Do you think you'll be able to get a Wii on launch day w/o camping?

mojorojoe

mojorojoe

CAG Veteran
I've been thinking about this. They say 1 mil units to the US..and then they said their production estimates are way ahead. I just wonder what everyone else thinks. I almost get the sense you can just buy it and spend the time playing the games instead of trying to track it down. Although I clearly remember racing around trying to get an N64 quite awhile ago. What does everyone think?
 
I couldn't say till we get some official numbers. With 1 million... you'll have to camp. There are certainly a million people in the country that will want this. Not all stores will be sold out, but some will be.

If they end up actually coming through with 2+ million units for launch, I think you'll be able to find one anytime that day.

I think the biggest positive of the production numbers is that stores will be restocked quicker. So even if you do miss out on launch day, I don't see having to wait more than a week to get another shot. But I want this for the holiday week, so preordering or camping I go!
 
It kinda depends on where you live too. I'm sure as hell gunna camp for it, but I probably don't have to. I really can't imagine that there would be a line at Best Buy where I live.
 
My Gamestop is getting 10 of them, 3 are already reserved, mine being one of them. I am so glad I got hired in and don't have to camp out for even reserving my Wii tomorrow. I can't wait for November 19th. :D
 
Not at all... the Gamecube, GBA and the DS were all very easy to find around launch. It was only around Christmas that the DS started selling out, IIRC.

I remember walking into Best Buy at 5 pm on launch day to get my Gamecube... I really can't imagine any store selling out of the Wii (any large store, like Wal-Mart, not Shitstop), as it won't be nearly as big to the casual gamer as the 360 / PS3.
 
I really think an early morning trip to Wal-Mart, Target, etc. is going to net you a system at launch, but who knows? I'm going to have one preordered at EB/GS, already have one preordered at FYE, and will likely be hitting up WalMart at midnight. Preorders as backups, that I'll likely just go and get my money back from.
 
Yes. Just show up somewhere an hour or so before they open and you should be fine. Drive aroudn to a few stores adn pick the one with the shortest line. I'd think a target or wal-mart may be a better bet than the electronics stores since everyone thinks of them first for camping for consoles.
 
I won't be. I think it is a little silly to camp out for one but that is just me. If I am not able to get one when it comes out, I can wait.
 
I think you could have no problem going in the next day and getting one.....I don't think there are 11 million people this holiday that will want one. Either way, they have claimed to have drop shipments weekly after launch
 
I won't be camping out... but I think I'll get one on launch day. I haven't ever had a problem with a Nintendo console on launch day. i don't see that this one will be a great deal different.
 
i'm set, the eb games i reserved games at is holding one for me to reserve when i get out of work tomorrow. Totally cool of them to do that so i'll definitely have one on day one!

T. Foolery
 
I don't think you'll need to camp out, but I might anyways. I like camping out for systems. Granted, I'm in Florida where we persecute snow like we used to persecute the blacks so my opinion on November isn't really valid.
 
Yeah, as everyone has said, it looks like there might be enough stock to go around that at worst you might need to visit a couple of stores to find one...but chances are, you will. That said, yeah, I'm still going to do the big wait at Wal-Mart just to make SURE I get mine ASAP...no questions asked, no risks, no anything.
 
Honestly, everyone that wants one should be able to get one. All the scalpers are probably 100% focused on the PS3 Hype.
 
My local GameCrazy said that they're only getting five.

I don't know how this reflects upon other stores.
 
Maybe...I guess when we see FINAL productions numbers available I will make a decision...Is this gonna be available SUNDAY or MONDAY morning? I always get confused by these dates.
 
[quote name='gizmogc']Maybe...I guess when we see FINAL productions numbers available I will make a decision...Is this gonna be available SUNDAY or MONDAY morning? I always get confused by these dates.[/quote]
I think Sunday at midnight or in the morning opening.
 
[quote name='daroga']I think Sunday at midnight or in the morning opening.[/QUOTE]


No it's sunday. So saturday at midnight, or Sunday morning opening depending on the store.
 
[quote name='CrimGhost']Just one question. How many units did Microsoft ship out for the Xbox 360 launch?[/QUOTE]

Around 325,000 in the US if I recall correcly (was definitely 300k, just not sure on the specifc number)
 
[quote name='dmaul1114']No it's sunday. So saturday at midnight, or Sunday morning opening depending on the store.[/quote]
That's what I said. Sunday at midnight--that is, 12:01. :)
 
It will depend on where you live. For the DS launch I went about 15 min. before Midnight at Wal-Mart and I was in line with only 2 or 3 others. I saw DS on store shelves for the next few days before they sold out. DS Lite I was the only one in line about 10 min. before BB opened but they sold out by the next day according to the store locator @ bestbuy.com. When I got my GCN I just showed up in the AM and got one from the shelf.

I am 99.9% sure you will be able to buy one on day one off the shelves but I wouldn't wait untill late afternoon if I were you or you might have to drive around and fight the holiday crowds untill you find one.
 
