Xbox 360 who's down for launch!

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

Well I usually get game consoles at launch but this time I just don't know I'm pretty sure that the 360 will be my console of choice the online focus and the type of games I like the most seem to be there. But there are several current gen Xbox games that I want the Hulk being the latest and honestly after looking at a lot of video I don't see anything really surpassing what my PC is doing now I just upgraded for the final time (for games) last year.

Mainly it's going to come down to PD if Rare can deliver I'm there I loved PD on the N64 it's nearly as good as Halo (Technical limitations of the console held it back). Everything else looks good but I can see myself maybe waiting to at least spring I don't have a pre order and I don't stand in lines like a Starwars freak.

So is there anybody here that is definately a day one purchaser!

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

The only launch games that have my interest as of now are Oblivion, DOA4, and Kameo....but only Oblivion would be my system-seller. Unfortunately for 360, there's way too many current-gen games coming out this year (and early next year) that I want more.

I can definitely see myself getting a 360 around April or later. I want to wait and see if there's any problems with the launch systems, plus I'm not interested in losing fights to soccer moms for a 360 in Wal-Mart during the Holidays.

[Fivespot]

I have one reserved at Gamestop and are set to receive mine on day 1 - since I reserved it quick enough. Some local stores have reserves on 2nd and 3rd shipment already.

[Darwin]

I got lucky. While picking up a game at the local EB Games, they told me that someone just cancelled their preorder for Xbox 360. So, I jumped on it. It was a $50 deposit. I'm not sure of what the actual price will be on launch day, but I'll pay it regardless.

I will be picking up the new Ghost Recon and Oblivion for the 360.

[Glockstar]

I'm about 55% towards.

To tell you the truth, I'd rather not get one. Right away, I mean. Like RBH I've got a lot of gaming left to do on this Xbox. And I know I better get these games done before I start up with the 360 because I know it's going to be hard to go back.

Knowing me and my compulsive spending tho', it wouldn't be the least bit surprising to see me with one on day one.

I gotta admit, I'm pretty stoked about the way the system looks. And I'm talking about the system itself. It looks sweet. I think this could well be the best looking system evarr! Even better than the Super and the PSP.

I'm especially geared up for that controller. After the MTV-thing - and after all the info and pics started flooding the net - it was the new controller that really had my interest piqued, and that's where my most of my attention was focused. And everything I have read about it has been totally reassuring. See, I was bummed when I first heard about the change(s) because I love the S-controller. Well, some writers have said that it's better than the "S" - which is saying something considering that these were guys like me, who think the S is the greatest controller ever. I'm excited.

Latest word is that there are going to be about 15 games available on Day 1, with another 15 to arrive by years end. Wow!

I'd fallen behind in my reading and just finished the July OXM - the one where they first broke the official news on the 360 and previewed 16 of it's titles - and because I'd barely tuned in to E3, this is the most info I've gotten (or allowed myself to get) on the 360 games. Again, I say wow!

Of the games supposedly due at the outset, I am very interested in: Project Gotham Racing 3, Perfect Dark Zero, and Full Auto.

But I'll tell you right now, Gears of War, Kameo, and Oblivion are the system sellers for me.

Heck, Oblivion is alone. I wouldn't mind having just that one game for the first couple of months. In fact, that's what I'm thinking about doing.

[Gadfly2317]

Day 1, not happening.

Temptation factors for "at some point": Cool looking system, reputedly most comfortable controller ever, Kameo, Too Human and Oblivion.

Declining factors: Not sure if Japanese suppport will be sufficient (but did read today that Nippon Ichi is considering placings its tactical strategy RPG's on 360.) Price? And am certain to be still too occupied with this-gen and with newly found hand-held fixation this fall.

This is coming a long ways for me, having previously ruled this console out at all, that it's even in the running for "not day 1, but possibly still first next-gen console picked up."

(disclaimer: rash flip-flops still to be expected, as there's still so much unknown, really, about all three players.)

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I forgot all about Too Human. I wonder when Silicon Knights started on this game, since it is supposed to be different than the original Too Human they showed eons ago.


About the 360 at launch......I still will not buy one on launch day, but I will be lying if I keep saying I will not get one until mid-2006. Anytime I see one on the shelf from December on, it's fair game depending on my budget (I can always "claim" its a personal b-day present). As long as there's some sort of extended warranty available for the 360, I feel safe getting one close to launch. I can't say the same about Sony's hardware, though.

[Cuddly Knife]

Too Human. Silicon Knights


What's too human? Any pics you can throw up?

And Silicon Knights. Pretty much, they're to Nintendo what Rare is to MS. Only SK put out a great game and a graphically-enhanced port, not a halfasser and a graphically-enhanced port.

Anyone play Starfox Adventures for the Cube? I heard that game had some sweet fur-shading.

As long as there's some sort of extended warranty available for the 360, I feel safe getting one close to launch. I can't say the same about Sony's hardware, though.
I don't know about that one. It's been the opposite for me. I know I shied away from getting an XBOX for a while because I heard that they were prone to breaking down quite a bit in the beginning or its life. Then when they changed disc readers or whatever it was, there was less of a chance of that happening. I heard that stuff at the old VGR boards. I never have had to replace my PS2 since I bought it at launch, and the only problem I've had is its weirdness with blue discs not weighing enough for the disc to read right. I've never had any real problems with any system that I've owned, except for now my Genesis only plays in black and white, and that's probably an issue with my cord to the tube.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

What's too human? Any pics you can throw up?

Too Human pics (http://gameinfowire.com/ss.asp?gid=1625&pid=16)

Here's one for example.

http://gameinfowire.com/image.asp?iid=49312&gid=1625&pg=&pid=16

From what little I have read in EGM and OXM, this Too Human is different than the one they were making for PS1/N64/GC. Too bad Nintendo didn't let SK work on it.



I don't know about that one. It's been the opposite for me. I know I shied away from getting an XBOX for a while because I heard that they were prone to breaking down quite a bit in the beginning or its life. Then when they changed disc readers or whatever it was, there was less of a chance of that happening. I heard that stuff at the old VGR boards. I never have had to replace my PS2 since I bought it at launch, and the only problem I've had is its weirdness with blue discs not weighing enough for the disc to read right. I've never had any real problems with any system that I've owned, except for now my Genesis only plays in black and white, and that's probably an issue with my cord to the tube.

Besides my fan making a slightly loud noise (and returning it mainly because I wanted a free Controller S in the box with a new Xbox), I haven't had any trouble with my Xbox. If I can get a one or two year warranty with 360, I wouldn't mind taking a chance on the system sometime after launch. I do want to hear the complaints, if any, from the day 1 buyers so I know what to watch out for.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Well I usually get game consoles at launch but this time I just don't know I'm pretty sure that the 360 will be my console of choice the online focus and the type of games I like the most seem to be there. But there are several current gen Xbox games that I want the Hulk being the latest and honestly after looking at a lot of video I don't see anything really surpassing what my PC is doing now I just upgraded for the final time (for games) last year.

Mainly it's going to come down to PD if Rare can deliver I'm there I loved PD on the N64 it's nearly as good as Halo (Technical limitations of the console held it back). Everything else looks good but I can see myself maybe waiting to at least spring I don't have a pre order and I don't stand in lines like a Starwars freak.

So is there anybody here that is definately a day one purchaser!

