XBox 360 Supply Problems Over?

[Vandenh]

Microsoft had a press release that states that the production of 360 is now running at full speed. They also announce the spring games. Yahoo has more. (http://biz.yahoo.com/prnews/060321/sftu067.html?.v=47)

"Today we have turned a major corner," said Peter Moore, corporate vice president of the Interactive Entertainment Business in the Entertainment and Devices Division at Microsoft. "With more consoles on their way to retail, 80 games available by June, and new content and experiences coming to Xbox Live® all the time, there has never been a better time to own an Xbox 360."
No shocking new games on that list but with the flood of pretty impressive 360 games this month, this might be good news for future 360 owners.

[fitbabits]

How long before some troll posts something like - "Mikroshaft are teh liers. Try getting 1 in my home st8."?

[Zaro]

Mikroshaft are teh liers. Try getting 1 in my home st8.

[The Continental]

Supply problems over eh?

"Mission Accomplished."

That work for ya fitba?

[screwtape]

How long, from start to finish, does it take to produce a 360 and get it on a store shelf? I wish the article was specific regarding availability dates. Regardless, as soon as I find one, I'm getting it.

[joruussuun]

6 minutes apparently fitbabits...

[Vandenh]

BTW did anybody else notice the first downloadable content for Oblivion?

Horse Armor Pack??? :)

[Kelegacy]

How long before some troll posts something like - "Mikroshaft are teh liers. Try getting 1 in my home st8."?
Preemptive fire-fighting? We should position you in the Sony threads from now on, Smokey.

80 games by June? How many are available now? I can't fathom 80 games, though I suppose it's possible...with maybe 2 that interest me at all. Oblivion is one. I don't know what the other will be.

[Atorak]

BTW did anybody else notice the first downloadable content for Oblivion?

Horse Armor Pack??? :)

WHAAAAA? Tis it TRUE?!??!

Okay I'm leaving work!

[Vandenh]

WHAAAAA? Tis it TRUE?!??!

Okay I'm leaving work!

Woah stop dude! Future content.. not RIGHT NOW ;)

/notices Atoraks car is missing

Oh well....

[TheHulk]

Have you gotten yours yet Joruussuun? I've been looking pretty hard and haven't seen any except for a few cores about a month ago at Best Buy. Hoping I can get to the opening of the new Wal Mart Supercenter tomorrow morning and that they'll have some there.

[Tricky Thumb]

We actually got a couple cores in my Gamestop, considering we're a smaller store that's a good sign. I wouldn't be surprised if April brings about the end to the 360 shortage. Better late than never, I s'pose.

[Atorak]

/disappointment

Me wants horsie armor. :(

[joruussuun]

Have you gotten yours yet Joruussuun? I've been looking pretty hard and haven't seen any except for a few cores about a month ago at Best Buy. Hoping I can get to the opening of the new Wal Mart Supercenter tomorrow morning and that they'll have some there.
Whoa... what new Wal-Mart? I hadn't heard about that... I live by the Wal-Mart in Summerville though... so probably won't affect me much.
I had to give up the dream of a 360 until probably at least September, not that I've actually EVER seen one in any store, but my cat broke his leg and I ended up using my money earmarked for a 360 on surgery. :D
I've decided it's best I wait anyway (I keep telling myself), since I can probably get one later this year after more good games come out, more downloadable content/live arcade titles, maybe a bigger hard drive, and any overheating issues worked out. Who know, maybe even a price drop (yeah I'm not counting on it)! Plus, I want a DS Lite before that too, so that's what I'm currently saving up for (I have no original DS and want so many DS games).

[Phades]

Preemptive fire-fighting? We should position you in the Sony threads from now on, Smokey.

80 games by June? How many are available now? I can't fathom 80 games, though I suppose it's possible...with maybe 2 that interest me at all. Oblivion is one. I don't know what the other will be.

Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter. Simply awesome.

[The Letter 3]

my cat broke his leg and I ended up using my money earmarked for a 360 on surgery. :D
What a tender heart! I sold my cat for the money to get a 360. I think I ate it when I went back to that Chinese restaurant the next day. :rolleyes:

[Serapth]

80 games by June? How many are available now? I can't fathom 80 games, though I suppose it's possible...with maybe 2 that interest me at all. Oblivion is one. I don't know what the other will be.

My money says that includes Xbox live arcade games, of which there are easily 20 already, and a bunch more announced.

