Slashdot Mirror
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.
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$.
A community-oriented lyrics site
If they're anything like the Wal-Mart displays of current consoles I've seen, someone will break the controller in most of these displays before you know it.
While Microsoft will benefit from having the 360 in the public eye for a bit before they release it, if the games suck, it will not help. Microsoft isn't just competing with the other console makers here, they are trying to get folks that JUST purchased an orginal Xbox to buy a new version.
I have to believe this will increase the "cool factor" for the box and is probably a smart move. But, it could also be a bit risky.
$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)
By reading this, you have given me brief control of your mind.
I think I found the 'Couple Finds Porn On Memory Stick' article more fascinating and interesting than this...
My UID is prime... is yours?
Yes I'm responding to a troll, but specs alone make this comparible to any high end gaming PC today. So compare graphics to newest games out there should be accurate.
Wire a 4 kV power supply to the controller via a timer and relay. After ten minutes of continuous play, close the relay. BANG! Zoom! Award a daily prize for greatest distance achieved.
Mea navis aericumbens anguillis abundat
I've played the demos, and I can assure you that they're really, really good. The controller feels great, the system's incomprehensibly sexy, and the wireless capabilities of the system prevent the wireless inventory handsets used by Wal Mart associates from working within 60 feet. They actually shut off the demo I was playing so they could finish ordering. So much for customer service, eh?
Here's the breakdown:
King Kong: amazing graphics, but it was so brief I couldn't really get a feel for the gameplay. A fantastic tech demo for next-gen system capabilities.
Call of Duty 2: graphics comparable to Valve's Source engine, which is disappointing, but so well done it really doesn't matter. Keeps the hectic CoD pace intact. Also, it runs at an unerring 60fps, no matter what. I tried everything I could to get the framerate to drop, but believe me, it isn't possible.
Kameo: I didn't play this game because Rare sucks now. Grabbed by the Ghoulies? I'll grab YOUR Ghoulies, whoever came up with the concept for that shit burger.
Oh yeah, the home screen is really in-depth.
Wal-Mart is an excellent place to buy the 360 at launch (or any console for that matter). Wal-Mart has a fantastic return policy as it applies to electronics. Remember when EB and Gamestop would only take a PSP return if there were X or higher dead pixels on the screen? For the same price, you could get one at Wal-Mart and exchange to your heart's content. Wal-Mart has enough muscle that the distributor answers to them, not the other way aroud as it usually is. Even my favorite large store (Target) can't touch Wal-Mart's return policy. If you're buying a system at launch, no telling what could be wrong with it. Do yourself a favor and pick one up at Wal-Mart first. If the system ends up not having an QC problems in the first 90 days, go ahead and return it anyways and get one from the store of your choice.
I'm sure because our market base is significantly smaller than the US (10x less), can anyone comment on the availability for Canadian Wal-Marts? I contacted the one local to me, but they were absolutely clueless and had no idea the US counter parts were demoing the 360.