Day 1---not a chance. I already have a DS on the way, so I am sure that once it arrives I will be playing the hell out of my handhelds for a good long while. On the occasions that I need some console action I have plenty of capable games on my Xbox. Of course you always have to allow for the chance impulse buy, but I am really going to try hard to wait until the PS3 comes out then pick one, or possibly even, none.

[Glockstar]

Day 1---not a chance. I already have a DS on the way, so I am sure that once it arrives I will be playing the hell out of my handhelds for a good long while. On the occasions that I need some console action I have plenty of capable games on my Xbox. Of course you always have to allow for the chance impulse buy, but I am really going to try hard to wait until the PS3 comes out then pick one, or possibly even, none.

I'm the exact opposite.

I will definitely be getting a 360. (The only question is when.) And I will definitely continue to be a (paying) Live subscriber.

Contrarily, I will definitely not be getting a PS3 or a Nintendo De-evolution... er, I mean, Revolution. I've already decided; I don't care what great games I miss out on, I have got to cut-back.

But like you, I will be continuing to game on my PSP and NDS. And actually, I think I'll be doing a lot of gaming on these two handhelds. But not quite enough to exempt either one from secondary or tertiary status. I think I'll be in gaming heaven with this trio of gaming options tho'. And I'm looking forward to it.

[Glockstar]

Oh yeah, saw this article on IGN late last nite...

Xbox 360 Launch Lineup?
Retailers have lined up the games in preparation for November. Which are they?

August 10, 2005 - North American retailer Electronics Boutique, which expects Microsoft to ship the Xbox 360 as early as November 2, 2005 for an MSRP of $299.99, has comprised a complete, albeit questionable, list of X360 games for the console launch, IGN learned today from several EB outlets.

The list IGN acquired from EB retailers today features 21 launch titles, including three first-party games from Microsoft Game Studios -- Perfect Dark LE (i.e. Limited Edition), Kameo: Elements of Power, and Project Gotham Racing 3, approximate pricing, and sku numbers for every game.

Microsoft representatives officially re-confirmed with IGN today Rare titles Perfect Dark and Kameo would definitely launch day and date with the system, echoing Vice President Peter Moore's comments prior to E3. "PGR3 should launch with the system, if everything works according to plan," said a Microsoft representative. "But those first two (Perfect Dark and Kameo) are our big pushes for day one."

The full list, posted here alphabetically, includes:

01) Amped 3 (2K Games)
02) Call of Duty 2 (Activision)
03) Condemned (Sega)
04) Dead Or Alive 4 (Tecmo)
05) Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda)
06) Final Fantasy XI (Microsoft)
07) Full Auto (Sega)
08) Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter (Ubisoft)
09) Gun (Activision)
10) Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft)
11) Madden NFL 06 (EA)
12) NBA 2K6 (2K Games)
13) NHL 2K6 (2K Games)
14) The Outfit (THQ)
15) Perfect Dark LE (Microsoft)
16) Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft)
17) Quake 4 (Activision)
18) Ridge Racer 6 (Namco)
19) Saints Row (THQ)
20) Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision)
21) Top Spin 2 (2K Games)

There were noticeable mistakes, however. The Godfather, for instance, was still listed as a launch title, even though EA officially announced its delay until Q1 2006. Too Human Part 1 was included, and Microsoft officially told IGN that was incorrect (duh). It also listed Burnout Revenge as a launch title, even though EA confirmed with IGN that a version of Burnout Revenge wouldn't appear until 2006.

.
Xbox 360 second wave launch titles, which EB has scheduled for November 16, include the majority of Electronic Arts' games:

22) Burnout Revenge
23) FIFA Soccer 06
24) Peter Jackson's King Kong (Ubisoft)
25) NBA Live 06
26) Need For Speed Most Wanted
27) Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06

Namco's...

28) Frame City Killer

...is listed as releasing November 19, 2005.

EB's own data includes a $59.99 price for every Xbox 360 game, except one, Kameo, which listed at $49.99. The retailer told IGN that software prices weren't fixed yet, as Microsoft, third-party publishers, and presumably North American retailers hash out final prices.

EB even has Halo 3 listed as shipping July 1, 2006, presumably the same day as Sony's PlayStation 3.

We'll have more on Xbox 360 launch titles soon.
--by Douglass C. Perry

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/641/641086p1.html

I edited the article just a bit... I numbered 'em. And bolded 'em. :p

The Outfit (developer=Relic) is another one that I'm going to be taking a good long hard look at. The OXM says of it, "So far, The Outfit looks like an intriguing take on the WWII genre, multiplayer shooters, and RTS games - all in one beautfiul package."

Now, I know some of you have recently complained about the number of military-shooters for the Xbox(es) - specifically WWII-shooters - with the complaint being, there's too damned many of them. Well, I agree with you! 'Ceptin'... this one sounds like it might have enough to differentiate itself from the mob. Like Brothers In Arms before it... only different. (If that makes any sense. (?) )

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Not a bad list. Saint's Row (Volition) and Frame City Killer (Namco) are the two that has some of my interest, besides Oblivion, DOA4, and Kameo.

I'm not surprised there was no Tomb Raider on the list, since it may be pushed back to '06. I wanted that one current gen, but if the next-gen comes out close to or after I already have a 360, I'll get that version. Same with The Godfather.

The Outfit (developer=Relic) is another one that I'm going to be taking a good long hard look at. The OXM says of it, "So far, The Outfit looks like an intriguing take on the WWII genre, multiplayer shooters, and RTS games - all in one beautfiul package."

Now, I know some of you have recently complained about the number of military-shooters for the Xbox(es) - specifically WWII-shooters - with the complaint being, there's too damned many of them. Well, I agree with you! 'Ceptin'... this one sounds like it might have enough to differentiate itself from the mob. Like Brothers In Arms before it... only different. (If that makes any sense. (?) )

I'm interested in this one, a little bit. From the reading, it kind of reminded me of Mercs, but with more emphasis on a group and more strategy. The strategy part is what I'm wondering about....don't want it to get in the way of the action.

Too bad OXM is crapping on subscribers when it comes to footage of The Outfit and/or other 360 launch titles on the demo disc. Honestly, I think they are going to sell the footage with a 360-only launch mag in stores, and subscribers will have to pony up for it instead of getting it with the subscription.

[The Prince of Darkness]

Oh yeah, saw this article on IGN late last nite...

Xbox 360 Launch Lineup?
Retailers have lined up the games in preparation for November. Which are they?

August 10, 2005 - North American retailer Electronics Boutique, which expects Microsoft to ship the Xbox 360 as early as November 2, 2005 for an MSRP of $299.99, has comprised a complete, albeit questionable, list of X360 games for the console launch, IGN learned today from several EB outlets.

The list IGN acquired from EB retailers today features 21 launch titles, including three first-party games from Microsoft Game Studios -- Perfect Dark LE (i.e. Limited Edition), Kameo: Elements of Power, and Project Gotham Racing 3, approximate pricing, and sku numbers for every game.

Microsoft representatives officially re-confirmed with IGN today Rare titles Perfect Dark and Kameo would definitely launch day and date with the system, echoing Vice President Peter Moore's comments prior to E3. "PGR3 should launch with the system, if everything works according to plan," said a Microsoft representative. "But those first two (Perfect Dark and Kameo) are our big pushes for day one."

