All posts containing the tag: "shortage"
Posted Nov 20th 2006 3:39PM by TMZ Staff
Now that both next gen systems have hit stores, sucking hard-earned cash out of gamer wallets, let's take a look at the very different console launches.
The PS3, with its cell processor and Blu-Ray, was created and marketed for the hardcore gamer. Gamers who flocked to the release of the $600 system were a bit more tenacious than retailers expected; stabbings, shootings, robberies and mini-riots plagued campout lines. Not exactly the welcome Sony expected. Most of those waiting in line were planning to sell the system on eBay for a quick buck; some sold as high as $2500, they're now selling for more reasonable $1200 on the auction site. Still a tidy profit (if you don't mind standing in the rain for three days).
Conversely, the Wii launch was a well-oiled machine. Most who waited in lines were guaranteed a Wii for $250, with chances of bodily harm remaining slim. A virtual love fest. In order to choose console recipients, raffle tickets were handed out to people in line, instead of the lunatic PS3 race for chairs that caused one gamer to receive a dislocated jaw -- the guy hung in there and got a PS3. Seriously dude, that's hardcore.
An unscientific poll of gamers (friends) and non-gamers (the rest of the TMZ staff) has the Wii on top, citing the wireless remote and lower cost as main factors.
Filed under: Celebritoyz
Tags: console, ebay, lines, nintendo, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, riot, riots, roundup, shortage, shoting, sony, stabbing, system, video game, video games, VideoGame, VideoGames, wii
Posted Nov 2nd 2006 6:49PM by TMZ Staff
If you're jonesing for a Wii, you might want to get your act together. Nintendo is urging gamers not to become complacent in their console purchasing plans.
The gaming company is shipping four million consoles to the Americas during the six weeks between Wii's November 19th launch and the end of 2006. Judging by the buzz surrounding the Wii's launch, it might not be enough. If you haven't secured a pre-order of the console by now, you may want to break out the steel-toed boots and helmet for launch day.
Even with warnings about shortages and console related eye-gouging, Nintendo is launching the Wii in style with two official Nintendo launch parties. Toys "R" Us in Manhattan's Times Square will cover the East coast, while GameStop at Universal City Walk in Los Angeles will keep the left coast happy. The events will feature live music, games and special guests from Nintendo. We're hoping it's Mario because we all know what a downer Luigi is at parties.
With gamers salivating over its release, and up to 65 games available for the system before year's end, it looks like it's gonna be a very happy holiday at Nintendo HQ.
Filed under: Celebritoyz
Tags: buzz, games, gamespot, gamestop, nintendo, november 19th, November19th, release, shortage, times square, TimesSquare, toys r us, ToysRUs, universal city walk, UniversalCityWalk, video, wii
Posted Oct 20th 2006 5:41PM by TMZ Staff
If there is anything that can push the PS3 faithful over the edge, it was Thursday's bombshell statement from Sony Corp.
Because of shortages of Blu-ray components, the company may not reach this year's shipment target -- which means it's going to be VERY hard for you to lock down your very own PS3 anytime soon. "The honest answer is, it's more of a target" Jack Tretton co-chairman of Sony Computer Entertainment of America said, speaking about the Playstation 3 shipments. He added "clearly we've had production issues."
What does that mean for those of us who were unable to punch our ways to the front of the recent pre-order lines? Well, it could mean nothing if Sony can somehow miraculously deliver ... or it could mean that our holidays will be a lot less festive this year.
If there was ever a time for a holiday miracle, this is it.
Filed under: Celebritoyz
Tags: blu-ray, delays, holidays, playstation 3, Playstation3, ps3, shipment, shortage, sipment, sony
Posted Oct 10th 2006 3:21PM by TMZ Staff
If you're one of the lucky folks who received the e-mail from GameStop and EB Games stores about the Playstation 3 yesterday, you already know that the pre-order started and ended this morning. For the rest of us it's, it's time to start training for the launch day fist fights.
The launch of the PS3 is sure to be a feeding frenzy due to the shortage of consoles that will be available on the launch date -- a mere 400,000. In fact, EB Gamestop was crystal clear about the risk involved with the pre-order.
"GameStop and EB Games will begin accepting limited pre-orders for the PlayStation 3 console on Tuesday, October 10, on a first come, first served basis. Due to extremely limited supply, we expect to deplete this allocation very quickly, most likely in minutes. We will not accept additional pre-orders at this time. ... As we cannot control production and shipping issues by the manufacturer, a reservation deposit does not guarantee receipt of a system available to purchase at launch."
For the lucky few who camped out all night and risked their jobs for the chance to put down the $100 deposit, we salute you. The rest of us will be peering into your living room window on November 17th.
Filed under: Celebritoyz
Tags: eb games, EbGames, gamestop, playstation 3, Playstation3, pre-order, preorder, ps3, shortage
