Xbox 360 Shortage Coming to an End?

[midrael]

Next Generation (http://www.next-gen.biz/) is reporting that Peter Moore stated (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2239&Itemid=2) in a recent DICE session that the shortage of Xbox 360s may soon be coming to an end.

Regarding shortages, he said, "Within the next four to six weeks, anybody will be able to walk into a store and buy an Xbox 360."

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

Hmm, so if this is true will they sell fast or sit there just waiting for a price drop.

[92miata]

costcos in phoenix have em. and you can't beat our return policy. you can return it anytime you want, just keep your receipt. i'm not worried about the 3 rings of death.....:) i emailed evil avatar or fitabits about this.

[MacDuff]

What a concept, being able to buy a product that launched two months ago. I think Microsoft's going somewhere with this.

[IndependentGMR]

What a concept, being able to buy a product that launched two months ago. I think Microsoft's going somewhere with this.

Ditto. Shouldn't anyone have been able to walk right into a store, and get one in November? Haha!

[Mozgus]

6 weeks from now, huh? Just in time for the 360's first quality title to arrive; Elder Scrolls. How about that, eh?

[LilAbner]

I saw a single core system sitting on the shelf at Target two nights ago in Bel Air, MD.

[bstiff]

Quote:
Regarding shortages, he said, "Within the next four to six weeks, anybody will be able to walk into a store and buy an Xbox 360."

Ironically, I lost interest in the x box 360 4 to 6 weeks ago.

[Heretic Machine]

I love how gamers turn into the whiniest bitches in the world when they can't get the newest hardware as soon as it comes out. It really makes our hobby look good.

[trip1eX]

True that.

Anyway the shortage certainly seems over for the most part. Ebay prices are low. And I've seen 360s at Toys R US and Walmart recently and today it was Kmart. Oh yeah and there was a ton (maybe 50 units) at Costco too a week ago or so. I had plenty of opportunity to pick one up.

...but I lost interest too not that I had alot to begin with.

[Deathbane27]

Heh, I lost any and all interest in the 360 when Bethesda announced there would be no way to get player-made mods for Oblivion on it (without hacking, of course).

For all I know there's a hundred of them within a 10-minute drive. I just haven't looked.

Halo 3, I await thee.

[Suicidal ShiZuru]

Anyone know of reliable sales figures?

[Okamura_Takashi]

Shortage? There's plenty on the shelves here in Japan... ;)

[Schnoogs]

I love how gamers turn into the whiniest bitches in the world when they can't get the newest hardware as soon as it comes out. It really makes our hobby look good.

They whine when they couldnt get one and when they're finally available they whine about how they've lost interst...

Nothing like being young and cynical

[t3g]

Next Generation (http://www.next-gen.biz) is reporting that Peter Moore stated (http://www.next-gen.biz/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=2239&Itemid=2) in a recent DICE session that the shortage of X-Box 360s may soon be coming to an end.About damn time. I am sick of going into a store with the money to buy the console and getting rejected.

What a concept, being able to buy a product that launched two months ago. I think Microsoft's going somewhere with this.Actually, it will be 3 MONTHS when Feb 22nd comes around.

[TrackZero]

I saw a single core system sitting on the shelf at Target two nights ago in Bel Air, MD.

There were core systems all over Toronto for the past 3 weeks. It's the premiums that are still a little difficult to track down.

[MacDuff]

I love how gamers turn into the whiniest bitches in the world when they can't get the newest hardware as soon as it comes out. It really makes our hobby look good.

Who's whining? Since when is it a good business practice to launch a horrendously anticipated piece of hardware without being able to meet the demand at launch?

This is what you're saying: "How dare gamers think that Microsoft saying the Xbox will launch in November doesn't mean they'll only realistically get one in february?"

[Sootydog]

Regarding shortages, he said, "Within the next four to six weeks, anybody will be able to walk into a store and buy an Xbox 360."

So THAT'S why they bumped the Australian release back to the end of March - so that we can get one when we want one! Huzzah for forward thinking and a logical release schedule!

[Hignaki]

There's a shortage? I see them all over the shelves here in Lewiston, ID.

[sTubbs]

Honestly, who did not see this coming the second Microsoft stated their were trying to do a (somewhat) simultaneous global release? I am certainly of the thinking that MS botched the 360 launch due to this gross lack of available 360s. However, it certainly came as no surprise to me because it was quite apparent that the launch goals were too lofty, even for a bohemoth like Microsoft. Of course the two SKUs could not have helped the matter either, but I think that dead horse has been beaten enough.

[Goronmon]

Hey, if they 360 were a graphics card that launched in November, you'd be lucky if they were even any available for purchase by March. ;)

[Okamura_Takashi]

Hey, if they 360 were a graphics card that launched in November, you'd be lucky if they were even any available for purchase by March. ;)

I think what you mean to say is, if the 360 were an ATI graphics card, you'd be lucky if there were any available for purchase by March. :)

[Hignaki]

Hey, if they 360 were a graphics card that launched in November, you'd be lucky if they were even any available for purchase by March. ;)
You seem to be missing the point:

It's not

[Grifter]

Who's whining? Since when is it a good business practice to launch a horrendously anticipated piece of hardware without being able to meet the demand at launch?

This is what you're saying: "How dare gamers think that Microsoft saying the Xbox will launch in November doesn't mean they'll only realistically get one in february?"


