EBGames Online X360 Preorder

[Tia]

Ebgames is offering two x360 bundles for pre-order (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/systems/xbox360/default.asp). On top of the system and accessories you will also get the following games:

Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Edition
Dead or Alive 4
Kameo: Elements of Power
Project Gotham Racing 3
The core version is sold for $599, the ultimate version for $699. You are paying $300 extra for the games and misc accessories, meaning you don't really save anything.

And so the price for pre-ordering Xbox360 at ebgames jumped from $400 to $700, forcing you to get a bunch of games you might not really want. Would it force everyone who pre-ordered to get a mortgage or just whoever orders online?

[Abednigo]

I hate when they make these bundles as your ONLY way to preorder a new system. If they're going to force you to buy 4 games with a preorder, at least let you pick them.

[The Radical Cleric]

I just got that e-mail and was ready to whip out the credit card - but that bundle is an absolute load of crap. I don't want those games, certainly not -all- of them, plus the extra accessories. I guess I'll pick it up at Target or Walmart...it's hard enough justifying $460 for the 'deluxe' system plus a game...

I don't shop at these places anymore. It's just that simple. :mad:

[FallenStar]

Forcing someone to get games he/she does not want is a joke. I guess I'll have to look elsewhere for my preorder. 700 dollars. I don't think so.

[Heretic Machine]

It just keeps getting better!

Tomarrow they'll be offering the 360 for the low-low price of Allard banging your girlfriend while you are forced to watch and take pictures!

[KDups]

So still no release date. What's the deal here?

[hideouslywrinkled]

Thank god for Target. No bundles necessary.

I swore off Gamestops years ago when they screwed me over on my GBA preorder (I was the first preorder at the store, but they wouldn't give me the color I wanted).

Now I just go to Target the day things I want are released... I figure the Gamestop company has lost thousands of dollars on me over the last few years.

[Kelegacy]

Ebgames is offering two x360 bundles for pre-order (http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/systems/xbox360/default.asp). On top of the system and accessories you will also get the following games:

Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Edition
Dead or Alive 4
Kameo: Elements of Power
Project Gotham Racing 3
The core version is sold for $599, the ultimate version for $699. You are paying $300 extra for the games and misc accessories, meaning you don't really save anything.

And so the price for pre-ordering Xbox360 at ebgames jumped from $400 to $700, forcing you to get a bunch of games you might not really want. Would it force everyone who pre-ordered to get a mortgage or just whoever orders online?

Bundles are ridiculous. Fuck EB. I'll buy my games elsewhere. Oh wait, I already do, since those fuckwads (along with Gamespot and other software dealing fiends) cut back shelf space for PC games. Just a few years ago the Software Etc. in my area had a whole fucking wall of PC games 3 shelves high, new releases and the occasional old (still new in box) gem. I picked up alot of new 9.99 games that way. Now there is like one tiny shelf in the corner near the iron maiden and thumbscrews. The hairy shirtless guy wearing the executioner's hood scares me, so i stay away now.

[GrinR]

EB can firmly attach it's mouth to my crack and I will make a delightful shit canole out of its throat. The last robbery with the PSP bundle was just that - the last.

[The Radical Cleric]

:eek:
GrinR, a few of posts about shit lately. Might want to talk to someone about that...between Uwe's eye sockets and the unfortunate EB rep you'll be all crapped out.

[doubtingthomas]

Yeah, this is crap. Although I wish some posters would remember that you have the choice to not get the bundle, not get it through EB, and finally not get the system. All without Microsoft fucking you or your girlfriend.

[The Radical Cleric]

Thanks Captain Obvious.

[bapenguin]

Fuck this bundle...EB better not think I'm drop 700 bucks on it.

2 games max for me.

Second...Halo 2 is going on NOW! :)

[CylonLord]

That's insane...the only game in that bundle I'm remotely interestd in is PGR3. Screw EB !!!

[Ultima Thulian]

Bundles are meant to be cheaper because you're buying a large package. But the $700 bundle isn't that much cheaper and you don't even get to pick the games. If it wasn't a forced "option" then it wouldn't be that bad. The 360's hard drive is detachable, so I'll get the cheapie version. I have an old Xbox to play xbox games. I don't have a HDTV (yet) and wireless controllers aren't that big of deal to me. If 360 does something cool witht the hard drive, then maybe I'll get it. Just get me Full Auto, Gears of War, and DOA4. Hell, I doubt any of the Rare games will be ready at launch any way. Sucky bundle methinks.