If you live in a metropolitan area, I'd think that with a little driving you should be able to pick one up.

At least I hope that's the case, because I'm not standing in line and I'm not pre-ordering. I'm planning on buying at launch, but if I have to wait a week for new stock to come in, that's no big deal.

It sounds like Nintendo will have consoles ready to ship all through the holidays, so camping seems unnecessary. I guess some people just get off on camping out and getting their hands on the "first" units. It's not for me, but whatever floats your boat.
 
Where I live, yes. I went to my store with the gamecube later on in the day at launch, standed in a small lineup, and got my system and my friend did as well.
 
Before this morning, my answer would have been emphatically "yes," solid and unshaken.

But after the surreality I just experienced, I'm going on the fence, if not completely upon the other side.

As I rounded the corner to the Gamestop in the mall amongst roving bands of old people walking laps, there stood before me no less than 15 college age men, running the gamut from supreme game and anime nerd to casual Apple demographic metrosexual to, oddly enough, one guy sitting down holding a PSP of all things.

Instantly they all - pack-like - rose their eyes and pinpointed me, with ancestral, instinctual bloodlust. For I was the new prey.

Loudly, and without hesitation, one of their kind asked in a tongue known to only Nintendo fans - Eeii glok ku ler Wii? - which, if you are a Nintendo fan, translates in our broken English to roughly "Wii get?"

Knowing the history of the clans and their ancient ways, I replied with Aont me laa Wii, which our pathetic language can only directly transcribe as "Indeed, Wii get."

Their faces took a strange turn at this point, showing a common and shared motive. For they knew, based upon my mastery of the Nintendish, that my efforts would be in vain.

Ok ku laa Gamestoppu fren ti laa lu.

Immortal words resonating still, "13 Wiis get, now captured."

I was informed further, with the aid of blood rituals, that my arrival was nary a few hours late, and that several of the hunters had been in place since "chosh modash," meaning "big dark," a phrase we Englishians commonly call "10 PM."

We passed around a ceremonial feast of our enemies - melted PSP units and old XBL head sets - in commiseration with the help of a small fire, and compelted the great Iwataton in reverence to the great Reg A'Ih.

One of them noticed I had carried in a Chuck Klosterman book, provided to props give (Gungstamosh), and informed me that Sex, Lies, and Cocoa Puffs was a personal recommendation.

I remarked that "I expected this out of the PS3, but not for this." This incited much hearty laughter and speak of "tanking" and "Sony" and "bad."

I warded around with my brethren for a few more minutes, accepted my defeat, and left upon the back of a great wildebeast, which I had spotted in its natural habitat of Victoria's Secret. Her name was Cheryl, and as a beast of burden, she was no disappointment.

In short, after this morning, and learning that 16 people were at GS where only 13 units were available, that those people had been turning down newcomers since 4 AM, that another 5-6 people came and left dejected while I stood around, I have strong reason to believe that this is a little larger than I've given it credit for.

I have already informed my girlfriend that I will now, officially, be indisposed of the higest order come November 19, and have built a rather elaborate buffer of the 17-20, such that come that eventful night, my actions have been spoken for and will not be questioned or challenged.

This is due in no small part to the fact that I feel the anticipation for the Wii - which I had already seen appealing to several young men, none of whom were afraid to announce the name across a mall's interior - is greater than I originally perceived.

-Stardate 10.13.06, Captain Strell of the USS Enterprise
 
Pretty much the answer is 'depends on where you live'. When I went to get a DS on launch day I had to go to 12 different stores to get one.

I'm already on the pre-order list for one of my local ebGames. I'll probably wind up camping out since all a pre-order is, is a guarenteed spot in line. I also like camping out, it's fun. Particularly if it's like today where you have a bunch of people with DSs playing games for a few hours.
 
[quote name='daroga']I really think an early morning trip to Wal-Mart, Target, etc. is going to net you a system at launch, but who knows? I'm going to have one preordered at EB/GS, already have one preordered at FYE, and will likely be hitting up WalMart at midnight. Preorders as backups, that I'll likely just go and get my money back from.[/QUOTE]

A couple of notes here. First the DS did sell out in some areas right away other areas it took up to maybe 5 days. They did spike a small amount on ebay (above retail of maybe $50) so they were in need somewhat.

The gamecube didnt have the hype the wii has. I dont remember seeing lines around the block for the gamecube demos at E3. I also dont know what the gamecube production numbers where either though.

Now onn to daroga's statement. From my understanding if you cxl a preorder before the release you get you money back.... after release you get store credit. Thats how it is at two Gamestops I asked at around here... so just dont let it come unexpected.

I myself am doing the backup preorder thing but we will see what happens.

I will say I was shocked to see all men roughly 19-35 preordering at the two locations I was at this monring. They all seemed to be gamers to.. I will agree and say before today I thought the supply would be there but maybe it wont...
 
I missed out on the pre-orders this morning b/c I am working, but I called around the local EBs and GS stores to get an idea of the interest in my area. All of the stores I called had lines over 10 people long before 9:00 am.