Just wondering if any of you "gamers" ever tried to buy a CPU or videocard the day it's launched? This is the norm when it comes to new top of the line electronics. It happened with the PS2, it's gonna happen with the PS3 the only reason why it seems worse is because MS wanted a worldwide release so instead of different regions having to wait 6-12 months everyone gets them over a 4 month period. Think of how long we had to wait to get a PS2 after it launched in Japan then add 2 months on top of that before they were readily avaliable in any store. The only real mistake MS made was wasting manufacturing time on the tard packs. I don't consider the Japan launch a mistake, it was a calculated risk that didn't pay off. On the otherhand it did let the Japanese people know that they are just as important to MS as the American and Europian market. Hopefully that will payoff down in the long run, if not at least we know we will get alot more units if their is a 780.

So stop your whining and wait if you didn't plan on buying one in the first place do us all a favor and STFU!!

thank you

[Grifter]

You seem to be missing the point:

It's not

you'r right it's not. It's a hell of alot more complicated.

Nvidia has had the same avaliability issues as ATI so lets not play that game.

[Vandenh]

A lot of my friends in Europe don't have one yet :) Slowly 360s are appearing in shops but they get picked up 10 minutes later. So demand is stil incredibly high but stocks a bit low. One of my friends is in doubt if he should get one (still plays the original quite a lot) but said to me last week "If I see one.. I am buying it straight away! They are too hard to get!". So I guess the shortage still drives people to buy NOW when they see one :)
But it would be nice if there are plenty in March because all of the killer games. Would make sense...

[overdrivechao]

Look, back to the original topic, if my store gets 90 360's it still wont satisfy the demand. We have 131 names of everyone who has asked for the 360 since "launch". We have gotten 32 in the last 2.5 months.
Regardless, the 360 has crap to play on it, due to poor planning and distribution of the dev kits. The first run of DVD's were riddled with swiss cheese holes. 22% of our 360's sold just at my store were defective. The 360's "killer app" thus far is Geometry Wars. I'm sure the 13 year olds today will look back on it with the same nostalgia we look back on NES's Zelda or SNES's Super Mario World, but we all know it's a different world now.
Honestly, with few exceptions the quality of games coming out lately (in the last 2 or 3 years) has been crap. Repetitive, unoriginal, franchise bulltitles with very, very few exceptions. Yep, PC components are expensive and there are a ton of BS games made for that platform as well.
It comes down to this for me personally. I only buy a console if it offers me an experience I can't get elsewhere. Xbox Live = PC Online gaming + Instant Messenger. How many 360 launch titles were PC ports? How many upcoming 360 titles have been done and done and done again on PC? (Battlefield 2, Far Cry, and FFXI to name a few)
So show me something I would want an Xbox for. Earn my $400.

[TrackZero]

Regardless, the 360 has crap to play on it, due to poor planning and distribution of the dev kits.

No flaming here, but don't try to be such a troll next time. Responding to your one comment above:

Yes. DOA4, PGR3, COD2, Kameo, PD:Z, NFS: MW....all crap eh? Whatever.

[ldi222]

The only reason I would have (theoretically) camped early for the launch of 360 is to make a quick G on eBay. I sure as hell wouldn't pitch a tent for Geometry Wars. When the real next gen games start to launch 360's will be plentiful. Until then, upgrade your PC if you cant find one on the shelves. Vista is more important anyway... at least in the short term.

[overdrivechao]

No flaming here, but don't try to be such a troll next time. Responding to your one comment above:

Yes. DOA4, PGR3, COD2, Kameo, PD:Z, NFS: MW....all crap eh? Whatever.

DOA4: 7 years of development from the Dreamcast, and this is all they have done with it?

PGR3: Realistic but boring. Also crashes a LOT.

COD2: PC Port.

Kameo: Trades in for $11 now. Why? Hmmm....

PD:Z: The "killer app" with no soul and piss poor single player.

NFS:MW: Better on PC, IMO. Also one of 3 games that are anywhere close to decent at launch: Condemned, NFS, and COD2.

[Norse]

I believe MS did the right thing. It was essential to launch before x-mas in time for shopping season. And as an european I'm glad MS launched it over here so fast. I would rather have the chance to buy one so early than having to wait for 6 months even though it would mean it could be bought everywhere. Here in Norway most people who really wanted an Xbox360 (and therefore preordered) got one before x-mas. Sony always screw us Europeans so I hope gamers reward MS for this...

[overdrivechao]

I don't consider the Japan launch a mistake, it was a calculated risk that didn't pay off. On the otherhand it did let the Japanese people know that they are just as important to MS as the American and Europian market.

The Japanese are fiercely country-made product loyal. It's gotta be a combination of poor market research and execs with their fingers, far from the pulse, lodged straight up their hindquarters. The Japanese may feel loved by *** now, but that doesn't mean the systems aren't dust-collectors there.

[Grifter]

I am so tired of you people on your fucking soap boxes, yeah their has been online gaming and chat on the PC for a while, does that mean no one else should do it? No, Personally I think Live is more stable, funner,easier and put together much better than any online PC setup. I also dont need to run 5 differnt programs in the backgound to get all the features. The 360 takes the best features of the PC while staying true to the console guidelines.(user mods would be cool) Any body who says the 360 sucks because it's killing PC gaming (sorry Borys) is fucking retarded. Thief 3 and Deux Ex 2(the most commonly used example for this topic) were not the fauilt of the XBox but stupid decisions by the Developers.If PC games are not selling it's the fault of the customers and price of a quality gaming machine not the Xbox. Hopefully as console gaming matures we will start seeing the MechWarriors, Wing Commanders, Kings Quests, Masters of Orion and all the other PC titles we loved in the late 80's to mid 90's make an updated yet intelligent return for both platforms or get similar but new titles.

