ol days when we got 20% and could rent new games. Oh those were good times. Now it's like 10% and no rentals at Gamespot. I don't need $5 off a game that badly to deal with video game customers.

You do have my sympathies though.

We get 15% off new and pre-owned games, but I also get my additional 10% off with my discount card so it is pretty good for pre-owned.

I have also been informed that it is looking like we will be re-adopting the 'rental' or 'check out' new games model for employees when we officially merge with Gamestop early next year.

Our store is not too bad customer wise too. I mean, it's retail so that in itself is harsh most of the time, but as far as our customer base goes, we are probably one of the more fortunate stores. We tend to be really slow most weeknight evenings too (which is when I tend to work) so it really is a pretty good gig for me as a part time job to make a few extra bucks every month and to take advantage of all the perks like discounts and streching the return policy every once in a while.

Also, as far as employees getting the systems before customers, that's kind of lame if they really did not pre-order before the cust. I know at my store, all the interested employees pre-ordered within the first couple weeks so it really does not matter anyway. There is one or two that did not and they aren't being bumped in front of anyone to my knowledge. In fact, my manager gave up his pre-order once he heard there was going to be a shortage even for the first group of orders. I think he may have even been discreetly trying to get me to do the same. No f'in way. Sorry. It is noble of him and I know he does not expect me to do it, but I think he was implying that it was an option.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 3:46 pm

fsquid wrote:
bdoughty wrote:
fsquid wrote:Is it costing EB/Gamestop that much? Hardware is usually the lowest margin item in the store.
Exactly plus new consoles = no used game sales for quite some time. My local EB guys despise the 360. Of course they despise anything that does not help their numbers.
but it really helps their warranty quotas

Exactly. There will be at least 84 less people, all willing and able to spend large amounts of cash, in that store on launch day. I would have bought at least a warranty and 2 games myself. Now it looks as if I will be getting those items at Best Buy, Target, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, etc. as will thousands of others.

slyguy · Post by **slyguy** » Thu Nov 10, 2005 4:57 pm

Leebo33 wrote:
fsquid wrote:
bdoughty wrote: Exactly plus new consoles = no used game sales for quite some time. My local EB guys despise the 360. Of course they despise anything that does not help their numbers.
but it really helps their warranty quotas
Exactly. There will be at least 84 less people, all willing and able to spend large amounts of cash, in that store on launch day. I would have bought at least a warranty and 2 games myself. Now it looks as if I will be getting those items at Best Buy, Target, Toys R Us, Wal-Mart, etc. as will thousands of others.

And i will also be one of those people.I had preorder at EB and was told i will not get it on launch but will have one before christmas.So i went the TRU route and got the 609$ bundle i also know someone who works in Target so i have one on the side there too.But like you said 2 games and the warranty is the way i would have went at EB

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:21 pm

Is anyone considering getting Condemned? Very creepy looking game and the graphics look incredible.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Nov 11, 2005 5:54 pm

sportdan30 wrote:Is anyone considering getting Condemned? Very creepy looking game and the graphics look incredible.

Not at launch but maybe for Christmas. It impressive looking for sure.

slyguy · Post by **slyguy** » Sat Nov 12, 2005 12:05 am

sportdan30 wrote:Is anyone considering getting Condemned? Very creepy looking game and the graphics look incredible.

Yes i checked out some of the vids and now i'm more intrested in this game

10spro · Post by **10spro** » Sun Nov 13, 2005 12:36 am

If you want to know how much 360's your local BB store will have, check this site:

http://www.gamersreports.com/index.php?sid=4406

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:00 am

I stopped in EB yesterday to ask the manager about 360 availability. Since I used to work there I know the manager (she's very cool, and is a gamer too so she knows the products), and she said I'm getting one on launch day.