The full list, posted here alphabetically, includes:

01) Amped 3 (2K Games)
02) Call of Duty 2 (Activision)
03) Condemned (Sega)
04) Dead Or Alive 4 (Tecmo)
05) Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda)
06) Final Fantasy XI (Microsoft)
07) Full Auto (Sega)
08) Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter (Ubisoft)
09) Gun (Activision)
10) Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft)
11) Madden NFL 06 (EA)
12) NBA 2K6 (2K Games)
13) NHL 2K6 (2K Games)
14) The Outfit (THQ)
15) Perfect Dark LE (Microsoft)
16) Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft)
17) Quake 4 (Activision)
18) Ridge Racer 6 (Namco)
19) Saints Row (THQ)
20) Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision)
21) Top Spin 2 (2K Games)

There were noticeable mistakes, however. The Godfather, for instance, was still listed as a launch title, even though EA officially announced its delay until Q1 2006. Too Human Part 1 was included, and Microsoft officially told IGN that was incorrect (duh). It also listed Burnout Revenge as a launch title, even though EA confirmed with IGN that a version of Burnout Revenge wouldn't appear until 2006.

.
Xbox 360 second wave launch titles, which EB has scheduled for November 16, include the majority of Electronic Arts' games:

22) Burnout Revenge
23) FIFA Soccer 06
24) Peter Jackson's King Kong (Ubisoft)
25) NBA Live 06
26) Need For Speed Most Wanted
27) Tiger Woods PGA Tour 06

Namco's...

28) Frame City Killer

...is listed as releasing November 19, 2005.

EB's own data includes a $59.99 price for every Xbox 360 game, except one, Kameo, which listed at $49.99. The retailer told IGN that software prices weren't fixed yet, as Microsoft, third-party publishers, and presumably North American retailers hash out final prices.

EB even has Halo 3 listed as shipping July 1, 2006, presumably the same day as Sony's PlayStation 3.

We'll have more on Xbox 360 launch titles soon.
--by Douglass C. Perry

http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/641/641086p1.html

I edited the article just a bit... I numbered 'em. And bolded 'em. :p

The Outfit (developer=Relic) is another one that I'm going to be taking a good long hard look at. The OXM says of it, "So far, The Outfit looks like an intriguing take on the WWII genre, multiplayer shooters, and RTS games - all in one beautfiul package."

Now, I know some of you have recently complained about the number of military-shooters for the Xbox(es) - specifically WWII-shooters - with the complaint being, there's too damned many of them. Well, I agree with you! 'Ceptin'... this one sounds like it might have enough to differentiate itself from the mob. Like Brothers In Arms before it... only different. (If that makes any sense. (?) )

That is really not a bad launch. At least not as bad as people are making it out to be. If I was on board I would have to give consideration to the following: Oblivion, PGR3, Kameo, PDZ, Full Auto, and Saint's Row. It is not like people are not going to have anything good to play at launch. I am still playing the waiting game, though. I am determined to only buy one next-gen machine if that.

[Cuddly Knife]

RRRRRRRRRRrrrrrrr. I WILL NOT PAY 60$ FOR ANY GAME ON ANY SYSTEM.

That's a fifth for what the system itself costs.

Damn, I think I just decided to hold out...

... if it will be costing that much per game.

[Glockstar]

$60? No, I don't like it either. I've never liked it.

You forget that there was a time when videogames used to be priced that high. It was during the SNES thru the N64 era's, if memory serves. I distinctly remember paying $60 for Street Fighter II for my Super.

I'm not going to have a beef if the value's there. $60 for the same-ole-same-ole 2D fighters and shooters and Japanese RPGs and annual sports-sims and single-player only games that are short... no. But I think $30 is too much for these games.

On the other hand, when I look at games like Halo 2, Chaos Theory, Forza, PGR2... and there's a bunch of others that I just think of right this minute... I can honestly say that I don't mind paying that much. Of course, I'd rather not. But they are worth it. Single-player campaigns, co-operative play, online-multiplayer (sometimes massive), mini-games, bonus content (i.e. the old-school original versions of games), unlockables, downloadable content, online leaderboards... if the game's got all that - and it's all good - how can I complain?

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

The only $60 game I bought was WWE: No Mercy. I was shocked at the price, but the game was so fun, I felt it was actually worth it.

Next-gen, I don't see myself taking chances on games like I have this gen, though I'm not even paying $50 for games now. If I have to pay $60, it will only be for games that I will definitely keep. I see myself waiting on a lot of games just so the prices will drop.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I'm not going to have a beef if the value's there. $60 for the same-ole-same-ole 2D fighters and shooters and Japanese RPGs and annual sports-sims and single-player only games that are short... no. But I think $30 is too much for these games.

On the other hand, when I look at games like Halo 2, Chaos Theory, Forza, PGR2... and there's a bunch of others that I just think of right this minute... I can honestly say that I don't mind paying that much. Of course, I'd rather not. But they are worth it. Single-player campaigns, co-operative play, online-multiplayer (sometimes massive), mini-games, bonus content (i.e. the old-school original versions of games), unlockables, downloadable content, online leaderboards... if the game's got all that - and it's all good - how can I complain?

I'd take a game with just single-player and co-op modes next gen, if it's made by certain devs:

Bioware- I'm officially a sheep of these Canuck devs. I'm buying their games until they start to suck or are PC-only games.

Pandemic- Though I haven't bought every game of theirs, I would be satisfied with most of their stuff, except for Full Spectrum Warrior. Not being able to control a character is a gaming turn-off for me.

Volition- Except for Summoner 1, I thought these guys have been pretty solid. Punisher, Summoner 2, Red Factions 1 & 2 are what I remember them making this gen. Their first next-gen game, Saints Row, may be a GTA clone, but at least it should have good 3rd person/shooting controls, based on the games they have made (at least it will control better than GTA).

EA Tiburon- Yeah, they are the football devs, but I've enjoyed NCAA since the very first one. I may or may not skip the first 360 NCAA, though.

Some games I may end up getting for $60 only if it has value and it's the one game in a genre/sub-genre that I want. I'll probably make DOA4 my one and only fighting game, and Rumble Roses XX may be my only wrasslin game, if they have a good season mode.

[Glockstar]

Well I don't know about you guys, but I think of the 360 a lot.

I'd like to be onboard from Day 1... but that's looking less and less likely. The reason: I've fallen behind in my games. If you would've asked me a month ago, I would have said I was about 75% towards, 25% not; but that's flipped and now it's like 80% not.

I've said all along that my progress with the current-gen games will be the main deciding-factor on when I get my 360. Well, there are twelve games in my possesion that I absolutely must get to before I go next-gen. Plus another 3 that are out now that I don't have yet (but have every intention of getting before the years out), plus about ten upcoming. And that's just counting console games! But just looking at those twelve games that I already own... there is no way I finish with them all in two months.

So while I'm ready for the next-gen, I'm not.

Oblivion tho'...
...dang!

What about you guys? Anything change for you? Either way?
(I don't think the price(s) were announced last time we visited this topic.(?))

[Fivespot]

I'm still in but are a little more hesitant than before. The price is high not including games so it will cost over $500 for the premium bundle and 2 games.

A habit of mine has always been to trade games and get different games ultimately getting screwed out of money this way and ending up with the newest titles and nothing else in memories past. I've switched trends and have been holding onto my games with the intent to keep them permanently. Of course this doesn't help my cause when needing to raise the $500. I'll pony up of course.

