Local stores experience high PS3/Wii demand

A phone survey of video game retailers in town revealed high demand for both Sony and Nintendo's new systems.

Of the four stores who would answer The Knoxville Gamer's questions, three had taken preorders for their allotments of both PlayStation 3s and Wiis. But because of production issues, one store's first shipment of PS3s will be smaller than originally promised.

The GameStop inside West Towne Mall reported their six Premium PS3s would still be arriving, but the two Basic models would be AWOL. As GameStop allows two systems for employees, this store decided to cancel their own employees' preorders so that customers would not be disappointed.

The store's first shipment of 18 Wiis was also spoken for quickly, according to employee David Carter.

The Turkey Creek EB Games, however, will receive 16 PS3s, all but 2 being Premium models. In addition to a larger number of the consoles, the store suffered no cutbacks due to shortages or shipping problems. Their employees' two preorders are intact, as well. They expect the second shipment to arrive in early December.

The store will receive 17 Wiis, but employee Chris Goode said they had all been pre-ordered before the store opened.

Both stores were disappointed their Wii demo kiosks have not yet arrived. EB Games said a Nintendo representative was in-store Wednesday, but he or she must not have taken the trouble to haul the diminutive console around. Delayed shipments containing the kiosks was the story all over town.

Best Buy did not offer preorders on either system, and employee Tyler Roberson expects to sell out of both the 26 PS3s (20 Premium, 6 Basic) and the "minimum amount" of Wiis within 45 minutes. The store does have a PS3 set up for play. Best Buy opens Friday at 10 a.m.

While calling around, I heard a rumor that there is already a line for the PS3 at one of the local Wal-Marts. As the 24-hour superstores will be the first place consumers can get their hands on the system, The Knoxville Gamer will try to be there for interviews and pictures of the launch event.