GameStop/EB accepting Nintendo Wii pre-orders tomorrow

Okay, considering there's already some crazy things happening on eBay, and knowing full well that PlayStation 3 consoles will undoubtedly be a hot commodity in a few short long weeks, you might just need to reevaluate those plans of waltzing into your favorite game shop on November 19th and leaving happy. Nintendo's Wii isn't that likely (right?) to be sold out everywhere come launch week, but for those who don't enjoy pressing their luck (or camping out in the cold), American GameStop's are indeed accepting pre-orders starting tomorrow, while Canadian venues start October 16th. We had good suspicion that things would pan out this way, and our pals at Joystiq are now reporting that GameStop newsletter subscribers have just received official word that $50 will quasi-guarantee you a shiny white box come launch day -- but only one unit per "household" can supposedly be claimed, and the company even warns that allocations are likely to vanish "within minutes." We weren't counting on this year's "budget console" playing hard to get, but if all these sudden reports of imminent scarcity are eventually proven accurate, maybe getting your name on that list wouldn't be such a bad idea after all.

[Via Joystiq, thanks to everyone who sent this in]

[robirt @ Oct 12th 2006 3:20PM]

Since there is supposed to be like 10 million of these available at launch, and they are so far ahead of production numbers already... is there really an incentive to preorder?

[Alcaron @ Oct 12th 2006 3:21PM]

Yeah except EB/GS LOVE the whole pre-order thing, so the notion that they would say it will be scarce to push people to pre-order...doesn't really seem like a stretch.

[moofree @ Oct 12th 2006 3:22PM]

I wonder if Walmart will start selling these at 12 Midnight on the 19th.
I'd rather not wait till Gamestop opens to get my Wii.

[robirt @ Oct 12th 2006 3:25PM]

Most of the time with big launches stores will do a midnight launch if it's hyped up enough. The game crazy where I live is having a midnight launch for Gears of War, so I know they will for wii/ps3. And I got my original xbox and 360 at a midnight launch.

[thatguy @ Oct 12th 2006 3:36PM]

I already have a Wii and ps3. I made them on my own using 3 light bulbs, 1 vcr, and play-doh.

Take that gamestop!!

[the_godfather @ Oct 12th 2006 3:36PM]

@Zipper,

I'd hit it.

[Jr. @ Oct 12th 2006 4:15PM]

Yah, I'd hit it hard...

[Sneak @ Oct 12th 2006 3:51PM]

Gamestop+EbGames+Media = SuperDooperHype

[Andrew Jones @ Oct 12th 2006 4:39PM]

I just called the local Gamestop/EBG. They confirmed that they're accepting preorders tomorrow. Their allocation for launch was sitting at 9 units, so if you really want one at launch, I'd preorder.

PS - Of course I realize that it wouldn't be the first time an EBG employee was wrong.

[Ian @ Oct 12th 2006 4:43PM]

When does Gamestop not warn about scarcity? It's only a matter of time before they start selling preorders for strategy guides.

[Yan @ Oct 12th 2006 5:05PM]

or a strategy guide for pre-ordering.

[rob @ Oct 12th 2006 4:56PM]

I HATE SCHOOL
Anyone wanna wait in line for me in the houston area?

[Craig @ Oct 12th 2006 5:09PM]

You guys might want to call your EBGames/Gamestop in advance. They were taking pre-orders yesterday in Hollywood, CA. Got mine.

[Sean DL @ Oct 12th 2006 5:30PM]

Yesterday? I guess they want the corporate offices to come down on them HARD.

But hey, as long as you keep quiet, maybe they won't void your preorder


oops.

[pvilleSE @ Oct 12th 2006 5:11PM]

I'll be at EB games tomorrow morning to pre-order mine, already have zelda pre-ordered. Employees at my EB suspect a midnight release. Can't wait till 11-19.

[Peppaz @ Oct 12th 2006 5:37PM]

***INSIDE INFO***
The busiest gamestop where i live (Staten Island, NYC, NY) is getting 32 Wii's for the launch and is taking preorders that will speak for all of them tomorrow morning.
I actually do suspect a limited shortage, and will gurantee you will see many way overpriced Wi's on eBay come Nov. 20.

[Brendan @ Oct 12th 2006 5:52PM]

I think it's a ploy. Don't believe the hype.

[Philip Colett @ Oct 12th 2006 6:40PM]

Does anyone know how far away from the tv you have to be? I am in a dorm, and I don't have much room.

[Garret @ Oct 12th 2006 7:24PM]

i guess i'm gonna have to preorder mine too

[Prymal @ Oct 12th 2006 7:48PM]

all of the EB/Gamestops in South East Washington are only getting 7 so ill be in line tomorrow bright and early.

[jason(cubs bears bulls rule 4life) @ Oct 12th 2006 7:59PM]

gay, only around 18 at my gamestop i was 25-50 a couple days ago but 18 i thought i could get a preorder during my lunch break but i'll miss work for an hour just telling you when ps3 was able to get preordered they mostly soldout in minutes but one at the mall took like 20 minutes to sell out

[K @ Oct 12th 2006 9:28PM]

Your comments: I like how fourth paragraph of the memo, it tells employees not to allow those who pre-ordered accessories/games for the Wii to get
first dibs on the actual console...like I heard some did with the PS3. Plus, the emphasis on not forcing bundles was a nice touch...at least they're trying to make good after Best Buy's business dealings.

Additionally, grammar police says "insure" is improperly used in the last paragraph.

[zach @ Oct 13th 2006 12:29AM]

i called the gamestop closest to my house, and they say theyre only going to allow 14 systems to be preordered. how about anyone else? also, do you think getting there at 6:30am (opens at 10am) will get me a 1-14 spot? i hope so, cause my moms gonna let me skip a few periods of school :)

[wiliamo @ Oct 13th 2006 1:20AM]

umm......
stores in australia have been taking Wii preorders for like a month now.....
sorry to bust up the party.

[Jon @ Oct 13th 2006 10:16AM]

Went over to my local Eb Games ( Amhesrt Mass , Next to Umass ) At 9:30 they were all sold out . Store opens at 10:00 am .. About 3 times the Number of people who were there for the PS3 preorder were there ... I got a PS3 preorder but damn i wanted the Trifecta .. I still am in love with my 360

[no3rdw @ Oct 13th 2006 10:41AM]

The EB near me sold out an hour and a half before they opened (8:30am). They only had 18 systems available and were only taking preorders for those 18. That's B.S. What's the point of taking preorders if you're going to refuse people after the initial bunch?

[Kaemon @ Oct 13th 2006 11:21AM]

Well of course, nintendo wants to reach out to everyone, so I BET that TONS are going to Wal-mart and Target and the likes ya know.

Besides, there will probobly be plenty, and if not, I'll have the luck I did with the DS.. hehe that was good.

[Robert Johnson @ Oct 13th 2006 1:31PM]

I had to couldnt get a wii preorder till the third eb/gamestop i went to and i got the last one.

[Mike LaCon @ Oct 13th 2006 3:38PM]

Haha, yes! My mom waited in line for me while I was at school, and got one.

I feel so special.

[errol @ Oct 16th 2006 2:00PM]

cant wait