Is BestBuy out of their MIND!?

[DemoCoder]

I just called two of the closest stores to me in Santa Clara (one in Milpitas, and one in San Jose). I know from the spreadsheet that was given that the store has atleast 70 units!

So what's my problem?

They aren't selling any Premium or Core packages. You can only, I repeat, ONLY buy the $699 bundle or above!

It's bad enough that the XB360 is lacking killer "must buy me" launch titles, but now there's a shortage, and even if you stand in line for 3 hours before open, you can ONLY buy a $699 bundle that includes 4 games and accessories that you may not want?

I was on the fence about getting an XB360, and caved in today thinking I'd get one tonite, but fuck this. I am not going to drive around looking for stores to buy the damn thing at and stand in line for hours, only to be able to buy bundles I don't want.

Microsoft clearly fucked up launch availability if stores have so few units that they feel they'll maximize profit by selling only super expensive bundles.

I'm waiting till spring'06 now.

[Qroach]

What's with you the past six months? It like all reason has gone out the windows in your posts... Calm down and breath easy. Sheesh.

You already know stores are full of pre orders and those that are (Like some EB's are only selling bundles becuase they make more money off teh games than they do the console). Bundles are NOT created by MS, they are created by the store chain! There's lots of other stores you can buy it at "like walmart" that won't force anyone to buy a bundle. It's those shitty stores like EB that do that kind of crap.

Well the fact you decided the day before release to go and get the console, and the fact it's in high demand on launch day probably meant you were waiting until 2006 anyway.

[Eleazar]

I wont go into specifics, but I remember other launches that were quite as chaotic as this. However, you won't see me commending such companies for these actions. If what you say is true, I would think it very ridiculous. Most likely the Best Buy in question is taking advantage of the scarcity of the xbox360. This is how a free market economy works. If people are willing to buy at that price then, Best Buy will do it again and again. If supply is limited and demand for a product is high (what we would call an inelastic demand); then selling at a higher price, though oppurtunistic, is warranted. I bet you they sell every single one of those 70 machines. The reason they do this is because they are graded on revenue. I used to work at a Best Buy and GMs who came up with such ideas were applauded highly. I personally don't see anything wrong with this, as long as it does not break any agreements with Microsoft or Best Buy. Though some might see it as very unfair, business is business.

[PC-Engine]

For a guy that owns highend equipment, I find it strange he goes to only BB for his gaming needs...

Last time I checked there were at least 10 other chains that carry Xbox 360 products...

[kyleb]

Is demand really high? Seems like the supply is where the trouble is.

[scooby_dooby]

Is demand really high? Seems like the supply is where the trouble is.

Good point, with stores only getting 50 each or so supply is definetaly the major problem.

On the other hand, I'm reading about line-ups in NYC that are like 200people long earlier today, for launch tomorrow!

[Tap In]

supply may be on the low side but from what I'm reading, demand is definitely on the high side.

it seems less than 1/2 of the people wanting one are not getting one tonight

[AlStrong]

well, I know I can wait... maybe even until they bring out a smaller revision of the hardware. :P

[Qroach]

MS is going to have about 750 untis in north america. That's a lot for launch. So yeah I'd say demand is high. certainly I don't recall any single stores getting 70 xbox 1 systems in at launch.

[Tap In]

a friend here in PHX metro area just called 6 Wal-Marts and all had lines around the store with 2-3 times the number of people than actual units to sell.

[Xenus]

I hope you meant 750,000.

[DemoCoder]

For a guy that owns highend equipment, I find it strange he goes to only BB for his gaming needs...

Last time I checked there were at least 10 other chains that carry Xbox 360 products...

I'm not going to drive an hour to get an XB360, I am going to go to the closest stores. The closest stores to me are: BB, Walmart, EB, Gamestop, Target, Circuit City and Frys.

BBs are all selling $699 bundles only.
Walmart is only doing lottery (no guarantee to get one, even if you are first in line)
EB and Gamestop sold out.
Frys, unknown.
Target and Circuit City only getting < 20 units.

