Playstation Move Buying Experience

I just wanted to share my disappointment with my purchasing experience. Not at the fault of Sony, but of a retailing partner.

Today I embarked on a journey to look for the Playstation Move. In my area (Seattle, Washington), it was (understandably) somewhat difficult to procure.

So I walked into the local Fry's Electronics store (some may go "Oh here we go"). And there I got my first taste at Table Tennis on 'Sports Champions'. I had quite some fun and was impressed with response of the move and sure enough, I decided to go buy it. I approached the nearest Fry's Electronics Sales Associate, and asked him if they have any available. To which he said yes (somewhat annoyed that he had to get off of his cell phone to answer my question). But he said, they would only sell it to me at with a bundle (forcing me to buy a game I didn't want - I want this for MAG and Heavy Rain - and eventually LBP2 and a few others coming soon). When I told him I just wanted the PS Move bundle (and not their fluff), he said Fry's doesn't sell just the Move bundle. I'd have to dish out an extra $50 on their bundle if I wanted it. To which I shrugged, turned on my PDA and placed an online order on Best Buy for just the PS Move Bundle (the benefits of having 3G internet on my device).

While ordering, I counted no less than 6 other people (within that short period) who inquired but was immediately turned off (like me) due to Fry's trying to shove their 'bundle' down their patron's throat. Now that concerns me. What Fry's chooses to do with its lost business is literally their business. But this practice is enough to turn a lot of potential customers off. I certainly hope that SCEA has a policy against this (to which Fry's breached), but if not, they should. It hurts the launch by leaving interested parties with a sub par experience. I'm not the average consumer. I am somewhat informed of technology and I've been a loyal Playstation user (I've owned both the "fat" and "slim" version of all of their consoles). Most definitely aren't as dedicated as me.

Food for though SCEA. Protect your new ventures and take more control on your consumer experience with policies and education for your retail partners. Ultimately your end users/customers determine what succeeds and what fails. And every little bit inbetween counts. Food for thought...

Top 11 Ways Sony Plans to Celebrate Their Blu-ray Victory

I love the guys over at BBSpot. They have been my source for geek funnies for quite a while.

Top 11

Ways Sony Plans to Celebrate Their Blu-Ray Victory

11. Add rootkit code to all Blu-Ray DVDs.

10. Send solid gold fruit basket to Time Warner.

9. Change name of Blu-Ray to something more meaningful. Like HD-DVD.

8. Get unused "Victory for Betamax" banners out of storage. Edit them for the party.

7. Call guys at Toshiba, and play Beck's "Loser" over the phone.

6. Watch Rising Sun on their HD-DVD player.

5. Release next generation of Higher-Definition video.

4. Get T-shirts printed up that say, "The HD stands for Hopeless Despair" and send them to engineers at Toshiba.

3. Raise price on Playstation 3 by $100.

2. Release Gigli on Blu-Ray.

1. Savor the brief moment of victory, while preparing for the next embarrassing defeat.

Number 2 is just hilarious.

FYI, The film received six Razzies in the 2003 Golden Raspberry Awards – Worst Picture, Worst Actor, Worst Actress, Worst Director, Worst Screenplay, and Worst Screen Couple.
(excerpt from wikipedia). Just to clear things up right away, I have never seen this putrid movie (somethings you just learn to take on faith I guess).

I got quite a kick outta Number 11 as well.

Holy crap I have not had a good laugh like this in a while. A really good change in an otherwise shitty shitty week (and gets shittier by the minute - for reals). I will buy someone dinner if something good comes of this week. And ice cream.

Playstation 3 Rumble Bundle

Do pardon the crappy attempt at a pun (I can fair better).

This just in!

Kickass!

I've been waiting for the bundle. But it looks like it will come with a game that I am eagerly waiting for. Metal Gear Solid 4! (I am a die-hard Metal Gear Solid fan).

Dual Shock 3, MGS4, now all I need is GT5.

Rest assured, I will be picking up a PS3 (well another one) this summer (especially since the others are with the family).

Wewt!

EDIT: Hopefully my stupid wrist will be all dandy then....