[quote name='Stry-ker']I was not even looking for one with the port. Got it home opened the sealed white box and checked the back, and it does have one.[/quote]
Do they at least let you choose which color you want? So you can't even inspect the system at the store before you buy it since it's in a sealed white box? Damn, I want a newer model Gamecube without the component port since I don't have a HD tv and I'm not willing to buy a pricey cable either. Also, I only plan on keeping the system for maybe a little over a year before I give it to my nephew as a gift.
[quote name='GhostDog']Do they at least let you choose which color you want? So you can't even inspect the system at the store before you buy it since it's in a sealed white box? Damn, I want a newer model Gamecube without the component port since I don't have a HD tv and I'm not willing to buy a pricey cable either. Also, I only plan on keeping the system for maybe a little over a year before I give it to my nephew as a gift.[/QUOTE]
with the original unit you can use component or composite. You have a choice.
[quote name='blackbird3216']with the original unit you can use component or composite. You have a choice.[/quote]
Yeah, I know. I just wanted the newer model because chances are it accumulated less overall hours than the first models and is most likely in better condition. Can you check the condition of the system before you buy it at Gamestop? I wish it was like Game Crazy where you could actually see the used system you are buying through a glass case.
Open it in the store....they have a million of the stickers to re-close it....they literally pack the whole thing up in store when someone trades it in.
[quote name='soccerstud652']Open it in the store....they have a million of the stickers to re-close it....they literally pack the whole thing up in store when someone trades it in.[/quote]
I see. The problem is, what if there's like five or so Gamecubes that I want to inspect? Having them bring and open five boxes would seem a bit weird. I want to be assured that I am getting a used system in excellent cosmetic condition. Perhaps I should ask to see maybe three or so systems?
[quote name='Tsukento']Well, you could bring it back and simply ask them exchange it for one with the component outlet. [/quote]
Riiiiiiight, perhaps in another establishment where customer care has meaning. OK, that's not fair to diss all GS associates, but I only know of one store where they are decent and amicable. The rest not so much.
Ghostdog - I was wondering about the sealed box thing too because I only saw opened ones. And just getting that seemed like I was asking for a lot, much less even dare think about asking for a selection to choose from.
Isn't going to happen unless you find a genuinely nice employee or know them personally.
I would say from this adventure that ebay watching would have been a better experience. No extended guarantees either way and a lot less attitude.
[quote name='Hibiwa']Riiiiiiight, perhaps in another establishment where customer care has meaning. OK, that's not fair to diss all GS associates, but I only know of one store where they are decent and amicable. The rest not so much.[/quote]
Same here, been to at least a dozen, maybe two dozen, and all but one is trash.
I know, most are so mean looks like they don't know anything about gaming. Like i ask, "do you have Link's awakening"? and they'll say either "what system is it for?", or "go look in the GB section. One store has a very nice lady who will go into the hassle of looking it for you, scanning it, and actually letting you pay for it. (points at the guy who says "credit card only")
[quote name='GhostDog']I see. The problem is, what if there's like five or so Gamecubes that I want to inspect? Having them bring and open five boxes would seem a bit weird. I want to be assured that I am getting a used system in excellent cosmetic condition. Perhaps I should ask to see maybe three or so systems?[/quote]
It's not that bad if you have a decent CSR. One time I went to GS looking for the exploitable (Softmodding) version of MechAssault. The guy grabbed every copy and checked the ID number on each disc until we found the right one. No problem.
I'm sure if you get one of those lazy types, you may have more of an issue.
Thanks for the insight everyone. Yeah, there's no question Gamestop employees aren't that dedicated in helping someone out. I called four Gamestops and two of them didn't give a crap about checking how many used black Gamecubes they had. The first store I called took him about 7 or so minutes and told me they only had one black one in stock. It took him that damn long!? This other one said he'd go check and came back like 30 seconds later and said they had 5-6. I somehow doubt he checked but may have very well checked or perhaps just pulled some random number out of his ass since he sounded like he was in a hurry. The other two stores didn't even bother checking. One said that he was too busy to check with an irritated voice. The other store just said they had plenty of black Gamecubes in stock despite me asking specifically for a black one. I wonder how they'll act if I was there in person and not on the phone.
[quote name='GhostDog'] I wonder how they'll act if I was there in person and not on the phone.[/quote]
Would you like to buy a magazine?
