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GameStop/EB Games not getting as many PS3's as thought
Egads! The numbers just keep crunching into smaller and smaller amounts! If numbers were air, we'd probably be suffocating under the pressure of all these crunched, decreasing numbers. That really made more sense in my head. But the underlying message is the same -- GameStop isn't getting as many PS3's in to match the preorders they took. Not that we expected them to, honestly. Wal*Mart has bought up so darn many (approximately 10 for every single store, which brings the total to about 412 million... joking, joking...) that it isn't surprising the electronic entertainment store won't get their initial allocation.Some of you who did preorder your system may have gotten a call from your friendly neighborhood gaming store saying that your PS3 will be available and waiting for you. You get excited, pumped, whatever. A few hours roll past and just as you break out that special bottle of champagne, you get another call. "Oh, nevermind," the GameStop employee says matter-of-factly, "you're going to have to wait until the next shipment. We're not getting as many as we thought." Then, you drink the champagne. Not out of celebration, but out of the biting realization that not only will you not get your system, but the champagne will go bad unless you drink it. As Lucille Bluth says about wine, "It only becomes alcohol if you let it sit." Go ahead, fellow readers, now is the time to sit in a hypothetical circle and crack a hypothetical brew... give us your sob story, or your celebratory story. Cheers![thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
It's on: Wii kiosks are going up
Check around all the usual haunts for Wiiosks this weekend. A few are already up across the country, like this one reader Scott Johnson caught as it was being put together. Thank all that is holy for cell phones and fast action!Several readers have tipped us that they've heard this is the big weekend for the debut of the kiosks, but this is the only photo we've seen. If you catch a kiosk in the wild this weekend, break out that camera phone and send us a picture!So, uh ... the question has to be asked. When seeing the setting-up process in action, anyone have the urge to snatch one and run like mad? [Thanks to everyone who's keeping us posted on this!]
EB-Gamestop & eBay not conspiring to cancel PS3 pre-orders
The rumor -- PlayStation 3 pre-orders sold on eBay will be cancelled by EB-Gamestop -- was a stretch when it first surfaced two days ago, and now EB-Gamestop's director of public & media relations Chris Olivera has officially debunked it. "Are we canceling pre-orders that appear on eBay? The answer to that is no," Olivera confirmed.eBay will continue to moderate PlayStation 3 (and Wii) pre-order auctions using these guidelines: Only one of each console can be listed per eBay account prior to the launch of the console The seller must only accept payment through PayPal, and have at least 50 feedback with a 98% or greater positive rating so that they qualify for PayPal Buyer Protection The pre-sale item must be listed in the 3, 5, 7 or 10-day formats, and cannot use Buy It Now The listing must include a photo of your pre-order receipt in the description
EB-Gamestop wants your Halo 3 money -- now!
EB-Gamestop has launched an aggressive campaign to secure your Halo 3 pre-order, today -- well, technically, yesterday. Chances are if you're on file, the company spammed you yesterday, via phone, to let you know that pre-orders for three different Halo 3 editions are now being accepted.First, the details (or lack thereof): EB-Gamestop is collecting $5 for the standard edition, $10 for a collector's edition, and $25 for Legendary Edition (a.k.a. Master Chief's bust). The company cannot confirm the final retail price for any of these items*, nor does it know when it will stop accepting your free money. "We stop taking pre-orders the day they call and tell us to," a Gamestop employee in the New York area told us today.Certainly there's a pre-order cap, but what is it? Collectively, retailers sold more than 1.5 million Halo 2 pre-orders. Let's assume each of those pre-orders cost $5 -- knowing that many were sold for more. That's $7,500,000. Say, EB-Gamestop secured 30% of those pre-orders; then the company alone pulled in $2.25 million, plus interest.Accepting Halo 3 pre-orders now is taking advantage of us, the consumers. The game isn't due until at least next year, but for fear of pre-orders suddenly ceasing, for fear of not owning Halo 3 on day one, we go out there and hand over our security deposits; and the retailers sit on it, making money off of our money -- the money that bought us nothing more than a promise.It's fine to offer pre-orders a few months in advance. In fact, it's a good idea -- but only once the release date is known; the retail prices confirmed; and shipment numbers allocated. But asking for our Halo 3 money now? Today? C'mon, you really gonna play us like that?*Legendary Edition is rumored to be priced at $100.[Thanks to everyone that sent this in!]