[bapenguin]

80 games by June? How many are available now? I can't fathom 80 games, though I suppose it's possible...with maybe 2 that interest me at all. Oblivion is one. I don't know what the other will be.

If they count the Live Arcade titles, I believe there are 49 titles out now.

Without them there are 30 some titles available.

[Kamalot]

I found my 360 by walking into Target. I told myself that the day I walk into the store and it is available, I'll get one. Well, I did. Loved every moment of it since, with the exception of $60 wasted on Perfect Dark.

I still play my DS more though.

[fitbabits]

Preemptive fire-fighting? We should position you in the Sony threads from now on, Smokey.
Every Smokey needs a bandit. Will you be mine, Kelegacy?

[Magnanimous Gnome]

BTW did anybody else notice the first downloadable content for Oblivion?

Horse Armor Pack??? :)

I really hope that these Oblivion packs are super cheap, ie a dollar or two at the most. They also better be bigger than the official plugins for Morrowind, otherwise they won't be worth anything.

I'm kind of disappointed that they are charging for addons at all actually.

[Balthasar]

Every Smokey needs a bandit. Will you be mine, Kelegacy?
Wow, guys. Just. Wow.

[drakkarim]

there has never been a better time to own an Xbox 360

meh, $400? i'll pass.

[Kapinator]

Still nowhere to be found in Seattle =/

[TheHulk]

Jorus... sorry to hear about your cat. There's a Wal Mart Supercenter opening in West Ashley tomorrow morning at 8 AM. I think Obivion and Ghost Recon will be my first games.

[absolut taco]

If they count the Live Arcade titles, I believe there are 49 titles out now.

Without them there are 30 some titles available.
I'm surprised they're not counting the 100 or so Xbox games that work with the new system...

[Achilles]

80 games by June huh?
Oblivion, The Outfit, GRAW, DOA4, Burnout Revenge, College Hoops, Fight Night, Full Auto, FIFA World Cup, BF2:MC, Blazing Angels, CoD2, Condemned, Dynasty Warriors 5, Far Cry, FIFA, Final Fantasy XI, GUN, Kameo, LotR: Battle for Middle Earth, Madden, MLB, NBA 2k6, NBA Live 06, NCAA 06, NFS:MW, NHL 2k6, PDZ, King Kong, PGR, Quake 4, Ridge Racer 6, Rumble Roses XX, Superman, Test Drive Unlimited, Tiger Woods, Time Shift, Tomb Raider, THUG, Top Spin 2, X-Men.

41, even assuming I missed some, and there are some that we don’t know are coming out yet, they’re probably counting Live Arcade games. Now that’s a reasonable thing to do because they’re still games.

[Rakael]

I'll beleive this when I can walk into a local store and pick up a premium system. As of now, still not possible.

By the way, this is not a troll. I just have this little policy of not beleiving anything a corporation has to say, no matter what it's name happens to be.

[Schnoogs]

Went to Frys today...they got 16 units in. Biggest shipment since launch.

I would say that things are looking brighter!

[MosBen]

An individual's inability to get a particular product does not mean the product is experiencing shortages. If production is at full capacity and most areas have units in stock the shortage is over, whether or not I specifically can or can't find one.

[kokyunage]

An individual's inability to get a particular product does not mean the product is experiencing shortages. If production is at full capacity and most areas have units in stock the shortage is over, whether or not I specifically can or can't find one.

Goes both ways buddy. A companies ability to release a PR statement that "shortages are over" does not make it true. If production is a full capacity and most people can't find units it does not mean the shortage is over. It means production capacity needs to be increased.

[Rakael]

An individual's inability to get a particular product does not mean the product is experiencing shortages. If production is at full capacity and most areas have units in stock the shortage is over, whether or not I specifically can or can't find one.

What are you smoking man? Until everyone who wants one can run down to Walmart and snag the system of their choice, without being forced to buy a bundle either, the shortage continues.

[chilifries]

From Anandtech Hot Deals forums (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=40&threadid=1827726&enterthread=y):

Costco Online Xbox 360 Bundle (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11091580)

Premium Console - $399.99
Extra Wireless Controller - $49.99
Plug And Play Kit - $19.99
PGR3 - $39.99
Total - $509.96

Costco Bundle Price $489.99 +shipping +tax

[DeadPixel]

What are you smoking man? Until everyone who wants one can run down to Walmart and snag the system of their choice, without being forced to buy a bundle either, the shortage continues.

