Gromit

Someone over at the TiVo Community forums bought one and he's really impressed. Link

Michael Corvin

I'm going to beat the horse. I mean if we can have 2-3 pages of "where do I pre-order, I pre-ordered, is anyone still taking pre-order, etc" posts, then a few more posts on ship quantity won't hurt.

Wow. Someone has done their homework. But this paragraph here is what it boils down to. Something I didn't think about since I have 2 BB, 3 Targets, 3 K-Marts, a half dozen Wal-Marts, a few Sams Clubs, 3-4 EB/Gamestops, 3 Meijers, a couple Toys R Us stores, etc. all within a small radius. That is why I figured it will be pretty easy to get one.

Onward, I'm with K&A, I've been watching some of the vids and I'm still not impressed with the launch lineup. Nothing leaps and bounds better than what is already out. But since I plan on getting a Revolution next year, I figure it is better to spend the dough on the 360 now instead of trying to buy them both next year around price drop time along with games.

kakihara1

You bet your ass I am, that's gonna be awesome.

what he said ^

Michael by all means I hope you're right but I also agree with some of what hail2dking is saying; I live very close to Ft. Wayne but as anyone who's been there knows it's not exactly a big city, and while yes there are stores that will be carrying them including two Best Buys I'm still not convinced that there will be many (if any) 360s sitting on the shelves come the 23rd

LMAO why would you get one? You don't even play the xbox you have now

I for one am exited about the launch I think Oblivion alone is going to kill many hours of my otherwis constructively spent time...add PDZ and COD2 to the mix and I may have to quit my job

kaki

DJ_Longfellow

Well, I got to play the 360 today at WALMART (12 & VanDyke - Warren, MI)

I could only play for a few minutes, because of time and the way it's set up. You have to carnk your neck all the way back to see the screen....very uncomfortable.

Anyways, CoD2 seemed excellent, graphics are GREAT, control was great.
- Kameo seemed nice, nice graphics..seems like a decent platformer. I'll probably pass for now, but maybe pick it up eventually
-King Kong was nice. I liked the graphics and having no overlays on the screen was neat.

I looked at a couple demos, NBA 2K6 seemed average. The player models were not as good as I thought, but graphics were decent.

The controller was nice, fit in my hands well. I use the DUKE controller also now.

Overall, I'm excited to get mine in a month. I'm just curious if the graphics will be as sharp on my 55" Mits (rather than the 23"-26" they had in the store). Also, I only have 1080i, but I know the 360 upconverts for you.

Michael Corvin

I was thinking about this numbers over lunch. These are all guesstimates(also assuming your retail locale numbers are correct) but:

if 800,000 is the initial shipment and you factor in the Best Buy 60% figure, then you get the following:

Best Buy gets 480,000 to distribute to their 700 stores. = 785 per store (sounds pretty high, also sounds like there should be no problem finding one there release week)

120,000 for GameSpot, GR, EB pre-orders

800,000
- 480,000
- 120,000
----------
200,000

So 200,000 for the remaining 11,000 retail outlets which equates to about 20 per store. So it could appear be a shortage when factoring in the Best Buy rumor. Not necessarily a shortage since each BB will have so many. Nontheless, thought I would point that out.

Zodo

Quick question: From what I've seen the 360 doesn't come with an optical cable for sound. Do you have to purchase a separate standard Toslink cable in order to get 5.1 surround?

hail2dking

yes

Zodo

That's lame that they don't include one with the HD cables.

At least it's just a standard Toslink cable though, and I don't have to buy some overpriced Monster cable.

Michael Corvin

yeah. You can pick up a cheap one at pccables.com if you don't have one lying around.

ChrisHicks

I'm starting read alot of stuff about people buying 5-6 360s each just for the ebay holiday rush. I would take that into consideration if you want one. nothing like people creating a shortage for profit. I tell ya, anything for a quick buck.

ogscarface

These are going to be real hot

Josh H

A lot will depend on what games are out between now and X-mas. I can't believe were a month from launch and we still don't know definitively what games will be out that day. Even Perfect Dark 0 is still up in the air, the things I read usually just say it will be out this year.

I imagine these will be easier to find launch week if PD0 isn't there.

DARTH GAMER

I just got a bit of bad news. (a small bit) I was just at my local EB and was talking to a friend of mine who is the manager. He told me just recieved a call from his boss stating that they made a clarification on the charge and play kit. It does not come with a battery like everybody (including myself) thought. You have to buy the battery separate. I thing I just paid 12$ for it. My friend said that he now has to call back everyone who preordered this kit. Kinda sucks but OH Well.

MasterofDVD

While 12.00 is nothing compared to the 700.00 or so I have already put toward the system, games and accessories.....this is a big fucking mistake in my book.

Anyone curious if this is a retailer mistake or a charge that MS is making to earn a little extra cash? Guess I'll be running up to the mall on Monday to pay off yet another 360 related item.

Zodo

That's lame not to come with the actually battery pack. So now people have to pay $35 or so just to be able to charge a battery pack with the xbox?

How does the normal battery pack charge? Does it come with a little adapter you plug in?

DVDHO

Im hearing only 300,000 being shiped now which means if you did not pre-order have fun trying to get one when most stores will only get 20 units in,EBs and Gamestops are suppose to only get 20 units as well.

WorldWide launch=dissaster

Apollo

I think this is correct. My Plug and Play was $19.99 w/a $10 battery(Pre-order for EB). No Biggie.

DJ_Longfellow

Well, that sucks about the play and charge kit. What is the point of it then if they don't give you a battery. Oh well....I'm sure I'll pick one up anyways. I don't want to go through hundreds of AA's batteries.

Save Ferris

Honestly most people (and especially gamers) should have switched to rechargables a long time ago. Save money, help the environment and save money.

DJ_Longfellow

Yeah, I might do that also....the battery pack just lasts longer, right? I've never had wireless controllers, so they are new to me?

Is it TWO AA's for the controllers? (or the battery pack, right?)

Anyone have any deals on rechargable's? Any particular BRAND to look for? I always used normal batteries also...never rechargables

Save Ferris

I got some energizers that recharge in 15 minutes! they're great. The charger comes with a little fan because it gets a little warm but it juices them up really quick (it charges AAA's as well)

Michael Corvin

I use the 30 Minute Energizers. I have 8 rechargables for my gaming needs. Went with the 30 minute over 15 minute becuase I figure that isn't much time difference vs. the price difference (about $10). Spent the $10 on another set of 4 batteries.

DJ_Longfellow

Thanks for the battery update....I'll look for a 4-pack or 8-pack to recharge. Just need to find a bargain.

AllHallowsEve

I keep trying to think of reasons why I didn't pre-order when I had the chance? I can't think of any logical ones.

Oh well, I will take my chances and try to find one on release day early.

I won't be making this mistake again when PS3 or NR come out.

Adam Tyner

Mine were during the height of pre-ordering, a list of launch titles, a release date, and even a price hadn't been pinned down. I have no problem pre-ordering, but I would like to know what I'm getting and when.