EBGames is watching your PS3 E-Bay auctions...
All right, let's sum up the quote before we toss it on here: essentially, if you bought your PS3 from EBGames or Gamestop, be careful about putting it up on e-Bay. They're watching for those receipts that are mandatory to be placed up as the picture and cancelling your auction. Here's the quote from Evil Avatar:"Today during a conference call, managers of EB Games stores in Canada were told that a list is being made of all pre-orders for Playstation 3's that have been posted for sale on eBay. Lists will be distributed to individual stores and all pre-orders that have appeared on eBay will be canceled by EB in the very near future. According to the information I've been given, this is a joint initiative between EB Games, Sony and eBay. eBay's new policy regarding pre-order sales has made this possible by requiring that all pre-order listings include a photo of the receipt."Basically, be careful if you plan to do this money-making scheme of sorts. If you pre-ordered elsewhere, knock yourself out -- all it means is that you'll probably get higher bids because there will be a lot less auctions.
Rumor: EB/Gamestop workers fired if PS3/Wii listed on eBay
One of our moles reports that EB/Gamestop corporate overlords are tracking eBay PS3 and Wii sales, with the promise of termination if an employee-bought system is listed. Our own digging corroborated the story, but we think this plan is a threat at best.Retailers scan game hardware serial numbers into their databases when making a sale; the receipt may even list the ever-so-unique number. But you shouldn't need to list the serial number on eBay to make a sale, so why do it? The EB/Gamestop bosses could buy specific listings and hope to catch employees, but that seems like a lot of costly work. Even then, the odds will be in favor of the EB/Gamestop worker-turned-profiteer.People will make money reselling scarce launch hardware; that's a fact of gaming. We like the idea of EB/Gamestop trying to get consoles into the hands of gamers, but this plan may have little impact.See also: eBay's PS3/Wii auction cancellations are a good move
It stops: GC Zelda DOESN'T go poof [update 1]
Nintendo of America's offical reply to all this nonsense: Online reports about the Nintendo GameCube version of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess are incorrect. The amazing game will be available at retail outlets nationwide on Dec. 13.Apparently, Gamestop and EB Games used a separate SKU for preordering. Since preorders had been maxed out, the SKU was removed. However, this confirmation is news in itself: it looks like America won't be receiving the EB Games-only Aussie treatment or online-only Japan treatment. Sweet! We'll try to refrain to excessive commentary in this post ... similar topics have been covered in regards to Japan and Australia ... but now North American major retail chains EB Games and Gamestop have reported that the Gamecube version of Twilight Princess has been mysteriously deleted from their computers. The SKU is simply gone. Though we might refrain from calling this an outright cancellation, the only other conceivable option is for the game to sell exclusively through Nintendo's online store, as they've decided to do in Japan.(sigh) Comment as you will, but try to keep it civil. What the eff, Nintendo. [via Joystiq]
More ridiculous Gamecube Zelda news
Right on the heels that Nintendo of Japan will sell the Gamecube version of Twilight Princess exclusively through their online store, Nintendo of Australia sends yet another blow to our poor, left-handed Link: The GC Zelda will be only be distributed though that prodigal retailer, EB Games. While this in itself isn't quite as bad as an solely online offering, further rumors persist that there will be one shipment and one shipment only, delivered in January (the Australian release date of the GC version).Nintendo appears to be doing everything in their power to discourage the purchase of discs smaller than a standard DVD. They're not technically breaking their promise, but ... dammit. Any Aussies care to speak their mind?[Check out those mad Photoshop skillz!]
