Toys R Us pre-orders begin 10/29, Wii Pre-orders 10/13 at EB/GS are done

[soonersfan60]

I pre-ordered a PS3 this morning and the manager knows me from coming in there quite a bit to pre-order stuff. I asked about Wii pre-orders, and he gives me a smirk and says "maybe I'll see you back here again tomorrow." Anyone else hear anything?

EDIT: Not that we probably need to pre-order, of course. He was saying what we have all read on the Internet--that Nintendo is ahead of schedule and will likely have more than 4 million units before Christmas, but don't expect an early launch.

EDIT2: Updated the title to change date confirmed by theWiire.com

http://www.thewiire.com/news/513/1/G...s_Begin_Oct_13

Thanks cloudeagle ! :)

EDIT3: To consolidate info, sren9 says that Toys R Us is the official launch partner for Wii and will be taking pre-orders 10-29. So if you missed out the first time... Don't Make the Same Mistake Again ! :D (Thanks again, sren9.)

http://www.cheapassgamer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=111554

[BinarySoldier]

I doubt that there will be a drought of Wii systems at launch, but still.. I have to preorder it.... just in case... heck, maybe I'll preorder it at two stores just to be sure I will have it on release day.

I hope preorders for the Wii starts this Friday... I have the day off woo!

[dafunkk12]

I hope it's not this Friday. I've been scheduled for 7am shift, and I doubt they'd let me take my "lunch" right as the store's opening its doors to the shopping public. Crossing my fingers for either tomorrow or maybe next Tuesday. Any day but Friday.

[Sixtail]

Friday really seems like the word going around. I wouldn't put it past em to do it tommarrow. Only thing i'm worried about is that even if there's 30-50 units per store, those can go within a hour as people left sitting around without PS3's go and buy a Wii. Like the PS3 i'm sure we will get "offical" news breaks on all the blogs when Wii preorders open.

[dmaul1114]

Friday really seems like the word going around. I wouldn't put it past em to do it tommarrow. Only thing i'm worried about is that even if there's 30-50 units per store, those can go within a hour as people left sitting around without PS3's go and buy a Wii. Like the PS3 i'm sure we will get "offical" news breaks on all the blogs when Wii preorders open.


I think in the US people that want a PS3 and can't find one will be more likely to grab a 360 than a Wii as it offers more similar types of games.

I mean someone that wants a PS3 and Resistance is much more likely to grab a 360 and Gears of War or CoD3 than the Wii and zelda.

[hegemonyhog]

I think in the US people that want a PS3 and can't find one will be more likely to grab a 360 than a Wii as it offers more similar types of games.

I mean someone that wants a PS3 and Resistance is much more likely to grab a 360 and Gears of War or CoD3 than the Wii and zelda.

Hell, get both - you'll have money left over to get a game for each.

[Bazz]

I was just at Gamestop and worker told me they'll be taking pre-order either tomorow or later today.

[Ikohn4ever]

this is wiitarded, they should be tellin people when its goin to be preordered

[jollydwarf]

While I want a Wii and respect--okay, understand--okay, conceptually comprehend--people wanting one on Launch Day, I'm not one of them. I really see nothing shipping by the end of 2006 that makes fighting the horde or going through the preorder ordeal worthwhile. It's...a pretty s****y selection save one or two (pushing it) games.* So yes, I am a staunch supporter of Twilight Princess on the Gamecube, a.k.a. The System The Game Was Made For.

I'm also in no hurry to get it for the Virtual Console. If I've waited this many years to play a certain game, I can wait another Winter or when Corruption or Super Mario Galaxy ships, whatever comes first.

*--This is especially true if you already own a 360. And hey, this site doesn't have any console loyalists, right?

[stalfosking]

I got a call yesterday and I'm fully expecting to be able to pre-order it today during my lunch break from work. Unless I missunderstood the guy or he had the details confused with the PS3 pre-ordering I should have it pre-ordered soon.

[FlashStash]

They sent an e-mail announcing the PS3 pre-order. I'm sure they'll be one for the Wii also announcing all the details too. Be patient!

FS

[kcwhite]

I spot to a manager at Gamestop. He said anyone who pre-ordered a Wii game would get a call when they were taking pre-orrders. The guy Ebgames said he thought Wii pre-order was yesterday and will probably be tomorrow instead.

[Kaijufan]

I hope preorders begin on Thursday or Friday because I only have a 1-3 class on Thursday and a 9-11 class on Friday, (and classes from 9-3 non stop tomorrow), but both of my parents have the day off tomorrow so if Wii preorders start tomorrow I may have to enlist them to stop in for me. :)

[DustBoogie]

Friday's the best day for me.. no classes whatsoever!

[Snake2715]

If its to happen onWednesday we will most likely hear today. Otherwise I have heard Friday the most.

[diablofreak]

man i wanted a ps3 for ebay and didnt have time to keep in touch with my CAG friends here to get myself updated. now i am kicking myself in the arse for missing out.

i'm getting a wii for myself and don't know if i should preorder or not now...

oh well, i just dont know why i want to make a few hundred dollars profit so badly, when i make a few hundred dollars in a few hours on my side job. i guess i am a nerd. lol.

[chaarlieee]

I heard friday.

[Number83]

I got a call 3 weeks ago saying the pre-order for the Wii was yesterday. I showed up yesterday, and they said the Pre-order was pushed back. She didn't know when it would be.

[animemaniac14]

i REALLY hope they start pre-orders for the wii on wednesday or friday...just not THURSDAY...cuz i can't miss another class...though it DOES end at 9:15 AM...hmmm...

[chaarlieee]

I don't think anybody has to worry about not getting a preorder for a wii in on the first day. From what a gamestop employee was saying, they're going to have more than enough.

[stalfosking]

I got a call yesterday and I'm fully expecting to be able to pre-order it today during my lunch break from work. Unless I missunderstood the guy or he had the details confused with the PS3 pre-ordering I should have it pre-ordered soon.

So I went in and the guy there had no idea why they would have called me. They don't even have the SKU yet and he said they were expecting in on Friday and that pre-orders would probably take place next Monday.

[Diiz]

The guy at my Gamestop knew nothing about when they would be taking Wii pre-orders, but he really didn't seem to know much about anything...

[Wolve11]

For those of you pre-ordering, are you guys paying in full from the start or are you waiting to pay on launch day? Does it matter? I just wanted to know what you guys are doing.

[Diiz]

I'll be paying for the Wii in full.

[botticus]

I'll probably pay in full, just so I get a better idea of how much credit I have left. I've got a bunch of $5 preorders that I need to pay off or cancel.

[dmaul1114]

For those of you pre-ordering, are you guys paying in full from the start or are you waiting to pay on launch day? Does it matter? I just wanted to know what you guys are doing.

I have $162.50 I'll put toward it. I'd pay in full but I have some other stuff I may want to trade between now and then (and don't want to lug it on preorder day as there will probably be a line in the morning).

[Tenchi-kun]

I went to one of the local Gamestops here in KC on my lunch, and as of around 12:30pm Central, the guy working there didn't know when they would be doing the preorders. Of course, I'm sure it was probably a load of bull that he was feeding. But, just in case, I had them change the phone number on my Twilight Princess preorder to my work cell phone. If I get the call, i'll post it up here.

I'm probably going to be paying mine in full, as I've got about $400 in credit to use at Gamestop, along with still trading in my GC.

[Foolman]

I'm going out of town right when GS opens on friday. If it is on friday I will be screwed.

[gundamxzero]

The guy at my Gamestop knew nothing about when they would be taking Wii pre-orders, but he really didn't seem to know much about anything...
Typical Gamestop employee :roll:


Anyways, <3 getting in on the amazon gig, I havent had to sweat the wii for a couple weeks now.

[wampa8jedi]

I asked the manager at one of my local stores about Wii orders while doing some trade-ins today (didn't want to trade in this morning when I was reserving the PS3 cause of the line). He said that Wii pre-orders would happen by the end of the week, $50 down, and that Friday was indeed the most likely day.

I'm not certain whether I'm going to reserve a Wii or not... I got in on the Amazon pre-order, and if they're at all reliable, I'd just as soon stick with them.

[Diiz]

I'm not certain whether I'm going to reserve a Wii or not... I got in on the Amazon pre-order, and if they're at all reliable, I'd just as soon stick with them.


I've heard they're not. I love Amazon, but I don't trust them on this. If I can get a B&M pre-order on the Wii and be near the top of the list, I'll happily dump my Amazon pre-order.

[Dead of Knight]

I hope this is on Friday... got class till 11:18 on Wed and Thursday, though I would probably be able to get out of class early on Thursday. I doubt there will be problems with the Wii though. They'll be getting plenty in.

[wampa8jedi]

I've heard they're not. I love Amazon, but I don't trust them on this. If I can get a B&M pre-order on the Wii and be near the top of the list, I'll happily dump my Amazon pre-order.

I've heard from people that they're known for shipping systems early... people have said online that they received their launch DS on the Friday or Saturday before it was supposed to come out... and just the chance of that makes me want to keep it... plus it's cheaper (no tax).... argh, I just can't decide.

[H-Town Info]

i hope it u can pre-order in on friday. i have class tomorrow and thursday.

[chodax]

Ill check tonight about Wii preorders and post back here later.