As for why I didn't preorder this thing months ago, I *tried* But it appears that if you didn't preorder as far back as May of this year, you're SOL. I even asked on this board a few months ago where to pre-order.

Excuse me for expecting reasonable availability on launch.

In past launches, they had low availability, but the way to get one was reasonably straightforward (stand in line). This time around, apparently standing in line isn't guaranteed to net you a core or premium bundle.

[Powderkeg]

Is demand really high? Seems like the supply is where the trouble is.


http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/02.jpg
http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/01.jpg
http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/03.jpg
http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/04.jpg

Does that answer your question?

[DemoCoder]

MS is going to have about 750 untis in north america. That's a lot for launch. So yeah I'd say demand is high. certainly I don't recall any single stores getting 70 xbox 1 systems in at launch.

The Target that I bought my XBox1 at on launch had around 50. But they didn't require you to buy some insane $700 bundle to get it either.

[Master-Mold]

Looks like I am waiting, not by choice.

I went to 11 stores and all of them have lines that exceed the number of systems.:???:

3 Meijers, 2 Wal-Marts, 2 Best Buys, 2 Super Kmart, and 2 Circuit City. My only hope now is Comp USA tomorrow morning and I plan to arrive at like 5AM. Other than that I am screwed.:cry:

[Qroach]

750k yeah...

well and EB near my place has far over 70 pre orders.

[TrungGap]

Does anyone know if Costco will have it on sale at their stores? Their online bundle (which btw is the best deal) was pulled from their website.

[Qroach]

http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/02.jpg

...and not a female or girlfriend in sight...

[randycat99]

http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/01.jpg
http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/03.jpg
http://ericlovespugs.com/home/pictures/04.jpg

Does that answer your question?

These are pix of the new "Jump-in" ad campaign, eh? :p

...or alternately, "They took-er jobs!!!" (a South Park reference)

[Dave Baumann]

Nor any PSP's.

[Master-Mold]

I had no idea Best Buy was selling only a $699 bundle.:shock:

Were they going outside and telling everyone camping that was the only price? If I slept there overnight then was forced to spend $699 instead of $299-$399 I would be very pissed.

[Brimstone]

Microsoft clearly fucked up launch availability if stores have so few units that they feel they'll maximize profit by selling only super expensive bundles.

I'm waiting till spring'06 now.


You could buy the bundle and then a week later exhange the unopened games for something else I bet. DVD's, computer games, or whatever they won't care. Hell they'd probably give you a cash refund for them.

[seismologist]

I find it hard to believe that many people are lining up for a $699 bundle.

[AlphaWolf]

I find it hard to believe that many people are lining up for a $699 bundle.

People are willing to pay more than that just for premium bundles on ebay so they don't have to stand in line.

[Eleazar]

If I remember correclty I said scarcity. This in itself means a restricted supply. So yes I agree supply is a problem. In fact just by reading my whole post you see that I believe this to be the case. So, I guess I don't understand where you were trying to go with that statement.

[DemoCoder]

Are you responding to me? I am total capitalist and I see nothing wrong or illegal about what BB is doing. That still doesn't mean I can't bitch about it. Ditto for Walmart's lottery system.

There's a difference between something that is illegal or immoral, and something that is just downright annoying.

[Carl B]

Nor any PSP's.

Dave are you officially on the MS bandwagon now? What's going on here? ;)

[BlueTsunami]

Dave are you officially on the MS bandwagon now? What's going on here? ;)

I noticed that to..I was like

;_;

Note: I've got a PSP :shock:

[patsu]

Ah... yes. The bundles.

The USD999 one has a gaming chair in the bundle.

I pointed at the sign (near the door) and laughed very loudly. Bought Socom for PSP and left.

Another friend bought 3 from CircuitCity to eBay. He won't be keeping any.

[Eleazar]

Is demand really high? Seems like the supply is where the trouble is.
Sorry for not being clear, I was replying to this post.