[EvilBob46]

The 360's hard drive is detachable, so I'll get the cheapie version. I have an old Xbox to play xbox games. I don't have a HDTV (yet) and wireless controllers aren't that big of deal to me. If 360 does something cool witht the hard drive, then maybe I'll get it.

The core system makes no sense IMO because you've got to get a $40 memory card anyway.

Oblivion is still a launch title right? Guess all the good games aren't bundled with the console.

[StoneGut]

The reasoning behind this is that retilers don't make any money off a system purchase. The difference between what they pay and then the consumers is at most $5 but then if the consumer pays by Credit Card (Which most will) there's a percentage fee to be paid to that company ... and that's not even including the cost of running the freakin' store.
So to try and make some dough they put a bunch of games / accessories together and call it a bundle even though you arn't saving any money if you buy the items sepertaly.
So it's not necessarley the fault of the retail store BUT they could at least let you pick the games included and not make you buy FOUR of them ... one would of been quite enough.

But don't worry I REALLY hate EB!

[doubtingthomas]

So, EB sells a package at $699.92

System - $399.99
4 games at $59.99 each (which they could be cheaper)
Wireless Controller $49.99
Play and Charge kit $19.99
Rechargeable Battery Pack $11.99

So you save about $21 and have to take 4 games, not of your choosing.

[Ultima Thulian]

The core system makes no sense IMO because you've got to get a $40 memory card anyway.

Oblivion is still a launch title right? Guess all the good games aren't bundled with the console.

Dammit! I forgot all about the damn memory card. It's really $40 though?

As for Oblivion, yeah, it should launch unless it's delayed.

[NoName]

I feel like there should be a PA comic to link to for this... it seems enough of a joke to be one anyways.

[The Radical Cleric]

Don't forget they're charging actual shipping costs plus the $10 'handling fee' they mention in the small print.

[goc_sin]

With that price you could buy a PC. That's outrageous.

[doubtingthomas]

Don't forget they're charging actual shipping costs plus the $10 'handling fee' they mention in the small print.

Good point, that takes care of any savings. So you'd have to be brain dead to take them up on this offer. What blows my mind is that even with the "cheap" package, they still expect a customer to take 4 games.

Dumbasses.

[GrinR]

:eek:
GrinR, a few of posts about shit lately. Might want to talk to someone about that...between Uwe's eye sockets and the unfortunate EB rep you'll be all crapped out.

What can I say? It's fecal week in the metaphor factory. Sometimes spinning world-class prose gets old.

[Everlost_MI]

Err wait a second. The only way you can pre-order any Xbox 360 through EB is with this bundle from hell? If that is true, then EB is trying to rape and pillage those who want the systems, similar to what they did with the DS. Now if Gamestop tries to pulls that I am going to want my deposit back, I preorderd the fscking system not these bundles/packages.

Ok - sorry for the small outburst but &!(*^@*&%&#@!^@& it!

[XxSATANxX]

Gee $499 seems kinda reasonable now huh?

[Kelegacy]

What can I say? It's fecal week in the metaphor factory. Sometimes spinning world-class prose gets old.

Heh, it's kind of funny...I finished a story this past week that has a scene or two devoted to fecal matter. Don't worry, GrinR, I too am still stuck at Freud's anal stage.

[jpublic]

Wow. There goes my pre-order.

[AgtFox]

As far as I know this is only for on-line. EB called me earlier this week and said my pre-order went to the Premium package at $399.99. I think they like to bundle stuff online.

[stmfuller]

The next generation of consoles is making my wallet cry for help...
I'm thinking I won't be getting one right away.

[Evil Avatar]

No way I'm pre-ordering a $734.92 bundle from EB. I want Gun and Oblivion as my launch titles. Maybe Quake 4.

I notice that the pre-order has been online all day and it hasn't sold out. It doesn't seem I'm alone in my decision to hold off on a $800.00 console. (I need the VGA Cable also.)

[Atorak]

Prediction: During the first week of November, Evil is going to ask for more "donations" to keep the site running. And, coincidentally, he'll only need around $699.92. :)

[Deadend]

I think... I am not in a big hurry to have a X360.

[Zeal]

EB and their stupid ass car salesmen bundles.

[GunnyMo]

*cough*gamestopdoesnotforcebundle*cough*

C'mon people, you act like you are suprised by this. EB has always had force bundles. It's their way of making their numbers look good. I'm hoping this will change when the buyout is complete.

