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Where to pre-order X-Box? (1 Viewer)

John Kilroy

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Messages
200
I'd like to pre-order the X-Box tomorrow, but I have never pre-ordered a game system before. Apparently a lot of you have, and I'd like input on where to pre-order. When you pre-order, does that mean you are assured to get a system on release day? Or is it more a matter of each store getting a cerain number of units, and they fulfill pre-orders in the chronological order of when they were placed? Is there an advantage to getting on the list early? Also, are any of the stores more reliable when it comes to fulfilling orders on release day? Do any of you have horror stories about not getting pre-orders fulfilled in the past?
What about games? Will they be in short supply on release day? Is that why people pre-order bundles?
Here are my criteria for the pre-order vendor, in order of importance:
1. I want the system on release day, guaranteed.
2. I want whatever accessory allows me to do S-video and Dolby Digital out.
3. I want a couple of games.
4. I want to lay out as little money up front as possible, and pay the balance when the unit is in my greedy little hands.
5. I don't want a bundle, but if it will assure the above, I'll get it.
So, to all the game gurus who have done this before, where should I pre-order?
Thanks...
John Kilroy
 

Dean Cooper

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 23, 2000
Messages
972
Some good questions John, I'll try to help.
Preordering a system makes sure you get one on launch day. I've found the best places to preorder from are the B&M stores near you. Sony's situation was kind of unique and I don't think the next systems will be repeats of that. EB is starting to take preorders tomorrow, but they are offering a bundle that really doesn't fit your needs. I've confirmed that ToysRus, Future Shop/Best Buy and Funco will be offering bundle free preorders but the dates seem to be mixed as to when they start taking them. Your best bet is to find one close to you, then phone and ask when. I've found in the past that games are usually never an issue to find on launch day and you shouldn't have too many problems finding them. The average preorder amount for the Xbox is $100, expect to pay around that. You might also want to check Walmart, I've never heard of them taking preorders but I know for sure they will be selling the Xbox.
Dean
 

John Kilroy

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Messages
200
Thanks Dean! I guess I'll head down to ToysRUs, and maybe stop at the mall on the way to see if there is a crowd ordering at Babbages, EB, etc. It'll be interesting to see how many are pre-ordering. It seems that consoles are made or broken (to some extent) on launch, much like the first weekend gross of a movie very accurately forecasts the entire domestic run.
I wasn't even going to get an X-Box, until I wandered over here from my usual haunts, the Software and Bargains forums. The excitement is contagious.
Thanks again, Dean.
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Michael St. Clair

Senior HTF Member
Joined
May 3, 1999
Messages
6,001
Is there a launch title list? I'm only buying one on launch day if there is a launch title I really, really want.
Otherwise, it's wait for Jet Grind Radio!
 

Dean Cooper

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 23, 2000
Messages
972
There isn't a officially completed list yet and I doubt there will be one until the TGS is over and done with. Here is the list of games that are confirmed to be launch releases so far though.
Air Force Delta Storm
Dead or Alive 3
Fuzion Frenzy
Project Gotham Racing
Halo
Mad Dash Racing
Madden 2002
NHL Hitz
Oddworld: Munch's Oddysee
Test Drive Off Road
Tony Hawk 2X
Dean
 

Jacob Rohrer

Agent
Joined
Nov 1, 2000
Messages
31
EBGames.com(Electronics Boutique) starts accepting pre orders starting September1st(tomorrow).
They are only offering bundle packages, but I am pretty sure they are guarantying you get it on launch day.
They have a FAQ on their website that probably answers all the questions you have.
 

Morgan Jolley

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Oct 16, 2000
Messages
9,712
I got a Dreamcast the day after it came out by ordering it online with overnight delivery. Didn't pay anything extra (since the overnight was free) and got the DC, a second controller, and a game or two. If you can, order your XB online or look around for a good store that will get you what you want.
You could preorder the console and the games separately. This way, you don't get a bundle but still get what you want.
I'm gonna wait a while on both the XB and GCN so I can walk into a store, buy one, and walk out instead of preordering or waiting in line. Hopefully I have a good strategy.
 

Camp

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Dec 3, 1999
Messages
2,301
Xbox reservations are all about the bundle. After the system is released the bundle will be a consumer option.
 

John Kilroy

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Messages
200
Just to follow up.
I ended up ordering at EB. I checked out Babbages and ToysRUs, but they weren't taking pre-orders. So I paid for the bundle. It seems like they are being pretty flexible about the bundle, though. You can change games as often as you want, and the said I could exchange one of the bundle games for Raw is War, which (allegedly) comes out later in the month.
The EB I ordered from said they were getting 48 X-boxes and that they were all spoken for via pre-orders. 48 seems like a low number to me, given the "clout" I imagine a premium, high-volume vendor would have with a console maker.
I paid for my X-box by trading in DVDs of which I have multiple titles, due to studio re-releases. So in the context of my larger home theater addiction, it cost me little!
Thanks for all your responses.
John Kilroy
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Joel Mack

Senior HTF Member
Joined
Jun 29, 1999
Messages
2,317
The EB I ordered from said they were getting 48 X-boxes and that they were all spoken for via pre-orders. 48 seems like a low number to me, given the "clout" I imagine a premium, high-volume vendor would have with a console maker.
Where are you located, John? Here in Omaha, the local EB is getting 36 systems (I'm #6)...
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"The internet is a place where people from all over come together to
bitch about movies and share pornography."
 

Greg Haynes

Supporting Actor
Joined
Oct 22, 1998
Messages
577
What's the average trade-in value of used DVD's at EB? Does anybody know from experience? Thanks!
 

John Kilroy

Stunt Coordinator
Joined
Jun 30, 1997
Messages
200
Joel:
I'm in Sarasota, Florida.
Greg:
I averaged about 8 dollars per DVD, which I thought was very good. That included some truly abominable titles, like the original WB Rocky release, for which they gave me 3 dollars. I don't know if condition plays a role. Mine were all in pristine condition, some still in shrink wrap.
EB pays you sales tax, so that is an automatic 7% (or whatever your county rate is) bump.
John Kilroy
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[Edited last by John Kilroy on September 06, 2001 at 02:56 PM]
[Edited last by John Kilroy on September 06, 2001 at 02:57 PM]
 

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