Agreed! I refuse to pay $200 over the unit price for some crappy bunndle with a bunch of extra cables and games I don't plan to play. I want to walk in the store and get my Premium system with Oblivion, thats all. No store near me gives that option. The local EB and Gamestop locations all have a 3 page waiting list for the next shipment, how pathetic.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

From Anandtech Hot Deals forums (http://forums.anandtech.com/messageview.aspx?catid=40&threadid=1827726&enterthread=y):

Costco Online Xbox 360 Bundle (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11091580)

Premium Console - $399.99
Extra Wireless Controller - $49.99
Plug And Play Kit - $19.99
PGR3 - $39.99
Total - $509.96

Costco Bundle Price $489.99 +shipping +tax


How is that in any way a "hot deal?"

[Zanzibar]

How is that in any way a "hot deal?"

Well, that's $10 off the PGR3 price alone ($49 at EBgames), then another $20 off on top of that for the bundle. You sneeze at $30 regularly, do you?

[Serapth]

You sneeze at $30 regularly, do you?

If you tickle my nose with it...

[Achilles]

Agreed! I refuse to pay $200 over the unit price for some crappy bunndle with a bunch of extra cables and games I don't plan to play. I want to walk in the store and get my Premium system with Oblivion, thats all. No store near me gives that option.You'll want the plug and play charge kit, especially playing Oblivion.

[Kamalot]

I'll beleive this when I can walk into a local store and pick up a premium system. As of now, still not possible.
I did. I walked into Target. I pointed at the Premium system behind the glass and told the register biscuit I wanted it. They rang me up. I paid and went home happy.

I don't know what everyone is moaning about. I didn't even LOOK for it. Just keep your eyes open as you shop. You'll find one.

[dolemite]

I found my 360 by walking into Target. I told myself that the day I walk into the store and it is available, I'll get one. Well, I did. Loved every moment of it since, with the exception of $60 wasted on Perfect Dark.

I still play my DS more though.

That's pretty much the same thing I did. I walked into Sam's a couple of weeks ago, and they had a table right at the entrance with Premium System packages. Pretty good deal too -- it was the premium system, an extra wireless controller, and the play and charge kit, all for $449.

[dr_wily]

aside from assasins constant visits to frys, i have yet to see a single system anywhere in portland. Not even core.

[Rakael]

I did. I walked into Target. I pointed at the Premium system behind the glass and told the register biscuit I wanted it. They rang me up. I paid and went home happy.

I don't know what everyone is moaning about. I didn't even LOOK for it. Just keep your eyes open as you shop. You'll find one.


Uhm, you want a fucking golf clap or something here? I have been looking as I shop. As a matter of fact, I was just in Target today. No systems, core or premium. That is what I'm moaning about.

[Kelegacy]

Uhm, you want a fucking golf clap or something here? I have been looking as I shop. As a matter of fact, I was just in Target today. No systems, core or premium. That is what I'm moaning about.
I'll sell you one for 900 bucks, without a game or any controllers. I'll throw in the cables, because I'm nice like that. Deal? If so, PM me.

[Rakael]

I'll sell you one for 900 bucks, without a game or any controllers. I'll throw in the cables, because I'm nice like that. Deal? If so, PM me.

Is it time for the jihad against scalpers yet?

Or did I just give away the plan? Shit!

[Magnanimous Gnome]

You'll want the plug and play charge kit, especially playing Oblivion.



See I think the Play and Charge kit is a HUGE ripoff. $20 for something that should have been included with the wireless controllers. Hell the controllers cost $50 each. FIFTY BUCKS - and they aren't even rechargable! Talk about bending over and taking it from MS. $70 for one controller??? WTH? When I can buy a Gamecube for the cost of two Xbox 360 controllers, not to mention the batteries you have to buy on top of that, that's a problem.

[Schnoogs]

aside from assasins constant visits to frys, i have yet to see a single system anywhere in portland. Not even core.

HA!!

I do go there a lot...I work right next to it. They got in 16 today. 12 Premiums.

You should check them out...

[MosBen]

Obviously company statements don't make truth of their contents simply by being released, but that wasn't really my point, which was that people say "I haven't seen one, therefore there's a shortage and the shortage won't be over until I personally see one." This is obviously not a true statement. If most people are able to get one than an individual person's inability to get one does not make a shortage.

[Abash Alarmist]

I was only able to get my 360 used. I am kinda pissed at my self that I paid as much as I did for something used ($300 + $350 in accessories=$100 HDD+$100 WiFi Adapter+ $60 GRAW + $50 Wireless controller + $40 Xbox Live 3 Month Gold Pack). But you know,if it works from now till a couple years, I won't bitch too much.

