Oversold H3 Legendary edition? Confirm your pre-order
by Dustin Burg 
{ Sep 21st 2007 at 2:30PM }
Still clinging onto that secure feeling you got when you pre-ordered your copy of the Halo 3 Legendary Edition which guaranteed your cat helmet would be waiting for you on launch day? We're sorry to put you on edge, but we've heard a rumor that some stores have oversold Legendary edition pre-orders and won't be able to fulfill them all. Gasp!Rumor on the street is that some retailers have oversold pre-orders on the Halo 3 Legendary Edition and that those who thought they were in line to get one will be sad to hear they won't. We've heard from a few fanboys that certain retailers like Best Buy and UK GAME stores can't fulfill Legendary pre-orders. Fearing the worst ourselves, we called our local Gamestop to check on the status of our coveted Halo 3 edition and they calmed our nerves stating that our pre-order would be fulfilled, but that they aren't accepting anymore pre-orders. We aren't saying this is widespread, all that factual or that you aren't getting your Legendary edition, we're just saying that we don't want you to be disappointed come Tuesday when the retailer you entrusted with your pre-order tells you they don't have it. It's better to be safe then sorry, so feel free to call up whoever you need to and confirm your pre-order.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
TxdoHawk @ Sep 21st 2007 2:36PM
Great, here we go again...
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 2:37PM
Hrm, I fired EBGames as my pre-order location of choice when they couldn't honor my WoW:BC CE, so I hope BestBuy , my new main squeeze, doesn't let me down.
NegativeZero @ Sep 21st 2007 2:41PM
Like there's anything to worry about. Plenty of these puppies will end up on eBay and I guarantee you they won't go for any more than MSRP because there will be so many of them out there.
Quit scaremongering.
DjDATZ @ Sep 21st 2007 2:43PM
Well, from what I hear at Future Shop, they will have Legendaries that people will be able to buy on the spot without preordering. They allocated about 50% of their Legendary stock for preorders and the rest is first come first served. And likewise for both other editions but a little less percantage was allocated for pre-orders.
My Future Shop was out of limited editions, so instead I went to EB...its closer too and I paid less...
Pasha @ Sep 21st 2007 2:45PM
I am showing up at my local gamestop at midnight, since it's across the street from where i live. So, hopefully, i'll get my cat helmet.
And, i refuse to read any comments in these next fews day since i am afraid of Halo 3 spoilers. Looks like i need to finish BioShock this weekend.
Magic Whiskey @ Sep 21st 2007 2:45PM
Xenocidic, you best be at your Best Buy on the bright Tuesday or Monday night if yours is throwing a midnight bash.
I work at Best Buy and it's true: our company has somehow oversold Legendary, so BE THERE EARLY.
Standard and Collector's (limited? I forgot the middle SKU's name) won't be AS hard to find, but Legendary reservists, BE THERE EARLY.
Did I say to BE THERE EARLY? :)
(I won't be working on the 25th, I saw this coming....)
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 2:45PM
I wouldn't be so sure of that Zero.
The hype machine is in full force and people are chomping at the bit.
Someone already paid $21,000 for a replica Spartan Mjolnir suit.
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 2:47PM
@Whiskey, do you know if the problem is localized to USA BestBuy's or is it across the continent?
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 2:58PM
hrm, called my pre-order store and they aren't having a supply problem, but they are having a "we're not opening at midnight problem" so I will have to place another pre-order.
as for the 2nd pre-order...ebay, here I come !
Chain @ Sep 21st 2007 2:59PM
This is why I stopped pre-ordering all together. Every time I put up for a pre-order I never received it on the launch date. Had no problems getting a copy of Halo2@midnight launch, and I'm sure I won't have any issues getting 3 on Tuesday.
-and-
Won't someone please think of the kittens?
("Please spade or neuter your cat." Helmet sticker not included.)
Magic Whiskey @ Sep 21st 2007 3:04PM
@8.
I honestly don't know if it's a worldwide epidemic..all I know is that we have a main desktop information page we all use to essentially use at Best Buy, and in yesterday's headlines read that the company was in fear of overselling presells of the Legendary Halo 3 SKU 8161124. They went on to say that stores that will not be hosting midnight launches are to send whatever 'extra' Legendary copies of the game to those that are.
For example: I value my job so I won't say where I'm exactly at, but there's only one Best Buy in the area that's doing a midnight launch. They got ONE LEGENDARY, and only TWO HALO 3 360 CONSOLES. My supervisor (I work in media :),) sent over ten Legendary Halo 3 games and ten Halo 3 360 consoles.
As for my store, we have about fifteen Halo 3 360 consoles and since the actual games are under lock and key by the main manager, I have no idea how many copies we received.