Another factor in making me at least think about purchasing the 360 on day one is that Madden appears to be single player only (potentially). I'm basing this assumption strictly off the fact that I've seen some cover art w/no XBOX LIVE logo (Gamestop newest advertisement available in-store). But the whole notion makes me angry as I'm really looking forward to converting my cous to an XBOX so we can utilize the friends list and other features and play MADDEN. Boy, will he be disappointed if it ends up being offline. Wouldn't surprise me if he even considers not getting the 360 if this happens :(

Beyond those factors, I'm still on board. Anxious to play Call of Duty 2, DOA4, PGR3, Oblivion, Madden 360 and maybe PDO or Kameo. All in HD / 16:9 min 720p hopefully 1080i.

To be honest, this would be my first console purchase at launch which is why I think I most excited. I jumped on XBOX LIVE from day 1 and I remember having my shzt all hooked up, purchased broadband for the first time, installed cable to my basement and then waited for two months before it finally came out.

I feel a somewhat similar excitement awaiting this next launch leading up to the other two consoles although I may hold off on those for awhile depending on price. Afterall, I just dropped $500 for a console less than a year earlier.

[ThaMaskedGamer]

I just hope I can snag a system day 1. I'm not going to camp out though, i'll just wait till stock is replenished. And I won't be buying any type of bundle.

I'm not at all concerned about whether the platform will deliver the goods. I had those concerns at launch for XBOX, especially after getting burned on the DC. But 360 is going to be the main competitor and have significant market share. Also for a considerable time it will have the market all to itself. And the franchises have all been established. I mean for heaven's sake they are making a Halo movie! XBOX franchise is here to stay.

The thing i'm least concerned about is the games. I think current technology has been holding back developers, so I know we will see better gameplay. You can't release a new console side by side against your old console that will have Halflife2, Farcry, Rainbow6, Motogp3, and have games with the very same gameplay. And it is the developer's comments that give me the most assurance.

I'm so sick of this generation. I'm wrapping up Dark Watch and the gameplay is just too damn familiar. I'm enjoying Mgp3, but really been there done that. Same can be said with Rainbow6. I'm not even that hyped about Halflife2 and I could really careless about Farcry. I'm looking forward to GR3 online. I'm really hoping they take military shooters to the next level online. I hope there will more of a focus on the team dynamic, coordinated movements, soldiers with unique functions that mandate teamwork to complete missions, I'm hoping for improved AI and mission structure, vastly improved AI. I'm not concerned about graphics, cause i know they will be unbelievable. So its gonna take way more than graphics to make me fork over the cash, i'm talking to you Project Gotham 3.

I think this console is so damn powerful this launch will be unlike any other in history, in terms of the impact of these games. Obviously, PS3's launch could be just as impressive and explosive, but that is 1 or 2 years away. There is no way that I, as a gamer, can sit back and ignore games like Oblivion and Gears of War for a whole year. I just don't have that kind of patience. I'm gonna enjoy the hell outta these games. I can't wait.

[Glockstar]

By "bundle" you mean one of those GameStop/EBX/ToysRUs/SamsClub-Ultra Uber-type bundles, right? I hope you don't mean the "Premium Package" - the one with the wireless and the harddrive and the a/v hookups and the headset and the remote (versus the "Core Package" - which has none of that). If it's the former you're talking about (which I suspect it is) then, well, chyeahhh... those are ghey!

The 360 launch lineup looks incredible to me. I mean, I already see dilemmas forming. As in, which racer do I get, PGR3 or Full Auto? I think you've got to go all the way back to the NES to find a launch lineup as big and broad as the 360's.

That's one reason why I think about it so much. I'm kind of stressing. I've got all these current-gen games to catch up on - that I know I'm not going to have done before the year's out - but I don't want to fall too far behind in the next-gen either. I already see 5 games (from out of that IGN list, shown above) that I want for the 360 from the get-go, and then see a whole bunch more in 2006 that look cool.

The biggest of which is Gears Of War. I'm with you. If Oblivion isn't the system seller for me, then that one will be. I will have a 360 set-up and waiting for GOW, the day that game comes out.

As far as being "sick of this generation", I don't share that sentiment. But I can, kind of, see where you might be coming from. You guys like those smart games. Or at least games with real artificial-intelligence. I think there's been a slew of those type of games lately, myself... but I can tell that there's been limitations.

And that's what the next-gen is going to bring us. People that are thinking that it's all about the graphics are going to be clueless come next-gen, because they are totally missing what the next-gen consoles are about. You see those three 3.2GHz cores that are powering the 360? That's what the 360 is about. It's about advanced A.I., real-time happenings, and total immersion. The simple games of today - and especially yesterday - are going to be totally out of place on the new systems. People better start to rethink what they know and like about videogames with regards to entertainment and challenge if they want to see the true value of the next-gen consoles.

Now don't get me wrong I love those simple games too. I love my Wipeouts, my Blitz's, my Gauntlet's, and my Hulks. But if you think I'm buying a 360 so's I can play Tetris or Mario Bros on it, you're effed in tha head. That's why I'm so intent on finishing the games I have before I get a 360; becuase once the next-gen gets going, it's going to be hard to look back. (Kind of like how it is playing Space Invaders, Astrosmash, Adventure, or Pitfall Harry, etc, now.)

[Glockstar]

The price is high not including games so it will cost over $500 for the premium bundle and 2 games.

You're right about that, Five.

Except that $500 is the amount I'm looking at for one game. Because I gotta get me an Extended Warranty too.

-
I've switched trends and have been holding onto my games with the intent to keep them permanently.

That's what I'm doing too.

For the most part.

I've gotten rid of a ton of games over the past few months (including my whole gamecube collection), but they were almost all games that I didn't like (some, I hated), or games that I just couldn't get into (or even start).

Otherwise, I'm keeping my games. Even though I may have no intention of ever playing them again. You just never know. Munch's Oddysee is a pefect example. I've played it thru twice - I've seen it all and done it all - so have no incentive to play it again... but I keep it because I have fond memories of it. And 5 years from now (when we're all still here arguing) someone will say "remember that game", to which I'll get all nostalgic and *bleep*... but (now) I'll be able to do something about it other than just sit there in regret in reminiscing - like I do when somebody brings up, oh, say, Colecovision. (Which, actually, now that I think about it, is usually me. :( )

Memories. They're great if you have them.
Not so great if you have to pay for them. (Or buy them back.)

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

What about you guys? Anything change for you? Either way?
(I don't think the price(s) were announced last time we visited this topic.(?))

I'm still not a day one buyer. Surprisingly, it has nothing to do with the price. After the smoke has cleared, I don't really have a problem with the price anymore. My main prob is I'm just not finished with the current gen. I just found out I have 9 games reserved (and paid for thanks to good deals :D ), and all of those are for current gen titles. That's not including the games that were pushed back to '06 like Tomb Raider, Godfather, Zelda, Starcraft Ghost (I predict it will come out before E3), MVP NCAA Baseball (yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!) or the other games I'm keeping an eye on (Fable: LC, Ninja Gaiden Black, NBA 2k6). If I had the budget for a 360, there's no way I would have enough time for it and this gen right now. I'm still seeing a spring to summer buy for me, depending on where I buy one and what kind of extended warranty is available.

I will miss that big Oblivion thread that's going to be posted, just like all the other good Xbox RPGs that are discussed here :(

[DrunkenThumbmaster]

F#$K it! I'm down at launch I've just haven't been playing the consoles much lately I want the new burnout but I could do without. I'm ready for the launch I haven't preorder and I won't camp out but I want one as soon as I can get one.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

My current Xbox almost made me change my mind about a 360 in '05. The thing didn't want to read discs for a bit (even cleaning it didn't help). Fortunately, it's working alright.......for now. If it ever goes kaput, I'll probably get a 360 and pick up any remaining current-gen games on PS2 if they aren't 360-compatible.

