GameStop not getting enough PS3s to fill preorders
Retailer's launch allocations not expected to cover original batch of reservations; employees "asked" to wait until second shipment to buy systems.
Last month, retailer GameStop began accepting "limited" preorders for the PlayStation 3, asking customers to put down $100 in advance for the system, with a modest expectation of eight units per store in most cases. Now it appears the largest gaming specialty chain in North America won't be receiving even that many systems.
A GameStop representative told GameSpot today that the company received launch allocation numbers from Sony, and that it won't be able to fill its existing PS3 preorders. The representative declined to comment on how many systems GameStop expected to receive, or how short of that figure the company's share of systems would be.
"We are beginning to notify our customers that our initial shipment of PS3 systems will not be what we expected," the representative said. "As this is not an ideal situation, we are asking employees to wait to purchase systems until the second shipment. We are anticipating having systems to cover reservations before Christmas."
For launch day, preorders will be filled in the order they were received, and those who had a preorder but are denied a system on day one will receive something for their troubles. GameStop will give those unfortunate customers (as well as unfortunate employees) a free used game or DVD valued at $19.99 or less when they eventually wind up purchasing the system.
Those who reserved a system won't need to wait long to find out if they can expect a system on launch day. Starting tomorrow, customers who preordered a PS3 will be contacted personally by phone and updated on the status of their reservation, the rep said.
And while it might be a nonissue considering the clamor for consumers to get their hands on the coveted systems, GameStop is also asking anyone with a confirmed preorder to pick their systems up by Saturday evening.
Hot Stories
Newsmakers
-
Video Q&A: Sony explains PSP adhocParty
Kristin Neirinckx discusses how PSP owners can use their PS3s to play multiplayer non-infrastructure games over the Web. Full Story
- Posted Nov 19, 2009 4:49 pm PT
- 49 Comments
-
Activision CEO makes another $18 million
Bobby Kotick continues cashing out soon-to-expire stock options, bringing one-week windfall to nearly $42 million; CFO Thomas Tippl nets 40 percent raise. Full Story
- Posted Nov 18, 2009 11:50 am PT
- 184 Comments
Featured Stories
-
3D PS3 gaming coming via firmware update in 2010
[UPDATE] Japanese electronics giant says all consoles will benefit from stereoscopic depth-of-field technology after downloadable patch. Full Story
- Posted Nov 19, 2009 3:02 pm PT
- 431 Comments
-
Zelda 'surprise' planned for E3 2010
Nintendo producer Eiji Aonuma says developer has been "trying something new" with the structure of Link's upcoming Wii installment, due next year. Full Story
- Posted Nov 18, 2009 5:00 pm PT
- 459 Comments
-
GameStop Q3 profits hit $52 million, Modern Warfare 2 sets record
World's largest specialty retailer says Infinity Ward's shooter sold 2.5M units in 72 hours at its stores; quarterly earnings hit $1.8 billion. Full Story
- Posted Nov 19, 2009 10:45 am PT
- 115 Comments
-
Ace Attorney trio filing onto WiiWare
Capcom porting original Phoenix Wright courtroom drama to Nintendo's console beginning in January for $10; Justice for All in March, Trials and Tribulations in May. Full Story
- Posted Nov 18, 2009 5:39 pm PT
- 49 Comments
-
Modern Warfare 2 five-day sales hit $550 million
[UPDATE] Activision claims Infinity Ward's latest shooter breaks host of 24-, 120-hour entertainment records spanning games, movies, books; LA Times pegs budget at $200 million including marketing and distribution. Full Story
- Posted Nov 18, 2009 10:41 am PT
- 336 Comments


475 Comments
Sign in / Sign up