[quote name='iGen']As long as online preorders ship on the launch date, they are as good a deal as picking up a console at a store.[/quote] Only if you were already planning to buy every game and useless accessory that also comes out on launch day.
What everyone's trying to tell you is that, at launch, the online stores won't let you buy just the console by itself. They will only sell you a pre-packaged "bundle" that will include several set games and accessories. The price is usually the exact same as buying everything separate but the odds of you wanting all of the specific games and accessories that they're forcing you to buy are pretty slim. But even if you did, with things like the Gamer Gift Card coupon at Best Buy and other regular sales and specials... you losing on having to pay full price for them.