I just don't under stand how the more game enhancing features these consoles have the more people bitch, I for one am glad that the 360 is getting alot of PC titles as well as original ones because I wont have to spend $2000 building a new rig this year.(I have the 754 chipset with an AGP slot:( so I don't have much of a choice. )
I also like gaming on a screen that is bigger than 19-21 inches and having real digital surround sound. And of course my favorite, being able to play all these new games with all the bells and whistle on at a consistant 30 or 60fps WITHOUT spending $1000- $3000 to do it.

As far as the 360 launch goes any one calling Kameo, PDZ, PGR3, CoD2, Condemned, NFS:MW and RR 5 a shitty launch list has either A) never been around another console launch, ever! B) Has no business in a gaming forum PC or otherwise C) is a Plant or full of shit (most likely both) or D) Just pissed off that he didn't get one and ranting makes him feel better. I am not saying you have to like the games but that in no way makes it a shitty launch.

@overdrivechao your saying that out of the 32 consoles you recieved 22% were defective? I have a very hard time believing that, Unless your general customer base is below average intelligence and were moving their systems around while loading a game or just couldnt figure out how to use the console so they just returned it.
What the hell are you talking about swiss cheese holes?
If you work for who I think you work for it is not MS fault your chain is greedy and oversold everything.
What exactly was wrong with the "planning and distribution of the dev kits?"
Have you ever experienced a console launch before?
You really sound like your anti Xbox and you would pick apart anything MS releases no matter what.


Sorry, I'm not to sure what happened there but my rants over.

[Grifter]

DOA4: 7 years of development from the Dreamcast, and this is all they have done with it?

PGR3: Realistic but boring. Also crashes a LOT.

COD2: PC Port.

Kameo: Trades in for $11 now. Why? Hmmm....

PD:Z: The "killer app" with no soul and piss poor single player.

NFS:MW: Better on PC, IMO. Also one of 3 games that are anywhere close to decent at launch: Condemned, NFS, and COD2.



Dude, your full of shit! I have not heard one person having an issue with PGR3. That doesnt mean it hasn't happened it just means that like your other posts you exagerate to the point of making your comment BS. Just because you think it's boring does not make it so. It seems hundreds of thousands of people out there disagree

Just because Kameo trades at $11 does not mean it is not a great game. you bitch about games being the same old boring shit then trash somthing like Kameo. A bit two Faced
People like you and your store's are whats turning the industry into what it is.

Who the fuck cares if CoD 2 is a port!? It is a damn good game and runs better on the 360 than it does on 90% of the computers out there.

NFS:MW looks better on the 360, sounds better on the 360, runs better on the 360, controlls better on the 360 and that is saying alot considering how shitty the port is.

Do us all a favor and either pull your head out of your ass and post some legit reasons why you don't like the 360, stop lieing and just say I hate MS and everything they do no matter what it is if it's not on a pc so we can ignore you or (brace your self's this ones a doozie!) stop being a fucking troll!

[crashedout]

I don't know what you guys expected, the manufacturing could not keep up. Most companies don't stockpile goods in wharehouses anymore, its too expensive. They ship them straight to distributors as quickly as they are made. You really think the Ps3 with its gigantic cell cpu is going to any more available? I'll admit the worldwide launch and two sku's did not help but come one, be realistic. The only launch in which we may not see a problem is the revolution because of a) its lack of cutting edge tech and b) the niche market it apealing to. I still expect a run, it will be during the holiday season.

All cutting edge electronics have this problem...try finding a Sony SRXD last Novemember at street date or the denon 06 AVR's the frist month they come out.

[Morratut]

Well said grifter_66. :D

The 360 is a lot of fun. It's a console which has the full works.

Great graphics.
Great sound.
Great online abilities.

5% setting up a online game with friends 95% the rest is fun. Unlike a PC :D

[bean19]

People have really overlooked Amped 3. I got it through Gamefly because there hasn't been much out lately for ANY SYSTEM. . . it's a traditionally dead time for console and PC gaming, but if you don't have an X360, there are a ton of really cool titles coming up within the next month like Full Auto, Fight Night Round 3, Burnout Revenge, Tom Clancy's Advanced Warfighter, Elder Scrolls, The Outfit, Battlefield 2, Far Cry Instincts, TimeShift, and Rumble Roses XX.

That's about how many quality titles you could expect from the PS2 (the king of the last generation) in a heavy release month like September or October (although not as many as you'd expect in November - the nutty holiday season release month).

April slows down again. . . I think there is some game company rule about releasing in Q1 of the year. . . It always seems like January is terrible for game releases, February is bad, and then March is goo. After March, there is just a trickle of new titles for all systems until September starts the big fall line-up of games once again.

Still, if you look two months past March, there are some games worth playing in April and May: Tomb Raider: Legend, Top Spin 2, Chromehounds, Dead Rising, and Prey.

