Bakotopia

All > Rants & Raves > Interests
How to obtain a PLAYSTATION 3 this week!
Topics: Video Games, PS3, Bakersfield, Bakotopia, Bakotopia.com, Bakotunes, music, entertainment
Posted by RobShock Wed Nov 15, 2006 16:08:17 PST
Viewed 822 times
0 responses 4 comments

From:

Rob Shock's Blog

This Friday is the release date of the new PLAYSTATION 3 gaming console, but there will be few available and many lined up to get one. Me? I've decided I'd just wait a while as my chances of getting one without putting a lot of effort into it are bleak. However, if you want to put the effort, here are some tips to help.

Camping is fun!

Unless you have industry connection or have already obtained a preorder from one of the few stores that gave them, you will not get a PS3 unless you plan to camp for at least two nights outside the store of your choice. If you do decide to camp, be prepared. Remember, it's November. Bring warm clothes and some warm blankets, maybe even a sleeping bag. You will also need supplies, like plenty of drinking water, something to pass the time, like a book or a game. You may want to pack some food as well.

Have a game plan

Before you set out to camp, you'll need to do a little research. Not every store will have the same amount of units available, so you'll need to find out in order to make your effort worthwhile. If you go to camp out at Wal Mart to be 12th in line, you'll be sorely disappointed because there will likely only be 10 units available. Call ahead to several stores. Ask how many will be available. You can even try to get a scoop on how soon people plan on lining up from some of the employees to give you a good indication of how soon you need to get there. After choosing your best location, scope the area out in advance. Try to predict where the line will be. Look around for places to go to for bathroom breaks and/or places to buy food. A location with a fast food restaurant near by is ideal because there you will have food and toilets all in one location.

Secure your spot

When you finally start camping, find out what position the guy in front of you has called, then call your position. Announce it to everyone in line and make it clear that you will inform the store employees of any cutting. There will be few units available, and you don't want to get screwed out of yours. Generally line campers are fairly civil and will participate in a community-like environment where everyone's place is kept, but there have been some of my own situations in the past where I found myself several positions back from where I once was because of people ahead of me who let their friends in line at the last minute. So be sure you have your spot secured. To make certain, it's good to have a friend to either camp with you or to show up periodically so you can take bathroom or food breaks and so forth.

What stores to hit

Most people will be hitting Best Buy, Target and Wal Mart. Wal Mart is reportedly doing a midnight launch on Thursday night, so if you plan to go there you better plan early. Other option include CompUSA and Circuit City. DO NOT go to EB Games, Gamestop, Game Crazy and Toys 'R' Us, as these stores have already done preorders and will not have any available for those who have not already reserved.

My best advice will be to wait. In a couple of months the PS3 will be readily available and no camping will be necessary, plus there will be more games available to choose from. If you can't wait, start now. If you're reading this on Thursday you are likely too late already.

(Don't try this at home!)

Send to a Friend

Report a Violation

Comment From: matt

I went to Circuit City on California today, and there's peeps already camped out!!! They must've heeded your advice! Comment From: RobShock

Nice addition. Thanks. :) Comment From: twinkie

I went to Wal Mart this morning and people were already camped out too. COOL!  I immediately thought of you Rob! :) Comment From: tangier

Me, I'm going to wait for about a year just because I want all of the kinks to be ironed out. Besides there will be more games out to buy, and I'm curious to wich hi-def dvd format is more popular.