Ace Roqs’ Blog

This is how to (almost) get an Xbox 360 on launch day without pre-ordering. After being prodded by Jess and a co-worker that it could be done, we decided at 7pm the night before that we were clever enough to find one.

Trying one of the obvious stores, like Best Buy, was out of the question. So after some phone calls, we decided that Sears was least likely to be targeted by people looking for a 360.

We arrived at 9:15pm, and were the first people “in line” waiting outside the store as the employees were locking up. After a few hours, we accumulated a small posse of people waiting with us. Sears has 6 entrances, and there was some worry that people might line up at other doors.

We pooled supplies that we happened to have on us (or in our cars), and came up with paper, markers, and address labels (to use as tape). We taped signs to the other doors stating “The limited supply” of 360s, and that the “official line” begins at our door. We also turned everyone who came by away, so that Sears didn’t have a reason to do a “raffle.”

Then we waited in the cold for a long time…

After waiting 11 hours, the manager comes out and gives us our “claim checks” for the five Xboxes that are available. An hour later, when the store opened, the manager informs us that upon searching the store, Sears never received them, so they gave us 10% off for our wait, and they’d call us later in the day when they came in.

When the call came in the following evening, we were notified that the ship date was 11/26, but they weren’t sure if that was the day they’d arrive or the day they’d ship.

So, indeed, it is (almost) possible to get an Xbox 360 on launch day without pre-ordering.

Update: 11/26: We checked today and the arrival date is next Tuesday. So a week late, but 10% off. I’m cool with that.
Update 2: 11/29: They only received two core systems today. Supposedly four premiums are coming tomorrow…
Update 3: 11/30: It is here. And the world is a better place.