I understand the retail hate that runs rampant through Evil Avatar and I've come to enjoy the sheer amount of flaming the mention of any brick and mortar store creates here. :D

However, if you are shocked and suprised at EB force bundling then I'll bet you are suprised everytime you open the refrigerator and the little light bulb blinks on. Sheesh.

[Zurik]

Can you guys name a few online companies that don't force this bundle? Though, I guess I'm a little late with pre-ordering to expect one on launch, if any other console launch is an indication.

[Evil Avatar]

Prediction: During the first week of November, Evil is going to ask for more "donations" to keep the site running. And, coincidentally, he'll only need around $699.92. :)

Um... Yea. We need donations. $734.92 worth of donations. Before November 4th.

Anyone?

Beuller?

[TrackZero]

I could go for:

# Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Edition
# Dead or Alive 4

But I don't think there's any other titles I KNOW I'd want at lauch. I'd have to wait and see what people say about them first.

But I'm probably going to wait and not get it right at launch anyways, so no skin off my back.

[TrackZero]

No way I'm pre-ordering a $734.92 bundle from EB. I want Gun and Oblivion as my launch titles. Maybe Quake 4.

I notice that the pre-order has been online all day and it hasn't sold out. It doesn't seem I'm alone in my decision to hold off on a $800.00 console. (I need the VGA Cable also.)

Yeah, when I saw it handled VGA, I knew I wanted one (since I don't have HDTV nor do I want it for the next couple years anyways).

[Kelegacy]

I could go for:

# Perfect Dark Zero: Limited Edition
# Dead or Alive 4

But I don't think there's any other titles I KNOW I'd want at lauch. I'd have to wait and see what people say about them first.

But I'm probably going to wait and not get it right at launch anyways, so no skin off my back.

Ah, look, here's a rational man!

I agree though, the 360 will still be there when I decide to get one. Not like they are making one batch and that's it. But Oblivion...if I decide not to upgrade my computer, that might seal the deal for me. I'll see how well i can hold out.

Is Oblivion going to be a Xbox exclusive (console, anyway) or is it coming to PS3 as well. Maybe it will end up like Metal Gear and GTA and switching over later on?

[Atorak]

Um... Yea. We need donations. $734.92 worth of donations. Before November 4th.

Anyone?

Beuller?

LMFAO! You know Evil, for a minute there...honestly...I thought I'd jump back on EA and see the following:

"This account has been disabled by the administrator"

"PS: Don't fuck with a Jedi Master, son." :eek:

[mister_slim]

Kameo interests me, and Perfect Dark somewhat, but these prices are a bit rich for my blood.

Anyway, if anyone's interested, I'm looking for a sugar momma (or sugar daddy even).

[Murmillo]

Yea, Kameo might be nice. But the major selling point for x360 is Oblivion. (If in 2 years good mods come out on the PC, I'll go pick the PC version up then)

[Kelegacy]

Kameo interests me, and Perfect Dark somewhat, but these prices are a bit rich for my blood.

Anyway, if anyone's interested, I'm looking for a sugar momma (or sugar daddy even).

Same here! And remember, my ass is like a jackhammer-- I get the job done. Slim can't say that. Select me and walking straight will be impossible for the rest of your days. All I require in return is food and videogames.

P.S. Oh and I roleplay. You can be Captain Kirk and I'll be Mr. Spock. Rrrraaaoooowwrrrr.

[Hijinx]

*cough*gamestopdoesnotforcebundle*cough*

C'mon people, you act like you are suprised by this. EB has always had force bundles. It's their way of making their numbers look good. I'm hoping this will change when the buyout is complete.

I understand the retail hate that runs rampant through Evil Avatar and I've come to enjoy the sheer amount of flaming the mention of any brick and mortar store creates here. :D

However, if you are shocked and suprised at EB force bundling then I'll bet you are suprised everytime you open the refrigerator and the little light bulb blinks on. Sheesh.

In an Online Only type deal right Gunny?

[Blue]

P.S. Oh and I roleplay. You can be Captain Kirk and I'll be Mr. Spock. Rrrraaaoooowwrrrr.

OMGLASERPEWPEW Kelegacy LARPS! You stink like bad stuff.

I got nuthin'.

[mister_slim]

Same here! And remember, my ass is like a jackhammer-- I get the job done. Slim can't say that. Select me and walking straight will be impossible for the rest of your days. All I require in return is food and videogames.

P.S. Oh and I roleplay. You can be Captain Kirk and I'll be Mr. Spock. Rrrraaaoooowwrrrr.
Pffft! I don't need food.