[tavarua88]

I think I pre-ordered a Wii today accidentally. I walked in expecting to be put on the list for 2nd shipment of PS3 but they asked if I wanted to pre-order a Wii. I went ahead and put $50+tax down on it. In their system they couldn't input the Wii so instead had customers pre-ordering a Wii game. They had a list and wrote my name down for it. Now realizing that pre-orders aren't going to be done tomorrow I sure hope they dont just throw out the list where my name was on it. Probably give them a call later...

[hardwo0d]

Just Called a friend of mine who is a store manager for an EBGames and he said that he is unsure as to when they will begin pre-ordering the system, but says that he will call me as soon as he receives the e-mail.

[Sixtail]

I'll put 50 down on the system and $5 down on a second controller and $10 down on two games, but by the end of the month, i'll go in and pay it all off in full. I'm not looking really for any trouble, Nintendo seems pretty set to make sure there's going to be enough Wii's at launch so I'm not worried about the "Pay it all off beforehand or the first smoo with a wallet full of cash gets your shit" lolz

[pop311]

I have already Preordered the Wii on Amazon.com, and I really want it on launch day, should I pre order at a B&M store as well?

[Chibi_Kaji]

I think I'll put atleast $200 down on the Wii. I'm going to use the rest of the money to pre-order a 2nd game.

[stalfosking]

I'll be paying in full for the Wii when I do pre-order. I have a couple games that are pre-ordered that I only have $5 down on each right now, I'm not sure if I'll pay in full on those before launch though.

[cloudeagle]

Some site called The Wiire is reporting that pre-orders start Friday.

http://www.thewiire.com/news/513/1/GameStop_Wii_Preorders_Begin_Oct_13

[Dead of Knight]

I think I'm going to pay it in full just so I can tell the fuckers at my Gamestop that I mean business and they better not fuck me over.

[RAMSTORIA]

no word today about wii pre orders. so they wont be starting tomorrow. but i can see them starting on friday, since they gave 1 day notice for the ps3.

[addicted2games]

I'm glad I preordered the Wii a few weeks ago on Amazon with the deal they had. No taxes/free shipping and hopefully Amazon follows through and I have my system come launch day or sooner.

[DomLando]

The manager I spoke to today said to call everyday because they will start "soon." He said they have allocation numbers but wasn't allowed to release them. He said they were lower then expected though. Take that for what it's worth.

[animemaniac14]

well once again ill be skipping my 10 AM class on friday to pre-order the Wii...which ill ACTUALLY KEEP!

[hack]

The Wiire has confirmed that pre-orders for the Wii will begin on Friday.

Retailer GameStop confirmed to The Wiire today that Wii pre-orders for North America will begin Friday, October 13.

While Wii games have been available for pre-order for a few weeks now, Friday will mark the first time GameStop has opened up pre-orders on the hardware. In order to make a pre-order, gamers will need to go to a local GameStop or EB Games and ask to put down a set amount of money (between $25 and $50) on a Wii. The money placed on a pre-order goes towards the final price of the product.

North America is expected to receive approximately two million Wii units by the end of 2006, with half of that shipment expected at launch, though recent reports of expectation-exceeding Wii production may cause those numbers to change.

The Wiire could not confirm the pre-order status of GameStop/EB stores in territories outside North America, nor of other retailers such as Target, Wal-Mart and Toys 'R Us.

Source: http://thewiire.com/news/513/1/GameStop_Wii_Preorders_Begin_Oct_13

[vhgong]

1 million Wii's with the probability of another million by years end....meh...probably not going to pre-order. I am sure with 2 million units by years end.....should not be a problem.....worst case scenerio....wait till next year.

[animemaniac14]

SOOOO can we finally confirm this thread? cuzzz the wiire seems pretty confident on that statement...

[dmaul1114]

Friday would be great for me as I'm taking the day off (probably) already.

[jezebelseven]

Being someone who's never preordered at an EB before, can anyone tell me their policy on preordering consoles then cancelling a preorder even on a release date?

The reason I ask is that I'd prefer to get one at Best Buy due to their replacement plans and some nearly-expiring Reward Zone certificates, so I do plan on attempting to get one at Best Buy on release day, but on the off chance they're sold out or there's a line of 500 people, I'd like to have a backup, and I have just around $100 in credit left at EB.

If I get one at BB, can I then head over to EB, say 'Hi, don't want my wii anymore, please transfer the credit to Super Pangya Golf and Warioware Smooth Moves', or is that not allowed, or ymmv, or what?

[DustBoogie]

Being someone who's never preordered at an EB before, can anyone tell me their policy on preordering consoles then cancelling a preorder even on a release date?

The reason I ask is that I'd prefer to get one at Best Buy due to their replacement plans and some nearly-expiring Reward Zone certificates, so I do plan on attempting to get one at Best Buy on release day, but on the off chance they're sold out or there's a line of 500 people, I'd like to have a backup, and I have just around $100 in credit left at EB.

If I get one at BB, can I then head over to EB, say 'Hi, don't want my wii anymore, please transfer the credit to Super Pangya Golf and Warioware Smooth Moves', or is that not allowed, or ymmv, or what?

That would be no problem.

[jezebelseven]

That would be no problem.

Rock. Thanks.

[panasonic]

its next tuesday

[B1gC72]

god im hopin they start on thursday cause i dont have ne classes then as apposed to friday when i have classes from 9-11. either way, with the expected alotment of consoles, i should be there in plenty of time to get a good spot on the list (though i likely wont need it neway). my roommate went and bought the new dawn of war today at around 1pm at gamestop and he said a guy came in and pre-ordered a PS3 while he was in there and i cant imagine that they were taking any more than 5 PS3 pre-orders here so that kinda puts into perspective the overall "excitement" about these next-gen consoles where i live.

i do kinda wanna try to be first on the Wii list though just for the hell of it.....i pre-ordered Twilight Princess so im still waitin on that phone call.....

[Dhuk]

I don't want to pay GS/EB in full, kinda risky if you don't get your system on launch day. I am looking more foward to the Wii than PS3.


Is Tuesday confirmed? (10/17)

[panasonic]

Thats what i was told when i got my ps3

I don't want to pay GS/EB in full, kinda risky if you don't get your system on launch day. I am looking more foward to the Wii than PS3.


Is Tuesday confirmed? (10/17)

[bearcatjosh]

Oh the humanity! I want it to be Friday so very badly. I have a lot of time on Friday, and I'm going to the Fusion Tour to play the Wii that day!

Come on EB GameStop. Let me knowww.

Did anyone in this thread preorder a PS3 today?

JOSH

[tavarua88]

I called the store back to confirm that I did do a pre-order on the Wii this morning. Spoke with the store manager and said there was a corporate meeting the day before about taking preorders today telling stores to take Wii orders. for whatever the reason they couldnt enter the sku today and had us ordering a Wii game instead. Manager said it was a special exemption for the customers they had called specifically. they did not call me but I was able to order one anyhow. kinda strange and hoping this isnt botched...

[TxdoHawk]

SOOOO can we finally confirm this thread? cuzzz the wiire seems pretty confident on that statement...


1. Have you ever heard of "The Wiire" before this?

2. Keeping your answer to question 1 in mind: Why would they officially be told a major development like this and not any other major blog or news site?

[Yoohoo1231]

::Crossing my fingers for a preorder date soon::

[pop311]

What is the Wiire?

[strayfoxx]

What is the Wiire?

I don't know, but The Wire is one of the best shows on TV.

[TxdoHawk]

What is the Wiire?

The site that's claiming they know for a fact that Wii pre-orders will be Friday:

http://www.thewiire.com/news/513/1/GameStop_Wii_Preorders_Begin_Oct_13

[MadChedar0]

So does this announcement probably trump the EB "Preorder Zelda:TW and we'll contact you about a Wii preorder"?

[dmaul1114]

So does this announcement probably trump the EB "Preorder Zelda:TW and we'll contact you about a Wii preorder"?


No, the PS3 preorder info came out of the blue yesterday, and some still got called.

So if it is friday, there is a good chance that stores that said they would call will call people on thurs/fri to let them know.

E-mails went out yesterday.

In short, it's not going to be unannounced. Just be patient, we'll all know when they are strating at least a day in advance like with the PS3.

[Chibi_Kaji]

2. Keeping your answer to question 1 in mind: Why would they officially be told a major development like this and not any other major blog or news site?
It's possible they just got the jump on the story before some of the major sites and blogs did. I doubt the is the first time something like this has happened. Of course it is possible they are just pulling this date out a hat as well. Whatever the case may be I'm sure we'll hear something from some other sites within the next day or so. But it wouldn't surprise me if this was true.

[Sir_Fragalot]

Oh so how I hope it is friday. You see if it does happen this week my mother would have to preorder it (unless it is friday because I have no classes and my mother is off for the week :D), and my mother knows nothing about video games. If it happens next week or any time after my dad will have to go after work which is at 3, which may not be good because it is after 3 but hey you take what you can get.

[Sir_Fragalot]

It's possible they just got the jump on the story before some of the major sites and blogs did. I doubt the is the first time something like this has happened. Of course they could just be making it up too. Whatever the case may be I'm sure we'll hear something from some other sites within the next day or so.

Yeah there site seems crediable since they have been to E3, Leipzig and TGS. I mean all sites make mistakes, but well lets hope it is true.

[Kaijufan]

I read the Wiire a few times per week. They used to be revolutionreport.com. I would say they are pretty reliable.

[chodax]

Yea, just got back from EB. The person didnt know what I was talking about. Hopefully it is still friday.

