As buyers wait in line for a PS3 in the US, the tension builds as the countdown continues

by Alex Zaharov-Reutt

Thursday, 16 November 2006

Page 1 of 2 ! With only a few hours to go before the PS3 launches at precisely one minute past midnight (in some stores) on November 17, buyers are ready and waiting in line to secure Sony’s newest all-singing, all dancing next-generation games console. Some are desperate games ready for the thrill of high-def, next-gen gaming, while others are desperate to make a quick buck. Outside major retailers, computer stores and dedicated games outlets in the US, lines have already begun to form as customers seek the ultimate thrill of the season:  coveted ownership of what is, on paper, the leading next-gen console of them all, Sony’s glorious PlayStation 3. Imagine yourself in that line. You’ve had the foresight to get there early, and while you may have brought along an iPod or other mp3 player, a handheld games system, some water and food, perhaps a pillow and a toothbrush, even a fold away chair, radio and/or portable TV and maybe even something totally non-tech, some thing ‘Jurassic-gen’, like, shock horror, a book, and of course your mobile phone. But not everyone around you is quite so prepared. Some haven’t brought enough warm clothes, some only came alone leading to potential fights when the inevitable toilet breaks are needed and they’ve left their spot in the line and don’t have a partner to save it for them, others didn’t bring enough food or water and face the same challenges of staying in line while not passing out from thirst or hunger. Passers-by ask you if you’re all crazy, if a games console means so much to you. To those who play for hours on end, it is. For those looking for a quick payday, it is as well. It’s often in these times that a community spirit breaks out, with everyone generally happy to help each other out, until one crucial time emerges: the object of your desire, in this case a Sony PS3, is officially ‘on sale’ and you’re moving through the line, cash and/or credit card in hand, to snap yours up and claim the PS3 as your own. If the scenes at the earlier Japanese PS3 launch are anything to go by, we could easily see pushing, shoving, fights and appeals for everyone to just calm down. Unfortunately, though, there aren’t plenty of consoles for everyone, for if there were, why would you even bother to line up in the first place? Store retail and security staff will need to keep a close eye on those in line, ensuring that order is kept as orderly as possible. It’s a tough job, and I for one don’t envy them. Thank goodness brand new consoles only come once every few years. Official reports of lines for PS3s have already emerged on the Web here and here, with stories like the ones above, with lines of potential PS3 owners-to-be counting down the hours and minutes until the launch. Some just want to get home and have a shower, others can’t wait to turn their coveted PS3 on and play, play, play, while others still see the PS3 launch as a fabulous money making opportunity. So how much are people asking for on eBay for the right to purchase a console from one of the lucky few to get one in the next few hours? Read on to the next page for much more... << First page <   1 2 Next page > Last page - Post your comment >>

 

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