Already got mine paid for.

And supposedly the 360 will be very hard to hack according to Microsoft.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4218670.stm

While I don't think that it will be any problem at all in the long run, I'd imagine it will at least be several months to a year before we start seeing any mod chips for the 360.

9/14/2005 11:24:56 AM

The way I see it, if they're going to charge $400 for a console (since the core one isn't backwards compatible, and since there are only 3 USB ports, if you want to use wired controllers you can only have up to three people playing with you), $50 for the wireless controllers ($40 for the wired, but read previous complaint), the silver live service (the one that's free) will most likely NOT support the most popular games, cause they are money grubbing dicks like that, games will probably be $60+, then that damn thing will get hacked and people will be downloading games left and right.

Sorry, that's my rant, I still want one though, haha

9/14/2005 12:26:59 PM

USB Hub, Silver service is free for all games but only on the weekends (or something like that), games will start at $59 but MSRP's never stick (plus every game at Best Buy can be purchases for $5 less with their always available coupon).

9/14/2005 1:43:45 PM

Quote :

"As we've previously reported Xbox Live has been divided into Silver and Gold Memberships. The Silver Package is free and allows players to edit a gamer profile and an Xbox Live gamertag. Silver members are able to send and receive text and voice messages and have access to Xbox Live Marketplace where free and priced gaming content is available for download. Silver Membership does not include access to the online multiplayer experience, matchmaking, feedback, or Marketplace exclusives that may be offered to Gold members. "

from ign

Sept 8th

[Edited on September 14, 2005 at 2:17 PM. Reason : .]

9/14/2005 2:16:37 PM

i give it a year.5 until chips are out, i can wait that long.

ppl that worked on the xbox will talk to the "hacker" community and it will be broken sooner than later

[Edited on September 14, 2005 at 3:02 PM. Reason : ]

9/14/2005 3:02:19 PM

Yeah I read at IGN Silver now doesn't include any online gameplay Pretty sure they mentioned it would earlier...lol, money whores.

And I'll buy one, but not 'til it is hacked so I can get a modchip. My normal Xbox will get the job done just fine 'til then.

9/14/2005 3:34:55 PM

^ Yeah, if I recall they definitely said it would earlier, or would at least allow you to play SOME games online, but now you can't play any games whatsoever, but they'll give you access to the marketplace so you can buy stuff from them!! woohoo!!

ugh

9/14/2005 4:21:11 PM

maybe its just me, but i read that sentence as saying that silver won't have access to exclusive online multiplayer experiences that may be provided to gold members, not that they wouldn't have access at all. I mean really, whats the point of being able to have an online gamer profile if you can't play online? just bragging rights? i think that its jut a poorly worded sentence that is referring to types of exclusive services that you'd get with a gold membership. then again, it really wouldn't surprise me if they're dicks like that.

9/14/2005 6:36:54 PM

looks like online orders are sold out. i wonder how long it'll last in stores. probably only a couple of hours. and then it's ebay...

http://www.freep.com/money/tech/mwendland-box14e_20051104.htm

11/4/2005 2:08:06 PM

Quote :

"Microsoft readies 360 Zero Hour http://www.gamespot.com/news/6139329.html Xbox 360 launch event hits high desert November 20; contest for tickets to attend happening begins November 10. With just over two weeks to go before the launch of the Xbox 360, Microsoft still has a few details left to reveal to gamers. Among them are a solid list of launch day games and general availability of the console. Somewhere, further down the list, the unanswered questions are, "where is the launch event shindig going to take place and what will be there?" The festivities, which were first mentioned in the Web-based viral marketing campaigns http://www.Origenxbox360.com and http://www.Hex168.com, will be called Xbox 360: Zero Hour. It will take place at sunset on November 20, and continue until the calendar turns to November 22, the official North American launch date of the console. However, the biggest news isn't when, it's where. While most electro-geeks wouldn't dare take their expensive equipment near fine-grained sand, Microsoft is plopping down hundreds of high-definition Xbox 360 gaming stations right on a huge pile of it. Zero Hour will take place in a huge tent (see artist's conceptualization: http://img.gamespot.com/gamespot/images/2005/news/11/07/zerohour_screen001.jpg) in an undisclosed location in the Mojave Desert. In addition to the stations showing off games from the system's launch lineup, titles from several publishers due in 2006 will also be featured, including live gameplay of Epic's Gears of War. Best Buy will be on hand to sell consoles without the panic associated with typical midnight madness sales. Food and beverages will be for sale, and entertainment will feature the likes of Kaiju Big Battel (think Mexican wrestling from Japan) and San Diego band Louis XIV. Along with VIP winners from the Hex168 and Origen contests, Microsoft is giving away 1,500 pairs of tickets to the event with the help of various gaming sites. The contest will take place throughout the day on November 10. Stay tuned to GameSpot for more information. "

[Edited on November 9, 2005 at 1:17 AM. Reason : .]

