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

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:21 am

Well, I got the call from Gamestop today. I was told to come out for the midnight madness to pick up my 360. Even though I'd been told twice that I was getting one, it still felt great to actually get the automated call with all the reductions in shipping to EB and Gamestop. I've got Madden paid off and COD2 paid off. I think I'm also going to get Perfect Dark Zero and NBA 2k6.

DookieMowf · Post by **DookieMowf** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 2:37 am

HipE wrote: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.

My EB is. I live in a small city Waco TX is a little over 100 K.

What my EB is doing....

Sunday night when they usually close at 6pm, they will stay open a extra 30 minutes and people who will get a 360 at launch can come in, pay off the system, pick up whatever games, controllers acc etc then monday line up around 10:30, 11pm and wait for the doors to open..go in and just pick up your 360.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 9:51 pm

So my question is this...how do you charge the wireless controllers? What do you do if you want to play while it's charging? Is there a "wired" cable or something that plugs into the 360 and trickle charges while you're playing? I don't know if I've read anything about that yet.

SoMisss2000 · Post by **SoMisss2000** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:00 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:So my question is this...how do you charge the wireless controllers? What do you do if you want to play while it's charging? Is there a "wired" cable or something that plugs into the 360 and trickle charges while you're playing? I don't know if I've read anything about that yet.

you have to buy the plug and play charge kit for $20 to be able to charge while you play.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Tue Nov 15, 2005 10:02 pm

Okay, so how do you charge it if you don't want to play at the same time...I seem to remember some type of base or something that it plugs into...is that correct?

Gurantsu · Post by **Gurantsu** » Wed Nov 16, 2005 5:23 pm

I just got a call from EB, my copy of PGR3 is in. Woo hoo, I can't wait to... um... read it...

Oh well, I'll pick it up when I get my TV tonight. It'll still be cool to actually have one of the 360 items in hand.

CincyKid · Post by **CincyKid** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 2:28 pm

madden
and either nhl 2k6 or nba 2k6 depending on availability

im reserved 4th on the list at fyes and they have assured me that they will have it launch day

it was $399 for the system which includes many of the extras

but the requirement of there package deal is that you buy 2 launch games upon pickup

cant wait to jump on 360 live with some of you guys

only bummer i wont be able to jump on till late that night due to work

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:04 pm

Well I was at Target today and I picked up all of the accessories and games I wanted...now I just gotta pray for a system on Tuesday. We'll see I guess.

seanmac31 · Post by **seanmac31** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:42 pm

I just picked up my copies of Madden and COD2, and ensured that my console would be available come Tuesday morning. I've been bouncing back and forth on whether or not to pick up a basketball game, but I've kind of chilled out on that now that there will be a Live demo downloadable (and that from all accounts I've already played 2K6 a good fifty times, just with uglier replays).

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 5:49 pm

Yeah, I got Madden, PGR3, NBA 2k6, a Wireless Controller and a Play N Charge Kit.

I'm starting to get worried about finding a console. I am not about to camp out overnight though.

TheGamer · Post by **TheGamer** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 6:36 pm

I got an automated call from Gamestop yesterday that said I would not be in the launch day batch, but I should have one by christmas. even though I pre ordered on 5/27, the system is pif, and I preordered Madden, nba 2k6 and an extra controller. So I immediately went to the store to get a refund for everything and I told them I would take my chances w/Best Buy, target or Walmart. The clerk went to the back of the store, called his manager and came out with a list showing me that I would be the 5th of 10 recipients on launch day.

ZXLT · Post by **ZXLT** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:15 pm

I purchased Madden, NBA 2k6, and Call of Duty 2 yesterday and today, and plan to stick with them for awhile.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:21 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Okay, so how do you charge it if you don't want to play at the same time...I seem to remember some type of base or something that it plugs into...is that correct?

I'm planning on skipping the Play & Charge kit and just using high capacity (2500 mAH) NiMH rechargable batteries. The controller only needs two AA's at a time, so I'll leave two trickling on my recharger at all times and the other two in the controller.

With the play and charge kit, the only time it can charge is when the unit is powered up, and I sure as hell don't want to keep my $400 console running just to keep the USB port powered for the controller's battery pack to charge back up (unless it could get a full charge again in like 30min, while you're still playing with it... but I doubt it).

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:25 pm

But then again if it's strictly a USB thing (and not a proprietary connector), I've got pleny of USB ports available on my many computers...that would solve that issue. Just plug the thing into my PC which runs 24/7 in the same room.

Boom · Post by **Boom** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 8:25 pm

True, but the charge and play kit will charge your controller while your playing (or at least I'm told).

I picked one up, along with a 2nd wireless controller.

I'm not even gonna lie. This might be the best controller ever invented. I've finally found something I like more than the Dual Shock. This thing is awesome!

SoMisss2000 · Post by **SoMisss2000** » Thu Nov 17, 2005 9:59 pm

I decided to purchase Madden and 2k6. I re-up'd my gamefly subscription last night and have COD and Condemned on the way. I had PGR3 in my Q but they sent Condemned for some reason. I'll probably pop it in and send it right back.

sportdan30 · Post by **sportdan30** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 4:39 pm

Just got an email from gamerang stating that Madden 06 for the 360 is in route. Date of arrival is 11/21. My luck, it won't get here until well after Thanksgiving.

Glad to see they have inventory already on the 360 games.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 5:38 pm

Yeah NBA Live is on it's way to me...got a few more in the que just waiting till they get the stock sorted out. We'll see if I get em.

Post by **ScoopBrady** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:12 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:Yeah, I got Madden, PGR3, NBA 2k6, a Wireless Controller and a Play N Charge Kit.