[dmaul1114]

The friday rumor is looking good. A GS manager who posts on the 1up boards confirmed the date..and this poster confirmed the PS3 rumors before they were official as well so I'll give him the benefit of the doubt this time as well.

[Sgt Grumbles]

Friday, eh? Yeah, I can swing that. So long as it isn't Thursday. One more absence in my Public Speaking course this Thursday and I lose 10% of my final grade. Ugh.

Also, when I preordered Zelda I was told that I would get a call the day they started preorders. If, for some reason, there's already a line at the store when they open and they sell out of their allotment before they get around to calling people that preordered games... well, then that just won't do. Good thing I plan to be one of those people lined up. :lol:

[animemaniac14]

God...if your there...please make the Wii pre-order on friday...thanks

and how funny cuz public speaking is what im gonna have to miss if the pre-order is on FRIDAY!

[bearcatjosh]

I teach Public Speaking! I would definitely vouch for the students who missed to pre-order a Wii!

[djfalcon]

both me and my manager knew nothing for a friday wii preorder date. we had countless # of ppl coming in and calling but thats it. no other store around us heard about anything either. dont get yyour hopes up

[banzaiwolfe]

How far in advance did you actually know of the PS3 preorders though?

[Zingela]

How far in advance did you actually know of the PS3 preorders though?
My store knew the day before, but that was due to an apparent conference call stating such details. E-mails aren't recieved immediately at all stores (including the local one here), so maybe. I didn't know anything as of 10/11. Maybe there will be clearer details/confirmation in the morning.

[thunderx85]

any news on the preorder?

[super d]

my manager said this morning

[chair_home]

I was in Gamestop last night and some guy who apparently is also an employee there (he wasn't working at the time) was talking to the clerk. I asked about the Wednesday or Friday rumor and the non-working guy said, "We know the date, we just can't say. Both those dates are wrong." I kind of had the feeling he was one of those "I think I know more than I actually do" guys, though.

[ckendal]

Here is hoping that it isn't today.

[neudog]

I preordered my Wii at 8 p.m last night

[thunderx85]

how?

[ckendal]

how?
exactly, how?

[neudog]

exactly, how?

Just wanted to see how many would jump on this. Like every rumor it didn't take long. I do not have a preorder, but be patient a confirmed date will be here soon.

[Rage Goblin]

Anyone else think this whole thing is kind of shitty? I missed out on the PS3 preorders because I happened to go 15 hours or so without checking the intraweb.

I'm especially irritated because I wanted to preorder both machines the day I got back from E3.


It would be mighty nice if they'd just say the date, or if they don't know somehow, tell us they're waiting for official confirmation on the number of units or something.


At least with Wii I think anyone who goes to preorder on day one should be fine. I'm not calling out of work for it, but I will go on my lunch break. Each store should get a bunch of units, at least in theory.

[neudog]

Anyone else think this whole thing is kind of shitty? I missed out on the PS3 preorders because I happened to go 15 hours or so without checking the intraweb.

I'm especially irritated because I wanted to preorder both machines the day I got back from E3.


It would be mighty nice if they'd just say the date, or if they don't know somehow, tell us they're waiting for official confirmation on the number of units or something.


At least with Wii I think anyone who goes to preorder on day one should be fine. I'm not calling out of work for it, but I will go on my lunch break. Each store should get a bunch of units, at least in theory.

Though we all feel your pain it won't change the facts. GS does not want the same thing to happen that happened with the 360. I heard that GS has gone to the extremes saying that if a store takes PS3 reserves over and above the amount alloted, the worker who took it along with the manager are fired.

[dmaul1114]

I think they're being coy with it just to try to cut down on the chaos. They don't want to announce it a week in advance and have a ton of people camping out.

They'd rather do it the day before to minimize it as only the hardcore net geeks like us will know about, rather than all the casual gamers on top of us.

[megashock5]

I just hope we find out before the actual day. Just don't want the first info we hear to be that it was earlier that morning and they're already gone.

Here's hoping the rumors of production being ahead of previous numbers are true.

[-Never4ever-]

I think they're being coy with it just to try to cut down on the chaos. They don't want to announce it a week in advance and have a ton of people camping out.

They'd rather do it the day before to minimize it as only the hardcore net geeks like us will know about, rather than all the casual gamers on top of us.

I seriously soubt ANY casual gamers would buy it the day it launchs, let alone preorder.

[dmaul1114]

I just hope we find out before the actual day. Just don't want the first info we hear to be that it was earlier that morning and they're already gone.


The PS3 preorder was announced a day ahead of time via their website, e-mails from them, some stores called, stories on Gamespot and other sites etc.

There is no reason to believe it will be any different for the Wii.

Just be patient.

[dmaul1114]

I seriously soubt ANY casual gamers would buy it the day it launchs, let alone preorder.

Poor wording. I more meant serious gamers that play games all the time but aren't net geeks that are checking every day to see when it goes on presale.

[ckendal]

I just finally got through on the phone to my local EB and GS's. They are not taking pre-orders today. One person told me to "check back" friday.

[IXISIXI]

Anyone else think this whole thing is kind of shitty? I missed out on the PS3 preorders because I happened to go 15 hours or so without checking the intraweb.

I'm especially irritated because I wanted to preorder both machines the day I got back from E3.


It would be mighty nice if they'd just say the date, or if they don't know somehow, tell us they're waiting for official confirmation on the number of units or something.


At least with Wii I think anyone who goes to preorder on day one should be fine. I'm not calling out of work for it, but I will go on my lunch break. Each store should get a bunch of units, at least in theory.

I'd like to feel bad for you, but if you had looked on the forums anytime within the past 3 weeks you would have realized that it was likely to come this week. The GS/EB conference ended recently, and there's only a month left until launch. If anything, the fact that it's not important enough to check every day means that you might not deserve a launch ps3.

[Dezuria]

We'll have over a million Wii's, and that should 'hopefully' be enough to go around. :) I'm not gonna bother preordering. I work at Target, so hopefully I can just walk in on release day morning, and pick one up with a couple stacked discounts to get it 20% off :)

[chodax]

It sucks being in high school. My parents wont let me miss any days and my scchool is from 8:00-11:45. Hopefully they have a lot of preorders set up so i can just go there after school and get one.

[hardwo0d]

Just Called a friend of mine who is a store manager for an EBGames and he said that he is unsure as to when they will begin pre-ordering the system, but says that he will call me as soon as he receives the e-mail.

[anomynous]

It sucks being in high school. My parents wont let me miss any days and my scchool is from 8:00-11:45. Hopefully they have a lot of preorders set up so i can just go there after school and get one.
your school day is 3 hours & 45 minutes long?

[Dead of Knight]

your school day is 3 hours & 45 minutes long?

He must be a senior at one of those schools that lets you out early as a senior as well as letting them take a minimal amount of classes. Lucky bastard.

[fff398]

hmmm if I go I end up missing out on an important lecture in statistics and physics...meh Ill call after those classes and see if I can pre-order, else Ill head to a best buy overnight...

[reibeatall]

How reliable is theWiire?

[bryankot]

I hope the number of wii preorders is going to be like 50

[neudog]

Just Called a friend of mine who is a store manager for an EBGames and he said that he is unsure as to when they will begin pre-ordering the system, but says that he will call me as soon as he receives the e-mail.

If he was to disclose, you posted before it was suppose to be released and it got back that he told you he'd be fired.

[TxdoHawk]

God damn it I hope the number of wii preorders is going to be like 50


I'm hoping there will be plenty to go around, but I also have a hard time believing that EB would be so cautious with Wii pre-orders if the situation is as rosy as everybody paints it to be.

Even when you consider how badly they got burned by the 360 launch, EB and Gamestop are still running a business. Console pre-orders are a big deal, and I can't imagine they'd do something like this unless they were extremely nervous about launch numbers vs. demand.

[monstericreated]

I really want a Wii, so I'm pretty sure I'll be up there Friday. Idunno, I hope there are a lot of pre-orders because I imagine a lot more people actually WANTING a Wii, ha ha.

[botticus]

I really want a Wii, so I'm pretty sure I'll be up there Friday. Idunno, I hope there are a lot of pre-orders because I imagine a lot more people actually WANTING a Wii, ha ha.But far fewer planning to eBay it.

[utopianmachine]

I'm a little concerned about the whole camping out thing. Can one camp alone? What does a solitary camper do if she wants to go to the restroom or grab some food? I'm sure there's no in-line loyalty.

[TxdoHawk]

I'm a little concerned about the whole camping out thing. Can one camp alone? What does a solitary camper do if she wants to go to the restroom or grab some food? I'm sure there's no in-line loyalty.

This is pretty much why they say "camp with somebody".

As for me, I plan on getting to the mall a couple of hours early, but there is no way I am freezing my ass off for longer than that. I think even in the worst-case situation, camping overnight isn't going to be needed for any of the areas that aren't big urban centers. I think the smart people will generally just show up an hour or two early. Of course, I could be wrong.

[leapfrogX]

I'm a little concerned about the whole camping out thing. Can one camp alone? What does a solitary camper do if she wants to go to the restroom or grab some food? I'm sure there's no in-line loyalty.

I've camped alone before, and usually you become friends with the other people in line real quick ;) After all, there's not much else to do but chat and game! I can't imagine having a problem with going to the bathroom or anything like that.

[monstericreated]

I'm a little concerned about the whole camping out thing. Can one camp alone? What does a solitary camper do if she wants to go to the restroom or grab some food? I'm sure there's no in-line loyalty.