Compare this to the PS2 upcoming games:

Feb. - Grandia III, Drakenguard 2, Mark Ecko's Getting Up, Fight Night Round 3, TOCA Race Driver, 24: The Game, and Black

March - Cowboy Bebop, Shadow Hearts 3, MGS 3: Substinence, Onimusha: Dawn of Dreams, The Godfather, Full Specturm Warrior: Ten Hammers, Suikoden V, Tom Clancy's Advanced Warfighter

April& May - Teen Titans, Tomb Raider: Legend, America's Army: Rise of a Solider, Monster Rancher EVO, GTA: Liberty City Stories, MotoGP 4, Atelier Iris 2, The DaVinci Code, and Okami

That's only 17 titles worth mentioning for the X360, compared to 26 titles worth mentioning for the PS2 through May. While it is clear that having 9 more titles than a competitor through the first half of a year is a big deal, 17 titles from Feb.-May for a new system like the X360 is still very impressive.

I've got to say that I'm much more excited about many of those 17 titles on the X360 than I am about the titles on the PS2.

The exceptions are uniformly the RPGs. . . the X360 needs to get more of these. Not a token amount more, but a LOT more. . . of course, there are 3 that are being released in Japan during this time frame, but I want the translations NOW dammit.

[Rirath]

Well, if the news is true I may be picking one up. I'm not really sure why, all I can say I really want to play is Geometry Wars and PGR3... but it's a start. I could, and probably should wait for a price drop. But, considering the lifespan of the average console I don't consider it much of a risk. Plus I may be in for a small discount if they keep the current timescales.

For the most part I tend to agree with overdrivechao's rundown of the games though -- PC ports and lackluster exclusives. I have hopes for PGR3, but DOA4, PD:Z, and Kameo are rentals at best.

[benig]

It's really hard to justify purchasing one of these without the initial excitement of owning 'the newthing'.

[crashedout]

It's really hard to justify purchasing one of these without the initial excitement of owning 'the newthing'.

I respectfully disagree for the following reason: MCE HDTV extender. I am in the minority here as one that not only uses MCE 2005 but for HD as well. In this aspect I have one location that all my HD tv is stored and accessed throughout the house. The 360 does an excellent job at this for both live tv and recording. This coupled with some very good games and it was a no brainer, "the newthing" had nothing to do with my purchase. My 0.02 as a game, video, tv, movie geek.

[subgenius]

I respectfully disagree for the following reason: MCE HDTV extender. I am in the minority here as one that not only uses MCE 2005 but for HD as well. In this aspect I have one location that all my HD tv is stored and accessed throughout the house. The 360 does an excellent job at this for both live tv and recording. This coupled with some very good games and it was a no brainer, "the newthing" had nothing to do with my purchase. My 0.02 as a game, video, tv, movie geek.
crashed out: would love to hear more detail about your setup. I've got that shiny, brand-new HDTV that I want to see some content on. Was thinking about getting the 360 to partially satisfy that desire. How do you use MCE with your 360? Do you have any good online pointers for setting such a system up?

Thanks!

[Beelzebud]

Dude, your full of shit! I have not heard one person having an issue with PGR3. That doesnt mean it hasn't happened it just means that like your other posts you exagerate to the point of making your comment BS. Just because you think it's boring does not make it so. It seems hundreds of thousands of people out there disagree

Just because Kameo trades at $11 does not mean it is not a great game. you bitch about games being the same old boring shit then trash somthing like Kameo. A bit two Faced
People like you and your store's are whats turning the industry into what it is.

Who the fuck cares if CoD 2 is a port!? It is a damn good game and runs better on the 360 than it does on 90% of the computers out there.

NFS:MW looks better on the 360, sounds better on the 360, runs better on the 360, controlls better on the 360 and that is saying alot considering how shitty the port is.

Do us all a favor and either pull your head out of your ass and post some legit reasons why you don't like the 360, stop lieing and just say I hate MS and everything they do no matter what it is if it's not on a pc so we can ignore you or (brace your self's this ones a doozie!) stop being a fucking troll!

I don't want a Xbox 360 either. Am I a troll too? I prefer my PC. Is that ok with you, fanboy?

Take your own advice. Stop being a fucking troll!

[Sl1pstream]

Dude, your full of shit! I have not heard one person having an issue with PGR3. That doesnt mean it hasn't happened it just means that like your other posts you exagerate to the point of making your comment BS. Just because you think it's boring does not make it so. It seems hundreds of thousands of people out there disagree

Everyone but three people on my friendslist have had problems with PGR3 crashing. They even fixed the problem in the patch that was released a few days ago. Why would they fix a problem that doesn't exist?

[Neverborne]

Just cancelled my pre-order. Too long of a wait, and not enough to keep me interested.

Although, I am starting to see Core Systems on shelves, but who the hell wants half a console?

[Grifter]

I don't want a Xbox 360 either. Am I a troll too? I prefer my PC. Is that ok with you, fanboy?

Take your own advice. Stop being a fucking troll!

I could give a fuck if you want a 360 or not, but trashing games you have never played and bitching because of a good solid port is stupid.

So your telling me because I think that most PC games released this last year sucked and because there are very few games I feel are worth playing on the PS2 that both platforms suck and are not worth owning. No, why? because I am not 4 years old and I realize that just because I am not willing to give somthing a chance or am not into it does not mean I have to trash it and nit pick and exagerate issues. It's like Listening to some one who hates cookies bitch about how terriable chocolate chip cookies taste. Not really a fair opinion for a person who actually likes cookies. Besides most of his resoning sounds juvinile.

I don't like Kameo so the 360 sucks!
CoD 2 is on the PC so the 360 sucks! worstlaunch ever!

what makes him a troll is the fact that he would talk shit about the 360 no matter what was released on it. and you, well your just slightly retarded for not seeing that.