[Murmillo]

so I missed something, whats wrong with EBGames offering a bundle? IF you like the bundle, buy it and save some money, IF you don't like the bundle don't buy it and save yourself money.. either way, your saving money.

So why are we bitching about saving money?. Are you saying you want to give Bill Gates all your money and you think buying a silly little 360 gets in the way of that?

Sorry, my mistake. Go ahead and give Bill all your money. Me, I'm going to look for deals.

[Pumped'Up]

Really, anyone who buys from EB seriously deserves to get screwed .

[Dracula-X]

"640 dollars should be enough for anyone"

-Bill Gates

[Tia]

so I missed something, whats wrong with EBGames offering a bundle? IF you like the bundle, buy it and save some money, IF you don't like the bundle don't buy it and save yourself money.. either way, your saving money.

So why are we bitching about saving money?. Are you saying you want to give Bill Gates all your money and you think buying a silly little 360 gets in the way of that?

Sorry, my mistake. Go ahead and give Bill all your money. Me, I'm going to look for deals.

read the posts again dude. If you buy the bundle you don't save money... you just pay more for things you don't know. Oh, and there is no "no bundle" option.

[Wonka]

I pre-orderd at EB in MAY. I was actually the 11th order at my local store. So when I saw this add, quite naturally I was very concerned. I certainly do not want to buy FOUR games at launch right when I am plunking down $400 for a new console, and I am also pretty uncertain about whether or not I want THOSE games. I would much rather AT LEAST see some reviews before I buy games brad new like that...

So I went to the store that I ordered from, and they assured me that this deal is in fact just for the online store. In fact, all I am signed up for is the same $400 deal that I wanted to be signed up for. And in fact, I have no obligation to buy anything else from them (unless I want to, of course). So... That's a relief. Of course they might have just lied to me, but I doubt it.

[Twigz'N'Berries]

So still no release date. What's the deal here?

That is what I am saying!!
All shinyhead said at the 'open forum' yesterday was to stay tuned. 'Stay Tuned'...c'mon, give us a date please!!

[Twigz'N'Berries]

read the posts again dude. If you buy the bundle you don't save money... you just pay more for things you don't know. Oh, and there is no "no bundle" option.

Save your fingers. He is on the rag this week...anything slightly anti-microsoft gets his panties in a knicker.

This is only an online phenomenon at EB. If you previously pre-ordered at a store (at least at my EB) you don't have to buy a bundle. I'm paying $399 and then picking up DOA4, Call of Duty and maybe Saint's Row. I heard Oblivion may launch a week or so later. I'll get Oblivion the day it releases.

If you are concerned about the bundling crap (and yes, forcing someone to spend upwards of $600 to buy the console from your store seems wrong) try calling over. Also, they can tell you how many they have allotted at the store so you will know if pre-ordering is even necessary.

[Murmillo]

No no no, don't get me wrong, I still find this stupid, but guess what, some people may find this a good deal. (tho not being able to change games is the biggest irk). If you don't, then just don't buy it. There are hundreds of other stores and business that WANT your business and who won't pull off stupid crap like this. I mean, this is EB we are talking about. Trying to bitch about EB is like trying to bitch that babies cry. People will agree with you, but will look at you stupid because its just how it is.

I'm just kind of remembering, this sort of stuff happened with the PS2 launch and everybody bent over and took it because hey, it was Sony ~ and people LOVED IT! Now Microsoft is doing only half of the normal console launch gang-rape comparied to Sony and now everbody is walking around with thier butt up against the wall. Yes we had it great with the xbox, but you have to remember it was because Microsoft was kissing OUR asses to get a foot into the door. Now that has changed and people are Sony forgetful and suddenly Microsoft is the big evil empire... please.

A few games drop in price because maybe they are hearing from the masses that $60 games arn't feasible, and its because of Microsoft's fiasco,.. who would of thought?... wow.

[rein]

*cough*gamestopdoesnotforcebundle*cough*

C'mon people, you act like you are suprised by this. EB has always had force bundles. It's their way of making their numbers look good. I'm hoping this will change when the buyout is complete.

I understand the retail hate that runs rampant through Evil Avatar and I've come to enjoy the sheer amount of flaming the mention of any brick and mortar store creates here. :D

However, if you are shocked and suprised at EB force bundling then I'll bet you are suprised everytime you open the refrigerator and the little light bulb blinks on. Sheesh.