It just depends on what the people in your line are like. The people who were standing with me in the PS3 line yesterday were really nice, so I'm pretty sure they would've held my spot. I didn't want to chance it. In all honesty, I don't think you'll need to camp out... I mean, unless you live in a really popular GS/EB area. Like the above poster mentioned, I doubt there are going to be many eBayers around, so at least there's that.

It also helps that you're a girl. Ha ha. Use that to your advantage!

[utopianmachine]

That makes me feel better, guys. Just in case, though, I may bring along a friend. Making your own memories is nice, but it's better to remember them with someone else. "Hey, remember that time we froze our butts off just to get the Wii?" Good times.

[RAMSTORIA]

i really dont think youll have to camp for a wii. get there early, probably, but camp? i doubt it. they will be taking a lot more than they did ps3.

[DomLando]

I went to EB today to pick up a couple games and the manager would not confirm Friday but did say keep checking everyday. He did tell me that there allocation is less than expected though. He also informed me of a rumor he heard that if you preordered a PS3 you might not be able to also preorder a Wii. But he said he doesnt know how true that is. Take all that for what it's worth i guess. I will be there friday and if I cant do it under my name I will just put it under my girlfriends name.

[Lou-Dawg]

Why worry about pre-ordering or camping whe they are supposed to have like 4 Million units shipped by the end of this year?

[banzaiwolfe]

We'll have over a million Wii's, and that should 'hopefully' be enough to go around. :) I'm not gonna bother preordering. I work at Target, so hopefully I can just walk in on release day morning, and pick one up with a couple stacked discounts to get it 20% off :)
I don't know how long you've worked there, but they don't actually stack. It won't come out to be much of a difference at that price but if you have a team member discount and say, a 10% off for the Target Visa, the Wii would come to 202.49 before tax. If it was actually 20% it'd come to 199.99. They take the 10% off of the $249.99 and then 10% off of the next price instead of combining them. It's still a great deal though, too bad they never take reserves on consoles :(

Why worry about pre-ordering or camping whe they are supposed to have like 4 Million units shipped by the end of this year?
I want to preorder it just so I don't have to worry about it. Sure there should be enough, but why chance it if you don't have to?

[animemaniac14]

your school day is 3 hours & 45 minutes long?

ya that seems strange to me too...



anyway...ill DEFINITELY be missing my intro to speech class at 10 AM and ill be waiting outside at about 8 AM...since the line for pre-orders for the PS3 were NON-EXISTENT pretty much...except for some girls who were paid to wait outside...but the guy said he wasn't planning on pre-ordering the Wii

[Strell]

I'm glad that if I decide to camp out here in Texas, the temperature will probably still be a scorching 80-90 degrees.

Shit. I'll bring my portable swimming pool.

Good times will be had.

[diablofreak]

i live a block from Queens Center in NYC and I have Friday morning working from home. hopefully i can just wake up on time to go to the EB there.

[monstericreated]

I went to EB today to pick up a couple games and the manager would not confirm Friday but did say keep checking everyday. He did tell me that there allocation is less than expected though. He also informed me of a rumor he heard that if you preordered a PS3 you might not be able to also preorder a Wii. But he said he doesnt know how true that is. Take all that for what it's worth i guess. I will be there friday and if I cant do it under my name I will just put it under my girlfriends name.

Wow, that would SUCK if you couldn't pre-order both. Somehow I don't think that's going to happen, at least I really hope not.

[DomLando]

Wow, that would SUCK if you couldn't pre-order both. Somehow I don't think that's going to happen, at least I really hope not.
Yeah I doubt it to. I also hope it's not true.

[allout1986]

It is possible to preorder both systems, they aren't preventing you from doing that. It came in the email.

[getmyrunon]

Has it been confirmed that all Gamestops are now accepting EB edge cards / gift cards yet? I've got my credit on a Gamestop receipt / an edge card / a gift card, and I want to use all of them on the Wii. Is this still YMMV?

[sonderiaom]

Has it been confirmed that all Gamestops are now accepting EB edge cards / gift cards yet? I've got my credit on a Gamestop receipt / an edge card / a gift card, and I want to use all of them on the Wii. Is this still YMMV?

I just used a Gamebucks from gamestop at an EB yesterday. I had thought that it was a Gamestop when I walked in but he had said that I was lucky that they were able to use those now. I assume that it would be vice-versa then as well.

[DomLando]

It is possible to preorder both systems, they aren't preventing you from doing that. It came in the email.
The ps3 email? I didnt read it so if it did sorry for posting that false rumor from the manager.

[Ikohn4ever]

i hope they got a ton cause i got work on fri

[Tebunker]

I may just pre-order so that I can feel safe about it.

[Nirvanaguy777]

The one time I really need 50 bucks I don't have it...this fucking blows.

[jollydwarf]

If a Gamestop or EBGames is in an area that is even a little 'hard knocks' and they get, say, an allotment of 30 Wii (or is it Wiis?), it'll probably take them the whole afternoon to fill up that list. The Gamestop I frequent, while granted, it's just around the corner from an EBGames and there is strangley another Gamestop in the mall a mile away from it (!), seems to garner NO interest in Nintendo's new console from the vast majority of its 'crowd'. Back before E3, when they were informally taking names and phone numbers for both systems preorders, the PS3 list was three pages long and the (at the time) Revolution list was three names long.

Even if you get shut out of a preorder for the Wii, it shouldn't be too difficult to secure on Launch Day provided you've got multiple choices for linesitting at and you're willing to arrive 4-6 hours early. I was thinking it could be the 'It' item this Christmas, but I'm sorry, the launch lineup outside of Zelda SUCKS. One would have to be an uber-hardcore Nintendo freak to think otherwise.

That said, the geeky half of me is feeling the urge to secure a preorder, because I'm getting one eventually anyway and it's so easy to get caught up in the 'new console' adrenaline rush. Logical side needs to win out here.

P.S. You gotta love how ebgames.com still has Super Mario Galaxy shipping this November. And MGS4 coming this December for the PS3. What a bunch of conniving ***holes. That s*** alone makes me want to wait and get one at a Best Buy or Target this Spring.

[Domikaze]

I called my local GS today and asked if the release was on Friday. He kind of answered "Uhh...We dont know yet" (In a tone sounding like I may have struck a chord). So I mean who knows, but Friday does seem to be the popular idea and I imagine its going to be that day.

I also asked how he think the Wii preorders would hold out, asking if they be gone fast like the PS3s being that Wii's will be plentiful. He said that they are still recieving a limited number of Wiis just like the PS3s. He said a rough estimate for his store (which is the biggest and most popular GS near where I live, amongst like 3 others in a 3-4mi radius) that they would be getting around 30 or so Wii's.

Going off this information I think it would be wise for anyone who wants one launch day and doesn't want to have to wait in line for however long or run to a bunch of diffrent stores to go and reserve one on Friday if you have the opportunity. I am for this reason. Hope this information is useful to people.

[TxdoHawk]

I'm sorry, the launch lineup outside of Zelda SUCKS. One would have to be an uber-hardcore Nintendo freak to think otherwise.

The best part is that I'm not even a Zelda fan. My current Wii plan is to grab a console + a classic controller. Maybe Red Steel if it turns out really good, but as of now my current plan is to enjoy Wii Sports and the VC stuff until Wario Ware hits the US.

This absolutely floors the other people I know picking up the Wii, since most of them have had Twilight Princess pre-ordered forever. Of course, one of them doesn't even like the 2d Mario games...I'd argue he's a bigger freak than I am. :>

[Strell]

Of course, one of them doesn't even like the 2d Mario games

There should be a police death squad with license to dispatch such people.

[Dead of Knight]

Even if you get shut out of a preorder for the Wii, it shouldn't be too difficult to secure on Launch Day provided you've got multiple choices for linesitting at and you're willing to arrive 4-6 hours early. I was thinking it could be the 'It' item this Christmas, but I'm sorry, the launch lineup outside of Zelda SUCKS. One would have to be an uber-hardcore Nintendo freak to think otherwise..

True, but Zelda alone makes it many times better than the PS3 launch, which is just a craptacular launch.

[jollydwarf]

Well, no way in Hell I'm getting a PS3 until early '08, so no two-sidedness here.

Call me a stubborn fogey, but I'm willing to wait, stay offline to avoid spoilers, and just play Twilight Princess on the 'cube. As much as Nintendo seems to want to deter us from sticking with its last-gen option, the choice is still out there, and it's too late in the game for them to cancel it altogether, I think. Had they made the Wii version compatible with the GC controller, I might have reacted differently.

Please keep in mind, I've got the "60" part of the "Wii60" equation already, so it's that much easier for me to pass on this year's two launches.

[MadFlava]

yeah, the manager at the store where I preordered my PS3 didn't find out until 4:30PM the previous day. Then they had to rush to call all the people that preordered games with them to tell them it starts the next day and it's first come first serve. My brother was told that his preorder was guaranteed, but luckily I got their early to confirm it truly was first come first serve and my brother showed up shortly after me to be one of the lucky few that morning.

I say by tomorrow night we should get a solid confirmation that Wii preorders start of Friday. Someone will leak the corporate email telling the managers how to handle preorders. There will be plenty of Wii's on launch day but I think all 1 million of them will probably sell out on day one. So don't risk it by not getting a preorder, especially since we have no idea what the allocation numbers are going to be like.