[kyleb]

...Does that answer your question?
What is the population around that store? I saw lines that long for Halo 2 here in a town of under 100k.

[kyleb]

Sorry for not being clear, I was replying to this post.
Ah, heh, confusion all around. My question was directed to Qroach who claimed high demand.

[Joe DeFuria]

For my next impression...DemoCoder:

Wwwaaaaaahhhhh!

;)

[seismologist]

I just swung by the Best Buy in San Jose and sure enough there were about 10 people sitting out there waiting fo their $699 bundle. hahaha only 5 more hours to go...

[darkblu]

so what will all those people sitting in alleys, store parking lots, etc gonna play once they get the toy? not even a halo yet. does anybody know what titles are expected by the end of the year/start of next? cause i can see lots of dust on brand new xboxen sitting under tv sets. some damn pricey dust, bought at a premium ; )

[AlphaWolf]

so what will all those people sitting in alleys, store parking lots, etc gonna play once they get the toy? not even a halo yet. does anybody know what titles are expected by the end of the year/start of next? cause i can see lots of dust on brand new xboxen sitting under tv set. damn pricey dust, bought at a premium ; )

Do we really need this kind of trolling here?

[DemoCoder]

Dave are you officially on the MS bandwagon now? What's going on here? ;)

I think it's the ATI bandwagon. :)

[Carl B]

I think it's the ATI bandwagon. :)

Well that I already knew. :)

[darkblu]

Do we really need this kind of trolling here?

ignore the trolling, just try answering the hidden question:

'what titles are scheduled following the launch window?'

[blakjedi]

Try sams clubs and bj's if they are out there. A bud of mine said most folks dont know that they are selling em and they have quite a few in stock nationwide.

[PARANOiA]

ignore the trolling, just try answering the hidden question:

'what titles are scheduled following the launch window?'

How about not trolling in the first place, and make life better for everyone.

To the questions, I'm certain purchasers who take home PGR3, PD0, COD2 and Kameo will be busy for the next few months. That's more games than I'll be playing over the next few months, that's for sure. Sure they're not all "best games ever made", but they're damn good games, new system or otherwise.

[darkblu]

How about not trolling in the first place, and make life better for everyone.

To the questions, I'm certain purchasers who take home PGR3, PD0, COD2 and Kameo will be busy for the next few months. That's more games than I'll be playing over the next few months, that's for sure. Sure they're not all "best games ever made", but they're damn good games, new system or otherwise.

thanks for "answering" the question. anybody else?

[Powderkeg]

What is the population around that store? I saw lines that long for Halo 2 here in a town of under 100k.


It's in Seattle.

[Powderkeg]

thanks for "answering" the question. anybody else?

Condemned and King Kong are also looking like very solid titles. Condemned is averaging mid 8's and Kong is in the high 8's to low 9's.

[darkblu]

Condemned and King Kong are also looking like very solid titles. Condemned is averaging mid 8's and Kong is in the high 8's to low 9's.

thanks. i myself can add to those full auto, IIRC it should be scheduled for spring.

[rabidrabbit]

It's in Seattle.
Seattle? Did MS assign some of their workers to wait in line? ;)

[Powderkeg]

Seattle? Did MS assign some of their workers to wait in line? ;)


Don't know. But Bill Gates is showing up and they've got the largest allotment in the country.

That said, I've got to go hook my 360 premium up. :twisted:

[SugarCoat]

wish i had one, the ebay frenzy began, they're selling for twice the MSRP at least.

[scooby_dooby]

thanks for "answering" the question. anybody else?

Splinter Cell 4, Fight Night 3, DOA4, Chrome Hounds, Ninety Nine Nights, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Too Human, Lost Odyssey, Oblivion, Fable 2, Enchant Arm, Jade Empire 2 for starters...

All expected in 2005/2006, some will probably slip to 07.

[Mythos]

Seattle? Did MS assign some of their workers to wait in line? ;)

Kinda makes one wonder if some of the demand (hype) is manufactured and of those toughn it out gamers will get the shaft while X360 are being given away.