[Grifter]

Everyone but three people on my friendslist have had problems with PGR3 crashing. They even fixed the problem in the patch that was released a few days ago. Why would they fix a problem that doesn't exist?

I never said the problem did't exist did I? No, I said it sounded to me like he was exagerating the issue. Me personally I have yet to meet, play with or even talk to someone who has had an issue with PGR3. I also never heard of a patch being avaliable for PGR3.

[Hignaki]

I could give a fuck if you want a 360 or not, but trashing games you have never played and bitching because of a good solid port is stupid.

So your telling me because I think that most PC games released this last year sucked and because there are very few games I feel are worth playing on the PS2 that both platforms suck and are not worth owning. No, why? because I am not 4 years old and I realize that just because I am not willing to give somthing a chance or am not into it does not mean I have to trash it and nit pick and exagerate issues. It's like Listening to some one who hates cookies bitch about how terriable chocolate chip cookies taste. Not really a fair opinion for a person who actually likes cookies. Besides most of his resoning sounds juvinile.

I don't like Kameo so the 360 sucks!
CoD 2 is on the PC so the 360 sucks! worstlaunch ever!

what makes him a troll is the fact that he would talk shit about the 360 no matter what was released on it. and you, well your just slightly retarded for not seeing that.
Do you even listen to yourself anymore. For anyone else reading, pull up his two big posts and play "spot the contradictions." It's quite fun, though a bit time consuming.

[Grifter]

Do you even listen to yourself anymore. For anyone else reading, pull up his two big posts and play "spot the contradictions." It's quite fun, though a bit time consuming.

why don't you post those "contradictions" If your going to make a statement like that you should have the balls/sense to back it up.

[overdrivechao]

Wow, i feel raped! Ok, let's see... hehe "slightly retarded", thats awesome. And a great way to make a point.

The defective # of consoles we've sold is accurate, ask the poor customers who got screwed with bad systems. And ask us, who have to listen to their anger which should be directed at ***. We've had a bunch of bad power supplies, a handful of disc-etching trays, a couple that outputted graphical gobbledegook, one that didn't recognize wireless controllers, and one that was stuck outputting only Korean.

Part 2

I DO know what the hell I'm talking about, because i'm neck deep in developers and reps from a ton of VG companies all freaking day. I have played EVERY 360 game, even though I had already played a bunch of them on the Xbox and my computer.

As far as the 360 launch goes any one calling Kameo, PDZ, PGR3, CoD2, Condemned, NFS:MW and RR 5 a shitty launch list has either A) never been around another console launch, ever! B) Has no business in a gaming forum PC or otherwise C) is a Plant or full of shit (most likely both) or D) Just pissed off that he didn't get one and ranting makes him feel better.

A. NES: Zelda. SNES: Super Mario World. Xbox: Halo. 360: Geometry Wars?
B. I spend 50-60 hours a week immersed in developers and reps, and listening to people who play and love or hate certain games. I am giving you my opinion, and also the collective opinions of the hundreds of people I talk to a week.
C. ... ok um, Grow Up.
D. I would have gotten a 360 if there was anything on it to play that I couldn't get anywhere else. It's not like i'm not surrounded by them, I mean hell... I had one offered to me for $200 yesterday. Honestly, until they actaully start coming out with some good titles, I'm not spending a penny on it.

[Heretic Machine]

Regardless, the 360 has crap to play on it, due to poor planning and distribution of the dev kits.

Ya, the PS2 launch was so much better. The Dreamcast too, it had what, two games to play at launch? The Gamecube launch was great, but there wasn't anything to buy for it for another year or more. The DS came out with a single game worth playing, and didn't get anything else for half a year. The 360 already has at least five games that are quite good in my opinion, and I'm not a sports/racing fan. More are on the way and will be released by Spring.

If you didn't like this launch, you might as well hang up your hat for a few years, because this was awesome compared to what the PS3 and Revolution launches will be like.

[overdrivechao]

You forgot PSP. they didn't have any good games for... wait they still don't have a lot of good games.

No, its true. The majority of console launches don't bring with them anything of real value. I get that. My problem is people are Jihading about the 360's games with a fervor I have never seen, when they really aren't all that impressive. Between that and the pervasive hardware issues I personally think the launch was more rocky than it would have been if *** had waited, say 4 or 5 months, to include the emulating software for backwards compatibility, to fix the issue with production and launch with enough units, and to allow the third party developers time to finish games so they didn't have to hackjob them (see all EA 360 games with minor exceptions).

On a side note I asked the THQ guys working on Saint's Row to explain the game without using the words "Grand", "Theft", or "Auto".

They said "GTA" with a smile.

[Grifter]

You forgot PSP. they didn't have any good games for... wait they still don't have a lot of good games.

No, its true. The majority of console launches don't bring with them anything of real value. I get that. My problem is people are Jihading about the 360's games with a fervor I have never seen, when they really aren't all that impressive..

That is just your opinion and you come off like it's a fact. Just because you work at EB does not make you an authority on games. I worked there as well and I know you guys don't have access to any special info that the rest of us don't have. Those "customers" you talk to are probably just acquaintances who share your tastes so it seems like all these people think the 360 suck when in fact it is only the ones that talk to you and all the rest avoid conversation because they don't agree with your opinion.

I still have quite a few friends that work at EB and Gamestop and they are painting a very different picture of the launch and customer feedback aside from the obvious shortage and defects.

