Expect console campouts 2.0 this weekend for PS3, Wii

by Blake Snow { Dec 14th 2006 at 1:15PM }

USA Today reports on hard to find PS3s and Wiis as the masses scramble to swoop up last minute Christmas gifts before Santa's super sleigh takes to the sky. From the article: "Retailers are expected to be 'trapping inventory' for shoppers Sunday, says American Technology Research analyst P.J. McNealy. 'That realistically will be the last big shopping day of the year. I expect people to start camping out on Saturday again.'"

Though continued lines have existed throughout the nation for both consoles since launching in November, sounds like the hoarding of stock by retailers could cause a campout repeat. And if some store refuses to tell you how much stock they have and/or the exact time of availability, refuse to tell them how lame they are.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ignatius @ Dec 14th 2006 1:22PM

Kind of ironic, but damn, I'm probably going to camp out again, I'm getting one for a friend for Christmas.

primetime @ Dec 14th 2006 1:35PM

Honestly the PS3 has been a lot easier to find than the 360 was last year for me. I was lucky enough to walk into a store when they had them. Ebay prices would also support this.

> @ Dec 14th 2006 1:29PM

Well, it looks like someone has been posting under my name. This is the last post from me, as you know me.

Whoever you are, '>' is all yours. And, btw, your grammar is terrible.

ViciousVariable @ Dec 14th 2006 1:33PM

ughhhhhh. i am expected to get one for my little bro. This'll go over awesomely.

Killer Dre @ Dec 14th 2006 1:32PM

I am done. I already have all three systems (PS3, Wii and 360). I just want to encourage all of you overnighters out there to be careful. This is the time of year when a lot of thieves come out looking for victims. Don't be crazy enough to have $1000 in cash camping out overnight. This weekend will probably be bigger than the luanch for both of these items. Just wait until Monday to hear all of the stories.

Austin Powers @ Dec 14th 2006 1:42PM

As much as I hate to admit it, I'll most likely be camping outside the same Target I did last time, this time for my nephew. With discounts, all told the Wii was only $207 for me, after taxes.

Fred T @ Dec 14th 2006 1:35PM

Are there official relaunches announcements, or are people expected to line up at random stores and hope they are in stock.

RoroCo @ Dec 14th 2006 1:35PM

Why not just buy one on eBay at this point? You can actually find them cheaper on there than you can buying one new...

Looks like Sony will have to be a spectator this holiday season.

Unimental @ Dec 14th 2006 1:37PM

Charge up them DS batteries, boys... we're goin' Wii huntin' this weekend!

Nick S @ Dec 14th 2006 1:37PM

I'm going to be sane and wait until spring when there is ample supply and lower demand. Hell, maybe I'll be able to score one for less than $250.

Willadelphia @ Dec 14th 2006 1:56PM

With all the PS3's out there in black are they still planning on releasing the silver and white models.

Catma @ Dec 14th 2006 2:09PM

I am so glad I got one on launch day. Deciding now if I want to wait to get another Wii to give as a gift. I like the person but not enough to wait in line again. I guess depending on how many I hear we have at work will dictate actions.

Evan @ Dec 14th 2006 2:05PM

People have been lining up at my local EB Games every morning, and waiting inside the store until the day's delivery arrives, for the off chance that the store receives a shipment of Wiis! I fully expect to see tents in front of stores this weekend.

Meanwhile, they have PS3s in stock. When I asked about the Wii today, the clerk tried to sell me a PS3. Everyone's been lining up for the Wii, and not the PS3.

diskoboy @ Dec 14th 2006 2:26PM

I know for a fact that my local Target is sitting on 4 boxes of Wii's and 6 boxes of controllers sitting behind the electronics counter. I've actually seen them with my own eyes.

All the big box stores are being told to sit on them until Sunday. I can understand why they'd wanna do that with the consoles, but the controllers? Come on....

Terry @ Dec 14th 2006 2:43PM

People would camp for a PS3? I was just at Target and GameStop earlier today looking for Wii controllers, no luck there, but both had multiple PS3 units on shelf waiting for buyers...

thomas_h @ Dec 14th 2006 2:50PM

""6. Why not just buy one on eBay at this point? You can actually find them cheaper on there than you can buying one new...

Looks like Sony will have to be a spectator this holiday season.

Posted at 1:34PM on Dec 14th 2006 by RoroCo 0 stars""

Good luck with finding a Wii for under $400 on eBay.

Nutman @ Dec 14th 2006 3:19PM

Umm I can find one for just over 200 no problem.

DojoRacoon @ Dec 14th 2006 3:09PM

After playing with my Wii my little brother wants to get one of his own. and whoever has been posting as "

Petrie @ Dec 14th 2006 3:14PM

"All the big box stores are being told to sit on them until Sunday. I can understand why they'd wanna do that with the consoles, but the controllers? Come on...."

Never worked retail I presume? For corporations, your Units Per Transaction, or UPT, and Dollars Per Transaction, or DPT, are almost as important as sales themselves. They'd be stupid to not sit on the controllers and other high demad add-on's, because for them, if you come in and but a controller, that hurts both the UPT and DPT. If someone comes in Sunday and there are no controllers, that hurts the UPT as well. Better that they save them so they can sell the system and controller on the same transaction, boosting both the UPT and DPT.

Mal F4cti0n @ Dec 14th 2006 8:43PM

Wow, what is that going to do to the costs of the eBay consoles? If you can go down to the store and not pay $100 or $200 over retail plus shipping, those eBay people looking to make a quick buck are fuct.

ROFL, I hate people, nice to see them taking it up the pooper.

justin @ Dec 14th 2006 4:32PM

anyone have any idea how manny Wiis Toys R Us in Times Square will have?

David @ Dec 14th 2006 7:38PM

My brother just walked out of Best Buy in Peoria, AZ with 2 60GB PS3's

Paul @ Dec 14th 2006 9:45PM

Can somebody please buy me a Wii. I can't find one to save my life. Plus, being a medical student facing finals, I can't go camp out or spend much time looking. I just want one at cost. You'll be helping me and my friends relieve stress by giving a simple, yet interesting diversion during long study sessions!!! I'm totally serious. I'm not looking for a handout, just can't afford a huge markup.