[dmaul1114]

Just stopped by Gamestop to trade in some more stuff (now have enough credit to pay the Wii off in full and already paid Zelda off in full with cash from selling some games online) and asked if they had any news on Wii preorders.

The manager said hopefully by the end of the week, and that they were told they'd get the details within the next 72 hours.

[regisphilbi0]

If preorders really happen on friday thats not cool. I'll be out of town, otherwise I would definitely go preorder it. I cannot wait for Zelda and Red Steel. Both look incredible. But I am buying one at launch mainly because I am dying to try out the technology and 2007 is going to be an amazing year of games for the Wii (Mario/Metroid/Smash Bros/Wario Ware) so I might as well get it now.

[dmaul1114]

Has it been confirmed that all Gamestops are now accepting EB edge cards / gift cards yet? I've got my credit on a Gamestop receipt / an edge card / a gift card, and I want to use all of them on the Wii. Is this still YMMV?

I'd assume they are. I just traded in stuff at a gamestop and they put the credit on a Edge Card and the Edge Card has both EB and Gamestop logos on it now.

When I traded in stuff a couple weeks ago I still just got the gamestop gamebucks receipt, and the mentioned that they'd just started using the edge card.

[Birakon]

my eb has a sign up that says they dont accept gamestop gift cards yet

[Tebunker]

my eb has a sign up that says they dont accept gamestop gift cards yet
When I did my trade in yesterday I got an Edge card that was good at both stores, so maybe they're not in the know.

[jPoD]

Thanks OP for the Wii details. Appreciated.

[leapfrogX]

If preorders really happen on friday thats not cool. I'll be out of town, otherwise I would definitely go preorder it. I cannot wait for Zelda and Red Steel. Both look incredible. But I am buying one at launch mainly because I am dying to try out the technology and 2007 is going to be an amazing year of games for the Wii (Mario/Metroid/Smash Bros/Wario Ware) so I might as well get it now.

Play Red Steel before you buy. I'm not saying its terrible, but its also not as good as I thought it was after just seeing in action.

[supershammy]

GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/) is reporting that they have the actual e-mail circulated concerning the official pre-order date at GameStop/EBGames, and that it is indeed Friday Oct. 13th.

HERE (http://gonintendo.com/?p=6660) is the article: http://gonintendo.com/?p=6660

GoNintendo is a fanboy blog-style news source on all things Nintendo, and is very honest in their appraisal of fact versus rumor. I have read this blog for months now and it has consistently and accurately stated whether or not an article is fact or rumor, always giving articles that are unconfirmed a RUMOR headline until they are confirmed by a Nintendo representative or a publisher/developer.

The fact that the site's proprietor is the one reporting it (it was not reported to him, but discovered on his own) and his confidence in stating the e-mail will be scanned in mere hours leads me to believe in him 100%.

So, now it seems that the speculation and conjecture that had us all 99% confident in it is now 100% confirmed.

[Sgt Grumbles]

GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/) is reporting that they have the actual e-mail circulated concerning the official pre-order date at GameStop/EBGames, and that it is indeed Friday Oct. 13th.

HERE (http://gonintendo.com/?p=6660) is the article: http://gonintendo.com/?p=6660

GoNintendo is a fanboy blog-style news source on all things Nintendo, and is very honest in their appraisal of fact versus rumor. I have read this blog for months now and it has consistently and accurately stated whether or not an article is fact or rumor, always giving articles that are unconfirmed a RUMOR headline until they are confirmed by a Nintendo representative or a publisher/developer.

The fact that the site's proprietor is the one reporting it (it was not reported to him, but discovered on his own) and his confidence in stating the e-mail will be scanned in mere hours leads me to believe in him 100%.

So, now it seems that the speculation and conjecture that had us all 99% confident in it is now 100% confirmed.

Sounds pretty legitimate to me. Guess I'd better be ready to wake up early this Friday.

[Lan_Zer0]

I'll be there bright and early to pictochat with other people in line. Good thing physics class isn't too important...

[Birakon]

http://gonintendo.com/wp-content/photos/scan0s001_01.jpg

[wtfbbq]

I wonder how many consoles each store will have

[Tybee]

Don't be too quick to judge. Extra content, refined graphics, and possibly improved load times will make this the best Oblivion to own. What hassle or extra expenses is Sony making PS3 owners endure? It will still be $59.99 MSRP, I believe.

That's fine. All things being equal, it's great that future PS3 owners will be getting Oblivion, and it's possible, even likely, that it will be the best version of the game. But is it a killer app that will sell the system, on the order of Twilight Princess or Halo or even Wii Sports? A singular experience available nowhere else that will make the non-fanboys stand up and take notice?

Hardly.

[Dead of Knight]

GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/) is reporting that they have the actual e-mail circulated concerning the official pre-order date at GameStop/EBGames, and that it is indeed Friday Oct. 13th.

HERE (http://gonintendo.com/?p=6660) is the article: http://gonintendo.com/?p=6660

GoNintendo is a fanboy blog-style news source on all things Nintendo, and is very honest in their appraisal of fact versus rumor. I have read this blog for months now and it has consistently and accurately stated whether or not an article is fact or rumor, always giving articles that are unconfirmed a RUMOR headline until they are confirmed by a Nintendo representative or a publisher/developer.

The fact that the site's proprietor is the one reporting it (it was not reported to him, but discovered on his own) and his confidence in stating the e-mail will be scanned in mere hours leads me to believe in him 100%.

So, now it seems that the speculation and conjecture that had us all 99% confident in it is now 100% confirmed.

Fuck. Thanks for the article. I wonder how early I should get there Friday. There's no way in fuck I'm camping, so I'm thinking an hour or two at most.

EDIT: I can't camp because I have a fucking accounting midterm later in the day and I need sleep for that shit.

[Strell]

I'm camping out Thursday night/Friday morning.

I'll only be wearing shoes.

Nice blue ones.

The line for Wii starts here, bitches.

I'll even have a little sign.

I am not counting the DS I'll be playing as clothing.

[drfunk85]

Hey, just a question, but if I reserve a Wii from EB and decide to buy the system elsewhere, can I put the $50 towards something else (like a game or controller).

[Dead of Knight]

Hey, just a question, but if I reserve a Wii from EB and decide to buy the system elsewhere, can I put the $50 towards something else (like a game or controller).

Yes. You could even get your money back.

[pop311]

Do you think store will run out of games fairly quickly?

[botticus]

Oy... now I need to head over to EB tomorrow and try to get someone to tell me how many units they're getting. Looks like I'll be going in to work late.

[Demolition Man]

Oh boy.... how soon should I be at my Gamestop then.........

[Dead of Knight]

Do you think store will run out of games fairly quickly?

Twilight Princess is probably the only game that would run out, but I'm sure Nintendo is printing an absolute SHITLOAD, so I doubt it will run out.

[pimpinc333]

I'm just gonna get up at 9. Shower then head out. If i'm late, O Well. If I get one then all the better since I really want one.

[Dead of Knight]

I'm just gonna get up at 9. Shower then head out. If i'm late, O Well. If I get one then all the better since I really want one.

I'll probably get up at 7 or 8 depending on how I feel, shower, then haul ass the whole three minutes' walk to EB. I'll probably do homework or study while I'm in line because I'm JUST THAT BIG OF A NERD.

EDIT: I hope there's a big thunderstorm during Thursday night so no one in their right mind would camp.

[sfree79]

Yes you can. EB/GS has a totally refundable reserve policy. They do not punish you if you reserve then change your mind.

[Tybee]

Guess I'll take my chances here and if I don't get one reserved, will just do a walk up to Best Buy or Target on launch day.

[getmyrunon]

People still think the Wii will sell out, even with more units and no Ebayers? I doubt it. Don't panic, and you should be able to walk in around lunch and pick one up.

[Dead of Knight]

People still think the Wii will sell out, even with more units and no Ebayers? I doubt it. Don't panic, and you should be able to walk in around lunch and pick one up.

Probably, but I'm a loser, don't have class till 10:30, the class is a five minutes' walk from the EB, and I want my fucking Wii.

[dmaul1114]

I'll probably just show up at 9 or 9:30, just not that worried about it.

[TxdoHawk]

I'm actually very, very curious to see how Wii pre-orders go. It'll be the first easy, reliable measure of US interest in the console.

[bill123]

Probably, but I'm a loser, don't have class till 10:30, the class is a five minutes' walk from the EB, and I want my fucking Wii.

Hey another ohio CAG alright!!! I will most definitely be getting to my EB early friday morning. Hopefully since I live in a redneck kind of area that there really wont be a line.....hopefully....and just play my DS while I wait.

[Tendoboy]

I went to pre-order the PS3 and found that they opened early- sold the pre-sells and closed the doors Wed morning at 9am instead of 10 when they opened- I had to work and couldnt "stay overnight"
I'll try to pre-order the Wii but hope to get it at Best Buy so I can get the rewards and used GGC's

[Tybee]

People still think the Wii will sell out, even with more units and no Ebayers? I doubt it. Don't panic, and you should be able to walk in around lunch and pick one up.

You're probably right, but I don't have to be in the office until 10:00 and it's on my way anyway, allowing me to reserve it at the EB near my house so I can pick it up easily on a Sunday. The only reason I wouldn't do it is so I could save $5 with a GGC at Best Buy, and that's not really a big deal. ;)

[botticus]

I usually head to work around 7:45 or so, odds are I will just call in late and wait around 8. 2 hours won't be too bad. Considering there were less than 10 people camping out for the PS3 at that time, I can't imagine there will be more than that for the Wii (and there should be more preorders available).

