Xbox 360 Playable at Wal-Mart

hattan writes "Wal-Mart has playable Xbox 360s on display with demos of Call of Duty 2, Kameo, and King Kong. Joystiq has a look at what the setup looks like, with a rundown on locations where you can play." Gamespot provides more details on the setup, including the news that you'll be able to download content from these kiosks once the systems are on the shelves. Unrelatedly, but interestingly, Xbox.com has revealed a deep level of interconnection with the new gamer card system between the 360, Xbox Live, and Xbox.com. You'll apparently be able to look at your gamer card on the web, because Microsoft likes value adding stuff.

Comments

Unique Approaches

[duerra]

I can't recall any time in history that a gaming company has made consoles playable in a retail outlet before the launch of the console. I don't necessarily know that this is an inherently good or bad move to make.

From one perspective, it can build anticipation for the product to launch, and it generates exposure.

However, if the games aren't of the highest quality, it might be a let down for those spur-the-moment type of shoppers that may have otherwise have purchased the console had they not had opportunity to spend a few weeks in front of it to begin with.

Time will tell. I think regardless of anything, we can definitely say that Microsoft's approach to the XBox 360 has definitely taken a number of new moves that the industry had previously never made. Everything from the viral marketing, to the MTV official announcement, to the launch. They have all been non-traditional ways of launching a console. We'll see how well it pays off for M$.

Re:Unique Approaches

[pappy97]

"We'll see how well it pays off for M$."

I'm curious, though, if this was Nintendo doing this on the verge of launching a new console, if your post would be all gung-ho about this interesting idea.

As we all know, Slashdotters tend to be anti-MS, and love to discredit good ideas from MS, if they can. But if Nintendo does the same thing, there is instant praise.

Re:Unique Approaches

[iainl]

Really? I distinctly remember playing both the Nintendo DS and Sony PSP in shops before their release dates here in the UK. This seems to be just a new thing in the US.

$20 says...

[HTL2001]

$20 says at least one of these things will get stolen. I don't know where it will go from there, but one will definatly be stolen.

maybe sold on E-bay, or held for "ransom" so Microsoft will pay up not to have their "secrets" revealed (wait... that was nintendo who didn't want their secret let out... but it could still apply)

Re:Broken before a week is up

[LoverOfJoy]

You're modded funny but the one at my Wal-Mart is already broken. It sticks to the right all the time making it useless.