Retail chain GameStop has confirmed to news outlet GameSpot that, despite playing it cool with PlayStation 3 pre-orders (approximately 8-12 units promised per store), the retail chain cannot fulfill all the initial preorders after receiving a launch allocation number from Sony. That's right, folks: even though you've already given the store $100 to reserve the system, you may not get one at launch.GameStop has done the smart move of asking its employees to wait on their purchases until the second shipment. A representative who spoke to GameSpot is "anticipating having systems to cover reservations before Christmas." Those who have a preorder through GameStop should be contacted by phone and given a status update. The unfortunate souls who have a PS3 preorder but will not receive one at launch will be given a free used game or DVD valued less than $20 ... whenever they finally get their PS3.
After having promised $100 to the company, it's unlikely most customers will be willing to spend $600 elsewhere -- or wait in line, for that matter, when they already did so a month prior. It's too soon to tell who's fault this is, the retail outlet or Sony itself. We'll know soon enough just how many units will be sold on launch day.
What happens to those who put their PS3 on eBay and now get it delayed? Will they be faulted for GameStop's actions?
See Also:
Japan to get fewer PS3 launch units due to part problems
Math fun with the PS3 and GameStop (PS3 Fanboy)
[Thanks, DawgOnU and everyone who tipped us off!]
(Page 1) Reader Comments
::hopes that i ahve my lucky number 6 ps3 reserve fulfilled::
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raise your hand if you saw this coming a mile away
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Condolances to those who camped out to get a PS3 preorder
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I jsut called my local GameStop. They said tomorrow to call back and ask for the manager, that they're aware of the issue and the manager should be able to provide me some definitive answers tomorrow afternoon. We'll see. I better not have camped out for nothing.
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If you pre-ordered a PlayStation 3 in-store, you will be contacted by Wednesday evening, regarding launch availability.
from ebgames website, this basically means they are'nt preordering online which im sure pisses EB off because they dont get all that rediculous bundle cash. Sony is not making any friends.
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But this isn't news to me. We all knew it was coming. I expected it way before 4 days until launch.
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Those people who are 8+ on the list, now have to go camping again... esp. if they have eBay preorders to fill... aahahahahahahaaa..
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Gamestop does this all the time with game pre-orders as well. But it's all good for Gamestop as they had several thousand dollars making interest for them on the useless PS3 deposits. I'm just amazed consumers put up with it time and time again from them.
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The FAR, FAR better way to do it is by lottery. Whoever wants a shot gets a lottery ticket (hint to sellers: charge $5 for the ticket, there's some arbitrage right there), waits for a drawing, and bam - no violence, no stupidity - just the luck of the draw. So what if a random guy or gal who can't even spell PS3 gets it - at least everyone is equal in this setting.
That said, this crap is funny. Enjoy folks!
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i really really hate that company
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Which is worse, people who arrive at a theatre 3 hours before a show to watch Star Wars III, Titanic, The Da Vinci Code, whatever on opening night or those who camp out for a Wii, 360, PS3?
I'd like to say the latter, but I do know movie go-ers who do this at least x2 a month instead just waiting an extra 2 weekends for the BO to simmer down.
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They didn't even do online pre-orders. IS sony going to announce they aren't shipping 400k units?
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These prereg are still not worthless though, there are not a lot of them and it will still be quicker (unless you dont mind camping and at least there is still a week to do so). This does suck though as most the fun is getting it 1st.
Gamewise other than maybe Resistance I personal cannot justify the cost give it a year or so for a few more titles. I have too much to play on the 360 and Wii and even PS2.
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the numbers did not add up from jump. Gamestop/EB Games were touting what kind of allocations they were going to be getting and between Wal-Mart/Sams's, K-Mart, Target, Circuit City, Best Buy, Toys-R-Us, etc...somehow someway somebody was going to get short changed. Then last week Sony wants to announce they are going to have a launch in Taiwan????
Like I said somebody is getting short changed.....is looks like Gamestop/EB Games....
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The real question should be, is GS the only one getting short changed.
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The most amusing thing is the people I was in line with were obviously not gamers.....they didn't look like they could even afford a PS3 but were getting one to sell....possibly to pay their bills.
ONce again.....I think they should revise the pre-orders in that you have to pay for the CONSOLE entirely up front instead of a deposit. WOuld weed the gamers from the profiteers.
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From the leaks and info posted online, it sounds like a maximum of two employee reserves per store, and they're being "asked" (read: told) to wait for the second shipment to actually pick them up.
Of course, YMMV depending on the store in question, I'd assume.
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