I was pretty surprised about that. I will be "camping" inside a Wal-Mart on the Saturday before the launch with my DS. I know that I could probably drive around town and pick one up in the morning, but I want to get my hands on one as soon as possible. I haven't camped for a system since the PS2.
 
[quote name='Snake2715']Now onn to daroga's statement. From my understanding if you cxl a preorder before the release you get you money back.... after release you get store credit. Thats how it is at two Gamestops I asked at around here... so just dont let it come unexpected.

I myself am doing the backup preorder thing but we will see what happens.[/quote]
Interesting. That's not really what I've been led to understand, but if worse comes to worse, I'd just buy the thing and return it right there, or maybe sell it at cost to a CAGer who can't find one. No biggie. Not like I have to have cash right there, credit cards are wonderful things.

Could always just have $55 in store credit at both stores to get Mario Galaxy and Metroid Prime 3 when they come out too. Though, I don't mind preordering the systems, I'd rather not have EB and FYE nursing my money for me.
 
I don't mean to hijack, but do you think the Wii will have problems like what we saw with the first 360's?
 
[quote name='mofo1115']I didn't think you'd have to camp until I read about some of the preorder camping lines.[/QUOTE]

I honestly dont think that Gamestop/EB are getting the allocation percentage from Nintendo that they got from Sony. Of course the hardcore are going to line up at EB/Gamestop to get their hands on it, but I think that Nintendo is really going to focus on getting these systems out to all the big box stores as opposed to catering to the hardcore.

Me, Ill be at TRU whenever I wake up to pick one out.
 
On launch day, there will be only a million units, correct? So for launch day, if you didn't pre-order, you'll be out of luck. But with another 2-4 million units before the end of the year, I think finding a Wii post launch won't be all that much of a problem.
 
[quote name='stevez0r']I don't mean to hijack, but do you think the Wii will have problems like what we saw with the first 360's?[/QUOTE]
Definitely. Overheating power supplies are a major concern. The Wii is an incredible power hog. Nintendo has stuffed a supercomputer into a box the size of 3 stacked DVD cases. Of course that mofo's gonna heat up somewhere in the course of using minimal gigaflops and mucho processing cajones to solve world poverty, beat Kasparov at chess, and show us our local 5-day forecast.
 
[quote name='dothog']Definitely. Overheating power supplies are a major concern. The Wii is an incredible power hog. Nintendo has stuffed a supercomputer into a box the size of 3 stacked DVD cases. Of course that mofo's gonna heat up somewhere in the course of using minimal gigaflops and mucho processing cajones to solve world poverty, beat Kasparov at chess, and show us our local 5-day forecast.[/quote]

Welcome to Sarcasm, population dothog. ;)
 
The GBA was the fastest sellnig system when it came out in the USA. It most like still hold that, but I don't know. It was something like 500,000 units in 4-5 days. Anyways walk into store, ask for it, bought it without a preorder. I think the Wii will sell fast but not megaton fast.

Of course if you go to a big city to buy it you will most likely have some issue.
 
When I first posted this I was confident it would be a w/o camping experience. But then I realized the cost. I mean a parent who doesn't buy their kid a ps3 will more than likely opt for a wii. I know grandparents are notorious. They may see the PS3(yeah right ..okay im imagining) and see the price and say get billy the wii. Parents are totally into the pack in game thing. I remember mine buying me an SNES because it had the pack-in with 2 controllers. So I'm thinking it might be worth it to pick out a store or two and do some scouting saturday.
 
I went to my local gamestop with my mom and dad at 7:45am. They helped my preorder two Wii's and I preordered one myself (total of 3). We were 2, 3 and 4. There was only 1 other person ahead of us. My GS had 26 for customers (30 or so total..4 or so taken by employees).

By 9am or so, there was about 25 people or so. By opening, there was 35-40 people. The employee came out, counted 26 people and told the rest that the preorder slot was taken and that there was no point in waiting in line. Some still stayed in line.
 
Well guys, I live in San Diego, CA, specifically Chula Vista. And I am definately camping out for Wii, maybe not overnight, but probably atlast 12 hours at Wal Mart, yes, since they will open at midnight, right? Any suggestions, should I get there earlier?
 
Well, a couple things:

- If that rumor about Nintendo being able to produce 2-3x as many systems as previously estimated is true, and that turns into 2-3x more systems available on launch day, then yes, you'll be able to walk into Best Buy, TRU, etc. and pick one up.

- Now let's assume the rumor isn't true and the U.S. is getting like 2 million systems. Stores like BB, TRU, etc. will probably be getting dozens of them (I wouldn't be surprised if many stores get 50-100), so you'll likely be able to get one in morning from one of those stores. Of course, demand could be obscenely high and they could be all gone in 5 minutes.

Basically, I'd camp out if I had the money to actually buy the system.
 
no camping needed they are sending so many units 360 has got only up to like 6million after about 11 months. 4 million in 2 months sound unlikely when its only $50 cheaper than a 360
 
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