[koorb]

How long, from start to finish, does it take to produce a 360 and get it on a store shelf? I wish the article was specific regarding availability dates. Regardless, as soon as I find one, I'm getting it.
I had to wait a few weeks for GamePlay (http://www.gameplay.com) to get some in stock, but with free next day delivery if the birth date on my console is correct (4th this month) then it too precisely two weeks to get to me (got it on the 18th) from the factory.

[bstiff]

I would have probably bought one it they were availble more freely when they first came out. In the intervening months, I realized I haven't even turned on my xbox once. I guess Ill just wait for the ps3 in Nov when I have more disposable income anyways.

[Achilles]

See I think the Play and Charge kit is a HUGE ripoff. $20 for something that should have been included with the wireless controllers. Hell the controllers cost $50 each. FIFTY BUCKS - and they aren't even rechargable! Talk about bending over and taking it from MS. $70 for one controller??? WTH? When I can buy a Gamecube for the cost of two Xbox 360 controllers, not to mention the batteries you have to buy on top of that, that's a problem.Well it is a damn fine controller. But I'm wondering how you recharge it without the plug and play kit. Seems to me that it's either that, or buying more batteries all the time. Really it'll pay for itself pretty quick. Maybe it should have come with the controller, but whatever, they're selling the system for a loss so I don't really see how you can claim to be ripped off. Maybe they should charge you cost for the system and include the plug and play kit.

[Kelegacy]

Well it is a damn fine controller. But I'm wondering how you recharge it without the plug and play kit. Seems to me that it's either that, or buying more batteries all the time. Really it'll pay for itself pretty quick. Maybe it should have come with the controller, but whatever, they're selling the system for a loss so I don't really see how you can claim to be ripped off. Maybe they should charge you cost for the system and include the plug and play kit.
It doesn't matter--50 bucks for a damn controller is still way too expensive. It's a CONTROLLER for Christ sake.

This is what happens when third party peripherals are outlawed. Highway robbery.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

Well it is a damn fine controller. But I'm wondering how you recharge it without the plug and play kit. Seems to me that it's either that, or buying more batteries all the time. Really it'll pay for itself pretty quick. Maybe it should have come with the controller, but whatever, they're selling the system for a loss so I don't really see how you can claim to be ripped off. Maybe they should charge you cost for the system and include the plug and play kit.


Just like Kelegacy said. I don't care how much the manufacturing costs for any of the components are. If the controllers are so damn expensive to make that's MS' problem. The Wavebird works just fine and only costs $30. What's so special about the 360 controller that warrents another $20? The damn thing doesn't even have a rechargable battery in it! You have to pay a premium for that! It's a RIPOFF. Same with the wireless adaptor for that matter. $100 bucks so I can connect wirelessly? What planet is MS on? Routers are cheaper than that, and you still have to buy a router to use the adaptor. The Revolution will come with wireless built in, and I think the PS3 will as well. MS is gouging the consumer on all of the accessories. The controllers, the wireless adaptor, the harddrive, etc. I thought $40 for the Xbox controller was insane, but little did I know then that $40 would seem like a bargain four years later.

[Kamalot]

I would have probably bought one it they were availble more freely when they first came out. In the intervening months, I realized I haven't even turned on my xbox once.Because the good games are on the 360 or the DS, not the original Xbox. No wonder you never turn it on. I don't turn on mine either.

[Kelegacy]

Because the good games are on the 360 or the DS, not the original Xbox. No wonder you never turn it on. I don't turn on mine either.
The good games are on the 360 or DS. That's it, huh? Hmm, I must have been playing shit lately. I don't own a 360 and haven't really used my DS much since I bought it in January.

[Kelegacy]

Just like Kelegacy said. I don't care how much the manufacturing costs for any of the components are. If the controllers are so damn expensive to make that's MS' problem. The Wavebird works just fine and only costs $30. What's so special about the 360 controller that warrents another $20? The damn thing doesn't even have a rechargable battery in it! You have to pay a premium for that! It's a RIPOFF. Same with the wireless adaptor for that matter. $100 bucks so I can connect wirelessly? What planet is MS on? Routers are cheaper than that, and you still have to buy a router to use the adaptor. The Revolution will come with wireless built in, and I think the PS3 will as well. MS is gouging the consumer on all of the accessories. The controllers, the wireless adaptor, the harddrive, etc. I thought $40 for the Xbox controller was insane, but little did I know then that $40 would seem like a bargain four years later.
It's because they can do it and people will happily pay. There are no 3rd parties to deal with, no competition. Microsoft likes it that way, remember?