[overdrivechao]

Mom? Who is that? ITS LIKE YOU ARE IN MY HEAD!!

[bean19]

1. Microsoft should have launched with more units, but launching early helped them as it sold all their crappy Core units through the Christmas season. Hopefully they'll stop production on them when they start piling up on shelves.

2. There were a lot of really solid launch titles by multiple reviewer's opinions, and the attach rate (while inflated by the forced sale of bundles) shows that there are people buying these games because they enjoy them.

3. The launch had a ton of titles with a broad range of genres represented.

4. There continue to be games coming out for the system, and some of them are highly anticipated. There will 17 noteworthy new games out for the X360 between now and May compared to 26 new noteworthy titles for the PS2 (the huge market dominator with the most developer support). Having this many games so quickly after a console launch is exceptional when you compare it to other console launches.

5. The X360 doing well and being really fun is a good thing. Hopefully the PS3 and the Revolution will deliver as good or better than the X360. For people who are fanboys of every console and not a particular console, this is a good thing.

[Vandenh]

Overdrivechao is just a Troll.. leave him alone and he will shut up.

> I spend 50-60 hours a week immersed in developers and reps

HAHAHAHAHAH! You don't seem to realise that quite a few people on this site are developers or in "the" business. Back to Gamefaqs for you mate!

>Just because you work at EB does not make you an authority on games.

:) I would say that almost guarantees that you are an authoroty on absolutely nothing


Oops.. now I did it myself.

[Mozgus]

The Dreamcast too, it had what, two games to play at launch?
It had practically every genre covered with a quality title at launch, or at least within the first month. What are you smoking?

[Banacek]

I hate you all, but the person I hate the most is myself for wasting my time reading this :)

[Cubfan]

I agree :)

[crashedout]

crashed out: would love to hear more detail about your setup. I've got that shiny, brand-new HDTV that I want to see some content on. Was thinking about getting the 360 to partially satisfy that desire. How do you use MCE with your 360? Do you have any good online pointers for setting such a system up?

Thanks!

I allready had a good gaming machine(a64 2.6ghz, 6800, 2 gig ram). I added a Hauppague 150 and Avermedia 180 with MCE 2005 to it. You could get away with the just the ATI HDTV wonder with the hacked driver. The best place to learn about his are Microsoft's MCE extender page, the htcp forum on avsforum.com and thegreenbutton.com. In my area cable does not carry all the HD networks so there really was not any other choice to record hd. Now that I have it and see how well it works to all computers in the house, I am sold.

[kraemer]

I respectfully disagree for the following reason: MCE HDTV extender. I am in the minority here as one that not only uses MCE 2005 but for HD as well.
Hells yea, I use it to watch HD too! My only complaint is the loud ass fan, once they ship a newer version with die shrunk chips I will ebay this one and get the newer/cooler one.

[bapenguin]

oh...this argument again?

[Megalith]

Oh good, Microsoft has decided to stop telling retailers to hold 360s.

[TrackZero]

DOA4: 7 years of development from the Dreamcast, and this is all they have done with it?

PGR3: Realistic but boring. Also crashes a LOT.

COD2: PC Port.

Kameo: Trades in for $11 now. Why? Hmmm....

PD:Z: The "killer app" with no soul and piss poor single player.

NFS:MW: Better on PC, IMO. Also one of 3 games that are anywhere close to decent at launch: Condemned, NFS, and COD2.

Thanks for your opinions. Now let's see how they were reviewed (as per Gamerankings averages).

DOA4: 86.6%
PGR3: 88.7%
COD2: 90%
Kameo: 81%
PD:Z: 82.3%
NFS:MW: 84%

and let's not forget Condemed with 82.1%

Despite your opinions on the matter, everyone else seems to think there are some great games for the system already.

[TrackZero]

The Gamecube launch was great, but there wasn't anything to buy for it for another year or more.

It was? I bought it at launch and the only things I recall being out were Luigi's Mansion and Waverace: Blue Storm. Is there some games I'm forgetting?

[Zanzibar]

Thanks for your opinions. Now let's see how they were reviewed (as per Gamerankings averages).

DOA4: 86.6%
PGR3: 88.7%
COD2: 90%
Kameo: 81%
PD:Z: 82.3%
NFS:MW: 84%

and let's not forget Condemed with 82.1%

Despite your opinions on the matter, everyone else seems to think there are some great games for the system already.

Thanks TZ. You're right in simply dismissing his opinion as just that - opinion. Misguided, but yeah, it's his opinion. Why do I always feel the need to open up my trap to prove someone wrong? They'll never be convinced.

My mother told me this saying, and it's quite possibly the best bit of advice I've ever received:

"You can't reason someone out of a position they haven't been reasoned into."

Most people have gut reactions and go with them, and no amount of facts will get them to change their minds.

At the risk of turning this into a political discussion, I'm reminded of Karl Rove and his Ace-in-the-hole for running his many Bush campaigns: homosexuality. There was a Nova special on Rove, and they detailed about every campaign that he ran for Bush, invariably Rove would make sure that homosexuality (and their opponent's support for it, directly or indirectly) was introduced at some point near the end of the campaign. It always galvanized the Christian base and many moderates turned against Bush's opponent, always tilting the election towards Bush in the end. The most recent example was the Gay Marriage backlash in 2004. It's terrible, but many people have a 'gut reaction' against homosexuality that no amount of facts can dissuade.

[Coolnut]

If I can get a 360 from the "perpetually-short" EB Games, it's a pretty damned clear sign that the shortage is about to end.

