Video Game stores vs. Walmart

[NYSafetyBlitz]

Well I have a question for everyone do you think the availablity of the X-Box 360 will be greater at stores like Walmart, BestBuy etc? I ask this because I have noticed that viedo game stores really get limited supplies of consoles vs stores like Walmart. I remember being in line at midnight when Halo2 came out only to have guys come from Walmart with the game that a line of 100+ had to wait at least and hour for(EB games did there take a number bs). Not to mention how the PSP launch went. I ask this because though I'm on the list at EB my brother wants one as well and the video game stores my way are saying that they won't be getting more than 20 per store and that list was filled the day after the MTV unveiling. A little help please.

[Lintyfresh85]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

I've been thinking about this lately as well. I've found places like Toys R Us and kbtoys usually have more in stock than your video game stores because no one checks these places. Wal Mart would be good but who knows the supplies they would get. Best Buy might have some but people usually try those stores as well.

[Acid]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

The EB closest to me is pretty good about having copies of new games. I'm not too sure about consoles though, since it was built AFTER the Xbox and PS2 had come out.

I'm thinking about ordering NCAA and Madden 06 online and just getting in-store pickup, since it is basically overnight shipping but without the extra $10.

[RubenDouglas]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

just look at the PSP. walmarts had them for weeks and months after release with no sellouts.

i think you should be ok in regards to getting one on release day... better yet go there at 12am on release morning and get it.

[EViL2uCe]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

I was told EB games is only allowed a certain amount of new consoles per branch, thats why they have 1st day reserve list, and they 2nd shipment. I got the first Xbox from Best Buy, who from what i saw had literally HUNDREDS behind the counter. So I am guessing they are allowed to carry more? EB Games only gets about 50 per store first day, depending on the area of the store.

[NYJets]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

When the PS2 came out around here, unless you preordered, or waited in line at 6 in the morning, you weren't getting one for months from anywhere, including walmart, best buy, toys r us, etc.

Don't know if it's the same thing for consoles that don't have a big shortage though.

[PDex]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

The Best Buy near me had a huge supply of Xbox's on its release. They said they had roughly 30 extra after day 1 of its release. That being said, Xbox has a lot more momentum this release and production may not go as well...

[kodiak]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

While it does not affect the 360 launch, the merger between GS and EB will give them the same buying power as Wal-Mart. That will be more than Best Buy and other box stores. As for the 360 itself. You can bet your *** that even the box stores will be in short supply if things go the MS is talking right now. Two things to remember about this. 1) The original Xbox was not as well recieved as the 360. 2)This will be the first next gen system so the demand will be there. I also know that GS was cutting off their guranteed at launch reserves for it by the end of buisness tonight.

[CWood2]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

When the PS2 came out around here, unless you preordered, or waited in line at 6 in the morning, you weren't getting one for months from anywhere, including walmart, best buy, toys r us, etc.

Don't know if it's the same thing for consoles that don't have a big shortage though.

Same here just above where you are, and this was months after the launch even. I'm going to preorder PS3 probably at an EB because I trust them, but I'll be sure to be one of the first 10 people to do so. You have to go through too many goons at a Walmart that don't really know about release dates or shipments IMO. Maybe that's more with games since the next gen consoles are so big, but it's just how I've done things in the past.

[goh]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

The only videogame store here doesn't sell systems new so Walmart is the only option.

[Tha Dynasty]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

Goto places like Wal Mart, Target and those "sell everything" store. Eb, Gamestop and Bestbuys that specialize in those kind of stuff usually sell out. For some reason nobody thinks of going to Target and Walmart where there is never any line for any product. I guess most casual gamers (like moms buying it for their kids) dont know they sell it at those stores. Dont even bother with EB or Gamestop.

[NYSafetyBlitz]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

Thanks for the help everybody and I'll go the Wal-mart/ Sell everything route hell I might even just take my pre-order and switch it to Grand theft auto or Rainbow Six Lockdown

[kodiak]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

Thanks for the help everybody and I'll go the Wal-mart/ Sell everything route hell I might even just take my pre-order and switch it to Grand theft auto or Rainbow Six Lockdown

If you already have it preordered why would you cancel it? Guranteed to get one on launce versus maybe finding one at Target or K-Mart? I dont get your philosophy behind it

[NYSafetyBlitz]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

Never said I would just said I might and honestly it's still early (ie. no confirmed price or release date) so no need to question my philosophy.

[Tha Dynasty]

Re: Video Game stores vs. Walmart

Im pretty confident that the 360 will not sell out at Target/Walmart.