[Megalith]

I like how the wireless adaptor is a piece of plastic.

[Kamalot]

The good games are on the 360 or DS. That's it, huh? Hmm, I must have been playing shit lately. I don't own a 360 and haven't really used my DS much since I bought it in January.

What have you been playing? The curious want to know.

If you haven't been playing your DS, you should try some of these. they can fill up the time between now and next January:


Animal Crossing
Metroid Prime: Hunters (http://ds.ign.com/articles/697/697307p1.html)
Mario Kart
Age of Empires
Mario & Luigi
Electroplankton
Castlevania
Advance Wars
oh, don't forget Tetris

[Kelegacy]

What have you been playing? The curious want to know.

If you haven't been playing your DS, you should try some of these. they can fill up the time between now and next January:


Animal Crossing
Metroid Prime: Hunters (http://ds.ign.com/articles/697/697307p1.html)
Mario Kart
Age of Empires
Mario & Luigi
Electroplankton
Castlevania
Advance Wars
oh, don't forget Tetris

It's weird, I guess I'm not much of a handheld gamer. I thought I would be, but I never game when I travel (I read) I don't game on the toilet (I read) and when I'm at home I am playing the consoles or PC. I have most of those games you mentioned, with the exception of Tetris, Empires and Hunters, but lately I've been in need of more visceral entertainment, strangely enough. My DS is good for light and fluffy stuff, though. I played The Rub Rabbits last and wasn't too impressed...I'm not much of a touchscreen fan I guess. And I've never been big on Metroid, so I doubt I'll get Hunters anytime soon. I still have Prime 1/2 to beat on my GC.

What have I been playing lately on the other systems? I beat Black a few weekends ago, I've been dabbling in Shadow Hearts: Covenant, MVP Baseball for my Xbox (finally beat the WS, now waiting for the 2K6 game to come out) played some Godfather tonight (not a turd? Wowzers.), and random PS2/Xbox games I've been meaning to play but haven't had the time. Nothing entirely new, but I have been buying PS2 RPGs like Grandia and not finding the time to invest in them. I have a crapload of games and because I rarely find time to play them anymore, it takes me a long time to beat an RPG or catch up on new releases. Oblivion would set me back about 3 years I think...so maybe it's good that I wait for a bit.

[Zeal]

This is bullshit. The 360 supply problem isn't over and that's evident in any store you walk into.

[Magnanimous Gnome]

It's because they can do it and people will happily pay. There are no 3rd parties to deal with, no competition. Microsoft likes it that way, remember?


Why aren't there third party periphals? I guess I hadn't really paid much attention before, but now that you mention it I haven't seen any third party things for the Xbox 360.

Honestly I'd love to get a 360 at some point in the near future. I didn't care about the console at all a couple of months ago, but now I want to play Oblivion very badly, and some of the games coming out later this year (Gears of War and Too Human...finally) look pretty good. I wouldn't mind playing Condemned and Kameo either. I just wish the barrier to entry wasn't so high.

[Roc Ingersol]

Don't worry, there are already crappy third party 360 controllers.
There was just no point in shipping them in bulk when there were no 360s to buy in the first place.

As for the charge and play kit... I'd rather use the rechargable double As I already have than put a tether on my wireless controller.
I mean... how much sense does that even make?

Also, why the hell doesn't the charge and play kit come with an AC->USB adapter so I can charge the controller from a wall outlet? If you could run the charging cable to an outlet behind your couch, rather than across the living room, it'd make alot more sense.

AC->USB adapters are like $5. throw one in the damn package, tarts.

[Kelegacy]

What sort of cables are included in the 360 Premium package? Standard RGB? I'm curious because my income tax should be coming in sometime and I need to feed the Oblivion demon...unless I can stanch the flow of CRAVING with an upcoming game or two, at least until a fall price drop.

[Serapth]

What sort of cables are included in the 360 Premium package? Standard RGB? I'm curious because my income tax should be coming in sometime and I need to feed the Oblivion demon...unless I can stanch the flow of CRAVING with an upcoming game or two, at least until a fall price drop.

They did kinda a neat thing there, atleast IMHO. The cable is this wierd composit/component hybred. So, unless you want Svideo or VGA they got both HD and SD covered out of the box.

