PS3 Launch Thread

[Hetz]

The people that are really going to be pissed are the ones that sold their preorders on EBay!   Ooops.

Actually I think it will be the people who bought the preorders on Ebay.  The preorder is still valid if you don't get the PS3 until late December right?  So people paid all that money to wait a couple weeks anyway.

My heart bleeds. 

Actually, many of the preorder auctions said that if they didn't have the systems by Thanksgiving they would give a 100% refund.   

Either way I think it is funny.

I agree, it is pretty funny.

Anyway, just got a call from EB and they said I could pick up Genji and Resistance tomorrow! 

[Fellow]

Heh, on that same note, Amazon will NOT be taking any on-line pre-orders either.

[Devil]

OK - So who's helping their old friend Devil out by hooking him up with one of them PS3 machines?

I'll even spring for shipping!

 

[Sarkus]

From Gamestop article:

GameStop will give those unfortunate customers (as well as unfortunate employees) a free used game or DVD valued at $19.99 or less when they eventually wind up purchasing the system.

They're giving the screwed over customers a USED game? Just give customers a $10 or $20 coupon to use as they see fit. That's like a department store offerring disgruntled customers returned underwear. Gamestop has no class whatsoever.

That...is a perfect analogy. I love it!

Apparently Sony can't hit the 400k initial allotment that they promised the US (just like they couldn't hit the 100k allotment in Japan). They're just not telling anybody.

What it confirms to me is that the rumors last fall that GS/EB were getting screwed on 360's because MS doesn't really want to support their used game model is probably true of Sony as well.  After everything that happened last year you can be sure that GS/EB limited pre-orders to the most conservative estimate they had and they still didn't get what they pre-ordered.  I'm telling you, the big boys have declared war on GS/EB.  It was one thing when they were two seperate companies, each with about 10-15% of the US market but now that combined they are 25% and in WalMart territory the fact that they are getting screwed again on a tight launch speaks volumes. There's a reason that BB got preferential treatment on the 360 launch and my guess is that it had something to do with them quietly deciding not to enter the used game market.

[Kevin Grey]

From Gamestop article:

GameStop will give those unfortunate customers (as well as unfortunate employees) a free used game or DVD valued at $19.99 or less when they eventually wind up purchasing the system.

They're giving the screwed over customers a USED game? Just give customers a $10 or $20 coupon to use as they see fit. That's like a department store offerring disgruntled customers returned underwear. Gamestop has no class whatsoever.

That...is a perfect analogy. I love it!

Apparently Sony can't hit the 400k initial allotment that they promised the US (just like they couldn't hit the 100k allotment in Japan). They're just not telling anybody.

What it confirms to me is that the rumors last fall that GS/EB were getting screwed on 360's because MS doesn't really want to support their used game model is probably true of Sony as well.  After everything that happened last year you can be sure that GS/EB limited pre-orders to the most conservative estimate they had and they still didn't get what they pre-ordered.  I'm telling you, the big boys have declared war on GS/EB.  It was one thing when they were two seperate companies, each with about 10-15% of the US market but now that combined they are 25% and in WalMart territory the fact that they are getting screwed again on a tight launch speaks volumes. There's a reason that BB got preferential treatment on the 360 launch and my guess is that it had something to do with them quietly deciding not to enter the used game market.

Heh, I saw that TRU has come out and said "Don't worry if you preordered with us, you're still guaranteed to get one launch day!"

[Hetz]

EB/Gamestop update:

http://ps3.gamespy.com/articles/745/745689p1.html

The PlayStation 3 US launch is starting to look even messier than before. We've just been informed by a GameStop representative that they will only be receiving enough PS3 units to fulfill sixty percent of the pre-orders they sold last month. As we reported earlier today, GameStop and its EB Games retail outlets will be receiving fewer PS3s than expected because an undisclosed number of PS3s originally slated to go to the US are being redirected to Japan due to the high demand there.

This means that forty percent of the people who pre-ordered a PS3 from either GameStop or EB Games will be out of luck come November 17. To make matters worse, there are not enough 60GB PS3s to go around for the sixty percent who will receive systems. This means that a number of people will have to settle for the 20GB system instead. There is a bit of good news though: GameStop expects to get more units in by Christmas. Meanwhile, Toys "R" Us has confirmed that it will have enough units to fulfill all of its PS3 pre-orders.

Interesting...

[Hetz]

Wal-Mart will have their bundle up today for preorder....and it's a doozy.

Check it out:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=5303666

Only $1500! 12 games and 2 Blu-Ray movies. 