[Coolnut]

Oh, one more thing: I cannot think of ANY recent system with a "killer app" at launch. The closest is probably XBox with Halo.

[mister_slim]

Who's whining? Since when is it a good business practice to launch a horrendously anticipated piece of hardware without being able to meet the demand at launch?
I always forget how impressive Apple's product announcements are. I really don't know how they do it.

[Pumped'Up]

Thanks for your opinions. Now let's see how they were reviewed (as per Gamerankings averages).

DOA4: 86.6%
PGR3: 88.7%
COD2: 90%
Kameo: 81%
PD:Z: 82.3%
NFS:MW: 84%

and let's not forget Condemed with 82.1%

Despite your opinions on the matter, everyone else seems to think there are some great games for the system already.
I would say good, not great, games...because clearly, there are no titles now that are conceived as 360 system sellers. Oblivion may be the first, but the PC version is also an option.

[Pumped'Up]

I could give a fuck if you want a 360 or not, but trashing games you have never played and bitching because of a good solid port is stupid.

So your telling me because I think that most PC games released this last year sucked and because there are very few games I feel are worth playing on the PS2 that both platforms suck and are not worth owning. No, why? because I am not 4 years old and I realize that just because I am not willing to give somthing a chance or am not into it does not mean I have to trash it and nit pick and exagerate issues. It's like Listening to some one who hates cookies bitch about how terriable chocolate chip cookies taste. Not really a fair opinion for a person who actually likes cookies. Besides most of his resoning sounds juvinile.

I don't like Kameo so the 360 sucks!
CoD 2 is on the PC so the 360 sucks! worstlaunch ever!

what makes him a troll is the fact that he would talk shit about the 360 no matter what was released on it. and you, well your just slightly retarded for not seeing that.
Hmm, it is the games that make and define a console's success....not the hardware itself.

By this definition, yes, people (even trolls) have the right to say the 360 sucks!

So chill.

[overdrivechao]

I am not a troll or whatever, labels are crutches anyway. This is my opinion. Microsoft made the launch out to be this gifreakinormous monstrosity but there was no followthrough. How many of the launch titles are indefinetly pushed back now? My problem isn't limited to Microsoft though, fanboys. Advent Children, Twilight Princess, Starcraft Ghost, man there are a ton of cool things coming.... eventually. The difference is ***, unlike the other companies, gave us specifics that turned out to be plain lies.

I'm not saying the 360 sucks. Stop defending it. I'm just saying it's not worth it to me to buy one right now, and it would have been if they had followed through on the plan they gave us months, nay.. weeks before launch I would be onboard defending Gears of War and Oblivion against all attackers. But I can't. Because they got pushed back. Because they couldn't hit the goals they set for themselves. Not just one game, but

* Amped 3 (2K Games)
* Call of Duty 2 (Activision) <----(port)
* Condemned (Sega)
* Dead Or Alive 4 (Tecmo) <---- this one
* Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Bethesda) <---- and this one
* Final Fantasy XI (Microsoft) <---- and this one
* Full Auto (Sega) <---- and this one
* Ghost Recon: Advanced Warfighter (Ubisoft) <---- and this one
* Gun (Activision) <----(port)
* Kameo: Elements of Power (Microsoft)
* Madden NFL 06 (EA) <----(port)
* NBA 2K6 (2K Games) <----(port)
* NHL 2K6 (2K Games) <----(port)
* The Outfit (THQ) <---- and this one
* Perfect Dark LE (Microsoft)
* Project Gotham Racing 3 (Microsoft)
* Quake 4 (Activision) <----(port)
* Ridge Racer 6 (Namco)
* Saints Row (THQ) <---- and this one
* Tony Hawk's American Wasteland (Activision) <----(port)
* Top Spin 2 (2K Games) <---- and this one
* Burnout Revenge <---- and this one
* Frame City Killer <---- and this one

That's five original content games. And Amped 3 really shouldn't count if you've played it you know what I'm talking about. I mean, come on now people. Now please resume your name calling.

[Rendelius]

To those who claim to have lost interest in the 360: I pity you. But on the other hand, you never might know what you are missing.

I have played games on the PC for more than 20 years, and I still do. My PC is outfitted with good to great components, and I have no problems playing the latest games there. But for the quick piece of fun, I more and more often turn to the Xbox 360 and PGR3, NFS Most Wanted and DoA4 (not to mention the excellent FN3 demo). The games look fantastic on my HDTV, and the wireless controllers are great.

I have never been a console addict, in fact, I only owned the PS for some time (it got stolen when some thugs broke into my houes), and I never replaced it. But the Xbox 360 really got me. Even my girlfriend likes to beat me up with oA4 from time to time *g*.

And when Oblivion is released, I will get it for both systems :-)

[bean19]

And when Oblivion is released, I will get it for both systems :-)

Be sure to give us your thoughts on how they compare after you play both versions. :)

[Roc Ingersol]

I feel dumber, for having read this thread.

[overdrivechao]

I feel dumber, for having read this thread.

overdrivechao is a troll what? hmmm? Nothing personal, but this guy didn't even give an opinion besides that he is obviously wasting his time reading all of yours.

[Citizen Philip]

I think every console purchase should come with some form of a mild time released tranqulizer with the label "If this console was purchased by your parents, or is worth more than 40% of your yearly income, please take this."

These threads are pointless and hateful.