[xeionp]

My Ebgames start taking pre-orders at the same time as the PS3. My room mate has both the of them pre-order.

Yes, I was with him

[Zon27]

My Ebgames start taking pre-orders at the same time as the PS3. My room mate has both the of them pre-order.

Yes, I was with him

I camped and pre ordered both the PS3 and the Wii. But my Wii preorder is under a game since they don't have the sku yet. But they will have the sku on Friday, at which point and time I can get it transfered over but they did this preorder with the intention of doing that such thing. So I'll have both reciepts in hand on Friday when I go to work.

[halvorsb]

My EBGames just called to advise that the Wii pre-order starts on Friday morning...dude was funny, said that I would have to be there really early if I wanted to get one for launch. He recommended coming in right at 10 to guarantee one. Um, yeah, right...I'll stop in after work.

[leapfrogX]

I'm kinda nervous...the PS3 has a much more limited supply and a heck of a lot more eBayers, but there are just a ton of people who actually want to play the Wii. After so much hype, I hope even the big supply will be enough to satisfy everyone at launch.

Anyone else worried or am I just being paranoid?

[dmaul1114]

I'm kinda nervous...the PS3 has a much more limited supply and a heck of a lot more eBayers, but there are just a ton of people who actually want to play the Wii. After so much hype, I hope even the big supply will be enough to satisfy everyone at launch.

Anyone else worried or am I just being paranoid?


I'm not worried at all, a manager who posts on 1up said his store is getting 38, and every EB/GS can expect between 30-40 on average, with the mall stores getting the higher numbers.

Demand is high on the net among hardcore gamers and nintendo fans, but it shouldnt' be that high to be anything like the PS3, expecially with the higher supply.

[Ikohn4ever]

I'm kinda nervous...the PS3 has a much more limited supply and a heck of a lot more eBayers, but there are just a ton of people who actually want to play the Wii. After so much hype, I hope even the big supply will be enough to satisfy everyone at launch.

Anyone else worried or am I just being paranoid?



I am worried as well, i got an ass load of cred at eb/gamestop so i am getting my Wii there, but i got work till 2:15 and i dont want them to have a bunch of Wii's by themselves and sell the rest in over the top bundles.

[jollydwarf]

Anyone else worried or am I just being paranoid?

I believe the demand will grow greater once the public gets a chance to really see it at work. Now whether that's slightly before launch or slightly after...that's the risk factor if you don't preorder. Either way, the supplies in stores will be much greater than the PS3's or the 360's last year, the stores will probably be replenished more quickly, and the demand, while possibly underestimated by many, will not be as great at launch as the PS3's.

Put it to you this way: If I had to 'handicap' the 'camping' time required by a person, on average, for each of the imminent consoles, I'd say at least 18 hours for the PS3 and no more than 8 for the Wii. The whole 'consolation prize' angle for people shut out of PS3s two days earlier is a factor, but many of them will simply wait, try eBay (fools!), or 'settle' for a 360.

I can't lie...the more I read about this, the more I'm 'on the fence' about getting a Wii at launch, regardless of the uninspiring lineup. What are some highlights of the 'second wave' of games for it? How long until we see either Metroid Prime: Corruption or Super Mario Galaxy? I just get this impression that the first year is going to be, um, Wiik. Sorry.

EDIT: A Star Wars game would've sold me, no questions asked. A Nintendo launch without one feels kind of empty.

[SaraAB]

Thats what happened with the DS, there were plenty availible at launch, especially if you went to walmart, target etc, but once black friday hit (maybe like a week after black friday) they were sold out everywhere, not one to be seen in any store, and this caused many fights in the stores. Nintendo did send another shipment before christmas though and they did apologize publicly for the shortage. It didnt help that the DS was hugely advertised in the stores and store ads..

I was lucky that i got to preorder for the second shipment of ds systems on the day before thanksgiving and i got one no problem, but had to endure 8 months of not wanting to buy one game for the system....

[botticus]

There is no definite timetable for game releases other than the launch titles, jollydwarf, but Mario Galaxy, Metroid, and a few other big first party games are due Q1 07.

[jollydwarf]

I'm not holding my breath for both Metroid and Mario to actually make Q1, or even one of the two, for that matter. I really hope Nintendo learned their lesson this time. They'd better not be resting on the novelty factor and the Virtual Console for the first three quarters of 2007.

[Strell]

I'm not holding my breath for both Metroid and Mario to actually make Q1, or even one of the two, for that matter. I really hope Nintendo learned their lesson this time. They'd better not be resting on the novelty factor and the Virtual Console for the first three quarters of 2007.

That is precisely why we aren't getting things like Metroid at launch - to stagger the releases.

That's the idea. We'll wait and see if it actually happens.

[hack]

Hmm... I wonder if these normal pre-orders are taking place in Hawaii too. Doesn't sound like it would make much sense since the stores here have probably already sold their allotment.

Maybe i'll drop by the store or call on Friday... I still want to pay off Zelda...

And I believe WarioWare was scheduled for late this year, while Nintendo's other "megatons" are scheduled for 1st quarter 2007. Then again, things can change. Although I have a feeling the MP3 is basically done, and it's just being fine tuned and control-tested for perfection. The latest videos I saw for it looked awesome, and controls looked darn sweet and responsive, at least to me.

[Island Dog]

The manager yesterday told me there will be a 30% bonus credit on trading in a GC for a Wii. Anybody else heard this?

[utopianmachine]

The manager yesterday told me there will be a 30% bonus credit on trading in a GC for a Wii. Anybody else heard this?

Yes, you gain a 30% credit bonus for trading in items towards the Wii. There's signs up in my local store about this information.

[Heavy-Sixer]

The manager yesterday told me there will be a 30% bonus credit on trading in a GC for a Wii. Anybody else heard this?
I didn't hear that but I thought about trading one of my GCs in. The only problem is that they are only giving $25 for a GC. For that I may as well keep it as a back up for my son's.

[-Never4ever-]

I didn't hear that but I thought about trading one of my GCs in. The only problem is that they are only giving $25 for a GC. For that I may as well keep it as a back up for my son's.

:puke:

I hope that %30 dealie applies towards systems too.

[Nemo_Hyde]

I just bought a Slim Ps2, and was looking for how to move my old Ps2. Works fine, just needed more space.

I wasn't going to do a preporder or even buy Wii at launch...but w/ extra 30% on the $45 Trade in value for the fat Ps2 it seems one of the easiest ways to get a good return on its value .... selling it online, after shipping and fees, seems to only give me about $60-70 anyway.

If I don't keep it, I'm pretty sure I'll at least be able to sell the Wii for MSRP and cash out.

One problem is I threw out both copies of my GI from this month (one in the mail, antother when I renewed) - do I need the physical coupon for the extra 30%?

Finally, have they anounced how the downloading of old games is going to work on the Wii? A monthly fee, or per game?

[Number83]

JUST GOT THE CALL! From a store in Exton, PA (Gamestop)

Pre-Order Tomorrow starting at 10:00 am. $50 deposit. Only getting 15 systems available for pre-order.


Wonders to self, why are they getting 1 less Wii than PS3's, if production is way more...Hmm...

[thunderx85]

Yes, you gain a 30% credit bonus for trading in items towards the Wii. There's signs up in my local store about this information. idefinately weill bring my gc in for a 30& off

[utopianmachine]

JUST GOT THE CALL! From a store in Exton, PA (Gamestop)

Pre-Order Tomorrow starting at 10:00 am. $50 deposit. Only getting 15 systems available for pre-order.


Wonders to self, why are they getting 1 less Wii than PS3's, if production is way more...Hmm...

Cool. Called my GameStop and they confirmed. Looks like I know where I'll be tomorrow morning. Good week for me. Snagged a PS3 preorder and tomorrow I'll get a Wii preorder. Glad it's a closing week for me or I'd be doom-ed.

Interesting. That's far fewer on the numbers than I expected. Maybe GameStop/EB just didn't get as large a part of the allotment quantity.

[botticus]

JUST GOT THE CALL! From a store in Exton, PA (Gamestop)

Pre-Order Tomorrow starting at 10:00 am. $50 deposit. Only getting 15 systems available for pre-order.


Wonders to self, why are they getting 1 less Wii than PS3's, if production is way more...Hmm...15? Are you fucking kidding me? Ah well, 8am should still work with the PS3 day as a guide. Ah well, at least they managed to drum up more craziness for a far less crazy launch.

[Number83]

15? Are you fucking kidding me? Ah well, 8am should still work with the PS3 day as a guide. Ah well, at least they managed to drum up more craziness for a far less crazy launch.

I was dumbfounded. I have a hunch that Gamestop as a corporation is playing it safe, and probably doesn't have it's allocation yet, like it did with the PS3.

[Tybee]

So I am unclear on what that 30% bonus for trade ins means. Is it that you get 30% more trade-in value than you normally would? So with that 30%, what's a GCN worth? I love my little black GCN with its useless broadband adapter and GB Player and even if I never play it again after I get the Wii, I just don't feel right trading it in.

I've never traded in games before as I always found the value proposition pretty abyssmal. But I might see if I can dredge some up if you guys think this is a good deal. Can anyone give me a quick primer on how to get the most from GS/EB trade-ins?