I'm starting to get worried about finding a console. I am not about to camp out overnight though.

db, have you decided your plan of attack yet? Do you have any Best Buys and Targets that are really close together? I don't think camping out would be required to pick one up. I'd just find out when they're going to open and get there about 1 hour before they do. See which one looks less crowded and hop in line. Good luck finding one.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:22 pm

Yeah I've got my plan all mapped out.

Hit up Frys first because they open first (8am). I'll probably roll by there about a half hour before they open. If the line is ridiculous I'll head over to the ghetto Target and get in line. It'll open about an hour and a half after I get there (9am). If that doesn't work, on to the Sears and Compusa that both open at 10am and are within walking distance of each other. I have a feeling that is where I'll get my system. There is also a Circuit City across the street. Most people won't think of going to Sears or Compusa on release day. There is a Best Buy and another Target about a mile away and I think most will be there.

And my last gasp is to head about 15 miles from my house. They have a Wal-Mart, a Toysrus and a Best Buy all next to each other. I'm only going near that place if I'm completely desperate. But they'll all probably be out anyway, so it'll be moot by that point...but it's worth a try.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:29 pm

I'm trying to figure out my plan as well. I have a 24hr Walmart that I'll hit at midnight. If that fails, first thing in the morning @ 7am will be Sam's Club (to get in early with my business membership). The manager there told me they had received 20 premium units, so I should be good to go there, unless there are 20 other business members planning on being there at opening.

If that fails, across the highway is the Mall with a Sear's in it, as well as Best Buy, Target, Circuit City and Toys R Us all surrounding it. Plus, they all open at different times. If those fail, I'll hit the non-24hr Walmart and CompUSA on my way to Fry's (which is across the street from another Best Buy and CC).

I figure though, that you kinda need to pick one, maybe two, and commit to those stores... by the time you get to the 3rd, 4th and beyond, they'll be sold out anyway.

I picked up Madden and COD2 at Target today, just to have less things to shop for on Tuesday.

dbdynsty25 · Post by **dbdynsty25** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 6:35 pm

jondiehl wrote:I figure though, that you kinda need to pick one, maybe two, and commit to those stores... by the time you get to the 3rd, 4th and beyond, they'll be sold out anyway.

Yeah...the Target is probably my best bet early...and then Compusa and Sears later. I'm just going to Frys first because they should be getting quite a few systems and they open pretty early. We'll see I guess.

Zeppo · Post by **Zeppo** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 7:03 pm

dbdynsty25 wrote:
jondiehl wrote:I figure though, that you kinda need to pick one, maybe two, and commit to those stores... by the time you get to the 3rd, 4th and beyond, they'll be sold out anyway.
Yeah...the Target is probably my best bet early...and then Compusa and Sears later. I'm just going to Frys first because they should be getting quite a few systems and they open pretty early. We'll see I guess.

So, what is up with Sears? How many are those stores getting?

My plan is to try the Best Buy doing the midnight special very close to where I'll be on Monday night. I figure I'll swing by 2hrs to 90 min. before hand, and if the line looks longer than 150, head home and try to hit the other BB when it opens in the morning. If that doesn't look good, it would be off to the nearby CompUSA and/or Toys R Us, very close to each other.

I hadn't though of Sears. I don't even know exactly where the Sears is. Maybe I need to locate a Target, too, but I don't think there are any in that area I am planning to chase the wild goose in if the midnight deal doesn't work out. Should be a Sears, though, in the mall. Unless they got rid of it. . . .

So, is it worth suggesting that those of us in the non-preorder group should get more than one, just in case, for our fellow DSP brethren who might not be lucky? Or is that pessimistic? Will there be Core machines abounding, for those willing to upgrade a la cart to Premium for only $140 or so, plus another $40 if you want to go wireless on the controller

. (I can't believe the Core option is so much more expensive to get it up to snuff!)

I can't get a sense of how rare these things will be or how hard to get. It's tough to judge. When PS2 came out, I knew I had no chance. Am I fooling myself this time?

Anyway CoD is on the way from Gamefly, and I got Madden, PDZ, and PGR3 just in case I can get a machine by the time I am back from my T-giving trip. I may get King Kong when I buy it. And if I can't find one, we'll see when Gamestop decides they can sell me a unit.

jondiehl · Post by **jondiehl** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 7:07 pm

Zeppo wrote: I can't get a sense of how rare these things will be or how hard to get. It's tough to judge. When PS2 came out, I knew I had no chance. Am I fooling myself this time?

I go back and forth on that every day. You read stuff to make it seem like there's going to be no chance to find one, and then I go around town and talk to the people in these stores and they look at me like I'm crazy for even asking about it, as if people are going to really spend $400 on this console.

Leebo33 · Post by **Leebo33** » Fri Nov 18, 2005 7:32 pm

God, please give me the strength to *not* buy one of these systems on Tuesday. I've barely touched my Xbox over the past 2 months and I don't have HiDef. The games that look impressive I'm not that interested in (I usually play the average racer or shooter 2 weeks tops) and the games I'm interested in appear to be average ports of games I've already played. I like the idea of the XBL improvements, but I haven't played on XBL live much since the Rivals poker nights fizzled out. I'm also extremely disappointed in that joke of a BC list.

My strategy to *not* purchase one is to not go to Wal-Mart at midnight and then go to work on Tuesday. I know I can do that much. I can go for a run at lunch. The hard part will be to not search the stores after work. I cancelled my pre-order tonight at EB so waiting for the next shipment is not an option either.

If I can make it one week, I can wait until next fall when I will have a nice new TV and a finished basement to play in