[BabyJesus]

Well at my EB, we have sold 300 consoles and not a single one has come back. Plus I personally was invited to EA and Bethesda to playtest OBLIVION and some super secret EA game, thats because all the developers in the WORLD are my closest friends, all because I work at EB!

See, I can make shit up too!!

[Roc Ingersol]

overdrivechao is a troll what? hmmm? Nothing personal, but this guy didn't even give an opinion besides that he is obviously wasting his time reading all of yours.
Let's be honest: I only skimmed, and I skipped to the end when I hit the fanboi argument segment. Perhaps it picked up at the end.

What I wasted my time reading, is people on the internet arguing back and forth about whose opinion is right and whose is wrong.

[Grifter]

If alot of you actually read my posts you would realize I don't care about his opinion or think he is wrong It's his opinion and that is fine. What pisses me off about his posts is some of the bullshit he is using to defend his opinion. If he would have just said "I don't like the 360 or MS and I hate all it's games so I don't care about this topic" that would have been fine but he didn't and now we all must suffer.

Now he is calling MS a liar because games are getting pushed back. WTF!?! has he had his head stuck up his ass the entire time he as been at EB (that may be a pre-requisite for being manager) Games get pushed back, thats what happens, PC games, console games, launch titles, christmas releases, it doesn't matter. If a Dev. feels the game is not complete no matter the promises made they have an obligation to themselves and their fans (and wallets) to make the best games possible. If they need to hold back a game to work out the bugs and any other issues more power to them. I lost respect for Rare and MS because they didn't do that with PDZ.

This is not an insult but a generalized statement; I have found most EB and Gamestop managers to be conceited pricks who think they are better than everyone. It's Like they think everyone who shops at their store is a nerd and a loser but they are not so they get this superiority complex, possibly to defend against the fact they are 25-30 years old and still working at a video game store. I thought maybe it was a local thing but I guess not. I don't know the reason for this phenomona but so far has proven it to be true everywhere.

[mister_slim]

Well at my EB, we have sold 300 consoles and not a single one has come back.
So your customers are at least smart enough to call MS rather than returning it?

[BabyJesus]

So your customers are at least smart enough to call MS rather than returning it?

You got it, TOYOTA!
:D

[overdrivechao]

If alot of you actually read my posts you would realize I don't care about his opinion or think he is wrong It's his opinion and that is fine. What pisses me off about his posts is some of the bullshit he is using to defend his opinion. If he would have just said "I don't like the 360 or MS and I hate all it's games so I don't care about this topic" that would have been fine but he didn't and now we all must suffer.

Now he is calling MS a liar because games are getting pushed back. WTF!?! has he had his head stuck up his ass the entire time he as been at EB (that may be a pre-requisite for being manager) Games get pushed back, thats what happens, PC games, console games, launch titles, christmas releases, it doesn't matter. If a Dev. feels the game is not complete no matter the promises made they have an obligation to themselves and their fans (and wallets) to make the best games possible. If they need to hold back a game to work out the bugs and any other issues more power to them. I lost respect for Rare and MS because they didn't do that with PDZ.

This is not an insult but a generalized statement; I have found most EB and Gamestop managers to be conceited pricks who think they are better than everyone. It's Like they think everyone who shops at their store is a nerd and a loser but they are not so they get this superiority complex, possibly to defend against the fact they are 25-30 years old and still working at a video game store. I thought maybe it was a local thing but I guess not. I don't know the reason for this phenomona but so far has proven it to be true everywhere.

Blah blah blah I am sick of this too. Bye.

[Planetbuster]

I will believe it when I see them on the shelves, and to those of you calling it whining about people wanting something "WHEN" its supposed to hit the market can bugger-off. I was excited but now since I have had to wait and look at the miserable launch titles, I might just skip this generation to, or at the LEAST wait for the price to drop far down the road when its a better value.

Face it xbox fanboys, Microblow screwed this launch up considering how great it could have been. I know dozens of people that would be dancing in the streets right now if they had a 360 but now they are just like me, rather unimpressed except for a few fancy graphics we have seen on DEMO units.

PB

[bean19]

I will believe it when I see them on the shelves, and to those of you calling it whining about people wanting something "WHEN" its supposed to hit the market can bugger-off. I was excited but now since I have had to wait and look at the miserable launch titles, I might just skip this generation to, or at the LEAST wait for the price to drop far down the road when its a better value.

Face it xbox fanboys, Microblow screwed this launch up considering how great it could have been. I know dozens of people that would be dancing in the streets right now if they had a 360 but now they are just like me, rather unimpressed except for a few fancy graphics we have seen on DEMO units.

PB

Oh big time.

There are even more people who would have bought the X360 for their kids during Christmas had they not been so low on supply.

Microsoft missed out on some soft markets by not delivering a good supply more quickly. Whatever excuses they make, it definitely hurt their bottom dollar.

If you do find one though, I'd suggest getting over being pissed off at them though. There are actually a lot of fun games to play and more on the way. Go read professional reviews of the games and don't trust the Sony fanboy mutterings.

There aren't any must-have titles yet, but I'm willing to be that any gamer that is hardcore enough to post here can find at least two games that they'd really dig that are already out.

That is. . . unless you are financially limited and can't afford an X360 but you really love Metal Gear or Devil May Cry. Then you should like totally save up and hound your local gamestore every day so that you can be one of the first 5 or so preorders.

The PS3 launch won't be as bad as the X360 launch because they'll launch in only one continent at a time, but you can bet that there will be a shortage just like Microsoft's.