[Kelegacy]

They did kinda a neat thing there, atleast IMHO. The cable is this wierd composit/component hybred. So, unless you want Svideo or VGA they got both HD and SD covered out of the box.
So you don't need to buy an additional cable for HD resolutions? Cool.

[Serapth]

So you don't need to buy an additional cable for HD resolutions? Cool.

You are about to give in arent you! Come brother, join us, together we can rule the galaxy, basking in the glow of the 360s greatness.

[Kelegacy]

You are about to give in arent you! Come brother, join us, together we can rule the galaxy, basking in the glow of the 360s greatness.
I can't justify a purchase right now, not at that price, but if I can steal one from a department store and get away with my freedom, I'll be in the MS Stormtrooper ranks. I love my original Xbox, but just wished there were more games for me to really sink my teeth into--at least a more diverse array of genre offerings. But since I'm refusing to upgrade my PC for a super long time, a 360 makes the most sense.

[Rakael]

I can't justify a purchase right now, not at that price, but if I can steal one from a department store and get away with my freedom, I'll be in the MS Stormtrooper ranks. I love my original Xbox, but just wished there were more games for me to really sink my teeth into--at least a more diverse array of genre offerings. But since I'm refusing to upgrade my PC for a super long time, a 360 makes the most sense.


I can't justify it either. That is why I'm trying out one of the many "pre-approved" credit cards I get in the mail. Maybe if they will give me about $300 or so on it, I can go ahead and snag a 360 and Oblivion. I now have to wait 10-14 days to find out if they will give me credit. I thought this was 2006, why does this shit still take so long?

[Serapth]

Jesus, you people and "justifying". Ever heard of being irresponsible??? Try it, its fun. :D

[Balthasar]

I have a crapload of games and because I rarely find time to play them anymore, it takes me a long time to beat an RPG or catch up on new releases. Oblivion would set me back about 3 years I think...so maybe it's good that I wait for a bit.
I've been having the same exact problem lately. What free time I do have I end up spending it reading or going out. I really want Oblivion, but I wonder if I would ever complete it even once.

[Kelegacy]

Jesus, you people and "justifying". Ever heard of being irresponsible??? Try it, its fun. :D
Bills, man. Full time jobs help pay them, but I'd feel guilty and ashamed if I spend <500 bucks on a gaming system right now. Have the money, not the justification yet. Oblivion is a huge dealmaker, but that's a lot of cash, really. I could pay my car payment, student loans, car insurance, AND my cable for a month on the base price of a 360 and game.

[absolut taco]

See I think the Play and Charge kit is a HUGE ripoff. $20 for something that should have been included with the wireless controllers. Hell the controllers cost $50 each. FIFTY BUCKS - and they aren't even rechargable! Talk about bending over and taking it from MS. $70 for one controller??? WTH? When I can buy a Gamecube for the cost of two Xbox 360 controllers, not to mention the batteries you have to buy on top of that, that's a problem.
I played through PGR3 and Condemned, and some of Perfect Dark, DOA4 and CoD2 before I had to replace the non-rechargeble duracells in my wireless controller. If you buy an 8-pack of batteries they should last quite a while.

[Kelegacy]

Just got word today that an Amazon.com rebate shipped out to me today, a good 150 bucks. I haven't even figured out my income tax, because I am in no rush to get my money (weird, I know). Now, the question is, do I buy? This "free" money is easily rationalized (irrationalized) to me, meaning no real hit to my bank account.

I hate buying consoles for one game. But one game that is godawful huge? Hmm, maybe.

[Achilles]

Just like Kelegacy said. I don't care how much the manufacturing costs for any of the components are. If the controllers are so damn expensive to make that's MS' problem. The Wavebird works just fine and only costs $30. What's so special about the 360 controller that warrents another $20?It's significantly better (the analog sticks, d-pad and triggers especially), there's a recharging port, you can plug a headset into it, it has good vibration feedback, and you don't have to sync it up with your machine using a cheap plastic dial. That's what the extra $20 is for.

[Kelegacy]

It's significantly better (the analog sticks, d-pad and triggers especially), there's a recharging port, you can plug a headset into it, it has good vibration feedback, and you don't have to sync it up with your machine using a cheap plastic dial. That's what the extra $20 is for.
I saw on Amazon that they have dropped in price, down into the 35 dollar range, thank God. I don't know if that's an Amazon thing or a sale, or what.