11/9/2005 1:17:07 AM

Quote :

"And supposedly the 360 will be very hard to hack according to Microsoft. "

THANKS FOR THE UPDATE

IF ONLY THEY HAD SAID IMPOSSIBLE

11/9/2005 1:44:23 AM

So now the controller is big enough to fit a standard qwerty keyboard?

They havn't got a package that I'd want to buy right now. I don't care for wireless controllers. You have to deal with batteries which cost money for replacements. I even had one wireless controller that never fully shut off once. The constand drain on the battery caused it to leak all in the controller. That little deal all but ruined it. I'll stick to wired. No battery mess/cost and it's not like I'm playing from across the room. The original x-box controllers had a cable that was plenty long enough.

The wired controler package is a no deal because they don't have a harddrive. The cost of the harddrive alone bumps you up to the cost of the 'mega' package.

11/9/2005 8:18:56 AM

You need to buy better wireless controllers. A shitty $25 wireless Madkatz (or whatever shitty 3rd party company you want to insert here) is going to be useless. I have 4 wavebird controllers for the GC and they work flawlessly. Battery replacement cost is so minimal I don't even notice. (Maybe a 12 pack of AA batteries once a year? That's what? $5?)

And the logitech wireless controllers are so amazing, once you use one I don't see how you'd ever go back to a wired controller. I have one for my xbox and one for my PS2 and I wouldn't think of using anything else. Obviously I can't speak for the quality of the new Xbox 360 wireless controllers, but I'd be surprised if they were anything short of perfect. It really looks like Microsoft has done their homework in that department this time around.

11/9/2005 9:00:37 AM

^It was actually a logitech. I don't know if I'll ever get another wireless controller. I just assume save the $5/year at this point. Cords are just not that big of a disadvantage for me to pay extra for a wireless controller and pay to maintain it.

11/9/2005 9:06:57 AM

To each his own I suppose.

BTW the phrase is "just as soon" not "just assume"

11/9/2005 9:59:06 AM

^Live and learn. Thanks for the correction.

11/9/2005 10:54:25 AM

i dont think the xbox wireless controllers are infared, and that is going to make a big difference. Also, the xbox controllers are rechargeable

11/9/2005 11:32:22 AM

Some stores are already selling games and accessories. I just picked up a copy of Kameo and a wireless controller.

It seems like I'm missing something rather important here, but I can't seem to figure it out...

11/9/2005 2:20:25 PM

I just got a voicemail from EBGames. They said they were getting less 360s than expected and I wouldn't be getting one of the first shipment.

I wouldn't be so mad if it wasn't for the fact that I know for sure that I was one of the 1st 10 people to preorder there. It should be first come, first serve, and if they're getting less than 10 360s on launch day, there's something wrong.

Oh well, guess I'll be one of the fools standing in line somewhere on launch day.

11/17/2005 2:57:00 AM

go get a job with Anand and you could be playing with it already - http://www.anandtech.com/systems/showdoc.aspx?i=2610

11/17/2005 4:02:35 AM

^^ penny arcade is spreading the rumor that those dedicated game stores are switching from a first-come first-serve list to a "whoever buys the most peripherals" list

Quote :

"We got an email from an employee at a "dedicated games retailer" that might intrigue you, regarding how 360s are being distributed. I'd imagine it's probably store by store, but here you go: they are going to the people who purchased the most accessories, as opposed to the people that got on there first. We've heard it from people going into stores as well, where the person behind the counter - in what I'm going to call an act of kindness, given the situation - suggests that they throw a couple peripherals on the pile to guarantee it. I'm not saying this is what happened to me, I'm just saying that it happens."

