Getting an XBOX 360 without preordering

[PDorr3]

Someone I know online refuses to believe that the XBOX 360 will be sold out if he does not pre-order. He thinks there will be enough to just walk into a store and pick one up on launch, without pre-ordering. I keep telling him that the next generation is truly hyped, and getting a new game system during holiday season will be impossible on launch without preordering. His reasons are that "its microsoft, they will make a ton" and "xbox doesnt have many fans". I need you guys to help me convince him that he will need to preorder in order to get it at launch. Also dont suggest going to best buy and wal mart, he wont stand online for 3+ hours.

[Richter Belmount]

better yet make a bet with him =D

[WiseSalesman]

There's not a chance in hell. It doesn't matter what system he is, if he wants it on launch day, he damn well better pre-order.

Why wouldn't you, anyway? If you know you're going to buy it, it's not like you're losing any money. If anything, it's easier to pay for, as you don't have to have quite as much money all at one time.

[Lothars]

Of course you have a chance,

I bet with the xbox 360 that anyone that wants one will get it

I also think it will be like the PSP where there were still some not sold from launch.

but like any system has a chance of getting them on launch day.

[WiseSalesman]

Of course, there's technically ALWAYS a chance, but I'd say it's low. Portable launches and console launches are much different; different markets. I bet the 360 sells out. I don't think it will be like the PS2, where they didn't even have enough to cover pre-orders, and were shorted for months, but I do think they'll sell out initially.

[Fanboy]

I keep telling him that the next generation is truly hyped, and getting a new game system during holiday season will be impossible on launch without preordering.

I had some friends, who are gamers, over last night and I mentioned that I plan to get "a 360 when it comes out in November". Nobody even knew what I was talking about until I explained it a little further. One guy did know about the new Xbox, but figured it was due next year.

I think the major thrust of MSs marketing thusfar has been internet related, ala "leaks" and "unauthorized images" appearing in the usual places. So while there may be some growing anticipation online (in the usual places) outside of our minority people aren't really as clued in as we may suppose.

I guess my point is, while we may be in the midst of Microsofts marketing bubble, until they start advertising outside of our demographic, I wouldn't place huge bets on a sell out. Remember the PSP - hoarding for the first two weeks until all the ebay buyers realized that the local stores still had shelves full of them.

ps. And, as a reason not to pre-order, why let Gamestop sit on your money, earning them interest, when it could sit in your bank account and accrue interest for you? I've never understood, outside of the premiums you can sometimes get, the love for pre-ordering. It's not like WalMart won't get a million Xboxes for the five that your local EB receives.

[Oobgarm]

Without a preorder, I think your acquaintance will have a bitch of a time of a time getting one. The only avenues to pursue in that case would be large stores like Meijer, Target, etc, i.e. stores that don't deal in electronics or games specifically. Specialty stores are pretty much a no-go. Best Buy will prorably have a line before they open, but there is a chance to get one there on launch day.

That said though, why not drop $50 or whatever on the system so you're GUARANTEED one? Piece of mind is worth the small amount of 'interest' that $50 will make you in the span of a few months. I mean, I don't understand pre-ordering things like Madden or SOCOM since you know they're gonna be everywhere, but something like Xbox360 which has a chance of selling out? If there's an interest in the system, not pre-ordering one is just plain stupid. If you change your mind, you can get your $$ back or put it towards something else.

Not preordering something because you don't like how game stores push preorders on you is fine and dandy, but if you want something badly, just swallow your pride and preorder. It's not the end of the world, and you'll be a happy gamer in the end.

[Muscelli]

Yeah, I think he has a chance without preordering.. He just has to visit places that are not known for their gaming stuff, like Ritz Camera or costco..
If hes planning on getting one at like, EB or something..forget it


I doubt he will be able to get one w/o preordering.. My friend who works at GS says he has 200 some preorders..

[s1lence]

I think there is a chance, as I've always gotten a new system on launch day with out preordering. Granted that was me waiting in line for 5+ hrs to do it, but it is possible. I pre-ordered the 360 though, I think there is going to be alot of demmand for the system and I don't have the time to wait in line.

[swlovinist]

I think that he will have a good chance. Having to pre order things as of that past year are completely blown out of context. I remember hearing that for both Halo 2 and the PSP. "If you dont pre order it, you will be waiting!"
LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL

While I do believe that console systems are different, I bet you that he will be able to find one on launch, espically the core system :D

[buttasuperb]

I got a Dreamcast no problem on launch day at Best Buy.

I might try to do the same with the X360. If they're sold out, oh well, I can wait.

[Jumpman Jr.]

I'm pretty sure Microsoft will suply more 360's than were pre-ordered. I think they know that the more people who aren't able buy one at launch means the less people who have one, which means less games are being baught.

[njiska]

There is always a chance that he can find one on release day if he's there in the first 10 mins or so. This system is selling well already and since MS is planning a worldwide launch chances are that stock will gone MUCH faster then usual. For the people who say the xbox doesn't have many fans i suggest you look at the facts. MS is number 2 in the COnsole market and they're still selling a lot of xbox's. MS has fans and many will be buying the xbox at launch.

Be safe and pre-order. If you want it anyways why not just shell out some cash now?

[Dobie]

For what its worth, my local EB isn't even taking any more preorders--they've already pre-sold their first shipment. My guess is that they will be hard to find. If he wants a "bonus," for pre-ordering, how about the remote that comes in the premium bundle? As I understand, that is only included in the first shipment of consoles.

[davepesc]

I don't think he'll have too much trouble. Hell, I've never preordered anything and I got Genny/PS1/PS2 near launch just by walking into my local place of business and picking one up.

Unless there's some massive shortage, they are always out there.

[Ikari Warrior]

I don't think it will be anything like the PS2 launch, which was sold out for over a month and a half, and where you had to buy huge bundles to get one before Thanksgiving.

Everyone thought the PSP was going to be gone at launch but there were plenty to go around.

MS wants this to be a mainstream item that will be adopted by the casual/non-gaming masses. They wouldn't deprive the very market they are aiming for by coming up short and not having systems on the shelves.

But it will be a hot item at both price points, and preordering is always the best option.

[hezeuschrist]

The $400 system will probably be just about as hard to find at launch as the PSP. You certainly won't be able to walk into Gamestop or EB and snag one, but you'll likely be able to saunter over to Target or Meijer in the middle of the day and pick one up.

[pacmanhat]

I don't think it'll take a lot of luck at all. Between the high price point(s), the mass of people waiting for the PS3, and the numerous OTHER things that are gonna be 'must haves' this holiday, it'll be tough to get but not impossible.