No sales associate will be able to tell you EXACTLY how many Halo 3 copies have been presold, so don't ask them: we sell the presells as empty 360 green cases (standard and special edition on one green box, Legendary on it's own separate box.) We tell the customer to bring that with them and their receipt on Tuesday so the cashiers know that they are to receive the copy of the game and be credited $5..the cost of the reserve.
All I can honestly tell the X3F community is what I've told customers on the floor: Be there right at open. Odds are your Best Buy will open a little early; mine usually opens at 10 on Tuesdays, so be there around 8:30 or 9 to wait in line. I promise you that.
When Best Buy has received Wii shipments in the past few months we hold a certain allotment for an ad-set, usually to be sold on a Sunday morning. Even eleven months later, as of LAST WEEKEND, my Best Buy saw a line of about 40 people for that product alone. With that said, you can imagine the line for Halo 3 on Tuesday.
Check this out! This just changed overnight. http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8161124&st=HALO+3&lp=3&type=product&cp=1&id=1161734605793
Yesterday at this time, Bestbuy.com still displayed the 'Pre-order' button. Now it's finally changed..but how late?
DemonG @ Sep 21st 2007 3:07PM
Spay, but we forgive you.
Anyways, I made sure to call my local gamestop, and they said that they aren't selling ANY to non-preorder people, of any edition, until at least 48 hours after the fact.
So, I don't know if I"m doing the Midnight thing...
Ian @ Sep 21st 2007 3:09PM
I checked with gamestop yesterday. Although my receipt for the down payment I put on Halo 3 says legendary edition, when they looked it up in the computer it said standard. I AM VERY PISSED because obviously someone changed it after I put down my money. Gamestop, you suck.
Magic Whiskey @ Sep 21st 2007 3:09PM
Using our RSS information page, I'll try to see how many copies of Legendary Halo 3 we actually have in stock..might give readers a better idea as to what they have to face Tuesday in case they A) are afraid they won't secure the presold copy they SHOULD be sold or B) Those of whom would like to try to get one, but didn't reserve at all.
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 3:10PM
doesn't seem to be as big of a problem in Canada.
Neon Jebus @ Sep 21st 2007 3:14PM
@ Magic Whiskey - Still sounds like a bit of a distribution issue as well. Why on Earth would a store only get one of the Legendary units?
I know that if they entire supply chain is thin for Best Buy that they would do this but that sounds just crazy.
I would be most upset if my Legendary edition wasn't available. One main reason is because I actually have it paid in full. EB / Gamestop making money off of my $5 preorder money is one thing...this to me would be something totally different. I would take one of the other version and get my money back but I would cause a bit of a stink to perhaps get some in store credit toward a future purchase.
iroc @ Sep 21st 2007 3:17PM
i guess me and my local bestbuy manager will need to go to the er to get my foot removed from his ass if i dont get mine
Neon Jebus @ Sep 21st 2007 3:17PM
@ Ian
If your receipt clearly shows LEGENDARY this is something that might be best to take up with the manager at the location. Taking the time to speak to him/her now might help get the situation taken care of BEFORE Tuesday. Take the time now and you might be pleased with the outcome. Wait until Tuesday and you probably will be out of luck.
Viridium @ Sep 21st 2007 3:24PM
xenocidic - agreed. Futureshop still list over 500 Legendaries available for preordering.
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 3:25PM
can a cat really wear the helmet?
Drew @ Sep 21st 2007 3:25PM
Just called Gamestop where I reserved my Legendary, and it's fully paid and there waiting for me on Monday night! No reports of supply issues there.
Mikeawesome @ Sep 21st 2007 3:31PM
Shit.
I knew I should have stopped into Gamecrazy today.
D:<
Oh well, I'll be there early anyways. :P
Chain @ Sep 21st 2007 3:28PM
@12
Wow, no idea how I let that one slip! But thanks.
*goes back to video poker*
ben w @ Sep 21st 2007 3:31PM
should be fun to try!
Fuzzy @ Sep 21st 2007 3:32PM
Yes, he can
Fuzzy @ Sep 21st 2007 3:33PM
Hmm... I guess that HTML doesn't work on these posts.
Yes, the cat can wear the helmet...
http://www.destructoid.com/blogs/Fuzzy/kitty-fears-next-tuesday-45821.phtml
Magic Whiskey @ Sep 21st 2007 3:33PM
I'm telling you..there's going to be a HUGE throwdown on Tuesday at Best Buys all across the country...
And yes, it's gotta be a distribution issue. Mind you I haven't actually SEEN the Halo 3 'shipper', but I know we have it. (You know, the big cardboard-thing-on-a-platform that new release movies and games sometimes are on.)
Best Buy GOOD news, now..:
1. Best Buy received the Halo 3 Spartan controllers as of yesterday. My store did NOT receive the Covenant controller yet, however.