[Glockstar]

Do you guys honestly think that there is going to be a shortage of 360's this holiday shopping season?

[Fivespot]

Do you guys honestly think that there is going to be a shortage of 360's this holiday shopping season?

Yes, I do.

XBOX is pretty HOT right now in the US and I can't see that changing anytime soon. In my opinion it will keep rolling right into this next-gen launch where many people will upgrade. MS has the same opinion which is why they are aggressively working to launch ahead of Sony and Nintendo (even at the extent of looking foolish - For example the whole B/C issue).

Contrary to how this board views the next MS launch, sheep will flock to the 360 in droves at least through the holiday season.

Is PS2 kickin' MS and Nintendo in the US because its a better system? Yes - partly. But it also had the benefit of launching months ahead of the competition.

This is my prediction as bold as it may seem to some.

[theWacoKid]

I'm down due to EB trade in deals in August. They gave me $5can. plus tax for dvds and I had and still have a crapload of dvds. So, selling off 80 or so dvds was easy to do and its been something I've been doing anyway with Blockbuster video. My collection badly needed a trimming. My video cases were full. Then they had a good trade in deal on games. 50% extra trade in credit if you buy a madcatz accessory. So, I bought one for $5. Xbox 360 paid for with about $120 left over.

I'm also down due to as TMG has pointed out, this gen is tapped out for me. Paying $60can for games running on ancient hardware doesn't cut it anymore. Soul Calibur kicked off next gen and six years later we're looking at SC3, which isn't that much different or better than SC was for the DC. This stuff is just getting real old. Minor improvements made, a few features added due to the limitations of the hardware. Enough is enough for me.

There will be a few current gen games that are different, but the majority will be rehashes and spinoffs. Socom 3 for the ps2, bigger levels, more weapons, the guys can swim, big effin deal, its still a raggedy ass engine, the game looks like crap, the AI will still be just as retarded as ever. I'm gonna pay $50 for this tired stale crap running on the same engine from four years ago on hardware that should be retired and buried. Sony can keep the ps2 going for 10 years. After nearly five years of gaming on the ps2, uncle. The thrill is officially gone.

Its time to head back online. Its bound to be better since a lot of the mongoloids who bought an xbox at $199 and lower will be priced out at $399 and $299. I'm glad the price points are higher as we'll be looking at the more serious hardcore gamer, and not the typical residents of jerkville U.S.A.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

Do you guys honestly think that there is going to be a shortage of 360's this holiday shopping season?


More than likely, though I'm not sure if the $300 version will sell out. I wonder, if some stores (EB & Gamestop) run out of premium packages, will they sell the core package with the "premium extras" for the $400 price, or will they actually make gamers buy the accessories at regular price, along with the core package?

[Glockstar]

The Xbox sold (approx.) 1,421,000 units in the U.S. between its launch date (11/15) and the end of the year (2001). (According to NPD.)

It sold 556,000 in its first 9 days.

So I guess the question then becomes: how many units is MS planning to ship?

Also, remember that back when the first Xbox launched all three of the available consoles were selling at a premium price. This year, two are going to be budget-priced.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

The manager at my local EBGames informed me that they are only doing pre-orders for 360s, and I'm going to take a good guess that my local Gamestop will do the same. It also sounds like the EB 360s will be based on when it's pre-ordered, so some gamers will be waiting a few days to a couple of weeks until they get theirs. I have a feeling that stores such as Circuit City, Best Buy, K-Mart, Target, Wal-Mart, TRU, Media-play, GameRush, etc will have some type of pre-order deal, but more than likely will have some in stores to whoever gets their hands on it.

As far as how many MS will ship? I'm not sure. Though MS is planning a global launch, it doesn't seem like the supply will be as low as the PS2 and PSP when they launched.

Availablity and the next-gen version of Tomb Raider are now my deciding factors as to when I'll get a 360.

[slade]

Quick Question: Can you lay a 360 on its side or does it always have to be standing up?

[Fivespot]

Quick Question: Can you lay a 360 on its side or does it always have to be standing up?

Yes, it can do both.

If you look closely at 360 pictures showing it standing up, you'll notice that the writing on the unit is positioned as if it were laying flat.

[Glockstar]

Are you sure?

I ask because I just realized that being ready for the 360 doesn't just mean being done with this generations' games, it also means having the right set-up.

Do you have the Hi-Def. television? Do you have the surround sound - and the speakers? Do you have all the right cables and wires?

I don't.

I'm not ready.

I suppose I could have all those things in place - before November 22nd - I tell you that'd be alot easier than completing my To-Play List - but I really don't even know what TV to buy. Still.

A couple of months ago it looked to me like Rear-Projection was the way to go (you know, those big honkin' heavy-azz tv's) but lately I've heard whisperings that suggest otherwise. I don't know what the flock to do! :(

I've got time. I think. I've got until Oblivion comes out. That's not a Day 1 title... I'm pretty sure... Right?

[Fivespot]

Are you sure?

I ask because I just realized that being ready for the 360 doesn't just mean being done with this generations' games, it also means having the right set-up.

Do you have the Hi-Def. television? Do you have the surround sound - and the speakers? Do you have all the right cables and wires?

I don't.

I'm not ready.

I suppose I could have all those things in place - before November 22nd - I tell you that'd be alot easier than completing my To-Play List - but I really don't even know what TV to buy. Still.

A couple of months ago it looked to me like Rear-Projection was the way to go (you know, those big honkin' heavy-azz tv's) but lately I've heard whisperings that suggest otherwise. I don't know what the flock to do! :(

I've got time. I think. I've got until Oblivion comes out. That's not a Day 1 title... I'm pretty sure... Right?

Oh yeah, I'm all ready baby. I have a nice HD in the living room and an entry level model for my gaming set-up. Considering how fast the technology is evolving and how fast the prices are coming down, I'd encourage you just to pick up a $600 HDTV (if you have the means) and hold off on the $1500-$2500 models for the time being - just a personal opinion.

I bought my gaming room HD specifically for the 360 launch (and PS3 later). Its 16:9 widescreen, has HDMI inputs along with component hook-ups, is capable of 480p,720p, & 1080i so I'm raring and ready to go. Unfortunately my stereo system and surround sound is in the living room, so I guess I'm a little short on that end of the stick but may pick up a $200 sys just for the gaming rig. Sony has a nice one for real cheap. Although it doesn't hold a flame to my real rig - it will suffice in the gaming room and should do the trick.

For now, its all about the visuals and for that I'm well prepared.

I remember the time before XBOX Live launched. I purchased high-speed internet & had it installed right to where my XBOX was positioned just so I was ready to go online Day1. It wasn't until recently that I also started using that connection for my PC :D

[Darwin]

I suppose I could have all those things in place - before November 22nd - I tell you that'd be alot easier than completing my To-Play List - but I really don't even know what TV to buy. Still.

In case you didn't know, the www.cnet.com site is quite useful when you want to pick an HDTV. It has product reviews as well as guides to teach you about the technology.

[Glockstar]

Ah yeah. CNET is a Top 10 Favorite.

And I know of those guides you're speaking of... I've read them thoroughly - and have even printed them out so that I could "think" on them further (...if you understand my meaning. :p )

But I have to admit that I did all that a while ago. Like, well over six months ago. I know - or I'm pretty sure - that things have changed - that technologies have improved - since then. I think it's back to the drawing board for me...

