XBox 360 - by hook or by crook
In contrast to Sony's woes, Microsoft has a different problem with the XBox 360 - not enough on the ground, and an audience that is absolutely rabid for the product. For instance:
The shortage is very real, and it has plenty of people angry and frustrated. At one of two Circuit City stores that I visited, there were two separate lines, one for people who had shown up before the store even opened and were given "vouchers," and another for the voucher-less people hoping that someone backed out of the deal. I got in the second line to gauge people's hopes and expectations. The result? The overwhelming majority of people in line were actually people who had pre-ordered units from other stores, most notably Gamestop and Electronics Boutique. One individual, Dennis, had two pre-orders, and was still in the (hopeless) line. Why? It's a common story: Dennis got a call from his pre-order stores. "Sorry," they said, "but we cannot fill your order, and will not be able to do so until after Christmas." Dennis claims that he placed both of his orders in July.
It's even getting uglier than that - robberies at gunpoint and the like. I've seen numerous reports like this one. Having a wildly popular product that people really want is a good thing, but MS is going to have to stay on top of this - excitement can turn to fury quickly.
Comments
Oh - poor little game addicts.
[XCheck] November 23, 2005 19:30:55.787
Anyone who is willing to actually stand in line for a product like this, deserves what he/she gets - now or later. From the manufacturer or from the government.
If you ever had to stand in line for toilet paper or bananas, or bottled water for your baby, you'd understand why I have ABSOLUTELY NO SYMPATHY for people who are willing to do this to themselves by their own free will. Ditto for all those midnight Harry Potter releases and highly overrated movies.
Happy Thanksgiving