PS3 And Wii Future Shop Launch Details

PlayStation 3 and Wii Future Shop Launch Details

Snagging a PS3 or a Wii this weekend is going to be one heck of a mission for gamers.

With this in mind, we present the launch day strategies for both PlayStation 3 and Nintendo Wii straight from Future Shop. We're not really endorsing the store; this is strictly informational. Had the retailer offered us a free console, then we probably would have been giving them an outright endorsement. Kidding.

The release:

Future Shop, Canada's largest national retailer and e-tailer of consumer electronics, announced today they are working hard to ensure consumers have the latest information on the newest gaming releases of the season. They are also taking steps to help customers acquire gaming products in time for the holidays.

Given the excitement and popularity around both Sony's PlayStation 3 (launch date - Friday November 17th) and Nintendo's Wii (launch date - Sunday November 19th), Future Shop recognizes the demand for these gaming systems will exceed supply when they launch this coming weekend.

"Future Shop truly is the destination for Cool Gifts and Expert Advice this holiday season," explains Sean Wilson, Director of Entertainment, Future Shop. "And within the exciting world of gaming, we are committed to providing our customers with the most current information and updates, and to do all we
can to get to these cool products to our customers as quickly and fairly as possible."

The details for launch day for each of the products are outlined below and customers are encouraged to continue to visit www.futureshop.ca or their local store for ongoing updates regarding the initial launches and ongoing future shipments.

PlayStation 3 - Friday November 17th:
    -  On launch day (Fri, Nov 17) all Future Shop stores will open at 8am
       and each store will have a minimum of 10 PlayStation 3 units. The
       majority will be 60GB ($659.99), and a small quantity will also be
       available online at www.futureshop.ca.
    -  No pre-orders or layaways will be taken and all available product will
       be sold on a first come, first serve basis.
    -  In order to ensure that all available units are allocated to
       customers, Future Shop staff are not permitted to purchase the product
       on launch day.
    -  The exact number of units per store will be posted on a sign outside
       the front doors prior to the store closing on Thurs, Nov 16th.
    -  Future Shop staff will be on site approx 2 hours before store opening
       to assign a ticket to each person standing in line, assuring the
       purchase of a unit (only one ticket per person).
    -  Replenishments to stores are expected in coming weeks, and the best
       way to keep up to date is to frequently check www.futureshop.ca or
       contact your local store.

    Wii - Sunday November 19th:
    -  On launch day (Sun, Nov 19th) the majority of Future Shop stores will
       open early, but times vary from province to province (website will
       provide specific opening times for all stores) and each store will
       have between 15 and 60 units (Wii cost: $279.99). A small quantity
       will also be available online at www.futureshop.ca.
    -  No pre-orders or layaways will be taken and all available product will
       be sold on a first come, first serve basis.
    -  In order to ensure that all available units are allocated to
       customers, Future Shop staff are not permitted to purchase the product
       on launch day.
    -  The exact number of units per store will be posted on a sign outside
       the front doors prior to the store closing on Sat, Nov 18th.
    -  Future Shop staff will be on site approximately 2 hours before store
       opening to assign a ticket to each person standing in line, assuring
       the purchase of a unit (only one ticket per person).
    -  Replenishments to stores are expected in coming weeks, and the best
       way to keep up to date is to frequently check www.futureshop.ca or
       contact your local store.