[Glockstar]

1) I said, "...it looked to me like Rear-Projection was the way to go...", but what I meant was "Direct-View/CRT".

The problem I have with LCD and Plasma (and now DLP) is that I hear the blacks aren't very black. Anybody got anything to say about this?

-

2) I just got finished reviewing the GameStop and EBGames "Coming Soon" lists and saw that... are you sitting down for this?... you might want to sit down for this... both show that Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is shipping November 21! I know, a lot can happen between now and then, but...

[ThaMaskedGamer]

1) I said, "...it looked to me like Rear-Projection was the way to go...", but what I meant was "Direct-View/CRT".

The problem I have with LCD and Plasma (and now DLP) is that I hear the blacks aren't very black. Anybody got anything to say about this?

-

2) I just got finished reviewing the GameStop and EBGames "Coming Soon" lists and saw that... are you sitting down for this?... you might want to sit down for this... both show that Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is shipping November 21! I know, a lot can happen between now and then, but...

Yes that was a complaint about Plasma's and LCDs, apparently manufacturers have come up with technologies to improve this, I don't know how effective they are. If I were buying an HDTV today, i'd really really look into. Fortunately, my cycle for buying another TV won't come around for maybe another 5 years. I have two rear projection HDTVs, one 61inch and the other 48 inch. The 61inch I got in 2001, its picture is starting to fade, only I can notice it. I haven't taken the time to have it adjusted, which could be all that it requires. But it is still an amazingly beautiful picture when viewing a true HD source. My 48 inch i've had for I think 3 years now, and it still looks good as new. This set is not used nearly as much as the other, in fact, it is primarily only used for XBOX and late night TV watching in bed, which is not much. I know some of the newer technologies have longevity problems, some of the require you to replace bulbs that cost an arm and a leg. I would say if you want a large picture, at a good price, and aren't concerned about space, go rear projection. The prices are great and they are reliable.

[Darwin]

The problem I have with LCD and Plasma (and now DLP) is that I hear the blacks aren't very black. Anybody got anything to say about this?

Almost sounded like a bit from a Dave Chappelle sketch .... hi-yoooooo !!

Well, I can only go off what I read online and what I have seen myself. I have a flat-panel LCD, and I bought by parents a flat-panel Plasma. LCDs get a slightly higher resolution (more horizontal lines) than Plasma. But the Plamsa brings out the colors more than the LCD.

Dark colors, including black, show very true on my parents plasma. And it does so even with the daylight shining right in the living room. (I cannot get my parents to understand that their airconditioning wouldn't come on so much if they would shut the living room blinds during the middle of the day.)

The color quality of my LCD is not quite as bright/dark as their Plasma. However, it also depends on the surrounding light and how I adjust it. I can get my LCD to have fairly bright/dark colors, but it takes some effort. Whereas the Plamsa seems like no effort at all.

Your eyes will adjust to whatever technology you choose. LCD, Plamsa, whatever. After a while, the picture will look normal to you. I've never yet played a game or watched a show where I couldn't see something because my LCD wouldn't display that shade of black dark enough. In my humble opinion, you should choose a TV based on budget, size constrictions, brand, and functionality (including the types of hookups). Newer generations of Plasma and LCD TV's have solved or greatly reduced a lot of the so-called problems associated with these technologies.

Picture quality, especially when it comes to the color, is so subjective and it highly dependent upon how the TV's settings are set up. Also keep in mind that the settings of the color and contrast for the TV's on display in a store are usually turned way up. These settings are not necessarily indicative of the best viewing settings for in-home use, but rather they are set to try to "stand-out" and grab your attention in the store.

[Gadfly2317]

1) I said, "...it looked to me like Rear-Projection was the way to go...", but what I meant was "Direct-View/CRT".

The problem I have with LCD and Plasma (and now DLP) is that I hear the blacks aren't very black. Anybody got anything to say about this?

-

2) I just got finished reviewing the GameStop and EBGames "Coming Soon" lists and saw that... are you sitting down for this?... you might want to sit down for this... both show that Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion is shipping November 21! I know, a lot can happen between now and then, but...

I'm not sure its so much of an issue of the blacks not being black enough, its that multiple shades of black can sometimes be just one shade of black. Take some of the dark scenes in a film like Seven; you scan still make out detail in the dark scenes, on some LCD and Plasma's there may be areas of the scene that kind of blend together in one shade of black. You might have need to seen the film recently on another screen or side by side to really notice.

I haven't noticed any problems with brilliant color, other than it took me a long time to get the color settings perfect between my DvD player and my screen. Once that was right and skin tones stopped looking so red, I've been in heaven.

Personally, I think flat screen LCD is the way to go for so many reasons; I'd never go back regardless of advantages like lower price per square inch. Check out the Sharp Aquos, and also the one Darwin got (I forget now what it was.) Make sure you're getting something with a high contrast ratio.

[Darwin]

Check out the Sharp Aquos, and also the one Darwin got (I forget now what it was.)

I own the 32 inch Samsung flat-panel LCD HDTV. Its the one with the internal speakers along the bottom in the shape of a V. http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Samsung-32-LCD-HDTV-Monitor-LN-R328W-/sem/rpsm/oid/117243/catOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

This one is Gadfly's: http://www.circuitcity.com/ssm/Sharp-AQUOS-32-LCD-HDTV-Monitor-LC-32DA5U-/sem/rpsm/oid/131144/catOid/-12869/rpem/ccd/productDetail.do

[Glockstar]

Damn, those are some nice tv's.

So you guys don't have any problems with blurring then?

-

Anybody else trying to win a 360?
Anybody else besides me playing the Mountain Dew "Every 10 Minutes" sweepstakes?

[Darwin]

Damn, those are some nice tv's.

So you guys don't have any problems with blurring then?

-

Anybody else trying to win a 360?
Anybody else besides me playing the Mountain Dew "Every 10 Minutes" sweepstakes?

The latest generation of LCDs have very minimal blurring. I guess another way to say it is that they have a very high refresh rate (correct me if I'm wrong, anyone). So much, that I don't notice anything significant with my latest 32 inch Samnsung LCD HDTV. You can check it out for yourself the next time you're in Circuit City or Worst Buy. Take a look at the latest LCD models on display. The color and contrast of the sets on display will be turned way up, but you'll still be able to see whether or not they have any blurring.

And I do have a basis of comparison because I also own a 17 inch Samsung LCD HDTV that was manufactured 2+ years ago, and I do notice some small "blurring" or "trailing" with that one. I got used to it, but it was still a little noticable. The quality of picture has improved on these Samsung LCD's in a matter of just 2 years.

As far as Mountain Dew is concerned, I don't drink caffeinated beverages. I am very sensitive to caffeine.

[theWacoKid]

Damn, those are some nice tv's.

So you guys don't have any problems with blurring then?

-

Anybody else trying to win a 360?
Anybody else besides me playing the Mountain Dew "Every 10 Minutes" sweepstakes?

Doing the canadain version called be the first to play. Fortunately, I can just email their web site for free codes, and not have to gorge on doritos and pepsi.

[Mochan]

By the way, for those who were looking forward to Ghost Recon, it has unfortunately been delayed to February next year (grr).

[slade]

Doing the canadain version called be the first to play. Fortunately, I can just email their web site for free codes, and not have to gorge on doritos and pepsi.