[rabidrabbit]

Splinter Cell 4, Fight Night 3, DOA4, Chrome Hounds, Ninety Nine Nights, Gears of War, Mass Effect, Too Human, Lost Odyssey, Oblivion, Fable 2, Enchant Arm, Jade Empire 2 for starters...

All expected in 2005/2006, some will probably slip to 07.
Hmmm.. it seems from that list that just because it's announced for a "next gen" console, it must be a great game.
For example 99 Nights, were it not for a new exciting console I think it would get at best mediocre reception according to what has been shown.
Most of the announced games are still very unknown quality, one could always say GOW, Lost Odyssey etc.. are sure to be good games because of the names behind them, but many of them might turn up not to be such titles a console is bought for and remembered by ("killer-apps")

[Bill]

I live in a dinky town and about 80 people lined up at Wal Mart for midnight.

at 1 AM I saw a good line already at Best Buy for 9 AM.

There was nothing like this for Xbox1.

I guess some people just dont want to admit a microsoft console is so highly in demand.

But trust me, any report from the field will tell you, demand is crazy high. It's ridiculous.

By the way, the Wal Mart was said to have 46.

I wanted to drive by the Best Buy line pointing at my 360 and laughing. Or perhaps better, offering it to highest bidder.

I bet youd get 700, easy, for the core.

I've seen a lot of system launches, and nothing approaching this.

I usually waltz into toys R Us at 10 AM and get one, no fuss whatsoever. Xbox1, Dreamcast, n64, etc. No way that's working this time. Everybody knows what every store has, seems like. I heard people in line talking to their buddy on the cell phone camping this store or that, exactly how many of each kind each store were getting, etc etc. I still did great though, only waiting from 9:30 pm at wally world. I'm just good at these system launches. Forget Gamestop pre-orders. What a scam.

One thing about Xbox1, there was also Gamecube around that time, that in effect delivered twice the supply. X360 is the only game in town.

[Platon]

Hmmm.. it seems from that list that just because it's announced for a "next gen" console, it must be a great game.
For example 99 Nights, were it not for a new exciting console I think it would get at best mediocre reception according to what has been shown.
Most of the announced games are still very unknown quality, one could always say GOW, Lost Odyssey etc.. are sure to be good games because of the names behind them, but many of them might turn up not to be such titles a console is bought for and remembered by ("killer-apps")

Well, technicaly, until the game is out and playable, it is really difficult to say if is good or not. There are several games with great potential, wether that will be realised or not is another question, who knows maybe even MGS4 could suck...

[Martin Eddy]

Us poor Aussies have got to wait until the 2nd of March next Year.
The Core System will have a RRP of $499.
The Premium System will have a RRP of $649.
Announced here. (http://forums.xbox.com/527901/ShowPost.aspx)

[aaronspink]

The Target that I bought my XBox1 at on launch had around 50. But they didn't require you to buy some insane $700 bundle to get it either.

Blame Sony. No seriously. A lot of the bundle stuff started with the PS2. Then Sony decided to get in on the action and institutionalized it with the PSP.

If you are thinking that the PS3 launch will be different, I'm afraid you are mistaken.

Aaron Spink
speaking for myself inc.

[rabidrabbit]

huh? At least here when the PS2 launched there weren't any bundles available, only the console, if you wanted to buy a game, controller, memory card... you just biught them separately.
It wasn't until next christmas after launch I think bundles started appearing in game shelves, those with some game already included in the PS2 box, and also advertised as "GT3 bundle" or something.
Same for PSP, only "bundle" that was sold was the "Value Pack"
Also xbox and GC were initially sold as just the console, no bundles.
But now the xbox360 seems to have 5 or so different bundles to choose. At least here the bundling wasn't widely introduced at launch until xbox360.
But that must be because we're communists.

[Bill]

I first remember the bundles with Xbox1.

At least becoming mainstream.

[rabidrabbit]

But seriously, you have to blame Sony.

[london-boy]

Super expensive X360 bundles!!!1

Blame Sony.