[Edited on November 17, 2005 at 8:40 AM. Reason : s]

11/17/2005 8:38:57 AM

Well the store I preordered from opens in 20 minutes. I'm about to head out there now. I'm beyond pissed. I've already bought a game, a controller and a faceplate from there and was planning on getting at least two more games there at launch. That's $600+. I'm going to tell the manager straight up that I've spent roughly $3000 in his store since the beginning of the year, and I will not spend one more dime there unless I have a 360 in my hands at midnight next Tuesday. I've already been to Target and BJ's (only because they were open) and they are both doing 1st come 1st serve, so worst case scenario I have to wait until 8am to get one. But still...

11/17/2005 9:43:56 AM

^^^ a nice look at what's inside the box.

target isn't opening at midnight?

i asked at my local BJs (here in Maryland) and they didn't know if they would have one...

[Edited on November 17, 2005 at 9:51 AM. Reason : asdf]

11/17/2005 9:49:54 AM

keep us updated. i'll boycott that store if he doesn't shape up. game stores are a dime a dozen and i'd much rather spend my money at best buy than support someone like him

[Edited on November 17, 2005 at 9:51 AM. Reason : s]

11/17/2005 9:50:55 AM

what store did you get it from and where?

11/17/2005 10:27:46 AM

BTW the wired controllers might actually be better for PC gamers since it plugs into a PC as a gamepad.

someone was asking the tech in the wireless and yes it is IR at 2.4 Ghz

11/17/2005 10:39:53 AM

^I'm pretty sure you have to have a special converter to be able to hook it up to the PC. It is unknown at this time if the converter will work with the wireless controllers. Just be aware that if you buy the wired controller as is, you will not be able to play it on your PC.

http://www.microsoft.com/hardware/gaming/productdetails.aspx

Those are $45 at Best Buy (on sale in the computer department, not with the video game stuff)

Regular wired are $40 and wireless are $50. I assume the extra $5 is for the converter thingie.

^^I preordered mine from the EBGames at Crossroads. I went by there this morning and talked to the store manager. He told me that he was aware of the Penny Arcade article (He even mentioned Penny Arcade, I didn't) and that the order came down from EB HQ that any stores not doing first come, first served would be subjected to firing anyone that was involved. He assured me that they were doing first come first served. He looked up my name and said I was ~50th on the list, so either he's lying, or I was mistaken about being 10th in line. Honestly I believe him, so I won't full out boycott the store like I was planning on doing, but I will certainly get my money back for the 360 that I've got preordered with them (unless I think there's a chance I can eBay it for more $$$ right before Xmas).

^^^^Target in Cary doesn't open at midnight. I talked to a very knowledgeable (and very cute) girl that works there and she said that they would be opening at the normal 8am. She said tickets would be handed out at the door based on the line (to prevent the fastest person from running to the back of the store) She said for the PS2 launch people were there 24+ hours in advance. She also told me how many 360's they have on hand and while I won't give out the exact number because she said she wasn't supposed to tell anyone, I will say that already they have more on hand then is slated to be sold at Best Buy(44).

BJ's in Cary has 10 premium units scheduled for delivery, and they will open at 8am.

Now I just need to find out about the 24 hour Walmart and Kmart. But otherwise it looks like a night of camping out/waiting until 8am.

11/17/2005 11:35:19 AM

Quote :

"Now I just need to find out about the 24 hour Walmart and Kmart. But otherwise it looks like a night of camping out/waiting until 8am."

You're kidding right?

it means THAT MUCH to you that you're willing to sit outside in the freezing cold (its going to be in the 20's tonight) in a parking lot so you can be the first kid on the block with one of these things?

11/17/2005 12:02:56 PM

some people just have nothing better to do.

11/17/2005 12:24:45 PM

I could understand if there was a limited quantity of them.

but two weeks after the release you'll be able to walk into any best buy and say - "I want that one" and pick it up.

11/17/2005 1:12:32 PM

i picked up my madden 06 and condemned this morning along with rechargeable battery pack. im pumped now, cant wait for tuesday.

11/17/2005 1:37:16 PM

^^We'll see about that.

11/17/2005 1:51:18 PM

the first generation games are all crap anyway - why the rush?

11/17/2005 1:58:09 PM

Quote :

"He looked up my name and said I was ~50th on the list, so either he's lying, or I was mistaken about being 10th in line. "

You probably aren't mistaken. The first 40 names on the list were probably friends/employees who plan on selling them on ebay.