You're doing that too? I input one code every now and then. Haven't won anything yet though. I know you can grab one every hour and then input them but that seems like too much of a waste of time.

[Gadfly2317]

Damn, those are some nice tv's.

So you guys don't have any problems with blurring then?

-

Anybody else trying to win a 360?
Anybody else besides me playing the Mountain Dew "Every 10 Minutes" sweepstakes?

I notice some image pixelation on channels at 1080i when something really fast happens, like strobing lights or explosions. Other than that, slicker 'n owl sh!t.

[Glockstar]

...for those of you getting a 360 at launch - which means putting a deposit (reservation) down on one, yes? - where are you getting yours from? Best Buy? Toys R Us? GameStop? EB Games? Somewhere else?

Oh, and why did you decide to get it from there?

[theWacoKid]

You're doing that too? I input one code every now and then. Haven't won anything yet though. I know you can grab one every hour and then input them but that seems like too much of a waste of time.

You can get a free code every hour and they're good for 24 hours. I save up 10 or so and input them for the same draw.

[Fivespot]

...for those of you getting a 360 at launch - which means putting a deposit (reservation) down on one, yes? - where are you getting yours from? Best Buy? Toys R Us? GameStop? EB Games? Somewhere else?

Oh, and why did you decide to get it from there?

I reserved one the day after it was announced on MTV - May 13th I believe. A required $50 deposit at Gamestop secured me a copy on the first shipment. I wasn't even sure if I'd buy one at that time but just reserved it figuring I could use the credit towards something else if I changed my mind.

I chose Gamestop because they are my personal game store of choice in the Milw area. We don't have GameRush or GameCrazy and some of those other places around here. Only EB and GS offered presale opportunities in this area w/Best Buy and Circuit City still not offering anything of the sort.

A funny story - I went to put more money down on the 360 mid-June and when I arrived, the store was gone. Panic hit me since I had a launch day reserve there!! I called to a different Gamestop and they informed me that location had closed and offered no further explanation. Anywho, I later learned that all 360 pre-orders were being moved to a different location. Unfortunately this certain location is in a more unfavorable part of town. I've already had a couple bad experiences at this specific Gamestop where the system was being moved to. I ended up at a diff. GS speaking my displeasure w/that manager! She kindly moved my reserve to her location and is actually driving to the other store to pick mine up on launch day. I'm the only customer she is doing this for. She must realize how much money I spend on games and how keeping me happy will ensure her mega-sales go forward.

My cousin planned to order a 360 but "forgot". Grrr. So basically he tried to reserve one 2 weeks ago and was informed by EB and GS that they are no longer taking reservations. I went to my gal at GS to see if she could help me get him one at launch. She said only for you and hooked my cousin up with someone's cancelled reservation but insisted I not tell anyone for what she had done.

I will buy all games, controllers, systems, handhelds, etc... from this gal at this location until she is no longer managing there. Long story but this is why I'm getting mine from Gamestop. :D

[Fivespot]

By the way, all Gamestops and EB Games around my area are out of 360's and are saying that it may be after the new year before they can get any more due to all of the pre-orders and the expected shipment size. My cousin was told he may have to wait until March 2006.

I needed to point this out or my above story wouldn't make a whole lot of sense.

[Glockstar]

I chose Gamestop because they are my personal game store of choice in the Milw area.

...

I ended up at a diff. GS speaking my displeasure w/that manager! She kindly moved my reserve to her location and is actually driving to the other store to pick mine up on launch day. I'm the only customer she is doing this for. She must realize how much money I spend on games and how keeping me happy will ensure her mega-sales go forward.

...

I will buy all games, controllers, systems, handhelds, etc... from this gal at this location until she is no longer managing there...

That's how you do it! Nice!

What about an Extended-Warranty/Product-Replacement-Plan... you getting? Do they have? If so, what are the details? If you know, can you share?

[Fivespot]

That's how you do it! Nice!

What about an Extended-Warranty/Product-Replacement-Plan... you getting? Do they have? If so, what are the details? If you know, can you share?

She told me they will definately have an extended warranty/product replacement plan but wasn't sure of the price. She suspects it will be more than $49.99 but isn't yet sure - although we haven't discussed that part in over a month.

She did get to go to the GS/EB manager convention hosted in TX a few weeks ago and was given an opportunity to take a few of the games hands-on. Kameo occupied most of her 360 gaming time and she said that the graphics are beautiful mainly due to the little things like a ton of dragons flying around in the background and some of the detailed, lush environments. The controller is very comfortable she noted while also playing Perfect Dark Zero & PGR3.

I guess Ghost Recon Next-gen was the most impressive game she saw on the 360 but said it was only a video. She didn't get any hands on with that game as it wasn't available.

[slade]

You can get a free code every hour and they're good for 24 hours. I save up 10 or so and input them for the same draw.

Yeah, I know but I haven't got that type of time. Well, actually I do. Guess it's just laziness on my part.

BTW, you probably know this better then me; how much is 360 going to cost in Canada? Is it the same prices as the U.S. or are we going to be paying more because of the Canadian dollar. I read somewhere that it was the former but that was hardly a credible source.

[theWacoKid]

Yeah, I know but I haven't got that type of time. Well, actually I do. Guess it's just laziness on my part.

BTW, you probably know this better then me; how much is 360 going to cost in Canada? Is it the same prices as the U.S. or are we going to be paying more because of the Canadian dollar. I read somewhere that it was the former but that was hardly a credible source.

The best thing to do for the codes is request one towards the end of an hour and then when the hour expires request another in the new hour. And yup, you're lazy, all right, takes about a minute to request the code.

When have we ever paid the same as the US. The premium bundle clocks in at $499 plus outrageous canadian taxes. My system's paid for with trade in credits. EB has had a lot of promotions lately when items are applied to system or new game purchases. I have enough in trade credit for 3 xbox 360 games as well before dipping into my wallet.

Allocation numbers are better than I thought. My local EB knows what they're supposed to be receiving. 62 units at launch and 10 a week after that for the rest of the year. I'm no. 28 on the pre-order list. So far, nobody at that EB has pre-ordered a core bundle. They currently have 75 pre-orders.

[Fivespot]

I've heard the same thing. No one at Gamestop has reserved a core unit either.

[Darwin]

...for those of you getting a 360 at launch - which means putting a deposit (reservation) down on one, yes? - where are you getting yours from? Best Buy? Toys R Us? GameStop? EB Games? Somewhere else?

Oh, and why did you decide to get it from there?

My local EbGames. Because they've been reliable in the past with preorders.

[Glockstar]

...that all stores will have a limited allotment of 360's for Day 1 - and for every week thereafter. GameStop and EBGames and Best Buy stores will get 50 while everybody else - the Wal-Marts, the Targets, the Toys R Us's, the GameRush's and the GameCrazy's (plus Circuit City, Sears, Kmart, and everybody else) - will only get 10. After that first shipment, it's 10 a week for everybody.

My first reaction to this was: There goes all my hopes for getting a 360 on Day 1.

My second was: Is this true?

I guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks. If the stores like Target, Kmart, and WalMart are only getting 10 on November 22 then they are going to need to come up with a some kind of system or promotion for determining who gets those 10. You know?

As far as the GS's and EBX's go, I know that each store in my area has over 50 reservations already. How they decide who among the reservists gets a 360 on Day One I don't know - is it first-come-fist-serve by reservation date? - I just know that I'm being told I'm too late for a Day 1 system - even if I reserve one now.

