Who knew it would be so damn difficult to know for certain if I am going to get a PSP on launch day? I previously posted some portions of the more interesting emails from EBGames.com that were not 100% clear if I would get a PSP upon release. How hard can it be to give a concise “yes” or “no” answer to the $250 question? Apparently pretty difficult.
Meanwhile the local EBGames has informed me that I will get one, which out strings attached (i.e. $250 – no bundles required), and they will “hold” my order until noon on Friday. Pretty damn rediculious that their online counterpart requires such a massive layout of money on their bundle packages ($250 + 4 games/accessories). My total with shipping is around $500. This junk better be good!
But what about the games? EBgames.com sent the following last night:
“Dear EBgames.com Customer,Thank you for choosing EBgames.com for your online gaming needs. At EBgames.com we pride ourselves on the speed and service at which we are able to get games into the hands of our customers. Unfortunately, games such as FIFA Soccer, the PSP Charger Case, Ridge Racer, and Rengoku: The Tower Of Purgatoryare no longer available as selections. Please resubmit your selections from the list of games below. As soon as you reply with your four items we will put your order together and send you a confirmation with further details. This resubmission will not affect your place in our first come, first served queue. The game can’t be cancelled however. You can either replace FIFA Soccer for another game listed below or leave it on your account. If this is left on your order, this will ship out on its scheduled release date.”
WTF? After looking at the status of my order, all of my games, which the exception of the Lumines puzzler are listed as not available or on backorder. No Ridge Racers. No Twisted Metal. No Wipeout. No FIFA. No nothing. That royally sucks.
So I called EBGames.com support, and “Ricky” tells me that the email is a mistake, and my entire order, with the exception of FIFA, is boxed and ready to ship. If true, then very nice. I am informed that FIFA has been pushed to an April 5 release date, and I will get it Next Day shipping free of charge.
I am not sure if Sony is responsible for miscommunication with the various distributors and retailers, or if EBGames.com is just botching the whole launch.
I still have no idea what to expect in the way of shortages – should I go for 2 PSPs and make some extra cash on eBay, or do I just happily, and gratefully except a single system and be done with it. I told my wife that I would give her half any profit I make from proceeds from the “extra” PSP, so she is hopeful of massive shortages.
I guess it will all shake out less than 72 hours.