:lol:



Global warming!!!111 BLAME SONY!

Terrorism!!!!!1111111 BLAME SONY!!!!111one

[Powderkeg]

I first remember the bundles with Xbox1.

At least becoming mainstream.


Atari 2600

Bundled with a second controller and 2 games.

[london-boy]

No one forced me to buy a bundle with my PS2. So no, you can't blame Sony any more than you can blame Tesco's for trying to cash in on huge bundles and £20 DVD players with 6 DVDs included.

[Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.]

So what's my problem?

You're allowing the marketing people to whip you up into a frenzy.


It's bad enough that the XB360 is lacking killer "must buy me" launch titles, but now there's a shortage, and even if you stand in line for 3 hours before open, you can ONLY buy a $699 bundle that includes 4 games and accessories that you may not want?

Like you say, if there's no titles that you want, you're not going to have anything to play on your console have you? I know you want one now, but stop and take a deep breath.

[valioso]

No one forced me to buy a bundle with my PS2. So no, you can't blame Sony any more than you can blame Tesco's for trying to cash in on huge bundles and £20 DVD players with 6 DVDs included.

no one forced me to buy a x360 bundle either. And I did not buy a bundle. I pre-ordered the system alone.. and then added stuff closer to launch, but I was not required to by the store.

[DemoCoder]

Like you say, if there's no titles that you want, you're not going to have anything to play on your console have you? I know you want one now, but stop and take a deep breath.

There was one game I was interested in, PGR3. I would have played that, and rented the rest on GameFly until GoW comes out. I have a right to complain about irritating store policies, especially as I didn't see it mentioned anywhere here, and there are some people who may have gone to the local BB without checking their policy and been in for a rude surprise.

It's the people here who take any criticism related to XB360 as an attack on a favorite console and need to leap to the defense. They're too touchy about MS vs Sony. Me, I'm just someone who's irritated at getting up early, driving through shitty traffic, in cold weather, all for nought.

[#1gamer]

Atari 2600

Bundled with a second controller and 2 games.

The old game units were always sold as "bundles" with at least one game and usually 2 controllers. It has only been with the PS1 and up that consoles have been pretty much only available with zero games and only one controller included as a standard package. I remember when i first got a NES, you got 2 controllers, the light gun, and mario bros 1 and duck hunt. Nowadays you have to pay extra if you want to get anything else.

-#1Gamer
GameAlmanac.com

[#1gamer]

Oh, and one other things about old game units compared to new game units. My NES still works, my XBox doesnt anymore. Granted with the NES you have to blow into the cartridge and push it in a few times. But it works. All I get from my XBox is: Unable to Read Disk.

-#1Gamer

[PARANOiA]

Oh, and one other things about old game units compared to new game units. My NES still works, my XBox doesnt anymore. Granted with the NES you have to blow into the cartridge and push it in a few times. But it works. All I get from my XBox is: Unable to Read Disk.

-#1Gamer

Every system I've had with an optical drive died after a few years. The exception is my DC, but that struggles, and often have to load and reload a game a few times before a successful start.

Back to cartridges!

[#1gamer]

Every system I've had with an optical drive died after a few years. The exception is my DC, but that struggles, and often have to load and reload a game a few times before a successful start.

Back to cartridges!

HAHA. Or something that lasts a little longer. Although I guess with new systems coming out every few years, its not a big deal. My PS2 stopped reading disk when it stood vertical after only a year, so I had to buy a new shelf, after the custom one I built for the vertical unit no longer worked. And now my XBox has been acting up for some time now. Guess thats what I get for buying units when they first launch. Good thing I didnt get a 360 today :wink:

-#1Gamer
GameAlmanac.com

[Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.]

It's the people here who take any criticism related to XB360 as an attack on a favorite console and need to leap to the defense. They're too touchy about MS vs Sony. Me, I'm just someone who's irritated at getting up early, driving through shitty traffic, in cold weather, all for nought.