On the EBGames website they are saying that they are sold out of all 360 reservations.

GameStop's website says they are sold out of all but the most expensive of their 360-Bundle reservations. (You can still pre-order the Omega Bundle - if you have $2000 to spend - and if you hurry. :rolleyes: )

But I really have to wonder... is everybody who has a $50 reservation really going to pick theirs up on Day 1? 400 bucks is a lot of scratch... I wonder how many will trickle thru...

For those that don't know, the main reason for the limited quantities is The Worldwide Simultaneous Launch:

"We have a term for this. It's a very technical term. It's called a very hard problem. It's just hard. I can't comment on numbers at all. You can try all you want. I'm not going to give you any numbers partly because we're only in the beginnings of manufacturing and the rate that we're aiming for is very, very steep. … I don't even have a very accurate forecast from my boss. And until that happens, we don't really tell everybody else. The other thing is the financial community. We have to be very deliberate about numbers like that for all sorts of reasons.

It's actually regulatory issues with that that we have to be really cautious of. So, that's why we won't comment on the numbers. But manufacturing is going really well and, honestly, we decided, as a management team, that we'd rather take the heat on all territories saying, "We wish we had more," and we had to say, "Sold out," in too many places. We'd rather take that heat than take the heat from Europe saying, "Why do I have to wait for a year?" We designed a worldwide product with worldwide partners and worldwide ambition and the world deserves to see it all at the same time and we're not going to have enough. That's the fact. And no matter how aggressive we are with our [manufacturing], no matter how good our yields are, that's going to be the fact, which is another reason for the manufacturer to go worldwide.

It was ambitious and we know we're going to take some heat. But, hopefully, it's the right thing for the industry. You know, sometimes the right thing to do, the gutsy thing to do, is just the hard thing to do. And our partners are certainly glad that we're doing it. I think the gamers worldwide are glad that we're doing it.

We're making it in... China--two different manufacturing facilities, one by the name of Wistron and the other Flextronics, both companies that we use. … We've got boat containers. We've got planes. We're going to have machines leaving on both. [The launch] is a logistical nightmare. It really is. It's going to be a whole new thing. It won't go perfect. It just won't. And like I said, I'd rather apologize for not having a perfect worldwide launch and not having enough units than say, "Now we got it right for this set of customers." You know, "Sorry Activision. All that money you poured into those franchises and those games--those are going to be old by the time we get around to selling it in Europe. So, never mind."

--Microsoft's J Allard, 10/07/2005

[Gadfly2317]

Glock, I may have missed it in your post, but of those systems they are shipping, what percentage are going to be the $299 system, and which the $399?

[Glockstar]

Glock, I may have missed it in your post, but of those systems they are shipping, what percentage are going to be the $299 system, and which the $399?

It wasn't in that article/interview that I posted, but I did read something about that somewhere. If I recall they said that it's around 80% Premium, 20% Core right now - but their production tactics/focus (to this regard) could easily change.

It's pretty much all hardcore gamers who are expressing interest in the system right now, so that's why production is all about the Premium Pack. I reckon there won't be a whole lot of interest in shipping or receiving the Dumb... er, I'm sorry, Core... Packs until after the retailers get their 360 displays finished.

I saw the stores started doing their rearranging and clearing out and making room for the 360 awhile ago... and it seems like most of them are ready to put stuff in, but step 2 sure is taking awhile. I understand why now.

[theWacoKid]

Pre-orders are on a first come, first serve basis for retail chains like EB/Gamestop. EB Canada was told they will receive priority in allocaton figures over retailers like Future Shop and Best Buy. FS had a one day event for pre-ordering at their brick and mortar stores, where they handed out 10 xbox 360 promotional touques per store. Future shop also had some pre-orders online. Toys r us has also had pre-orders available at their brick and mortar stores.

MS stated that they would replenish supply on a weekly basis and this is what appears to be the case. 10 a week doesn't sound like much, but it adds up and it gives people an idea of when to expect units in. The big problem is, there are only 4 weeks after launch before xmas.

Why aren't you seeing more units and what's up with production? Simple. These are very complex chipsets, difficult to produce under normal circumstances, let alone a launch. The GPU is a two step affair. TMSC puts out the main portion of the gpu and NEC puts out the 10mb of edram that is surrounded by 100million transistors that makes up the daughter die. You're talking a gpu with 332million transisitors, its a freaking monster. Over time, I'm sure MS will reduce the gpu to a single chip, but that's not possible right now.

I'm going to be interested in seeing just how large the external power supply is. On the beta test units, the power supply is a huge affair. While some people are looking at that and going wtf, I feel much about the power supply being external. Its going to be one of the biggest heat offenders aside from the chips and the less heat inside that console case, the better.

Peter Moore commented that premium systems make up well over 80% of the units thus far produced. Keep in mind, japan will not be receiving any core units and virtually all pre-orders have been for the premium edition. I'm not entirely sure who it is that MS is intending to sell core systems to. No doubt there will be pissed off gamers complaining they were forced by MS into buying a core system this xmas, because that was all they could find available. All I have to say, is, tough noogies, you should've pre-ordered. Its not like you're out anything if you did. A $50 deposit which is fullly refundable if you change your mind.

Launches keep getting later and later each year and they're a freaking nightmare if you don't plan ahead. You also have to fight off the ebay scum that look to exploit hardware shortages which is why you only see bundles online. Retailers know that's how ebayers operate, so that's why the often outrageous bundle packages.

[Darwin]

At least Microsoft is being honest up-front about the supply during the launch window. Better than making promises and not delivering, ala Sony's PS2's launch fiasco.

[Glockstar]

IKeep in mind, japan will not be receiving any core units and virtually all pre-orders have been for the premium edition. I'm not entirely sure who it is that MS is intending to sell core systems to. No doubt there will be pissed off gamers complaining they were forced by MS into buying a core system this xmas, because that was all they could find available. All I have to say, is, tough noogies, you should've pre-ordered. Its not like you're out anything if you did. A $50 deposit which is fullly refundable if you change your mind.

Japan shouldn't receive any units - but period. I don't mean to give offense but you know they're not going to buy it, so why bend over backwards for them?

I sure hope MS is being realistic about their worldwide distribution. I mean I hope they're not thinking of shipping more than 20 to Japan.

And you know damned well who's going to buy the Dumb Packs. If you really don't know... then just head over to the PSP Forum and check out the newbies "epinion" on the PSP - that'll give you the perfect idea of who's going to buy those things.

[Rogue Bounty Hunter]

I guess we'll find out in a couple of weeks. If the stores like Target, Kmart, and WalMart are only getting 10 on November 22 then they are going to need to come up with a some kind of system or promotion for determining who gets those 10. You know?

I'm thinking Target, Wal-Mart and K-Mart will have the usual "by any means necessary" system of getting a 360 on launch day. It's basically a "first come, first serve" but with possibilities of 360 snatchings right out of a shopping cart, and possible scuffles with Soccer Moms/Dads who really want to get their spoiled kid(s) a new system for Christmas.

Seriously, I don't see any of those three doing any pre-order deals. If anything, they may give out numbers for the first so many that may want a system (especially Wal-Marts who are open 24/7). If your local K-Mart doesn't get a lot of business (mine doesn't), I wouldn't be surprised if you can walk in and get one right when they open on launch day.

[Darwin]

Yep, that's the key. Finding a Walmart or Kmart that is in the slow part of town.