[botticus]

Email received from EB/GS. It's an image, so I can't cut and paste, but it's good to go for tomorrow. Same wording as the PS3 email, for the most part. Sell out expected within minutes, etc.

[pimpinc333]

Email received from EB/GS. It's an image, so I can't cut and paste, but it's good to go for tomorrow. Same wording as the PS3 email, for the most part. Sell out expected within minutes, etc.
Got the same thing also. Does the Power Trade in Deal of 20% stack ontop of the Trade in 3 get $10. extra deal? If so time to clear my TL :)

[jkam]

Email received from EB/GS. It's an image, so I can't cut and paste, but it's good to go for tomorrow. Same wording as the PS3 email, for the most part. Sell out expected within minutes, etc.

Yeah I just got the e-mail too. I can't believe I'm going to camp out for a pre-order. Damn gamestop credit.

[DomLando]

Email received from EB/GS. It's an image, so I can't cut and paste, but it's good to go for tomorrow. Same wording as the PS3 email, for the most part. Sell out expected within minutes, etc.
Yeah, that's funny that I'm still getting a "not that I know of" response from managers.

[utopianmachine]

15? Are you fucking kidding me? Ah well, 8am should still work with the PS3 day as a guide. Ah well, at least they managed to drum up more craziness for a far less crazy launch.

My GameStop is only getting 12. But there are three other GameStop/EB's within 5 miles. May have something to do with it. Regardless, I'm getting there as early as I can.

[Dead of Knight]

Here's the email image:
[img=http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6281/wiishitfx9.th.jpg] (http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wiishitfx9.jpg)

ARGH only 15 at a store that had 16 for the PS3 preorder?! I'll have to call the fuckers around here and ask what's up.

EDIT: The local store has not yet received the email about how many they're getting in. They had 16 PS3 preorders, as I heard from the manager when picking up Tales of the Abyss. If there's only 15 I'll be fucking pissed. He said I can try back later and they might know.

[DomLando]

Here's the email image:
[img=http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/6281/wiishitfx9.th.jpg] (http://img143.imageshack.us/my.php?image=wiishitfx9.jpg)
Thanks!

[jkam]

I'm just glad I can use my exisiting credit.

[Island Dog]

Just got the e-mail also. Guess I will head out there early tomorrow.

[hack]

Got the e-mail too, took a full screenshot (http://www.prjkthack.com/uploads/gamestop_wiipreordermail.gif). Contains lots of info, including information on trade-in deals that can be applied to the pre-order.

I am so gonna go to GameStop just to watch.

Have to call later on today to find out how many my store is getting, or if they are even participating at all.

[botticus]

Alright, got the numbers for the store I'm hitting up... 18. Oy. 4 for employees that are already spoken for, so 14 for the rest of us. I'll be there at 8am. He wasn't going to risk getting fired for holding one for me, as if I could blame him.

And for comparison, they only had 8 PS3s. So chances are, there will be some stores that get a bit healthier supply of Wiis (if they had 16 PS3s).

[jalu6]

Just got the email also. I'm surprised all the GS employees are saying they are all getting 15-18 units in. Just makes me think it will be easier to waltz into my local Sears/Target/Walmart/Kmart/Best Buy on the 20th (no stores open on Sunday here) and grab one off the shelf.

[Dead of Knight]

Glad I live in California. Good luck to you two and keep warm!

Thanks dude. I wish I were there in CA in times like these. I'll be fine, though, as I have all my winter gear from last year ready to use.

I CAN'T BELIEVE they're only getting 12-18 units in per store!! There's going to be a CRAPLOAD more Wiis at launch than PS3s. Are they retarded??

[Reality's Fringe]

Goddamnit. Where are those millions of units? WHERE?!
Urgh, fucking exams tommorow until 11:30. Pffft, college.

[dmaul1114]

I got the e-mail, will probably show up at nine at my local mall gamestop that opens at 10.

[Sixtail]

Goddamnit. Where are those millions of units? WHERE?!

Millions of Units doesn't mean EB/Gamestop get them all. And keep in mind the numbers your getting may not note what the employees have already gotten.

[hack]

I CAN'T BELIEVE they're only getting 12-18 units in per store!! There's going to be a CRAPLOAD more Wiis at launch than PS3s. Are they retarded??

I remember reading somewhere this morning that GS/EB would be getting 12-40 units per store.

Of course the higher quantities are for the higher traffic stores.

12-18 seems really low to me. Then again, Nintendo may be trying to get their stock into more big box and non-video game focused stores to broaden appeal and exposure. Hence the lower quantities for GS/EB.

[blueweltall]

I just call my gamestop. I asked him if he was doing a early pre-order but he said no, than he said but most of my pre-order is already taking? WTF? Are they allowed to take preorders before the 13th. Or are they just calling people who preorders games for first dibs?

The same thing happen to there 16 ps3 reserve. They sold out before the 10th. There was no midnight release or anything.

[botticus]

I just call my gamestop. I asked him if he was doing a early pre-order but he said no, than he said but most of my pre-order is already taking? WTF? Are they allowed to take preorders before the 13th. Or are they just calling people who preorders games for first dibs?

The same thing happen to there 16 ps3 reserve. They sold out before the 10th. There was no midnight release or anything.They aren't allowed to do anything but tell people that preorders start at 10am tomorrow. No holding spots, no selling early. Anyone who wants a preorder has to be physically at the store tomorrow morning.

[joseraul]

I just called a store near me and they're getting 32. They only had 16 PS3's for reservation. Really strange that the reports indicate such low Wii numbers.

[Dead of Knight]

I just called a store near me and they're getting 32. They only had 16 PS3's for reservation. Really strange that the reports indicate such low Wii numbers.

Thank you for this info. It gives me some hope that other stores will have numbers like this as well.

[-Never4ever-]

I too got the email a few hours ago.

Incidently they mention that Canadian preorders for both PS3 & Wii start Oct. 16. Seeing how canada is literally a stone's throw away, I might just head up there & preorder a PS3, to sell on ebay of course.

I'm very hopeful that I won't have to camp out overnight for a wii.

Ah fuck, just called my local GS and it seems that they'll be taking less than 20 :cry:

[botticus]

I just called a store near me and they're getting 32. They only had 16 PS3's for reservation. Really strange that the reports indicate such low Wii numbers.Looks like they're getting about double the PS3 allocation then, which makes some more sense.

It just means that some of us are still screwed since 2 times practically nothing is still practically nothing.

Luckily it sounded like the manager was only calling the 6 or 8 people that he would hold a system for if possible. Not that it matters since the email went out so early. Kinda wish it took them as long as it did the PS3, not as much lead time for people to prepare.

[iGen]

There's a rumour that people who already reserved a PS3 from Gamestop aren't allowed to reserve a Wii tomorrow.

I hope this is true.

[javeryh]

There's a rumour that people who already reserved a PS3 from Gamestop aren't allowed to reserve a Wii tomorrow.

I hope this is true.

Now that's just silly.

EDIT: I do love internet rumors though. In the last 2 days I've heard ebay won't allow PS3 auctions, there's an 'underground' movement by people to create fake eBay accounts to thwart resellers and now you're not allowed to by a competing product. Funny stuff.

[botticus]

Now that's just silly.And impractical, unless that were stated in the email (which it was not).

[Midnite]

Just received word from my friend that his store is getting 18 and his store is a high traffic store. He also told me of the 18, 4 employees are getting units.

Damn midterm tomorrow means I'll be walking in to GS right at 10.

[DomLando]

I just got the email as well, but the manager at my local EB still says he has no clue. He said he knows allocations for stores will either be 12, 18, or 32. I'm assuming his EB will only get 12 since it's a slower store. My question is what time you think I should get there? For PS3 i was there at 7. I was first in line with other peopl showingup around 730. there was only about 10-12 people there at 10 when the store opened.

[megashock5]

Just called my local EB. He couldn't tell me how many there were getting (or wouldn't. He started to say that the earliest they might open would be 9:30, but someone corrected him and apparently they won't open to take any until 10:00.

for what it's worth

[animemaniac14]

JUST CALLED UP MY EBGAMES AND THEY'LL BE TAKING 12 PRE-ORDERS FOR THE WII....so that means i'm going to be there between 5 and 6 AM...cuz the guy also said A LOT OF PEOPLE have been asking for them...so im DEFINITELY going to make sure i get one

[megashock5]

JUST CALLED UP MY EBGAMES AND THEY'LL BE TAKING 12 PRE-ORDERS FOR THE WII....so that means i'm going to be there between 5 and 6 AM...cuz the guy also said A LOT OF PEOPLE have been asking for them...so im DEFINITELY going to make sure i get one

damn, I can't believe we're hearing LESS for Wii than for PS3. I wouldn't think Nintendo would short change GS/EB on units with the kiosk exclusivity thing. This may be a lot harder to obtain than people have been suggesting.

[regisphilbi0]

Dang it! Its finally happening and I won't be in town for it. Crap! I guess I will be waiting at Walmart of Target.

[dmaul1114]

damn, I can't believe we're hearing LESS for Wii than for PS3. I wouldn't think Nintendo would short change GS/EB on units with the kiosk exclusivity thing. This may be a lot harder to obtain than people have been suggesting.

Nintendo of America debunked the exclusive kiosks bit and said there will be Wii kiosks in other stores.

[megashock5]

Nintendo of America debunked the exclusive kiosks bit and said there will be Wii kiosks in other stores.