Deal of the Day: Me and My Katamari $20 at EB/Gamestop
If you never got a chance to play Me and My Katamari this is a perfect opportunity to do so since EB Games/Gamestop just lowered the price to $20 in store.The game currently has a 75 metacritic score and IGN said "Its small stage design, propensity for backtracking, and obvious slowdown and camera issues certainly keep it from being one of the premier PSP titles -- but that doesn't mean it isn't fun."However, you can't really go wrong with spending only $20 on a solid PSP title. If you have no idea what the game is about check this out and it will explain everything to you.[Via Cheapassgamer - Registration required]
Wii Kiosks
We could have named this post "Wiiosks", but we have more respect for you than that. Anyway, in IGN's generally uninformative "Nintendo Minute" section, George Harrison takes the opportunity to reveal a few of the more specific details about the upcoming Wii kiosks. The rumored Gamestop/EB Games exclusivity might still be true, as it appears that the pre-built, completely self-contained units will only go toward "certain retailers". However, many other retailers will simply receive a Wii console and Wiimote or two, and will be left to their own devices in regards to display and setup. Also, despite some worries about safety and theft, it appears that the Wiimotes will indeed be wireless. This could be some clever wordplay--a Wiimote tethered by a non-electrical cord is still technically wireless--but we'll give George the benefit of the doubt. Now, when will these kiosks be rolling into stores? Your guess is certainly at least as good as ours.[Note: the picture shown is not necessarily of the final unit, or in fact in existence at all.]
Why living in a college town sucks
And the answer? There are too many intelligent, dedicated people. As such, way too many gamers knew exactly what moment the local EB Games and Gamestop would be taking preorders, and our little town of Gainesville didn't seem to be of high priority for those little gremlins over at corporate.
The Wii-order experience
It's Wii preorder day! But is it such a cause for celebration? Unfortunately, it seems a bare few fanfolk walked away from their local EB or GameStop this morning clutching a receipt for the Wii. Reader e-mails are pouring in, lamenting the reserve numbers -- which in some cases were even lower than the number of PS3s allocated to a given store. Disappointment is rampant. For those of us who arrived early to spend hours cold lamping with our brethren, it was a tense morning, because no one really knew what would happen -- except that some people would go home empty-handed.Reader Matthew Ryan snagged some pics at his EB Games in Virginia, near Washington, D.C. That store had 30 systems available for reserve (far more than many other stores), but nearly double that showed up in hopes of slapping money down on a system. And this blogger snagged a few shots herself at a nearby store. Check out the full story after the jump, where we've tucked a few of Matthew's pictures as well.
We Wait for Wii (Boston edition)
After confirming yesterday there would be 32 units available at two downtown Boston locations -- the GameStop at the Prudential Mall and the EB Games at the Copley Mall (which are right across the street from each other) -- it seemed like a good place to tell two different stories. And they certainly were two different experiences. There was no corporate directive on how to handle this day.
On the phone with GameStop ... and GameStop, and GameStop ....
Looks like we weren't the only ones who were frustrated with waiting around for information on U.S. Wii preorders. 1UP 's Dan Dormer took the quest for the truth a step beyond and called a GameStop or EB in every single state. After all, the more answers, the more likely a pattern will emerge from the chaos and the truth will be revealed, right?Of course, now we know, and instead of hunting for clues, we're free to hunt for the humor ... not that we have to look very hard. From the hardcore salesman to the clueless counterjockey, the responses from stores across the nation, the various responses offer an entertaining cross-section. Check after the jump for a few of the best.
Rumor mill take two: preorders Friday?
Just yesterday, we were waxing hopeful that Wii preorders would kick off today. And believe me, we were ready, money clutched in our grubby little fists, and were turned away by bemused GameStop employees. Well, it's a new day and a new rumor, and today's word is that Friday is Wii Day at GameStop and EB. But we're going to try not to get our hopes up too much, though The Wiire promises that a GameStop rep confirmed to them that this is it, for real, there will be preorders on Friday. We're going to check tomorrow too, just in case. Wouldn't it be something if everyone said Wednesday or Friday, and it turned out to be Thursday?[Via Joystiq]
Wii pre-orders at GameStop/EB begin this Friday?