2. Best Buy also received the Halo 3 wireless headsets yesterday. Both the controllers and the headsets are NOT STREET DATED, so if you want em, go get em!
3. Best Buy stores *SHOULD* have an allotment of Halo 3 X360 consoles for sale on Tuesday morning. I dropped the ball on finding out if they're street-dated (Nobody has asked for one yet), so that's my bad. Sorry guys.
4. Best Buy will sell a Halo 3 faceplate, however I have not even seen images of this.
5. Best Buy stores supporting the midnight launch will be giving out freebies RIGHT AT 11:30PM Monday night. They're nothing to be super excited about: 'bam sticks' and inflatable chairs mostly, and I think some Microsoft Point cards (small amounts, not enough to buy a XBLA game with or anything.) Expect to drink some Game Fuel in line, too.
6. Lastly, and I speak for MY Best Buy in this situation...but I assume most stores will do the same...The Halo 3 games will NOT be in the Media department..they'll be all neat and cleanly set in Customer Service, behind the counters. This will allow for easy, fluid line movement. I can assume other 360 products will be close by, having been moved a little from Media for the night.
"Knocked Up" comes out on DVD Tuesday: ask them if you can buy it early, too! :)
I'll be at my computer for the next twenty minutes or so..if anyone wants me to check anything else out info wise at Best Buy for my shift tomorrow, post here..let me know..
Mauricio @ Sep 21st 2007 3:41PM
hey Whiskey thanks for all teh info so far.
i dont know if you can answer this since you work at an actualy store but will there be any problems with me receiving my Legendary if i ordered online?
Ken C @ Sep 21st 2007 3:42PM
I did not get legendary I got the collectors But I could show up right at Gamestop 11:59 PM right before launch and will be 5th in line. I was the 5th person to pre-order Halo 3 so As long as I come right before the launch no matter when I show up i am 5th in line HAHA!
Mauricio @ Sep 21st 2007 3:44PM
actual*
also, how do i know if my nearest best buy location will open midnight?
xenocidic @ Sep 21st 2007 3:48PM
mauricio i just called. press 3 then 5.
heartland/mississauga is open
peel centre/brampton is not.
Magic Whiskey @ Sep 21st 2007 3:55PM
Maurcio..simply call your Best Buy. They know by now if they'll offer the midnight launch or not. My location isn't simply because they rent the building, and not own it. Sometime to do with that. Meh.
As for Bestbuy.com reserves..you should be all good. I can ASSUME your game is coming straight from the source, so I wouldn't stress honestly.
Best advice to anyone that reserved Halo 3 ANYWHERE...
1. Be there two and a half hours early in big profile locations, at LEAST an hour early everywhere else. That's for Monday night AND Tuesday morning.
2. Have your receipt/presell in hand and ready. Be prepared.
3. If there's a problem, KILL EM WITH KINDNESS..threats and bitching out your retailer only make you one of the faceless masses, and the sales associates, odds are, aren't gaming fans and don't understand how massive this will be. Don't slap them with an onslaught of bitching..they're just doing their job, and IF Best Buy messes up next week, it's at the corporate level, not the retail level. Those behind the counters are only the messengers.
4.Keep things moving in line.
5. Don't be too drunk in line, guys! Remember, you have a full night of fragging ahead of you..stay frosty. The suburbanite mom in front of you will not appreciate your beer burps.
6. Be patient..you'll get your game (Probably.)
4.
Neon Jebus @ Sep 21st 2007 3:59PM
@26 There is no way that's real. I hope you were kidding. That helmet image looks like one from a screenshot.
The slot looks like it is wide enough for the base, I still think it will be a tight fit for Kitty.
Deezul @ Sep 21st 2007 4:09PM
Friggin Circuit City douchebags. If you KNOW it's going to take a week for me to receive my game, ship the damn thing NOW instead of a day before. Duh.
Elliot J @ Sep 21st 2007 4:09PM
I preordered my copy last June (that's 2006 for you n00bs) from EB Games here in Canada. I'm second on their list.
I am so smart! S-M-R-T!
Neil @ Sep 21st 2007 4:12PM
I can't bother with the whole pre-ordering bit. I can wait a couple of days after it comes out to get it. I still need to buy my own copies of Halo 1 and 2 which I've been putting off until I got my own 360 (yeah I never bought the original xbox) which I'm now ready to do now that Halo 3 is ready. :)
Viridium @ Sep 21st 2007 4:25PM
Elliot J - gotta disagree with you there. EB (as a company) are generally douchebags, and I avoid them whenever possible. (EB employees please note - I know there are a few decent ones out there, and I appreciate you!)
$10 off and a free Fantastic Four game - I'll take that over EB any time.