Well if you can wait for a short time after launch day, you'll probably be able to get what you want, where you want, maybe even cheaper once stores start competing on price. All the stuff going on now is just marketing hype and frenzy, and that's why stores are getting away with the policies you're complaining about.

[standing ovation]

What Best Buy is doing sounds a lot like price gouging, which is not the most ethical (or legal) way of conducting business outside of the oil industry. :mrgreen:

[hey69]

http://cgi.benl.ebay.be/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8235869333&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

US $610,00 , 6hours to go

premium x360
+


Used items:

GameBoy Micro
*One silver Nintendo GameBoy Micro handheld game console. (Mint condition. It includes it's original box and all of it's originally packaging. I purchased it on 10/04/2005 from GameStop and I will include the original receipt.)
*One copy of Zelda: Link to the Past. Just the cart, no box or manual.

Nintendo GameCube
*One black Nintendo GameCube console, the Metroid Prime bundle version. It includes Metroid Prime game with Metroid Prime 2 demo, two controllers, and one memory card. It also includes all of it's original packaging and cables.
*Game: Super Smash Bros. Melee. (no game manual)
*Game: Resident Evil 4. (mint condition)
*Game: Ikaruga (mint condition, excellent shooter!)
*Game: Nascar Thunder 2003
*GameCube Monster Cable(S-Video)
***I would also like to note this is a DOL-001 model GameCube. Unlike the DOL-101 model of GameCube manufactured after May, 2004, this version of GameCube has a Digital A/V Output port. This means if you purchase an official GameCube Component cable from Nintendo.com, you can play your games in 480p(progressive scan) mode.***

Nintendo DS
*One electric blue Nintendo DS handheld game console. (It includes it's original box and all of it's original packaging. I purchased it on 6/29/2005 from GameStop and I will include it's original receipt.)
*Game: Meteos (mint condition)
*Game: Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow (mint condition)

thats still a good deal (as long it doesnt top to 900$ :) )

[Edge]

Blame Sony. No seriously. A lot of the bundle stuff started with the PS2. Then Sony decided to get in on the action and institutionalized it with the PSP.

Had a good laugh when I read that. I knew it! Sony is responsible for all the evil on this planet.

[Tap In]

rumor has it, new shipments of X360s will hit stores on Friday

[DemoCoder]

I checked two Best Buys today in San Jose area. They claimed next shipments are arriving Dec 18, but that I should check back often to see if it might arrive sooner.

HOWEVER.

I was told once again, they won't be selling ANY Core/Premium systems. You will ONLY be able to buy their $699 bundle.

At this point, I'm never going to bother with Best Buy again.

[jpr27]

Thankfully I preordered mine but I did wait in line with a friend for the chance to get a second to sell off. Democ is right on too. My local best buy was advertising the $299 core and $399 premium package in the paper. I called to confirm the number they had and they went on to tell me that the cheapest package they had was $699 core bundle and $799 premium package. I asked him about the advertising in the paper and he stated we received less then expected so we wanted make sure the few people who received them received the best possible gaming experience. LOL I told him I thought it was false advertising (noting there was no prices subject to change clause in the ad) but he told me it was within their rights. "shrugs" I'm sure many people were not very happy when they heard the news.

I did go to another BB on the otherside of town and did receive the Premium package as advertised. I'm not sure how some BB got away with this "IMO false" advertising and its strange that all BB in my area did different pricing regardless to their advertising. (least in my area) I would like to know how legal it is about the advertising issue though. Anyone know?

P.S. More then happy with the 360 in the end :)

[ANova]

http://www.neowin.net/forum/index.php?showtopic=402021

[Bouncing Zabaglione Bros.]

I did go to another BB on the otherside of town and did receive the Premium package as advertised. I'm not sure how some BB got away with this "IMO false" advertising and its strange that all BB in my area did different pricing regardless to their advertising. (least in my area) I would like to know how legal it is about the advertising issue though. Anyone know?


It might be illegal if you count it as "bait and switch". They advertise something at a low price to get you into the store, and then tell you "we don't have any of those, but you can buy something similar that costs you more".