The good one I never have issues with, I ahd a friend look for a game and they went and fixxed something because it charged too much. Another time I wanted a GB Player, they had one without the disc (I don't know why, it's useless then) so they called 4 other stores around and got one to hold it for me until I went there.
Anyways go buy these people, I'm thinknig about buying one just to mess around modding it.
[quote name='GhostDog']The first store I called took him about 7 or so minutes and told me they only had one black one in stock. It took him that damn long!? [/quote]
Perhaps the employee had a customer there in the store he was taking care of?
[quote name='GhostDog']This other one said he'd go check and came back like 30 seconds later and said they had 5-6. I somehow doubt he checked but may have very well checked or perhaps just pulled some random number out of his ass since he sounded like he was in a hurry.[/quote]
Perhaps he asked someone else who had a pretty good idea how many they had?
[quote name='GhostDog']The other store just said they had plenty of black Gamecubes in stock despite me asking specifically for a black one.[/quote]
Perhaps this employee figures he's not supposed to give out inventory infomation over the phone (I know the retailer I work for tells us not to)?
Just because a minimum wage retail clerk doesn't bend over backwards to fulfull your every need, it doesn't mean they're out to get you.
,,,wait, we're talking about GameStop... nevermind. They do suck.
Absolutely none. You should of bought it now, or just pay the extra $10. I got mine on Tuesday and I love it. After I Febreze'd the fan port, and Lysol Wiped the rest, it looks like a brand new black console (with digital AV out I might add).
Still a lucky bastard because you ultimately walked away with something better. Probably couldn't hurt too much that you worked there previously -- fired or not.
Are the refurbs supposed to be sealed? Obviously the web orders are, but I'm curious about what gets stocked at the physical stores. No brainer that the grimy Cubes are walk-ins. Legit refurbs have the green sticker seal on the case and are actually clean looking.
I get the "omg we shrinkwrapped the whole machine and cables and the wrap falls apart if you hold it" kind of sealing. I believe the refurbs come in a cardboard box with a Gamecube sticker on the side, with the color choice selected. Those are the ones from Nintendo.
I would LOVE to finally get a Gamecube (college kid on a budget, can't afford a Wii or 360) but 1 problem...all the great games are still like $24.99 used. Meaning Super Smash, Mario Party, Double Dash, anyone know where I can get these for cheaper?
[quote name='twen']I get the "omg we shrinkwrapped the whole machine and cables and the wrap falls apart if you hold it" kind of sealing. I believe the refurbs come in a cardboard box with a Gamecube sticker on the side, with the color choice selected. Those are the ones from Nintendo.[/QUOTE]
Um... Nintendo does not sell refurbished units (except as replacements through the Power Swap program).
I know the deal is dead but did this coupon work online? I know it's much better to get in a store and inspect it but the EB/GS are so far here without a car, so for $30 I might take a chance with online. Just for future reference if this coupon pops up again.
[quote name='twen']They did when I worked there still. It was an official refurb system. Not a Gamestop one.[/QUOTE]
I don't know about pre-GCN systems, but Nintendo has never sold "Official" refurbished units (outside of their own power swap program). Call 'em up and ask. I promise I'm not lying.
1.800.255.3700
I dunno who told you what when you worked for EB/GS, but it was a lie.
[quote name='UncleBob']I dunno who told you what when you worked for EB/GS, but it was a lie.[/QUOTE]
No one told me, I physically saw one in the back, sealed in a cardboard box (with the kind of cardboard glue that seals them) with an official Nintendo sticker on the side that showed that it was a refurb gamecube, it was completely different then the EB/GS boxes.
Seriously - call Nintendo. 800.255.3700.
They do not, nor have they ever offered refurbished systems (outside of the power swap). I don't know what you had at your store, but it wasn't an "Official" refurbished system.
The *only* way it could have been was if someone power swapped their non-working GameCube with Nintendo, then brought in the system Nintendo sent them in exchange. Although, as you said the box was sealed, that seems unlikely.
Additionally, has Nintendo *ever* sealed boxes with glue? It's always stickers...
Dude I don't care enough to do so. Who cares anyways. I saw the box on the shelf and I didn't care enough. I was fired in February which was eighty billion years ago.
I'm just sayin'... I've seen many stores (and websites) try to pull this "manufacturer refurbished" crap on the GameCube before (in fact, Overstock tried to pull it on me, which is when I found out that NoA doesn't sell refurbs). I don't want anyone else getting ripped off by such a claim.