Aero @ Sep 21st 2007 4:56PM
Thanks to my Game only getting 6 Legendary Editions (Even though they had 70 preorders) I now have to make the choice of waiting a week for the possibility of getting one, or getting the Tin version on launch date..
angryguy77 @ Sep 21st 2007 5:34PM
well i have my game ordered, but my 360 has died. heres the thing, it was received by ms on sept 12th, that is after the coffin came after a long 8 day wait. Now when I checked it online, it told me that the item has reached the service dept. I called a few days ago and they told me that the system should be back on the 25/26/ or 27. That is all fine and good, however I checked it yesterday and the repair status was blank. So I thought "cool" my 360 is on its way back. Then I receive an email at 3:00 am telling me that my 360 was received at the sevice dept. What the hell? I then call the service center to talk to habib, he now tells me that I should get my system back w/in 3 to 4 week after they get, which outs it around oct 9th. Its one thing to have your system die, but its another when they cant get their story straight. I waited and waited for halo 3 to come out, and noe thanks to ms blundering, I will not be able to enjoy the release with my friends. I wonder what would happen to gm if they recalled your car and couldn't give it back in a reasonable time. I just might reconsider who I buy my next system from.
Brian Hoyt @ Sep 21st 2007 5:48PM
Well I got my shipment notice and tracking number last night from Best Buy for my pre-order so I am pretty sure I am getting one. As a bonus I am getting it for $99.99 since I pre-ordered it when that was the price.
mafafu @ Sep 21st 2007 7:13PM
My local gamestop didn't have enough to fill theie legendary pre-orders. They had to get some transferred from another store in their district that apparently had too many.
Bin Bag Ninja @ Sep 21st 2007 8:20PM
ANyone know the siuation with GAME in the uk? I ordered off their website back in march and so far they're order page is telling me that it has been picked and packed and is waiting for dispatch. I would take this to mean i'm getting mine. I bet it will be the stores that have over ordered on the Legendary. Renowned for f*cking up at my local Store.
E.J. @ Sep 21st 2007 8:49PM
So glad I pre-ordered a few months ago...
Mark T @ Sep 21st 2007 9:14PM
Don't worry kids. I work at Best Buy and we have confirmed that alotted preorders are at least 10 below what we are actually getting. 24 preorders (over sold by 5) and we're getting in about 40.
Don't worry about your Best Buy preorder.
Dapper Dan @ Sep 21st 2007 10:01PM
@ ken,
why do you think because you were the 5th person to reserve it means you will be the 5th in line? your reserve guarantees you the game, not a place in line. i dare you to walk up to a huge line and try and cut in waving your receipt around saying 5th! it's just not gonna work that way man.
Bryan T @ Sep 21st 2007 11:29PM
Well, I preordered it last Novemeber from my Gamestop, the 29th to be exact. I've had the receipt sitting next to my computer, eyeing me for the last year probably wondering "wtf am I doing dangling here for a year?"
Don't worry slip. the wait is almost over.
Unless I get the problem I had with the Collectors Edition of GoW (they didn't even make it to the store). My Fingers are crossed.
Kryptonls @ Sep 22nd 2007 5:25AM
My local GAME store just got our first shipment of Halo 3 tins in yesterday - about 200 standard's, 30 tins and 16 legendarys. The tins and legendary's are not enough to cover our immense pre-order's - but there will be more deliveries on Mon/Tues.
Also got some of the strat guides & Halo 3 controllers - they look so horrid, I cannot see who'd want to buy them to use it, as the artwork is shocking. But it comes with a mini MC figure... so I suppose that'll be why!
Also what I find stupid - is how the manager of each GAME store will receive a copy of the Legendary edition for FREE! :O
You heard it here first.
xenocidic @ Sep 22nd 2007 9:53AM
@angryguy - you need to live up to your name. 3-4 weeks is unacceptable. ask to speak to a manager, and rip into him.
that's how I got my system back with the quickness. (3-4 angry calls)
tony @ Sep 22nd 2007 12:23PM
i just went to my gamestop in person, better to do so you dont get some idiot on the phone talking all the bullshit. mine is safe. they have 39 preorders and 40 legendarys. i just did make it because i didnt reserve it til friday. i paid $100 for it and a regular copy after trades. the copy i going to be keeping to play will actually arrive in the mail today. i love ebay. the other two will be on ebay tuesday sometime, so anyone who cant get one will be glad to sell you the one im guaranteed to get for the right price. so look for xboxps3man on ebay tuesday if you get hung out to dry,
XFactoR8 @ Sep 22nd 2007 12:26PM
Just got the call from Gamespot about 30 minutes ago that my order will be ready to pick up at midnight, but it also said that I should be there at 9pm...ummm I'll just go at midnight...reserved since Nov 4. :D Can't wait for this effing game.