HAHAHHAHAHA!! You do realize that when they say they are adopting best practice from each company they are referring to what generates the most profit. It's all about the bottom dollar with both companies so don't even pretend it is not. You Gamestoppers are in for a rude awakening... ...just like a lot of former EB managers were before they went all corporate. :D

Something funny. Last Christmas when there was a shortage on consoles I would put them on the sales floor with no bundle. It would take 2 days to sale about 10 of them. If I shrink-wrapped a couple of games and a controller to them and called it a bundle, they were gone within 4 hours. If you want to blame companies for doing stupid things like bundles, you can look at the idiots that go into stores at Christmas and demand a bundle.

[DriveALW]

The reasoning behind this is that retilers don't make any money off a system purchase. The difference between what they pay and then the consumers is at most $5 but then if the consumer pays by Credit Card (Which most will) there's a percentage fee to be paid to that company ... and that's not even including the cost of running the freakin' store.


Sorry, but I don't believe this is correct. Unless it is a credit card owned by the retailer I don't think there is any cost benefit for them. This is why stores are always trying to get you to apply for their credit cards, Sears probably being the oldest and best-known example. I've heard that using a store's own credit card can allow them to make say, ten cents on the dollar, while cash allows for 4-6 cents, and major credit cards only 2-3. Retailers usually have to pay Visa, Mastercard, etc for the right to accept the card at that location. Perhaps this has changed, but I certainly don't think credit card companies pay back a portion of the interest you pay to them *back* to the retailer where you made the purchase. The benefit to the retailer is that they get the money instantly from the credit company's bank. Now, someone who understands finance please feel free to flame me back to the dark ages.

cheers.

(assuming you were saying this provides a cost benefit for the retailer, as E.B. is the company making this decision)

[Evil Avatar]

Hey, Gunny. When do Gamestop's bundles go on sale? I know I won't be ordering from EB, I might as well give my money to you guys. (Unless you don't take AmEx, then you can rot in hell.)

[zyzyx]

Speaking as a guy that might know something I would strongly suggest anyone wanting to preorder wait until early September.

Unless you don't own an unmodded Xbox.

This from the same guy that told me the price announcement would be August 17th and there would be 2 bundles, though he got the prices wrong so I dunno.

[Justin_McElroy]

I tell you, the Xbox 90 looks good (http://www.getthesugar.com/wp/?p=27) in comparison.

[Tennistoad]

"These are not the Bundles your looking for"


/Anyone who pre-orders anything from these gimmick stores is a NOOB!! Put the dam dough in your own account get the .25% interest on it and be the first inline at target..lol

/ Or just do what I will be doing.. Playing the xbox360 lottery!! Go to any store buy scratch tickets, scratch till I win $500 Show ticket to wife use money for xbox360!*

*using this method might actually cost more than $500 but will keep wife from nagging about wasting real money on stupid games...

[Worldcrafter]

Man, upgrading your PC doesn't seem so bad anymore.

[Montolio]

I pre-orderd at EB in MAY. I was actually the 11th order at my local store. So when I saw this add, quite naturally I was very concerned. I certainly do not want to buy FOUR games at launch right when I am plunking down $400 for a new console, and I am also pretty uncertain about whether or not I want THOSE games. I would much rather AT LEAST see some reviews before I buy games brad new like that...

So I went to the store that I ordered from, and they assured me that this deal is in fact just for the online store. In fact, all I am signed up for is the same $400 deal that I wanted to be signed up for. And in fact, I have no obligation to buy anything else from them (unless I want to, of course). So... That's a relief. Of course they might have just lied to me, but I doubt it.

You're good to go Wonka.

I just sent this email out to my crew at work because they were super pissed off this morning haha:

All the fuss (read ungodly expensive) about EBgames Xbox 360 online pre-order bundles appears to unwarranted:

http://www.ebgames.com/ebx/categories/systems/xbox360/default.asp?site=NLF0823

I just got this in a newsletter from EBgames last night (didn’t see it until now though)…

The time to pre-order Xbox 360 has arrived!

As an EBgames.com Newsletter subscriber, you’ve got a few hours head start to pre-order your Xbox 360 bundle before we plaster this great news all over the home page.

Choose from two power-gamer bundles, each loaded with Microsoft’s next-generation powerhouse—the Xbox 360—plus a hand-picked selection of buzzworthy games and the most useful accessories.

The high-definition era begins this November, so don’t be left out. Whether you go for the Xbox 360 Ultimate Bundle or the Xbox 360 Core Bundle, you’ll be geared-up for serious Xbox 360 gaming. You can also head down to your local EB Games location and put down a $50 deposit to pre-order the Xbox 360 premium or core edition.

I put the part that matters to us in bold red :-)

I’ve already pre-ordered my premium system.