Of course, it will be sold out in about 20 seconds.

[Misguided]

What it confirms to me is that the rumors last fall that GS/EB were getting screwed on 360's because MS doesn't really want to support their used game model is probably true of Sony as well. 

I don't see how you can make that statement until we know how many the other chains are getting. I heard yesterday (strictly heresay at this point) that a lot of the big box stores were only getting single digit numbers around here. If that turns out to be true, I think this falls more to a lack of units (not all that surprising) than some kind of anti-EB/GS conspiracy.

I applaud the decision to not sell systems online and fill the preorders as quickly as possible, unlike with the 360 launch.

[Hetz]

I applaud the decision to not sell systems online and fill the preorders as quickly as possible, unlike with the 360 launch.

Same here. I really think they listened to the outcry last year when they wouldn't have the in-store preorders, but would sell the $1000 bundles online.

Good for them.

[Devil]

Only $1500! 12 games and 2 Blu-Ray movies. 

Of course, it will be sold out in about 20 seconds

I might actually do this if I get the chance and can return most of the games.

Then again, I suck.

[Hetz]

Only $1500! 12 games and 2 Blu-Ray movies. 

Of course, it will be sold out in about 20 seconds

I might actually do this if I get the chance and can return most of the games.

Then again, I suck.

Actually, I think you can return the games to Wal-Mart. They let you do it last year with the 360 bundle.

[Devil]

Thanks for the info, Hetz - Any idea when they plan on letting this loose?

[Hetz]

Thanks for the info, Hetz - Any idea when they plan on letting this loose?

They did the Wii preorders around Noon Central Time, I believe....so maybe around then?

[Hetz]

Check out the new Playstation site!

http://www.us.playstation.com/PS3

Pretty nice.

[CeeKay]

Front page of CAG has CheapyD vid opening his newly acquired Japanese PS2.  www.cheapassgamer.com

CheapyD sure is on the cutting edge of technology  :slywink:

[Zinfan]

I'm a bit curious if I'll end up with a PS3 even though as I mentioned in another thread I am buying my friends pre-order from GameCrazy where he is #2 on the list.  He won't be able to pick the thing up before 5:30 pm and those idiots in the store actually sold his launch 360 (again he was #2, I was #1 that time and one reason I ended up with his PS3 is that I offered to give him my 360 that day and take his when they got it so his boy wouldn't be disappointed on missing out) before he could get there.  So based on past performance I'm not holding high hopes that the same thing wouldn't happen again, man what I'd give for some competition within 20 miles of that store.  I'll mention to him that I desire the 60 gig model and see what happens.

[gellar]

Yeah so... pretty sure I'm not going to get one before Christmas then.  Bummer.

gellar

[Devil]

Hang in gellar!! We'll find 'em!!!

[Scott]

Hang in gellar!! We'll find 'em!!!

I was going to hit the local homeless shelter and hire a few guys there.  I figure a bottle of half empty vodka, some smokes, and maybe a loaf of bread will get them to hold a space in line for a few days.  If you want, we'll chip in and maybe get 4 - 5 homeless guys.  Any half drunk booze at home?

[Devil]

Drunks - IN!

[happydog]

Well WallMart(online) pre-orders are done. I just missed it too. I was watching the site and and just sat down, saw it was "in stock". When I opened a new window to place the order they were out of stock. Oh well, now I just have to watch two sites instead of three.

[Graham]

I was in a meeting when this happened.  I didn't even have a chance to get one, but what can you do?

[Fellow]

The total for the Walmart order would be (with s/h + tax) around $1600. Now THAT is insane. Of course, score another PS3 somewhere else, and sell it barebones for $2000, and that'll cover that. Damn.

[Ridah]

I love launch insanity, so entertaining 

[happydog]

The total for the Walmart order would be (with s/h + tax) around $1600. Now THAT is insane. Of course, score another PS3 somewhere else, and sell it barebones for $2000, and that'll cover that. Damn.

Return everything but the console and sell that for $2000! Score 

[Hetz]

Only 150-200k for USA now....

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4205&Itemid=2

I think I may need to bring an armed escort when I pick up my PS3.   

[Kevin Grey]

Only 150-200k for USA now....

http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=4205&Itemid=2

I think I may need to bring an armed escort when I pick up my PS3.   

To be fair, that's forecasted not confirmed numbers (though it wouldn't surprise me). 

[Hetz]

PS3 vs XB360, head to head....same track, same car etc...