Ah, good to know. I thought that seemed too odd to be true, but I thought I saw it confirmed somewhere. Thanks for the info.

Still sounds like a small number given how many units Wii is supposed to launch with.

[hack]

I just got the email as well, but the manager at my local EB still says he has no clue. He said he knows allocations for stores will either be 12, 18, or 32. I'm assuming his EB will only get 12 since it's a slower store. My question is what time you think I should get there? For PS3 i was there at 7. I was first in line with other peopl showingup around 730. there was only about 10-12 people there at 10 when the store opened.

I think it depends on the store you plan on pre-ordering at. The more popular the store, the earlier you should go. 7 AM sounds good to me though.

Just be sure to keep an eye on the internet. If people start camping out/lining up, then you adjust your alarm accordingly (or pack your sleeping bag and head out).

[Midnite]

Still sounds like a small number given how many units Wii is supposed to launch with.

I have a feeling that Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart will be getting a mojority of the systems considering Nintendo wants to appeal to non-gamers.

[ckendal]

There are about 15 EBs and GS's within a 5 mile radius of me. I have called 4 of them and while 2 confirm they are taking preorders tomorrow, 2 others didn't even know yet. I asked about allocations for the 2 that knew and 1 store said they did not know yet and the other said "Not as many as people think! Only a few more than the PS3"

[mofo1115]

hmm my local eb's that I called refuse to tell me how many they're getting in

[animemaniac14]

man i wish i didn't keep forgetting bout how much TAX you're going to have to pay for the Wii on launch day...it's gonna be like...$267.50 TOTAL...well that's not too bad in comparison to the PS3's Total...like $642...that's RIDICULOUS...wish i could just pre-order it online and get it on launch day :(

[mofo1115]

Hmm, what store do you guys think I should wait at? One store opens at 9 one store opens at 10. I have no idea of the amount that either is getting in. I'm thinking about just going early to the one at 10 because people will probably be rushing to the one that opens at 9? I'm just being optimistic haha

[FantasiaWHT]

I can confirm from a very trusted source that the possibility of Ebay not allowing PS3 sales was discussed at the EB/GS convention in Texas.

Also, as far as numbers of Wii's goes, there are other factors to think about... EB distribution might be holding back preorders to see where they are needed, and the stores that presell more, or presell them faster, may get a larger allocation sooner than other stores. Also, don't discount second shipments before Christmas, which I personally believe is way more likely to be seen with Wii than PS3

[botticus]

hmm my local eb's that I called refuse to tell me how many they're getting inThey're generally not supposed to. Not that I planned on it, but I was told on the condition that I not tell anyone else in line. That and I'm not gonna specify which of the dozen stores in a 10 mile radius here I talked to.

[Rodimus]

Looks like I'll have to wake up at 6:00 AM tomarrow. Can't drink too much tonight.

[coolbrys]

My local EB opens preorders tomorrow and will get 12 units. I got this directly from the store manager (who was on the phone with a superior at the time, the call was initally to cancel someone's PS3 preorders and ban them from trading in.)

[iGen]

I can confirm from a very trusted source that the possibility of Ebay not allowing PS3 sales was discussed at the EB/GS convention in Texas.

O RLY?

A bunch of PS3 auctions listed on 10/10 still haven't been taken down.

Heck, a few transactions have even completed.

[jollydwarf]

Does anyone think that perhaps the reason the average store allotment at EBGamestops has been downshifted from approx. 30 to 12-18 is because they're going to save whatever the remainder is for people oblivious to the preorders that are looking to get one on Launch Day? Might that be a PR-related move to make them look like 'heroes' to desperate moms and Johnny-Come-Latelies?

EDIT: EB distribution might be holding back preorders to see where they are needed, and the stores that presell more, or presell them faster, may get a larger allocation sooner than other stores. Also, don't discount second shipments before Christmas, which I personally believe is way more likely to be seen with Wii than PS3

Preselling faster might be a factor, but preselling more is a non-issue, because the limit is a hard limit, so once they hit their number, there's no tangible way to gauge further interest. I also believe the PS3 will get at least one more shipment before Christmas, a 'secondary launch', much like the 360 had the week before last December. The Wii should (ideally) see wiikly (d'oh!) shipments.

EDIT 2: Nintendo Boogaloo: Anyone else here jaded enough like me to at least consider that Nintendo might be playing into the 'intentional shortage' buzz-creating strategy here in the eleventh hour? Maybe they determined being the 'nice guy' with plentiful systems was going to hurt their initial wave of media coverage?

[animemaniac14]

Looks like I'll have to wake up at 6:00 AM tomarrow. Can't drink too much tonight.

shouldn't be drinkin AT ALL dude...lol not tonite at least

i personally don't drink...waste of money...but thats off-subject

if you're gonna drink...drink in celebration AFTER YOU'VE GOTTEN THE WII :bouncy:...or after you've not gotten it...to ease the pain :cry:

[Dhuk]

I have a feeling that Best Buy, Target, Wal-Mart will be getting a mojority of the systems considering Nintendo wants to appeal to non-gamers.

Thats possible


EDIT 2: Nintendo Boogaloo: Anyone else here jaded enough like me to at least consider that Nintendo might be playing into the 'intentional shortage' buzz-creating strategy here in the eleventh hour? Maybe they determined being the 'nice guy' with plentiful systems was going to hurt their initial wave of media coverage?


Thats' probably the sales pitch. In order to generate interest amongst casual gamers and the like, they need to create hype.


I hope you don't have to put 100 down like the PS3....ugh, my poor wallet.

[utopianmachine]

@ Dhuk

You only need $50. Life is sweet, my friend.

[jollydwarf]

You don't. It's only $50 this time.

The reduced numbers for preorder make me a lot less cocky about showing up right at store open, but I still think the interest will be somewhat less than the PS3. EBayers probably assume there's not nearly as much money to be made, for one thing. Also, the Madden/GTA crowd probably doesn't want to go anywhere NEAR this console.

[dmaul1114]

I hope you don't have to put 100 down like the PS3....ugh, my poor wallet.


It is confirmed to be $50 required--in the GS e-mail and in the announcement on the wii preorder page on their site.

[akuma001]

so does the 3 games w/ $10 extra credit and power trade offer of 20% extra credit combine together if you use it to preorder a wii?

for example if i brought in 3 games would i get the credit for my games, plus $10 more credit, and 20% on top of what the games are traded in for?

also do i have to do it tomorrow during the preorders or can i go in there today and they will honor the deal? i only ask because you can't preorder wii's yet and was wondering how they can make such an offer.

[Tybee]

There are about 15 EBs and GS's within a 5 mile radius of me. I have called 4 of them and while 2 confirm they are taking preorders tomorrow, 2 others didn't even know yet. I asked about allocations for the 2 that knew and 1 store said they did not know yet and the other said "Not as many as people think! Only a few more than the PS3"

That's pretty much what the guy at the closest EB told me as well. I asked about allocation and he said, "Not sure, but not that many for this store." I asked if it would be around 15 and he said, "That sounds about right."

I still don't feel any need to get there much earlier than 9:00 (they open at 10). Worst case scenario, I don't get one and just walk into BB, Target, Walmart, or TRU on Nov. 19 and get it then.

so does the 3 games w/ $10 extra credit and power trade offer of 20% extra credit combine together if you use it to preorder a wii?

for example if i brought in 3 games would i get the credit for my games, plus $10 more credit, and 20% on top of what the games are traded in for?

also do i have to do it tomorrow during the preorders or can i go in there today and they will honor the deal? i only ask because you can't preorder wii's yet and was wondering how they can make such an offer.

Wondering the same thing. Also, can those three games be a combination from different systems or do they have to be 3 DS games or 3 GCN, etc.?

[animemaniac14]

anybody know what the Nintendo Wii package comes with?

[Nicko]

Just called my local GameStop to confirm they were doing pre orders tomorrow.

I asked him what time he thought would be a good time to get there. He said as early as possible (I am thinking 7:30ish), as they have gotten around three times as many calls from people as the PS3 pre-order ordeal.

I am thinking that the $250 price point is going to be a lot more attractive to the casual gamer.

[Heavy-Sixer]

so does the 3 games w/ $10 extra credit and power trade offer of 20% extra credit combine together if you use it to preorder a wii?

for example if i brought in 3 games would i get the credit for my games, plus $10 more credit, and 20% on top of what the games are traded in for?

also do i have to do it tomorrow during the preorders or can i go in there today and they will honor the deal? i only ask because you can't preorder wii's yet and was wondering how they can make such an offer.
I traded games in on Tuesday and they stacked the 20% and the 3/$10 deal. I had 189 bucks with the 3/10 and then I got 20% on top because I pre-ordered Gears of War. So I got the Limited Edition and still walked out with $161 in credit. They said no to stacking the 30% coupon from GI though.

[jkam]

so does the 3 games w/ $10 extra credit and power trade offer of 20% extra credit combine together if you use it to preorder a wii?

for example if i brought in 3 games would i get the credit for my games, plus $10 more credit, and 20% on top of what the games are traded in for?

also do i have to do it tomorrow during the preorders or can i go in there today and they will honor the deal? i only ask because you can't preorder wii's yet and was wondering how they can make such an offer.

I am wondering the same thing if the deals will stack or not. I think they might because when I pre-ordered Zelda I got the extra 20% on top of the extra $10 and 10%. Hopefully it will work ou