She also said that they have 100 pre-orders, and are only getting 25 at launch, then another 25 the second week of December, and after that it's all up in the air. Needless to say she didn't sound pleased. I would have to think the Gamestop's and EB's are going to be pretty PO'd at the lost sales they are going to have. I mean, I understand that Wal-Mart and Best Buy are bigger stores overall, but these pre-sales are guaranteed sales. Why would MS stick it to people who have already commited to buying their machine?

HipE · Post by **HipE** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 3:01 pm

After spending many hours checking out various previews, videos and message boards, I've decided to pick up Madden and Perfect Dark Zero at launch. I was thinking about getting COD2, and may still get it depending on reviews, but since PD0 is 10 bucks cheaper I think I'll go with it. With the Best Buy 10% off coupon posted here, I'll be able to grab both games for $99, no more than the current gen games cost.

bkrich83 · Post by **bkrich83** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 3:48 pm

COD2, Madden, NBA2k6 and PGR3 for me.

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 4:03 pm

CoD2 and PGR3 here. Also have Oblivian and Ghost Recon on pre-order.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 8:55 pm

Here you go guys...the official list of what games/accessories will be available on the 22nd, or earlier. From IGN:

November 14, 2005 - Let's put the unfortunate confusion of X05's mysterious "launch title" announcement behind us. However you or Microsoft or your mother want to define "launch window" -- is it the time it takes caramel to melt and drip into your little sister's crayon box? -- what gamers really want to know is which X360 games can we actually buy on November 22?

Today, at last, Microsoft released the official list of Xbox 360 games set to be available on, or even before, November 22 in North America. All told, 18 games are supporting Microsoft's step into the next generation:

Amped 3 (2K Sports)

Call of Duty 2 (Activision)

Condemned: Criminal Origins (SEGA)

FIFA Soccer 06 Road to 2006 FIFA World Cup (Electronic Arts)

GUN (Activision)

Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft)

Madden NFL 06 (Electronic Arts)

NBA 2K6 (2K Sports)

NBA LIVE 06 (Electronic Arts)

Need for Speed Most Wanted (Electronic Arts)

NHL 2K6 (2K Sports)

Perfect Dark Zero (Microsoft)

Peter Jackson's King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie (Ubisoft)

Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft)

Quake 4 (id Software and Activision)

Ridge Racer 6 (Namco)

Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 06 (Electronic Arts)

Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision)

Microsoft-published X360 titles are priced at a suggested $49.99, suggesting other publishers will offer similar prices. At the very least, it's doubtful we'll be paying $70 per next-gen title as some had feared.

The Xbox 360 launch is also supported by 13 accessories to make the retail frenzy complete:

Xbox 360 Wireless Controller

Xbox 360 Controller (wired)

Xbox 360 Wireless Networking Adapter

Xbox 360 Universal Media Remote

Xbox 360 Faceplates

Xbox 360 Hard Drive (20 GB)

Xbox 360 Headset

Xbox 360 Memory Unit (64 MB)

Xbox 360 Play & Charge Kit

Xbox 360 Rechargeable Battery Pack

Xbox 360 Component HD-AV Cable

Xbox 360 S-Video AV Cable (U.S. only)

Xbox 360 VGA HD AV Cable

Finally, Microsoft will offer 12-month and three-month Xbox Live Premium Starter Packs and between 12 and 15 Xbox Live Arcade titles when the new console hits.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 8:56 pm

And by the way...that's a hellova launch list...regardless of the fact that a lot are ports of current gen games.

fsquid · Post by **fsquid** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 9:53 pm

just played COD2, that sucker is a system seller.

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:36 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:And by the way...that's a hellova launch list...regardless of the fact that a lot are ports of current gen games.

Agreed.

just played COD2, that sucker is a system seller.

And yes COD2 looks sweet. I have it preordered

Diablo25 · Post by **Diablo25** » Mon Nov 14, 2005 11:57 pm

Here is the link to download Windows Media Connect 2.0. It is the software needed to connect to your XBOX 360 to a Windows XP PC.
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/window ... fault.aspx