PS3 Ridge Racer 7:
http://hachikaze.ddo.jp/bbs/up/src/up0078.jpg

XB360 Ridge Racer 6:
http://hachikaze.ddo.jp/bbs/up/src/up0080.jpg

PS3 wins the first round!   

[gellar]

Hang in gellar!! We'll find 'em!!!

I was going to hit the local homeless shelter and hire a few guys there.  I figure a bottle of half empty vodka, some smokes, and maybe a loaf of bread will get them to hold a space in line for a few days.  If you want, we'll chip in and maybe get 4 - 5 homeless guys.  Any half drunk booze at home?

I have a vast collection of booze.  Give me the address and I'll send it off!

gellar

[JCC]

Only 150-200k for USA now....

I don't think the #s will be that grim. I would think if they were really shipping half (or less) of their projected units, then Toys R Us wouldn't have been able to assure people they would honor the preorders. Then again, it is a Sony launch, so I guess we'll see. I would definitely recommend you not have a long way to walk from store to car!

[Calvin]

PS3 vs XB360, head to head....same track, same car etc...

PS3 Ridge Racer 7:
http://hachikaze.ddo.jp/bbs/up/src/up0078.jpg

XB360 Ridge Racer 6:
http://hachikaze.ddo.jp/bbs/up/src/up0080.jpg

PS3 wins the first round!   

Are you kidding?

[Scott]

PS3 wins the first round!

I hope so, as the PS3 version is a year late!

[ATB]

Got official word today that the shipment to my Gamespot is less than expected...by 1. My 1. So looks like I won't be getting one afterall.

Possible back up plan is in the works...

[denoginizer]

PS3 vs XB360, head to head....same track, same car etc...

PS3 Ridge Racer 7:
http://hachikaze.ddo.jp/bbs/up/src/up0078.jpg

XB360 Ridge Racer 6:
http://hachikaze.ddo.jp/bbs/up/src/up0080.jpg

PS3 wins the first round!   

I'm curious why one would not expect Ridge Racer 7 to look better than Ridge Racer 6 ?

Thats like saying CoD 3 on the PS3 looks better then CoD 2 did on the 360.

I'm not saying the PS3 isnt more powerful than the 360.  But that example is rediculous.

[gellar]

Got official word today that the shipment to my Gamespot is less than expected...by 1. My 1. So looks like I won't be getting one afterall.

Possible back up plan is in the works...

Bummer ATB.

gellar

[Devil]

ATB can join us in our quest!

[gellar]

ATB can join us in our quest!

Indeed.  He can send the hookers!

gellar

[Kevin Grey]

Thats like saying CoD 3 on the PS3 looks better then CoD 2 did on the 360.

I'm not saying the PS3 isnt more powerful than the 360.  But that example is rediculous.

I think the comparison is silly and lament that it's gaining traction across most of the sites I visit.  However, the example is being used because:

a) They are identical tracks.  RR7 has many of the same tracks from RR6 along with some new ones.  Unless I missed something, CoD 3 doesn't have the same levels as CoD 2.  Also, CoD 3 is multiplatform.  RR6 and RR7 are technically exlcusives for their respective consoles so presumably each game has been tailored for that specific hardware. 

b) They are from the Japanese launch and I don't believe any of their releases had true multiplatform counterparts from the 360 to compare to.

[Hetz]

Wow....a ton of people are already camping for the system outside of a bunch of Best Buy stores. One store has 21 people outside of it, on a TUESDAY NIGHT!

Insanity.

[Scott]

a) They are identical tracks.  RR7 has many of the same tracks from RR6 along with some new ones.  Unless I missed something, CoD 3 doesn't have the same levels as CoD 2.  Also, CoD 3 is multiplatform.  RR6 and RR7 are technically exlcusives for their respective consoles so presumably each game has been tailored for that specific hardware.

Most of the assets probably had to have been created from scratch for the 360.  The PS3 version of the game probably reused all of the same assets (textures, models, etc).  That would let the PS3 team really focus on the engine, more so then would have happened on the 360.  Ridge Racer has always been a very pro Playstation game, and as such, more resources were probably devoted to the PS3 version.

I'm not at all surprised to see most of the PS3 launch games look better then the 360 launch ones.  So many of them are multiplatform, and developing for both systems at the same time allows for much higher quality art, modelling, etc. that can be applied to both setups.  When the 360 came out, all the teams were really starting the 'next gen' development from ground zero. 

We'll see in a couple years which is more powerful.  I bet though that very few people will be able to tell, at least until 720p TVs really penetrate the market, and even then, will there really big a big difference on any but the very best TVs?