11/17/2005 2:08:57 PM

haha, the wholesaler D&H, where alot of smaller retailers get their stuff from, is oversold by 40,000 units, and they were only alotted 1400. Ahahahaha.

Worst part is they didn't tell any of their resellers about it till last week.

[Edited on November 17, 2005 at 4:48 PM. Reason : ]

11/17/2005 4:47:41 PM

Quote :

"two weeks after the release you'll be able to walk into any best buy and say - "I want that one" and pick it up."

no way. you won't be able to walk into best buy two *hours* after release to get one. these are going to be sold out fast and they're going to come back into stock five at a time. it's going to be hit or miss the rest of the way unless you're willing to pay ebay prices.

11/17/2005 10:36:55 PM

^ umm.... saying that you can't buy one two hours after release is HARDLY an illustration of how easy or hard it will be to get one two weeks after release

11/17/2005 11:18:38 PM

Does anybody happen to know the battery life of its wireless controller?

11/30/2005 7:47:52 PM

^^ well it's about 1 week after release now and ebgames told me not to count on anything till february...

11/30/2005 10:40:02 PM

yes, I was addressing the idiocy of the way he made his argument; not making a statement on the future availability of the xbox

11/30/2005 10:42:09 PM

Meh, he still ended up being right, even if he was talking out of his ass at the time. I'm not saying he was though... or wasn't... don't feel like getting into that. No more flame wars for me tonight.



[Edited on November 30, 2005 at 10:52 PM. Reason : ]

11/30/2005 10:46:46 PM

how is it annoying

also, he didn't make an unfounded argument - he just used an irrelevant example to illustrate his point.

11/30/2005 10:52:52 PM

Alright, but he was right, even if he didn't say it very well.

11/30/2005 10:53:49 PM

yes, I was addressing the idiocy of the way he made his argument; not making a statement on the future availability of the xbox

11/30/2005 10:55:40 PM

actually the walmart in my hometown of Easton MD still had 3 on the shelves as of Monday according to my dear old mother.

You see, in places where the total loser percentage is rather low, you can still find these things on the shelves.

12/1/2005 8:58:40 AM

or where the redneck percentage is rather high

12/1/2005 11:19:58 AM

^^I just called the walmart in question:

Wal-Mart Store #1715
8155 Elliott Road
Easton, MD 21601
(410) 819-0140

That one right?

The girl that I talked to said they had none on hand, had no clue when they would be getting any more, and hadn't had any come in since the 7 they originally got on the 22nd.

Looks like your mom is about as clueless on the subject of Xbox 360 availability as you are.

The next time you make up some bullshit story to try and prove you're not an idiot, you might want to make sure that the whole thing can't be disproved in 20 seconds.

Why would someone let a 360 sit in a store with a $400 price tag when they're still going on ebay for $900? I don't care how back woods you get, it's not gonna happen like that.

[Edited on December 1, 2005 at 11:50 AM. Reason : common sense people.]

12/1/2005 11:37:45 AM

Did you think for a second that between Monday -- when Maugan's mother saw the the Xbox's -- and today, the systems could have possibly been sold? Sure the Wal-Mart hasn't had a shipment since the 22nd, but four could have been sold between the 22nd and 28th then three between the 28th and Dec. 1.

Don't be a fucking douche and call out someone's mom because you're bitter you didn't buy a $400 white piece of shit.

12/1/2005 12:18:48 PM

One of my sources tell me that stores in Green Bay, WI are loaded with consoles. Another one tells me that they are pretty plentiful in the Tidewater area of VA.

12/1/2005 12:49:18 PM

^^They sold out on the 22nd. Just like every other one in the country that went up for sale on that day. And Maugan is the one that's being a douche here. I'm not bitter in the least, and if you could read you'd know I did buy one on launch day and I have another one coming next week sometime which I plan to sell on ebay to cover the cost of both boxes. That's right, I'm getting a free 360. No bitterness at all from me.

^What stores are you talking about that have them? I just called 2 walmarts in Green Bay and another in De Pere, WI and none of them have any xboxes. It would be worth a plane trip up there to buy one (or 5, or 10 since they are all so "loaded")

Seriously people, they're still selling at >200% markup on ebay. If all you people seem to know of so many places that have tons of them, why aren't you buying them and selling them?

12/1/2005 1:16:36 PM