Those of us excited about picking up a new console soon are going to have a lot of trouble. The new Wii, which comes out on the 19th, had the number of pre-orders maxed out within minutes on October 10th. In response, Gamestop.com is now offering an insane $699 bundle for those desperate to get hold of the system. With the console retailing at only $249 and being a nice package by itself, it’s hard to figure what the extra $449 will entail. However, a quick check on Ebay shows consumers willing to pay at least $500 just for the console. With the new bundle, at least shoppers will be able to get something with the larger bill.
This crazy scheme comes up every time a new console is launched, driving up prices and making an unneccesary strain on gamers. Even two years ago, the slim line PStwo was a hot commodity. A re-release of an easily available console had its priced doubled due to consumer demand.
It’s bizarre. It makes no sense. Some might say that the production quantities are purposely limited to increase demand and drive sales. However, the only people making extra money are the Ebay re-sellers, not the companies. What this has done is create a false inflation. Companies want to produce as many consoles as possible as that is the only way to increase their profits. At this point, competition is a bigger force than demand.
People have begun reserving and pre-ordering systems for the sole purpose of resale. People with no interest in ever playing the system are seeing the profit potential and are making it impossible for the real gamers to enjoy the console for what it really is. I’m really excited about the Wii, and I think it’s going to be a fantastic system. It’s going to be around for a long time and I can wait to walk into a store and pay the normal retail price. Remember how much the PS2 cost when it came out? Now you can buy a brand new console with Gran Turismo 4 for $150. Then buy FFX for $20 and FFXII for $50 and you’re still below the original retail price. Buy a memory card, too. It’s still cheaper.
For this holiday season, don’t do anything stupid when it comes to new consoles. There are plenty of fantastic games available for every system that are worth the money. And if that doesn’t convince you, the first X-Box 360’s had a habit of burning themselves out if they were left on for more than two hours.
-mlbradley
durden26@comcast.net