We're not really expecting PlayStation 3 or even Xbox 360-level scarcity for Nintendo's Wii come this holiday season, but just in case you want to be certain-sure of a Wii on launch day, and won't be around NYC to grab the console from the very hands of Reggie Fils-Aime at the Nintendo World store, GameStop and EB Games look like they'll be offering up pre-orders for the system this Friday. Apparently The Wiire just got confirmation on the October 13 date straight from GameStop, but our pals over at Joystiq haven't quite had that luck, only confirming that pre-orders will begin sometime this week. It'll cost you somewhere between $25 and $50 to get your name on the list, quite a bit less than the $100 you'll have to fork over for a PS3 -- which is to be expected.[Via Joystiq]
PS3 pre-order procession (West coast edition)
Continuing our Joystiq World Team PS3 Launch Pre-order Coverage, I headed to San Francisco's Mission district and its EB Games. I usually think of suburban malls as game-store habitat, but this EB Games is nestled in a busy neighborhood of taquerias, thrift stores, clubs, and bars. The line of about thirty passed a few shops, including a boot store, terminating in front of a seafood market. (My favorite part of this fish store is the laminated dive-cards in the window, identifying how the fish would look if encountered underwater.) As I was shooting photos, a man in a white jumpsuit -- maybe on his way to repair a refrigerator -- stopped next to me. He asked, "What are they waiting for?""PlayStation 3," I said."Why?" he replied and kept walking.
EB-Gamestop launches download service, "largely garbage" declares 1UP
EB Games and Gamestop have launched a download service, staking claim in the growing industry trend to distribute content digitally. If you're familiar with the conglomerate retailer's websites, the setup is straightforward, giving browsers near-instant access to over 1,000 PC titles; though it's a collection that has been criticized by 1UP as being "largely garbage." We're also concerned about prices. The games range from $9.99 to $49.99, but, for example, Texas Hold 'Em and Zuma, which are featured on the Gamestop (pictured) and EB pages, both retail for $19.99, whereas XBLA versions of the same games retail for just $10. Still, as 1UP points out, there are a few gems to be unearthed from the trash heap (e.g., 1942, Civilization III, Deus Ex, & Heroes of Might and Magic). Unfortunately, the sites lack a satisfying interface for sorting out these favorites from the rubbish. Looks like an act of desperation to us. This service needs a makeover and more reasons for us to check it out. Anyone cashed in on a game yet? How are the download speeds? [Via 1UP] Shop - Gamestop Shop - EB Games
Observational standpoint: PS3 preordering
All right, I admit it. I may be a Wii fanboy, but that doesn't mean I can't preorder a Playstation 3 and attempt to resell it for twice its value on eBay enjoy other consoles too. As such, I took a little trip down to my local mall (which has both a Gamestop and an EB Games) to see if I couldn't pick up a preorder for that bullet train of a console, the PS3, for pickup on November 17th. I arrived ninety minutes early, got to the front of EB Games ... ouch. Fifteen or more in line. I quickly bolted (provoking the ire of a security guard) to the Gamestop, where only eight or nine waited in line. I decided to throw my chips in with them.The Gamestop employee arrived about thirty minutes before opening. He actually admitted the first two people in line several minutes later, and presold them PS3s. He then came out to the line and said that his store had only been allocated two measly units. While I later found out that the EB Games had twelve units allocated, it was far too late for me. And to think, I could have slept in.Where does this leave us Wii-goers? Well, we know that Nintendo will have a hell of a lot more units at launch than the PS3, but this by no means guarantees you a unit. EB/GS preorders open this week, and if you want to ensure your spot in line, you'd best get there early. Use your best judgement, but the earlier, the better ... besides, chances are that a few people in line will be rocking the DS. Multiplayer action FTW.May the Force be with you!
EB/GameStop PS3 pre-order bonanza
If hadn't already heard, today's the day to get on with your PS3 pre-order badself at your local EB Games or GameStop location. That is, if you haven't already done your pre-order somewhere else, or haven't decided to forgo the PS3 entirely for that attractive "Wii60" alternative. Unfortunately, the console looks to be in quite limited supply, so you had best get over there on the double if you don't want to be playing with your sister's Barbie dolls come this November. Reports vary, but from the sound of things, most stores are getting 16 units, with 2 of those available to store employees, which should give a pretty good indication of the scarcity of the PS3 headed into the holidays -- GameSpot and EB can't even guarantee those numbers to pre-order customers, who will be required to put down a $100 for this quasi-assurance. Oh well, you and your sister can always "B who U wanna B" this fall while you wait for those elusive blue lasers to stockpile.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
